Blog Archives

Annual Appeal 2020-2021

10/20/2020

Diocesan Annual Appeal is ready to launch once again for 2020- 2021. This year’s theme emphasizes the relevancy of the Church, the community, and the importance of its mission. The theme is “His Church is Still Here, His Church Still Provides, His Church is You and Me.” The goal for St. John’s this year is $136,700.00 which is bit down from last year. Soon you will be receiving your letter, pledge card and return envelope from the diocese. Please prayerfully consider how you can help St. John’s achieve our goal this year. Again we reach out to all families of the parish to help. Pledges and payments are sent directly to the diocese in the return envelope that you will receive with your pledge card. The diocese, in turn, notifies us as they receive from our parishioners. Again, we will list the names of those that contribute. Notify the office if you prefer not to be mentioned. Thank you for contributing to this appeal once again!

Schedules

10/19/2020

The January - April Schedules for Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Mass Servers are now being worked on. Please contact the parish office if you need to make changes to the times you assist at Mass. At this time we are only scheduling one Eucharistic Minister at each Mass. A schedule will be made up for these months with one person assisting. Please e-mail the office if you prefer not to assist at this time and/or to notify us of any dates that won’t work. The parish e-mail address is: mjgouin@frontier.com

From the Desk of Fr. Jim - October 18, 2020

10/18/2020

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Human Life is Valuable

Especially during the month of October, we as Catholic Christians are called to affirm that every human life is valuable, unique, and irreplaceable. At this point in our democratic republic, it is critical that we express this truth of our faith in order to go beyond the division that arises when some profess that this group or that group is what matter most. No, in the eyes of God, all lives indeed matter. If it wasn’t true, it wouldn’t have made any sense for Jesus Christ to come to earth and die for us. But He did. Because of that, we believe that the worth of a human being is not determined by the government, a vote of the people, a judge, or a person’s parents. It’s determined by God – who tells us in Jeremiah that “before you were born, I knew you.”
It is easy to see unique and irreplaceable value in someone who is smart, popular, rich, or powerful. But what about the value in someone who is weak, dependent, and vulnerable – like the unborn, the elderly, the sick, and the dying. These people do not seem irreplaceable, because they do not seem to be doing anything important. They are not building bridges and skyscrapers. They are not going to college and starting businesses. They are not writing books, making lots of money, and getting interviewed on television. They are not getting elected to office, starring in movies, or winning football games. In fact, in the eyes of the world, these unnoticeable people don’t seem to be doing much of anything.

As Christians, we are called to see as God sees, not as men see. The world’s point of view is what makes life worth living is material wealth and accomplishments. But the Christian point of view is that which makes life worth living is love, generosity, and self-sacrifice. This belief should change the way we look at issues like abortion, embryonic stem-cell research, euthanasia, and physician-assisted suicide.

The world says that we need abortion because women can’t find happiness if a baby comes between them and their plans or a child may prevent them from climbing the corporate ladder. But Christ teaches that we need the unborn child, because no one can find happiness without learning how to sacrifice ourselves for the needs of someone else. And who teaches this lesson better than a completely helpless and dependent unborn baby?

The world says that we need abortion because love means that every child should be a wanted child. But Christ teaches that if we kill people we don’t want, we abandon the very heart of love. On the other end of the spectrum, the world says that we need physician-assisted suicide because you lose quality of life when you are dying of a terminal illness. But Christ teaches that the best quality of life comes from accepting His love and mercy – something that is frequently easier to do when we are sick, frail, weak, and old.
The Catholic Church is pro-life because the pro-life position reflects the very heart of Christ’s ministry – a ministry filled with faith, hope, and love. And being part of a prolife church means being willing to learn more and share what we know with others.

Jesus Christ didn’t have to come into the world in the form of an unborn child. He was God. He could have done anything He wanted. He could have entered as a mighty and powerful king, a great warrior or as an athletic champion. But he didn’t. He became man like each of us, beginning this life in the womb of his mother, teaching us that this is where love begins, and real power lies in love. If we can love the very littlest of all people, then we will better understand what being a Christian is all about.

