Special Announcements:
Hearty congratulations to our class of Confirmands. Thirteen young people of our parish will renew their baptismal vows. Hands will be extended over them, the ancient sign of blessing and protection. “Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their Helper and Guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.” Then, each will be anointed with the Sacred Chrism blessed last year on Holy Thursday by Bishop Listecki. They will then “be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Names of the Confirmands are: Ben Charles, Rachel Feltes, Brennan Fieck, Ben Hauser, Jacob Henden, Amber Jelinek, Paige Johnson, Thomas Larson, Krista Matheys, Brent Scheckel, Vlad Scoville, Tyler Trautsch and Daniel Walsh. Congratulations!
Second Graders in our parish celebrated First Penance on Saturday. Congratulations. Soon they will join us at the Table of the Lord!
The Joseph Club is sponsoring a parish card party for all members of the parish - men and women - on Sunday, March 14 at 7:00 PM in Marian Hall. We will be playing Euchre and, for you novices, lessons will be offered at 6:30. Please bring your favorite card partner, a snack or dessert to share and your beverage of choice. Coffee will be provided. The entry fee is $2.00 per couple and a small prize will be awarded to the team with the highest point total. Please join us for an evening of fellowship and fun competition.
Saint Anthony Church in Cazenovia is sponsoring a display of crosses and crucifixes during Lent this year. If you have a cross you wish to be part of the display bring it to St. Mary Rectory and Father Panek (608-983-2367) will pick it up. It will be returned after Easter.
Monsignor Bernard McGarty will present “Cardinal Avery Dulles: A Theologian for All Seasons” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, 22 March, in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theater. Event is free and open to public.
OF FURTHER INTEREST
In March 2010, more than 130 million addresses across the nation will receive a 2010 Census form. The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years for the purpose of reapportioning the U.S. House of Representatives. Every person living in the United States must be counted. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens. Additionally, census data directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments. Please complete and mail back your form and encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do the same. For more information visit, 2010census.gov.
All are invited to attend a free showing of the movie "The Soloist", starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in Room D of the basement of the Viroqua Medical Office Building, 407 S. Main St. This excellent film tells the true story of a columnist for the Los Angeles Times who becomes an advocate for the city's homeless when he meets a talented musician who lives on the streets while battling mental illness. The movie is sponsored by the Vernon County Chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Enjoy pop and popcorn! Free will donations to NAMI Vernon County are accepted.
If you have lost your job or fear losing it, join us for a retreat at no cost to you. At the beginning of Holy Week, when we remember the suffering of Jesus and His rising to New Life, we invite you to a retreat filled with hope. No longer live in fear; come join us and turn the darkness of uncertainty into the light of new beginnings. The retreat leader is Fr. Charlie Smiech who has experience leading retreats for the unemployed in the Chicago area. Limited bedrooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost for the retreat. When: Monday, March 29 (7:00 p.m.) to Wednesday, March 31 (4:00 p.m.)Where: Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St, La Crosse. Call 608-791-5295 or email fscenter@fspa.org with questions or to register.
The PTO of St. Charles School in Genoa, Wisconsin is holding our annual Spring Carnival on Sunday, March 21, 2010. It starts at 11 a.m. and goes to 2:00 p.m. There will be food, games for the whole family, professional face painting, raffles, prizes and much, much more.
This week we highlight River Valley Contractors, LLC as the bulletin sponsor of the week.