February 2, 2020 PARISH STAFF 788-5483

Rev. Brian D. Konopa ext. 7 Pastor frkonopa@mmoclacrosse.org

Rev. Mr. Richard Sage ext. 8 Deacon rsage@mmoclacrosse.org

Sr. Kathy Stuttgen, FSPA ext. 5 Ministry with the Elderly and Sick kathy@mmoclacrosse.org

Therese van Oss ext. 4 Religious Education and Pastoral Minister tvanoss@mmoclacrosse.org

Andy Foley ext.6 Buildings and Grounds afoley@mmoclacrosse.org

Mary Jo Lium ext.2 Sacred Music mjlium@mmoclacrosse.org

Brandee McKane ext.3 Holly Gerling Finance Assistants finance@mmoclacrosse.org

Laura Boden ext.2 Parish Secretary secretary@mmoclacrosse.org

AQUINAS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Ted Knutson 784-8585 President

Patty Gallagher-Kosmatka 782-5998 Principal, Cathedral School

Kay Berra 782-5564 Principal, Blessed Sacrament School

Sue Amble 783-5483 Principal, St. Patrick School, Onalaska

Denise Ring Principal, Aquinas Middle School 784-0156

Principal, Aquinas High School 784-0287

2006 Weston St. La Crosse WI 54601 (608) 788-5483 mmoclacrosse.org mmoc.blog mmoc.mobi

OUR MISSION

Mary, Mother of the Church parishioners are called to be the

People of God, formed by the Holy Word and nourished by

the Holy Eucharist. We joyfully share our faith and gifts of time,

talent, and treasure. We are committed to serve all God's people in the building of the

Kingdom.

MASS TIMES Saturday Vigil 4pm Sunday 8am & 10am Tuesday–Friday 7:30am

CONFESSIONS Saturday 3:15-3:45 pm or by appointment

Contact the parish office to register, schedule a baptism, schedule a wedding (six months notice required), and to request the Sacrament of the Sick.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS Tuesday–Friday 8am-3pm FINANCE OFFICE HOURS Tuesday and Thursday 8am-Noon

SCRIP Scrip is sold before and after all week-end Masses and in the parish office on Fridays from 8am-3pm.

Presentation of the Lord The Presentation of the Lord: Candlemas Day This Sunday, February 2, is known as Groundhog’s Day in the United States, but on our liturgical calendar it’s “The Presentation of the Lord.” What is the Presentation of the Lord? According to the Law of Moses, 40 days after the birth of a first-born son, the parents were to bring their newborn to the temple in Jerusalem and present their child to the Lord. Additionally, mothers were to go through a purification ceremony. Therefore, Joseph and Mary traveled with baby Jesus to Jerusalem. While they were in the temple, a devout Jew by the name of Simeon was moved by the Holy Spirit to approach the Holy Family. He took Jesus into his arms and thanked God for the privilege of seeing the “light” of salvation with his own eyes (Luke 2:22-40). For centuries, the Church celebrated this event by blessing and “light”-ing candles. Since Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, the Presentation of the Lord is celebrated 40 days later on February 2nd. As December 25th became known as Christmas (Christ-Mass), so February 2nd became known as Candlemas (Candle-Mass). Because the 40th day after Christmas lands on Sunday this year, we are celebrating the Presentation of the Lord with the blessing of candles. That’s why a table is near the baptismal font with a sampling of candles the parishes uses. NEEDED: MMOC Parish Bookkeeper Principal responsibilities for this position include maintaining contribution software records (i.e. preparing deposits and data entry) and working with our Finance Assistant (Brandee McKane) on a variety of activities. Qualifications must include experience with bookkeeping; ability to use QuickBooks and Microsoft Office, especially Excel; ability to learn in-house software, ParishSoft; good communication skills. The position is 8-9 hours per week, preferably on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Pay is commensurate with experience. The position is available immediately. To apply, please submit a resume with references from previous employers to Fr. Konopa. Silver Circle Thursday, Feb. 20, there will be a pot luck lunch in the Parish Hall. Doors open at 11am and meal will start at 11:45am. We will have time for fellowship and a few games of BINGO! All are welcome. Communion Calls The following parishioners will receive Communion in their homes this week: Mary Carlson; Olivia Krajewski; Carol & Clayton Weis; Gerald Sheehan; Catherine Larson; Jim Lepsch; Don Bowman; Janice Mosher; Margaret Bakkum; Bob O’Connor; and Barb Starsky. If you know of someone who would like to receive the Eucharist in their home, please call the parish office

