1 ST MARK PARISH 602 Military Road, Rothschild, Wisconsin Parish Offices: 715-359-5206. Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Friday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Pastor: (Rev) Allan L. Slowiak, 715-359-5206 Primary Accompanist: Mikki Fronek, 715-359-5206 Deacon: Patrick McKeough, 715-359-5206 Pastoral Care to the Homebound: Susan Soriano, 715-675-3262 Director of Religious Education: Mary Hart, 715-359-5206 Secretary to the Parish: Mary Maly, 715-359-5206 Pastoral Musician: Mary Martin, 715-359-5206 Bookkeeper: Amy Tishken, 715-359-5206 Newman Catholic Schools at St. Mark 715-359-9662. Principal: Tina Meyer Email: [email protected]FAX: 715-355-8904 Web: www.smproths.org Information for the bulletin is due at 4:00 pm, Tuesday Liturgical Schedule Monday, February 18 No Sacrament of Eucharist Tuesday, February 19 Morning Praise, 8:10 am Wednesday, February 20 Morning Praise, 8:10 am Holy Communion Outside of Mass, St Clare Hospital, Noon Thursday, February 21 Saint Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor or the Church Morning Praise, 8:10 am Friday, February 22 The Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle Morning Praise, 8:10 am Saturday, February 23 Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr Ordinal 7 No Sacrament of Reconciliation Sacrament of Eucharist, 4:30 pm Sunday, February 24 Ordinal 7 Sacrament of Eucharist, 8:00 am Sacrament of Eucharist, 10:00 am _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ordinal Time, Week 6 February 17, 2019 SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM - Contact the Parish Offices for baptism dates and to register for preparation sessions. SACRAMENT of RECONCILIATION Saturday - 10:30 am SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING - Celebrated in the Spring and Fall or in the home and hospital. RCIA - A catechetical process to assist adults interested in becoming Catholic. Contact the Parish Offices. MARRIAGE - Couples planning to marry are to notify the Parish Offices one year prior to the desired wedding date. FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH with the parish, Contact the Parish Offices and ask for Father Slowiak.
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ST MARK PARISH 602 Military Road, Rothschild, Wisconsin
Parish Offices: 715-359-5206. Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Friday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Pastor: (Rev) Allan L. Slowiak, 715-359-5206 Primary Accompanist: Mikki Fronek, 715-359-5206 Deacon: Patrick McKeough, 715-359-5206 Pastoral Care to the Homebound: Susan Soriano, 715-675-3262 Director of Religious Education: Mary Hart, 715-359-5206 Secretary to the Parish: Mary Maly, 715-359-5206 Pastoral Musician: Mary Martin, 715-359-5206 Bookkeeper: Amy Tishken, 715-359-5206
Newman Catholic Schools at St. Mark 715-359-9662. Principal: Tina Meyer
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM - Contact the Parish Offices for baptism dates and to register for preparation sessions.
SACRAMENT of RECONCILIATION Saturday - 10:30 am
SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING - Celebrated in the Spring and Fall or in the home and hospital.
RCIA - A catechetical process to assist adults interested in becoming Catholic. Contact the Parish Offices.
MARRIAGE - Couples planning to marry are to notify the Parish Offices one year prior to the desired wedding date.
FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH with the parish, Contact the Parish Offices and ask for Father Slowiak.
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SACRED WORSHIP
Reflection of Today’s Scripture Texts —Father Slowiak Jeremiah 17:5-8 Jeremiah resided in the city of Jerusalem during the last days before the city was destroyed and overrun by the Babylonians [the beginning the Babylonian Exile], when many of the educated Israelites along with craftsmen were taken as captives. Jeremiah warned the people in vain of the coming destruction because of the idolatry and faithlessness of the Israelites to the covenant they forged with God through Moses. Incidentally, it was in the Babylonian Exile that the synagogue was born, first as a gathering of a specific number of men to pray and then a specific place where a set number of men gather to pray.
1 Corinthians 15:12-20 A continuation of the reading of last week. Again, Paul continues his reminder to Gentiles who viewed the body as fundamentally inferior and even evil—their difficulty with Paul's teaching and belief in the resurrection of the body. After all, if the body is inferior and even evil why resurrect it? Thus, Paul reinforces the biblical tradition that "all God creates is good."
Luke 6:17-26 We have the account of the Lukan Gospel Community of the Sermon on the Mount of which the account from Matthew is more familiarly known as the Community of Luke was rather wealthy and had problems learning to share. Thus the community collects Jesus' attack on the notion that prosperity in the world was a sign of God's favor—celebrating blessedness and right-eousness which one receives from service and sharing even though one may be materially poor and suffering.
