Epiphany of the Lord

January 5, 2020

THE BANE AND THE BLESSED I have served Mass for St. Pope Paul VI. I have seen Warren Spahn pitch. I have been present at a lecture given by the poet W.H. Auden. I sat in the balcony of the House of Representatives as President Nixon delivered his State of the Union speech. I shook hands with President Ford. But none of those experiences moved me like the time my father made me go with him to my friend’s home and apologize to Kevin for something I had done. Or the time I heard the church bells ring for daily Mass and saw an elderly Italian woman drop the sticks she had worked hard to collect to heat her home and go into the church. Or the married couple holding hands during the funeral Mass for their young son. Or the time I witnessed a young child seeing Lake Michigan for the first time. We have those “Magi moments.” We have those times when we come and adore Him. And like the Magi we know we cannot return home by the same route again. The Lord be with you. Father John Parr

FOR YOUR MARRIAGE

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Come visit our next meeting on January 12th at 7 pm in the gathering space at SEAS. Meet other men at our parish and learn what we are doing for the parish and the community. Get plugged in and

connected with some amazing men at our SEAS. See you then!

PRAYER REQUESTS

Rebecca Chatfield The Donaldson Family

Bill Druliner Sharon Grabar Sherry Hanson

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June Kukovec Jerome Malin

Phyllis Thaldorf Colleen Tisil

SEAS STEWARDSHIP

As we begin a new year, now is the time to reaffirm your commitment to your spouse. Marriage is a lifelong relationship that requires effort and work along the way.

However, a thriving marriage is not a victory to be won. It is a journey…and it is a journey that is lived out in the little things, in little ways. Let this be the motto for your life and your marriage this year, “Every day, in every way, get a little bit better.” Be a little kinder. A bit more patient. Pray a minute longer. Listen more carefully. Do a task that isn’t “yours”. Show your love in the power of little things. It will be an amazing gift to your marriage.

Beginning this week, we will have Little Burgundy Books/Six-minute Reflections on Stewardship In Light of the Gospel of Matthew available for all parishioners. We will pray with these books for the next month to help ready ourselves to answer the call to Stewardship when we receive our 2020 parish Stewardship booklets the weekend of February 15/16. Thank you, and God bless you as you discern the sharing of your gifts this year.

At this time of year, our food pantry has been very blessed to receive food from a number of food drives. We are so grateful for all the donations we receive from both our parish members and our community. If you are interested in donating to our pantry this month, we do continue to be in need of hygiene and cleaning products, such as laundry soap, dish soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo. Thank you so very much for helping our sisters and brothers in Christ.

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

Is your marriage drifting apart? Retrouvaille is designed to give you the tools you need to restore joy and hope to your marriage. Next retreat in our area will be February 14-16, 2020, at St. Anthony Spirituality Center in Marathon. “We Needed to Refresh Our Marriage …It was wonderful.” See more comments from program participants at HelpOurMarriage.org . For more information, call 877-922-HOPE (4673) Fully Confidential; or go to: https://diolc.org/marriage/marriage-help/

RETROUVAILLE

Please remember, the sick, hospitalized, military members, homebound and anyone needing of our prayers. May they experience the healing power of God.

WHEN REQUESTING THAT AN INDIVIDUAL BE ADDED

TO OUR PRAYER LIST, YOU MUST HAVE THE CONSENT OF THE INDIVIUDAL OR THEIR FAMILY FOR THEIR NAME

TO BE PUBLICIZED. ALSO, PLEASE REMEMBER TO INFORM US WHEN SOMEONE

SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE LIST.

The Holmen Knights of Columbus annual Free Throw contest Wednesday January 8 at Sandlake Elementary School. All boys and girls in the Holmen area ages 9-14 are invited. Date/Time: Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Registration/Warm-up: 6:00 – 6:30 pm Contest Starts: 6:30 pm Location: Sandlake Elementary School Cost: FREE Contact: Brian Clements (608.304.1470, jnc3daddy@gmail.com) To speed up registration print, fill out this form, and bring to contest: http://www.kofc.org/un/en/resources/service/youth/freethrow/1598_Print.pdf NOTE: WIAA has changed their ruling on Girls/Boys participation. This means all girls and boys ages 9-14 can participate without impacting eligibility to play JV, VR, and Varsity high school programs.

FAITH FORMATION

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BULLETIN EARLY TO PRESS – NO FINANCIAL INFO AVAILABLE

BAPTISM CLASS

Expecting parents, the next Baptism class is Monday, January20th at 6:30 pm. Parents, this session is an opportunity for you to enrich, deepen, and strengthen your Catholic Faith – the Faith you are asking to have your child brought into at the

celebration of their baptism. Unless there is an emergency, parents are required to attend our Baptism session before each child is presented for baptism. Therefore, if you are pregnant, now is the time for you to register for class. To register, call Sr. Bridget at the parish or go online at: www.seasholmen.org. God bless you!

