From the Pastor's Desk:

August 17th, 2025

My Dear Parishioners,

This is the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. In today’s reading, we are reminded that life is not always filled with happiness. Our journey is like a rose plant.

It is sometimes beautiful to view, but there are sharp thorns attached that may cause us pain.

Conflict and tension will exist, especially between those who seek

the way of the Lord Jesus and those who are finding their own way, apart from Jesus.

In the First Reading we hear of one of the times that the prophet Jeremiah faced opposition for his preaching God’s message.

In the Gospel, Jesus remarks that His message will be a source of conflict between individuals, even in the same family because His Gospel will be challenging to

those who do not follow the ways of God.

Life of a disciple of the Lord Jesus is not always a comfortable experience. We can expect hard times, particularly as we are faithful to the Teacher. People, even members of our own family, will oppose us as we share the challenging aspects of the Good News.

Those who are complacent in their selfish lifestyles will want to silence the voice of those who challenge their self-centered ways. We may face trying times,

yet if we have the faith in the Lord Jesus Himself, we will be able to turn to God and acknowledge from where our strength comes. We will experience the help from our God and be able to sing God’s praise, knowing that the Lord Jesus thinks of us and is our

help and deliver.

May you be willing to give witness to the Good News of the Lord Jesus, even if it costs you loss of relationships with friends and family members. Amen!

God Bless You,

Father George, MSFS

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Sts. peter & paul Catholic Parish

AnnouncementS

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Saturday, August 16, 2025...

SSPP at 5:00 pm

Sunday, August 17, 2025...

SJA at 8:15 am

Sunday, August 17, 2025...

SSPP at 10:15 am

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Confessions:

SSPP Saturdays -4:00 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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"Happy 150th Anniversary to SS Peter & Paul Parish!"

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RELIGIOUS & ADULT EDUCATION

Religious & Adult Education

Weekly proclamation based on hope for the Jubilee Year of Hope Jubilee Year of Hope 2025

Each of us has many things for which we can be grateful to God. However, the greatest blessing that we can ever have is Jesus. God the Father gave us His Son, who endured horrific suffering, died, and rose again to overcome the power of Satan, sin and eternal death because of His profound love for us. Further, Jesus wanted to remain with us always and so He instituted one Church--the Catholic Church---so that we can receive His very life and truth. Jesus is the Savior of the world, the real reason for hope. Let us ask Christ to help us grow in the gift of hope, thereby trusting Him more.

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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Help those Afflicted by the Tragic Flooding in Texas

Catholic Charities is rushing assistance to those devastated by the recent catastrophic flooding in Texas, as the death toll continues to climb and whole communities are displaced. Please consider donating – visit www.cclse.org and click on the “Texas Flooding” link. And please hold in your prayers the souls of those who lost their lives, their grieving families and loved ones, and all who are suffering as a result of this tragic disaster.

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If you have a birthday during the month of September 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 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 30th and August 31st Masses.

Jubilee Year

Making a Pilgrimage

There is a long tradition of making pilgrimages in the Catholic Church. This practice has been encouraged by Pope Francis during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. The Pope explains that a pilgrimage is a "fundamental element of every jubilee year." He also granted an indulgence to the faithful who complete pilgrimages in this Holy Year.

Diocesan Churches that have been designated by Bishop Battersby as places of pilgrimages for the 2025 Jubilee Year:

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