SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Estovir Men's Conference

2012-02-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

2012 ESTO VIR MIDWEST MEN’S CONFERENCE The Esto-Vir Annual Men’s
Conference is coming soon, March 10th to St. Pius X parish in Appleton, WI. This year’s featured guests will include The Most Reverend David L. Ricken, Fr. Larry Richards, Fr. Francis Hoffman “Father Rocky”, and Mr. Alan Keyes – former U.S Ambassador to the United Nations. Mass with Bishop Ricken will follow at 4PM. Registration is open now online at www.estovir.com. $40 early registration ends March 5th. Registration at the door is $50. SS Peter and Paul is organizing a group of men to attend this great opportunity. Please e-mail the parish office at: sspeter_paul@hotmail.com once you have registered for the conference online. There will either be a carpool or a bus depending on the number of men attending form SSPP.

Be a Man!

Check out the website for more information.: http://estovir.com/

Veiling Images & Statues During Lent

2012-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

As Monsignor Elliott remarks, "The custom of veiling crosses and images ... has much to commend it in terms of religious psychology, because it helps us to concentrate on the great essentials of Christ's work of Redemption."

Although this is true, the historical origin of this practice lies elsewhere. It probably derives from a custom, noted in Germany from the ninth century, of extending a large cloth before the altar from the beginning of Lent.

This cloth, called the "Hungertuch" (hunger cloth), hid the altar entirely from the faithful during Lent and was not removed until during the reading of the Passion on Holy Wednesday at the words "the veil of the temple was rent in two."

Some authors say there was a practical reason for this practice insofar as the often-illiterate faithful needed a way to know it was Lent.

Others, however, maintain that it was a remnant of the ancient practice of public penance in which the penitents were ritually expelled from the church at the beginning of Lent.

After the ritual of public penance fell into disuse — but the entire congregation symbolically entered the order of penitents by receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday — it was no longer possible to expel them from the church. Rather, the altar or "Holy of Holies" was shielded from view until they were reconciled to God at Easter.

For analogous motives, later on in the Middle Ages, the images of crosses and saints were also covered from the start of Lent.

Read More...

New Office Hours

2012-02-21T09:41:00.001-08:00

*New Office Hours*

Tuesday: 8:30 AM—12:00 PM

Wednesday—Friday:
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

In an effort to minimize costs, we are closing down the parish office on
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM.
As a reminder, the parish offices are closed on Mondays.

Fat Tuesday

2012-02-21T07:10:00.001-08:00

Check out this article to learn more about "Fat Tuesday."
http://josemariaadultformation.blogspot.com/2012/02/shrove-tuesday.html

Novena in Honor of Our Sorrowful Mother

2012-02-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

For the past 40 years, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church has had the privilege of participating in the Novena in Honor of Our Sorrowful Mother. This Novena starts every year at our parish 9 Fridays before Good Friday and includes Novena prayers, the Via Martis and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament [Our current schedule is at 7:00 PM on the 9 Fridays before Good Friday, for dates, please see our current bulletin]. Our parish has sustained a great devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows and many graces have been poured out upon our parishioners. Yet, not everyone knows the history behind this beautiful devotion. Consequently, I have provided below a short history of the devotion as it is found in the official Novena booklets produced by the Servite Fathers in Chicago, IL. It is fitting to post this today (February 17th) as it is the feast day of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order.

In the very early days of 1937, His Eminence George Cardinal Mundelein, Archbishop of Chicago, approved the Perpetual Novena in honor of Our Sorrowful Mother for the Servite Church of Our Lady of Sorrows in Chicago, Illinois. This devotion was originated in its present form by the Rev. James R. Keane, O.S.M., then Prior of the Servite Community in Chicago. The first Novena services were held on Friday, January 8, 1937. They consisted of the Via Martis, six prayers culled from the ancient Servite Manual, two hymns to Our Blessed Mother, the Memorare, and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

On March 22 of the same year the Cardinal Archbishop gave his Imprimatur for the publication of the Novena prayerbook. One year after His Eminence granted the Imprimatur, 73,000 people were making the Novena at 38 services each Friday in Our Lady of Sorrows Church. This phenomenal weekly attendance at one church constituted a world record.

[...] This devotion to Our Sorrowful Mother is new only in its Novena from. The Via Martis and the other prayers date back to the Middle Ages. The devotion itself-devotion to Mary's Sorrows-is as old as the Catholic Church. An intimate corollary of the Incarnation, it was publicaly announced to all mankind by Our Divine Savior in His Agony on the Cross, when He said to St. John, "Behold Thy Mother" (John XIX, 27).

[...] The Novena to Our Sorrowful Mother is such a powerful and beloved devotion that the church, Our Lady of Sorrows in Chicago, where the Novena originated, has been raised to the dignity of a basilica, principally because of the devotion associated with the church through the Novena. Some indication of the importance of this church and shrine is to be found in the following decree, by which Pope Pius XII raised Our Lady of Sorrows church to the exalted rank of basilica:

First and most important church in America dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows is to be found in the teeming city of Chicago. The Order of Servants of Mary established this place of devotion in the year 1874. In the beginning of this century they built a spacious Church with a seating capacity of approximately 3,000 people, patterned after a style of architecture identified with the Renaissance. Wonderful are the graceful towers rising at each side of the facade of the Church. the marble of the Main Altar was imported from famed Carrara and is topped by a picture of the Sorrowful Mother.

[...]what is most worthy of praise is the fact that this Church is an outstanding place of devotion in America, where the Sorrowful Virgin is venerated. From this Shrine, the devotion in the form of the "Novena to Our Sorrowful Mother" spread everywhere like an inundating river.

It is well to remember the Novena prayers to the Blessed Mother of God were first compiled and then prayed in this church and are now used in 2,300 churches throughout the U.S.A. and other parts of the world. These prayers have been said by countless numbers of people with great spiritual benefits.[...] Pius PP. XII

For more information:

Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows

To purchase a copy of the Novena booklet:

Friar Servants of Mary Bookstore

High Mass on March 4th at 4:00 PM

2012-02-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

Our next Tridentine Mass will be on March 4, 2012 at 4:00 PM with 3:30 confessions. We will be celebrating the Second Sunday of Lent.

[From the Tridentine Mass Missal Project]

INTROIT ¤ Ps. 24. 6, 3, 22
	Reminiscere miserationum tuarum, Domine, et misericordiae tuae, quae a saeculo sunt: ne unquam dominentur nobis inimici nostri: libera nos, Deus Israel, ex omnibus augustiis nostris. -- Ad te, Domine, levavi animam meam, Deus meus, in te confido, non erubescam. V.: Gloria Patri . . . -- Reminiscere miserationum . . .	Remember, O Lord, Thy bowels of compassion, and Thy mercies that are from the beginning of the world, lest at any time our enemies rule over us: deliver us, O God of Israel, from all our tribulations. -- (Ps. 24. 1, 2). To Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul: in Thee, O my God, I put my trust; let me be not ashamed. V.: Glory to the Father . . . -- Remember, O Lord . . .
The Gloria in Excelsis is not said.

COLLECT
	Deus, qui conspicis omni nos virtute destitui: interius exteriusque custodi; ut ab omnibus adversitatibus muniamur in corpore, et a pravis cogitationibus mundemur in mente. Per Dominum . . .	O God, who seest that we are wholly destitute of strength, keep us within and without: that we may be defended in body from all adversity: and cleansed in mind from evil thoughts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

EPISTLE ¤ I Thess. 4. 1-17 Lesson from the First Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians. Lectio Epistolae beati Pauli Apostoli ad Thessalonicenses. [God our Creator and our Lord "hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification, in Christ Jesus our Lord."]
	Fratres: Rogamus vos, et obsecramus in Domino Iesu, et quemadmodum accepistis a nobis quomodo oporteat vos ambulare, et placere Deo, sic et abuletis, ut abundetis magis. Scitis enim quae praecepta dederim vobis per Dominum Iesum. Haec est enim voluntas Dei, sanctificatio vestra: ut abstineatis vos a fornicatione, ut sciat unusquisque vestrum vas suum possidere in sanctificatione, et honore: non in passione desiderii, sicut et gentes, quae ignorant Deum: et ne quis supergrediatur, neque circumveniat in negotio fratrem suum: quoniam vindex est Dominus de his omnibus, sicut praediximus vobis, et testificati sumus. Non enim vocavit nos Deus in immunditiam, sed in sanctificationem: in Christo Iesu Domino nostro.	Brethren, We pray and beseech you in the Lord Jesus that, as you have received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, so also you would walk, that you may abound the more. For you know what precepts I have given to you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from fornication, that every one of you should know how to possess his vesel in sanctification and honor; not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles that know not God: and that no man overreach nor circumvent his brother in business: because the Lord is the Avenger of all these things, as we have told you before and have all testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification: in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GRADUAL ¤ Ps. 24. 17, 18
	Tribulationes cordis mei dilatatae sunt: de necessitatibus meis eripe me, Domine. V.: Vide humilitatem meam, et laborem meum: et dimitte omnia peccata mea.	The troubles of my heart are multiplied: deliver me from my necessities, O Lord. V.: See my abjection and my labor; and forgive me all my sins.

TRACT ¤ Ps. 105. 1-4
	Confitemini Domino, quoniam bonus: quoniam in saeculum misericordia eius. V.: Quis loquetur potentias Domini: auditas faciet omnes laudes eius? V.: Beati qui custodiunt iudicium, et faciunt iustitiam in omni tempore. V.: Memento nostri, Domine: in bene placito populi tui: visita nos in salutari tuo.	Give glory to the Lord, for He is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. V.: Who shall declare the powers of the Lord: who shall set forth all His praises? V.: Blessed are they that keep judgment and do justice at all times. V.: Remember us, O Lord, in the favor of Thy people: visit us with Thy salvation.

GOSPEL ¤ Matth. 17. 1-9. † Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. † Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Matthaeum. [Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ on Mount Thabor: manifestation of the divinity of Jesus.]
	In illo tempore: Assumpsit Iesus Petrum, et Iacobem, et Ioannem fratrem eius, et duxit illos in montem excelsum seorsum: et transfiguratus est ante eos. Et resplenduit facies eius sicut sol: vestimenta autem eius facta sunt alba sicut nix. Et ecce apparuerunt illis Moyses et Elias cum eo loquentes. Respondens autem Petrus, dixit ad Iesum: Domine, bonum est nos hic esse: si vis, faciamus hic tria tabernacula, tibi unum, Moysi unum, et Eliae unum. Adhuc eo loquente, ecce nubes lucida obumbravit eos. Et ecce vox de nube, dicens: Hic est Filius meus dilectus, in quo mihi bene complacui: ipsum audite. Et audientes discipuli, ceciderunt in faciem suam, et timuerunt valde. Et accessit Iesus, et tetigit eos, dixitque eis: Surgite, et nolite timere. Levantes autem oculos suos, neminem viderunt, nisi solum Iesum. Et descendentibus illis de monte, praecepit eis Iesus, dicens: Nemini dixeritis visionem, donec Filius hominis a mortuis resurgat.	At that time Jesus took Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: and He was transfigured before them. And His face did shine as the sun, and His garments became white as snow. And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with Him. Then Peter answering said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if Thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye Him. And the disciples hearing, fell upon their face and were very much afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said to them: Arise, and fear not. And they, lifting up their eyes, saw no one, but only Jesus. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying: Tell the vision to no man till the Son of Man be risen from the dead.

What about Contraceptives?

2012-02-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

Want to know a few of the reasons why the Church is against contraceptives? Check out a series of posts on http://josemariaadultformation.blogspot.com/ that begins today and will end at the end of the week.

The HHS Mandate and the Catholic Church

2012-02-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, Bishops from across the United States of America had a letter read to their flock about the actions of the administration of Obama to mandate coverage for contraception for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation [Click here to read Bishop Callahan's letter]. This issue is not only about the hurtful consequences of contraception, but more importantly about religious freedom. Here is what the USCCB has to offer on the topic:

The HHS has issued a rule forcing nearly all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptive drugs and devices, as well as surgical sterilization. These are listed among "preventive services for women" that all health plans will have to cover without co-pays or other cost-sharing -- regardless of whether the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or even the woman herself objects to such coverage.

The exemption provided for "religious employers" is so narrow that it fails to cover the vast majority of faith-based organizations, including Catholic hospitals, universities, and service organizations that help millions every year. Ironically, not even Jesus & his disciples would have qualified.

During the public comment period last fall, the bishops' grassroots campaign alone generated over 57,000 comments to HHS opposing their mandate.
Now that the Administration has refused to recognize the Constitutional conscience rights of organizations and individuals who oppose the mandate, the bishops are now urging Catholics and others of good will to fight this unprecedented attack on conscience rights and religious liberty. [USCCB]

To explain this issue directly, Archbishop Timothy Dolan released a video addressing his concerns:

Click here to view the video.This is principally a matter of religious freedom, as the government is forcing the Catholic Church to go against her conscience and to provide something that we believe to be morally evil. But why is it that the Church is so against contraception? Here is an excerpt from an article from a well-known speaker that helps get at the heart of the matter:

Only in the last 50-70 years has this been viewed primarily as a “Catholic” issue. Until 1930, all Christian bodies stood together in their condemnation of any attempt to sterilize the marital act. That year, the Anglican Church broke with more than nineteen hundred years of uninterrupted Christian teaching. When the pill debuted in the early 1960's, the Catholic Church alone was retaining what in 30 short years had come to be seen as an archaic, even absurd position.
[...]
When Margaret Sanger and her followers started pushing contraception in the early 1900's, wise men and women – and certainly not just Catholics – predicted that severing sex from procreation would eventually lead to sexual and societal chaos. Today’s culture of adultery, divorce, premarital sex, STD’s, out-of-wedlock births, abortion, fatherless children, homosexuality, poverty, crime, drugs, and violence was all foreseen.
[...]People throughout history have been tempted to commit adultery. It’s nothing new. However, one of the main deterrents from succumbing to the temptation has been the fear of pregnancy. What would happen if this natural deterrent were taken away? As history demonstrates, rates of adultery would skyrocket. What’s one of the main causes of divorce? Adultery. Apply the same logic to pre-marital sex. Such behavior has, indeed, skyrocketed. Premarital sex, as a kind of “adultery in advance,” is also a prime indicator of future marital breakdown.
[Read More...]

This issue of contraception is almost commonplace in the modern world and yet, it has proven to be the source of many of our problems. Here are some more resources to help understand the issue:http://www.catholic.com/tracts/birth-control

Sean Duffy and the March for Life

2012-01-25T05:01:00.000-08:00

To finish up the posts about the March for Life, I will post a recap of Sunday night's talks and a summary of the March on Monday.

First off, Congressman Sean Duffy and his wife Rachel visited our group in our hotel on Sunday night. Both Sean and Rachel gave excellent speeches encouraging us in the fight for life. The young students were inspired by this young couple, for they were on MTV's Real World at one point in their lives and yet are still faithful Catholics. Sean Duffy particularly talked about the Pro-Life House of Representatives and how there are so many good things happening in the House. Their six children were also there and were a further witness to the sanctity of life.

After they gave their short speeches, a fellow pilgrim gave her witness to Life coming from the Ukraine. She explained her new apostolate called "Chalice of Mercy," where she is trying to bring the Light of Christ into the Ukraine. You can learn more about this exciting apostolate here: http://chaliceofmercy.org/.

On Monday, we first made our way to the Verizon Center for a large Youth Rally and Mass. There were about 20,000 youth in attendance, with several Cardinals, Bishops and over 200 priests. All of the students were encouraged by the sheer number of young people in support of Life and helped them to be confirmed in their faith.

After the Rally, we joined the March for Life around the Capital building to the Supreme Court House. While the news media only mentioned thousands of protestors, there were in reality over 400,000 in attendance. Here are the pictures to prove it:

Lastly, before we left, we were invited to stop over by the office of Congressman Sean Duffy. He organized for a room to be available for all the Wisconsin pilgrims to stop by for hot chocolate and to listen to a few speakers. Those speakers included EWTN's Raymond Arroyo, Live Action Film's Lila Rose and several fellow Congressmen from Wisconsin. It was a beautiful thing to see so many Pro-Life Congressmen from our State (like Paul Ryan and Jim Sensenbrenner) and to hear from leaders in the Pro-Life movement.

Overall, the trip was a grand success and it proves that every year we are gaining ground in the Pro-Life movement. We pray that we won't have to go to Washington DC next year, but if we do, we will bring even more young people to witness to Life.

What can we do to turn the tide? Besides all the things already mentioned, we must pray and act. With God's help we must witness to Life every day and vote for those in office who support that basic right.

Touring DC

2012-01-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

Today, we ventured out and took in the historic sites of Washington DC. We started out our day back at the Basilica and participated in Holy Mass with hundreds of other youth from around the country who have come here for the March for Life. Bishop Joseph Cistone from the Diocese of Saginaw celebrated Mass and gave an inspiring homily on the need to act in the Pro-Life movement. He compared our situation to that of Jonah in the First Reading and how we are prophets who are sent out into the city of Washington DC to call people to repentance.

After Mass, we prayed in front of Planned Parenthood even though it is closed on Sundays. The particular Planned Parenthood we prayed at was only a few blocks away from the White House. We prayed a rosary and a few other prayers for the closing of all abortion centers.
After that we visited the White House, the Air and Space Museum, the Washington Monument, the WWII Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial. Another group visited a few of the other museums. It was a long day of walking, but the students seemed to enjoy the time in the big city.

Tonight we still have a few speakers, including Congressman Sean Duffy and his wife, Rachel. They are both very Catholic and very Pro-Life. Here is his website for more information on him: http://www.duffyforcongress.com/. I will post a synopsis of his talk when I have the time.

Tomorrow, we will be attending the youth rally and Mass at the Verizon Center, the actual March for Life, and then back on the bus to head home. The Verizon Center holds roughly 20,000 people and it will be packed tomorrow with youth from all around the country in support of Life.As a last reflection, since you won't hear about us on the news tomorrow, here is a video that explains why the media does not cover the March for Life year after year:

Youth Rally and Arrival in DC

2012-01-22T10:16:00.000-08:00

To recap yesterday, we attended the energetic youth rally IGNITE in Milwaukee with Archbishop Listecki. We participated in Mass and then had some time of Eucharistic Adoration with a few speakers giving inspiring talks before adoration started. Vicki Thorn gave a stunning testimony that helped encourage the youth to be active in the Pro-Life cause. She reaffirmed that this generation of youth is the most Pro-Life generation since Roe v. Wade. There were over 300 hundred youth from across Wisconsin in attendance. The Diocese of La Crosse had the largest representation of young people. Here are a few pictures of the events:

Today we arrived safe and sound in Washington DC. After hours of driving in the snow all our busses arrived safely. However, it did take us longer than expected and so we had to adjust our schedule. We moved praying in front of Planned Parenthood to tomorrow and instead went to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. We attended evening Mass and toured the beautiful church. After spending some time there worshipping our Lord, we came to our hotel, had dinner, and cleaned up. We look forward to tomorrow where we will spend some time touring the historic sites of DC. The most powerful evemt tomorrow will be praying at Planned Parenthood. This is always a moving moment for all the students and adults who attend.

Here are some pictures of the beautiful Shrine church. All the kids loved the beauty of the church and spent a lot of time viewing the sacred art all over the church. This Basilica is the largest Catholic church in the US.

What can we really do to turn the tide in the abortion battle? What we have learned so far points to seeing humans as made in the image of God. If we can start to love our neighbor, we can show the world how important every life is. However, there is always more that we can do. We will look into that when we listen to a few more speakers to tomorrow.

Marching for Life 2012: The Story of SSPP Parishioners Defending Life

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

By Mr. Phil Kosloski
Today 20 students and 4 chaperones embark on the long journey to Washington DC to give a voice to the voiceless. We will board a bus this morning to begin our roughly 20 hour bus ride that is a part of a much larger group from the Diocese of La Crosse. In all we have 203 people traveling in our group from all corners of the Diocese. Groups that ride in our four busses come from almost every Catholic High School as well as many parishes from the area. Later today we are joining all of the youth from across Wisconsin in Milwaukee for a Pro-Life Youth Rally. This youth rally, called IGNITE, will have present hundreds of youth from across our state who are on their way to Washington DC. We will be joined in prayer with Archbishop Jerome Listecki who will celebrate Mass for us at the Archbishop Cousins Center. This is great news to hear as many times we can get pessimistic about the apparent darkness that has enveloped our country. In fact, the youth of our day are even more pro-life than any other recent generation! For example, a recent Gallup Poll found 47% of American youth between 18-29 years old supported a “pro-life” view while 45% supported a “pro-choice” view with 8% responding that they did not know. As you can see, the tide is turning in the young people of America!

You can see as well in the video below the enthusiasm for protecting life among college students. I highly encourage you to watch the video to see the good news! I can assure you, your spirits will be lifted after watching this short video.

However, while this may be true, we still have a long way to go to protect the unborn. Abortion is still legal and thousands of babies are killed and thousands of women are taking advantage of and are forced to have abortions. What more then can we do?This is a topic I hope to explore in the next few days as we attend the various events in Washington DC. There are certainly many things we can do, but what is the most effective? I hope to offer my thoughts in the coming days.

__________________________________________________________________________
Mr. Phil Kosloski is the Director of Adult Formation and Liturgy at SS Peter and Paul Church.

Pro-Life Resources

2012-01-19T12:04:00.001-08:00

Pro-Life Resources

At SS Peter and Paul Church, we strive to protect the unborn and to provide resources for those considering abortion. Below are many links and documents that are meant to assist anyone who desires to protect life and to help any women to see the great beauty and dignity of human life.

The Pill and Contraceptives
Contraception and Cultural Chaos
Contraception and the Language of the Body
Contraception versus Natrual Family Planning
Does Contraception Foster Love?
Resources on Contraception
The Pill Kills
The Truth about Birth Control

The Truth About Abortion
Questions and Answers about Abortion
Showing What Abortion Really Is
Resources on Abortion

Natrual Family Planning
NFP Resources in the Diocese of La Crosse
NFP and More

Healing After Abortion
Rachael's Vineyard
Silent No More Awareness Campaign

Resources in Central Wisconsin
Catholic Charities
Diocese of La Crosse Pro-Life Resources

First Choice Pregnancy Resource Center
Pro-Life Wisconsin
Rachael's Vineyard

Local Organizations
Tri-City Right to Life
Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Church Documents
Teachings of the Magisterium on Abortion

Practical Things You Can Do
What You Can Do

Organizations
List of Pro-Life Organizations

High Mass on February 5, 2012

2012-01-17T12:41:00.000-08:00

Our next Tridentine Mass will be on February 5th at 4:00 PM with 3:30 confessions. We will be celebrating Septuagesima Sunday.

Here is an excerpt of an article on Septuagesima Sunday:

The Origins and Purpose of Pre-Lent

With regard to the origins of the pre-Lenten period, many liturgical writers attribute the beginnings of pre-Lent to the desire to accomplish the 40 days fast -- since there were non-fast days within the weeks of Lent proper which accordingly did not amount to 40 days of fasting. Through piety and devotion, this was extended further still. The specific time of origin is not agreed upon, but various dates surrounding the time of St. Gregory the Great in the 6th and 7th centuries are noted in various respects -- with the devotional extension of the fast being mentioned even earlier. According to Duchesne, the fourth Council of Orleans mentions Quinqagesima and Sexagesima around A.D. 541 -- albeit it by way of disapproval.

The purpose of pre-Lent seems to be the same in both the Byzantine East and more ancient form of the Roman rite; it is a period of progressive preparation and movement toward Lent and ultimately Easter.

Fr. Weiser, in his Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs speaks of it accordingly:
The liturgical preparation for the greatest feast of Christianity -- Easter -- proceeds in five periods of penitential character. As the observance of this preparation apporaches the feast, the penitential note grows progressively deeper and stricter. The first period of this season of pre-Lent, from Septuagesima Sunday to Ash Wednesday; the second extends from Ash Wednesday to Passion Sunday; the third comprises Passion Week; the fourth includes the days of Holy Week up to Wednesday; the fifth consists in the Sacred Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.) In these three days, which are devoted entirely to the commemoration of the Lord's Passion, the penitential observance reaches its peak, until it ends (at the Easter Vigil) in the glorious and joyful celebration of the Resurrection. (p. 154-5)
Read More...

March for Life Coverage

2012-01-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned to SS Peter and Paul Parish Website for daily updates from the March for Life. Coverage begins on January 20th and ends on January 24th. Featured will be pictures and reflections on each day's events.

Christmas at SS Peter and Paul

2011-12-29T09:55:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures from both the Midnight Mass as well as the 10:00 Mass on Christmas Day. We hope to have video of the Midnight Mass available in the coming days.

Christmas Midnight Mass

2011-12-21T08:19:00.000-08:00

You are invited to attend the Midnight Mass at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

Mass will begin at 12:00 AM on Christmas Eve with a concert before hand at 11:30 PM.

Begin Christmas off right by welcoming in the Christ Child in the silent of the night.

Revision to Bulletin

2011-12-21T07:35:00.000-08:00

*Please Disregard Weekday Mass Schedule in the Bulletin*
*Below is the correct schedule*

Monday, December 26th—Saint Stephen, first martyr, feast
NO MASS

Tuesday, December 27th—Saint John, apostle & evangelist, feast
*OFFICE IS CLOSED*
5:15 pm—Mark Nelson

Wednesday, December 28th—Holy Innocents, martyrs, feast
8:00 am— Intentions of Douglas Borre

Thursday, December 29th-Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas, Saint Thomas Becket
8:00 am— Joan & Jack Cepek 49th Wedding Anniversary & Birthdays of Daughters Mary & Jodi

Friday - December 30th— The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
8:00 am— Joseph Krohn

Saturday, December 31st—The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
Weekday Mass
8:00 am—Richard Ostrowski

Importance of Catholic Traditions in the Home

2011-12-13T06:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas is by far the most widely celebrated Christian holiday in the Western world. However, it is also the most widely secularized Christian holiday. Many of the Catholic traditions that were done in the past in the countries of our ancestors have all but gone here in America. The Christmas tree tends to be the only remnant of what was a distinct Christian culture that dwelt in the homes during this time of year. This is unfortunate, for the principal way that our children know and practice the faith is how it is taught in the home. If our children come home to an entirely secular way of celebrating Christmas, it should come as no surprise to see so many children that do not know what Christmas is about. In the end, if they know more about Santa Claus then Jesus Christ, it is hard for our children to celebrate Christmas for what it truly is.

The family was always meant to be a “domestic church,” where the father and mother passed down to their children what it meant to be a Christian. God revealed this to us all the way back in the time of Noah and Abraham. This still holds true today and has been reiterated by Blessed John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Consequently, when celebrating Christmas, our children are supposed to learn from us what this feast means and how it impacts their lives.

Yet, we are not always good with talking to our children. In this modern age it is even more difficult with cell phones, iPods, etc. However, sometimes it isn’t always our words that affect our kids the most as our actions. In particular, it is very often the traditions of Christmas that speak to our children and ingrain in them a knowledge that words can not do.

What then can we do as parents to impart to our children the true meaning of Christmas? The best place to start is to rediscover the Catholic traditions that our great grandparents used to pass on the faith. For example, the tradition of the Christmas tree was always reserved for the season of Christmas. When does the season of Christmas start? Christmas Eve. Your great-grandparents never put up their Christmas tree until Christmas Eve, for that is why it is called a Christmas tree to begin with. Here is part of the reason why it has been tradition to wait until December 24th:

The most important clue to the origin of the Christmas tree as we know it comes from the mystery and miracle plays, and in particular from the Tree of Good and Evil in the earthly Paradise.

These plays were first performed in the late Middle Ages and their purpose was to teach religion. It should be remembered that people in general were illiterate. To spread and to keep the faith alive, to make known the Sacred Scriptures, preaching was essential.
It was thought that acting out Bible and Gospel episodes for the humbler classes would facilitate this task. As a rule, these religious plays were enacted for the celebration of an episode or of the saint whom they featured, and they became popular throughout Europe. A famous play was the performance put on for holy Christmas, celebrated on 25 December.

On Christmas Eve, 24 December, Adam and Eve would be commemorated with the highly popular episode of the Tree of the earthly Paradise; they would tower on the stage together with the devil, disguised as a serpent, Eve picking an apple and Adam eating it. Original sin, expiated by Jesus born on the 25th, was symbolized on the night of 24 December. The tree ought to have been an apple tree, but since an apple tree would have been inappropriate in winter, a fir tree was set on the stage and some apples put on its branches or, to symbolize the future coming of Redemption, wafers prepared with crushed biscuits in special moulds that were symbols of the Eucharistic presence of Jesus, as well as sweets and gifts for children.

Even when the religious tableaux were abandoned, the Tree of Paradise continued to be associated with Christmas in many people's minds.[Catholic Culture]

Consequently, when putting up Christmas trees in the home became a tradition in Germany, they always refrained from putting it up until Christmas Eve. Also, since the tree wasn't put up until the 24th, the tree was not taken down until January 6th. This date is the day when the Magi came to visit the baby Jesus and is called the Epiphany. This more traditional usage of the Christmas tree spans the liturgical season of Christmas instead of Advent.

This is not to say you cannot have a tree up before Christmas Eve, but there is also a tradition called the “Jesse Tree” which is an Advent tradition to help us prepare for Christmas. This tree is put up at the very beginning of Advent and so would correspond with the American tradition of putting up the tree after Thanksgiving. Here is a little about the Jesse Tree:

The Jesse Tree dates back to the middle ages and came from Europe. Even some ancient cathedrals have Jesse Tree designs in their stained glass windows. The "tree" is usually a branch or sapling and is decorated with various symbols that remind us of the purpose and promises of God from Creation to the Birth of Jesus Christ.
Jesse was the father of King David and God promised David that his Kingdom would last forever. Two centuries after the death of King David, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah and said:
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:1-2)
Each Jesse Tree ornament usually consists of a handmade symbol or drawing that represents one of the major stories of the Old Testament along with a brief verse of Scripture from that story. [Catholic Culture]

Another tradition deals with a fast that was kept on Christmas Eve, and after going to Midnight Mass, there would be a grand feast to celebrate Christ’s birth. This tradition reflects the penitential attitude of Advent. It also displays perfectly the adage, "Fast before you Feast."

A Polish tradition is the special observance of Christmas Eve and a special meal on that day:

For days in advance, Poles prepare the traditional foods and everyone anxiously awaits the moment when the first star, known as the Gwiazdka, appears in the eastern sky. For that is when the feast to commemorate the birth of the Christ Child begins.

There is always a thin layer of hay under the white tablecloth in memory of the Godchild in the manger. Before sitting down at the table, everyone breaks the traditional wafer, or Oplatek and exchanges good wishes for health, wealth and happiness in the New Year. This is such a deeply moving moment that often tears of love and joy are evoked from the family members who are breaking this symbolic bread. The Oplatek is a thin, unleavened wafer similar to the altar bread in the Roman Catholic Church. It is stamped with the figures of the Godchild, the blessed Mary, and the holy angels. The wafer is known as the bread of love and is often sent by mail to the absent members of the family.

A lighted candle in the windows symbolizes the hope that the Godchild, in the form of a stranger, may come to share the Wigilia and an extra place is set at the table for the unexpected guest. This belief stems from the ancient Polish adage, "A guest in the home is God in the home."

The Wigilia is a meatless meal, no doubt the result of a long-time Church mandate that a strict fast and abstinence be observed on this day before Christmas. Although the Church laws have been revised and permit meat to be eaten on this day, the traditional meal remains meatless. Items that would normally be included in a traditional Wigilia menu include mushroom soup, boiled potatoes (kartofle), pickled herring (sledzie), fried fish, pierogi, beans and sauerkraut (groch i kapusta), a dried fruit compote, babka, platek, assorted pastries, nuts and candies.

After the meal the members of the family sing Polish Christmas Carols called the koledy while the children wait impatiently around the Christmas tree or choinka for the gifts to be exchanged.

