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Weekly Update 1/28/24
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TO THE FAITHFUL OF OUR PASTORATE,
Praised be Jesus Christ!
For the last three weeks I have been presenting potential names for our soon to be unified and expanded parish territory, known now as Pastorate 26. I have presented thus far: Archangels Parish, Holy Cross Parish, and St. Joseph the Worker Parish. This week I want to share not just a name but a vision—a vision that encapsulates the essence of a parish and sets our sights on the ultimate goal of our Christians
lives, the beatific vision.
Potential Name for our Parish
A proposed name for our parish is "Transfiguration Parish," and I want to offer you more reasons behind this choice.
A Pivotal Event in the Gospels
The Transfiguration of Jesus is a pivotal event in the Gospels. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to the top of the Mt. Tabor. Mountains in biblical narratives are places of divine encounter. It’s on this mountain, at this moment, with his chosen friends that a divine encounter takes place, where Jesus is transfigured and His true glory is revealed. It is here that God the Father emphasizes Jesus as the culmination of God's redemptive plan. By adopting the name "Transfiguration Parish," we recognize this truth of revelation and embrace this transformative moment for our parish.
Removing the Scandal of the Cross
The Transfiguration is not a one-time event; it is part of an ongoing journey. In the Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer used on the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6) it has us pray: “For he revealed his glory...that the scandal of the cross might be removed from hearts of his disciples...” From Mt. Tabor, where the Transfiguration took place the Lord comes down the mountain to shortly confront the reality of the Cross. The preface wonderfully reveals that the disciples carried in their hearts what
happened at the Transfiguration to understand and face the scandal of the Lord’s Passion. Choosing this name emphasizes our acknowledgment that our faith is a continual process of transformation. It encourages us to embrace change, personal growth, and a deepening relationship with God in spite of difficulty, uncertainty, and even persecution.
A Bridge
The Transfiguration involved the presence of key figures of salvation history—Moses, and Elijah, Peter, James, and John. This convergence symbolizes the unity of the Old and New Testaments as one story ushering in our salvation in and through Jesus Christ. Similarly, we have three parishes coming together as one body of Christ. The name "Transfiguration" reflects our unity in faith, while respecting and acknowledging the uniqueness of our past, but all leading to Christ.
Worship Brings Peace
Notice the disciples' response to this Divine Vision. Overwhelmed by the experience the disciples fall to the ground in awe. So captured by this vision Peter responds: “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three tents—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” In other words, let us stay here forever! What is a primary purpose of a parish? It is first and foremost divine worship. Our whole parish orbits around the Lord’s altar where we are nourished and motivated by God’s life to “go forth”. I always like to think about the Transfiguration as I ascend to the Lord’s Altar at Holy Mass. Mass is our transfiguration moment. Reflect on all of the holy moments in your life where our worship of Jesus, our participation in Holy Mass has brought us peace. By adopting this name the centrality of worship is set before us, and that is equally true for us here and now as it is for all eternity. The power and gift of right worship is beautifully expressed in the Gloria at Mass, when we give glory to God in the highest peace breaks out among people of good will. This is a fruit offered at the altar of all three of our churches as well as the altar of our hearts, for when there is right worship not only will peace break our among us, but our world as well.
The Vision Does Not Disappoint
The Transfiguration reveals Jesus in His divine glory, underscoring His identity as the Son of God. This revelation serves as a powerful testimony to share with others the vision we have seen and encountered. Go Make Disciples, our Diocesan initiative to equip us for mission is about sharing the saving news of salvation. Having a name like “Transfiguration Parish” keeps before us our duty and responsibility as disciples to share and invite people to know, love, and serve the extraordinary nature of Christ, the vision that will not disappoint.
Process
Next week I will present one more potential name for our soon to be parish. After that there will be one week for your participation in ranking and feedback. After that we will present, by Ash Wednesday, three names to Bishop Hying for his consideration and ultimate selection.
Thank you for your discernment of this new parish name. Please visit this link and see this video for further reflection on the Transfiguration. May the grace of the Transfigured Lord be with you all.Watch for an e-note and the bulletin next weekend for information regarding the last potential name of “Stella Maris (Star of the Sea) Parish.”
Fr. Chad M. DroesslerThe Pastorate 26 Benefit Dinner & Dance was a huge success, not only in fundraising but for the strengthening of the bonds of friendship and faith in our pastorate! Thank you to all who attended, bid on or donated to the silent auction, and to everyone who made the event happen! Additionally, a huge thank you to Backflip for producing this wonderful Pastorate 26 video!
UpdatesWelcome to our Pastorate!
