Blog Archives

New Member Brunch on March 5

2/28/2017

Ash Wednesday Masses - March 1st 6:30am, 8:00am (school Mass), 12:15pm, and 6:30pm (CCD Mass).

A New Member Brunch will be held on March 5th, 2017 from 10:00- 11:00am (following the 9:00am Mass) in the Columbia Room located in the school basement. The Family Life Committee of St. John’s is coordinating this gathering as an opportunity to meet other new members, as well as our parish and Catholic school leaders. There is a wonderful and filling meal planned. So plan to enjoy. To help us prepare, please RSVP by February 27th to Mr. Dan Kitzhaber at 715- 384-3252 x6, or yministry@frontier.com

FORMIng Disciples: During Lent St. John’s will offer a threesession series on Discipleship for adults to help deepen your relationship with Christ and others. The three sessions will be held on Mar. 6th, Mar. 20th and Apr. 3rd from 6:30pm until 7:45pm in the Columbia room. Contact Dan Kitzhaber at 715-384-3252 ext. 6

Evening of Recollection: The next Evening of Recollection will be held Thursday, March 2nd from 6:30-8:00pm. Lectio Divina is the theme for the night. The evening will begin by exposing the Blessed Sacrament followed by a half hour meditation. There will be time for silent adoration and confession. Benediction will close the evening. This Evening of Recollection will be held at St. John’s.

Save the date: Our next parish pilgrimage (God willing) is tentatively scheduled for April 16-26, 2018. The date could change a day on either end, depending on flight confirmation. We’ll start in Paris, then fly to Lourdes, then bus from Lourdes across Spain from east to west, ending in Fatima and flying home from Lisbon. Cost will be in the range of $3,000.00

Save the date: There will be Basic Evangelization Training provided on Friday evening, April 28th and Saturday, April 29th in La Crosse by Adam Jahnke, a national speaker from St. Paul Evangelization Ministries. We hope to send any interested parishioners. This will be an EXCELLENT opportunity to grow in knowledge of and enthusiasm for our faith. More details to follow

Empty Bowls 2017: A simple reminder - there is always someone with an empty bowl. Please join us at the Hotel Marshfield Ballroom on Sat., Mar. 11th from 11am-2pm. You will enjoy featured soups by area restaurants, handcrafted bowls by local artists, raffle prizes donated by area residents and businesses. 100% of the proceeds support our local Soup or Socks. Lunch admission is $10; 4 and under: free.

In need of inspiration or experiencing Jesus' presence or healing? He will provide for your needs in ways we cannot always anticipate. Come be with Jesus in adoration at Pope Saint John Paul II Adoration Chapel, 510 S. Columbus Ave. 9am on Mondays and 1pm on Saturdays are openings needed to be filled. Please call Jean, 715-387-0571 to schedule your hour.

Homily for the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2/27/2017

Here is the homily for the Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time from St. John the Baptist Church:

Click here to listen

USCCB Chairmen Ask President Trump To Fulfill His Promise To Protect Religious Liberty

2/24/2017

News from the USCCB
USCCB Chairmen Ask President Trump To Fulfill His Promise To Protect Religious Liberty - WASHINGTON—In early February, several media outlets reported that President Donald J. Trump is considering issuing an executive order establishing a government-wide initiative to respect religious freedom. A copy of a draft executive order was published by multiple news outlets. The President has not yet signed the executive order on religious freedom. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., of Philadelphia, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, and Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, jointly issued the following statement urging support for the draft executive order:....Read More

News from the Pope:
Pope sends message to popular movements meeting in California - (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a message to hundreds of faith and community leaders taking part in a national meeting of popular movements in Modesto, California, in the United States. The encounter, taking place from February 16th to 18th, has been organised with the support of the Vatican’s new Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, the U.S. Catholic Campaign for Human Development and the National Network of People Improving Communities through Organizing (PICO)....Read More

News from the Church:
Archdiocese of Denver Reiterates Warning About Charlie Johnston - On Feb. 15, the Archdiocese of Denver issued a press release regarding self-proclaimed visionary Charlie Johnston. It referred to the March 1, 2016 statement, which explained: Mr. Johnston’s alleged messages were reviewed by an archdiocesan theological commission and Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila determined that the faithful should be warned to be prudent and cautious about Mr. Johnston’s predictions. In addition, Mr. Johnston is not permitted to speak in Church-owned venues in the Archdiocese of Denver....Read more

Donate your cans!

