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From the Desk of Father Martin, May 28

5/31/2017

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Praised be Jesus Christ! My Dad served in the Korean War but was not in the front lines because his bad back disqualified him. I remember his stories of traveling to Guam and visiting Hawaii on furlough. He swam at Waikiki beach but his recollections of that were always tempered by the experience he had of the tide nearly dragging him out to sea. Dad also spoke about his visit to Pearl Harbor and he did so in a spirit of reverence and respect. I suppose that’s what sowed a seed in my mind that finally bore fruit this past January. When I told you I was going to Alabama to visit my classmates, that was certainly true. What I did not mention was that 3 of us then flew out to Oahu and spent a few days in a tropical paradise. One of my goals has always been to visit all 50 states, so I was really happy to be able to check off Hawaii. Because of my Dad’s stories over the years, visiting Pearl Harbor was a given – and boy, was it impressive. I’ve visited many memorials in my lifetime, but for some reason I was most moved by this one. I kept thinking of the terrible sadness so many families and friends carried for the rest of their days as the lives of those young men were snuffed out before they had hardly begun. Saint John Paul II wrote once in a poem, “Where is the dividing line between those generations who paid too little, and those who paid too much? On which side of that line are we?” Memorial Day invites us to reflect on the heroic sacrifices made by so many and to consider if we are living sacrificial lives. We were saved by the sacrifice of Our Lord at Calvary and we continue to be sanctified by that same sacrifice every time we attend Mass. Our world depends on men and women willing to live and die for a noble cause. And while Memorial Day rightly draws our attention to the armed services, Christ has His own soldiers in this world and they too heroically fight for noble causes. For example, at the Cathedral in Honolulu we venerated the relics of two towering saints, Saint Damien of Molokai and St. Marianne Cope. They laid down their lives in service of the most marginalized of all people as they served lepers dying a stigmatized and lonely death. Of all the humiliations St. Damien suffered, one of the greater ones had to be the fact that no priest would come to the leper island to hear his confession. Poor Damien had to shout his sins across the water to a priest who sat safely on his ship – only in this way could Saint Damien receive penance and absolution! Saint Damien eventually succumbed to leprosy and it cost him his life. And yet, this man’s life was so configured to Christ that he once stated, “I would not be cured if the price of the cure was that I must leave the island and give up my work. I am perfectly resigned to my lot. Do not feel sorry for me.” So we remember this weekend the price many paid for the freedoms we enjoy and we pray for their eternal rest. But that is never enough – if we hope to retain these blessings that cost others so much, then we must become more and more like Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve.” To that end, may the saints intercede for us, that we live the beautiful words of Saint Marianne Cope, “I do not think of reward; I am working for God, and do so cheerfully.”

May God grant eternal rest to all who died for a righteous cause, and may He bless and protect those who continue to serve that same cause!

Your friend in Christ,
Father Martin



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Men of the Cross Conference - Save the Date

5/30/2017

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Men of the Cross Conference – October 28th The 2017 Men of the Cross Conference will be held on October 28th at McDonell High School in Chippewa Falls. The keynote presenters include Fr. Richard Heilman, John Pridmore and Jessie Romero.

St. John’s Parish Family
has the opportunity to aid the less fortunate in our area by serving a fellowship meal in the Gathering Room of St. Vincent de Paul Center.
We meet on May 31st at 3pm to set up, serve the meal at 5pm and finish with clean-up by 6:30pm. If you are able to help, call Jane at 715-387-2019

Coming this fall! The first bible study ever offered on DVD of the Gospel of John will be offered here starting the first Sunday after Labor Day! It is an 8-part series hosted by renowned apologist Edward Sri. It will be followed by another study from Ascension Press' Great Adventure series, The Acts of the Apostles, which will run into May. Watch for more details and registration coming later this summer!

Baptism Class for those requesting the baptism of their children will take place Tuesday, June 6th, 5:30-8pm in Columbia Room. Pre-registration is required and you can do so by calling 715-384- 9565 ext 2. For those not registered in the parish, information will be given on how to do so. This class is for all parents of their first child and/or those who have not yet taken Father Martin’s Baptismal class.

