Praised be Jesus Christ! My Dad served in the Korean War but was not in the front lines because his bad back disqualified him. I remember his stories of traveling to Guam and visiting Hawaii on furlough. He swam at Waikiki beach but his recollections of that were always tempered by the experience he had of the tide near- ly dragging him out to sea. Dad also spoke about his visit to Pearl Harbor and he did so in a spirit of reverence and respect. I sup- pose that’s what sowed a seed in my mind that finally bore fruit this past January. When I told you I was going to Alabama to visit my classmates, that was certainly true. What I did not mention was that 3 of us then flew out to Oahu and spent a few days in a tropical paradise. One of my goals has always been to visit all 50 states, so I was really happy to be able to check off Hawaii. Be- cause of my Dad’s stories over the years, visiting Pearl Harbor was a given – and boy, was it impressive. I’ve visited many me- morials in my lifetime, but for some reason I was most moved by this one. I kept thinking of the terrible sadness so many families and friends carried for the rest of their days as the lives of those young men were snuffed out before they had hardly begun. Saint John Paul II wrote once in a poem, “Where is the dividing line between those generations who paid too little, and those who paid too much? On which side of that line are we?” Memorial Day invites us to reflect on the heroic sacrifices made by so many and to consider if we are living sacrificial lives. We were saved by the sacrifice of Our Lord at Calvary and we continue to be sancti- fied by that same sacrifice every time we attend Mass. Our world depends on men and women willing to live and die for a noble cause. And while Memorial Day rightly draws our attention to the armed services, Christ has His own soldiers in this world and they too heroically fight for noble causes. For example, at the Cathe- dral in Honolulu we venerated the relics of two towering saints, Saint Damien of Molokai and St. Marianne Cope. They laid down their lives in service of the most marginalized of all people as they served lepers dying a stigmatized and lonely death. Of all the humiliations St. Damien suffered, one of the greater ones had to be the fact that no priest would come to the leper island to hear his confession. Poor Damien had to shout his sins across the wa- ter to a priest who sat safely on his ship – only in this way could Saint Damien receive penance and absolution! Saint Damien eventually succumbed to leprosy and it cost him his life. And yet, this man’s life was so configured to Christ that he once stated, “I would not be cured if the price of the cure was that I must leave the island and give up my work. I am perfectly resigned to my lot. Do not feel sorry for me.” So we remember this weekend the price many paid for the freedoms we enjoy and we pray for their eternal rest. But that is never enough – if we hope to retain these blessings that cost others so much, then we must become more and more like Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve.” To that end, may the saints intercede for us, that we live the beautiful words of Saint Marianne Cope, “I do not think of reward; I am working for God, and do so cheerfully.” May God grant eternal rest to all who died for a righteous cause, and may He bless and protect those who continue to serve that same cause! Your friend in Christ, Father Martin
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REMINDER to Parishioners * 24 Hour Eucharistic Adoration – 2017 - First Friday – June 2 through June 3
** Starting at 9 am on Friday an ending at 9 am on Saturday) Note: There will be a prayer petition book placed out the week prior to our First Friday Eucharistic Adoration. Anyone wishing to have petitions offered during Adoration may enter their petition into the book and they will be prayed for. Atten- tion: Church doors are locked @ 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. if you are coming to pray during this time please knock on door (under carport) 5 minutes before the start of each hour and you will be let in by person already inside of church. The annual June “Project Milk is sponsored by the PCCW of the parish. The monies collected will go to the Casa Hogar Juan Pablo Orphanage near Lurin, Peru. It is 20 miles outside of Lima. This project provides milk for the