Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist Ordinary Time 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 June 2018 THIS WEEK MONDAY 25 JUN / 2 Kgs 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18/Ps 60:3-13/Mt 7:1-5 8 AM - Mass, St. Peter Parish TUESDAY 26 JUN/ 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-36/Ps 48:2-11/Mt 7:6, 12-14 8:15 AM - Mass (+Gregory Kirschling) 4:30 PM - Salvation Army Meal Ministry WEDNESDAY 27 JUN / 2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3/Ps 119:33-40/Mt 7:15-20 8:15 AM - Mass (+Ron Kluck) THURSDAY 28 JUN / 2 Kgs 24:8-17/Ps 79:1b-9/Mt 7:21-29 8:15 AM - Mass (+John Bernd) 9 AM-3:30 PM - Eucharistic Adoration - 3 PM - Divine Mercy Chaplet FRIDAY 29 JUN / Acts 12:1-11/Ps 34:2-9/2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18/Mt 16:13-19 8:15 AM - Mass (+Jim Higgins) SATURDAY 30 JUN / Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19/Ps 74:1b-21 [19b]/Mt 8:5-17 9 AM - Reconciliation LORD S DAY WORSHIP 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 23/24 JUN Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24/Ps 30:2-13/2 Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15/Mk 5:21-43 5 PM Saturday (+Gene Budelier) 8 AM Sunday (+Parish Council of Catholic Women) - 7:30 - Rosary 10 AM Sunday (+Kaleb Case) 6 PM Sunday FAREWELL WELCOME Fr. Tom will be with us for one more Lord s Day. His last Sunday will be July 1. He will be celebrating all four Masses on that weekend. Fr. Tom received a framed Receptions will be held image of the St. Joseph Convent Chapel at the after the Saturday night conclusion of a farewell and Sunday morning liturgy celebrated with Masses. Fr. Tom s last the Sisters of St. Joseph of weekday Mass will be the Third Order of St. Francis. July 3. The official date of transferring pastoral responsibilities is July 5. Fr. Steve Brice, our new pastor, will celebrate Mass with us for the first time on the weekend of July 7/8. We look forward to welcoming him that weekend. For the last six years, Fr. Steve has been pastor of the parishes in Loyal, Greenwood and Willard; Loyal is Fr. Tom s home parish. Prior to this assignment he was pastor for 18 years at St. Anne Parish in Wausau, where Fr. Tom has been assigned. FEST SPREAD THE WORD - AND REMEMBER: Holy Spirit s Sunday night Mass is celebrated throughout the year, including summertime. HOLY SPIRIT S PARISH PICNIC - Sunday July 22 Look inside for important information.
Waiting for the Pope T hese would be days that Jim Miller might have been home from Guatemala, visiting his family, helping his brothers bale hay on their farm east of Stevens Point. Summer means a break from schools in Guatemala too, and Hermano Santiago, as the people in Huehuetenango knew him, would have appreciated some relief from the demands of teaching and the intense heat and humidity of a more tropical climate. Instead, these are summer days that people familiar with Brother James Miller are awaiting possible news that he is approved by Pope Francis for beatification. His brothers on the farm near Ellis and his Christian Brother confreres around the country are confident an affirmative decision will come, but no one knows when. What we know is that on March 20 a commission associated with the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints gave its unanimous endorsement to recognizing Brother James as a martyr of the Church and recommending his beatification. And, now, we wait. It s likely we may not have long to wait. Pope Francis has given considerable energy to promoting the causes of courageous people who were killed as a result of their ministry among the people of Central America. Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero will be canonized in October, following a process that had languished for many years since Blessed Oscar s murder while celebrating Mass in 1980, but which was accelerated by Pope Francis. Coming from Argentina, it seems Francis was already familiar with, and appreciative of, those who had given their lives in living the gospel in that region. Closer to home, Fr. Stanley Rother was beatified last September in Oklahoma City, near the small farm town where he grew up. The first celebration of the Memorial of Blessed Stanley will be July 28, the day upon which he was killed by masked Guatemalan government forces in 1981 in Santiago Atitlan, the village he served as pastor for 13 years. There are causes of other potential Central American martyrs under way as well. An effort to seek formal Church recognition of Brother ARE WE THERE YET? - Fr. Tom Lindner James Miller s holiness and potential martyrdom began in 2009. In a sense, however, it began on Feb. 13, 1982, when he was murdered while painting a fence outside the Christian Brothers school in Huehuetenango, a village about 200 crooked and hilly miles north of the village where Fr. Stan was killed. They were among thousands of people who died in the decades-long Guatemalan civil war. It s never been identified who killed Brother James or why. There s suspicion he might have been shot in retribution for another brothers interference with a student being drafted by the Guatemalan army. In other words, Brother James might not have been the intended target. But, as a Maryknoll priest told me when I visited the country several years ago, Whether Jim Miller is the guy they wanted, Jim Miller is the guy they got. One of my most significant associations during