We are steadily closing in on our target for the Inspired By the Spirit campaign. The Fall Follow-up has brought us to 94 percent of our target, with parishioners pledging $848,553 and $56,447 left to go. THANK YOU!
if you haven’t pledged or contributed please be attentive to and generous in responding to the letter and newsletter recently received in the mail. Brochures and pledge forms also are at all entrances. You can also pledge online!
MINISTRY AT MASS: Here are new Advent and Christmas links for ministers to sign-up for ministry at Mass. Thank you to all of our generous ministers! READERS - WELCOME MINISTERS - SERVERS
INTRODUCING MATTHEW: In this Quick Things Conversation scripture scholar John McHugh offers an insightful and engaging introduction to the Gospel of Matthew, which will be our gospel text at Sunday Mass in the new Church year.
NEW FOR KIDS: At the 8:30 Mass, after the Collect, or opening prayer, children ages 4 to second grade are invited to come to the altar. They will be sent forth with adult leaders who will proclaim a translation of the gospel prepared for children and then help them understand what they’ve heard. The children will return as the collection is being gathered.
THURSDAY EVENING MASS: Mass will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m. on the four Thursdays of Advent. This simpler, more subdued version of Lord’s Day Mass provides a mid-week opportunity to re-focus and prepare. RECONCILIATION: This sacrament of healing, repentance, mercy and anticipation will be celebrated from 5-6 p.m. on all of the Wednesdays of Advent - Nov. 30, and Dec. 7, 14 and 21, and 9 a.m. Saturdays in the Reconciliation Room in church. An examination of conscience can be found at this link.
ADVENT GIVING: Throughout Advent and Christmas parishioners are encouraged to donate gift cards, which will be given to St. Vincent de Paul to share in their outreach to individuals and families in need. Cards are requested for Kwik Trip, Pick ’n’ Save and Walgreens valued at $5 to $25. Cards will be accepted until Jan. 8, and can be put in the collection basket at Mass.
Baby bottles also will be distributed this coming weekend to support Hope Life Center and its outreach for those facing an unplanned pregnancy or dealing with a past abortion.
THE SUNDAY READINGS ON TUESDAY:Read, discuss and pray over next Sunday's reading in a weekly gathering at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays in the Gathering Space. It’s a great way to anticipate hearing the readings proclaimed at Mass and to gain a deeper awareness into the meaning and power of God’s word. All are welcome!
COOKIES & BREADS: Parishioners are invited to provide Christmas cookies and short breads for Circle of Joy to share with parishioners who are homebound or living in assisted living facilities. Please bring baked items to the library by Dec. 11.
CHRISTMAS CHOIR: We are forming a Christmas choir to help us celebrate the 6 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve. We will be practicing Thursdays Dec. 15 and 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the church following the weekday Advent mass. Everyone is welcome. If you have any questions please contact Kristine Lato or call the parish office. THE BELL CHOIR is also a significant part of our worship and bell-ringers are needed. An interest in music is really all you need. An ability to read music is helpful, but not essential. To learn more, contact Tracy Scheels.
BETHLEHEM GIFTS: Beautiful Nativity scenes and other Christmas items made from felted wool by the L’Arche community in Bethlehem are on sale in the Gathering Space. L’Arche is an international series of communities bringing together intellectually disabled people working and celebrating life alongside people without these disabilities. These items make wonderful gifts! A link to a video about L’Arche-Bethlehem is at right.
ADVENT ONLINE
< HARK! The story of ‘Good King Wenceslaus,’ a Christmas classic born in Ukraine - this Advent/Christmas series examines the history of many of our favorite Christmas songs. You'll also find an archive of past episodes. > ADVENT HEROES: Receive a daily Advent gift from U.S Jesuits and collaborators identifying significant figures who reveal the courage and compassion of Christ.
> ADVENT SIMPLICITY CHALLENGE: This Advent, commit to simplicity. In a season that can mistakenly be focused on gifts and consumption, explore ways to live simply as we hopefully prepare for the coming of Jesus and the restoration of the earth. > DAILY REFLECTIONS from Bishop Robert Barron can be found at stanneswausau.org.
< ADVENT RETREAT: Jesuits of the United States and Canada are offering "Room at the Inn: An Ignatian Journey with the Holy Family into Advent."
THIS ADVENT, LOOK AT YOUR HANDS: Here is the latest column by Eric Clayton, a young Catholic father, husband and writer who shares his discovery of God in all things.
ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS FROM WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL: If you're looking for a beautiful, reflective presentation of the most important themes of Advent, this is it.
READY, GO - COMMIT! Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2023 Youth Mission Trip to Mission, SD. July 8-15! All youth ages 14 and up (including adults young at heart) are welcome to register for this life-changing and transformative experience! Click here to learn more and to register. Or, contact John Schmitt, co-director of disciple formation. And, watch this video featuring Wyatt, Sephorah and Haley, participants in last summer's adventure.
SHARING WITH THE PARISH
Parish worship and ministries depend upon the generosity of ALL parishioners. And, it couldn't be easier to make a contribution. Scheduling an ongoing contribution or making a one-time donation - is just a click away. Thanks to all who share generously with the parish.
LORD'S DAY LIVESTREAM: Worship in-person in our newly renovated church would be ideal, but if circumstances prevent you from gathering with the community, a livestream of Mass is offered at 8:30 Sunday morning. A link is at left, as well as at the parish web site and at St. Anne Parish on Facebook. The link can be watched anytime after 8:30. Here is a link to this week's worship aid and a link to Sunday's readings.
