My Dear Parishioners,
Let me take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a Most Blessed and Joyous Easter! We have experienced a beautiful Holy week, walking in the footsteps of Jesus and growing in our faith, to arrive at this Glorious Easter Day. Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! The Egyptian pyramids are world-famous as one of the “Seven Wonders” of the world. But they are actually gigantic tombs containing the mummified bodies of Egyptian Pharaohs. Westminster Abby is famous and thousands visit it, because the dead bodies of famous writers, philosophers and politicians are entombed there. But there is a Shrine of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, and pilgrims from all over the world visit a tomb there which is empty, with a note at its entrance which says, “He is not here.” It is famous because Jesus Christ, who was once buried there, rose from the dead, leaving an empty tomb as he had told his disciples he would. Easter is the greatest and the most important feast in the Church. "Easter" literally means "the feast of fresh flowers." We celebrate it with pride and jubilation for many reasons.
The resurrection of Christ: basis of our Christian faith: The Resurrection is the greatest of the miracles--it proves that Jesus is God. That is why St. Paul writes: “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain; and your faith is in vain… And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is a delusion and you are still lost in your sins… But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor 15:14,17,20). If Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead, then the Church is a fraud and faith is a sham. Without the Resurrection, Jesus would have remained forever an inspirational leader who met a tragic end. But if he really did rise from the dead, his message is true! Easter: guarantee of our own resurrection: Jesus assured Martha at the tomb of Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me will live even though he dies” (Jn 11:25-26). “Christ will raise us up on the last day, but it is also true, in a sense, that we have already risen with Christ. By virtue of the Holy Spirit, our Christian life is already a participation in the death and Resurrection of Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1002, #1003). Easter: feast of hope and encouragement: In this world of pain, sorrows and tears, Easter reminds us that life is worth living. It is our belief in the real presence of the risen Jesus that gives meaning to our lives. Our trust in the all-pervading presence of the risen Lord gives us strength to fight against temptations and freedom from unnecessary worries and fears. The prayer of St. Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland reads: “Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ within me, never to part.” The living presence of the resurrected Lord gives us lasting peace and celestial joy amid the boredom, suffering, pain and tensions of our day-to-day life. “Peace be with you” was his salutation to his disciples at all post-resurrection appearances. For the true Christian, every day must be an Easter Day lived joyfully in the close company of the Risen Lord. God Bless You,
Fr. George, MSFS
LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:
Weekend Mass Schedule:
Saturday, April 4, 2026...
8:30 pm
Sunday, April 5, 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
Traditions Corner– In Poland, the family gathers for the traditional Easter meal. Before anyone
digs into the feast, each member takes a slice of boiled egg and wishes everyone else “Wesołego
Alleluja (Joyful Hallelujah) or Happy Easter.”
One very serious egg game entails two people facing off holding the on the wide end of
the egg. Then they try to crack their opponent’s egg on the narrow side by knocking them
together. The winner is the one who remains uncracked and they go on to the next opponent
until there is only one uncracked egg left. Happy
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:
************************************************************
****************************************************
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 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.
****************************************
****************************************
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.
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