my years in Stevens Point has been with a group of folks who organized an annual event to promote the story of Brother James and to call attention to ongoing issues of injustice. We ve had nothing to do with promoting his beatification, but telling the story and calling attention to the witness of prospective saints is a fundamental part of saint-making. And so we wait, hoping that one day some of us can go to Huehuetenango for the beatification and that someone from Portage County will be among the blessed of the Church. TL 838 Fremont St., 344-9117 2108 Fourth Ave., 345-6500, Pastor frtom@holyspiritstevenspoint.org deaconrick@holyspiritstevenspoint.org, Administrative-Parish Life Coordinator lee@holyspiritstevenspoint.org, Pastoral Care Director julie@holyspiritstevenspoint.org, Campus Ministry Director wendy@holyspiritstevenspoint.org, Faith Formation & Evangelization Director, colleen@holyspiritstevenspoint.org, Finance Coordinator srbarb@holyspiritstevenspoint.org Music Director mary@holyspiritstevenspoint.org Student Liturgy Coordinator liturgy@holyspiritstevenspoint.org www.pacellicatholicschools.com 341-2445 BUILDING UPON A FIRM FOUNDATION Chairs: Joining Our Parish: Fr. Tom would be glad to talk with you about parish membership. Send him an email at frtom@holyspiritstevenspoint.org or call him at 345-6500 to make an appointment. Celebrating Baptism: Baptism is celebrated at Lord s Day Mass at various times of the liturgical year. If you want to raise your child in the Catholic faith and celebrate your child s baptism, please call Fr. Tom for more information. Parents celebrating the baptism of their first child are asked to complete a baptism orientation seminar. Caring for the Sick: If you or a loved one are seriously ill, homebound or anticipating surgery, please call Fr. Tom to schedule a visit and/or the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Campus Ministry: Point Catholic is the name of Holy Spirit s outreach to college students attending UW-Stevens Point and Mid-State Technical College. You can learn more about campus ministry at our website. Facebook: Like us at Holy Spirit Parish and Point Catholic. Joining Facebook is easy. Go to www.facebook.com.
Anointing to be Celebrated June 29 The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated during the 8:15 a.m. Mass on Friday, June 29. People who seek healing of body, mind and spirit; those anticipating surgery; or those in advanced years are invited to take advantage of this opportunity. If you know someone who might appreciate this sacrament, maybe you could offer them a ride to Mass that day. Please contact Fr. Tom to schedule the sacrament if you cannot come to Mass. Monday Morning Mass Returns The Monday morning community Mass returns to Holy Spirit Parish at 8:15 a.m. beginning July 2. There will not be Mass on Wednesday, July 4. The Monday Mass is offered at four city parishes and will be celebrated in our church until October. It s Parish Picnic Season St. Mary of Mt. Carmel, Fancher will hold their picnic July 1. There will be music all day along with a Family Style Chicken & Ham Dinner that includes Chicken Soup with homemade noodles. Join in a fun filled day of Bingo, Silent Auctions, Kid s Games, Cherry Tree, Food Stands and Refreshments! St. Bronislava Parish, Plover, will hold their picnic July 8. Look for more information next week! A Note of Gratitude from Fr. Todd A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped me to my goal, so that I can purchase my E Sight glasses. Thanks to your generosity I will be able to get my glasses on June 25th. Words are not enough to express my gratitude. I am very humbled and touched. The speed with which this happened is simply amazing! Elsewhere Franciscans Downtown: The movie Loving Vincent will be shown on Wednesday at 1 p.m. All are welcome. Of time, talent and treasure HUMILITY OF STEWARDSHIP Today we celebrate the birth of St. John the Baptist. This prophet, who practiced austerity in the desert, proclaimed the kingdom of God, a coming judgment, and baptism as a sign of repentance. With deep humility, John directed attention not to himself but to Jesus. John s attitude was, He must increase, I must decrease (John 3:30). John s birth, days after the summer solstice when daylight hours begin to decrease, contrasts with Jesus birth days after the winter solstice, heralding daylight s increase. Like John the Baptist, stewards turn attention away from themselves and towards Jesus. The stewardship question for us is whether or not we ourselves are prepared to decrease and allow Jesus to increase in our hearts, minds, words and actions. International Catholic Stewardship Council PARTICIPATION AT MASS June 16/17 5 p.m. 247 8 a.m. 255 10 a.m. 303 6 p.m. 187 HOLY SPIRIT PARISH GIVING June 16/17..$17,533.54 DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL Target $104,960 Contributions to Date $73,354 Number of Contributors 323 (33%) Under Target $31,606 WE RE CLOSING IN ON OUR TARGET. YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL HELP US GET THERE! Writing Workshop/Retreat: People who like to write, regardless of talent, are invited to Dipping into Words presented by Sallie Bachar of St. Anthony s Spirituality Center, Marathon. The goal is to enjoy writing and being open to the creative spirit of God. This retreat will be at St. Anthony Spirituality Center June 29-30. For more information call 715-443-2236 or visit www.sarcenter.com.
