I’m still having a hard time believing we are less than a week away from Christmas Day, how did it get here so quickly? There are subtle reminders all around us; lights on houses, wreaths on doors, Christmas tree’s glistening through front windows. People are wearing their award winning ugly sweaters (or maybe they didn’t win, but definitely should have!), they’re flocking the stores with masks adorned, and antlers have been placed on the windows of their cars. Kitchens emit the smell of baking and presents are being wrapped. Christmas cards and packages are being delivered to the Post Office. The season is upon us!
Again I ask, how did this happen so quickly? 2000 years ago that question was seen in reverse. Why did it take so long? The scriptures had foretold of the coming of the Messiah, yet year after year, generation after generation, no one had yet experienced Him. But then, 2000 years ago, every man, woman and child were called to their ancestral towns in order for the proper tax to be placed on them. And in that journey, from Nazareth to Bethlehem a prophecy was fulfilled. At long last, our Savior was to be born! As we prepare this week for the coming of our Lord, we look with great JOY toward a life changing event. Just think, if this had not happened, what kind of world would we be living in? Our Constitution is largely attributed to Christian guidance; “In God we Trust”. Our laws are governed by a moral compass, our way of life leads way to the teaching of Jesus Christ, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The world would look very different if the JOY of Christ did not penetrate it so deeply. My friends, may this Christmas be a time of giving, a time of bringing families together (even if is via Zoom or FaceTime), may it be a celebration for all the beautiful graces God has bestowed on each of us through the birth of His Son. The Lord is coming, are we ready to celebrate the true meaning of this coming? A King is about to be born, “for nothing will be impossible for God.” Have a blessed Christmas and help bring in that JOY that Christ’s birth has given each of us! Fr. Barry
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As we’ve been contemplating repentance in our lives and our hearts during the first two weeks of Advent, this third week there is a shift, a new direction if you will. The third candle is lit, rose in color on this Gaudete Sunday, and there is movement of JOY and celebration for what is coming.
The theme or representation of the color change is the Shepherd candle or the candle of JOY. That of which is coming and approaching rather quickly. Do we forget about the repentance part of Advent now? Do we look only to the JOY that Christ is about to bring through His birth? I believe it is an equal balance of both. One in which repentance brings us to that JOY the Lord gives to each of us. “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert … make straight the way of the Lord.” Words spoken by John the Baptist who paved the way for Christ’s coming. How are we doing with that? Are we making “straight the way of the Lord”? As I reflected on that line, I look at how my time is being spent in preparation for the birth of our Lord. Daily Holy hour √, Office of the Liturgy √, daily Mass √, being the face of Christ to those I encounter … hmmm. I would like to think I have been most of the time, but snapping back at someone that snapped at me...that’s not being the face of Christ. Is that bringing about JOY to every person and in every circumstance I encounter? My friends, that JOY we celebrate isn’t a false smile or dull emotion, it is our hearts on fire for something amazing to come. It’s done through reflection, adoration, attending Mass, doing and not just ignoring Advent or going through the motions. Joy is trusting when you want to doubt. Joy is receiving what you want to reject. Joy is celebrating when you want to fear. May the Joy of this Advent Season awaken us to the call in the desert, He is coming, He is truly coming! Blessings for a fruitful week, Fr. Barry As we begin this second week of Advent, we light a second purple candle to represent the hope of Christ coming to the world.
Think of a time 2000 years ago that Jesus wasn’t present. The Roman Empire was taking over, killing anyone who stood in it’s way. People’s lives were uprooted and possessions they had were taken away. They were taxed heavily to support this movement, usually against their will. Things look bleak to put it mildly. Then, in the small town of Bethlehem, a child is born. A child of humility, a child inspired by God, a child who in name is a king, but would not be given that honor due him. He would be taught in the Jewish faith by devote parents, and when it was his time (around the age of 30), he would mesmerize anyone he came into contact with. Spreading God’s word, healing the sick, allowing us to see the world in a different way, bringing us HOPE. Did that hope stop at his crucifixion? Did it stop at his ascension into heaven? Did it stop when the last Apostle was martyred? Not even close! That hope continues in what Christ brought us at his birth. The opening of something new we hadn’t had before. Teachings that would raise an eyebrow to those that heard it first hand, but teachings that would make sense and be passed down from generation to generation. Different ways to see our neighbor, not as pests or annoyances, but as the children of God in which they were created. We would learn that life isn’t all about “me”, but instead to use the gifts God instilled in us to better the communities we live in. My friends, as we journey through this Advent Season, we prepare ourselves for something BIG. Something that will rock the world we live in. This isn’t something that just happened 2000 years ago, this is something that happens each and every year. Our human nature allows us to forget, or let our guards down. But what we experience this Advent reminds us that Christ’s birth is an all inspiring event that requires our attention and preparation. Hope is alive because the King is coming. He is bringing joy and peace. He brings mercy and compassion. He is bringing himself to us in HOPE of winning our hearts with his love. May each of you have a blessed Advent. Take time to sit with our readings. Take time to contemplate all the good things God has given us through his Son, Jesus Christ. There’s plenty of bad things in this world, wouldn’t hope be something that is long overdue. Christ brings that, take hold and prepare for something amazing! Fr. Barry What is Advent?
