Second Sunday of Easter

April 19,2020

THE BANE AND THE BLESSED

I write these words the last week of March. Things are changing so quickly, and drastically, that I don’t know what we will be experiencing by the time you read this. I carry with me the Gospel given to us for the 4th Sunday of Lent. Jesus meets the blind man, and heals him of his blindness. He does so by bending down and scooping up earth that he spits on and rubs the mud on the man’s eyes. It is a messy time for the blind man. These are messy times for us. But our muddy experience can open our eyes if we allow the Lord to lead us to new ways of meeting him. That bible that has set unopened on your coffee table. Pick it up and open it. At Mass we hear God’s Word proclaimed and we know it to be “The Word of the Lord.” What is God’s word saying to us in the midst of this crisis? Perhaps I haven’t prayed the rosary for a long while, or maybe I pray it routinely. How do the mysteries of the rosary strengthen me and call out to me now? Too often the internet claims too much of our time, but use it now as God’s gift and search out one of the countless helps to prayer to be found there. These days are muddy times, but like the blind man our eyes can be opened if we allow the Lord to heal us. Go, wash in the waters of Siloam, Jesus tells all of us. Recognize that my mud is made from the earth of the Promised Land and my sacrifice. Open our eyes, Lord, and let us see your face. The Lord be with you. Father John Parr

PRAYER REQUESTS

Second Sunday of Easter 2 April 19, 2020

FAMILY STEWARDSHIP

Lorraine Atkinson Sara (Wozney) Balaker

Judy Bockenhauer Rebecca Chatfield

Paul Collins The Donaldson Family

Bill Druliner DeEtte Gillmeister

Sherry Hanson June Kukovec Bob Langer

Michele Lindemann Jerome Malin

Deanna Mason Ernie Modjeski

Ken Proctor Bailey Rohrer Mary Roerkohl Barry Schaller

Sascha Stephens Colleen Tisil

Addison Quinn Usitalo

Families, if you are looking for stewardship ideas during this time, we would invite you and your children to participate in an activity to help out those who are homebound or isolated. Everyone loves getting mail…especially cards made with love. We would encourage your children to create homemade cards to mail to others…to grandparents and other relatives, to single individuals who live alone, and to those living in care facilities who are particularly isolated these days. If you know of people yourselves, you can mail the cards directly. Otherwise, please mail the cards to the parish and we will forward them to our parishioners in need. You can also drop the cards off and place them in the box on the table in the gathering area when you are out for a family walk enjoying the wonderful spring weather that we are due to have any day. Our parishioners will be so happy to receive cards and drawings made by our youngest parish family members. What a great way to keep us all united during this very trying time.

Parishioners…please be aware that the food pantry is available for your use at any time. There is no documentation needed, and no questions are ever asked. We all know that at various times we can find ourselves in need of assistance from one another, and our food pantry is here to provide for your needs at a time that is convenient and personal to you. You do not need to limit yourself to our usual Tuesday and Friday 9 am – 11 am hours. All requests are confidential, and we are privileged to serve you. Please don’t hesitate to contact Fr. Parr, Sr. Bridget, or Carol Reider in the parish office at any time. Also, if you know of others who are in need of food pantry assistance, please let them know of the help available at St. Elizabeth’s. Thank you and God bless.

ATTENTION PARISHIONERS

IN NEED OF HELP?

Parishioners, if you are homebound or ill and in need of someone to do some shopping or other types of errand, please call Sr. Bridget or Carol Reider and let us know. We have a team of younger (and very healthy parishioners) who have volunteered to participate in this much-needed ministry during this “Safer at Home” time, and we will help connect you with the right person. As a parish family, we want to help everyone with their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs during this very trying time. You can reach us at 608-526-4424 or email Carol at carol@seasholmen.org.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Please remember, the sick, hospitalized, military members, homebound and anyone needing of our prayers.

May they experience the healing power of God.

