From the Pastor's Desk:

My Dear Parishioners,

This is the First Sunday in Lent. Grace. Temptation. Results of facing temptation. Grace again. That sort of sums up today's readings. Grace is God's gift of Divine life given to humans. Temptation is when humans are given the freedom to choose whether they want to accept God's grace or choose another value that may seem pleasing to them at the time. The result of facing temptation will vary depending on what one chooses to do with the temptation. The final step is God offering more grace. Notice the cycle begins and ends with God's gift of grace - a share in the Divine life for humans.

What brings us hope in all of this, is that God continues to choose each and every one of us. God wants to grace us. The Lord wants to give us the gift of Divine Life. God is patient with us even after we keep refusing to accept the Divine gift of grace. He offers grace to us again and again. He has chosen us to be holy people, God's "Chosen People." God is not going to give up on us, even though we sometimes give up on God. God wants a relationship with us, even though we sometimes choose to have relationships with things and other people which/who lead us away from God. Jesus reminds us that He is not going to take the easy way to gaining our allegiance. Jesus could force us to love God, but then it really would not be love. Jesus shows us that love is making the decision to follow God even when faced with temptations, trials, and difficulties.

If we make a decision to follow the Lord Jesus, God will grace us with an ever-deepening relationship. If we decide to follow our own paths, God will still extend grace to us so we can change our direction and re-orient our lives back toward God.

May you continue to respond to God's grace touching your life. Amen!

God Bless You,

Fr. George, MSFS

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Sts. peter & paul Catholic Parish

AnnouncementS

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Saturday, February 21, 2026...

4:00 pm

Sunday, February 22, 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

Lent: Remembering God's Goodness and Acknowledging Our Sin.

An important component of our Lenten journey is to realize and remember what God has done for us. Jesus proved His love for us as He gave His life for us on the cross that we might spend eternity with Him in perfect bliss. The foundation of our Lenten practices needs to be based upon thanking Jesus for His kindness, generosity and self-sacrificial love. Take time to look back over the day to see where you have experienced His kindness and generosity.

Repentance is a major focus during the season of Lent. Repentance means to turn away from sin and then turn toward God. A good way to enter into the spirit of repentance is by making a good confession. Jesus instituted the sacrament of reconciliation because we need healing from the effects of personal sin after Baprtism. The sacrament of reconciliation is a sacrament of healing, as Jesus- the Divine Physician - restores our soul to innocence, freedom and a peaceful calm. ****************************************

Tradition Corner:

Tradition Corner– In this time of renewal, Confession is a great way to reflect on who we are called to be. One tradition that is no longer practiced is when a parishioner would come to the confessional, there would be a slot in the screen. That slot was to slide the pew number that the family had purchased (at one time, families had to purchase pews to reserve them for their families).

Source: Ginny Kulig

OCIA: Welcome to those who are coming into full Communion with the Church! On Sunday February 22, our Candidates’ sponsors will profess that they are ready to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Are you being called? Looking for those willing to lead a Bible Studies for adults & kids. Please reach out by phone/text 715 530-3225 or email to ssppcre@gmail.com.

CCD/Confirmation:

Are you being called? Looking for those willing to lead a Bible Studies for kids. Please reach out by phone/text 715 530-3225 or email to ssppcre@gmail.com.

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 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.

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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.