As a child I didn’t think much about Advent. And I probably wouldn’t have even known this season HAD a name if it wasn’t for Advent calendars. I loved those. They helped me count down the days to Christmas, the day on which I would get presents. That really was what it was all about for me. And I guess that makes total sense. I knew that we were somehow celebrating Jesus’ “birthday” . . . but beyond that this season was all about going through the Sears catalog (Remember that?) and making my list for Santa. And this season was also about daydreaming at school as I looked forward to a couple of weeks off. And the only praying I did during this time was for snow. After all, I was a kid. I’d like to say that Advent is much different for me as an adult . . . but that wouldn’t be entirely accurate. And yes . . . I know I have very specific duties during this time as my role as clergy, but make no mistake about it . . . I am on the exact same journey as all of you. I don’t want to feel burdened or overwhelmed by this season. I don’t want to dread all the things that I’m expected to be at, or preside at . . . things that sometimes leave me exhausted. I don’t want to have to spend a lot of time shopping for presents and sending cards and such. I guess the simplest way to put it is . . . I don’t want to feel the way many of you feel. I don’t want to be thinking, “I can’t wait for it all to be over.” But what exactly DO I want from this holy season? I guess I want something. But what is that something? I’m not exactly sure. And so, I ask again . . . what is Advent for? If you think I’m going to answer that question in a complete way, you are mistaken. Not because I don’t want to . . . but because the answer to that question is different for each of us. And so a “one size fits all” kind of answer doesn’t quite work. And yet . . . now that I think about it . . . I think I might have just answered the question a moment ago. What do I want from this holy season? Something! And you know what? If I’m open to it, I’m guaranteed to get it. The Gospel passage we just heard from Mark has a sense of urgency about it. We’re told to be watchful and alert. We’re told to stay awake and not be caught sleeping. We’re told that someone is coming, but we won’t know exactly when . . . and therefore, we better not get caught off guard. Do we believe it? Do we embrace it? Are we ready? Are we watchful? I said earlier that Advent is ultimately different for each of us, that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to this holy season. Well, that’s only partially true. You see, in one sense, the gift we can expect to receive this Christmas morning, the gift we are waiting for, is exactly the same for each of us. And this gift of course, is not a thing but a person . . . the person of Jesus. He is the one each of us is waiting for, longing for, hoping for. At least . . . that’s the idea . . . that’s what our faith invites us to embrace. But the “something” that this “someone” (Jesus) wants to provide for us is in fact unique to each one of us . . . tailored to our own needs, wants, and possibilities. On this Feast of Christ the King we find ourselves in very different circumstances. Previously a weekend of celebration and gathering has been reduced to a simple observance. The pandemic has altered life as we have known it, and not for the better. We have all experienced, if not for ourselves, someone who has contracted the virus. Some of those who have not, well, they are living in fear, due to underlying health issues that they have. I myself worry that if I do contract the virus I will have to cancel Masses since we do not have help out priests who could take over. This is also the recommendation of the diocese and has been agreed upon at our own deanery meeting.