Welcome to our newest parishioners:Samuel & Anna GalvinJohn & Cynthia Scudder
Stephen & Isabell St. ClairThroat BlessingThe Blessing of the Throats is celebrated on the feast day of Saint Blaise. You may have your throat blessed at the end of the IHM 9am Mass on Saturday, Feb. 3.Ushers NeededUshers are needed for Feb. 11 Masses for the Diocese Annual Catholic Appeal. Ushers would hand out and collect the ACA pledge envelopes/pens. If you can help, please email your name and which Mass/Church that you can assist. Thank you!St. Anne'sSt. Anne's membership meeting will be held on Feb. 6 at 6 - 8:30pm in Marian Hall in HM School. All women of Pastorate 26 are invited to attend. The topic of the evening will be preparing for Lent with discussion and bingo. Attendees can bring a "white elephant" item wrapped in a paper bag that will be used as prizes for our bingo event. Questions: contact Teri Kuntzsch or 608-206-5144.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 (such as an increase in vocations, respect for life, etc.) The suggested stipend is $10 per Holy Mass. Contact Sue by email or phone at 608-839-3969.IHM School EnrollmentIt is enrollment time at IHM School (3K - 8th grade) for the 2024-25 school year. Priority Application for NEW students who are parishioners of Pastorate 26 or siblings of current students runs through Feb. 7. After Feb. 7, enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Begin enrollment by filling out this form.Catholics Schools Week
"Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” is the theme of this year's Catholic School Week, beginning this Sunday, Jan. 28 at 10:30am Holy Mass followed by the IHM School Open House! Details here. Thank you, Pastorate 26 parishioners, for your support of IHM School!Overnight Eucharistic Adoration
There are time slots available to adore the Lord at IHM Church. Sign up here. 8pm Jan 31 - 8am Feb 1.Adoration at IHM
The Sisters of Mary Morning Star will be on retreat Feb. 1-9. Therefore, IHM will host adoration in the Baptistery Chapel, 6am-8pm: Mon-Fri.
Catholic Herald Subscription
It's time to renew your Catholic Herald newspaper. The cost is $23/year. Renew online here or there are forms in the back of church.Lenten Groups & RetreatsSilent Retreat
Tom Sandine, a parishioner of Pastorate 26, is organizing a group of men who will be visiting New Melleray Abbey in Peosta, IA for a silent retreat the week of Feb. 12. New Melleray is a community of Catholic Monks, belonging to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, commonly known as Trappists. This silent retreat will be a unique and powerful means to enter into your Lenten Journey. A limited number of single rooms are available. Customary free-will offering of $80/night. Contact Tom for details.Women's Lent Bible Study
Will you follow Jesus to Calvary? Join this women's bible study and fellowship. Hosted at St. Patrick on Wednesdays or Sundays. Beginning Feb 14. Please see all details here.That Man Is You!
TMIY is Lenten focused this session. This men's group meets at 7am Saturdays at Christ the King. Email Tom with questions.Women's Retreat to Holy HillWomen of Pastorate 26 are you desiring to grow in holiness? Do you desire to have more time with God? You are invited to a Silent Retreat at Holy Hill, March 14-16. Space is limited! Click for details and to sign up before Feb. 15. Questions: call Patti Schmelzer at 608-334-0968.Christian Experience Weekend (CEW)
CEW is an opportunity to leave your busy world behind for a couple of days to reflect on your relationship with God and others. Women's weekend: Feb. 16-18, Men's weekend: March 1-3. Details here.EventsSVdP Recycle the Warmth Blanket Drive
IHM and CTK Conferences of SVdP are participating in the 32nd annual Recycle the Warmth Blanket Drive. Donate new and gently used blankets, bedding and sheets at IHM, CTK or SP in the gathering space/social hall or any St. Vinny’s Thrift Store this weekend of January 26 - 28. More details here.Euchre Night at CTK
Christ the King Men’s Club is hosting a Euchre Night on Jan. 28. Gather at 6:30pm, play 7pm - 9pm. Open to all adults, couples and singles welcome. $5/person.Luke House - JanuaryThe 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.
Pancake Breakfast at CTK
Christ the King Men’s Club is hosting an all you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast on Feb. 11, 8am-12pm. Details here.Fish Fries
IHM: February 16, March 1 & 15
Dine In: 5-7:30pm & Carry Out: 4:30-7pm
St. Patrick: February 23 & March 22
Dine In & Carry Out: 4:30-7pmIconography Workshop
Master Iconographer Drazen Dupor of Madison will guide participants through a step-by-step process of painting the icon of the Scared Heart of Mary. No experience required. Feb 16-18, register here.Healing from Abortion
Whether recent or many years ago, Rachel’s Vineyard retreats offer hope and peace for anyone, women or men who have struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain after abortion. Upcoming retreat: March 15-17. Confidential and private. Contact Mary at 608-821-3177, or [email protected] or visit their website.Mass Intentions
Monday Jan 29
7:30am-SP: Brian Reamer
Tuesday Jan 30
7:30am-CTK: † Joan Schoepp
8:30am-IHM: † Debbie Diazza
Wednesday Jan 31
7:30am-SP: Intention designated by Celebrant
8:30am-IHM: Increase in Religious Vocations
Thursday Feb 1
7:30am-CTK: Intention designated by Celebrant
8:30am-IHM: † Marjorie Guthrie
Friday Feb 2
7:30am-SP: † Jackie Robinson
8:30am-IHM: † Mary Fiscus
Saturday Feb 3
9am-IHM: Intention designated by Celebrant
4pm-SP: Intention designated by Celebrant
5pm-CTK: People of Pastorate 26
Sunday Feb 4
7:30am-IHM: Intention designated by Celebrant
9am-SP: † Bob Klubertanz
9am-CTK: † Joan Schoepp
10:30am-IHM: † Richard Lerwick