St. Mary - Big River Catholic Church 2 1 s t S u n d a y O r d i n a r y T i m e A u g u s t 2 6 t h, 2 0 1 8 Simon Peter answered him, Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6:68 T h e N a t i v i t y o f t h e B l e s s e d V i r g i n M a r y W 1 0 1 3 7 5 7 0 t h A v e. R i v e r F a l l s, W I 5 4 0 2 2 Oh Sacrament most holy! Oh Sacrament Divine! All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine. Praised and adored be Jesus in the most holy Sacrament of the Altar, now and forever. Amen Mass Schedule Weekend. Saturday 6:00 pm Sunday 9:30 am Weekday. Mon. to Fri. 8:30 am First Friday & First Sat. 8:30 am Holy Days.See bulletin Welcome to St. Mary s www.stmarysbigriver.com Confessions -One hour before each Weekend Mass -Thurs. before First Fri. 9:00 am -First Friday 9:00 am -First Sat. 9:00 am -Any time by appointment Devotional Times Eucharistic Adoration - Every Tuesday 7:00 am - 7:00 pm - 9:00 to 10:00 am every First Friday Militia Immaculata (MI) Prayer Group Meets Wednesday (summer) 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the church. http://missionimmaculata.com/
P a g e 2 News & Events Welcome to St. Mary s! Welcome visitors! If you would like to become a member of our parish call the Administrative Assistant and we will help you register. S t. M a r y - B i g R i v e r Parish Calendar Monday - Aug. 27 St. Monica Tuesday - Aug. 28 St. Augustine, Bishop & Doctor of the Church Wednesday - Aug. 29 The Passion of St. John the Baptist 6:30 pm MI Prayer Group *Next week MI returns to Thursdays for the school year. Thursday - Aug. 30 Friday - Aug. 31 Saturday - Sept. 1 1st Saturday 9:00 Confessions 5:00 pm Confessions 6:00 pm Holy Mass World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Sunday - Sept. 2 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30 am Confessions 9:30 am Holy Mass Baptism Welcome baby Elizabeth Gugala into the family of God this Sunday, Aug. 26th. Congratulations parents and godparents. Book of Eternal Life: Please daily pray for our deceased parishioners who are listed in the white binder in the entry of the church. They are listed by the date of death. Catechism of the Catholic Church by Fr. Louis Beginning September 20, Fr. Louis will be offering to lead a thorough study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which is a comprehensive summary of what we believe as Catholics. Indeed, Saint John Paul II said it is presented to the Church and the world as a full, complete exposition of Catholic doctrine, enabling everyone to know what the Church professes, celebrates, lives, and prays in her daily life so that the Faith in turn can be presented to the people of our day in the most suitable way possible. You are invited to prayerfully consider whether the Lord is calling you to participate in this rich formation in the Faith. The study will meet at the rectory for two hours every third Thursday of the month from September through May. The size of the group will be strictly limited so as to foster communion and interaction among participants. Once registration is closed, participants will be chosen by a random drawing. In order to participate you must be a fully initiated Catholic (that is, have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist) as well as make the firm commitment to attend every session and do the homework of reading assigned passages of the Catechism. Due to time constraints, this first year in all likelihood we will cover approximately one-half of the Catechism. It is anticipated that next year will be offered a study of the second half of the Catechism. Signing up for this year s sessions does not commit you to the second year. Eventually it is expected that this two-year cycle will be repeated. Please contact Fr. Louis ASAP with questions or to register. First Session: Sept. 20th 7-9pm. Options for Women in River Falls is seeking to fill the position of Client Advocate. They are interested in someone who believes all human life has God-given worth and deserves protection and care, and who would like to be a part of such a mission. All job training will be provided, and the position involves: working with women and families in our programs/services, helping with office duties/ administration, assisting with outreach events, etc. There is potential for 1 full-time or 2 part-time Advocates. Anyone who feels a calling to help in this ministry can call (715-425-8539 and optionsforwomenrf@outlook.com). We are looking to hire immediately, and your prayers would be appreciated as we ask the Holy Spirit to handpick the right person to join us in loving those facing an unexpected or difficult pregnancy.
