St. Mary & St. John Weekly Update!
April 7, 2024 - Divine Mercy Sunday
Be Merciful as God is Merciful, JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU!
Dear friends,
This weekend we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. Jesus asked Saint Faustina to institute this feast during one of his appearances to her in 1931. On this day, we are encouraged to trust in God’s merciful love for us and draw near to him, and also to perform spiritual and corporal works of mercy out of love for God, who redeemed us by his suffering and death.
In Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus shows the disciples his hands and his side. His glorified body still bears the marks of his passion, signs of what he suffered for our sake. It is out of his side that the blood and water flowed when Jesus was pierced with a spear, while he was on the cross. In the Divine Mercy image, we see the rays of red and white pouring from Jesus’ heart, representing that blood and water, and symbolizing the graces available to us in the sacraments. We are encouraged to approach him in the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist to receive his healing and nourishment.
When Jesus gave the Divine Mercy image to Saint Faustina, he instructed her to include the words, “Jesus, I trust in you.” As Jesus told Thomas in today’s Gospel, Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed. To be in right relationship with others, we must first be in right relationship with God. As we will hear in the second reading, this means loving God and following his commandments. When we go astray, or miss the mark, we can trust that God will forgive us, no matter how great our sins may be.
In the Gospel, Jesus breathes on the Apostles and says, Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained. It is through this gift of the Holy Spirit, passed on through apostolic succession and priestly ordination, that we can be assured of the gift of God’s forgiveness today. Each time we turn back to God, we will find that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms.
When we receive God’s mercy, it frees us to see more clearly who we are and how we are to act. Today’s feast invites us to perform acts of mercy out of love for God. We are invited to share the truth with others, because we know that Jesus desires to show mercy for their souls, as he has for ours. As children of God, what we are given is meant to be shared. We are called to be forgiving because we have been forgiven, to be merciful as God is merciful.
The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be sung during Holy Communion at the 11am Mass.
See you at Mass
Deacon Don
Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis! Holy Mary, pray for us!
Summary of what's Going On:
Fr. Michael's Medjugorje Pilgrimage
- Check out the photos from our recent events!
- Our "Parish Celebration" will be held on June 9 - Bean Bag Tournament, Food, Fun and $25,000 Cash Raffle Drawing! Raffle Tickets are available now!
Help raise the remaining funds for St. Mary restoration!
St. John Handicap Ramp to begin soon!!!
Bishop's Appeal so close! Please prayerfully consider your donation to help St. John meet their goal.
See our Men's and Women's Group offerings!
Men - That Man is YOU and Hops & Hope (April 8)
- Women - WE LIFT - Saturday April 20 - Fr. Michael Lightner!
- Check out our various Youth Events!
- New Offering Envelopes - watch your mailboxes!!
- Have you registered as a parishioner? Consider joining our parishes!
- Have you tried using SCRIP! SCRIP contributes $50,000 to the bottom line of our parish budgets. Try using SCRIP for a tank of gas and a bag of groceries! Scrip is for sale after all Masses and in the Parish Office!
- Online Giving is available through We Share. Leave your checkbook at home.
Have an idea for the Weekly Update? Drop me an email!
DD
Join Fr. Michael Lightner on a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje!
I T I N E R A R Y
07 OCT CHICAGO - SPLIT Depart on our transatlantic flight.
08 OCT MEDJUGORJE Arrive Split Airport in the afternoon. Transfer to Medjugorje. Dinner and overnight in your hotel.
09 - 16 OCT MEDJUGORJE Medjugorje is a simple mountain village. Experience its beauty, spirituality, and peace. During our stay, we will share our faith with thousands of people from all over the world. Each morning at 10:00am, we meet at St. James Church for the English Mass (Feast days and Sundays English Mass is at noon). Our local bilingual tour guide will escort us to the Hill of Apparitions where the visionaries first saw Our Blessed Virgin Mary. Pray before the statue that symbolizes the place of the first apparition. In 1933 the villagers built a 30’ high cross on the anniversary of Jesus’ crucifixion on top of Cross Mountain (Krizevac). We will climb the mountain through the Stations of the Cross. Also, visit and pray at “Blue Cross”. A place of healings and graces at the foot of Apparition Hill. We will have the chance to attend meetings and talks with the visionaries (subject to their availability and health during our trip). We’ll also visit the community of Cenacolo (a rehab center). In the evening, we can join the villagers at 5:00pm (or 6:00pm daylight savings time) to pray the rosary. Followed by the International Mass during which there is the blessing of the items you have with you. Adoration takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays later in the evening, and veneration of the Holy Cross takes place on Mondays and Fridays later in the evening. We will also have time for personal prayer and reflection. Enjoy a side trip to Tihaljina, and a visit to Šurmanci (local Divine Mercy shrine).
