Dear Parishioners,
Our deepest sympathy to Lucy Moldan and family on the death of her mother, Mildred Tauer. May Mildred, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Merry Christmas! It is so good that the Christmas season lasts longer than just Christmas Day! I, for one, need the extra time to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, in addition to rest from all the additional time commitments of Advent.
I am thankful of two 'groups' of people this week. First, thank you to all that made the Christmas Liturgies what they were. Like the First Christmas itself, if one of the smallest elements had been deleted, it would not have been the same, and that goes for the servers, lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, musicians and choir members, and those behind the scenes who decorated the Churches so beautifully! Special thank you to Art Rohlik for the beautiful wooden creche and table at St. Mathias. All of these made our liturgies what they were. This year, it was especially an honor to be assisted by Deacon Mike.
This weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Last year, because Christmas fell on a Sunday, it was transferred to the Friday, so it is good to celebrate it with more people. This year, I am more aware than ever of the need for the example of the Holy Family. We continue to seek ways to strengthen family and marriage in our area and culture.
Monday evening and Tuesday is another Holy Day of Obligation as we celebrate the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It gives us another opportunity to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, that a woman would give birth to God!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Pastor's Notes for December 23
Dear Parishioners,
Our sympathy to the family of Scott Skoblik, whose funeral will be at 10:30 on Thursday at Our Lady of Victory. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Most especially during this soon-to-start Christmas season, I pray for all who have lost loved ones this year, and pray that this sacred season brings comfort and joy to them as we remember the hope we have because of Christ's incarnation, death and resurrection.
The fourth Sunday of Advent! Shorter than average, we still have a few hours to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. We have our Advent Penance Services Sunday afternoon, and if you have not yet given yourself the gift of confession, please do so. We will have only two -1 pm at OLV and 2:30 at St. Anne's. If we are 'full' we will have reason to ask to have our 3rd service restored for during Lent.
Wednesday evening at 6:30 in the meeting room of the School, we will watch the movie "The Nativity Story". The reason is that the chairs are a little more comfortable there than in the Church Basement. If you wish, bring some goodies to share. For those that have not yet seen the movie, it is a beautiful reflection of the Christmas story, and would be a great way to extend Christmas Joy. Bring the family - bring blankets and pillows for the kids to sit on the floor if they wish. We definitely fixed the sound problem with a PA system, so it should be enjoyable.
Just because it is so close, though a little early: MERRY CHRISTMAS!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Our sympathy to the family of Scott Skoblik, whose funeral will be at 10:30 on Thursday at Our Lady of Victory. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Most especially during this soon-to-start Christmas season, I pray for all who have lost loved ones this year, and pray that this sacred season brings comfort and joy to them as we remember the hope we have because of Christ's incarnation, death and resurrection.
The fourth Sunday of Advent! Shorter than average, we still have a few hours to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. We have our Advent Penance Services Sunday afternoon, and if you have not yet given yourself the gift of confession, please do so. We will have only two -1 pm at OLV and 2:30 at St. Anne's. If we are 'full' we will have reason to ask to have our 3rd service restored for during Lent.
Wednesday evening at 6:30 in the meeting room of the School, we will watch the movie "The Nativity Story". The reason is that the chairs are a little more comfortable there than in the Church Basement. If you wish, bring some goodies to share. For those that have not yet seen the movie, it is a beautiful reflection of the Christmas story, and would be a great way to extend Christmas Joy. Bring the family - bring blankets and pillows for the kids to sit on the floor if they wish. We definitely fixed the sound problem with a PA system, so it should be enjoyable.
Just because it is so close, though a little early: MERRY CHRISTMAS!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Movie Night!!!
We will be watching the Movie "The Nativity Story" - a filmed 'Christmas pageant' with beautiful music and gorgeous scenery.
We will be viewing it in the Second Floor meeting room of the School on Wednesday, December 26, at 6:30. If you wish, bring some goodies to share. For those that have not yet seen the movie, it is a beautiful reflection of the Christmas story, and would be a great way to extend Christmas Joy. Bring the family - bring blankets and pillows for the kids to sit on the floor if they wish. We definitely fixed the sound problem with a PA system, so it should be enjoyable.
We will be viewing it in the Second Floor meeting room of the School on Wednesday, December 26, at 6:30. If you wish, bring some goodies to share. For those that have not yet seen the movie, it is a beautiful reflection of the Christmas story, and would be a great way to extend Christmas Joy. Bring the family - bring blankets and pillows for the kids to sit on the floor if they wish. We definitely fixed the sound problem with a PA system, so it should be enjoyable.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Pastor's Notes for December 16
Dear Parishioners,
Rejoice! We are beginning our third week of Advent, and the Church calls us to rejoice because we are almost done. We are preparing to meet Christ who comes to us, and that alone brings a sense of meaning in the midst of what is at times a period of intense preparations. This week is the last chances for scheduled reconciliation times. Please look at the monthly calendar for the times.