at 788.5483. End of Year Statements End of year contribution statements were mailed January 21. If you have any questions, please contact Brandee the Financial Assistant at 788-5483, ext 3. Pictorial Directory There was a delay in shipment, but they should be available Feb. 22-23 in the Gathering Space of Church. Food Baskets for February Catholic Charities is grateful for all the food donations and is most in need of personal hygiene items, paper products such as Kleenex, paper towels, and toilet paper; canned meats, complete boxed/canned meals, boxed potatoes, rice mixes, baked beans, pasta sauce, ravioli, cream soups, cereal, canned fruit, juice, coffee and hot chocolate. The Pope’s Prayer Intention For February That the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered.

Super Bowl Sunday Pancake Breakfast The Men's Club will be hosting a pancake breakfast this Sunday, February 2 from 8am-12noon. The breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit cocktail, juice and coffee. $5.00 per person; $4.00 seniors (60+) and kids (6-12); Free for kids 5 and under. Come join us in the Parish Hall for some great food and fellowship! Hoops Mania Tickets The Men’s Club is raising money for the Building Fund. Similar to Football Mania, the Men’s Club is selling HoopsMania March Madness Basketball raffle tickets at $10/ticket. Each ticket is randomly assigned 8 seeds in the men’s NCAA tournament bracket (e.g., #2 seed in Midwest). You will find out your teams when the NCAA brackets are selected and teams are assigned seeds. Your teams then earn points each round based on their game score. Winners are determined at the end of the tournament, after the National Championship game. The 45 tickets whose teams score the most combined total points throughout the tournament, and the 4 tickets with the fewest combined points WIN! See game card for complete details. All proceeds go to the Building Our Future Together fund! Tickets will be on sale Feb. 8-9 after Mass in the gathering space. Men’s Club Meeting There will be a meeting Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7pm in Room C. All men are welcome to join.

Monthly Mass Social Please join us Thursday, February 6 after the 7:30 am Mass for coffee, conversation, and fellowship. Coffee & Kids Would you like to enjoy your

Men’s Club

Family Life

coffee while it’s warm and watch your children make a mess outside your home? Then join us on February 7th from 9-11 am in the Religious Education Center Kindergarten room located in the lower level of the parish hall. Coffee & Kids will not be held if La Crosse schools are delayed or cancelled due to weather. Coffee and snacks provided. Contact Karla Schams at 607-780-3757 or BrieAnn McKenna at 319-230-0895 with any questions.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development This weekend we have a special collection to support the CCHD. More than forty-six million people in the United States live in poverty today. This collection supports programs that empower people to identify and address obstacles as they work to make permanent and positive changes for their communities. Learn more at usccb.org/cchd/collection. Please add your envelope to the regular collection basket. Extra envelopes are on the Ushers Table. The Catholic Charities Warming Center Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to volunteer at the Warming Center this season! There are still a few areas of the schedule we need assistance in filling. Please phone the parish office for Laura at 788-5483, ext. 2 to fill a time slot. Workers scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 6 are: FOOD (to be delivered to 413 S. 3rd St. by 6:30 pm): Sarah Kopski, Sue Groetsch (dessert), Joseph van Oss (Main Dish) Tracy Mullaney (milk) INTAKE (6:30pm-9pm): Al Baumler, Tom Ley, Terri Pedace, John Pedace, Rick Wilhelm, Jean Melson, Neil Kumm NIGHT SHIFT (9pm-12am): NOT FILLED FIRST SHIFT NIGHT (9pm-3am): Don Stoeckly SECOND SHIFT NIGHT(3am-8am): Brad and Lynn Sturm MORNING VOLUNTEER (6am-8am Friday): NOT FILLED Lay Employees Retirement Fund You may have noticed in your offertory envelope packets a new, different envelope that may cause you to wonder, “What is this for?” This is a local, diocesan appeal that will support the original retirement fund for former teachers, maintenance, hot lunch cooks, office and clerical workers who for many years worked in the schools, parishes, and offices within the Diocese of La Crosse. The funds collected will stay in the diocese to support retirement benefits for many people that you may know. About 50 years ago the Diocese established a lay employees’

retirement fund to recognize the many years of service provided to the local church from its lay employees. The retirement program was funded by parish contributions, but from the beginning struggled to obtain sufficient assets to meet the projected actuarial need. In 2006 the “old” plan was “frozen” (meaning no new members could be enrolled) and a new 403b thrift plan was established. The “new” plan is performing well. However, the “old” plan is rapidly being depleted and is not sufficiently viable to support the promised retirement benefit to the approximately 1,500 former employees within the diocese. For the next several years, the parishes and institutions of the Diocese are being asked to make much larger contributions than previously assessed in order to sustain the former retirement fund for lay employees. This annual appeal will assist in meeting the needs of this fund. Please be generous! Thank you!

