Imagine yourself on a home visit with 2 conference members. A neighbor in need has recently moved into a new apartment. He called for help to get some furniture. You’ve been invited to see what a home visit is like.

You walk into Jerry’s apartment. It seems like a pretty nice place - fairly new and in good shape. But there is almost nothing in it. You say hello and tell him your name. He seems a little uncomfortable, but at the same time grateful that you are there. He opens his refrigerator. You see some bottles of water, some berries in a half-empty container, and a carton of yogurt. Wanting to be hospitable, Jerry offers you the berries and the water. Not sure whether to say yes or no, you politely decline. You wonder what comes next.

There is no place to sit. You and your companions stand awkwardly at the kitchen counter. One of them says they can help him fill out a voucher to get some furniture. He can get an air mattress and some bedding today - perhaps your fellow members brought those things along on this visit.

Jerry begins to tell you this story. He apologizes that he can’t offer you a seat. He moved in 3 weeks ago and the move took all of his money. He hasn’t been able to afford to buy anything but a little bit of food.. He was staying with a friend after his divorce. But he wasn’t on the lease so after a few weeks he had to leave. He left most of his belongings with his ex-wife. The rest went into a storage unit until he couldn’t pay for it. Now he has almost nothing.

One of the members helps Jerry fill out the furniture voucher. He needs a couch and a couple of chairs and some lamps. They offer dishes and pots and pans and clothing on the voucher. He says yes. They explain to him the process to actually get the furniture and other goods from one of the local St. Vinny’s stores.

They also tell him about the food pantry and the pharmacy that SVdP - Madison runs. That can save him some money. They give him a gas card and a Walmart card so he can get some other things he needs. They offer to pray with him. His eyes fill with tears. He says he hasn’t prayed for a long time, but it’s ok if they do. He joins the end of the prayer by saying the Our Father with them. He says thank you and that no one has ever been this kind to him before. You say goodbye.

Back in the car, you ask your Vincentian partners if it’s always like that - someone who has been in an apartment with nothing for 3 weeks. You learn this is fairly common and that the needs are higher than they have ever seen before. They tell you they hope you will become a home visitor in the conference. Your help is so desperately needed. They offer to pray for you as you process what just happened. You go home to a house filled with furniture and food and family. You wonder why.

Vincentians are ready to meet you and invite you into the Society. Will you say yes? Talk to a Vincentian after Mass this weekend to learn more, join the Society, and go on your own home visits.

Congratulations & God's Blessings to 

Ruby Bonomie
who was baptized on January 18
&
Sierra Macknick (pictured)
who was baptized on January 19

Max Schilling
Francesca Hidalgo
Jonathan & Sabrina Roth
Joshua Weber & Emily Metzger & children, Miles & James

Our Prayers & Sympathy
to the family and friends of:

† Peter Cherek

† Robert Theisen
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Overnight Eucharistic Adoration
Adore the Lord at IHM Church. Sign up here. 8pm Jan 29 - 8am Jan 30.

Adoration from Feb 3 - 7
Eucharistic Adoration from Feb 3 - 7 will be at IHM Church, instead of Mary Morning Star Chapel because of the Sisters' annual retreat. Adoration will return to the chapel on Monday, Feb. 10.

It is enrollment time at IHM School (3K - 8) for the 2025-26 school year. Priority Application for NEW students who are parishioners or siblings of current students runs through Feb. 5. After Feb. 5, enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Begin enrollment by completing this form.

Come to our school Open House on Jan. 26, 11:30am-1pm to kick off CSW! See our school, meet school families and staff, and to get your questions answered! Check out the CSW schedule!

First Reconciliation
Children will be receiving their First Reconciliation before Mass on Jan. 25 at 4pm (SP) and 5pm (CTK), and on Jan. 26 at 10:30am (IHM). Prayers welcome!

Presentation Candle Blessing
On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, (Candlemas), Feb. 2, it is customary to bless candles for use in prayer throughout the year. If you would like your prayer candles blessed, bring them to any weekend Mass. Tables will be set up in the vestibules of each church for this purpose. Please label your candles clearly with your name, as they will be blessed at the beginning of Mass.

Marriage & Family Newsletter
Visit here for DOM marriage and family resources - Rooted (retreat for newly married couples), Retrouvaille Retreat, Worldwide Marriage Encounter, NFP, Divorce Ministry, & Rachel's Vineyard Retreat.

Catholic Herald Subscription
Renew or subscribe to the Catholic Herald for $23. Payment envelopes are included with offertory envelopes or available in the back of church. Make checks payable to CTK, IHM or SP (memo: "Catholic Herald") and place them in the collection basket by Feb. 28 to avoid cancellation.

Mass Intentions
Mass intentions can be requested for a person who is living or deceased, for a celebration, in thanksgiving, as well as special intentions. Submit online at pastorate26.com/mass-intentions

Shrine Votive Candles
Place your prayer requests before the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the channel through which our Lord bestows graces and dispenses blessings. Submit online here.

St. Vincent de Paul – Recycle the Warmth Blanket Drive
Donate new or gently used blankets, bedding, and sheets to help families in need! Drop off items at Stella Maris churches or St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores on Jan. 25–26.

Ways to help:

Luke House - January
The churches within our pastorate prepare and serve meals at the Luke House. Food donations and volunteers to serve the food are needed. Click for details: CTK -Jan. 29

The children's choir will sing at the 9am Mass on Feb. 2 at St. Patrick. Rehearsal is at 8am.

St. Anne's Meeting
Stella Maris St. Anne's Society will have a membership meeting on Feb. 4 at 6pm in Marian Hall, IHM School. We will start with hospitality followed by a business meeting. All women of the pastorate are invited. Questions, please contact Teri Kuntzsch 608-206-5144. Visit the parish calendar for all monthly meetings.

Potluck at CTK
Feb. 5, 6pm at CTK. No formation this week.

Pancake Breakfast at CTK
CTK Men's Club annual Superbowl Pancake breakfast Sun. Feb. 9, 8 - 11:30am, proceeds will support Luke House & SVdP.  

Encounter School of Ministry
Rooted in Catholic teaching, this two-year program equips disciples to demonstrate the supernatural power and love of God. Weekly classes during the school year blend worship, teaching, and practical activation. Themes include Identity, Healing, Evangelization, and Leadership, guided by core values like love, intimacy with God, and Christian unity. Transformation Night Feb. 10. Learn more here.

All women in the pastorate are invited to participate in the Ascension Press study “Luke: The Story of Salvation Fulfilled." This is an 8-session study that will take place on Sundays from 6:30 - 8:00pm in the basement of St. Patrick Church beginning in March. Please contact Anne if you are interested in participating by Feb. 12. Details here.

The KC's would like to thank everyone who helped raise around $1,000 to benefit the Food Pantry of Cottage Grove, at their recent pancake breakfast. The Council is also sponsoring a fraternal benefit night on Feb.13 at 7pm in St. Patrick Hall. All are invited to learn about the financial benefits provided by the Knights of Columbus.