 Parish Office Updates
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 From the desk of Fr. Barry This past week away was a much-needed break. Catching up with old friends, sleeping in, not being on a schedule, all helped me realize what I’ve been told in seminary, take your vacation! I hadn’t realized that not taking a vacation in the last 15 months had worn me down so much. The trip lead way to appreciating the time and looking at the beauty of the area. As we drove through the Black Hills and Bad Lands, I couldn’t help but contemplate the sheer beauty of the area; the majesty of the hills and terrain. As I looked out, I wondered how anyone could look across the plains and not see the wonder of God’s creation. Each piece of art in those hills was created by our magnificent, wonderful and benevolent God. I discovered how science had proven that at one time the land was a jungle that had flooded and become an ocean of water. Yet today, all we see is rocks of color and varying shapes. What science has proven; I would have never suspected. But it is all in God’s plan. I bring up my trip because Jesus, throughout scripture talks about going to a quiet place to get away and pray. He removed himself from the hussle and bussle of everyday life to spend time in prayer with the Father, to relax and regain his energy. I felt that connection on this trip. I felt the call to enjoy all that God has to offer and to not forget all that He has provided. I was able to see the joy he provides through nature and the comfort he provides through friends. You could say that his presence was ever so apparent. Our relationship had taken another step forward. As we continue to journey through Matthew’s Gospel, we hear the famous line from Jesus, “who do you say that I am?” (16:15). None of us would be able to answer that question, of anyone, if we did not know the person at some level. Peter, because he had already witnessed the countless miracles of Jesus, answers emphatically “you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (16:16). In answering correctly, Jesus then praises him and because of his faith, awards him the keys to heaven. One of the questions I repeatedly asked myself last week was, “ do I have to go back?” Those 4 days were going quickly and I didn’t feel I was ready to let it end. But then day four came and I was at total peace to make that 10-hour drive. I knew that God’s plan for me was to be where he had placed me 6 years ago when I was called back to Wisconsin and left San Antonio. You see, it’s through a relationship (entrusted to us through faith) with Christ ,that allows us to see not only who He is, but who he wants us to be. And when we are open to it, life’s decisions, our wants and desires, aren’t as important as to what He wants from us and of us. I know with my whole being that God’s plan for me is to serve, now I just have to figure out how to balance father time from Barry time. As with all of us, the journey continues, the journey to bring Christ into every aspect of our lives, whether that be at work, at home, at the store or on vacation. To better that relationship in an intimate, trusting, and loving way. When we do that, we too will emphatically say “you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God”! Enjoy the week my friends, be witnesses to the love and kindness of our Almighty God in everything you do.  Attention Engaged Couples: Two Becoming One class in Mfld. Registration is now open. Available dates are: Sept. 19 and Nov. 7,2020 and Feb 13 and April 10,2021 Please be aware that these classes fill quickly, so register as soon as possible to be assured of a spot. Couples should first contact their priest and then plan to attend a class at least six months before their wedding. For questions or to register please contact, Alanna Hart at [email protected]  SPECIAL THANKS This office/rectory project wouldn’t have ever been possible if God wasn’t behind it. And I thank each of you who helped make this a reality. A very special thank you and acknowledgment to Aumann Construction for doing such a beautiful job, Bugar Trucking for their generous contribution and hard work, Draxler Trucking for their financial support and help, Gaffney Plumbing for their discount and quality work, All Current Electric for the so many things done above and beyond and generous contribution, CAS construction for laying the foundation so quickly, Modern Insulation for the generous contribution, Vorsho Flooring for your donated labor (beautiful work!) and RR Flooring for your discounted floors and tile! Mittens for your help in selection and discounts. Wolfcraft for the beautiful office furniture and rectory furniture as well as those who donated furniture, thank you Judy and Dave. A very special thank you to our PCCW who supplied all the blinds for the entire building and our Holy Name society who supplied the living room furniture, office computer and safe. Hiller’s True Value supplied all the interior paint and also helped paint, along with the Bauers, Mlsna’s and Becky Kaiser. Thank you also to the McNeely family for the fireplace, lazy-susan and wall clock! And I will never forget the countless people who helped with every phase of this project, cleaning, moving, yard and lawn work.  From the Desk of Fr. Barry