The pandemic also makes us concerned for upcoming celebrations; Thanksgiving and Christmas. What will they look like this year? My answer, they will look exactly like what we make of them! Will we be taking meals to those who otherwise wouldn’t have them, facetiming or other social media gatherings. Will we sit outside in the garage or outside a window letting some-one know they are worth the effort? Will we simply pick up the phone and be with them the best we can? Pope Pius XI issued the encyclical Quas Primas (does not belong to this world) On the Feast of Christ the King in 1925. In it, Pope Pius XI illuminated how society was already laden with difficulties. These “manifold evils in the world were due to the fact that the majority of men had thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law out of their lives; that these had no place either in private affairs or in politics: and he said further, that as long as individuals and states refused to submit to the rule of our Savior, there would be no really hopeful prospect of a lasting peace among nations.” Men had to look for “the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ. Pope Pius XI reminded that 1925 marked the 16th centenary of the Council of Nicaea which added to the Creed “‘of whose kingdom there shall be no end,’ thereby affirming the kingly dignity of Christ.” He noted Jesus is King in all ways, such as King of Hearts by reason of his “charity which exceedeth all knowledge.” And his mercy and kindness which draw all men to him, for never has it been known, nor will it ever be, that man be loved so much and so universally as Jesus Christ. As King, Our Lord has universal dominion. He is our “lawgiver, to whom obedience is due…Those who keep them show their love for their Divine Master, and he promises that they shall remain in his love.” The Father gives all judgement to the Son, who is Jesus the King. “Executive power, too, belongs to Christ, for all must obey his commands; none may escape them, nor the sanctions he has imposed.” There’s this to consider too. Jesus told Pilate his kingdom was not of this world. Pope Pius XI said, “This kingdom is opposed to none other than to that of Satan and to the power of darkness. It demands of its subjects a spirit of detachment from riches and earthly things, and a spirit of gentleness. They must hunger and thirst after justice, and more than this, they must deny themselves and carry the cross.” This was true in 1925 and remains true today, 95 years later. This Feast, which we are blessed with as a Patron name, signifies much more than we realize sometimes. It is a sign of true Kingship, a King who watches over his subjects with great authority and compassion. A Kingdom which spreads all those attributes of the image we were made in. This doesn’t stop because of a pandemic, this is when the Light of Christ truly shines forth. Make the best of this holiday season, stay united in this great Kingdom God has made for each of us. Continue to show that love, and may each of you have a blessed Feast Day and Thanksgiving. I remember growing up and being very excited about the new television season starting. Dallas is one that sticks out the most. All summer we heard the advertisements, “who shot JR.” And it was a well anticipated cliff hanger that the previous season had left viewers hanging on to! As the seasons went on, they became even more intriguing, almost veering from the first season completely, and toward the end I didn’t really find it as interesting. It’s all too much. In other words, many TV producers feel that every new season has to outdo the previous one. It’s not ok to simply redo what has worked in the past. That’s not good enough. More is better. And the same, well, is bad. What’s wrong with staying the same? “Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said . . . ‘Here it is back.’” That doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Our Gospel parable from Matthew this week is one we have heard many times before. A master is going on a journey, and leaves money “talents” with each of his three servants, according to each’s ability. When he returns, two of the servants have used the money well, and have more to give back than what they were entrusted with. But the third servant did absolutely nothing with the money, burying it in the ground out of fear. And, well, his master is not pleased, to put it mildly. I wonder if that third servant had any idea his master would react that way. If you think about it, he actually did the safe thing. And he didn’t lose anything. Not a cent. He probably thought it would be completely ok to be able to say to his master, “Here it is back.” Or put another way, “See . . . everything’s exactly the same as when you left.” Usually, when this story is read at Mass, the priest or deacon will talk about the importance of using the gifts God has given us. And that absolutely is a valid way to interpret this story, and certainly the most common. But what if we just broaden the scope of the story a little bit, step back and see a slightly bigger picture? What if the things we are burying in the ground are not simply our gifts, but actually our whole selves? I guess I should be happy that the makers of the shows I like are trying new things, trying to make better shows, trying to improve on what is already pretty good. And that goes for any other products too . . . cars, phones, food, lodging, whatever. I should be glad that there are many people in business who don’t simply adopt the status quo and say, “Everything is just fine the way it is.” Rather, I should be grateful that there are people constantly wondering, “What can we do better? What can we make better? And in some cases, whose lives can we make better? And I know that the pursuit of money drives many of these things I’m talking about . . . but at least there is a sincere realization that there is always room for improvement, always an opportunity to make a step forward, always an opportunity for something to be more tomorrow than it is today. Do we feel the same way, do we participate the same way? Have a blessed week, and be more today than you were yesterday! Fr. Barry
What is All Saints Day?