What is Mardi Gras? In a festive New Orleans style atmosphere we raise funds for tuition assistance for students and grants for teachers at ACS. Mardi Gras Ball- Saturday Feb. 8 at the Raddison: dinner, dancing, art and dessert auctions. Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday- Tuesday Feb. 25 at Legends: casual evening with buffet dinner, raffle and silent auction. It will be another year of great fun with Rex Tom and Queen Lisa Kratt from Blessed Sacrament leading the way and wonderful leadership from MMOC with Lord Mike and Lady Brenda Wintheiser. Interested in participating in one or both? Check out the Mardi Gras web page https://www.lacrossemardigras.com/ or contact Brenda Wintheiser at bwintheiser@gmail.com or Shannon Klar at shanklar@gmail.com Enrollment is now open for the 2020-2021 school year! At Aquinas, students explore their passions, give back to their communities, grow in faith and prepare for a successful future. Our schools are open to families of all faiths, and we offer several tuition assistance programs. To learn more or to start your enrollment process visit us at www.aquinascatholicschools.org or contact Nancy Pederson at (608) 784-8585. Shadow Days Sign up today! Are you interested in Aquinas Catholic Schools? We’re hosting shadow days for St. Patrick Elementary School, Blessed Sacrament Elementary, Aquinas Middle School, and Aquinas High School for the 2020-21 school year. Shadow Days at Aquinas Catholic Schools are a great way to experience a day in the life of a student and is the best way to see if Aquinas is a good fit for you! As you will have the opportunity to see our

Social Justice

Aquinas Catholic Schools

Mary Mother of the Church

February 2, 2020 schools, attend classes, meet students and teachers, and enjoy a complimentary lunch in our cafeteria. For details: aquinascatholicschools.org/visit-our-schools. Open Aquinas Custodian Position Aquinas High School/Middle School is searching for a full time custodian. Work hours are Monday-Friday, 2:00pm-10:30pm. Job duties include keeping school facilities in a clean and orderly condition. For a full job description, or to apply for this position, please contact Aquinas Personnel Director, Matt Schneider, at matt.schneider@aquinasschools.org

Disclosure of Clergy Who Sexually Abused Minors On Jan. 18, the Diocese of La Crosse disclosed the names of clergy with a substantiated allegation of child sexual abuse. The Diocese carefully went through 1,218 files dating back to 1868 and hired the independent firm of Defenbaugh & Associates, Inc. (Kaufman, TX) composed of retired FBI agents for an external audit to also review the files. The 25 names on the website include 18 priests of the Diocese of La Crosse. Bishop Callahan’s statement included, “I encourage all victims to come forward as we offer our willingness and ability to assist in the healing process…I promise that every future allegation will be addressed professionally and thoroughly.” Reporting procedures and related information is on the Protect and Heal page of the diocesan website: diolc.org. A parish mailing recently reached all parish households, which included a booklet Letter to a Suffering Church: A Bishop Speaks on the Sexual Abuse Crisis. Please contact the parish office if you did not receive your copy: 788-5483 ext. 2. Holy Hour for Penance and Healing at MMOC Bishop Callahan asks that a Holy Hour for Penance and Healing be held throughout the Diocese of La Crosse on Saturday, Feb. 22, in response to clergy sexual abuse and the public release of names of clergy with a substantiated allegation of child sexual abuse. MMOC will have the Holy Hour from 2-3pm. Prayer for Healing and Reconciliation Almighty and Most Loving God, through your Son your compassion brought healing to many. We ask for your healing once more for all who have been profoundly wounded by abuse, especially those who have been hurt by your ministers. In your mercy, we also ask for forgiveness. Words cannot express fully the sorrow we have for the great harm done by those who were called to be trusted. In your goodness, we ask for the grace to be a source of healing to all who have been abused and to be ever vigilant in protecting all your people. Grant, we pray, our prayers for healing and forgiveness, for we ask them through your Son, Christ our Lord. Amen