Deep Meaning of Epiphany

The feast of Epiphany-Christ's divinity completes the feast of Christmas-His humanity. It fulfills all our Advent longing for the King "who is come with great power and majesty." We see that whereas Christmas is the family feast of Christianity, Epiphany is the great "world feast of the Catholic Church." Epiphany is outlined in four main ideas: Divine manifestation: Epiphany from the Greek word epiphania, denotes the visit of a god to earth. The idea of this feast is the manifestation of Christ as the Son of God. "Begotten before the daystar and before all ages, the Lord our Savior is this day made manifest to the world." Royal kingship: Epiphany presents to us the extension of Christ's kingship to the whole world, not just a chosen few. Your Light is Come: During Advent, the world was in darkness, and we prayed and waited in the spirit of the Jewish nation which lived in expectation of the Coming Light during thousands of years. At Christmas the Light shone forth, but dimly, seen only by a few around the crib: Mary and Joseph and the shepherds. But at Epiphany the Light bursts forth to all nations and the prophecy is fulfilled. The royal nuptials: the wedding of Christ with humanity. The Epiphany antiphon for the hour of Lauds brings out strikingly this theme of the divine marriage of Christ with humanity. We do not commemorate a set of historical facts as much as we celebrate a great mystery: "This day the Church is joined to her heavenly Spouse, for Christ has cleansed her crimes in the Jordan. With gifts the Magi hasten to the royal nuptials, and the guests are gladdened with wine made from water." Activity Source: Twelve Days of Christmas, The by Elsa Chaney, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN, 1955

Important Faith Formation Dates

Wed., Jan. 8-No Faith Formation-Catechist Meeting 6:30pm at church Sun., Jan. 12-Confirmation Mentor Session IV, 6:30pm in church Wed., Jan. 15-Faith Formation classes resume

It is the custom of the Catholic Church that priests remember specific intentions at the celebration of the Eucharist. Normally, a small offering or stipend (customarily $10 in the Diocese of La Crosse) is given for a Mass intention. Anyone can request a particular intention for which a Mass can be offered. Mass cards, to be given to the family of a deceased person for whom a Mass is to be offered, are available when requesting a Mass intention. If you would like to have a Mass celebrated for some-one, we have openings for intentions throughout 2020. Please contact Sandy in the Parish Office (526-4424).

MASS INTENTIONS

DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL

Wow, what incredible generosity is displayed at SEAS. We are happy to announce that we have reached 57.7% of our parish target. Wouldn’t it be great to finally reach that goal and then to exceed it? Please if you have not done so, send in your pledge card as soon as possible. No pledge is too small or too large and prayers are always

welcome. Extra pledge cards can be found in the gathering place or you can easily donate online at: diolc.org/donate-online

Parish Target: $83,735 As of 12/23/19: $48,424.04 pledged

Thank you to the 157 donors who have pledged so far.

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PARISH INFORMATION

PARISH RECTORY & OFFICE Phone ............................................................................... 526-4424 Fax Number .................................................................... 526-3177 Email: office@seasholmen.org STAFF Pastor, Father John Parr ............................................... 526-4424

pastor@seasholmen.org Pastor Emeritus, Monsignor Delbert J. Malin............. 526-4908

djm133@charter.net

sbridget@seasholmen.org Pastoral Minister, Carol Reider .................................... 526-4424

carol@seasholmen.org C.R.E. (3 years-gr. 5),.Mary Luebke ………………526-4424 reled@seasholmen.org

...... 526-4424 youth@seasholmen.org

Director of Music, Beth Lakmann…………………..526-4424 music@seasholmen.org Secretary, Sandy Jerue ................................................. 526-4424 office@seasholmen.org

Sister Jean ....................................................................... 526-4908 sjean@seasholmen.org

MASS SCHEDULE Weekend: Sat. 5:00 pm and Sun. 8:00 & 10:15 am Weekday: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am except Tues. 7:00 am Gluten Free Hosts: St. Elizabeth’s has gluten free hosts available. Please contact Fr. Parr, and he will make the necessary arrangements. SACRAMENTS Reconciliation: Saturday 4:00 pm or by appointment. Baptism: Baptism involves membership in the church. Parents are to attend a session early in the pregnancy. Marriage: Our church is trying to create successful marriages. This takes some time. Arrangements for a wedding date are to be made at least six months before the anticipated date. Anointing of the Sick: Communal celebrations in fall and spring. Individual celebrations upon request. Please call the office when family members are hospitalized.

PASTORAL VISITATION Anyone who desires a personal home visit is invited to call the parish office. CATECHUMENATE Anyone wishing to become a full member of the Church is invited to visit the parish office.