The “Priestly Ordination” of Deacon Aaron Becker will take place at 10am on Saturday, June 24th at the St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse. A bus has been acquired for parishioners to have transportation to La Crosse and back on June 24th . Cost of $15.00 per person is to be paid when you register. Space is limited to 49 bus seats and will be filled on “First Come and Paid” basis. Please register by call Judy at the parish office, 715-659- 4480. A required Mandatory “Adult Medical Release and Permission Form” is needed and Judy will provide one for you when you call to register. You are asked to bring the form with you on Saturday morning, June 24th . The Progressive Travel Bus will be in the Christ the King church parking lot at 7:45am and will leave at 8am. The ordination will be live streamed for those not attending but wish to watch using their computer or other connected device. Use this link at: www.diolc.org/live the day of the ordination Mass.

Save the Dates: Our 5th Annual Parish Pull will be held at the fair grounds on Friday, July 14th. Our 6th annual Church picnic will be held on Sunday, August 13th starting at 3:30pm. Raised Reckless will entertain us beginning at 5:30pm. 
​

Save the Date: The dates for Vacation Bible School have been set! Plan on having your child be part of this week to help them grow in their faith through fun-filled faith activities. The week to set aside is July 31st - August 4th. Adult and teen volunteers will be needed and child care will be offered. Stay tuned to the bulletin as more details will be coming. If you are able and willing to volunteer, please call Heather Adler at 715-897-1941.

Young Adults There will be a gathering for all young adults in the area on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm in St. Francis Hall at St. John’s. We will learn more about Divine Mercy. There will be time for socializing, snacking, praying and learning! For more information contact Dan Kitzhaber or Fr Sedlacek.

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Homily for the Ascension

5/29/2017

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Listen to the homily for the Ascension from St. John the Baptist Church:

​Click here to listen
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Sign of Hope in Syria: Aleppo Consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima

5/26/2017

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News from the USCCB:
Convocation of Catholic Leaders – The Joy of the Gospel in America, Taking Place July 1-4 in Orlando; Unprecedented Gathering of Catholic Bishops and Leaders from Across the Nation - WASHINGTON—This summer, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will be convening an unprecedented gathering of diverse leaders from dioceses and Catholic organizations from across the country to assess the challenges and opportunities of our time, particularly in the context of the Church in the United States. An ongoing initiative of the Bishops' Working Group on the Life and Dignity of the Human Person, the Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America, will assemble Catholic leaders for a strategic conversation, under the leadership of the bishops, on forming missionary disciples to animate the Church and to engage the culture....Read More

News from the Pope:
Pope: ‘we must ask the Lord for the gifts of love and joy' - (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has reminded believers that Jesus' love is infinite and true, unlike worldly passions that seek power and vanity. The Pope was speaking during Mass at the Casa Santa Marta during which he pointed out that the Christian mission is to give joy and that God’s love is at the core of a true Christian’s life.....Read More

News from the Church:
Sign of Hope in Syria: Aleppo Consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima 
- ALEPPO, Syria — Still reeling from the Syrian civil war, the city of Aleppo saw a ray of hope this weekend with a consecration to Our Lady of Fatima on May 13. The Mass of consecration took place in St. Francis of Assisi Roman Rite Cathedral, which is also known as the Latin Church of the Franciscans. It was presided over by the pastor, Father Ibrahim Alsabagh, and concelebrated by the bishops and priests of the city. The consecration of Aleppo took place on the 100th anniversary of the first Marian apparition at Fatima, the same day that Pope Francis celebrated the Mass of canonization of the shepherd children Francisco and Jacinta Marto at the Fatima Shrine in Portugal.....Read more
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Captive Car Wash & Bake Sale June 4

5/25/2017

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Captive Car Wash & Bake Sale: – Sunday, June 4th All cars parked in the designated area of the parking lot during the 9 & 11 am Masses will be washed by the young people participating in Adventure Camp, Steubenville Conference, or Discipleship Training this summer. This car wash is a way to raise awareness through service as well as invite those who are interested to help them financially by a free-will offering at the exit. The same youth will also be holding a bake sale after all Sunday Masses – yum, yum!!

Save the Date: The dates for Vacation Bible School have been set! Plan on having your child be part of this week to help them grow in their faith through fun-filled faith activities. The week to set aside is July 31st - August 4th. Adult and teen volunteers will be needed and child care will be offered. Stay tuned to the bulletin as more details will be coming. If you are able and willing to volunteer, please call Heather Adler at 715-897-1941.

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. 