Healing and Reconciliation

February 8-9 Ministers of Holy Communion

4:00 p.m. Rebecca Kath, Tony Kath, Sarah Kopski, Mary Olson, Kellie Schmitz, Joseph van Oss

8:00 a.m. Bill Jaekel, Marilyn Jaekel, Sandy Pitsch, Betty Stoll, Wally Stoll, Jane Vogel

10:00 a.m. Lori Hammes, Shannon Klar, Lance Miller, Terri Pedace, Linda Schwartz, Mary Jo Swartout

Sacristans 4:00 p.m. NOT FILLED 8:00 a.m. Betty and Wally Stoll

10:00 a.m. Linda Schwartz Lectors

4:00 p.m. Mary Olson, Peter Schmitz 8:00 a.m. Rick Bath, Donna Omernik

10:00 a.m. Mary Jo Swartout, Matt Binsfeld Servers

4:00 p.m. BJ Gerling, Sophia Schmitz 8:00 a.m. Abby Harpenau, Jackson Harpenau

10:00 a.m. Max Byington, Brodyn Byington Musicians

4:00 p.m. Judy Roraff 8:00 a.m. Jenny Nielsen

10:00 a.m. Jenny Nielsen Cantors

4:00 p.m. Linda Kloet 8:00 a.m. Sara Groetsch

10:00 a.m. Amy Wilson Ushers

4:00 p.m. Peter Engh, Kevin Hennessy, Don Stoeckly, NOT FILLED, NOT FILLED, NOT FILLED, NOT FILLED, NOT FILLED

8:00 a.m. Jonathan Baumler, Allan Baumler, Jackson Christenson, Marv Elsen, Bob Klar, Mike Pitsch, Wally Stoll, Mike Vogel

10:00 a.m. Mason Herletzke, Henry Kabat, Riley Klar, Ron Malles, Jim McGettigan, Laura Papenfuss, Don Wavra, Lizzie Wintheiser

Gift Bearers 4:00 p.m. Lisa Servais, Tim Servais 8:00 a.m. Linda Kaiser, Ron Kaiser

10:00 a.m. Sally Egan, Richard Egan Hospitality

8:00 a.m. Cindy Klar, Bob Klar 10:00 a.m. Robb Pretasky, Sue Pretasky

Scrip Sellers 4:00 p.m. Sarah Kopski, NOT FILLED 8:00 a.m. Mary Genz, Sue Moyle

10:00 a.m. Tammy Byington, Kathy McGettigan Money Counters

10:00 a.m. Bill Antony, Margaret Hammell, Neil Kumm Liturgy for Children

10:00am Steve and Erin Klar

Liturgical Roles

office for Allie at 788Again, thank you for your service!

February 2, 2020

Weekly Mass Intentions Tuesday, February 4, 2020 7:30 AM † Rita Strauss by Jack and Pat Darling Wednesday, February 5, 2020 7:30 AM † John Schumacher by John Wettstein Thursday, February 6, 2020 7:30 AM † Bernard and Charlene Hansen by Dan and Linda Tooley 2:00 PM † John Koenen by Betty Koenen (at Hillview) Friday, February 7, 2020 7:30 AM † Kenneth Kammel by Betty Koenen Saturday, February 8, 2020 4:00 PM † Guy Buckley by His Family Sunday, February 9, 2020 8:00 AM Melvin Darling by Jack and Pat Darling 10:00 AM † Pro Populo

The Rosary is prayed before each weekday Mass Tuesday through Friday beginning at 7:05 am.

$1.3Mil

Cash Received

$2.465 Mil

Gifts And

Pledges

Building Our Future Together As of January 28

Building Our Future Together This Sunday we celebrate the feast of the

Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day. This is a feast of light, hence the blessing and lighting of candles. This feast always occurs on Febru-ary 2; 40 days after Christmas when we celebrated the mild and humble birth of Jesus, the “light for reve-lation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32). Last Sunday’s Gos-pel from Matthew used the theme of “light” quoting the poetry of Isaiah, “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphta-li … the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light” (Mt 4:15-16). This feast also hints at Easter when we proclaim “Christ our Light” as we light the Easter Candle and process into church with lighted candles at the Vigil.

