From the Pastor's Desk:

My Dear Parishioners,

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is known as “Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday,” expressing the Church’s joy in anticipation of the Resurrection of our Lord. Today’s readings remind us that it is God Who both gives us proper vision in body as well as in soul and instructs us that we should be constantly on our guard against spiritual blindness.

The First Reading describes what God sees in the person of David.

In the Gospel, Jesus gives not only physical sight to a blind man, but also new spiritual vision to him.

Today's passage uses the imagery of sight and blindness to speak of the deeper reality of spiritual sight (faith) and spiritual blindness (faithlessness or false religiosity). The personal question for each of us is where are we in the passage? With whom do we identify?

This is a great day for us to look at our spiritual vision. How do we see our relationship with God? Do we need to have our spiritual eyesight checked? God moves in mysterious ways, and as soon as we think we see Who God is, God appears in a different manner that will escape our sight. Are we humbled enough to admit our spiritual blindness? We should ask God to remove those things that hinder our sight. We need to continue to petition the Lord Jesus to open our eyes of faith so that we can see the divine vision. It can be scary. We will have to change our lifestyles and live differently, but when we begin to see as God sees, we will be amazed at what we had not been able to see before. We will then ask God to help us see more and we will praise God for the gift of sight.

Let us pray with the Scottish Bible scholar William Barclay, “God our Father, help us see Christ more clearly, love him more dearly and follow him more nearly” day by day.

God Bless You,

Fr. George, MSFS

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Sts. peter & paul Catholic Parish

AnnouncementS

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Saturday, March 14, 2026...

5:00 pm

Sunday, March 15, 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

Tradition Corner:

Tradition Corner– 40 is an important number in Biblical history. 40 years for the Israelites to roam the desert, 40 days of Jesus Fasting in the desert, 40 days & 40 nights for the Flood, etc. This number symbolizes more than just a number but according to Paul J Niemann, it is “another way of saying ‘long enough’ or ‘enough time.’” So just as each of the 40 stories in the Bible had “enough time” to change something in history, may this 40 days be for us “enough time” to turn from our distractions back to the Way.

Source: franciscanmedia.org/ The Lent, Triduum and Easter Answer Book by Paul J Niemann

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.