children at the orphanage and the surrounding Peruvian area. Please note the “Special Milk Can” will be placed in gathering room to place your contributions into. The children of Peru sincerely appreciate your support ! he next “Baptismal” preparation class will be on Tuesday - June 6, 2017 @ 5:30 pm - 8 pm. @ St. John’s in Mfld. / Columbia room of the school. Pre-registration is required; please do so by calling 715-659-4480. For those not registered as members at Christ the King parish, information will be given on how to do so. This class is mandatory for all parents expecting their first child and/or those who have not taken Father Martin’s baptismal class. The “Priestly Ordination” of Deacon Aaron Becker will take place on Saturday – June 24th, 2017 @ 10:30 @ the St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse. A bus has been acquired for parishioners to have transportation to La Crosse and back on June 24th . Cost of $15.00 per person is to be paid when you register. Space is limited to 49 bus seats and will be filled on “First Come” basis. Please register by calling parish office @ 715-659-4480 and talking to parish secretary, Judy. A required Mandatory “Adult Medical Release and Permission Form” is needed and Judy will provide one for you, when you register. You are asked to bring the form with you on Saturday morning, June 24th . The Progressive Travel Bus will be in the church parking lot @ 7:45 am and leaving @ 8 am for La Crosse. If you are not able to personally go to the cathedral for Aaron Becker’s ordination, the event will be live streamed for those who are unable to a end but wish to watch using their computer or other connected device Use this link at: www.diolc.org/live the day of the ordination mass. BASEBALL FANS: Save the date: Thursday-July 20, 2017 for our “Parish Family Night” with the Wausau Woodchucks, organized by the Family Life Committee. Watch the weekend bulletin in June for the sign up details. News from the USCCB:
Convocation of Catholic Leaders – The Joy of the Gospel in America, Taking Place July 1-4 in Orlando; Unprecedented Gathering of Catholic Bishops and Leaders from Across the Nation - WASHINGTON—This summer, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will be convening an unprecedented gathering of diverse leaders from dioceses and Catholic organizations from across the country to assess the challenges and opportunities of our time, particularly in the context of the Church in the United States. An ongoing initiative of the Bishops' Working Group on the Life and Dignity of the Human Person, the Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America, will assemble Catholic leaders for a strategic conversation, under the leadership of the bishops, on forming missionary disciples to animate the Church and to engage the culture....Read More News from the Pope: Pope: ‘we must ask the Lord for the gifts of love and joy' - (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has reminded believers that Jesus' love is infinite and true, unlike worldly passions that seek power and vanity. The Pope was speaking during Mass at the Casa Santa Marta during which he pointed out that the Christian mission is to give joy and that God’s love is at the core of a true Christian’s life.....Read More News from the Church: Sign of Hope in Syria: Aleppo Consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima - ALEPPO, Syria — Still reeling from the Syrian civil war, the city of Aleppo saw a ray of hope this weekend with a consecration to Our Lady of Fatima on May 13. The Mass of consecration took place in St. Francis of Assisi Roman Rite Cathedral, which is also known as the Latin Church of the Franciscans. It was presided over by the pastor, Father Ibrahim Alsabagh, and concelebrated by the bishops and priests of the city. The consecration of Aleppo took place on the 100th anniversary of the first Marian apparition at Fatima, the same day that Pope Francis celebrated the Mass of canonization of the shepherd children Francisco and Jacinta Marto at the Fatima Shrine in Portugal.....Read more World Youth Day 2019 in Panama update The next World Youth Day gathering will be in Panama in 2019. Because it will be in January, we will not be organizing a pilgrimage but are instead looking at offering a foreign mission trip in the summer of 2019. If you have any other questions, please contact Mr. Dan Kitzhaber.
