Peter s Post Newsletter of Saint Peter Catholic Church Madison, Wisconsin Founded: 1967 Pastor: Msgr. O. Charles Schluter February 2015 Volume 14 No. 1 From Msgr. Charles Dear Parishioners and Friends, Although Christmas and New Year are not far behind us, the holy season of Lent is just around the corner. Our observance begins on Tuesday, February 17, the eve of Ash Wednesday, with our traditional Taize service at 7:00 pm. It will consist of congregational singing, choral pieces and readings that set the tone for the season. Masses on Ash Wednesday will be at 7:00 and 9:00 am and 6:30 pm. During Lent there will be several opportunities to participate in the Stations of the Cross and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. They will be on Tuesdays, February 24 and March 3, 10 and 17 at 6:30 pm. Living Stations will be presented by our high school students on Sunday, March 22 at 6:45 pm and by our middle school students on Monday, March 23 at 6:45 pm. Holy Week will begin with Palm Sunday Masses on the weekend of March 28 and 29. On Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 pm the Chrism Mass will be celebrated at St. Maria Goretti Church. The Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord s Supper will be celebrated on April 2 at 7:00 pm. The following day, on Good Friday, we will commemorate the Lord s Passion and Death at 1:00 pm. No morning Masses on Holy Thursday or Good Friday. Our Easter celebration begins with the Vigil Service at 8:00 pm on Saturday, April 4. The Easter Fire will be lit, the Paschal Candle will be blessed and new members will be welcomed into the Catholic Church. There will be no 5:15 pm Mass that evening. Easter Sunday Masses are at the customary times. During the Lenten season several Communal Penance services have been scheduled for our area, and there will be added times for Private Reconciliation here at St. Peter s. Please see the calendar in this newsletter. I hope you will be able to participate in many of the above special services. Mark your calendars. On behalf of Father Roger, Father Jim, Deacon Todd and all on our Parish Staff, I wish you a Blessed Lent and Happy Easter. Diocesan Lenten Regulations The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18. Lenten regulations from the Diocese of Madison are as follows: 1. Catholics who have celebrated their 14th birthday are to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays in Lent, and Good Friday. 2. In addition to abstaining from meat, Catholics who have celebrated their 18th birthday, until they celebrate their 59th birthday, are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those who are bound to this regulation may eat only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. First Communion Please pray for our 28 students who are preparing for their First Eucharist on Sunday April 26. They received their First Reconciliation in December. They are eager to approach the Lord s table. Our First Communion retreat is on April 18. Please help our parish children by praying for them as they prepare for this lifelong sacrament and thanks for your help!
St. Vincent Conference Active in 2014 The Saint Peter s conference of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has been very active in 2014. Thanks to your many donations of funds, goods and time, and your positive encouragement, we have been able to continue to address some of the needs of the poor in our community. This makes a difference. Those we serve are truly grateful for the help we are able to give. We are honored to be able to serve in this important ministry. The monthly food drive continues to provide a significant source of food for the Saint Vincent food pantry. The use of the food pantry is increasing. This year, the St. Peter s Youth Ministry has become involved by making tied fleece blankets. Our Vincentians are now able to provide a blanket at each home visit. The families receiving them always smile and are particularly pleased that they were made by the youth. The weekly home visits continue to be the mainstay of our work. In 2014 we completed 58 furniture and 30 energy assistance home visits. Many of the families do not have the basic essentials. We connect the families with St. Vincent de Paul resources (beds, furniture, cooking supplies, etc.). With donations from Saint Peter s, we have also been providing cleaning and other supplies and books for kids. Unfortunately, some of the families have no transportation to pick up the furniture and other large items from the St. Vincent Dig and Save facility. This year, we have been able to use some of our donations to pay for the transportation. The Saint Vincent District runs a shelter for men called Port St. Vincent and a shelter for women and children called the St. Elizabeth Seton House. These facilities serve a large number of people. They also help people staying at these temporary shelters to find permanent housing and to get employment. With your donations, we are able to help to support these facilities by purchasing beds, pillow covers and other needed materials. We coordinate closely with the St. Peter s Parish to help families with unusual needs due to a crisis, illness or other event. When we are involved, we always meet with the families. Depending on the situation, we are often able to provide for a special need. For instance, we helped a family to purchase and install a used stove. Our St. Vincent Conference is deeply appreciative of your continued support and prayers. We expect that the Conference will continue to grow and to expand its efforts. On February 26 at 6:30 pm at St. Peter s Church, we will have an open social so that anyone interested can meet our St. Vincent Conference and learn more about the work