From the Pastor's Desk:

My Dear Parishioners,

Today we celebrate Palm Sunday and passion Sunday. It seems odd but Jesus was on a mission and the final lap begins on Palm Sunday. For the same crowd that was cheering during the parade into Jerusalem was jeering a few days later. They’d been wowed by his sermons, fed with loaves and fishes, healed of their diseases, delivered of their demons. But as soon as the tide began to turn, so did they. Their cries of “Hosanna” turned to shouts of a very different kind: “Crucify him!”

Of course, Jesus was not surprised in the least. The gospels tell us that he knew the human mind and heart all too well. He was not fooled by all the acclamation and fanfare. Flattery could not swell his head. He had no illusions of grandeur or ambition for worldly glory. In fact, Paul tells us that He had willingly emptied Himself of heavenly glory in pursuit of His true passion – His Fathers will and our salvation (Phil. 2:7f)

With the beginning of Holy week, we focus intently on the heart of the mystery of Salvation. It is the mystery of dying and rising, the mystery of humiliation and exaltation. Today's liturgy prepares us specially for the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. The Liturgy gives the picture of joy and at the same time invites us to meditate on His sufferings. What Jesus experiences for us is a manifestation of God's overwhelming love for each one of us. Further, by identifying ourselves with the 'mystery' of Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection we ourselves experience a great liberation, a 'Passover' from various forms of sin and enslavement to a life of joy and freedom. Today's liturgy combines both a sense of triumph and tragedy. Very importantly, we are reminded at the beginning, that we are about to commemorate the triumph of Christ our King. We do this through the blessing of the palms, the procession and the joyful singing. When we contemplate on Palm Sunday, we see the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem which led immediately to His suffering and death. The people who shouted Hosannas for Him and called Him Messiah, soon would shout "crucify Him" and choose a criminal in place of a just man. In the simplest of terms, Palm Sunday is an occasion for reflecting on the final week of Jesus' life. It is a time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the agony of His Passion and the joy of His resurrection.

During this most holy of weeks - Holy Week - may the time you spend reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus bring you a greater awareness of God's love for you. Amen!

God Bless You,

Fr. George, MSFS

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Sts. peter & paul Catholic Parish

AnnouncementS

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Saturday, March 28, 2026...

8:30 pm

Sunday, March 29, 2026...

SJA at 8:15 am

SSPP at 10:15 am

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Confessions:

SSPP Saturdays - 3:00 pm

SJA —Sundays - 7:45 am to 8:15 am

For Any Other Time Needed: Please Call the Office for an Appointment at 715-985-2227.

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RELIGIOUS & ADULT EDUCATION

TRADITIONAL CORNER

Did you know that the procession of palms goes back to the Old Testament. it was actually a command of godsto the Hebrews (see Leviticus 23:40 & Machabees 10: 6-8).

Are you being called? Looking for those willing to leaf Bible Studies for Adults & Kids. Please reach out by phone / text 715-530-3225 or email to ssppcre@gmail.com.

CCD/Confirmation:

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If you have any memories or traditions you would like to see, please send them to ssppcre@gmail.com

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St. FAUSTINA ADULT STUDY GROUP

A study group highlighting the life and diary of St. Faustina, including Divine Mercy, will start in September, dates to be determined if we have enough interest. This study is most appropriate for interested adults now that we have a first class relic of her.

Contact Marge if you are interested in attending: mbaecker@ssppwi.org or call or text 715-538-3638.

DIOCESE OF LA CROSSE GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING INSTANCES OF CHILD ABUSE:

The Diocese of La Crosse, through its policies and procedures, seeks to provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (bishop, priest, deacon, employee, religious, vendor or volunteer). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should send that report to Mrs. Teresa Brown, Complaint Intake Agent, at the Diocese of
La Crosse, P.O. Box 4004, La Crosse, WI 54602-4004. Alternatively, you can contact Mrs. Brown at 608.791.0179 or intakeagent@diolc.org.
The reporting form is available through the Diocese of La Crosse Office of Safe Environment or on the diocesan website at: diolc.org/safe-environment/reporting. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. Copies of the diocesan policy are available through your local Parish and on the diocesan website.
If you have any questions about the Diocese of La Crosse and the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Teresa Brown, Diocese of La Crosse, at 608.791.2679 or tbrown@diolc.org .

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If you have a birthday during the month of March come to Mass the first weekend to SS Peter & Paul Church. Father
will invite all children to come forward to receive a birthday blessing.

Adults can stand or come forward and also receive this special blessing. The parish will then sing Happy Birthday. Let us all celebrate Life and your Birthday’s.

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WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES —

If you were married in the month of March, please call Julie at the Rectory (715-985-2227) and let her know the number of years you have been married. Blessings will be given on March 28st and March 29nd Masses.