17 OCT MEDJUGORJE - USA Morning transfer to the airport to catch return flight home.
Package price from Chicago:
$2,690.00 (double occupancy)
Single room supplement: $320.00
(limited number of single rooms available)
Click on this link: https://mircenter.com/registration.html
PACKAGE INCLUDES: - round-trip airfare - all taxes and airline fees; - RT transfers between the airport and Medjugorje: - breakfast and dinner daily; - soft drinks and wine served with dinner; - services of an English speaking tour guide; - nine nights accommodations in double rooms at the Two Hearts Hotel in Medjugorje - meetings with
visionaries and parish priests (pending availability) - visits to all places of interest in Medjugorje - a side trip to Tihaljina - a visit to Šurmanci (local Divine Mercy shrine).
NOT INCLUDED: tips, lunches, travel insurance, items of a personal nature, anything not specified above.
HOW TO JOIN THIS PILGRIMAGE ….
- fill out form online at:
- a $500.00 deposit is due upon
upon registering
- balance is due 60 days prior to departure
- Checks should be made payable to
CROATIAN MIR CENTER
4700 Sheridan Street, Suite J,
Hollywood, FL 33021
(online credit card payments accepted).
Blessing of the Easter Food on Holy Saturday at St. John. Wonderful Tradition!
Our Easter Vigil was EPIC!
Make the Easter Vigil a part of your Easter plans next year!
Thank you to everyone who planned, participated and attended our beautiful Paschal Triduum and Easter Services. It was indeed a blessing to see our churches filled. It is our prayer that we keep them filled as we continue to celebrate Easter! Thank you sacristans, musicians, choir, altar servers, decorating volunteers, greeters, ushers, lectors and everyone else involved. We had over 1700 people total who attended these services!
Thank You Volunteers!
We'd go NUTS without you!
We love our volunteers! Thanks to all of you that were able to come and enjoy our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon! If you were not able to come, please know how much we appreciate all you do for our parishes!!
Have you memorialized your loved ones with a gift to the SM Renaissance Fund?
😇Please help us raise the last $110,595 before June!😇
Help us color the rest of the Steeple! The completion of the interior restoration is due to begin in the June Time frame! We would like to have all the money to cover the painting in hand. For Memorials - all of the Marian Apparitions have been purchased, praise God! We still have 26 Ave Maria Medallions at $2,500, and many Stars ($500) and Roses ($250). Please fill out a card or visit We Share and make your donation today! You can click the QR code in the poster below to make a donation online.
"Let this be a national example of what can be done.
Worthy is the Lord to receive and be surrounded by beauty for He is the SOURCE."
Our restoration of St. Mary continues to get national recognition! Your continued donations will help with the completion of our restoration! Please consider buying a Star or one of the other memorials to raise the remaining fund needed. You can donate online through this link: https://www.menashacatholicparishes.org/st--mary-restoration
Handicap Access Construction to begin at St. John in early April!
Handicap Access to begin!
We are excited to announce that the construction for the new "Link" / Handicap access will begin at St. John in early April. When we have a firm start date for the construction we will announce that. Please note, that during this time of construction there will be no handicap accessibility to St. John. For those needing handicap accessibility we suggest you attend Mass at St. Mary during this time. This is an exciting time for St. John as we have needed to upgrade this access to better service our handicap parishioners and guests. Praise God!
Join the Cleaning Crew at St. John!
We Need You!
Join the cleaning crew at St. John's - We need you!! Come the 1st and/or 3rd Tuesdays from 12:30-2:30 pm. The more people who can make it the quicker it goes!! Can't commit to doing it every month, no problem. Come when you can (and bring a friend)!
Any questions call or text Barb Unruh at 920-540-4531.
Buy your $25,000 Cash Raffle tickets! Drawing June 9 at 3:30pm.
Join us at our Parish Celebration - June 9, 2024 - $25,000 Cash Raffle Drawing!
Our first "annual" Parish Picnic / Bean Bag Tournament was a great success last August. One issue we had was THE BEES. This year we are doing something new, the "Parish Celebration" will be held on June 9, still at Tony's Bar Parking Lot. We will have the Bean Bag Tournament, Food & Fun. We will also draw the winners of our $25,000 Cash Raffle. That means that this year there will be no Pasta Dinner in May. We hope this change will be beneficial and offer new opportunities for our parish community. We are excited about some new food and game offerings in the works!
Raffle Tickets are on sale now! Buy your tickets today! You can buy online with Credit Card through WE SHARE!
Buy tickets online through We Share!
St. Mary & St. John the Baptist PARISH CELEBRATION! June 9, 2024!
New Offering Envelopes being rolled out you should receive yours soon!
