My Dear Parishioners,
It is the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Today's readings speak of the gifts that accompany being part of the Reign of God.
In the First Reading, God asks Solomon, as the new King of Israel, what gift he would like to receive from God so that he might reign over the kingdom. He asks for an understanding heart (wisdom).
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the wisdom of those who seek to put themselves under the Reign of God, and the price they must pay to be in the Reign of God.
The Reign of God in our lives is both demanding and rewarding. It is not something that comes easy or without a price. If we really want to be part of God's plan, it means we have to have wisdom. That wisdom will lead us to make the right choices. Wisdom will also help us to see the big picture. Sometimes we get so caught up with the little picture that we fail to see God's Wisdom, the action. We focus on our own suffering and problems and do not see that God is at work even in, and especially during, those difficult times in our lives. God loves us and wants us to be a part of the divine plan. God's plan for us is to be in the Reign of God, to be sharing as royal heirs in the Reign of God.
The message of the readings for us is that God loves us. God is offering a share in the divine Reign. We must be willing to choose the correct paths. We need God's wisdom. We will have to make sacrifices, and maybe even suffer, but God will make all those difficulties well worth our suffering. God has a plan and will make it work out, if we are willing to be wise and patient. For all things work out for the good of those who are called according to God's plan.
May you deepen your trust in God and the plan that God has for your life, especially during the most trying of times. Amen!
God Bless You,
Fr. George, MSFS
LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:
Weekend Mass Schedule:
Saturday, July 25, 2026...
5:00 pm
Sunday, July 26, 2026...
SJA at 8:15 am
SSPP at 10:15 am
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Confessions:
SSPP Saturdays - 3:00 pm
SJA —Sundays - 7:45 am to 8:15 am
For Any Other Time Needed: Please Call the Office for an Appointment at 715-985-2227.
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RELIGIOUS & ADULT EDUCATION
Religious Ed. News
Please pray and see if you are being called to be a catechist. The Religious Ed Program is looking for at least 2 teachers and multiple sub teachers. Please contact the office at ssppcre@gmail.com or 715 530-3225.
For those who are interested in committing to the Catholic Faith, please inquire at the rectory about OCIA.
Faith Formation News
Looking for adult volunteers and subs for musicians, leaders, organizers, and helpers for multiple new ministries. Please contact ssppcre@gmail.com or 715 530-3225.
For those who are interested in committing to the Catholic Faith,
Faith Enrichment Opportunities
Venezuelan Relief| Donations needed for the after affects of a 7.2 & 7.5 earthquake |Access through Diocesan Website diolc.org
Legacy of Love: Celebrating Decades of Married Life|, 8/9| La Crosse |Couples celebrating milestone decade Marriage Anniversaries |608.791.2680 or emailing her at lboden@diolc.org.
Come & See |8/1 |Seraphic Adorers of the Child Jesus | Women ages 18-29 https://seraphicadorers.com/works/blogs/news-and-events/come-and-see-2026
Dare to Follow |8/10-11 |Holy Cross Diocesan Center, La Crosse | Young men grades 6-8 dioceseoflacrosse.regfox.com/official-vocations-event-registration
World Youth Day |8/3-8,2027 | Seoul, South Korea | worldyouthday.com
Traditions Corner
Did you know that the name of Mary’s parents, Anne and Joachim, are not anywhere in the Bible. Their names were found in an inauthentic book called the “Gospel of James” that was written in the mid-2nd century.
Source: https://mycatholic.life/ saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-26st-anne/
Faith Formation News
Looking for adult volunteers and subs for musicians, leaders, organizers, and helpers for multiple new ministries. Please contact ssppcre@gmail.com or 715 530-3225.
Faith Enrichment Opportunities
Venezuelan Relief| Donations needed for the after affects of a 7.2 & 7.5 earthquake |Access through Diocesan Website diolc.org
Legacy of Love: Celebrating Decades of Married Life|, 8/9| La Crosse |Couples celebrating milestone decade Marriage Anniversaries |608.791.2680 or emailing her at lboden@diolc.org.
Come & See |8/1 |Seraphic Adorers of the Child Jesus | Women ages 18-29 https://seraphicadorers.com/works/blogs/news-and-events/come-and-see-2026
World Youth Day |8/3-8,2027 | Seoul, South Korea | worldyouthday.com
Com & See |8/1 |Seraphic Adorers of the Child Jesus | Women ages 18-29 https://seraphicadorers.com/works/blogs/news-and-events/come-and-see-2026
World Youth Day |8/3-8,2027 | Seoul, South Korea | worldyouthday.com
Diocesan Outreach
CCD/Confirmation:
Are you being called?: Looking for leaders 715 530-3225 or email to ssppcre@gmail.com.
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If you have any memories or traditions you would like to see, please send them to ssppcre@gmail.com
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St. FAUSTINA ADULT STUDY GROUP
A study group highlighting the life and diary of St. Faustina, including Divine Mercy, will start in September, dates to be determined if we have enough interest. This study is most appropriate for interested adults now that we have a first class relic of her.
Contact Marge if you are interested in attending: mbaecker@ssppwi.org or call or text 715-538-3638.
DIOCESE OF LA CROSSE GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING INSTANCES OF CHILD ABUSE:
The Diocese of La Crosse, through its policies and procedures, seeks to provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (bishop, priest, deacon, employee, religious, vendor or volunteer). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should send that report to Mrs. Teresa Brown, Complaint Intake Agent, at the Diocese of
La Crosse, P.O. Box 4004, La Crosse, WI 54602-4004. Alternatively, you can contact Mrs. Brown at 608.791.0179 or intakeagent@diolc.org.
The reporting form is available through the Diocese of La Crosse Office of Safe Environment or on the diocesan website at: diolc.org/safe-environment/reporting. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. Copies of the diocesan policy are available through your local Parish and on the diocesan website.
If you have any questions about the Diocese of La Crosse and the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Teresa Brown, Diocese of La Crosse, at 608.791.2679 or tbrown@diolc.org .
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If you have a birthday during the month of July come to Mass the first weekend to SS Peter & Paul Church. Father
will invite all children to come forward to receive a birthday blessing.
Adults can stand or come forward and also receive this special blessing. The parish will then sing Happy Birthday. Let us all celebrate Life and your Birthday’s.
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WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES —
If you were married in the month of July, please call Julie at the Rectory (715-985-2227) and let her know the number of years you have been married. Blessings will be given on July 25th and July 26th Masses.
ST. JOHN'S MASS TIMES
Tuesday: 4:30 pm
Friday: 9:00 am
Sunday: 8:15 am
STS. PETER & PAUL MASS TIMES
Tuesday: 8:30 am
Wednesday: 8:30 am
Thursday: 8:30 am
Friday: 7:00 am
Saturday: 4:00 pm (5:00 pm During Daylight Saving Time)
Sunday: 10:15 am
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
St. John's: Sunday 7:45 - 8:15 am
Sts. Peter & Paul: Saturday 3:00pm –4:00 pm