2 1 s t S u n d a y O r d i n a r y T i m e P a g e 3 News & Events School Hall Cleaning Thank You A huge thank you to all the ladies and kids who generously gave there time to come clean the school hall this week. It was in great need of cleaning! They worked very hard. The carpets were also cleaned. St. Mary s - Big River Kolache Day St. Mary s Kolache Day Fall Festival is back Sunday, September 23rd! Join us for homemade Kolaches, Chicken Dinner, win up to $500 with the large raffle, bucket raffle with many great prizes, kids minute to win it event, and enjoy awesome entertainment: WELCOMING GARY'S RIDGELAND DUTCHMEN, one of Wisconsin's premier POLKA BANDS. Come and dance to the best polka, country, and golden oldies and enjoy some old-fashioned fun for the whole family! The festival will begin after 9:30 am Mass. Help us spread the word and sell those raffle tickets! This will be our BIG fundraiser of the year so we can pay for critical repairs needed in the church building. Kolache Baking Day The Kolaches will be baked on Sept. 9 at Prescott s Ptack s Grocery in the deli at 10:00 am. Helpers need! Call Janice Keller at 715.262.3977 to RSVP. Faith Formation - Religious Education Registration Registration for fall classes has now begun. Forms have been mailed to those who have not yet registered. Please return forms this week. Catechists Needed! We are in need of catechists for the afternoon and evening sessions. Please call or email Traci Campion ASAP if you are willing to help in this most noble endeavor. Our children are the future of the church! We need generous adults to help guide them to our Holy Faith. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Training (Ages 3-6) If you are interested in helping with the CGS Program and would be willing to be certified for Level 1, we have training available starting September 8th at St. Michael s Church in Stillwater. Class is one Saturday a month until March for Part 1. Part 2 would be next year. Contact Traci Campion ASAP if you would be willing to be trained in CGS. St. Mary s will pay for your tuition fee! Support Our Advertisers Income for August 19th, 2018 Plate... $335.26 Youth Envelopes... 4.25 Adult Envelopes.. 1540.00 Mission... 2019.83 Assumption.... 367.94 Total.. $4267.28
A Message From Our Pastor Last week I announced in this column two new initiatives in our parish to assist adults to be formed more deeply as disciples of Jesus Christ. First, already many of you have expressed the desire to dive more deeply into your faith by an attentive study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. However, often you also acknowledge that you have become overwhelmed or frustrated in attempting this on your own. Beginning September 20, I am offering to lead you through a study of this comprehensive summary of what we believe as Catholics. Indeed, Saint John Paul II who promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 1992 said it is presented to the Church and the world as a full, complete exposition of Catholic doctrine, enabling everyone to know what the Church professes, celebrates, lives, and prays in her daily life so that the Faith in turn can be presented to the people of our day in the most suitable way possible. I invite you to prayerfully consider whether the Lord is calling you to participate in this rich formation in the Faith. We will meet at the rectory for two hours every third Thursday of the month from September through May. The size of the group will be strictly limited so as to foster communion and interaction among participants. Once registration is closed, participants will be chosen by a random drawing. In order to participate you must be a fully initiated Catholic (that is, have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist) as well as make the firm commitment to attend every session and do the homework of reading assigned passages of the Catechism. Due to time constraints, this first year in all likelihood we will cover approximately one-half of the Catechism. It is anticipated that next year will be offered a study of the second half of the Catechism will be offered. Signing up for this year s sessions does not commit you to the second year. Eventually it is expected that this two-year cycle will be repeated. Please contact me with questions or to register. Parishioners are already registering so do not delay! The second initiative is a discussion of the latest work by Cardinal Robert Sarah who heads the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Cardinal Sarah is a native of Guinea, West Africa, and convert to the Catholic Faith. He told the inspiring story of his remarkable life in the best-selling book, God or Nothing. Cardinal Sarah has recently published another best-seller, The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise. The official description of the book notes that in a time when technology penetrates our lives in so many ways and materialism exerts such