An image of today s feast of John s nativity There is a lot going on in this 19th century icon from a church dedicated to St. John the Baptist in Melnik, Bulgaria. Most notably we see Elizabeth, potentially having just given birth, and being fed to regain her strength. Near the bottom are two figures: one washing the soon-to-be-named baby in a vessel resembling a baptismal font, another tending with water and towels. An empty crib is nearby. Elizabeth is not passive. She seems to be pointing to Zachariah, seeking affirmation to her command to name the child John. Indeed, there is his father writing that instruction. Just above him is someone holding another child, the identity of which we are left to ponder. Freshman orientation concludes this week Wendy Mitch, campus ministry director, and Adam Witt, student liturgy coordinator, are shown talking with students and parents attending new student orientation at UW- Stevens Point. Throughout this month long program, which concludes this week, Point Catholic and other university and community entities provide information to students we hope will join us in the fall. This week marks the end of Wendy s tenure as a parish staff member. She has been campus minister for 16 years. Fr. Tom is also assisting with orientation: his 22nd season. Joining them this week will be Zach Laughlin, Holy Spirit s new Director of Campus Ministry and Social Justice. We look forward to meeting and working with Zach in his new role. Diocese to ordain two new priests Next Saturday, June 30, the Diocese of La Crosse will celebrate the ordination of two new priests. The Ordination Mass is at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in La Crosse. The Mass is open to the public, but give yourself time to find parking and secure a seat. You can watch a live-stream via the diocesan web site: www.diolc.org. Being ordained are: Deacon Kyle Laylan He has studied at St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee and his home parish is Queen of the Apostles, Tomah. Upon ordination, Fr. Laylan will be the associate pastor of Holy Family Parish, Arcadia, and Sacred Heart Parish, Pine Creek. Deacon Barry Saylor He also studied at St. Francis de Sales Seminary. His home parish is St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Wisconsin Rapids. He will serve as associate pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, Marshfield, and Christ the King Parish, Spencer, and chaplain at Marshfield Columbus High School and Middle School. FAITH FORMATION PARENT MEETINGS & REGISTRATION There will be parent meetings held this fall that will include registration -- things will not be mailed this year -- we want to see you in person! The same meeting for parents grades 1-6 will be offered 2 times -- you choose which one to attend. Wednesday, 22 August 6:30-7:30pm in Kostka Hall Sunday, 26 August 9-10am (between masses) in Kostka Hall Please help your friends/neighbors who don't have/don't check email know they need to get here. Please invite people who maybe don't see us or the bulletin at weekly Lord's Day Mass. We are a community and we are responsible for each other! Meeting dates are forthcoming for parents of students: -Grades 7-8 -Grades 9-12 (Youth Ministry & Confirmation 1, 2, & 3) (both Faith Formation & Catholic School families) -Fall/Spring Meetings for parents of Grade 2/Sacraments (both Faith Formation & Catholic School families)
PICNIC PLANNING << Sign Up Now To volunteer to help make our picnic successful please sign up after Masses or through the SignUpGenius at: www.holyspiritstevenspoint.org << Basket Raffle WANTED! 30-40 of the most enticing, themed baskets, chock full of gift cards and items valuing no less than $100. BE CREATIVE! HAVE FUN! WORK WITH ONE OR MORE FAMILIES! Ideas include, but are not limited to: < "Here's the Scoop!" Ice Cream related gifts < "May the Force Be With You" - Star Wars Items for your favorite Jedi < "S'more Time with Your Family" - A Grilling Package << Book Nook WANTED: Gently used or new books (hard and soft cover), video/audio books, games (board games, cards, any other) DVD s/cd s, computer software, puzzles (sealed or taped shut). Leave donations in church entrances. Questions? Call Linda at 715-343-1494. FEST HOLY SPIRIT PICNIC 11A-5P Sunday July 22 << Chicken Dinner << Live Music << Old Time Brass & Goats in Trees << Cheese Curds, Burgers, Brats & More << Basket Raffle << Bingo << Cash Raffle << Cake Walk << Beer Garden << Youth Games & Activities << Book Nook << Petting Zoo << Cake Walk On picnic day listen for the bell & buy a chance to win a delicious homemade cake! It s lots of yummy fun! We need 70+ cakes for the Cake Walk fun to happen - sign up to bake a cake today! SpiritFEST will be a Success - thanks to YOU!