Share Your Cans Please drop off your empty aluminum cans in the can cage next to the rectory garage. The profits help youth attending the World Youth Day Pilgrimage, Adventure Camp and Steubenville retreats. 
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From the Desk of Father Martin, May 21

5/24/2017

1 Comment

 
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Praised be Jesus Christ! Graduation season is upon us and we both congratulate and earnestly pray for all of the members of the class of 2017. God knows you will be missed as you begin the transition into adulthood and greater responsibility. But before you fly the coop, graduates, it’s time for some unsolicited advice. First up is a quote from the very end of the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life:” “Remember no man is a failure who has friends.” Friendship is one of the greatest loves we can experience in this life. When we were little it seemed like we had dozens of friends. As we get older the number of true friends tends to decrease while the depth of friendship deepens (there are exceptions: I have 1,446 friends on Facebook, which is ten times the number Father Berns has). Friendship is based on trust, common interests, and depth of character. The Book of Sirach states that “faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one finds a shelter.” May God send you true friends that will be a kindling force and a revealing power in your lives. A second point of wisdom comes from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” The moral of this insight is that “to live is to change, to be perfect is to have changed often,” (John Henry Newman). You will be encountering many ideas and people and you will, to one degree or another, be shaped by these. If you have been a very kind and giving person up until now, there is no assurance that this will always be true. Conversely, if you’ve lived selfishly and sinfully for some time, you are not obligated to continue on this path. Life gives you many opportunities to change and God has equipped you with the freedom to “know the truth” (John 8:32). The goal of the Christian life is to become more like Jesus as the years go by. Remembering that Jesus “came not to be served, but to serve,” (Matthew 20:28), the choices you make will either incline you to think of others more or less as you get older. Changing is much easier for you now – when you get to be my age you’ll find that you are more “set in your ways.” Heraclitus’ insight is as valid today as it was in his time, namely that you are changing already and will continue to do so for all of your life. As a parish we are praying that you choose to live virtuously, which will demand humility and trust in God. The last point of advice is simply the 4th Commandment: “Honor your father and your mother.” As you get older, some might suggest that your age exonerates you of this duty. They are wrong. Of course becoming an adult does grant us greater freedom and God wants us to stand on our own two feet. Just the same, we have a hallowed duty to our parents and God requires that we always treat them with love, respect, and at times, obedience. One of the disadvantages of our times is that we’re not as united in our families as we were a generation ago. God willing, your class will be a part of the movement to fortify family life and thus make the future brighter for your children and grandchildren. Soon, you’ll be flipping your tassel from one side of your cap to the other, signifying the end of your high school career. May the changes you experience in the years ahead prepare you for your final exam with God, and please God, may you pass that exam with flying colors.
May God give our graduates faith and wisdom, so that they follow the path that leads one day to Heaven!

Your friend in Christ,
Father Martin


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Fellowship meal at St. Vincent de Paul Center

5/23/2017

0 Comments

 
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St. John’s Parish Family has the opportunity to aid the less fortunate in our area by serving a fellowship meal in the Gathering Room of St. Vincent de Paul Center. We meet on May 31st at 3pm to set up, serve the meal at 5pm and finish with clean-up by 6:30pm. If you are able to help, call Jane at 715-387-2019

Coming this fall! The first bible study ever offered on DVD of the Gospel of John will be offered here starting the first Sunday after Labor Day! It is an 8-part series hosted by renowned apologist Edward Sri. It will be followed by another study from Ascension Press' Great Adventure series, The Acts of the Apostles, which will run into May. Watch for more details and registration coming later this summer!

Baptism Class for those requesting the baptism of their children will take place Tuesday, June 6th, 5:30-8pm in Columbia Room. Pre-registration is required and you can do so by calling 715-384- 9565 ext 2. For those not registered in the parish, information will be given on how to do so. This class is for all parents of their first child and/or those who have not yet taken Father Martin’s Baptismal class.

The “Priestly Ordination” of Deacon Aaron Becker will take place at 10am on Saturday, June 24th at the St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse. A bus has been acquired for parishioners to have transportation to La Crosse and back on June 24th . Cost of $15.00 per person is to be paid when you register. Space is limited to 49 bus seats and will be filled on “First Come and Paid” basis. Please register by call Judy at the parish office, 715-659- 4480. A required Mandatory “Adult Medical Release and Permission Form” is needed and Judy will provide one for you when you call to register. You are asked to bring the form with you on Saturday morning, June 24th . The Progressive Travel Bus will be in the Christ the King church parking lot at 7:45am and will leave at 8am. The ordination will be live streamed for those not attending but wish to watch using their computer or other connected device. Use this link at: www.diolc.org/live the day of the ordination Mass.