WHEN REQUESTING THAT AN INDIVIDUAL BE ADDED TO OUR PRAYER LIST, YOU MUST HAVE THE CONSENT OF THE INDIVIUDAL OR THEIR FAMILY FOR

THEIR NAME TO BE PUBLICIZED. ALSO, PLEASE REMEMBER TO INFORM US WHEN SOMEONE SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE LIST.

Knights of Tap Zoom Meeting April 22nd @ 7:30 Grab a beverage and hang out with men from SEAS and our Knights of

Columbus Council. All you need is your phone or computer for a zoom meeting . We'll be discuss a short video from a video series produced by Knights of Columbus that seeks to answer the question of what it means to be a man and how to live as a man in today's world. After the discussion we'll have time to share how we are doing and hangout. To get the zoom link information or if you have any questions contact Brian Clements at KC9385@seasholmen.org.

READINGS FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2020

Second Sunday of Easter 3 April 19, 2020

Collections from 3/16– 4/14 Envelopes/Online/ACH….$29,146 Budget Difference Fiscal Year-to-Date……$446,563 $483,472 -$36,909

PARISH INCOME (FISCAL YEAR 7/1/19-6/30/20) Online giving can be done through the Myparish app, our website (seasholmen.org) or call Sandy in the parish office to have a sign-up form mailed to you. If you have any questions on setting these up, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you and God bless!

Reading 1 Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Responsorial Psalm Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 R. (1) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting. Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His mercy endures forever. ”Let those who fear the LORD say, “His mercy endures forever.” R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting. I was hard pressed and was falling, but the LORD helped me. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. The

joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just: R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting. The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting. Reading 2 1 Pt 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrec-tion of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Alleluia Jn 20:29 R. Alleluia, alleluia. You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are they who have not seen me, but still believe! R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 20:19-31 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Second Sunday of Easter 4 April 19, 2020

PARISH INFORMATION

PARISH RECTORY & OFFICE Phone ............................................................................... 526-4424 Fax Number .................................................................... 526-3177 Email: office@seasholmen.org STAFF Pastor, Father John Parr ............................................... 526-4424

pastor@seasholmen.org Pastor Emeritus, Monsignor Delbert J. Malin............. 526-4908

djm133@charter.net

sbridget@seasholmen.org Pastoral Minister, Carol Reider .................................... 526-4424

carol@seasholmen.org C.R.E. (3 years-gr. 5),.Mary Luebke ………………526-4424 reled@seasholmen.org

...... 526-4424 youth@seasholmen.org

Director of Music, Beth Lakmann…………………..526-4424 music@seasholmen.org Secretary, Sandy Jerue ................................................. 526-4424 office@seasholmen.org

Sister Jean ....................................................................... 526-4908 sjean@seasholmen.org

MASS SCHEDULE Weekend: Sat. 5:00 pm and Sun. 8:00 & 10:15 am Weekday: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am except Tues. 7:00 am Gluten Free Hosts: St. Elizabeth’s has gluten free hosts available. Please contact Fr. Parr, and he will make the necessary arrangements. SACRAMENTS Reconciliation: Saturday 4:00 pm or by appointment. Baptism: Baptism involves membership in the church. Parents are to attend a session early in the pregnancy. Marriage: Our church is trying to create successful marriages. This takes some time. Arrangements for a wedding date are to be made at least six months before the anticipated date. Anointing of the Sick: Communal celebrations in fall and spring. Individual celebrations upon request. Please call the office when family members are hospitalized.

PASTORAL VISITATION Anyone who desires a personal home visit is invited to call the parish office. CATECHUMENATE Anyone wishing to become a full member of the Church is invited to visit the parish office.