Liturgical Ministry February 23 and 24, Ordinal 7 4:30 pm Servers. Brigitte L., Volunteer Lectors. Jim M., Ken H. Ministers of Hospitality. Leigh O., Bob O. Extraordinary Ministers. Deacon Patrick (c), Marie A., Mary S. (c), Dee V., Jeanne Z., 2 volunteers Pastoral Musicians. Mary M., Dean B.
8:00 am Servers. Daniel B., Sam B. Lectors. Doug B., Stephen B.
Ministers of Hospitality. Tony S., Tom S., Jerry W. Extraordinary Ministers. Ron D., Todd J., Loraine L. (c), Ann M. (c), Bill S., 2 volunteers Pastoral Musicians. Jeanette E., Linnea S.
10:00 am Servers. Annika S., Ava H. Lectors. Carol P., James B. Ministers of Hospitality. Tony H., Joseph B. Extraordinary Ministers. Kris B., Ron H. (c), Roxann M. (c), Sue S., 3 volunteers Pastoral Musicians. Diane S., Linda H., Handbell Choir If there is a discrepancy, follow the online or printed schedule
Homebound Communion - Susan Soriano
Homebound visits for the week of February 17, Team A: Ann L., Laurie K., Margaret K., Phyllis B., Pam Z.
Pastoral Music —Mary Martin
The Parish Choir will rehearse on Wednesday, February 20, at 6:30 pm in the church. The Parish Choir will sing at the 10:00 am Liturgy, Sunday, February 17. Prelude music will be, “Here Am I.” The Handbell Choir will practice on Tuesday, February 26, at 1:15 pm in the church.
In the Liturgy of the Church —Helen Ackermann
Why might it be that Jesus, in the Gospel of Luke, favors those who are poor, hungry, weeping and persecuted? In this version of the Beatitudes, those who are rich, not hungry, filled with laughter and honored by everyone are to be filled with woe. Might it be that we cannot have full trust in God if we do not experience a lack of control in our lives? Might not this lack of control be a blessing?
Depending on God, having faith, hope and love in our hearts, does not come easily to most of us. Our culture tells us that we can achieve greatness because of our riches, we can feel fulfilled and hunger for very little, we can measure our lives by the enjoyment and laughter we experience and we can rest on our laurels as people praise us for our success. And yet we are missing what is most important; trust and faith in a God who will walk with us no matter the circumstances. We might be so capable of solving our own problems that soon we do not need God.
Richard Rohr in his book, Eager to Love, The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi, defines suffering as “whenever we are not in control.” He also says that “some form of suffering is absolutely necessary to teach us how to live beyond the illusion of control and give that control back to God.” Jesus is telling us that it is through our own suffering that we become blessed because we finally learn
Marian Shrine Week of February 17
Edward Kasprzycki
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to trust God and come to know resurrection. We can come out the other side of the pain and suffering with a sense of well being. It is indeed a paradox but a necessary one. Richard Rohr also says, “The cross was Jesus’ voluntary acceptance of undeserved suffering as an act of total solidarity with all of the pain of the world.” Only acceptance of our own suffering can enable us to understand the suffering of others.
We call to mind this week, Peter Damien, bishop, doctor of the Church (Thursday) The Chair of St. Peter, the Apostle (Friday) Polycarp, bishop and martyr (Saturday)
St. Peter Damian, bishop, religious, doctor of the Church (1007-1072) Peter was born into a large family in Ravenna, Italy. When his parents died, he found himself in a household of an older brother. The brother was not good to him, often not feeding him enough and treating him as a slave. Finally another brother gave him enough money to go away to school. He was a fine student even though he did not have much schooling when young. By the time he was 25 he was a professor. Perhaps because he knew what it meant to be poor he invited the poor to dine with him almost every evening. He served them himself. Peter wanted to pray and study Scripture, so he became a monk. He became the head of his community. Eventually he was named bishop of Ostia and a cardinal of the Church. He fought against abuses of power by the clergy. He encouraged monks to live simple lives of prayer. Seven popes considered Peter as a trusted advisor. He gave counsel to many monasteries. On his way home from one of these monasteries, he caught a fever and died.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION/FORMATION
Religious Education —Mary Hart
Parents of children preparing for First Eucharist: A tour of the church building is Monday, February 18 at 6:30 pm. At least one parent must attend with their child since this is an
interactive activity. Families should meet in the church building at 6:30 pm.
