Blog Archives

MISSION COOP APPEAL

8/31/2020

MISSION COOP APPEAL

Another normal parish event that has taken a COVID hit is the annual Mission Appeal. This year we were scheduled for Msgr. Joe Hirsch, director of the Casa Hogar Orphanage in Lima, Peru to be here to speak on behalf of the children he serves. We will be having a modified version of this presentation Sept 12th & 13th, and hope to have the director of development for Casa Hogar with us that weekend. We will add a bit of information in our bulletin leading up to the appeal weekend.

A Message from the Children of Peru

We hope you and your families remain in good health during these changing times. Each of you in the St. John’s Community remains in our daily prayers here at Casa Hogar in Peru especially as a new school year in the US begins. Though Peru is still on lockdown and our precautionary measures remain, we know how fortunate we are to be able to continue daily Mass and Holy Hour.

On September 12th and 13th Fr. Jim has graciously offered to do a Mission Coop Appeal that we had planned to do this past Spring. Because of government restrictions in both Peru and the US, I will be unable to travel home as I normally plan, likely through the end of 2020. Mission Coops, speaking with all of you, hearing your prayers and sharing our mission is always so inspiring and I am disappointed to not have the opportunity to visit with the St. John’s Community, many of whom I have known for years!

More to come!
Msgr Joe Hirsch

From the Desk of Fr. Jim - August 30, 2020

8/30/2020

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
BACK TO SCHOOL

It is hard to believe that summer is rapidly coming to a close. As this is published, Columbus Catholic has been in session almost a week, with the public school opening at least partially in the coming weeks. To state the obvious, this will be one of the strangest back to school weeks in our experience. Passing on our faith is an obligation of every confirmed Catholic, and this remains the top priority of our parish mission, both in terms of time and finances. We do this within the context of Catholic schools and our family faith formation. This will be another change for the Catholic families in Marshfield this year, as the 3 city parishes are working together to offer a family model of faith formation.

The new faith formation program will be an extension of the liturgy of the Mass, and the lessons will reflect the reading we hear at Sunday Mass. It is our hope that this will offer a solid Catholic teaching in a manner that hopefully your families are better able to grasp. The family formation classes will begin in mid-September and will be once a month on a Wednesday evening, with the parents being given a take-home package for the next weeks. The program we are using is one that encourages the family to become more engaged in the faith formation of the children, and offers the ability for the older children help the younger ones in understanding their faith as well, as there will be one theme but different topics according to grade level. Parents, if you have school age children and have not yet received this information, please contact your parish office so arrangements can be made.

Each grade level will be expected to continue growing in their faith life, and develop a greater base of prayers and knowledge, appropriate for each grade level, as well as a deeper experience of Jesus Christ in their lives. The second grade will continue preparing for the reception of 1st Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist, with the 9th and 10th grade levels will be preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

In this time of great uncertainty in so many areas of our lives, we can form a greater level of certainty in our faith lives. With a faith built upon a firm foundation, we will weather the many storms of life. Thank you for your commitment to Catholic education in all forms. With your continued support, Catholic education will remain a stabilizing factor in the lives of our young people for years to come.

Looking forward to a great year!

God bless.
Fr Jim

Parish News

8/24/2020

Confessions have resumed at 6:00pm on the First and Third Fridays of the month. Two priests will be available each evening.

The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7th in observance of Labor Day.

The 4 Committees will have their first meeting on Monday, Sept. 14th beginning at 6:30pm. Meet as follows: Family Life in the Teacher’s Lounge, Sacred Worship in Schuh Hall, Social Justice in Schuh Hall and Education in the Library.

The Finance Committee will meet at 6:30pm on Tues., Sept. 22nd in St. Francis Hall.

From the Desk of Fr. Jim - August 23, 2020

8/23/2020

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
What is justice? (From the Diocesan Catechetical Office)

I was reminded of this article put out by the Diocesan Office of Catechesis (DCO) before the recent events in our world, and thought it would be a good reflection during these trying times. Today, there seems to be much confusion in our world on the meaning of justice. Often it seems to be something that is driven by emotions and feelings, which are good in and of themselves, but when these are our foundation we are building on sand. Another misconception is judging history and the actions of our ancestors, whether it is in the church or our nation, by today’s standards. There seems to be a sense that we are ‘enlightened’ today, and we can judge history by our ‘enlightened’ status. No generation is all-knowing, and we must be very careful in these matters. We, too, will be judged by future generations, but more importantly, we will be judged one day by God, and He is the only one we should be concerned with pleasing.

DCO writes: Each of us aspires to be fair in the way that we interact with family members, friends, neighbors and any persons that we meet. Justice is the virtue of being fair and upright in all circumstances. Justice is necessary because we are bound by our natural rights and obligations to give others what is their proper due.

