From the Pastor's Desk:

My Dear Parishioners,

This is the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Today's readings speak to us about humility. Humility has often had a negative connotation, in the sense of "false humility" or "passivity" or "letting people walk all over you." We hear today how we are called to be "grounded" in God.

Zephaniah reminds us today that we need to seek the Lord and seek humility. If we are truly humble, we will realize how much we need God. Not that we don't have talents, abilities, and in of ourselves, but those qualities have been given to us by God and we need to admit our reliance on God.

In the Gospel, Jesus takes on the characteristics of the new Moses. He ascends the mountainside and hands down a new set of commandments. St. Matthew builds on the image of Jesus as the new Moses in the way he sets up his Gospel. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law. Jesus gives new guidelines for His disciples to follow. The new guidelines speak about being humble, yet active.

Our readings today call us to be humble - admitting who we are in God's eyes and in the circumstances in which we live. It means not boasting or complaining, but seeing how we can make a difference right here and now in the conditions in which we live. We can make use of our God given abilities to reach out and proclaim the Good News of God's choosing to love each and every person. In this way, we will be building up the Reign of God by edifying God's holy people.

May you continue to reflect on God's action in your life and may that motivate you to humbly reach out to others, to share with them the Good News of God's love. Amen!

God Bless You,

Fr. George, MSFS

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Sts. peter & paul Catholic Parish

AnnouncementS

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Saturday, January 31, 2026...

4:00 pm

Sunday, February 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

ST. FAUSTINA STUDY GROUP: the next study group session will be held this Monday, February 2, 2026. We will meet in the school starting at 4:00 p.m. Last week’s session was cancelled due to the cold weather.

WHY DO WE BLESS THROATS? On the Feast of St. Blaise (February 3), priests bless throats using two candles crossed against the neck to invoke protection from diseases. This tradition commemorates St. Blaise, a 4th-century bishop and physician, who saved a child from choking on a fishbone. Significance: The crossed candles represent the cross, symbolizing both the protection of the faith and the specific miracle of saving the child.

Hopefully you saw in yesterday's Chancery Bulletin that Bishop Battersby has asked all our parishes to commit to a Votive Mass, a Holy Hour, and/or a Rosary for Peace over the next two weeks, in light of the tragic violence and chaos that has unfolded recently in Minneapolis. His request is complemented today by this invitation from Archbishop Paul Coakley, President of the USCCB, to celebrate a Holy Hour for Peace. Note that his invitation can be viewed also in Spanish.

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 submit their reports directly to the relevant 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 at 608.791.2679 or tbrown@diolc.org.

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CCD/Confirmation:

CCD/Confirmation: Reminder- January Family Retreat has been rescheduled for February 15. Hope to see you there. On February 18 (Ash Wednesday) all students will attend the Ash Wednesday Mass. No regular classes.

Tradition Corner:

Tradition Corner: Candlemas (Feb 2) is when we celebrate the presentation of the Christ Child in the temple and for some, the end of the Christmas season. This is the 40th day after Epiphany (what, at one time, was celebrated as Christ’s birth) and is marked by the Jewish law where a mother who has given birth and her child must go to the temple for purification. The name Candlemas comes from the blessing of the candles and the Mass and procession that at one time was major undertaking.

Source: https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-Edition/the-tradition-of-candlemas

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 February 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 February, 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 February 21st and February 22nd Masses.