This week in Religious Ed: February 18 6:30 pm, Sessions for Grades 1-6 6:30 pm, Church Tour with First Eucharist Families February 20 6:00 pm, Grade 8 visits residents at Copperleaf Assisted Living 6:30 pm, Sessions for Grades 7 and 9 February 25 6:00 pm, Grade 1 visits residents at Copperleaf Assisted Living 6:30 pm, Sessions for Grades 2-6
7:00 pm, Grade 3 Communal Prayer in the Church for children and parents. Newman Catholic Schools The NCS Mission Statement reads:
Newman Catholic Schools provides excellence in education in a Catholic environment and enhances the personal and spiritual growth of our students to meet life's challenges.
Enrolling Now for 2019-2020 School Year! Newman Catholic Schools is a shared ministry among area Catholic parishes. Our schools and centers are places where faith and education come together. Students receive an outstanding education rich in faith formation and excellent academic preparation. Families from area Catholic parishes and all faiths are welcomed to attend our schools and early childhood centers.
For Registration Information, visit the NCS website at
www.newmancatholicschools.com or call and set up a time to visit one of the Newman Catholic Schools:
NC Early Childhood Center: St. Michael (Licensed Child Care, Preschool, *4K) 715-848-0206
NC Early Childhood Center: St. Therese (Licensed Child Care, *4K) 715-355-5254
NC Elementary School: St. Mark (Preschool, *4K, K – Gr. 5) 715-359-9662
NC Elementary School: St. Anne (Gr. K – 5) 715-845-5754
NC Middle School (Gr. 6 – 8) / NC High School (Gr. 9 – 12) 715-845-8274
Limited Enrollment in some grade levels and courses. * 4K – Tuition Free – WSD & DCE Collaborative Programs
NCES: St Mark February 21 8:10 am, Morning Praise, School February 22 K-5 Progress Reports go home
FAMILY LIFE
Diocese of LaCrosse Office of Marriage and Family Life Safe Haven - - - What is the Concept?
Safe Haven is an invitation by the bishops of the United States to reflect on and address the harms of pornography and protect children, individuals, marriages, and families in overcoming pornography in life-giving relationships . . . this year focusing on the family and safeguarding children.
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A seven-day text-to-opt-in program is available in English and Spanish without cost, that provides practical tips for adults to create safer digital environments. Sign up for the seven-day text-to-opt-in program by texting “secure” to 66866.
Covenant Eyes is a diocesan approved resource that is committed to creating resources that foster the virtue of chastity and the tools to overcome pornography use and addiction. Safe Haven is one of the resources Covenant Eyes has developed to assist the implementation of the November 2015 statement of the bishops of the United States, one step at a time. http://www.foryourmarriage.org/create-in-me-a-clean-heart-abridged-version/
Check next week's bulletin for the insert, Relationship with God, Making Your Home a Safe Haven as an initial reflection.
National Marriage Encounter Weekend in Eau Claire A two day National Marriage Encounter Weekend, March 9 and 10 in Eau Claire. Marriage Encounter is designed for couples of all ages and denominations who are interested in having a closer marital relationship. The weekend will begin on Saturday morning with 7:30 am registration and close on Sunday afternoon by 3:45 pm. For more information contact Chippewa Valley Marriage Encounter at 715-832-3296, e-mail [email protected] or visit the web-site www.marriage-encounter.org/Affiliates/chippewa.htm
SOCIAL CONCERNS Next weekend, we welcome Rev. James Horath who will be with us to celebrate the Liturgies and tell us about the work of
Unbound, a lay Catholic sponsorship ministry that helps children and elderly in 18 developing countries. To learn more call 800-875-6564 or visit www.unbound.org.
LADIES COUNCIL OF ST MARK PARISH Operation Baby Bottle: A service project to support Hope Life Center. Bottles filled with your monetary donation can be returned at the Ladies Council dinner on May 14 or the Parish Office. We are also asking for donations of infant/toddler diapers, any size; bring to the dinner or drop off at the Parish Office.
Prayer Shawl Ministry. New members are welcome to join this ministry, Thursdays at 1:00 pm in the Adult Formation Room. Prayer shawls are available in the Parish Office for anyone who has need of one.