a powerful influence over us, Cardinal Robert Sarah presents a bold book about the strength of silence. The modern world generates so much noise, he says, that seeking moments of silence has become both harder and more necessary than ever before. Silence is the indispensable doorway to the divine, explains the Cardinal... (He) addresses the following questions: Can those who do not know silence ever attain truth, beauty, or love? Do not wisdom, artistic vision, and devotion spring from silence, where the voice of God is heard in the depths of the human heart? Cardinal Sarah himself explains that silence is more important than any other human work for it expresses God. The true revolution comes from silence; it leads us toward God and others so as to place ourselves humbly and generously at their service. A number of parishioners are reading this instant classic of the spiritual life. However, they are finding the text and its concepts to be quite challenging to understand and apply or simply want to discuss its content with others. If you are interested in joining me and others in exploring The Power of Silence please contact me. Again, a number of parishioners have already registered for this so do not delay! Meeting times will be determined by me and the participants. A third initiative is the fruit of my participation in the Clergy Intensive Training course sponsored by Integrity Restored. You may recall that Integrity Restored is a Catholic initiative seeking to provide resources and training to face the challenges to individuals, marriages, and families affected by the tsunami of pornography that has overcome us in the West. I took part in that intensive training so that as your shepherd I could assist those many parishioners young and old struggling with pornography and its effects. This Fall Saint Mary will host a four night event entitled Informed: Equipping Individuals, Families, Churches and Communities in the Battle Against the Pornography Epidemic. From the perspectives of theology (especially Saint John Paul II s so-called Theology of the Body ) and sound psychology the first session explores the nature of pornography, its harmful effects, and the cycle of addiction. The second session looks at the specific tasks involved in recovering one s authentic freedom with regard to their sexuality and healing the wounds to self, spouse, and others caused by consumption of pornography. The final two sessions offer practical helps to parents (and grandparents!), spouses, and families to address the pornography epidemic. The specifics of this life-changing event will be announced shortly! Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us! Blessed Solanus Casey, pray for us! Father Kevin C. Louis, STL P a g e 4
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Pastor - Fr. Kevin Louis, STL 10137 570th Ave. River Falls, WI 54022 Rectory Phone: 715-425-5806 Fr. Louis Cell: 715-505-3870 email: crossensis89@gmail.com Deacon - Deacon Dan Gannon 651-210-9651 gannon.dan@gmail.com Administrative Assistant - Traci Campion 715-307-8844 reginahope1917@gmail.com Bookkeeper - Pat Bjork 715-273-3577 bjork.p@outlook.com Director of Religious Education (DRE) - Traci Campion 715-307-8844 reginahope1917@gmail.com Youth Ministry - Corrie Loe 715-262-3663 corrieloe@gmail.com Cemetery - John Matzek 715-792-2582 Rod Janovec 651-341-9203 Prayer Chain Requests - Pat Bjork 715-273-3577 bjork.p@outlook.com School Hall Office - 715-425-7830 Altar Rosary Society (ARS) - Angie Dosdall 715-792-2447 Finance Council - Pat Pechacek 715-262-4089 Stewardship Committee - Andy Mishek 651-200-5272 Grounds & Building Maintenance - Danny McNamara 715-821-1197 Mass Intentions Monday, August 27 - Lorraine Thom By Rollie Thom Tuesday, August 28 - Jim Huppert By Ray & Janice Matzek Wednesday, August 29 - Leola Marek By Pat & Kelly Pechacek Thursday, August 30 - Dave Bjork By Jim & Gloria Senft Friday, August 31 - Fr. Bill Matzek By Ed & Arlene Siewelo Saturday, September 1 8:30 am Dave Bjork By Norma Radke 6:00 pm - Leola Marek By Wally & Carol Betzel Sunday, September 2 9:30 am Pro Populo - & Michael Gugala By Abby & Anna Gugala Please note: The Mass Intentions Calendar has been filled through November 2018. September 1st Saturday - 6:00 pm Mass Reader... Carol Betzel Ushers... Mark Huppert, Jon Matzek, Joe Matzek, Peter Pechacek Cross.. James Campion Candles Nathaniel & Marcus Merta Music....... Joanne Maier Rosary.......Pat Bjork Liturgical Assistants September 2nd Sunday - 9:30 am Mass Reader... John Matzek Ushers/$ Counters.Pat & Derek Pechacek, Shawn Dosdall, Charles Beeler Cross/Incense...Xavier & Maximus Husby Candles.... Joseph & Ben O Malley Rosary..... John & Joyce Matzek Gift Bearer.Angie & Shawn Dosdall Family Has your contact information changed? Do you want us to contact you? Would you like to register? Cut out this little form, fill it out, and place it in the collection basket. Name: Address: Phone: (home) (cell)