From the Pastor's Desk:

My Dear Parishioners,

Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of the Year A little background on the Sunday lectionary. We are in the “A” cycle and will primarily be using the Gospel of Matthew during this year’s Ordinary Time. Today is an exception. On this Second Sunday of the Year, the Gospel of John is used in all three cycles (“A”, “B” and “C”). The reading is a continuation of the theme of the Incarnation as we reflect on Jesus as the Incarnate Word. Starting next Sunday, during Ordinary Time, we will be using the Gospel of Matthew in order (thus Ordinary Time) or sequentially (that is, each Sunday picking up, in order, where the previous Sunday’s Gospel reading stopped).
The Second Reading will generally be from the letters of Saint Paul. We will be hearing first from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians. This reading is also sequential. The First Reading, however, is not sequential. It is usually from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and is chosen to tie in with the theme presented in the Gospel. The Responsorial Psalm takes its cue from the First Reading. Thus, the First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, and Gospel will have a common thread, whereas the Second Reading may not necessarily be tied in with the other readings.
Having given all that background information, let us turn to the readings for today. The passage from Isaiah is part of the Suffering Servant writings of Isaiah. Isaiah says that the Chosen One will come as a servant to manifest GOD’s glory. This Messianic Servant will be called from the womb to lead people back to GOD. The servant will be a light to all nations. Scripture scholars’ debate whether Isaiah was speaking GOD’s Word about one person or the nation of Israel collectively. Christian scholars, obviously, see the passages referring to Jesus, the true Suffering Servant of GOD.
St. Paul begins his letter to the Corinthians with the typical salutation. He refers to himself as an apostle called by GOD. He reminds the faithful in Corinth that they too have been called to be a holy people.
Once again John the Baptist plays a part in today’s Gospel. He points to Jesus as the Lamb of GOD Who takes away the sin of the world (a phrase that is taken from John and used in the Eucharistic liturgy). John the Baptist once again speaks of the superiority of Jesus over himself.
We are given an opportunity today to look at some of the different image of Jesus. He is called the Suffering Servant, the Lord, the Christ, the Lamb of GOD, the Light to the nations.

There are many other titles used for Jesus in scripture: the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, the Word made Flesh, Son of GOD, just to mention a few.

God Bless You,

Fr. George, MSFS

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Sts. peter & paul Catholic Parish

AnnouncementS

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Saturday, February 28, 2026...

4:00 pm

Sunday, March 1, 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

Men of the Cross: Forged for Mission | March 21, 2026 | Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Men of the Diocese of La Crosse! This is your invitation to step away from the noise of daily life and be renewed in faith, brotherhood, and purpose. Join other Catholic men for a powerful day of encouragement and formation as we grow stronger as disciples, husbands, fathers, and leaders forged for mission.

Featured Speaker: Bart Schuchts
Mass Celebrant: Fr. Sam Martin
Cost: $45 (includes breakfast & lunch)
High School Men: Attend FREE with a parent/guardian

Called & Gifted Workshop| March 21, 2026 | Our Lady of Peace Parish

Discover your God-given spiritual gifts you received in Baptism and how they can be utilized to help others.

Cost: $45 (includes lunch & materials for 3 sessions)

For further details and to register go to diolc.org/called and gifted

Tradition Corner:

Tradition Corner– To help with fasting, the pretzel is deep with Lenten meaning and tradition. They are believed to be invented by monks who combined the simple ingredients (traditionally: flour, salt & water) with faith (Arms around making a cross with the spaces symbolizing the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit).

Source: Ginny Kulig

CCD/Confirmation: No Classes on Wednesday, March 4th. Next Class is on March 11th. Have a great spring break!

CCD/Confirmation:

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

Wanted: Looking for those wanting to lead Studies. Please send what you would like to do to 715 530-3225 or email to ssppcre@gmail.com

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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.