MEN OF THE CROSS

Parish Council Members Alyson Haugen Jennifer Fisk Brian Clements Christine Olson

Mary Lenz Kathy Nicklaus Bill Heinz Patty Heiderscheit

Finance Council Members Larry Warzynski Shawn Handland Janice Dvoracek Barry Ploessl Pat Stephens

Men’s Renewal Retreat What does it mean to “be a man of the cross”? Find out by joining us for a one-day retreat focusing on practical ways to daily live out the Gospel call to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. We’ll receive great insights from Deacon Ralph Poyo, who was a favorite speaker from the fall Men of the Cross Conference, to embrace our crosses and learn of ways to become the man, father, husband, son that God intended. Details: When: February 15, 9am– 3pm Where: St. John the Baptist Parish, 201 W Blodgett St., Marshfield, WI Cost: $25/person (Includes morning snack and lunch) - $30 at the door For more information and to register, go to: menofthecross.org

Do you have an upcoming surgery or hospital stay? Would you like a visit from our pastoral staff? Kindly notify the parish office and arrangements can be made. Fr. Parr will be happy to administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of

the Sick prior to planned surgeries.

PASTORAL VISITS

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Pastoral Council - Monday, Jan. 13th at 6:30pm

Finance Council - Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 4:30pm

RIGHT TO LIFE

Wisconsin Right to Life On Sunday, January 19, 2020, Wisconsin Right to Life will have a signature ad in the La Crosse Tribune. This will be a public

statement of our belief in the sanctity of all human life and as a remembrance of the tragic Roe v. Wade decision of January 22, 1973. Since that decision, over 60 million lives have been lost to legal abortion in our country. Please add your name to this ad and stand up for life. There will be people collecting names after all Masses the weekend of January 11 and 12. (If you are able, a donation of $2 per name or $5 per family to help defray the cost of the ad is appreciated.)

THANK YOU CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sunday, January 5 Epiphany of the Lord 8:00 am Mass People of SEAS 10:15am Mass † Jack Strathmann

Monday, January 6 Christmas Weekday 8:30 am Mass † Aaron Pelowski 1:00 pm Good Mourning Ministry

Tuesday, January 7 Christmas Weekday Food Pantry Resumes Regular Hours 9-11am 7:00 am Mass † Angeline Haug

Wednesday, January 8 Christmas Weekday 8:30 am Mass † Aaron Pelowski No Faith Formation classes 6:30 pm Catechist Meeting

Thursday, January 9 Christmas Weekday 8:30 am Mass † Larry Roberts

Friday, January 10 Christmas Weekday 8:30 am Mass † Rod Clark

Saturday, January 11 Christmas Weekday 8:00 am Pray the Rosary 4:00 pm Sacrament of Penance

Vigil: Baptism of the Lord 5:00 PM Mass † Willard Tanke

Sunday, January 12 Baptism of the Lord 8:00 am Mass † Beverly Burritt 9:15 am Simple Living Discussion Group 10:15am Mass People of SEAS 6:30 pm Confirmation Sponsor Session

Visit our website at: seasholmen.org

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MISS A BULLETIN?

Did you miss getting a bulletin after Mass? No worries, past bulletins can be found on the website at: seasholmen.org or use the BULLETINS button on the MYparish App for your smartphone or tablet. Never miss a parish event again.

Thank you to those who have donated to the Christmas Flowers that were on the Altar. If you still have an envelope you want to share, please turn it in as soon as possible. We would like to acknowledge in the bulletin the names of whom those flowers were in honor

of. Thank you again and God Bless you and your families in 2020!

Please inform the parish office of addresses, cell, home and work phone numbers and address changes. We need your help in maintaining our parish records by advising us of changes as soon as possible. Please call Sandy at the parish office 526-4424 or email office@seasholmen.org.

SEAS SIMPLE LIVING

Laudato Si In 2015, Pope Francis presented to the world the encyclical “Laudato Si” or “Care for Our Common Home”. The title “Laudato Si” is taken from the beginning of St. Francis’s prayer “Canticle of the Creation” and reminds us that the earth “is like a sister with whom we share our lives.” Please join us the second Sunday of every month from 9:15 to 10:00 a.m. as we continue to discern what we, individually and as a community, are called to do as stewards of creation. Please know that all are wel-come to pray and reflect on Pope Francis’ words – even if you have not attended previous sessions, there

is much to share!

GOOD MOURNING MINISTRY

The next SEAS Good Mourning Ministry is scheduled for Monday, January 6 at 1:00 at church. Losing one's partner, one's soul mate, one's spouse or a child "demands" the greatest inner strength one can apply, and it requires the help and wisdom of fellow grief travelers. All are welcome to join this or any future gathering.

FOOD PANTRY RESUMES

Attention All Food Pantry Guests and Volunteers – The Food Pantry will resume its regular schedule starting this Tuesday, January 7th. The Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9am-11am. Please don’t hesitate to contact Fr. Parr, Sr. Bridget, or Carol Reider in the parish office at any time, if you have questions. Also, if you know of others who are in need of food pantry assistance, please let them know of the help available at St. Elizabeth’s. Thank you and God bless.