From the Pastor's Desk:

My Dear Parishioners,

This is the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The universality of God's love runs through the readings today.

Breaking from the traditional thought of earlier prophets, Isaiah's words today have God speaking about salvation reaching out beyond the "Chosen People" to "the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord." This passage from Isaiah was one of the strongest passages in Hebrew scriptures that God was not only the God of Israel, but that the Lord of all nations and all peoples who are willing to come before the Lord and worship God.

The Gospel relates the account of the Canaanite women seeking healing for her daughter. After challenging her, Jesus grants her request because of her faith.

The Canaanite woman teaches us the need to persevere in our prayers. We must realize that when we ask God for something it does not always result in getting what we have asked for. It helps us to see more clearly what God wants for us and what the best really is for us. What we need most is not the carrying out of our own wishes but having the peace and security that can only come from our being in total harmony with God's will for us, so that His will and ours are identical. Here is the woman who asked much from Jesus and ultimately her prayers are answered. She had her love and faith in Jesus and she loved her daughter too. She was rewarded for her faith and perseverance in her prayers. At the same time today's Gospel is an affirmation that God's love and mercy are extended to all who call on Him in faith and trust, no matter who they are or where they are. We had the words of Prophet Isaiah that the foreigners who have attached themselves to the Lord and have loved His name and held on to His covenant, the Lord will bring them to the holy mountain. He will make them joyful in His house of prayer.

May you continue to grow in your understanding of the all encompassing love of our God who has saved and redeemed all people through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Amen!

God Bless You,

Fr. George, MSFS

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Sts. peter & paul Catholic Parish

AnnouncementS

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026...

5:00 pm

Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026...

SJA at 8:15 am

SSPP at 10:15 am

**********************

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.

****************************

RELIGIOUS & ADULT EDUCATION

Religious Ed. News

Please pray and see if you are being called to be a catechist. The Religious Ed Program is looking for at least 2 teachers and multiple sub teachers. Please contact the office at ssppcre@gmail.com or 715 530-3225.

For those who are interested in committing to the Catholic Faith, please inquire at the rectory about OCIA.

Faith Formation News

Looking for adult volunteers and subs for musicians, leaders, organizers, and helpers for multiple new ministries. Please contact ssppcre@gmail.com or 715 530-3225.

For those who are interested in committing to the Catholic Faith,

Faith Enrichment Opportunities

Venezuelan Relief| Donations needed for the after affects of a 7.2 & 7.5 earthquake |Access through Diocesan Website diolc.org

Legacy of Love: Celebrating Decades of Married Life|, 8/9| La Crosse |Couples celebrating milestone decade Marriage Anniversaries |608.791.2680 or emailing her at lboden@diolc.org.

Come & See |8/1 |Seraphic Adorers of the Child Jesus | Women ages 18-29 https://seraphicadorers.com/works/blogs/news-and-events/come-and-see-2026

Dare to Follow |8/10-11 |Holy Cross Diocesan Center, La Crosse | Young men grades 6-8 dioceseoflacrosse.regfox.com/official-vocations-event-registration

World Youth Day |8/3-8,2027 | Seoul, South Korea | worldyouthday.com

Traditions Corner

Did you know that the name of Mary’s parents, Anne and Joachim, are not anywhere in the Bible. Their names were found in an inauthentic book called the “Gospel of James” that was written in the mid-2nd century.

Source: https://mycatholic.life/ saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-26st-anne/

Faith Formation News

Looking for adult volunteers and subs for musicians, leaders, organizers, and helpers for multiple new ministries. Please contact ssppcre@gmail.com or 715 530-3225.

Faith Enrichment Opportunities

Venezuelan Relief| Donations needed for the after affects of a 7.2 & 7.5 earthquake |Access through Diocesan Website diolc.org

Legacy of Love: Celebrating Decades of Married Life|, 8/9| La Crosse |Couples celebrating milestone decade Marriage Anniversaries |608.791.2680 or emailing her at lboden@diolc.org.

Come & See |8/1 |Seraphic Adorers of the Child Jesus | Women ages 18-29 https://seraphicadorers.com/works/blogs/news-and-events/come-and-see-2026

World Youth Day |8/3-8,2027 | Seoul, South Korea | worldyouthday.com

Com & See |8/1 |Seraphic Adorers of the Child Jesus | Women ages 18-29 https://seraphicadorers.com/works/blogs/news-and-events/come-and-see-2026

World Youth Day |8/3-8,2027 | Seoul, South Korea | worldyouthday.com

Diocesan Outreach

CCD/Confirmation:

Are you being called?: Looking for leaders 715 530-3225 or email to ssppcre@gmail.com.

************************************************************

****************************************************

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

**********************************************

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 .

****************************************

If you have a birthday during the month of August 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.

****************************************

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES —

If you were married in the month of August, 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 August 29th and July 30th Masses.