2/23/2017

Please continue to donate your aluminum can in the cage south of the rectory garage. Our youth appreciate it!

Youth Fundraiser All teens can begin to earn money toward Adventure Camp, World Youth Day, Steubenville Conference, Mission Trip … or any of the great opportunities offered. The fundraiser presently available is selling Younkers Community Day booklets. You sell the booklet for $5 (you earn the entire $5), the buyer gets a $10 coupon (a $5 savings) and everyone is happy! This is only available through Feb 22. For more details, contact Mr. Dan Kitzhaber.

Rescheduled Rally in Rozellville: The Marshfield Deanery will reschedule this event at St. Andrew’s in Rozellville on March 5th from 1-4pm. Hundred of teens from across the Diocese will celebrate their faith with a Catholic Worship band from the Twin Cities and a meal.

Catholic Adventure Camp July 9th-14th, 2017! This high adventure week for all teens grades 6-12 will offer the chance for rock climbing, repelling, canoeing, mountain bike riding, low & high ropes, adventure trails, time for prayer, the sacraments & reflection on God’s marvelous creation. The total cost will be about $400 for youth and $200 for adults. Sign-up soon! Financial help is available.

Steubenville Youth Conference: Join this awesome, high energy event with 2,000 other teens. (Must be currently in 8th - 12th grade) Be ready to roll up your sleeves and lend a hand while serving others. The conference will be held at St. Thomas University in St. Paul from July 28th - 30th. The cost will be about $260 which includes most meals, transportation & all housing. An information meeting will be held Monday, Feb. 6th in the Columbus High School cafeteria.

From the Desk of Father Martin, February 19

2/22/2017

Praised be Jesus Christ! Constructive criticism, while not always wanted or easily welcomed by us, generally is the way we grow and become more what God wants us to be. Sometimes priests receive anonymous mail – most of us were trained not to read it because it will only serve to upset us without having any hope of a future discussion with the person who sent it. For whatever reason, I have always read the anonymous mail that comes my way . . . . and it’s safe to say that a large percentage of it is not useful in any way. Just the same, once in a while the person has some good insights and the latest letter falls into that category. A self-proclaimed “old lady” suggested that we need to hear more about the 10 Commandments – “that’s the way to make America great again!” I agree. I think the letter was hinting at a lack of clarity in homilies these days and I know there’s room for improvement in my preaching. Whatever Became of Sin? is a book written by Karl Menninger back in 1973 (a fantastic year, incidentally) – its thesis is easily intuited, namely nobody talks about sin anymore. These days living together before marriage or using illicit drugs have become so common that it’s considered bad manners to claim that a person is living in sin. Only when the moral law is effectively taught can we hope to find true freedom and not the addictions that ensue when we always do what we feel like doing. A good illustration of this occurs in Evelyn Waugh’s book Brideshead Revisited (probably my favorite book of all time): Julia and Charles are having an extra-marital affair and this complicates the lives of their family who feel compromised by their sin. At one point Julia’s brother refuses to bring his fianceé to lunch because she knows they are “living in sin.” Julia is offended and incensed, so she responds with these timeless words, “’Living in sin’; not just doing wrong, as I did when I went to America; doing wrong, knowing it is wrong, stopping doing it, forgetting. That’s not what they mean . . . living in sin, with sin, by sin, for sin, every hour, every day, year in, year out. Waking up with sin in the morning, seeing the curtains drawn on sin, bathing it, dressing it . . .” Now the anonymous letter referred to above suggests that more concrete and blunt discussion about the 10 Commandments would better form consciences so that people would know right from wrong and choose wisely. Once again, I agree. For Lent, this column will be dedicated to candid articles about what is sinful and what is not. Because we are all compromised by sin to one degree or another, this will be offensive at times and may upset a few of you along the way. Should you be really perturbed, you’re welcome to write and tell me . . . . and now that you know that I read anonymous mail, you don’t even have to take responsibility for what you’ve written. As you can see, this column is coming to a close and next week’s issue will be a tour de force of what spiritual opportunities are available for Lent. But before I close, let’s briefly meditate on the 1st Commandment: “I am the Lord your God; you shall not put false gods before me.” If you miss Mass on Sundays because of anything other than illness or unavoidable travel or work then you are putting something or someone else before God and that is a serious sin, one that usually requires confession before we can receive Holy Communion again (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2181). Please take this as the encouragement it is meant to be. May God, who wrote the law on our hearts, give us the grace, courage, and humility to try to live it!
Your Friend in Christ, Father Martin