All Saints Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, or Hallowmas, is a Christian celebration in honor of all the saints from Christian history. In Western Christianity, it is observed on November 1st by the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church, and other Protestant denominations. The Eastern Orthodox Church and associated Eastern Catholic churches observe All Saints Day on the first Sunday following Pentecost. The Christian festival of All Saints Day comes from a conviction that there is a spiritual connection between those in Heaven and on Earth. In Catholic tradition, the holiday honors all those who have passed on to the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a national holiday in numerous historically Catholic countries. In Methodist tradition, All Saints Day relates to giving God earnest gratitude for the lives and deaths of his saints, remembering those who were well-known and not. Additionally, individuals throughout Christian history are celebrated, such as Peter the Apostle and Charles Wesley, as well as people who have personally guided one to faith in Jesus, such as one's relative or friend. In honor and in remembrance to those who have died this past year, pictures will be in the sanctuary area for the month of November. A Candle for each person will be lit at each Mass this weekend and the family of the deceased can take that candle anytime next week, leaving the picture throughout the month. As we pray for these deceased parishioners, we also remember many of them during our Masses throughout the year. I always thought it odd to hear that growing up, but over the years have found great comfort in knowing our deceased loved ones are being prayed for not only through the Celebration of Mass, but also by the priest throughout that day. Although 2020 has been filled up for Mass intentions, don’t forget to schedule Masses for 2021. What a beautiful blessing to assist our faithfully departed to heaven! May each of you have a blessed week, and know you and your loved ones remain in my prayers. God Bless, Fr. Barry Mass for the Anointing of the Sick will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 6:40 PM A sign up sheet has been placed in the gathering room for those who desire the sacrament Usually we combine Anointing of the Sick and Opening Mass with the Reli- gious Education students but this year we will only be offering the AnointingMass. Studentswillnotbe present except for those in grade 8 “The last will be first and the first will be last” Those are words we don’t like to hear too often, at least I don’t. I feel I work hard to lead a life that I can be proud of. I feel I choose things because they are the right thing to choose. I feel my moral compass is one that see’s both sides of the story and my prayer life is one that unites me to God. And then I hear the words from this weeks Gospel, “the last will be first and the first will be last”? So, I sit with these words and contemplate them. Then it comes to meGod is talking about some- one else. Those “other” people who don’t do his will. “Those” people who put themselves first and don’t do for or help others. I can finally fall asleep knowing I got the message! Then I get a slap on the back of my head from the Holy Spirit and I hear “you hypocrite”. This isn’t for anyone else but you! WHAT!! You see, if after hearing this story we only see ourselves as the ones who worked a whole day and therefore deserve more, we are in a dangerous place spiritually ... the place in which we are convinced that WE aren’t the problem, that WE are doing it right, that WE are always pleasing to God. It’s starting to sound like the Pharisees, right? And this could not be further from the truth. My friends, we aren’t the ones who have given God a full day’s work. We are the ones who have only given God a little effort, a little work, a little time, a little bit of ourselves. We are people who don’t love unconditionally. We are people who aren’t always generous. We are people who don’t always show mercy and compassion. Simply put, we are sinners, flawed people who are often unwilling to fully embrace the lives God is inviting us to live. How can we change that? Adoration, devotionals, dedicated time to prayer? It’s different for each of us. But when God is at the center of all that we do...yes even sitting in a movie or out skiing on the lake, we involve him in our decisions. That leads into an announcement from our Wisconsin Bishops and Bishop Callahan. With much prayer, much hate mail and many conversations from priests and laity alike, the return to Mass is forthcoming. The diocese of La Crosse will be the last diocese to resume Masses and stop the dispensation. Effective October 4, 2020, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, our diocese will resume Masses and the dispensation to not attend will be lifted. The Bishop’s letter states this: “Many of the notes, emails, and phone calls that have been received at my office indicate an equal share of anxiety and concern. The lifting of the dispensation and the return to full in-person attendance also seems to lift the ban on 25% occupancy, etc. None of the bishops wants to place any of our priests or the faithful in jeopardy of COVID-19. The return to in-person celebration, as best we can, will and must take into consideration the general fear that many of our people seem to have right now about going out in public. So many fears weigh heavily on our minds and hearts right now – the pandemic, the political situation, civil unrest, and economic pressures. In this frame work it would make sense for us to pray and huddle close to Source and Summit of our Salvation, the Eucharistic Presence of our Blessed Lord. We must, however, approach the Throne of Mercy and Grace with open minds and common sense. We must not abandon care and prudence in our eagerness to return to ‘normal.’ It is clear we are not completely ‘out of the woods’ just yet. Although the Feast of St. Francis is the proposed date to lift the dispensation from the obligation for the Diocese of La Crosse, we will continue to monitor the situation closely, to determine future action.” - Bishop Callahan With this mandate from our bishop, I will discontinue live streaming Mass on the 4th of October. I do understand that some of you are not ready to come back, but we will take every precaution to make Mass a healthy place for everyone. Every other pew will remain unoccupied. 6 feet distancing will continue for communion and face mask will be provided for those without one and will be strongly encouraged. We will also take advantage of our live view in the basement with communion being brought down-stairs if needed. I feel we are ready to resume Masses. Faith and trust in our Lord, along with the common sense Bishop Callahan referred to, will allow us to worship our Almighty God in his presence. Precautions are in place and safety is a top priority. This along with God’s grace will get us through this pandemic. Have a blessed week and as always, my door is always open with your concerns should you need me. Your Brother in Christ, Fr. Barry
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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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