2024 Bishop's Appeal
Living the Eucharist, Sharing the Gifts!
Lent gives us pause and allowing us time for deeper reflection. As I think about the blessings in my life, I am overwhelmingly grateful to be with you on this path to our Lord.
Because of your prayers and support, our parish’s Bishop’s Appeal is off to a strong start. I am not surprised, as our parish has always responded generously when asked.
The Bishop’s Appeal supports ministries and programs that serve those in need through Catholic Charities. It provides opportunities to grow our leaders in Catholic education and faith formation. You make this and more possible through your gift. Thank you!
These extraordinary times require an extraordinary response of faith and generosity. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to give, please prayerfully consider joining me by supporting the 2024 Bishop’s Appeal.
It is fast and simple to share your blessings with our brothers and sisters in one of two ways:
- Make your pledge online at www.catholicfoundationgb.org/give
- Send back the blue envelope and gift card that were included with the letter from Bishop Ricken with a check or credit card pledge.
Every gift is important and has the power to transform thousands of lives throughout northeastern Wisconsin. Blessings are multiplied when all of us work together.
May God bless you and your family this Lent. Please continue to pray for the continued health of our community. Together, we are Living the Eucharist and Sharing the Gifts!
Gratefully,
Fr. Michael
P.S. Please make your gift today at www.catholicfoundationgb.org/give
SO CLOSE!! Only $3,949 remaining! Let's do it!
Calling all YOUTH!!
Sport-A-Thon
Who: Grades 7-12
When: April 27 from 12-4pm
Lunch will be served from 12-12:20pm
Competitions will begin at 12:30pm
Where: St. Mary Parish, Menasha
What to Bring: Friends, Liability Waiver, $5 for lunch
What: Sport-a-thon! Sports competitions with your friends to have fun and win prizes!
Sign up today!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040545AAAA22A7FC1-48865657-sportathon#/
Lock-in at Mt Tabor Center, 8-12th Graders, April 12!
Ready for a lock in with your friends connecting service and fun!?
Sign up here to join us!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040545AAAA22A7FC1-48365298-spiritus#/
Totus Tuus Registration is Open!
What is Totus Tuus?
Totus Tuus is a weeklong program for children grades K-5 and 6-12 to get together and have fun while learning about the Catholic faith with young adult missionaries. Students will interact with each other and the missionaries on their own grade levels and learn just how exciting our faith can be!
Registration is now OPEN! Click below to register!
https://forms.gle/XuvfyvLi8tKRxxfA7
Details:
- Children currently in grades Kindergarten - 12th grade
- Sunday - Thursday evenings 7-9pm for 7-12th grade
- Monday - Friday day program 9am - 2:30pm for 1-6 grade
Camp Tekakwitha Day Camp!
When: July 7-12
Where: St. Mary Parish
What is Day Camp?
Day Camp is great for campers who are seeking a summer camp experience but are not quite ready or interested for the full residential camp in Shawano. Camp Tekakwitha offers teambuilding, fun, and great community-building in a faith-filled environment.
Registration is open!
https://www.camptekakwitha.org/summer-camp/day-camp
- Children currently in grades 4K - 4
- Sunday night meet the camp counselors 4-6pm
- Monday - Thursday Camp Tekakwitha Summer Camp Activities from 8am-4pm
Looking ahead - Feast of Corpus Christi Mass and Procession!
CALLING ALL MEN! Join us Monday April 8!!
Men, Come to the last Hops & Hope until Fall! You will be glad you did!
Come and enjoy fellowship with other Christian Men, refreshment, and great speakers! April 8 is the last Hops & Hop Gathering until Fall! It will feature a tailgate!
MEN - That Man is YOU! Join us at any time! Be a Man!
MEN, Join us, great message and Fellowship!
Busy men need time to reset! Husbands and fathers have tight schedules with sports, coaching, parenting and of course, date night! Try That Man Is You! These sessions are offered before your schedule begins and provide a fresh start to your day!
What will I get out of TMIY??
That Man Is You! is FREE video based, interactive men’s program focusing on the development of male leadership in the modern world. It combines the best research from science with the teachings of the Catholic faith and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of authentic men capable of transforming themselves, their families and greater society. TMIY is an annual program consisting of two 13-week sessions per year: Fall Semester September–December, and Spring Semester January–April.
“That Man is You!” This program honestly addresses the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers.
Coffee and light breakfast starts at 5:45am, Prayer kicks off the Video at 6:00am, Small Group discussion at 6:30am and we have you out the door by 7:00am. St. Mary Church is open if you want to take a few minutes with Jesus before you leave for work. This program will be great for all men in our parish. If you missed the Fall Semester, no worries - come and see what it's all about!