Evening of Recollection on March 2

2/21/2017

Ash Wednesday Masses - March 1st 6:30am, 8:00am (school Mass), 12:15pm, and 6:30pm (CCD Mass).

Evening of Recollection: The next Evening of Recollection will be held Thursday, March 2nd from 6:30-8:00pm. Lectio Divina is the theme for the night. The evening will begin by exposing the Blessed Sacrament followed by a half hour meditation. There will be time for silent adoration and confession. Benediction will close the evening. This Evening of Recollection will be held at St. John’s.

Save the date: There will be Basic Evangelization Training provided on Friday evening, April 28th and Saturday, April 29th in La Crosse by Adam Jahnke, a national speaker from St. Paul Evangelization Ministries. We hope to send any interested parishioners. This will be an EXCELLENT opportunity to grow in knowledge of and enthusiasm for our faith. More details to follow

Holy Communion to the homebound: I love to see people taking Jesus in Holy Communion to those who are unable to attend Mass because of sickness or other limitations. Just the same, the Church requires that you be officially commissioned as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion before this is allowed. You’re not in trouble if you’ve been doing this without the simple training, but I would like to make this right. For those who would like to take Holy Communion to their spouse or some other loved one but have not been commissioned (i.e. we have a short training class and your names are sent for formal approval by Bishop Callahan), please call the office by February 19th and I will set a time for you to be commissioned. Thank you!

Empty Bowls 2017: A simple reminder - there is always someone with an empty bowl. Please join us at the Hotel Marshfield Ballroom on Sat., Mar. 11th from 11am-2pm. You will enjoy featured soups by area restaurants, handcrafted bowls by local artists, raffle prizes donated by area residents and businesses. 100% of the proceeds support our local Soup or Socks. Lunch admission is $10; 4 and under: free.

Hospice Volunteers Needed: Hospice is about living each day to the fullest. It’s about helping individuals dying of terminal illness live each day in a pain free environment, with dignity and peace. As a hospice volunteer, you can be a part of this incredible journey. A free, comprehensive training course is being offered for individuals who are interested in becoming hospice volunteers. We are currently in need of front desk and kitchen help at the House of the Dove. For more information call 800-397-4216 and ask for Deb Hickey.

St. John Catholic Book Club: We are currently reading The Zoo Keeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman. Our February book will be Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance. We choose our books by consensus, not strictly Catholic tomes or authors, but after considering persons or topics we believe we should be aware of as Catholic Christians. For more information call Mari at 715-207-7744.

Prayer Shawl Ministry is a way to offer a sense of prayer, comfort, support & love to an individual in times that are difficult such as: death of a loved one, a serious diagnosis, or a life’s struggle. Fleece comfort shawls are now also available. These may be used for young and old alike. All are available in the Bride’s room. For more information contact Lori at 715-387-0244.

