Weekly Update!
St. Mary & St. John the Baptist - January 19, 2024
“Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”- Mark 1:17
Dear friends,
Our readings this weekend call us to be decisive in our faith. God calls us as stewards to repent and renew our commitment to Him each day. In the First Reading, God instructs the prophet Jonah to travel through the city of Nineveh and warns the people that the city would be destroyed due to their evil ways. When the people of Nineveh heard this, they declared a fast in repentance. The Lord saw this and had compassion for them. Every moment is an opportunity for us to either grow closer to God or further away from Him. We can identify with the people of Nineveh when we recognize that our actions are not drawing us closer to God. We may be attached to certain sins or living in complacency — over time, that can weaken our commitment to the Lord and sever the relationship we have with Him. When we become aware of our weaknesses, it should not cause us to despair. Instead, it should call us to act quickly as the people of Nineveh did. Jonah had been gone only a single day's walk before the people repented. We, too, should go no more than a single day without acknowledging our offenses towards God and renewing our commitment to Him with greater conviction. God wants to be compassionate towards us, but we must be willing to recognize our need to repent.
The Gospel reading shares Mark's account of Jesus calling His first disciples. In his account, Jesus approaches Simon and Andrew, and later, James and John. These four men were fishermen, casting their nets. Jesus states, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." In both instances, the men immediately abandoned what was before them and followed Christ. Imagine if Simon and Andrew looked at their Savior and said, "Thanks for the offer, but we will finish up fishing and meet you later." That is no way a disciple should respond to Christ’s call. Yet, that is how we often respond to Jesus' offer to us, "Come after me." We can easily fall into the misconception that we have plenty of time to live active discipleship. We rationalize that we will eventually get around to deepening our commitment to prayer when we have time, even though we have been wanting to do so for months. We can justify that we are too busy right now to make time to go to confession regularly, but tell ourselves we will do it soon once our schedules ease up. But as faithful stewards of our time, we must change our ways and immediately follow Christ more intentionally, because Christ is calling us to act now, just like the first disciples did. These men became members of Jesus' 12 apostles. They surrendered their entire lives to follow Christ. They left their jobs, homes, and families, devoting their lives to God's work. We, too, are called to surrender our lives to the Lord so that He may work through us. We might think, “God isn't calling me.” But indeed, He is. Just as He called four ordinary fishermen, He is continuously calling each one of us. Renewing and reevaluating what God might be asking of us throughout our lives is a key component of our stewardship journey. As we settle into this New Year, let us ponder the ways we can repent and renew our commitment to God. Let us ask ourselves, what are we casting our nets for? And are we willing to leave it behind for something much greater? If not now, when?
See you at Mass!
Deacon Don
Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis! Holy Mary, pray for us!
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.
Summary of what's Going On:
Remember - the Knight of Columbus Fish Fry was rescheduled to TONIGHT - Friday, January 19 due to the Blizzard last Friday. Come on out and support them!
This is exciting - Our Woman's group - WE LIFT kicks off with their first event TOMORROW, SATURDAY January 20. All women of the parish and their friends are invited to see what it's all about!
The Spring Semester of That Man is You kicked this week, we had a great group, please consider joining us next Wednesday, January 24! Coffee and danish starting at 5:45 am at St. Mary - Msgr Hummel Hall. The session starts with prayer at 6am followed by a video and small group discussion and we'll have you on your way by 7am! Come and Check it out! We would love to have you join us!
Our next Youth Event is Faith And Science Night, and we are planning for Summer Mission Trips!
We have some great speakers lined up in February and March!
Deacon Dave Scheuer will be with us February 15 to talk about encounters with the Divine at Mass and the the transformative power of the Eucharist. Then on March 8 we will have Fr. Don Calloway, author of numerous books, including Consecration to Joseph. He will celebrate the 7pm Mass at St. John and his talk will follow. We have books for sale in the Parish Office at a discounted price of $12.
Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine's Day this year, so it will soon be upon us! We will be offering Soup and Stations at St. Mary on Thursday evenings starting February 15 (kicking off with Dcn. Dave Scheuer). We start at 6pm with a simple soup supper in Msgr Hummel Hall at 6pm and then join in Stations of the Cross in the church at 6:45. See sign up genius below to help!
St. John will be doing Stations of the Cross at 6:15pm on Fridays during Lent.
The next Knights Breakfast Buffet will be on February 4. Watch for more info! We need volunteers to help! All proceeds benefit our parishes! Thank you Knights!