we are doing. Please join us. If you have any questions or wish to join our conference, please contact Beth Vandertie (conference president) at 609-0501 or Paul Saeman (home visit coordinator) at 274-4948. Moving Through Grief Series in April The Moving Through Grief series will be offered at our parish this spring on Thursday evenings, April 23 and 30, May 7 and 14, 2015 from 6:30 8:30 p.m. A reunion session is also scheduled for June 4. These well-received sessions provide a beautiful opportunity for caring support for those grieving the death of a loved one. Please watch the bulletin in April for more information about this special support series. Enrollment will be limited. Register after April 1 by calling Judy Stolper at 241-4818. St. Peter Youth Blanket Project In February 2014 St. Peter s youth started their Blanket Ministry. Students purchased fleece and we received fleece and cash donations from many parishioners. Students, parents and staff gathered several times during the year to make beautiful tie fleece blankets for our St. Peter s St. Vincent de Paul Conference. The volunteers for the conference have delivered over 30 warm and cozy blankets to needy families on their visits and said what a delight it is to see the children s eyes light up when presented with a blanket. We hope to keep this fabulous ministry going. We are in need of solid colors and pattered fleece measuring 1½ or 2 yards and monetary donations to purchase fabric for more blankets. Please bring donations to the parish office. Make checks payable to St. Peter, attention Youth Blanket Project. Contact Peg Miller at 249-6651 ext. 21 with questions. Ladies Guild Bake Sale The Annual Ladies Guild Palm Sunday BAKE SALE will be held on Saturday, March 28 before and after the 5:15 pm Mass and on Sunday, March 29 before and after all Masses. All members of the parish are invited to participate by donating baked goods or by purchasing baked goods. Baked goods may be brought to the church hall after 3:00 pm on Saturday afternoon.
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick A beautiful Lenten tradition at our parish is the special celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It is a time when our community comes together to offer prayers for those who are sick and in need of God s healing. Those who have life-limiting or serious illness, as well as those with less serious illnesses, are encouraged to attend this beautiful Mass with family members. This special celebration will be held on Saturday, March 7th at 10:30 a.m. with a luncheon provided by the parish to follow. Please watch for sign up sheets in back of church in mid-february (or call the parish office at 249-6651) so that we know how many will enjoy lunch with us after Mass. Transportation to/from church can be provided if needed. Please call Helping Hands Coordinators, Pat at 249-9557 or Sylvia at 665-3256 to arrange for a ride. All parish members are invited to attend this Mass in love and prayerful support. Bingo and Barbeque Mark your calendar for your next chance to win at BINGO night: Saturday, April 18 Following 5:15 p.m. Mass Our high school students are sponsoring this FREE fun event open to all ages. Bring your family, friends, neighbors or a special date. Play bingo and enjoy fellowship, dinner and snacks. You might even win a fabulous prize. A free will offering for dinner will be accepted. Mission Trip 14th Annual Stock Sale Students and adult mission trip participants will be at all Masses the weekend of May 2 and 3 asking for your support for the summer mission trip with Catholic Heart Workcamp to Fremont, Nebraska. Your stock purchase will cover costs including bus rental, driver and travel expenses. This is your chance to support the good works of this mission trip and invest in the lives of St. Peter s youth. Stock shares can be purchased in any amount and at any time by mail or by stopping in the parish office. All donations are tax deductible and will be credited to your St. Peter s account. Make checks payable to St. Peter s, attention Peg Miller. Please continue to remember all of us in your prayers. St. Peter s Mardi Gras Dinner to Benefit the High School Mission Trip Come and enjoy a delicious Mardi Gras dinner on Saturday, February 14, after the 5:15 p.m. Mass. Our high school youth will be serving up Jambalaya, salad, hotdogs, bread and dessert. You will be treated to New Orleans music, beads, crowns and surprises at this fun event. This is a fund raiser for our high school mission trip to Fremont, Nebraska in July. A free will offering for the meal will be accepted. Please sign up in the back of church if you plan to attend. Bake Sale Our awesome high school students and families will have a Bake Sale following all Masses, April 11-12. Come ready to buy some of their delicious treats! All proceeds go toward the 2015 summer mission trip. West Side Story, Drury Lane Theatre Thursday, February 26 Tickets still available Bus leaves St. Peter s at 8:15 a.m. and returns around 8:00 p.m. Cost is $88 and includes coach bus, driver tip, lunch, gratuity, and reserved seating. (No stop for dinner on the way home. Feel free to bring small coolers with snacks and beverages.) Make checks payable to East Madison Catholic Adults. Pick up a flier at church or visit the website at www.stpetersofmadison.org for more details. Annual Parish Picnic Sunday, August 23 Save the date for this fun-filled event for the whole family. Bi-lingual Mass, picnic fare, ethnic dishes, games for the kids and Bingo. All in air conditioned comfort, free of charge. High School Senior Mass Sunday, May 3 All St. Peter s graduating high school seniors will be honored at the 11:00 a.m. Mass. A luncheon will follow for the graduates and their families.