ADULT ENRICHMENT -Father Slowiak
We pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “thy kingdom come, thy will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Jesus' Sermon on the Plain—more accurately, his two Ser-mons on the Plain— (Matthew 5:1–7:29 and Luke 6:17, 20-
26), make me wonder in the night if we really mean what we pray. Do we really want God’s Kingdom, God’s will to be done on earth, even as in heaven? Do we want that will to be done when Jesus makes God’s will clear?
Jesus says he is preaching good news. The sermon of Matthew’s Jesus sounds like good news—for some of us. And yet, the sermon of Luke’s Jesus sounds like rather bad news—for some of us. Where do these two sermons find you this Sunday? If you are feeling rather content, accom-plished, and satisfied, then I would suppose Luke’s ser-mon is not one of your favorites.
On the other hand, if you feel empty, mourning a loss, or overwhelmed, then maybe that of Matthew’s Jesus is good news for you. Rejoice, God’s kingdom is for you.
One sermon by the same Jesus hear differently by Luke’s and Matthew’s people. How do you hear them?
The Circle of Joy facilitates the distribution
of staple food items in the name of the parish to those with temporary needs within the “area” of St. Mark Parish. If you know a person or
family who needs assistance, contact the Parish Offices (715-359-5206).
JUNE BUG ’19. New Chairpersons and parish
members interested in assisting, helping, and organizing are needed. You won’t be in this alone. An experienced core group will train and support you; your talents will be a valued asset.
Everyone’s help is needed to make JUNE BUG ‘19 a huge success! Call Jim Bradfish at 715-370-0310 to find out more about the many ways you, your family and friends can have fun and support our Parish fundraiser.
Raffel Tickets. JUNE BUG ‘19 is looking for sponsors for
the raffle tickets. This is a good way to advertise your business. Contact Lisa Sloan at [email protected] or 715-212-1580 for more information.
Co-Chairs needed for the 5K Family Fun Run/
Walk. This is a fun event for any age! If you have experience running in or planning 5K’s we could use your help.
If you have misplaced your pledge card there are coded cards in the entrances of the church with envelopes for your convenience. Do not send cash.
Direct questions or concerns to Amy Tishken, Parish Bookkeeper, at 715-359-5206.
FROM THE DIOCESE —Diocese of La Crosse
Girls Ages 9-12, Come and See Day at Mater Redemptoris House of Formation, March 23. This is an opportunity to visit with the Sisters, pray, play and learn more about the their lives. Register by March 13 (or until filled) at www.materredemptoris.org. Contact Sister M. Consolata at [email protected] or 608-788-4530 with questions.
FAITH ENRICHMENT Saint Anthony Spirituality Center, Marathon. To register visit www.sarcenter.com or call 715-443-2236.
Lenten Day of Prayer: Preparing to Let God "Easter" In Us, March 10, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. From the first day of Lent, the Ash Wednesday readings make God’s call to us clear: “Return to me with your whole heart” (Joel 2:12). This is an extraordi-nary invitation to each one of us in a personal, individual way. Join us for this day of prayer as we reflect on how we will respond to this invitation to deepen our relationship with God, grow in freedom, and experience Easter joy. Cost: $45
IN THE AREA St. Vincent de Paul’s “Smart Chicks and Old Bags”, March 2, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm, St. Michael Parish. Mashtini lunch served 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, $10. Sale included new and gen-tly used purses, scarves, hats and jewelry. Donated items (clearly marked “Smart Chicks” may be dropped off at the Thrift Store, 131 W Thomas St, Wausau. Call Mary Brotz 715-574-1624 for more information. Holy Family—St. William, Wittenberg, Kapusta-Kielbasa, Golabki, Meatballs and Potato Dumpling Dinner, March 3. Mass at 10:00 am, serving 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Adults $10, children 6-12 $5, ages 5 and under free. Sacred Heart School, Polonia, All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner, March 9 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the church hall. Ticket prices are: $8 ages 13 and up, $5 ages 7-12, ages 6 and under free. Dinner includes choice of marinara or meat sauce, bread sticks, salad, dessert, coffee and milk. Soda, beer and wine coolers will be available for purchase. Basket raffle proceeds to help fund the grade 6 field trip to Chicago. Raffle drawing will be at 6:45 pm. Holy Temptations Annual Feast Night, St. Florian, Hatley, March 16 at 5:00 pm, in the church basement. St. Florian’s Youth Group invites you to their annual feast night—sample a variety of dishes prepared by culinary professionals and novice chefs, enjoy an evening of food, music, auction, raffle and spirits. Non refundable tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, beverages available at additional cost. Call 715-446-3085 ext. 301.
