From the Pastor's Desk:

My Dear Parishioners,

On this Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus challenges us to know him personally as He makes an exclusive, concerned, loving claim upon each one of us. He invites us to discover Him, serve Him and love Him as Lord and He wants from each one of us our total, single hearted response. He offers an exclusive promise, and builds with us the best and unique friendship which indicates that through Him and in Him alone we will find salvation. From today's readings, we perceive the depth of the riches, wisdom and knowledge of God. We come to the realization that the judgments of God are indeed mysterious and yet contain His deep concern for us.

Isaiah speaks harshly to Shebna, as master of the palace. Shebna had told the king to make an alliance of power with the Egyptians against the Assyrians. This turned out to be disastrous for the Jewish people. The main reason why the Chosen People came upon rough times was because they trusted in the wrong authority - an alliance with another nation. They have not trusted in the authority of God. Isaiah condemns Shebna and lifts up Eliakim as a man of authority who will advise and lead the people in a God fearing way. He will be a father to the people, a person due respect because he governs the people with the right attitude.

In the Gospel today we see Jesus making a simple human inquiry about the way they have understood Him and whether His mission is successful. He is the God-man, the Messiah but He wants to know how His disciples have truly grasped His teaching. Peter responds to Him in the name of the disciples that He is the Messiah. In return Peter is commissioned by Jesus and is given the authority and leadership in the church. He promises Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven. The symbolism of the keys here expresses the authority given by Jesus to Peter and his successors. The meaning of the granting of the keys could not be explained or rationalized away, as many rationalize it today when they view the Church as merely a political institution. The keys to the kingdom come from God and from no one else. Peter has been given the authority of the keys directly by Jesus. When Jesus ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Messiah, surely, the disciples must have misunderstood His strange command. They would have liked to experience the glory of the Messiah and relish His popularity. They could not surely understand the mysterious ways of the Lord, that the Kingdom of God was not a physical Kingdom. From today's reading we learn that sometimes in life, we do not understand why things happen the way they do.

May you continue to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you follow Jesus, the Priest, the prophet, and the King. Amen!

God Bless You,

Fr. George, MSFS

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Sts. peter & paul Catholic Parish

AnnouncementS

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026...

5:00 pm

Sunday, Aug. 23, 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,

Tradition Corner

On August 27th & 28th we celebrate the Feasts of St Monica and St Augustine. These mother and son saints are known for St Monica never giving up on the faith of her son and St Augustine’s conversion and assent to Bishop, Doctor of the Church, and one of the greatest theologians.

Source: Google

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.

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.

Registration Meeting for Religious Ed Grades 5K-10 will be on Wed, Aug 26 at 6pm. Can’t wait to see you! Gr 11 will be on Wed Sept 2.

For those who are interested in committing to or renewing your knowledge of 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.

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 August 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 August, 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 August 29th and July 30th Masses.