If you would like to learn more or register for this program, please contact Aaron Spielbauer.
Check out these testimonials: https://vimeo.com/342469814
Ladies - WE LIFT!
Last Call to donate your past treasures to be someone's new treasure!
Have you registered as a Parishioner?
Are You Registered?
Did you know that demographic studies estimate that more than 1/3 of all Catholics are not registered in a parish? If you are not registered in our parish, please consider doing so. Also, please encourage your friends and family to register!
Registering is important because:
- If we don't know who is out there, how can we adequately serve the needs of all – especially singles, divorced or young families who may not see the need to register?
- When the services of the Church are needed - such as for a wedding, Baptism or funeral - it is easier if the person is registered.
Registering is easy. Simply contact the parish office today or check out the "I'm New" tab on our website: menashacatholicparishes.org. There you will find the New Member Registration Form.
Consider Online Giving, snap the QR Code to go directly to our Giving Page!
Using SCRIP GIFT CARDS helps our Parishes!
Let's keep up our SCRIP Purchases!
Scrip is fundraising using gift cards. They are the same gift cards you would normally purchase from a retailer at your local retail stores, and they work the same way. You'll find cards you can use at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, home improvement stores and at almost any business that accepts gift cards. You can also purchase Scrip and use it for payment on your phone with RaiseRight.
HOW DOES SCRIP WORK?
You buy a gift card for face value. St. Mary & St. John earn a rebate. It really is that simple!
Your support of the Scrip program helps our church continue to fulfill Christ’s mission locally and around the world!
You bless your parish with income by simply purchasing your groceries, gas, completing home improvement projects, taking a trip, enjoying a dinner out, giving Christmas gifts, and much more!
SCRIP BENEFITS EVERYBODY! A VIBRANT SCRIP PROGRAM:
· Provides income for our parishes without additional offertory
· Helps with church operating costs
· Supports local businesses and jobs
· Makes your household budgeting easier
BE A PART OF THIS GREAT PARISH SUPPORT OPPORTUNITY THAT PROVIDES EXCELLENT BENEFITS FOR SM & SJB AT NO COST TO YOU!
There is an order form below of cards that we inventory that you can purchase after Mass or at the Parish Office during the week.
Help us raise funds for our parishes using Raise Right.
Spend time in Adoration with Jesus!
Spend an Hour with Jesus!
Jesus is waiting for you!
Adoring Christ in the
Blessed Sacrament takes no special skill —
just a willingness to spend time with the Lord.
We are blessed to have 8 hours of Adoration and Benediction available to us each week!
Find a time that meets your schedule. Spending time with Jesus will change your life!
Eucharistic Adoration is available at
St. Mary
Tuesdays: 6:30am – 7:30am and 12pm – 1pm
Wednesdays: 12pm – 1pm and 6pm – 7pm
St. John the Baptist
Thursdays: 6:30am – 7:30am and 12pm – 1pm
Fridays: 12pm – 1pm and 6pm – 7pm
Perpetual Adoration is available at the Twin Cities Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. Margaret Mary.
Prayer Cards Available.
Pray for one another. One of the greatest things we can do for our friends and family is to pray for them before the Blessed Sacrament. When we pray for others, it also allows us to experience the joy that comes from seeing someone else receive God’s blessings. It is a wonderful feeling to know that we have played a part in someone else’s healing or salvation.
To let you let your loved ones know you have prayed for them, we have made some beautiful prayer cards for you to fill out and give them.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” ( Galatians 6:2)
Upcoming Events - Save the Date!
St. Mary Catholic Schools
Community Service Announcements
Elizabeth Ministry Training and Education Day
Saturday, April 13, 9 am to Noon
Following the example of Mary and Elizabeth, Elizabeth Ministers visit and share the sacredness
of life in our church community.
Join area churches to learn about the international movement that is focused on the dignity of
human life and strengthening relationships in order to build up the family and create vibrant
communities!
Together we will learn how to:
Treasure the gift of fertility
Celebrate the gift of each child conceived and born
Encourage those in the adoptive process
Mourn each miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth or infant loss
Help families in crisis
Support those suffering infertility
To register to attend or ask questions, contact Bernardine at wbnitz12@yahoo.com or leave a
message at 920-729-1263
Hosted at St. Patrick’s Parish 324 Nicolet Blvd. Menasha
Find out more about the ministry at www.elizabethministry.org
Rise against Hunger
THANK YOU for your generous support of Rise Against Hunger! Together our five parishes are packing 50,000 meals for those in need in developing countries! You can help in this exciting and energetic project on Saturday, May 4th. And anyone ages 4 and up is welcome to participate! Bring your children or grandchildren and see how we can make a difference together! Signup details are in the bulletin, the email newsletter, and in the back of church.