Last weekend we outlined the work of the forthcoming re-roofing project on our church, rectory, and offices. Included in the re-roofing project is new exterior lighting on the front of the church, the steeple turret and spire. New LED lighting fixtures will replace the old, high temperature floodlights. The new LED lights have a life expectancy of nearly 8-10 years with-out replacing the bulbs and they operate on a fraction of the energy cost. In addition, the light will be “whiter” and much brighter than the current lights. They will light the main entryway, steeple and spire similar to the lighting that is on the Parish Hall tower over the west entryway.

This lighting upgrade will be a unique, symbol-ic way that Mary, Mother of the Church Parish pro-claims “Christ our light.”

Please remember to keep our parish in prayer as we continue to Build Our Future Together.

$2.47 Mil

Gifts and

Pledges

Goal $3,833,000 “The Rest”: $1,432,000

Second Need: Replacing the Mechanical and Electric Systems $1,416,000

First Need: Sealing the Building Shell

$985,000

$2,400,000

$985,000

For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Mary Mother of the Church, La Crosse, WI A 4C 02-0155

Dr. Erica Stanek, D.D.S.1200 Main St. • La Crosse, WI608-782-5675 • estanek@stanekdental.com

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Proud of being a part of the new expansion!

La Crosse Backhoe Services, Inc.

Serving the Coulee Region since 1970

Kirchner Custom Builders, Inc.

New Homes & Light CommercialMarty and Tony Kirchner | (608) 782-30872809 28th Street S • La Crosse, WI 54601

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SCHALLER JACOBSON

Collision & Alignment RepairLa Crosse • 788-2545 Onalaska • 783-4554

SCHALLER/JACOBSON PlusTires • Shocks • Alignments

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RKB Accounting & Tax Service, LLCReginald “Kim” Boldon, CPA, MBAAccounting, Bookkeeping, Payroll, Income Tax Services &

Tax Resolution Services for Individuals, Small and Medium Size Businesses.1314 Johnson St. • La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 782-6433 • rkboldon@rkbcpa.com

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Michael Schneider Adam Schneider

(608) 782-13461501 West Ave. S • LaCrosse, WI

Catholic Identity Since 1929

A Full Service CPA Firm • Tax Planning & Preparation

William J. Sherry, CPA 3317 Mormon Coulee Rd • La Crosse, WI 54602Bill@eacpas.net (608) 788-2181

Casual Dining With Quality Food & Spirits“A La Crosse Tradition Since 1955”

3119 State Rd788-5110

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Because we understand the healing values of faith and tradition.

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La Crosse • Onalaska • Holmen Brian & Bridget, Parishioners

ONALASKA LACROSSE LA CRESCENT 907 Sand Lake Rd 200 West Ave S 111 So. Oak St. 782-1252 782-1252 895-2518

LACKORE ELECTRIC MOTOR REPAIRFactory Service Station For:

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Paul Gale - Owner 782-7635Over 35 Years of Experience

BATTERY MARTAuto • Truck • Tractor

Motorcycle • Boat • Deep Cycle“We Buy Old Batteries”

1546 Miller St. 782-3715

PURVEYORS OF FINE MEAT AND SEAFOOD

Bakalars Sausage Co., Inc.2760 Hemstock St., La Crosse, WI 54603

bakalarssausage.com 784-0384

“Setting the Standard”

Commercial • Residential • IndustrialScott Kainz, Parishioner (608) 386-0575

Wisconsin State Certified Master Electrician Fully Insured

Earl L. Bonsack, Inc.Driving nice since 1963

‘Living the Dream’

The Freedom to go Everywhere • Free in home Assessments

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Dan’s shoe RepaiRServing You Since 1935608-782-3775 • danielgrgn@gmail.com112 5th Ave. N. • La Crosse, WI 54601

Ron Hammes Refrigeration

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REFRIGERATION SALES & SERVICE

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Ron

Hammes

5416 S. 33rd. Street La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601608-788-6800

Member SIPC

Mike Wintheiser, Financial Advisor 3208 State Rd. La Crosse, WI 54601 608-788-2668 www.edwardjones.com

HMC (FMF) Brickson | WI, MN, IA | 608 304 1671608-519-4324 ◆ BrightstarCare.com/LaCrosse

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Kevin Wilson, Owneraccurateautotrim@yahoo.com | 608-792-2308Springtime - Home Awnings and Convertibles

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US Bank, Tenth Floor201 Main Street, Suite 1010La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601

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21

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Compliments Of

OUTDOOR SERVICES INC.For Your Lawn Care Needs Call: 608-786-3202

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Investments • Trust • Since 1913 www.trustpointinc.com