From the Pastor's Desk:
April 20th, 2025
My Dear Parishioners,
Greetings of peace and joy in our Lord Jesus Christ, I take this opportunity to wish you all a HAPPY and BLESSED EASTER.
Once again it is that time of the year when, slowly but steadily, winter is giving way to bright sunny days. Nature announces the arrival of a new season, which promises new
life. Humanity wants to write, direct and decide its own destiny, not knowing that many things are not in its grasp. Advancement in science and technology has made life more
comfortable, convenient and connected. Yet more than ever, the relentless pursuit for peace, happiness, and fulfillment in life has farther to go than ever before. Somewhere, a vital piece of the puzzle is missing. A world gone wrong: natural disasters, violence,
poverty and sufferings; can any one look to the future with hope? The answer is a big ‘YES.’ In a few days we will be celebrating Easter. Easter is a celebration of life; of the victory of light over darkness and of life over death.
During the Easter Season, the First Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. We see the effect that the resurrection of Jesus has on His followers. Today's reading is from Peter's speech proclaiming the person of Jesus, not only as a miracle worker and a great preacher, but as One Who has died but is risen and has appeared to His followers. Not only has Jesus been seen by His disciples, but He has eaten and drunk with them - a sign that He is not just an illusion but a person with a body - glorified body, but still a body. Because Jesus is risen and has appeared to His followers, they are commissioned to announce His message and continue His ministry.
The Gospel relates the account of Mary Magdalene going to the tomb before the sun rose on Easter Sunday morning. expecting to see the tomb still sealed, she plans to keep vigil at the tomb. She is surprised to find the sealing rock removed and the tomb empty. Still not understanding what has taken place, she runs to the frightened and saddened disciples and tells them about the empty tomb. She wonders where they have taken the body. Peter and John hasten back to the tomb. John, being younger and probably more athletic, arrives at the tomb, but does not enter it until Peter reaches there. As they enter and see the burial clothes neatly folded, they realize something special has happened. It seems that John quickly believes in a miracle - the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to rise again. Peter, the one who had denied his Lord three times, does not seem so quick to accept the idea of Jesus' resurrection.
Our lives as disciples of Jesus require us to not only believe in the forgiveness and peace and salvation which come to us through Jesus' death and resurrection, but to be witnesses of the Risen Lord to others. We must be Easter people. Alleluia people! It is providential - God continuing to provide for us. God can even make the worst possible situations turn into blessings. What can be worse than the Son of God on a cross? From the tomb in which the crucified Jesus was laid, new life has come. Jesus is alive in His glorified body. He has conquered not only sin and death. He has made it possible for us to share a renewed relationship with the God who has created us. This new relationship is eternal. Let us continue to rejoice and celebrate. Jesus is alive. We are saved. Alleluia! Amen!
God Bless You,
Father George, MSFS
LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:
Sts. peter & paul Catholic Parish
AnnouncementS
Come Join Us for Easter Services....
Weekend Mass Schedule:
Saturday, April 19, 2025...
SSPP at 8:30 pm
Sunday, April 20, 2025...
SJA at 8:15 am
Sunday, April 20, 2025...
SSPP at 10:15 am
HOLY TRIDUUM LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS
All the celebrations will be in SSPP Catholic Church
Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord's Last Supper -7:00pm
Eucharistic Adoration: 8:15 pm to 9:30 pm
Good Friday Service: 12:30 pm Divine Mercy Novena First day
Easter Vigil: April 19th
Divine Mercy Novena: --8:10 pm
Vigil Mass: 8:30 pm
Easter Sunday:
April 20th--SJA--8:15 am Mass
April 20th--SSPP--10:15 am Mass
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Confessions:
SSPP Saturdays -4:00 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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"Happy 150th Anniversary to SS Peter & Paul Parish!"
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RELIGIOUS & ADULT EDUCATION
CCD Classes Grade K-5:
Sunday, April 27th---
Family Retreat will be held after the 10:15 am Mass at the Church Hall.
Freshmen & Sophomore Confirmation & Grades 6-7-8 CCD:
There will be Classes held on Wed., April 23rd from 7:00 to 8:30 pm; and on Wed., April 30th from 7:00 to 8:15 pm with Pizza and Prayer.
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A Minute with Jesus:
Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday.
Jesus is alive! We must receive the living resurrection Christ in Holy Communion. Jesus holds nothing back in the Holy Eucharist. He gives Himself completely to us when we receive Him at Mass every Sunday. Receiving His resurrected body and blood will raise us to Him to live forever. Let’s pray this right now and every day this week: Jesus, help me to realize that you are alive, and every time I receive You, that You are alive in me.
This week, as we celebrate Easter, make a practice that was common after the resurrection with the early Christians to say to family members and friends, “Jesus Christ is risen; He is alive!”
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If you have a birthday during the month of April 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 April, 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 April 26th & April 27th Masses.
Jubilee Year
Making a Pilgrimage
There is a long tradition of making pilgrimages in the Catholic Church. This practice has been encouraged by Pope Francis during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. The Pope explains that a pilgrimage is a "fundamental element of every jubilee year." He also granted an indulgence to the faithful who complete pilgrimages in this Holy Year.
Diocesan Churches that have been designated by Bishop Battersby as places of pilgrimages for the 2025 Jubilee Year:
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mass and reconciliation
ST. JOHN'S MASS TIMES
Tuesday: 4:30 pm
Friday: 9:00 am
Sunday: 8:15 am
STS. PETER & PAUL MASS TIMES
Tuesday: 8:30 am
Wednesday: 8:30 am
Thursday: 8:30 am
Friday: 7:00 am
Saturday: 4:00 pm (5:00 pm During Daylight Saving Time)
Sunday: 10:15 am
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
St. John's: Sunday 7:45 - 8:15 am
Sts. Peter & Paul: Saturday 3:00pm –4:00 pm