Recently, a friend called me to tell me her daily 'good news' - her father had returned to the Sacrament after 15+ years. Her mother shared that in the two days after his reception, he had been easier to live with, more gentle, and much more kind that at any other point the last years. This is the power of the sacrament, at work. He just stopped going, and after the first year or two, it got easier to not go. I imagine that is the case for many. We just simply stop going for whatever reason. But let's find better reasons to return or to encourage others to return.
Some let fear keep them away - please don't let it do that. It is not the confessors duties to condemn or humiliate the penitent, but rather to help him or her experience the forgiveness of God. With that end in mind, I give you a little aid:
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Revelation of one’s State: Bless me Father for I have sinned, my last Confession was ______ ago. These are my sins. [Confess sins here]
The priest will give a penance which you are to do as soon as you can after confession. Then you will recite the Act of Contrition.
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishment, but most of all because they offend thee, my God who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of thy grace to, sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
Priest: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good…
R. His mercy endures forever.
Priest:The Lord has freed you from your sins, Go in Peace…
R. Thanks be to God.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Rejoice! We are beginning our third week of Advent, and the Church calls us to rejoice because we are almost done. We are preparing to meet Christ who comes to us, and that alone brings a sense of meaning in the midst of what is at times a period of intense preparations. This week is the last chances for scheduled reconciliation times. Please look at the monthly calendar for the times.
Recently, a friend called me to tell me her daily 'good news' - her father had returned to the Sacrament after 15+ years. Her mother shared that in the two days after his reception, he had been easier to live with, more gentle, and much more kind that at any other point the last years. This is the power of the sacrament, at work. He just stopped going, and after the first year or two, it got easier to not go. I imagine that is the case for many. We just simply stop going for whatever reason. But let's find better reasons to return or to encourage others to return.
Some let fear keep them away - please don't let it do that. It is not the confessors duties to condemn or humiliate the penitent, but rather to help him or her experience the forgiveness of God. With that end in mind, I give you a little aid:
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Revelation of one’s State: Bless me Father for I have sinned, my last Confession was ______ ago. These are my sins. [Confess sins here]
The priest will give a penance which you are to do as soon as you can after confession. Then you will recite the Act of Contrition.
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishment, but most of all because they offend thee, my God who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of thy grace to, sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
Priest: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good…
R. His mercy endures forever.
Priest:The Lord has freed you from your sins, Go in Peace…
R. Thanks be to God.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Pastor's Notes for December 9
Dear Parishioners,
This weekend, we mark the Second week of Advent. This week, we already pass the half-way mark of Advent due to the short fourth week. The call to conversion is obvious, and the choice is ours.
This week, the Pope announced that he was going to have a presence on the social network Twitter, and his handle would be @pontifex. With that announcement, I chose, too, to go on to Twitter and have my handle as @FrToddPetersen. After all, if it is good enough for the Pope, it is good enough for me! The Pope will be answering questions posed to him on Twitter this Wednesday - you may get your question answered if you ask him one at #askpontifex! Sadly, though, many took his reaching out as an opportunity to attack with the most vile of lies, accusations, and abuse. Anyone who denies that there is anti-Catholicism needs to just spend a few minutes looking at the mentions that @pontifex has received. We must all the more pray for His Holiness Pope Benedict.
Just a reminder of the Advent Prayer Service with Bishop LeVoir this Sunday, Dec. 9, at 4 pm at St. Anne's. I hope many will come, bringing their figurines of Jesus from their nativities, in addition to baby goods or cash for Crisis Pregnancy centers.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
This weekend, we mark the Second week of Advent. This week, we already pass the half-way mark of Advent due to the short fourth week. The call to conversion is obvious, and the choice is ours.
This week, the Pope announced that he was going to have a presence on the social network Twitter, and his handle would be @pontifex. With that announcement, I chose, too, to go on to Twitter and have my handle as @FrToddPetersen. After all, if it is good enough for the Pope, it is good enough for me! The Pope will be answering questions posed to him on Twitter this Wednesday - you may get your question answered if you ask him one at #askpontifex! Sadly, though, many took his reaching out as an opportunity to attack with the most vile of lies, accusations, and abuse. Anyone who denies that there is anti-Catholicism needs to just spend a few minutes looking at the mentions that @pontifex has received. We must all the more pray for His Holiness Pope Benedict.
Just a reminder of the Advent Prayer Service with Bishop LeVoir this Sunday, Dec. 9, at 4 pm at St. Anne's. I hope many will come, bringing their figurines of Jesus from their nativities, in addition to baby goods or cash for Crisis Pregnancy centers.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Advent Prayer Service
We are pleased to have Bishop LeVoir with us for an Advent prayer service at St. Anne's. It will be on Sunday, December 9, at 4 pm. Bring a donation of baby goods (blankets, clothing, diapers, etc) to be given to crisis pregnancy centers. Monetary donations are also accepted.
