This theme reminds us that we are all part of something much greater than ourselves — the mission of the Church to bring the hope of Christ to a world in need. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Each of us, by our baptism, is sent. We are called to be missionaries of hope — in our families, our workplaces, and our communities. The Annual Appeal gives us a unique opportunity to respond to that call. Through our collective support, the Appeal helps:
I invite each of you to prayerfully consider how you can participate. No gift is too small, and every offering makes a difference. Together, we can fuel the good work God is doing in our Church. May God bless you for your faithfulness and generosity.
An increasing number of priests, religious sisters and brothers and others serving the Church throughout the United States will be forced to abandon their ministries if policymakers do not act soon. Unfortunately, many parishes, schools and other Catholic institutions have already had to part with men and women who served them for years because of challenges with the Religious Worker Visa Program.
To learn more, and to make your voice heard in favor of the bipartisan Religious Workforce Protection Act, visit https://votervoice.net/USCCB/home. The Diocese of La Crosse is grateful for the ministry of nearly 30 international priests.
If you need food assistance, we would like to direct you to C-FC Area Food Shelf located at St. John’s Church, 303 Hill St in Fountain City.
The hours are 1st and 3rd Mondays at 4:30-6:30pm and 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00pm.
Please see bulletin board for items needed for the CFC Food Shelf.
In April, 571 pounds of food were distributed to 28 people.
Every year we are honored to do something special for couples who are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Each couple receives a packet and certificate, as well as an invitation to attend one of three celebrations that include Mass with the Bishop followed by a dinner. We use the information provided by your parish’s records to know where to send the packets and invitations.
We are preparing for the anniversaries happening in 2025 and would like to get a head start on the 2026 anniversaries as well.
Please contact your parish office to ensure your wedding date is listed in the parish’s records.
Every week all three parishes will have Eucharistic Adoration.
St. Boniface—Tue, 4:30-5:30pm
St. Lawrence—Thu, 7:00-8:00am
Immaculate Conception—Fri, 7:00-8:00am.
Do you know someone who is carrying the grief and sorrow of losing a child through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or abortion? Rachel Ministries of the Diocese of La Crosse offers a compassionate heart and confidential help. Call 608-860-6698 or email Hope4U@diolc.org. There are also healing retreats offered in the Diocese of Madison.
For more information, visit madisondiocese.org/rachel.
A meaningful way to participate in the Jubilee Year of Hope is by making a pilgrimage, which is different from a vacation. A pilgrimage is to a sacred place and involves stepping out of the normal routine with the goal of coming closer to God. Making a pilgrimage reminds us that in our everyday lives we are pilgrims on a journey to heaven, and therefore, our desire is to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ with whom we hope to spend eternity.
Latest episode of “Martin's Minutes” “Show and Tell,” God’s Children and Being Led by the Lord: Father Martin’s most recent “Martin’s Minutes” reflection can be watched at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py2 7IBgGpg and at the QR code to the right. These are inspiring thoughts of holiness and humor.
The Vatican and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have begun releasing materials about our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, including official statements, photographs, and video content.
The faithful can visit diolc.org/pope-leo to access a central collection of these materials.
Reminder: Our Prayer Chain is Still Active
If you or someone you know is in need of prayers, please contact Bernice Semling at 608-687-8530. If you would like to be part of this prayer chain, Bernice is also the person to contact.
Miracles can and do happen with the help of prayer. If you would like us to pray for you during Sunday’s Rosary, please call Rita Bechly at 608-687-8180.