My Dear Parishioners,
Today is the Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. We are asked if we are ready? How are we preparing ourselves? Are we fully aware of what is happening? These questions flow from the readings today.
The author of the Book of Wisdom urges his listeners to look for wisdom. Wisdom is not only something which should be sought, it (or "she" as the author "generalizes" wisdom) is making herself available to those who seek. Wisdom even goes out in search of seekers.
In the Gospel of today, Mathew shares with us Jesus' parable of the ten virgins awaiting the coming of the Bridegroom. This is the only Gospel which has this parable. A few things can be taken from the parable. First, Jesus may not come back when some people may expect Him. Another important message is that those who wait for the Lord Jesus must be prepared no matter when or under what circumstances He returns
As we ponder the readings today, we are directed to the idea of prayer. Prayer is the seeking of the Lord Jesus, His Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. It is something which must be part of a believer's daily life, hourly life, minute - minute life. It is something of which we must be conscious of at all times. We must be vigilant. The meaning of prayer is a relationship with God. We must seek the Lord Jesus through prayer. And God is already to reveal the fullness of the divinity to those who turned their eyes to God, even if the revelation is done over the course of one's life. There is not just one way to pray. Any means which God brings us to an awareness of the presence of God in our lives is a valid means of prayer. We should be open to whatever avenues the Lord Jesus opens up to allow us to draw closer to the divine presence. Some of the avenues which "prayers" have used effectively before are: reading of the scriptures, reflective reading of Christian literature, listening to sacred music (both traditional and modern), silent meditation, vocal prayer, communal prayer, guided pray prayer by a spiritual director, memorized prayer, repetitive prayer, personal experiences, and just 'being still" in the presence of the Almighty Different types of prayer will be effective for us at different times in our lives. No matter what prayer we form, and no matter where we are on our journey of faith, we must be vigilant and prepared, for the Lord Jesus will come to us, in many ways we may not expect.
May you seek the wisdom of God and continue to focus you attention on deepening your relationship with the Lord, all with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
God Bless You,
Fr. George, MSFS
LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:
Weekend Mass Schedule:
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026...
5:30 pm
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026...
SJA at 8:15 am
SSPP at 10:30 am
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Confessions:
SSPP Saturdays - TBA
SJA —Sundays - TBA
For Any Other Time Needed: Please Call the Office for an Appointment at 715-985-2227.
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Children’s Gospel Needs
Looking for items for the Children’s Gospel area. If you have any spare, please consider donating them to the children’s area in the lower level. These will also be available for use during any occasion where children will be in attendance
Things looking for
Bookcase
Religious children’s books for any age
Bins for supply storage
small table/chairs
RELIGIOUS & ADULT EDUCATION
K-10: Classes on Nov. 4, next Family Retreat 11/18
Jr. Confirmation: Next Class 11/4
Wine & :Dine” with the Word: November 12 @ 6pm
A Pint & A Word: Looking for someone to lead this group. If feeling called, please contact 715 530-3225 or ssppcre@gmail.com
Tradition Corner
Roses seem to have a special place in our Church. One story we are familiar with is Our Lady of Guadalupe, however there is also a legend with St Elizabeth of Hungary. She was a princess who shared the castle’s food with the poor. Her husband loved and supported her but his relatives didn’t. One day she was taking loaves of bread when her husband, Louis stopped her and asked what she was hiding. When she opened up her cloak and roses fell and surrounded her feet.
Why are Roses so important to our faith? Roses have been called the queen of flowers. Perhaps this is because one of the title Our Lady holds is “Mystical Rose”.
Source: The Big Book of Catholic Customs and Traditions and
kathleenglavich.org/roses-mystical-rose-rosary/
Faith Enrichment Opportunities
Shelter Volunteers Needed |Opening 11/1 | La Crosse & Wausau| cclse.org/volunteer-opportunities/
GRACE Program |Support women & children with household, hygiene, & Baby essentials | La Crosse & Chippewa Valley areas| cclse.org/grace/
Pregnancy & Adoption Support | Catholic Charities | 24 hr help | 884.644.7223
World Youth Day |8/3-8,2027 | Seoul, South Korea | worldyouthday.com
Rel Formation News
K-10: Family Retreat 11/18 Starting with Potluck at 6pm
Bible Timeline Adult Study: Dec. 2
Wine & “Dine” with the Word: November 12 @ 6pm
A Pint & A Word: Looking for someone to lead this group. If feeling called, please contact 715 530-3225 or ssppcre@gmail.com
CCD/Confirmation:
Religious Ed. News
Please pray and see if you are being called to be a catechist. The Religious Ed Program is looking for a 7th grade and multiple sub teachers. Please contact the office at ssppcre@gmail.com or 715 530-3225.
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 Nov. 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 November, 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 November 28th and November 29th 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