As always, there is no lack of ways that you can participate in the life of our Parish Family! We are in need of ministry volunteers for Sunday Masses - especially ALTAR SERVERS AND USHERS - not just young people - it's open to all ages!
P.S. Yes, I made a mistake - the cover of this week's bulletin shows the 2nd Sunday of OT - same as last week, I forgot to update it! Mea Culpa! 😇
KNIGHT'S FISH FRY TONIGHT!!!!
Knight's Fish Fry Moved to January 19 due to Last Week's snow storm.
Remember - Due to last Friday's snowstorm the K of C Fish Fry was moved to TONIGHT - FRIDAY - January 19! Join the Knights at their Menasha Hall across from Manderfield's Bakery for great food and fellowship.
Dine in or Walk-in To Go! Serving from 4:30 to 7:30 pm.
Note - Take Out orders can be called in starting at 4:30pm.
(920) 725-5202
Hope to see you there
TOMORROW (Sat Jan 20!) Ladies, check out our new Woman's Ministry at SM & SJB!
Women of our parishes - this is for you!
WE LIFT - Women Encouraging Living in Faith Together! Join us and see what it's all about - January 20 starting at 9am!
MEN - That Man is YOU! Join us for this Lenten Semester at St. Mary!
Men - are you busy? Join us and grow your faith and develop your leadership!
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.
The Spring Semester starts on January 17, 2024. 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! Get ready to have a great LENT!
If you would like to learn more or register for this program, please contact Aaron Spielbauer.
Check out these testimonials: https://vimeo.com/342469814
WOW! COMING SOON TO OUR PARISHES!!
Soup & Stations & Deacon Dave Scheuer!
I am excited to announce that Deacon Dave Scheuer of the Diocese of Green Bay will be with us for an evening of witnessing to personal encounters with Jesus through the gift of Himself – the Eucharist.
Deacon Dave and I went through Diaconate classes together and were ordained together by Bishop Ricken.
Deacon Dave has experienced what could be described as mystical or supernatural occurrences with the Eucharist for many years. On February 15, 2024 - join us at St. Mary for Soup & Stations starting at 6pm and Deacon Dave’s talk will follow at about 7pm. His book, A Glimpse of Heaven is available at St. Patrick's Gifts & Books.
Mark your calendars to join us!
Deacon Don
Coming MARCH 8! Fr. Don Calloway, MEN you won't want to miss this!
Men, St. Joseph can change your life!
Knight's Homestyle Breakfast Buffet - February 4! Proceeds benefit our parishes!
St. Vincent dePaul Update!
A huge thank you to all those who have faithfully given food, hygiene supplies and toilet paper in the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry baskets at the back of each church. The food pantry, located at the St. Vincent de Paul Store on S. Commercial in Neenah, has seen a drastic increase in families needed food. Currently Vinnie's Pantry (the new name of the pantry) supports more than 2,000 families, supplying an average of 50,000 pounds of food per month to residents of northern Winnebago County. We also use the donated food for families that our parish's St. Vincent de Paul group visits. Arriving with a bag of food and hygiene supplies shows our care for them as we come through their door. Can you help out? Drop off nonperishable food, hygiene supplies, dish and laundry soap and toilet paper in the baskets as you enter church. What a great way to get your kids involved in caring for the poor - have them make the "deposits"!!
Lent is closer than you think! Take part in our Lenten offerings:
We need your help with our Soup Supper before Stations of the Cross - PLEASE SIGN UP!
Soup and Stations continues to grow in popularity and we really rely on folks to assist on a weekly basis with preparing soup, supplying needed items like bread, butter, water and most importantly - helping to set up, serve and clean up. I would like to get all the slots filled before Lent starts - can we do that?! Many hands make light work, and many people like soup! Please follow this link to the Sign Up Genius to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A084CABAB2EA46-lenten
We also need altar servers, please volunteer in Ministry Pro!
Upcoming Youth Event! You won't want to miss It!
Click Poster below for Faith & Science Night Sign Up Genius!
Mission Trip Opportunities!
What to join us on Mission Summer 2024?! Calling all students currently in grades 5-12!! We have service opportunities for YOU! Check out the link below to sign up for any of our FOUR mission and faith building opportunities this summer. Contact Bethany Robinson or Nathan Heenan at the Parish office with any questions! https://www.smmneenah.org/summer-mission-registration
Pray for LIFE!