In need of inspiration or experiencing Jesus' presence or healing? He will provide for your needs in ways we cannot always anticipate. Come be with Jesus in adoration at Pope Saint John Paul II Adoration Chapel, 510 S. Columbus Ave. 9am on Mondays and 1pm on Saturdays are openings needed to be filled. Please call Jean, 715-387-0571 to schedule your hour.

Homily for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

2/20/2017

Here is the homily for the Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time from St. John the Baptist Church:

Click here to listen

Sister Lucia of Fatima Takes Step Toward Beatification

2/17/2017

News from the USCCB
Cardinal Dolan And Archbishop Lori To Congress: Support The Conscience Protection Act Of 2017 - WASHINGTON—Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan and Archbishop William E. Lori – as chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities and Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, respectively – wrote to both Houses of the United States Congress on February 8, urging support for the Conscience Protection Act of 2017 (H.R. 644, S. 301). The Conscience Protection Act, they wrote, is "essential legislation protecting the fundamental rights of health care providers…to ensure that those providing much-needed health care and health coverage can continue to do so without being forced by government to help destroy innocent unborn children."....Read More

News from the Pope:
Pope meets representatives of indigenous peoples - (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met with a group representing indigenous peoples ahead of his Wednesday General Audience, speaking to them about the need to "reconcile the right to development, both social and cultural, with the protection of the particular characteristics of indigenous peoples and their territories".....Read More

News from the Church:
Sister Lucia of Fatima Takes Step Toward Beatification - Just in time for the 100th Anniversary of Fatima, the diocesan phase of the canonization process for Sister Lucia, one of the three seers who saw and conversed with Our Lady of the Rosary at Fatima, came to an official close on Feb. 13. The announcement came from the Shrine at Fatima in Portugal and the Diocese of Coimbra where her cause began on April 30, 2008. The date also marked the 11th anniversary of Sister Lucia’s death. The first part of her canonization cause began in 2008, just three years after she died, thanks to the dispensation granted by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. (The Church normally requires a five-year waiting period before a cause can be opened.)...Read more

Youth Fundraiser through Feb. 22

2/16/2017

Youth Fundraiser All teens can begin to earn money toward Adventure Camp, World Youth Day, Steubenville Conference, Mission Trip … or any of the great opportunities offered. The fundraiser presently available is selling Younkers Community Day booklets. You sell the booklet for $5 (you earn the entire $5), the buyer gets a $10 coupon (a $5 savings) and everyone is happy! This is only available through Feb 22. For more details, contact Mr. Dan Kitzhaber.

Rescheduled Rally in Rozellville: The Marshfield Deanery will reschedule this event at St. Andrew’s in Rozellville on March 5th from 1-4pm. Hundred of teens from across the Diocese will celebrate their faith with a Catholic Worship band from the Twin Cities and a meal.

Catholic Adventure Camp July 9th-14th, 2017! This high adventure week for all teens grades 6-12 will offer the chance for rock climbing, repelling, canoeing, mountain bike riding, low & high ropes, adventure trails, time for prayer, the sacraments & reflection on God’s marvelous creation. The total cost will be about $400 for youth and $200 for adults. Sign-up soon! Financial help is available.

Steubenville Youth Conference: Join this awesome, high energy event with 2,000 other teens. (Must be currently in 8th - 12th grade) Be ready to roll up your sleeves and lend a hand while serving others. The conference will be held at St. Thomas University in St. Paul from July 28th - 30th. The cost will be about $260 which includes most meals, transportation & all housing. An information meeting will be held Monday, Feb. 6th in the Columbus High School cafeteria.