We here at Christ the King have definitely had our challenges since...well even before my arrival. Where will a full-time priest live? How much can we afford? Do we build or do we rent? Many more questions came up as well. But together, we have pulled together and made our parish something to be very proud of. New offices, storage in the basement and a new rectory! With some doubt that this was even possible, just 8 months later we have a completed building. My prayer from the beginning has been if this is meant to be, make it so Father. And he answered generously! I have been so grateful and at the same time proud of how Christ the King has bonded together. From the giving of phase 1, to the continued support of phase 2 and for all the house supplies that have been dropped off. In reading the Gospel for this 19th week in Ordinary time, I can understand where the doubt came from. Our Gospel story from Matthew, helps us see just how our own fears, our own attitudes and doubt, hinder the amazing love of God. That love to nurture us, to help us grow, to look into the future. Early in the story we hear how the boat, filled with disciples is a few miles from shore being tossed about by the waves. The disciples catch sight of something or someone approaching them ... appearing to be walking toward them on the water. They naturally ... become terrified ...and the first thing that comes to their minds is, “It is a ghost.” For some reason, they could not imagine that it was the Lord Jesus who was coming to them across the sea. They seem to be completely unprepared for this kind of encounter ... but somehow consider a “ghost” to be a reasonable possibility. And yet, think about it for a minute. They had already seen Jesus do all sorts of incredible things. They had seen him heal the sick. They had seen him feed the five thousand with just five loaves and two fish. And remarkably, they had even been with Jesus in a boat during a storm before, and had seen Jesus calm the storm. In other words, they had seen Jesus do all sorts of “miraculous” things, and yet they couldn’t imagine that it was HE who was coming to “save them” once again. Don’t we sometimes do the same? Something happens in our lives which causes us pain or distress or makes us afraid and it becomes all we can focus on. It gets all of our attention, and not in a healthy way, but in an all-consuming kind of way. Weighing us down, changing the way we react to others around us and changing our whole persona. And what happens? What is often the result? We resist. We think we are in the right and everyone else is in the wrong. We begin to resent and hate. We even talk badly about others. But Jesus is telling us that if we trust in him, totally trust, he will lift us out of the water and help us along the way. He knows we will doubt, many doubted this new construction would happen, but if it is meant to be then he will take care of the rest. Somehow, he will provide. And provide he does. My friends, I have doubted plenty in my life. I doubted I could ever make it through 6 years of seminary to obtain a Masters degree, I doubted that I was being called to the priesthood. I’ve doubted that I could present and lead retreats, I’ve doubted that I make any difference at all. But through it all, I have always asked God for his guidance. I’ve always tried to stay sincere in what God is asking of me. I’ve promised him that when doors open, I will walk through them; unafraid, willing and with an open heart. For I truly know that when I turn things over to him, they go much smoother. Surrender is never easy, but our faith allows us to trust that God is there lifting us up whenever we need it.. Have a blessed week and see you at the picnic! Fr. Barry  A message from Ann Pankratz and Marcia Draeger, Co-Chairladies of the St. Ann’s Circle: Each circle is asked to do a yearly fundraiser to help support various causes for the church. This year the PCCW has made a generous donation toward window treatments in the new rectory. For the past several years our circle has participated in the annual Pie in the Park event held the first Thursday of August in the Lion’s Shelter at the Spencer Village Park. This has always been one of the PCCW’s top fundraisers each year. However, this year due the current rise in cases of CoVid-19, we have decided to not host the event. We pray this pan- demic eases up so we are able to host this wonderful event again next year. In lieu of the Pie in the Park event, we are asking each circle member to donate at least $10 (checks should be made out to Christ the King Parish). Place it in an envelope, and mark it ‘St. Ann’s Circle Fundraiser’ and drop it in the offertory collection basket during any mass beginning now and throughout the month of August. You may also mail it to the parish office at: Christ the King Parish 306 S. LaSalle St., Spencer, WI 54479 Thank you for your support |
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 Pastor
Welcome 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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