Stewardship of Time and Talent Volunteer/community involvement this week
by parish members, 104 hours.
Mass Attendance
20-Jan 27-Jan 3-Feb 10-Feb
4:30 156 162 275 146
8:00 121 93 94 115
10:00 163 187 122 246
Total 440 442 491 507
Operating Income
10-Feb 1 Jul-10 Feb 2019 Balance
Adult 8,300.50 365,851.00 585,000 219,149.00
Student 8.00 314.45 600 285.55
Offering 592.25 14,885.61 23,500 8,614.39
Debt Reduction 175.00 7,609.00
Totals 9,075.75 388,660.06
Adult Tithe Summary
Tithe Budgeted Per Week 11,250.00
Received this Week 8,300.50
-2,949.50
Received Week 1-33 365,851.00
Budgeted Weeks 1-33 371,250.00
Under Budget (5,399.00)
Other Income/Transfers
Circle of Joy 0.00 1,129.67
Votive Candles 126.30 1041.41
Ch Organ Replacement Fund 0.00 6,818.75
Endowment Trust (Holding) 0.00 600.00
Catholic Life 160.00 540.00
Campaign for Human Dev 5.00 5.00
Current Statistics for St Mark Parish
Target $90,740.00 Total Received $42,274.10 This is 46.59% of the Target Balance Remaining ($48,465.90) Number of Donors 235
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PINK BOX PURPOSE—St. Mark Confirmation Candidate Service Project: Donations Needed: Of printed cotton and flannel fabric (no white, camouflage or fleece) cut in 1 yard sections. The Confirmation Candidates will be participating in a day of service on March 3. One of the service sessions will be cutting fabric sanitary pads for the Pink Box Purpose (the same organization the Ladies Council of St. Mark worked with in the fall.) These will reach the women of Honduras who will sew them together which provides an income to support their families. The pads are then distributed to women and girls in their local communities, making a huge impact in the lives of the girls and women who receive the pads and hygiene bags. Fabric or monetary donations for fabric can be dropped off at the parish office.
Confirmation Candidates Service Event, January 10. Serving a Meal at the Jubilee House
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SCRIPTURE TEXTS—Ordinal Time 7
Opening Prayer: Lord God, as I meditate on Your Holy Word, may I be sincere in what I am challenged with in this Word which speaks to me of forgiveness and reconciliation. I am asked to go beyond my own needs to love even my enemy. I am asked not to judge. All of this is difficult and I need Your divine assistance to live according to the words of Your Son, Jesus, He who is Lord forever and ever. Amen. 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 In those days, Saul went down to the desert of Ziph with three thousand picked men of Israel, to search for David in the desert of Ziph. So David and Abishai went among Saul’s soldiers by night and found Saul lying asleep within the barricade, with his spear thrust into the ground at his head and Abner and his men sleeping around him.
Abishai whispered to David: “God has delivered your enemy into your grasp this day. Let me nail him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I will not need a second thrust!” But David said to Abishai, “Do not harm him, for who can lay hands on the LORD’s anointed and remain unpunished?” So David took the spear and the water jug from their place at Saul’s head, and they got away without anyone’s seeing or knowing or awakening. All remained asleep, because the LORD had put them into a deep slumber.
Going across to an opposite slope, David stood on a remote hilltop at a great distance from Abner, son of Ner, and the troops. He said: “Here is the king’s spear. Let an attendant come over to get it. The LORD will reward each man for his justice and faithfulness. Today, though the LORD delivered you into my grasp, I would not harm the LORD’s anointed.” Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13 R. (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.
Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities, heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with kindness and compassion. R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes. R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him. R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
1 Corinthians 15:45-49 Brothers and sisters: It is written, The first man, Adam, became a living being, the last Adam a life-giving spirit. But the spiritual was not first; rather the natural and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, earthly; the second man, from heaven. As was the earthly one, so also are the earthly, and as is the heavenly one, so also are the heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one. Luke 6:27-38 Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” Reflection Questions: 1. What keeps you from forgiving those who have hurt
you? 2. Why is it so difficult not to judge others? 3. When you have been generous, have you experienced a generosity in your own life? 4. Are you willing to go beyond your comfort zone to reconcile with those whom you are in conflict? Concluding Prayer: Lord God, there are so many challenges in this gospel. There are so many times when I do not forgive readily. There are so many times when I judge others. Forgive me for these times and assist me in following the words of Jesus more fully. He is Lord forever and ever. Amen.