Save the Dates: Our 5th Annual Parish Pull will be held at the fair grounds on Friday, July 14th. Our 6th annual Church picnic will be held on Sunday, August 13th starting at 3:30pm. Raised Reckless will entertain us beginning at 5:30pm. 
​

Save the Date: The dates for Vacation Bible School have been set! Plan on having your child be part of this week to help them grow in their faith through fun-filled faith activities. The week to set aside is July 31st - August 4th. Adult and teen volunteers will be needed and child care will be offered. Stay tuned to the bulletin as more details will be coming. If you are able and willing to volunteer, please call Heather Adler at 715-897-1941.

Young Adults There will be a gathering for all young adults in the area on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm in St. Francis Hall at St. John’s. We will learn more about Divine Mercy. There will be time for socializing, snacking, praying and learning! For more information contact Dan Kitzhaber or Fr Sedlacek.

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Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

5/22/2017

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Here is the homily for Sixth Sunday of Easter from St. John the Baptist Church:

​Click here to listen
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Father Solanus Casey — Priest, Prophet, and Porter

5/19/2017

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News from the USCCB:
USCCB President: Today’s Executive Order Begins a Process - WASHINGTON– Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued a response to President Donald J. Trump's executive order signed this morning. Cardinal DiNardo's full statement follows:....Read More

News from the Pope:
Pope sends video-message ahead of Fatima pilgrimage - (Vatican Radio) In a video-message released just two days before his journey the Pope said that “Just hours from my pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima, I find myself in a state of joyful expectation for our upcoming encounter at the house of the Mother”. I am well aware, he said, of the fact that you would like to welcome me into your homes, into your communities and into your towns as well: “I received your invitation!”.....Read More

News from the Church:
Father Solanus Casey — Priest, Prophet, and Porter 
- If you heard about a seminarian who struggled all the way through seminary, failed one language class after another, and then was ordained on the condition that he give neither doctrinal homilies nor hear confessions – you probably wouldn’t expect him to amount to much. But Bernard Francis Casey – the sixth of 16 kids from Prescott, Wisconsin – was such a seminarian. And the world is about to find out how far he went in his chosen field.....Read more
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Rummage Sale 18th-19th

5/18/2017

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Youth Rummage Sale May 18th & 19th the youth will be holding a rummage sale at St. John’s in the Columbia Rm. You are invited to donate your gently used items by bringing them during office hours to St. John’s Rel. Ed. Office on Wed. afternoon, May 17th from 3-6pm or Thur., May 18th from noon-3pm.You are also invited to come purchase items from this sale to support our youth. Sale times are Thurs., May 18th, 3-6pm and Fri., May 19th, 8am-3pm St. John's school Columbia Room 307 N. Walnut Ave.

Save the Date
:
The dates for Vacation Bible School have been set! Plan on having your child be part of this week to help them grow in their faith through fun-filled faith activities. The week to set aside is July 31st - August 4th. Adult and teen volunteers will be needed and child care will be offered. Stay tuned to the bulletin as more details will be coming. If you are able and willing to volunteer, please call Heather Adler at 715-897-1941.

Captive Car Wash & Bake Sale: June 4th during the 9:00 & 11:00am Masses. All cars parked in the parking lot will be washed!

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. 

Share Your Cans Please drop off your empty aluminum cans in the can cage next to the rectory garage. The profits help youth attending the World Youth Day Pilgrimage, Adventure Camp and Steubenville retreats. 
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    MASS SCHEDULE
      Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM

      Saturday: 8:00 AM
      Saturday: 4:30 PM

      Sunday: 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 AM
    CONFESSION SCHEDULE
     Tuesday–Friday: 6:30 - 6:50 AM
     1st and 3rd Fridays: Confessions begin at 6:00*
     Saturday: 3:30 - 4:15 PM

    *Friday confessions begin at 6:00, but vary in duration
    ADORATION

    PERPETUAL ADORATION:  The Marshfield Deanery has the St. John Paul II Adoration Chapel located in the lower level of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, at 201 W. Blodgett Street. The chapel is accessible from the rear parking lot.  For more information or to sign up, contact Jean Kaiser at 715-503-0118 or Deacon Ray Draeger at 715-207-6085. Click on the image below for more information
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    Stay Connected with Our Parish

    Welcome From Our Pastor
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    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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201 W. Blodgett St.. Marshfield, WI 54449 
​  715-384-3252 (parish office) 715-384-4989 (school)