Living out the virtue of justice consists in choosing, by a constant determination, to give God and neighbor their rightful due. We develop the good habit of justice in our lives through correct understanding of this virtue, good acts frequently done, and perseverance in difficult situations. In practicing this virtue, the Commandments provide the foundation. The first three Commandments are based upon giving God his due (what we owe Him) and the last seven Commandments are based upon giving our neighbor his due, what is rightfully his.

Justice toward God is called the virtue of religion, which directs us to honor and worship God by showing our Maker proper reverence, love, obedience, and gratitude. We act in a just way toward God by participating in Mass each Sunday and taking time each day for prayer in order to respond to God’s love, thus giving Him our rightful attention and gratitude.

Justice toward another person compels us to give others what is their due so that they can fulfill their responsibilities and exercise their rights as persons in their situation in life. We also have the right to insist that others practice fairness and honesty toward us. In justice, each person is to be treated with dignity and this requires repairing any harm when done to another person. Justice makes for peace and mutual trust and confidence among men in that it respects the rights of all and restrains deceit, fraud and oppression. Justice safeguards our most fundamental rights, some of which are especially challenged today, such as the right to life from conception to natural death, and the right to religious freedom, which means not only the right to worship according to one’s faith, but also to live one’s life in keeping with one’s religious convictions and conscience.

In justice, we have a responsibility to assure the conditions for individuals to obtain their due in human society, and this is referred to as social justice. Since everything we have is a gift from God, we are temporary stewards of these gifts. In justice, we must make good use of these gifts in serving others. Therefore, on Judgment Day we will be asked how we used the gifts that we received.

Growing in the virtue of justice requires consistent effort and self-mastery, and most importantly God’s help through prayer. Making a constant effort to be fair and honest involves correct knowledge about things that ought to be done or that ought to be avoided by distinguishing between what is good and fair and what is harmful and unfair.
In order to act justly it is important to take good counsel from others whose moral judgment is sound, especially our shepherds, the Pope and the bishops in communion with him, Christ’s representatives on earth.

The supernatural virtue of justice, gained through cooperation with the grace of God, disposes us to respect the rights of others (both of God and of our fellow man) and to give them their due. It regards the rights of others not merely as seen from the light of reason, but from the viewpoint of reason elevated by supernatural faith and charity, and in light of our ultimate goal - eternal life with God.

God bless
Fr Jim

Attention Ladies of the Parish!

8/18/2020

Attention Ladies of the Parish! The next PCCW meeting will be held in the Columbia Room on August 19th at 6:30pm. Due to the Coronavirus, all general information as well as the Election of Officers have been on hold since April. As in the past, after the business meeting, we will play bingo and refreshments will be served. All women of the parish are invited and encouraged to attend. Masks should be worn and there will be enough room to ensure social distancing

Congratulations Sisters!

8/17/2020

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Since my arrival at St John the Baptist I have been blessed to witness first-hand the beautiful work done by Sr Rita in her ministry to the parish homebound. Her faith and devotion to these individuals are very much appreciated, and offer a concrete connection to their parish during trying circumstances. This ministry is one she carries out with a joy that is evident whenever she speaks of those she serves.

As Sr. Rita celebrates her 60th Jubilee of her Profession of Vows, on behalf of St John the Baptist Parish, I would like to extend a heartfelt Congratulations and appreciation for her and her service to our community. After the Marshfield Clinic purchased the St Joseph Hospital, her role in her ministry dramatically changed, but her heart has remained steadfast. Her witness at daily Mass, her willingness to assist at many of our funerals as well as her witness and faithfulness as a Professed Sister of the Sorrowful Mother are a blessing to our faith community.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Sr. Barbara on the 65th anniversary of her Profession of Vows. Her dedication to those she served and continues to serve in various ministries is a powerful witness to many in our community.

Congratulations Sisters!

May God’s Blessings continue to rain upon you.
Fr Jim

From the Desk of Fr. Jim - August 16, 2020

8/16/2020

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

The Assumption: Why It’s Important

Although this year the Assumption falls on a Saturday, and is thus not a Holy Day of Obligation, this is still an important day in our faith lives.Pope Pius XII speaks to thisin the apostolic constitution in which he defined this teaching as an infallible dogma:

It is to be hoped that all the faithful will be stirred up to a stronger piety toward their heavenly Mother, and that the souls of all those who glory in the Christian name may be moved by the desire of sharing in the unity of Jesus Christ’s Mystical Body and of increasing their love for her who shows her motherly heart to all the members of this august body. And so we may hope that those who meditate upon the glorious example Mary offers us may be more and more convinced of the value of a human life entirely devoted to carrying out the heavenly Father’s will and to bringing good to others. Thus, while the illusory teachings of materialism and the corruption of morals that follows from these teachings threaten to extinguish the light of virtue and to ruin the lives of men by exciting discord among them, in this magnificent way all may see clearly to what a lofty goal our bodies and souls are destined. Finally, it is our hope that belief in Mary’s bodily Assumption into heaven will make our belief in our own resurrection stronger and render it more effective.