Sign up through the USCCB and Pray for Life!
The Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ended the nearly fifty-year nationwide reign of abortion on-demand that was ushered in by Roe v. Wade in 1973. In this monumental legal victory, the Supreme Court rightly concluded that there is nothing in the Constitution’s text, history, American legal tradition, or the Court’s precedents that prevents the government from protecting preborn children in the womb from the violence of abortion. Dobbs returned the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives at the federal and state levels. And as we have seen, continuing work is needed to protect children, women, and families from the tragedy of abortion.
We must continue advocating for pro-life laws and policies, especially at the state and local levels. Abortion is legal in more states than not, with many working to expand and enshrine abortion protections. In addition to our efforts to protect human life in law, we must also help women facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, offering them the compassionate support they need to lovingly welcome the gift of their children. We must do whatever we can in every sphere to ensure the flourishing of both mothers and their children throughout life’s journey.
Click the photo and sign up and pray for Life or go to: https://www.respectlife.org/prayer-and-action!
Consider Online Giving, snap the QR Code to go directly to our Giving Page!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES!
Encourage our youth to be Altar Servers!
We Need Altar Servers at both churches - be a part of our elite team!
We need Ushers!
We have an immediate need for at least 2 ushers for the 6pm Mass at St. Mary. You would assist on alternate months, Nov/Jan/Mar/May/July/Sept. Call Ken Danielson at 920-734-8105 or Mark Galassi at 920-722-5600.
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.
St. Mary Catholic Schools News!
Consider St. Mary Catholic Schools!
St Mary Catholic High School Preview Night is coming up soon and we would like to extend our invitation to St. Mary and St. John parish families to join us on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 6:30 to 7:30pm.
There will be a short informational presentation, answer any questions about academic offerings, courses, college preparation and more.
7th grade Visit Day, on Friday February 2, 2024 from 10am to 12pm
where students are invited to spend the two hours at St Mary Catholic High School, meeting teachers, touring the school and participating in fun activities.
Check out these SMCS Fine Arts Events for 2024!
You are Invited! Join us at the following SMCS Fine Arts 2024 events. Tickets can be found on the QR code to the right. Our annual Fine Arts fundraiser, ZCabaret, is coming up on the evenings of February 2 and 3, 2024. This is an upscale event, where the theater stage transforms into an intimate cabaret setting. The evening is filled with the incredible talent of students, alumni, staff, parents, and friends of SMC, as they light up the stage with their gifts and entertain a packed house of generous guests, all while enjoying delectable foods and Signature cocktails. This single event helps fund many of the enrichment programs that benefit our students as well as provide teacher grants that enhance the fine arts curriculum and classrooms.
*** Community Service Announcements ***
Check out the Knights of Columbus!
Support Spiritus Missionaries!
SPIRITUS missionaries are young adults who give nine months of service to ignite the
faith of our Catholic youth. They will be here next week to share how they are inspiring
the youth of our parish and parishes throughout mostly Wisconsin but also in other
states. After their brief witness, they will invite parishioners to partner with their
missionary efforts through prayer and financial support. We hope you will join in this
vital mission of the Church.
A 3 Part program at St Edward for End of life preparations
Come and Spend an Hour with Jesus!
We can do this by praying for others. We pray for them because we believe that God hears and answers prayers. Sending your friends a card reminds them that you’re thinking of them.
To aid in that we have made some beautiful cards available to you to let your friends know you have remembered them in prayer. They are available in the back of both churches. If you feel compelled to make a free will offering to help cover the cost, that can be left in the votive boxes. How wonderful is this to pray for our brothers and sisters before the Blessed Sacrament! Let us ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER and BUILD EACH OTHER UP!
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.
In addition to the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. Margaret Mary,
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
Pray for our Seminarians!
Click below for our current (January 21, 2024) bulletin!
Read Mark Chapter 17
A priest told his congregation, “Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you understand my homily, I want you all to read Mark 17.” The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his homily, the priest asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17. Every hand went up. The priest smiled and said, “Mark has only sixteen chapters. I will now proceed with my homily on the sin of lying.” (from Christianstories.com). And as Fr. Michael would say - "See you in the box!"
Be aware of Phishing Scams!
The digital world is full of phishing scams and the more time you spend online, the more you encounter. Scammers have many ways to hook you. Some of the most popular scams involve requests for gift cards, employment offers, and account deactivation threats. Use these red flags to spot phishing scams: