Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Dear brothers and sisters,
 
    Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a day to reflect on the significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for our salvation. May our celebration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross inspire us to deepen our faith and to live out the teachings of Christ.
     Tomorrow, we will commemorate the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, a day to honor the Virgin Mary's seven sorrows as prophesied by Simeon (Luke 2:34-35). These sorrows include
      The Prophecy of Simeon: Mary's heart was pierced with sorrow as Simeon foretold the suffering of her Son.
     The Flight into Egypt: Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to protect Jesus from King Herod's wrath.
     The Loss of Jesus in the Temple: Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus for three days before finding him in the temple.
     Mary Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary: Mary's heart broke as she encountered her Son carrying the cross.
     The Crucifixion: Mary stood at the foot of the cross, witnessing Jesus' sacrifice.
     The Taking Down of Jesus' Body: Mary received her Son's lifeless body after the crucifixion.
      The Burial of Jesus: Mary laid her Son to rest in the tomb.
 
     In John 19:25-27, we see Mary's unwavering presence at the foot of the cross, where she stood by her Son and entrusted the Apostle John to His care. This Gospel passage highlights Mary's role as a mother and her profound love for Jesus. As we reflect on Our Lady of Sorrows, may we draw inspiration from Mary's faith, hope, and love.
 
     May the celebration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows deepen our devotion to Christ and His Mother, guiding us to live according to their teachings. May we find solace in Mary's sorrows and strength in Christ's sacrifice, and may their examples inspire us to live lives of faith, hope, and love.

Welcome Pastor Chinna

From the Pastor's desk, July 6th, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

We thank God for the remarkable journey of Rev. Father Samuel Martin, born and raised in our parish, now appointed as Vicar General and the Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese of La Crosse. This appointment is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and faithfulness to God’s call. We thank God for his 26 years of priestly service, marked by a deep commitment to prayer and a passion for bringing many to Christ. His priesthood is a shining example of God’s goodness and faithfulness, and we are grateful for the impact he has had on our     community. His life and ministry embody this truth. His appointments as Vicar General and Vicar for Clergy are significant responsibilities, and we pray that God will continue to guide and strengthen him as he serves the priests and people of our diocese.

    We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Fr. Samuel Martin’s mother, our beloved sacristan, who has faithfully serving our church for many years. Her dedication to keeping our church in order and her role in nurturing Fr. Samuel Martin’s vocation is a testament to her love for God and her family. We thank her for her selflessness and her commitment to serving God’s people. To his siblings, we thank them for their faith and   conviction, and we pray that God will continue to bless and guide them.

    As Fr. Samuel Martin begins his new roles, we pray that God will grant him wisdom, guidance, and strength. We pray that he will be a source of encouragement and support to the priests of our diocese, and that he will help to build unity and harmony among the clergy. “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you what you need so that you may be of one mind.”-Romans 15:5. May his ministry be marked by joy, peace, and a   deepening commitment to God’s will.

    As we celebrate Fr. Samuel Martin’s vocation and appointments, we are reminded of the importance of praying for our children and vocations to the priesthood and religious life. We pray that God will give them the desire to do His will and the strength to follow Him wholeheartedly. “For I know the plans I have for you,”  declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”- Jeremiah 29:11. May God bless our children, our priests, and our parish community, and may we continue to be a source of hope and light to those around us.