From the Pastor's Desk:

My Dear Parishioners,

On this nineteenth Sunday of ordinary time, the Church joyfully reminds us that Jesus our Savior is always close to us. He calms the storms of our life. He lifts us from the depths, and restores our peace. The presence of the storm, and all that it represents definitely make us confused, and afraid in life. Thus, it equally deprives us of our peace.

There is something interesting about today’s readings. This is simply the fact that, all the three great figures and personalities (Elijah, Paul, and Peter) we encountered in today’s readings were in one way or the other embattled. As such, their peace was threatened.

First, Elijah was fearful, and running away from Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel, who wanted him dead at all cost. Second, Paul was ravaged by sorrow and anguish due to the unbelief of his “fellow brothers of Israel.” This was a great burden that threatened his peace of mind. Third, Peter was sinking right in front of Jesus, due to fear, his lack of faith and courage. This is the dilemma of our lives. In one way or the other, our peace is threatened.

In the first reading, the embattled prophet Elijah encountered God, and his peace was restored. God came at the appropriate time, not in the mighty wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire, but after a gentle breeze. So, contrary to what some of us think, God speaks to us when we are internally recollected and calm. Often times, we seek God with distracted minds. In such a state, we may not encounter Him. It is when we are recollected, that we hear him speak to us.

In today’s gospel, the disciples of Jesus experienced the storm of their life, and Jesus was available to calm it, and equally, restore their peace. “Storms” are part and parcel of our human existence. They are inevitable in this world, just as the waves are inevitable in the sea, and death is inevitable to us.

Sometimes, they hit us so hard that we are crushed, devastated, and almost annihilated. Like the disciples of Jesus, each one of us experiences the storm in diverse ways in our lives. That is, the storm that robs us of our peace.

How ever as Jesus said to Peter, so he also says to us today: “Courage! Do not be afraid, it is I.” So, all we need to do is to trust Him, and keep walking without the fear of sinking. Like Peter, we must step out with faith and courage against the storms of our life. Therefore, let us hold on firmly to Jesus, who calms our storms and restores our peace.

God Bless You,

Fr. George, MSFS

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Sts. peter & paul Catholic Parish

AnnouncementS

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026...

5:00 pm

Sunday, Aug. 9, 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 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.

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

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.