The prayer will also include a blessing of all expectant mothers.
Also, Bishop LeVoir will bless the child Jesus figures from your nativity scenes.
The prayer will also include a blessing of all expectant mothers.
Also, Bishop LeVoir will bless the child Jesus figures from your nativity scenes.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Pastor's Notes for December 30
Dear Parishioners,
Our deepest sympathy to Lucy Moldan and family on the death of her mother, Mildred Tauer. May Mildred, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Merry Christmas! It is so good that the Christmas season lasts longer than just Christmas Day! I, for one, need the extra time to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, in addition to rest from all the additional time commitments of Advent.
I am thankful of two 'groups' of people this week. First, thank you to all that made the Christmas Liturgies what they were. Like the First Christmas itself, if one of the smallest elements had been deleted, it would not have been the same, and that goes for the servers, lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, musicians and choir members, and those behind the scenes who decorated the Churches so beautifully! Special thank you to Art Rohlik for the beautiful wooden creche and table at St. Mathias. All of these made our liturgies what they were. This year, it was especially an honor to be assisted by Deacon Mike.
This weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Last year, because Christmas fell on a Sunday, it was transferred to the Friday, so it is good to celebrate it with more people. This year, I am more aware than ever of the need for the example of the Holy Family. We continue to seek ways to strengthen family and marriage in our area and culture.
Monday evening and Tuesday is another Holy Day of Obligation as we celebrate the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It gives us another opportunity to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, that a woman would give birth to God!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Our deepest sympathy to Lucy Moldan and family on the death of her mother, Mildred Tauer. May Mildred, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Merry Christmas! It is so good that the Christmas season lasts longer than just Christmas Day! I, for one, need the extra time to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, in addition to rest from all the additional time commitments of Advent.
I am thankful of two 'groups' of people this week. First, thank you to all that made the Christmas Liturgies what they were. Like the First Christmas itself, if one of the smallest elements had been deleted, it would not have been the same, and that goes for the servers, lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, musicians and choir members, and those behind the scenes who decorated the Churches so beautifully! Special thank you to Art Rohlik for the beautiful wooden creche and table at St. Mathias. All of these made our liturgies what they were. This year, it was especially an honor to be assisted by Deacon Mike.
This weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Last year, because Christmas fell on a Sunday, it was transferred to the Friday, so it is good to celebrate it with more people. This year, I am more aware than ever of the need for the example of the Holy Family. We continue to seek ways to strengthen family and marriage in our area and culture.
Monday evening and Tuesday is another Holy Day of Obligation as we celebrate the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It gives us another opportunity to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, that a woman would give birth to God!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Pastors Notes for December 2
Dear Parishioners,
Happy Advent! This weekend, we begin the penitential season as we prepare our hearts for Christ's return, but also celebrate His first coming as a child to be our savior and Lord. It is an important season for us, not just merely one of preparing for Christmas. In fact, as society moves further into a secularizing Christmas, our best response is to live more Advent until Christmas, and celebrate Christmas as its own season. How can we best celebrate Advent? Resist the urge to decorate and refrain from Christmas Music for a few weeks. Light the Advent wreath, consider making a Jesse Tree, and devote some extra time to prayer both as a family and as individuals. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I cannot stress this last one enough. Nothing prepares us more than clearing out the clutter of sin from our hearts. For some, Reconciliation is a difficult thing, I know, but how beautiful it is when it is over (besides, no pain, no gain). For many Catholics, they simply have stopped receiving the Sacrament, not going in decades. This is truly sad. Last week, I read about a priest who asked his parishioners to give him the gift of receiving the Sacrament during Advent - and something truly beautiful happened in the parishioners lives because of his challenge. So, I ask you to give me, too, the gift of being reconciled to God through the Sacrament.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Happy Advent! This weekend, we begin the penitential season as we prepare our hearts for Christ's return, but also celebrate His first coming as a child to be our savior and Lord. It is an important season for us, not just merely one of preparing for Christmas. In fact, as society moves further into a secularizing Christmas, our best response is to live more Advent until Christmas, and celebrate Christmas as its own season. How can we best celebrate Advent? Resist the urge to decorate and refrain from Christmas Music for a few weeks. Light the Advent wreath, consider making a Jesse Tree, and devote some extra time to prayer both as a family and as individuals. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I cannot stress this last one enough. Nothing prepares us more than clearing out the clutter of sin from our hearts. For some, Reconciliation is a difficult thing, I know, but how beautiful it is when it is over (besides, no pain, no gain). For many Catholics, they simply have stopped receiving the Sacrament, not going in decades. This is truly sad. Last week, I read about a priest who asked his parishioners to give him the gift of receiving the Sacrament during Advent - and something truly beautiful happened in the parishioners lives because of his challenge. So, I ask you to give me, too, the gift of being reconciled to God through the Sacrament.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
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