From the Desk of Father Martin, February 12

2/15/2017

Praised be Jesus Christ! Our Diocese hosted the annual Brains and Brawn event a couple weeks ago to signal the start of Catholic Schools Week. It was then that I was reminded of how we hosted our own informal Quiz bowl in this column last August, but I failed to subsequently list the answers. Well, as they say, “it’s better late than never.” For those of you who were left in suspense all this time, the questions and their answers are as follows: 1) Name at least three of the first ten Popes: Peter, Linus, Cletus, Clement, Evaristus, Alexander, Sixtus, Telesphorus, Hyginus, Pius; 2) Name the two levels of Holy Orders that come before Bishop: Priest and Deacon; 3) List four of the seven capital sins: pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, lust; 4) Name the patron saint of lost objects and lost causes: St. Anthony – lost objects, St. Jude – lost causes; 5) List two of the three things kept in the Ark of the Covenant: manna, rod of Aaron, and 10 Commandments; 6) Where is the putative burial cloth of Jesus? Turin, Italy, aka the Shroud of Turin; 7) How many books are there in a Catholic Bible? 73: 46 in O.T., 27 in N.T.; 8) Who was the first to witness the Resurrection? Mary Magdalene; 9) Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem? Because of the census conducted by the Emperor – Joseph was from Bethlehem; 10) How many dioceses are there in Wisconsin? Five; 11) What is the smallest country in the world? Vatican City State; 12) Name the Pope’s army: Swiss guard; 13) List three corporal or spiritual works of mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, give clothing to the naked, give shelter to the homeless, bury the dead, admonish the sinner, instruct the ignorant, console the sorrowful, counsel the doubtful, forgive all willingly, bear wrongs patiently, pray for the living and the dead; 14) List the four Gospel writers and at least two of their attending symbols: Matthew – man/angel; Mark – lion; Luke – Ox; John – Eagle; 15) Name our last three bishops: Callahan, Listecki, Burke, John Paul, Freking, Treacy; 16) Name an American Saint: St. Philippine Duchesne, St. Junipero Serra, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Katharine Drexel, St. John Neumann, St. Mother Cabrini; 17) List two of the four Patriarchal Basilicas: St. Peter, St. Paul outside the walls, St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran; 18) List one of the two minor basilicas in Wisconsin: Holy Hill and St. Josaphat in Milwaukee; 19) Where did St. Paul die? Outside the city walls of Rome; 20) List the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Okay, how did you do? Remember what the prize was for a perfect score . . . . a week’s trip in Father Sedlacek’s car. Sadly, he drives a Chevy, so it might not be a very enjoyable ride. As you know, I was in an accident in Milwaukee on my way to the airport on January 18th. I was not at fault and nobody got hurt, thanks be to God. My poor Ford Focus was rear -ended and damaged to the point that it was declared totaled. At 10 years old with just over 151,000 miles, our glorious run together had come to an end. The insurance company offered a generous settlement and my car was taken away to be turned into SpongeBob lunch boxes. In the meantime, I followed the path of inevitability and bought another Focus. This one is Virgin Blue in honor of our Blessed Mother. Keep your eyes peeled for another quiz sometime this year . . . the winner gets a ride to Pittsville in my new car. And for $20.00, I’ll even give you a ride back!

May God help us to know the truth of His teachings, so that our hearts may be free to love wisely!

Your friend in Christ, Father Martin

MASS SCHEDULE
Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM
Saturday: 8:00 AM
Saturday: 4:30 & 7:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 AM

CONFESSION SCHEDULE
Tuesday–Thursday: 6:30 - 6:50 AM
Friday: 6:30 - 6:50 AM & 7:00-8:00 PM
Saturday:3:45 -4:15 PM & 6:15 -6:45 PM

ADORATION

PERPETUAL ADORATION: The Marshfield Deanery has the John Paul II Adoration Chapel located in the basement of St. John the Baptist Parish, at 201 W. Blodgett St. The chapel is accessible from the rear parking lot. For more information or to sign up:
contact Dale at 715-383-2262 or Jean Kaiser 715-387-0571. Click on the image below for more information.

Stay Connected with Our Parish

Welcome From Our Pastor

Welcome to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church! Ever since 1877 this parish has been assisting souls in their quest for deeper union with God. Pope John Paul II called the parish a “school of prayer” and St. John’s is committed to promoting growth in holiness in every state in life. Each of us is called... Read More

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