From the Pastor's Desk:

My Dear Parishioners,

This is the eighteenth Sunday in ordinary time year A. In the first reading of today the Israelites, who have known such a miserable existence during the Exile, the prophet holds out a vision of the messianic age. While the corn, wine and milk that is freely offered may refer in first instance to these foods in a material sense, the invitation to ‘come to the water’ echoes language associated in other parts of scripture with divine Wisdom.

The Gospel Matthew narrates the multiplication of the loaves a miracle presented in all the four Gospels. Central to the theological significance is the way in which the episode anticipates the institution of the Eucharist. Jesus’ gestures – ‘taking (the loaves)’, ‘blessing’, ‘breaking’, ‘giving’ – foreshadow those at the Last Supper (Matt 26:26). The Evangelist expects that readers will understand that when they participate in the Eucharist they are experiencing the same divine hospitality that the Galilean crowds in this ‘lonely place’ experienced from Jesus.

Instead of having to go off and ‘buy’ provisions, God satisfies their hunger in abundance (‘all ate as much as they wanted’). The twelve baskets of left-over fragments highlight the abundance. The miraculous feeding and the Eucharist which it foreshadows make clear that what God wants to do for humanity is simply be a most generous Host at the banquet of eternal life.

God's generosity exceeds not only our needs, but our wildest expectations. God gives us more than we could ever hope for. What God provides, however, may not be exactly what we want or desire. For God knows our needs before we even ask and God will supply what is truly essential and more, if we come to God and present ourselves with trust in God's loving care.

Our response should be that of the psalm today: "The hand of the Lord feeds us; God answers all our needs." God invites us to make a decision. We are called to come to the Lord. If we decide to turn to the Lord, God will give us everything we need - and more. God provides a rich feast for us. God will never refuse to love us, for God truly answers all our needs - and then some.

May you be ever more conscious of the great love that God has for you and may you continue to trust the Lord Jesus by coming to Him and being His faithful disciple. Amen!

God Bless You,

Fr. George, MSFS

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Sts. peter & paul Catholic Parish

AnnouncementS

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026...

5:00 pm

Sunday, Aug. 2, 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

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.

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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 July 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 July, 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 July 25th and July 26th Masses.