Speaking of Donations

10-18-2015Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

We are nearing the time of year when our churches are approached by local agencies to help others have happier holidays by donating funds and gifts for people who have financial struggles. As is our local custom, these programs will be communicated at some level in our parish cluster.

Along with that, we learned from the Office of Vocations in La Crosse that we are getting near the point of having 40 or more young men in formation for the priesthood for our diocese. Currently, we are just over 30 in formation. Because education is expensive, diocesan funding for this purpose is running dangerously low. The Office of Vocations, in conjunction with the Diocesan Development Office, will be embarking on a select fundraising campaign to raise funds for the purpose of seminarian education. Perhaps there is a special place in your heart for the priesthood and seminarians in formation? If so, be looking for this upcoming endeavor; and perhaps consider being in touch with our local Pastor so that you are included in this necessary project.

Along with that, we continue to be in the midst of the Diocesan Annual Appeal. We are so thankful for participation in the past and really need continued participation in the present Appeal. Please be quick to reply to the Appeal so that we are able to achieve and exceed our goal and, in turn, receive rebate to our parish.

Mass With Anointing

On this Wednesday morning, beginning at 11am, we will be hosting the celebration of Holy Mass with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick in the Chapel at Saint Michael’s Assisted Living in Fountain City. The event will also include a light lunch provided by the Staff at Saint Michael’s. Please contact Deacon Wendt soon to make your reservations.

The purpose of this Mass is to offer the Anointing of the Sick to the Catholic residents who dwell there, our senior, elderly and aging parish members, or those who suffer from long-term illness. The Anointing may be repeated in people’s lives and this is an opportunity to offer the Anointing before we get into a time of year when sickness and challenging travel become part of our lives. Those challenges are joined to the reality that most priest’s schedules become busier as we move toward Advent and Christmas.

Remember, to be a most worthy recipient of any sacrament of the Church, we need to be in a state of grace; which of course means making a good Confession some time before or shortly after receiving a sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. The Sacrament of Penance, Confession, is always a good practice for us to ask God’s mercy for the sins we unfortunately commit in our lives.

A Change in the News

Some weeks ago we learned that the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Times, will be taking a sunset and a new diocesan magazine, Catholic Life will be making a sunrise. The final issue of the newspaper will be delivered near the end of October, the new magazine is being readied for Advent and is likely to arrive in November.

By comparison, The Catholic Times was produced about 22 times each year and was mailed to a limited number of registered households within our diocese. Its purpose was to report news and events. Catholic Life will be produced 8 times each year and will be mailed to every registered household within our diocese. Its purpose will be to evangelize and catechize by sharing inspirational stories of faith among people within parishes of the Diocese of La Crosse. We are assured there will be abundant references to our diocese so the magazine retains its local feel.

By comparison, the newspaper was primarily funded through the Diocesan Annual Appeal and parish subsidies; the magazine will be also. Catholic Life will cost each parish $3.00 each member each year; some parishes will see a reduction in subsidy, others will see a slight increase. Included in that pricing is a parish APP for each parish within our diocese so that members have digital access to some parish communication.

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