St. Peter s Catholic Church 5001 N. Sherman Ave. Madison, Wis. 53704 Peter s Post is published to keep members informed of parish activities. Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1392 Madison, Wisconsin Address Service Requested Pastor:. Msgr. O. Charles Schluter Parish phone: 249-6651 Religious Education email: pdickey23@yahoo.com Website: www.stpetersofmadison.org Newsletter Editor: Jared Cordasco Phone: 661-6958 Email: stpnews@coglib.com Garage Sale / White Elephant Sale Saint Peter's Church is having a garage sale on Friday, March 13th from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday, March 14th from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. We will accept housewares, small furniture, appliances, puzzles, plants, Christmas items, books, art work and other miscellaneous items. We are not accepting computers, exercise or electronic equipment. Please call the church office or Bernie Grota 249-5462 if you have any questions. We will be setting up the garage sale on Thursday, March 12th at 3:00 pm if you can help. Thank you St. Peter Parish community for your generous support to "Souper Bowl of Caring" on January 31 and February 1. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to feed the hungry in our community. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SECOND CHANCE VALENTINE S DAY STEAK DINNER If somehow you forget your Valentine on the day, our Knights of Columbus will give you a chance to make up for your temporary memory loss. We are holding a Steak Dinner on Saturday, February 21st after the 5:15 pm Mass. Our menu includes an 8 oz. grilled to your liking tenderloin steak, salad, baked potato, dinner rolls and cookies. Coffee and water will also be provided. Beer, wine and soda will be available for purchase. And remember, even if you did remember your valentine, this is an opportunity to put some extra credit in your account. Cost of the dinner is $12.00/person and for your additional entertainment value we will be having some special raffles. Tickets will be available after all Masses starting on the weekend of February 7th and 8th. Save the date for the St. Peter s Mallard s Baseball game Friday, July 17 Family Fun Night. Hope to see you at the game!
The Church of St. Peter Celebrates The Lenten and Easter Seasons February 17 - April 5, 2015 The Mystical Nature of Taize Prayer Tuesday, February 17, 2015 7:00 pm Something incredible happens when we meditate on God. He is a great mystery to us who longs to be discovered. Yet, only he can reveal himself to us. He has given us just the opportunity for that revelation to take place. It s not complex, but simple: prayer. Musical prayer can facilitate our meditation furthermore because of its ability to enhance and attach further emotion to text. That s why each year at St. Peter we offer a very special type of musical prayer service just before Lent to prepare us for a 40 day journey of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. When our minds are quieted and our hearts are at peace, we can put aside the busyness of our days and encounter Christ. These are the moments that Taize prayer invites us to enter into. So come discover how the music of Taize combined with the best choral selections from We Remember Calvary, our poignant Tenebrae service, can help prepare our hearts for this contemplative liturgical season. Music will be led by our adult choir and instrumental ensemble. Ash Wednesday February 18, 2015 7:00 and 9:00 am and 6:30 pm Ash Wednesday is one of the starkest, yet one of the most loved days of the liturgical year. Many people come to be reminded that they are dust, and to dust they will return. Many come to be admonished to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. The practice of using ashes from the palms of the previous year s Palm Sunday is a relatively new element of the liturgy, first appearing in the 12 th Century. It adds another layer of meaning to this rich rite, reminding us of where we are headed to the glory of Easter. As one of the antiphons for the rite of imposition of ashes tells us leave the past in ashes and turn to God with tears and fasting; for He is slow to anger and ready to forgive. (Roman Missal) Palm Sunday - March 29, 2015 5:15pm Saturday Evening (March 28) 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am (March 29) 1:00 pm Spanish Mass (March 29) We come together this day to commemorate Christ s entrance into Jerusalem to accomplish the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Accordingly, the memorial of this event is celebrated at every Mass with a procession and solemn entrance. Weather permitting we will begin this liturgy outdoors; if not, we will gather in church as usual. Palm branches will be distributed. The Ladies Guild will host its annual bake sale after all Masses. Holy Thursday April 2, 2015 7:00 pm On this night, we begin the Sacred Triduum of the Lord. Together with Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and ending with Vespers on Sunday evening, the Holy Church marks this time to more deeply enter the mystery of Christ s suffering, dying, and rising from the dead. At this Mass, the Holy Oils blessed by Bishop Morlino at the Chrism Mass will be presented. There will be an opportunity for adoration before the Holy Eucharist following the Mass until 11:00 pm. We invite everyone in the parish to take part in this peaceful quiet time before the tabernacle. Good Friday April 3, 2015 1:00 pm Today we celebrate the Passion of the Lord. This Prayer Service consists of three parts - the Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross, and the sharing of Holy Communion, which was consecrated during Mass on Holy Thursday evening. There will be a dramatic reading of the Passion. It is a very moving and prayerful reflection on the last days of Christ here on Earth.
The Easter Vigil Calendar of Activities Saturday, April 4, 2015 8:00 pm When we enter the church we will already smell the sweetness of the flowers and get a sense of the joy we will encounter with tonight s celebration. We will bless the new fire and water symbolizing Christ s presence among us, and we will relive God s saving actions in human history through listening to the Word of God. Finally, we welcome with great joy new members to our Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. There will be a reception following the Liturgy. Please come and celebrate with our parish family on this Night of all Nights! Easter Sunday April 5, 2015 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am Spanish Mass at 1:00 pm Reconciliation East Side Communal Reconciliation Reconciliation at St. Bernard Sunday, March 22, 3:00 pm Reconciliation at St. Peter Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 pm Reconciliation at St. Dennis Wednesday, March 25, 7:00 pm Reconciliation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Thursday, March 26, 7:00 pm Individual Reconciliation at St. Peter s Saturday, March 28, 4:00-5:00 pm Monday, March 30, 5:00-6:30 pm Tuesday, March 31, 9:30-10:30 am Wednesday, April 1, 7:30-8:30 am and 3:30-4:30 pm February 17 TAIZE/TENEBRAE Prayer Service, 7:00 pm 18 ASH WEDNESDAY, 7:00 and 9:00 am and 6:30 pm 21 K of C Steak Dinner, 6:00 pm 22 Mass celebrated with Youth Choirs, 9:00 am 24 Stations of the Cross with Benediction, 6:30 pm March 3 Stations of the Cross with Benediction, 6:30 pm 7 Anointing of the Sick Liturgy, 10:30 am 10 Stations of the Cross with Benediction, 6:30 pm 17 Stations of the Cross with Benediction, 6:30 pm 22 Living Stations of the Cross, 6:45 pm 23 Living Stations of the Cross, 6:45 pm 24 St. Peter s Communal Reconciliation, 7:00 pm 28-29 PALM SUNDAY WEEKEND Masses at 5:15 pm Saturday 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am Sunday 1:00 pm Spanish Mass 28-29 Bake Sale after all Masses sponsored by Ladies Guild 28 Individual Reconciliation, 4:00-5:00 pm 30 Individual Reconciliation, 5:00-6:30 pm 31 Individual Reconciliation, 9:30-10:30 am April 1 Individual Reconciliation, 7:30-8:30 am and 3:30-4:30 pm 2 HOLY THURSDAY, Mass at 7:00 pm 3 GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE, 1:00 pm 4 RCIA Vigil Rehearsal, 9:00 am 4 EASTER VIGIL, 8:00 pm, reception to follow 5 EASTER SUNDAY Masses at 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am (Youth Choirs) Spanish Mass at 1:00 pm