CATHOLIC Adventure Camp July 9-14. This is for teens currently in grades 6-12. Crosswoods Christian Adventure Camp, located south of Ashland, has been reserved for the Diocese of La Crosse! This high adventure week will offer you the chance for rock climbing, repelling, canoeing, mountain bike riding, low ropes and high ropes, adventure trails, hiking, and time for prayer, the sacraments and reflection on God’s marvelous creation. The total cost will be about $400 for youth and $200 for adults. Signup soon. Financial help is available. If you have any other questions, please contact Mr. Dan Kitzhaber. Steubenville Youth Conference for teens presently in grades 8-12 An awesome, high energy event with 2,000 other teens . PLUS: we'll roll up our sleeves and lend a hand while serving others. It will be at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, July 28-30 The cost will be about $260 includes most meals, transportation, & all housing For more information, please contact: Dan Kitzhaber Young Adults There will be a gathering for all young adults in the area on the 2nd Tues of each month at 6:30pm in St. Francis Hall at St. John’s. We will learn more about Divine Mercy. There will be time for socializing, snacking, praying and learning! For more information contact Dan Kitzhaber or Fr Sedlacek. Praised be Jesus Christ! Graduation season is upon us and we both congratulate and earnestly pray for all of the members of the class of 2017. God knows you will be missed as you begin the transition into adulthood and greater responsibility. But before you fly the coop, graduates, it’s time for some unsolicited advice. First up is a quote from the very end of the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life:” “Remember no man is a failure who has friends.” Friendship is one of the greatest loves we can experience in this life. When we were little it seemed like we had doz- ens of friends. As we get older the number of true friends tends to decrease while the depth of friendship deepens (there are exceptions: I have 1,446 friends on Facebook, which is ten times the number Father Berns has). Friendship is based on trust, common interests, and depth of character. The Book of Sirach states that “faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one finds a shelter.” May God send you true friends that will be a kindling force and a revealing power in your lives. A second point of wisdom comes from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” The moral of this insight is that “to live is to change, to be perfect is to have changed often,” (John Henry Newman). You will be encountering many ideas and people and you will, to one degree or another, be shaped by these. If you have been a very kind and giving person up until now, there is no assurance that this will always be true. Conversely, if you’ve lived selfishly and sinfully for some time, you are not obligated to continue on this path. Life gives you many opportunities to change and God has equipped you with the freedom to “know the truth” (John 8:32). The goal of the Christian life is to become more like Jesus as the years go by. Remembering that Jesus “came not to be served, but to serve,” (Matthew 20:28), the choices you make will either incline you to think of others more or less as you get older. Changing is much easier for you now – when you get to be my age you’ll find that you are more “set in your ways.” Heraclitus’ insight is as valid today as it was in his time, namely that you are changing already and will continue to do so for all of your life. As a parish we are praying that you choose to live virtuously, which will demand humility and trust in God. The last point of advice is simply the 4th Commandment: “Honor your father and your mother.” As you get older, some might suggest that your age exonerates you of this duty. They are wrong. Of course becoming an adult does grant us greater freedom and God wants us to stand on our own two feet. Just the same, we have a hallowed duty to our parents and God re- quires that we always treat them with love, respect, and at times, obedience. One of the disadvantages of our times is that we’re not as united in our families as we were a generation ago. God willing, your class will be a part of the movement to fortify family life and thus make the future brighter for your children and grandchildren. Soon, you’ll be flipping your tassel from one side of your cap to the other, signifying the end of your high school career. May the changes you experience in the years ahead prepare you for your final exam with God, and please God, may you pass that exam with flying colors.
May God give our graduates faith and wisdom, so that they follow the path that leads one day to Heaven! Your friend in Christ, Father Martin The next “Baptismal” preparation class will be on Tuesday - June 6, 2017 @ 5:30 pm - 8 pm. @ St. John’s in Mfld. / Columbia room of the school. Pre-registration is required; please do so by calling 715-659-4480. For those not registered as members at Christ the King parish, information will be given on how to do so. This class is mandatory for all parents expecting their first child and/or those who have not taken Father Martin’s baptismal class.
During the month of May, the Social Justice Committee members of the parish will be collecting “Baby Shower Gifts” for the Hannah Center. A “Wish List” will be provided in the Play- n’Pack, placed in the gathering room of church. Also this year is the “Baby Bottle” to take home and place your loose change in during the month to be returned back to the church at the end of May. The Family Life Committee has decided to Not to Participate in the “Rose Sale” for the Hannah Center. We encourage you to please participate in the Baby Shower and Baby Bottle collections. Thank you for your past support of the Rose Sale. The “Priestly Ordination” of Deacon Aaron Becker will take place on Saturday – June 24th, 2017 @ 10:30 @ the St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse. A bus has been acquired for parishioners to have transportation to La Crosse and back on June 24th . Cost of $15.00 per person is to be paid when you register. Space is limited to 49 bus seats and will be filled on “First Come” basis. Please register by calling parish office @ 715-659-4480 and talking to parish secretary, Judy. A required Mandatory “Adult Medical Release and Permission Form” is needed and Judy will provide one for you, when you register. You are asked to bring the form with you on Saturday morning, June 24th . The Progressive Travel Bus will be in the church parking lot @ 7:45 am and leaving @ 8 am for La Crosse. If you are not able to personally go to the cathedral for Aaron Becker’s ordination, the event will be live streamed for those who are unable to a end but wish to watch using their computer or other connected device Use this link at: www.diolc.org/live the day of the ordination mass. During the “Month of May ” the rosary only will be recited 20 minutes before Mass * Needed: Parishioners of the parish to lead the congregation in reciting the rosary. A sign-up sheet can be found on back table in gathering room. Your help in be- ing a prayer leader (Ladies, men or young adults) in reciting the rosary would be greatly appreciated. Parishioners * Please show respect for the rosary being prayed and enter church quietly. Thank you. BASEBALL FANS: Save the date: Thursday-July 20, 2017 for our “Parish Family Night” with the Wausau Woodchucks, organized by the Family Life Committee. Watch the weekend bulletin in June for the sign up details.