Reflect on this line from the above statement: ‘while the illusory teachings of materialism and the corruption of morals that follows from these teachings threaten to extinguish the light of virtue and to ruin the lives of men by exciting discord among them’. I believe we are living the effects of this in our nation and world today. The illusory teachings of materialism and the corruption that follows are seen in the riots that have plagued our nation throughout the summer months. The idea that material gain and goods are the ultimate goal of human life is a lie. No amount of things in our lives will ever fill them; they simply are momentary satisfaction that soon leaves a larger void than what was there in the beginning. To gain these goods, we are tempted to follow the corruption of morals; this is seen in a disregard for human life as well as in justifying looting, riots and destruction of property in the name of justice. The results of this miss-guided principal is seen in the skyrocketing toll in many of our cities these past months, both in property damage and in loss of innocent human life.

The Assumption of Mary can be a remedy to the ailments in our society and culture today, as it shows that we are meant for more than what this world provides. It is the actualization of the completion of Christ’s redemptive work, and offers us the assurance that we, who have been baptized into Christ’s death and shared in His Body through the Eucharist, will also experience a resurrection of our bodies. Christ wasn’t the exception for the human race in this sense. Rather, He points the way forward to a greater, more glorious future in which we are all invited to share. This is reinforced by the truth that already another one from the human race has already followed Him into Heaven--Mary.

God’s Blessings
Fr. Jim

Pray the Rosary at Columbus High School

8/11/2020

Pray the Rosary: The Knights of Columbus invites you to join them in front of Columbus Catholic High School as they pray the rosary on the following Wednesdays: August 12th and 19th at 7:00pm. Through the intercession of the Mary, we are asking God for safety and health of all area schools as they open again this fall; and for the protection of and peace in our country.

Back to School School Supplies

8/10/2020

Back to School! St. John PCCW will again be collecting school supplies for our St. John Primary and CCD teachers.’ They may be dropped off in the box provided in the back of church. Needed: disposable face masks, adult size
disposable gloves, hand sanitizer in dispenser bottles, glue (bottles & sticks), rubber cement, white cardstock, colored pencils, mechanical pencils, sandwich, quart & gallon sized ziplock bags, paper plates, wide-ruled white lined paper, pink erasers, pencil top erasers, colored ink pads, electric pencil sharpeners, colored Sharpie pens, laminating pouches, #2 pencils, brass fasteners, 3 hole punches, washable bean bag chairs, black & colored Expo markers, Washable markers, yellow & orange highlighters, Sticky notes (any size), Manila file folders, and letter sized white envelopes. Thank you!

From the Desk of Fr. Jim - August 9, 2020

8/9/2020

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
RCIA
Although we hate to recognize this, summer is beginning to come to a close. The days are getting shorter, and this week we see cooler temps, although more seasonal temps are in the forecast. For parents and teachers, the planning for an uncertain fall are underway for the new school year, but I am sure kids are trying to make the summer last as long as possible. Our churches, too, are beginning to prepare for the fall and the opportunities to grow in our relationship with God. One way we do this is through RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) classes.

What is RCIA?
RCIA is the process through which most adults
interested in becoming Catholic Christians learn about the Catholic faith, and enter into full communion with the Church. It is not a program that one ‘graduates’ from. Rather, it is the beginning of a lifelong journey whereby one enters into a deeper relationship with their Creator. Just as marriage is not a graduation celebration, but is a celebration of love that last a lifetime, RCIA is the beginning of a lifetime experience of coming to know God, and all He desires for you.

How often do you meet?
Normally, there are weekly meetings, which last about
an hour and a half, beginning late August or early September until Easter. For those who are ready, they will be baptized and/or confirmed at the Easter Vigil.

Is this only for non-Catholics?
No, we encourage anyone who desires a deeper
relationship with God to attend. You may attend some or all of the classes. In addition, spouses or fiancés are encouraged to attend if they are able.

What is the cost?
Only an open heart willing to seek God.
If you are interested in attending, or know someone
who would be interested, please keep in mind that we will be having an introductory meeting coming up later in August. Many people would like to know more about the Catholic Church, but do not know who to ask. This is your opportunity to seek out friends and family members, and ask them, invite them, to consider RCIA. It may be they are waiting for an invitation, and perhaps you could be the one who opens that door to them. For this, they will be eternally grateful.

One last note: with all the uncertainty this year brings, RCIA will be a flexible program. Where and how we meet will be determined as we go along. The three parishes in town are collaborating to have a single program, with the celebration to be held at Easter in the individual churches. However, at this time this too, is up in the air. If interested, or if you have someone interested, pass on the parish contact information so we can begin in a timely manner when the time comes.

God bless,
Fr. Jim

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

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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