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Weekly Update 2.4.24
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TO THE FAITHFUL OF OUR PASTORATE,
Praised be Jesus Christ!For the last four 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, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, and last week Transfiguration Parish. This week I want to share with you a name that might initially seem different, but hang with me!
A proposed name for our parish is Stella Maris, Our Lady "Star of the Sea” Parish, and I want to offer you more reasons behind this choice.
Background
It was fun researching that back in the 5th century the holy and famed translator Saint Jerome was producing a new Latin translation of the Onomasticon (a historical geography of ancient Israel and the Holy Land). This work was originally written by Eusebius of Caesarea and Eusebius interpreted "Maryam," the Hebrew name used for Mary, as Mar-yam, a pairing that he took to mean "drop of the sea." It was this interpretation that Saint Jerome would use, translating the phrase into the Latin stilla maris. This would have been fine except for a mistake by a scribe who accidentally copied the phrase not as stilla maris but as stella maris, or "star of the sea," a transcription error that quickly spread far and wide.
Though originally based in error, Our Lady's title as Star of the Sea has found great connection with faithful men and women across the world. The notion of Mary as a guiding star for sailors and those attracted to waters has led to devotion to Our Lady, Star of the Sea.
The Uniqueness of our Parish
This might seem like a puzzling choice for a name, as our pastorate is not on the sea nor do I think we have an abundance of sailors! But hear me out, because I think this name highlights some unique features of our pastorate. First, when I looked at the map of Pastorate 26 territory/boundary I right away noticed that we cut in half three of the four lakes that are iconic of the Madison area, Lake Monona, Lake Waubesa, and Lake Kegonsa. This name recognizes that geographic uniqueness. Even more, incorporated into the crest of the Diocese of Madison are alternating blue and white waves which are symbolic of those lakes which are part of our territory. Not only geographically special, but our pastorate is blessed to have the witness of the Sisters of Mary Morning Star residing, offering us a unique window into contemplative life. Most Catholics could go through their whole life without ever encountering or even knowing contemplative life exists, but our pastorate has a little window into this mostly hidden world, so this name connects us to that. Lastly, a Marian parish name recognizes another unique nature of our pastorate, that IHM Church was made a Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Green Scapular by Bishop Hying in 2023.
The Church’s Mission
To evangelize is to announce Christ, the Savior of mankind. It is here that we find the reason for the Church’s existence. It is Mary who has an irreplaceable role in the announcement of Christ. She is present in the three phases of the history of salvation: before Christ, during the life of Christ, and in the time of the Church. Her fiat brought the Messiah into the world. She was singularly associated to His redemptive mission and She is the Mother of the Church. Mary plays an active role in the passing from one phase to another, as well as in the encounter of the Church with each generation and historic moments, such as this moment in our new parish.
Looking to the Star
Stars have guided people all throughout history. A star guided the Magi to pay homage to the newborn king. And after they encountered the Christ child the Magi returned a different way because no person can encounter Christ and not leave along a different way. Today we look up to Mary as the star of the new evangelization. We look up to her and ask her to guide us to her son, Jesus. True and authentic Marian devotion leads us to Jesus. This title also recognizes Mary's role as a guiding star and a true sign of hope for all, one who can intercede for us as protector of those who travel and who face the stormy seas of life.
Feast Day
With such devotion to Mary under this beautiful title, the Catholic Church honors Mary as Our Lady, Star of the Sea with a feast day celebrated each year on September 27.
Process
Next week, you’ll receive an e-note with a voting link where you can rank your preferences and provide feedback. If you are unable to vote online, paper ballots will be available in the back of church next weekend.
Thank you for your discernment of this new parish name. Star resplendent, Star serene, Virgin Mother, Heaven’s Queen, lead us pilgrims to our Father, Virgin Mother, Heaven’s queen. Stella Maris, pray for us. Stella Maris, pray for us.
Fr. Chad M. DroesslerUpdatesAnnual Catholic Appeal 2024
Next weekend, Feb. 10 & 11 we will lead the in-pew process for the Annual Catholic Appeal. Those who have not made a pledge by mail will be asked to do so at this time. You will also receive a special edition of the Catholic Herald on Feb. 8 where you will have the opportunity to make a gift.Ash Wednesday, February 14Mass Times:
7:30am St. Patrick
8:30am Immaculate Heart of Mary6:00pm Christ the KingSt. 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.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.Diocese of Madison - Marriage & Family OfficeClick here for info on National Marriage Week, Worldwide Marriage Encounter, NFP, Divorce Ministry, Rachel's Vineyard Retreat and more.Catholic Resources
Last Wednesday at Faith Formation, parishioners recommended several Catholic resources to share with the parish. A complete list is in the works, a start is on our website.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 submit online.Adoration at IHM
The Sisters of Mary Morning Star will be on retreat Feb. 5-9. IHM will host Adoration in the Baptistery Chapel, 6am-8pm: Mon-Fri.Lenten Groups & Retreats
Silent 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.That Man Is You!
TMIY is Lenten focused this session. This men's group meets weekly at 7am Saturdays at Christ the King. Email Tom with questions.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. Sign up and all details here.Women's Retreat to Holy HillWomen of Pastorate 26 are you desiring to grow in holiness? You are invited to a Silent Retreat at Holy Hill, March 14-16. There are only two weeks left to sign up by Feb. 15! Click for details and to sign up. 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.Diocese of Madison Annual Young Adult RetreatThe retreat will be at Camp Gray from Friday, March 22-24 and is open to all young adults in their 20s and 30s. Click here to register by March 8 and here for details.EventsHospitality
Fellowship after Holy Mass is a wonderful way to meet others within our pastorate! Please join for hospitality this Sunday, Feb. 4 after all Masses.
Potluck at CTK
Feb. 7 at 6pm, chili baked potato bar. Sign up to bring toppings, salads and desserts here.Luke House - FebruaryThe 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: Feb 20, SP: Feb 21, IHM: Feb 28
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.Filiae Mariae
Feb. 18 at IHM 11:30am-2pm, for young women 3rd grade - high school. This month, Mary's Rosary Assemblers will be teaching the girls how to make mission rosaries! Enjoy lunch and games too. Sign up here.Fish Fries
IHM: February 16, March 1 & 15Sponsored by IHM Catholic School
Dine In: 5-7:30pm & Carry Out: 4:30-7pmBeer Battered & Baked Cod
There will be a Special Breaded Shrimp Dinner available Feb.16.
St. Patrick: February 23 & March 22Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus
Dine In & Carry Out: 4:30-7pmDeep Fried and Baked Cod
Iconography 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 Feb 5
7:30am-SP: † Jackie Robinson
Tuesday Feb 6
7:30am-CTK: Intention designated by Celebrant
8:30am-IHM: † Donna McCullough
Wednesday Feb 7
7:30am-SP: Intention designated by Celebrant
8:30am-IHM: † Jerry Droessler
Thursday Feb 8
7:30am-CTK: † Mary Ellen Peterman
8:30am-IHM: † Richard, Dirk, & Tod Evans
Friday Feb 9
7:30am-SP: Matthew Reamer
8:30am-IHM: Intention designated by Celebrant
Saturday Feb 10
9am-IHM: Intention designated by Celebrant
4pm-SP: Intention designated by Celebrant
5pm-CTK: People of Pastorate 26
Sunday Feb 11
7:30am-IHM: Intention designated by Celebrant
9am-SP: † Joe & Karen Kaltenberg
9am-CTK: † Art & Pat Wensing
10:30am-IHM: † Louie Droessler