News from the USCCB:
USCCB President: Today’s Executive Order Begins a Process - WASHINGTON– Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued a response to President Donald J. Trump's executive order signed this morning. Cardinal DiNardo's full statement follows:....Read More News from the Pope: Pope sends video-message ahead of Fatima pilgrimage - (Vatican Radio) In a video-message released just two days before his journey the Pope said that “Just hours from my pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima, I find myself in a state of joyful expectation for our upcoming encounter at the house of the Mother”. I am well aware, he said, of the fact that you would like to welcome me into your homes, into your communities and into your towns as well: “I received your invitation!”.....Read More News from the Church: Father Solanus Casey — Priest, Prophet, and Porter - If you heard about a seminarian who struggled all the way through seminary, failed one language class after another, and then was ordained on the condition that he give neither doctrinal homilies nor hear confessions – you probably wouldn’t expect him to amount to much. But Bernard Francis Casey – the sixth of 16 kids from Prescott, Wisconsin – was such a seminarian. And the world is about to find out how far he went in his chosen field.....Read more Youth Rummage Sale May 18 & 19 the youth will be holding a rummage sale at St. John’s in the Columbia Rm. You are invited to donate your gently used items by bringing them during office hours to St. John’s rel. ed. Office on Wed afternoon, May 17 from 3-6pm or Thur., May 18 from noon -3pm. You are also invited to come purchase items from this sale to support our youth. Sale times are Thurs., May 18, 3-6pm and Fri., May 19, 8am-3pm St. John's school Columbia Room 307 N. Walnut Ave. For more information please contact Mr. Dan Kitzhaber.
CATHOLIC Adventure Camp July 9-14. This is for teens currently in grades 6-12. Crosswoods Christian Adventure Camp, located south of Ashland, has been reserved for the Diocese of La Crosse! This high adventure week will offer you the chance for rock climbing, repelling, canoeing, mountain bike riding, low ropes and high ropes, adventure trails, hiking, and time for prayer, the sacraments and reflection on God’s marvelous creation. The total cost will be about $400 for youth and $200 for adults. Signup soon. Financial help is available. If you have any other questions, please contact Mr. Dan Kitzhaber. Steubenville Youth Conference for teens presently in grades 8-12 An awesome, high energy event with 2,000 other teens . PLUS: we'll roll up our sleeves and lend a hand while serving others. It will be at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, July 28-30 The cost will be about $260 includes most meals, transportation, & all housing For more information, please contact: Dan Kitzhaber Young Adults There will be a gathering for all young adults in the area on the 2nd Tues of each month at 6:30pm in St. Francis Hall at St. John’s. We will learn more about Divine Mercy. There will be time for socializing, snacking, praying and learning! For more information contact Dan Kitzhaber or Fr Sedlacek. |
MASS SCHEDULE
Tuesday - Friday: 8:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM RECONCILIATION
Saturday: 3:15 - 3:45 PM OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Stay Connected with Our ParishWelcome from Our PastorWelcome to Christ the King Catholic Church! Ever since 1938 this parish has been assisting souls in their quest for deeper union with God. Our mission statement is essentially found in the stained glass window above the main altar: “For Christ our King.” Insofar as God made us and we belong to Him, we have come to... Read More
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