Christmas Day itself is spent in rest, prayer, and visits to various members of the family. In Poland, from Christmas Day until the twelfth night, boys trudge from village to village with an illuminated star and a ranting King Herod among them to sing carols. Sometimes, they penetrate the towns in expectation of more generous gifts.[Polish American Center]

German Christmas traditions have for the most part been transferred entirely to American culture. Click here to see a chart that compares the two celebrations of Christmas.

One more tradition is the singing of “Happy Birthday” to Jesus on Christmas Day. This is a more recent tradition, but something that displays to children the reality of Christmas

These and other traditions put the emphasis on the day of Christ’s birth, which is the central mystery we celebrate at Christmas.

Pictures from the Rorate Mass

2011-11-30T09:44:00.001-08:00

Below are a few pictures from the Rorate Mass that was offered on November 29th at SS Peter and Paul. There will be a second Rorate Mass at SS Peter and Paul on December 20th at 5:15 PM (for the history of the Rorate Mass check out this link http://te-deum.blogspot.com/2006/12/advent-rorate-masses-at-assumption.html::

Annual Christmas Bake Sale

2011-11-22T08:18:00.001-08:00

LADIES of SS. PETER &; PAUL PARISH –Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 10th & Sunday December 11th. The ladies of SS. Peter & Paul Council of Catholic Women will be hosting their Annual Christmas Bake Sale. We will be selling in the back of church after all the Masses.Our Council invites all ladies, members & non-members of Council, to participate by donating your special Christmas recipes of cookies, candy, pies for the sale. Monies earned will go to our various charities & projects.Bring your baked goods downstairs to the church basement on Saturday, Dec.10thafter 3:00 PM. Any questions, call Mary Bronk 715-421-2309 or Sandy Forstner 715-424-1675

New Lighthouse CDs

2011-11-18T12:21:00.000-08:00

There are new Lighthouse CDs in the back of Church, which include new CDs and booklets about the New Translation of the Mass.

Please check them out today!

If you are interested in learning more about the New Translation of the Mass, please check out this link:

http://josemariaadultformation.blogspot.com/search/label/Roman%20Missal

Below is an image of the booklet that is offered in the back of church.

[Source: Ascension Press]

Parish Calendar November-December 2011

2011-11-18T12:20:00.000-08:00

Click on the image below to see what is happening at SS Peter and Paul the rest of November and December:

Parish News

2011-11-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

As a reminder, the words of the Mass are changing next Sunday (Nov. 27th). This is also the first Sunday in Advent and the first Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year. In each of the pews is a pew card that has the changes marked out. Please keep these pew cards in the pew! Do NOT take them with you. If you would like to purchase one of these cards for your own personal use, please call the Parish Office. Everyone will be required to use either the pew cards or the Missalettes on Nov. 27th so that everyone recites together the new changes.

Also, this year we will be having a Holy Hour every Sunday of Advent beginning on Nov. 27th at 7:00 PM—8:00 PM. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the celebration of Evening Prayer (Vespers) and Benediction. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Sts. Peter and Paul Annual Golden Mass and Collection for Christmas Food BasketsOur parish will continue its long-standing tradition (44 yrs.) of providing food baskets at Christmas time. You may bring non-perishable food to our Golden Mass on Thursday, Dec. 8, as well as the weekend before (Dec. 3-4) and the weekend following (Dec. 10-11). All food will be sorted and boxed, and deliveries will be on Saturday, Dec. 17th. If you wish to contribute money to help but bread, meat, cheese and other perishables, please put contributions in a separate envelope or take to the parish office. Please be as generous as you’ve been in past years. Volunteers are needed to sort, pack, and distribute. To nominate a family for a food basket or to volunteer, call the parish office at 715-423-1351 or Tom Brehmer at 715-424-1656.

Pope Reflects on Dieing in Hope

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

2011-11-07 Vatican Radio

Pope Benedict XVI’s midday Angelus reflections this Sunday returned once again to the subject of death, one that is often obscured from contemporary culture, but one that nonetheless pervades everyday life.
In explaining the meaning of the Gospel and readings the Holy Father noted that the difference between believers and nonbelievers on death “is definitive”, because those who believe in the God who is Love “live and die in hope”.

This, he added, is an important point particularly in today’s world: “If we remove God, if we take away Christ, the world will fall back into the void and darkness. And this is also reflected in the expressions of contemporary nihilism, an often subconscious nihilism that unfortunately plagues many young people”.

True wisdom Pope Benedict said means “taking advantage of our mortal life to carry out works of mercy, because, after our death, it will no longer be possible. When we are reawakened for the Last Judgment, it will be based on the love we practiced in our earthly life (cf. Mt 25,31-46). And this love is the gift of Christ, poured out in us by the Holy Spirit. Those who believe in God who is Love carry within an invincible hope, like a lamp with which to cross the night after death, and reach the great celebration of life”.

[Emphasis Added]
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