FAITH FORMATION

Parish Council Members Alyson Haugen Jennifer Fisk Brian Clements Christine Olson

Mary Lenz Kathy Nicklaus Bill Heinz Patty Heiderscheit

Finance Council Members Larry Warzynski Shawn Handland Janice Dvoracek Barry Ploessl Pat Stephens

On Saturday, April 25th, we celebrate the Feast of St. Mark. This would be a great time for us to pull out our Bibles (or go online) and read the Gospel of St. Mark from beginning to end. Mark’s Gospel, believed to be the earliest written (65-73 CE), can teach us much about Christian discipleship, about who Jesus is, and about

carrying our crosses. Mark was writing to a community that was struggling to understand who Jesus was and what their role was as his disciples in a time of suffering and distress. This is very fitting for us today. As you read through the Gospel, take note of Mark’s portrait of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God as well as a human being who shows emotion, is misunderstood, and who suffers much. Also note other themes such as those who understand Jesus versus those who misunderstand him, those on the “inside” versus those on the “outside”, and the miracles as signs of Jesus’ authority. Finally, as you read, notice the prominent role of women and how positively they are portrayed throughout the Gospel. Be sure to read the footnotes…especially at the conclusion...where you will find a shorter and longer ending of Mark.

FEAST OF ST. MARK

Diocesan Appeal Update: We have reached $75,780(90%) of our parish target. We are so grateful to those who have participated so far. Only $7,954 to go. The deadline is June 30th. Please send in your pledge to the diocese or give online at diolc.org. Thank You.

This weekend St. Elizabeth’s second grade students would have been celebrating their First Communion. Please pray for them and their families for patience in their desire to receive our Lord fully. We pray the wait won’t be too long. For now, children, take comfort that we are all celebrating with spiritual communion right along with you: My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

COVID-19: A PRAYER OF SOLIDARITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sunday, April 19 2nd Sunday of Easter Mass Intention † Mark Phillips

Monday, April 20 Easter Weekday Mass Intention † Marian McKenzie

Tuesday, April 21 Easter Weekday Mass Intention Priest Intention

Wednesday, April 22 Easter Weekday Mass Intention Priest Intention

Thursday, April 23 Easter Weekday Mass Intention † Jim Baumgardner

Friday, April 24 Easter Weekday 8:30 am Mass † Angeline Haug

Saturday, April 25 St. Mark, Evangelist 4:00 pm Sacrament of Penance Mass Intention † Teresa Nelson and Shirley Peterson

Sunday, April 26 3rd Sunday of Easter Mass Intention † Don Houlihan

Second Sunday of Easter 5 April 19, 2020

For all who have contracted coronavirus, We pray for care and healing. For those who are particularly vulnerable, We pray for safety and protection. For all who experience fear or anxiety, We pray for peace of mind and spirit. For affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety, We pray for policies that recognize their plight. For those who do not have adequate health insurance, We pray that no family will face financial burdens alone. For those who are afraid to access care due to immigration status, We pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all. For our brothers and sisters around the world, We pray for shared solidarity. For public officials and decisionmakers, We pray for wisdom and guidance. Father, during this time may your Church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all. Grant peace. Grant comfort. Grant healing. Be with us, Lord. Amen. `United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

During this difficult time, we want to keep everyone safe and healthy. The parish office may be open with limited hours to keep our staff healthy as well. It is best to call before venturing out to the church to assure someone is in the office.

Just a reminder that all parish meetings and events are canceled until further notice. This includes all committee and council meetings. We look forward to when we can all be together again and in the meantime, we continue to pray for another.

Our church building remains open Monday - Thursday from 9am – 4 pm, Fridays from 9am – noon, Saturdays from 8am-4:30pm or end of confessions and Sundays from 10am-4pm. Come spend a few minutes with the Lord in quiet prayer. We simply

ask that no more than 9 people are in the Church at one time and you maintain “social distancing.”

April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. It started at a time when most were oblivious to the dangers of breathing polluted air and unfettered consumption of natural resources, and

the importance of clean rivers and lakes. Today there is still work to be done and many faith groups have realized their responsibility as stewards of God’s creation. As Pope Francis points out in Laudato Si’ “These problems are closely linked to a throwaway culture…We have not yet managed to adopt a circular model of production capable of preserving resources for present and future generations, while limiting as much as possible the use of non-renewable resources…” (Para 22). The following link provides a 20-minute look at our current production system and the benefits of changing to a circular model and reducing what we consume for our well-being and the planet’s: https://www.storyofstuff.org/movies/

Happy Earth Day!

SEAS SIMPLE LIVING