God bless
Fr Jim

Book of the Names of the Dead

10/13/2020

In the vestibule of the church is the Book of the Names of the Dead. You are most welcome to include additional names of your deceased relatives and friends who have died since last October. This book will be there until All Souls Day (Nov. 2nd) when it will be placed on the Marian altar. Their souls and souls of all the faithful departed will be remembered in prayer throughout November.

Thanksgiving Collection

10/12/2020

THANKSGIVING COLLECTION
Saturday, October 31st -Sunday, November 8th

For many years we have collected food and pa per products for our parish families in need and St. Vincent de Paul. This year, due to the Covid Pandemic, we will still help our families but in a different way. Rather than groceries and other items, we will collect money to purchase gift cards for our families. This will eliminate large group work and handling of products. If you would like to help, we ask for monetary donations only. This can be done by check (written out to St. John’s ) or cash and placed in an envelope clearly marked Thanksgiving Collection. There will be a special basket provided for this cause. You may also mail it into the office no later than November 8th. If you or someone you know could use assistance, please contact the parish office at 715-384-3252. All information shared will be kept confidential. Thank you for your support!

From the Desk of Fr. Jim - October 11, 2020

10/11/2020

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

ANNUAL APPEAL

The leaves are changing colors and we are experiencing a very beautiful fall, at least for now, in the upper Midwest. Although the vibrancy of colors varies each year, we know that fall has arrived, and we hope and pray that it stays around for awhile. Another staple each fall is the Diocesan Annual Appeal, and for St. John the Baptist, the kick-off weekend will be Oct 17 & 18. Our theme for the new year is: HIS CHURCH IS STILL HERE; HIS CHURCH STILL PROVIDES; HIS CHURCH IS YOU AND ME, which is a response to the situation we find ourselves where many particular church’s, in many facets, find the buildings may be closed or limited, the Church itself remains open. The appeal is a work of mercy in the diocese, and in a very real way presents to us a time of hope. This is also the primary way we reach out to our neighbor’s right here at home and to reach the far corners of the world by supporting missions in Peru and Bolivia, providing assistance and support to the next generation of priests and religious to serve our diocese and provides for an outreach at the diocesan level for local parishes and groups such as PCCW and Knights of Columbus. Viewed through the lens of mercy and hope, the appeal is an opportunity for us to give alms to God in thanksgiving for all the blessings we have received.

In the coming week, you should receive in the mail a brochure on the annual appeal along with a letter from Bishop Callahan. Once again, all mailings will remain within our diocese, and will utilize a scan (similar to a bar code) on each pledge card. These allow the office to quickly track the pledges and donations, and it allows the diocese to process these gifts in-house. Please use these pledge cards on AMEN Sunday, which will be the weekend of Oct 24-25.

During the past year, both St. John’s and Columbus Catholic School have received direct grants in excess of $10,000. The appeal is also the primary way the various offices of the Diocese are funded; the Bishop’s office, the Office of Catechesis, Youth Ministry, Sacred Worship and the Marriage Tribunal being among them.

The overall goal for this year’s appeal remains the same as last year, and the goal set for St. John’s Parish has been reduced by about $2,500, with a set goal of $136,700. Please prayerfully consider the request that will be in your mailing. If you have not participated in the appeal in the past, please consider a gift of $50 (a dollar a week) to the appeal. As I reminded all of us last year, the easiest way to attain our goal is to increase the percentage of participating members of our community. Adding 15% of our families, at $50 each for a year, will bring in an additional $10,000, and if we meet the set goal, any additional comes back directly to the parish tax-free. As priests, we are called to participate in the appeal as well. In recognition of the sacrifice I am asking of each parish family, I will pledge $600 to this year’s appeal.

Lastly, we must never overlook the spiritual aspect of all things we do as Catholic Christians. Just as the spiritual works of mercy underlie the corporal works of mercy, the spiritual aspect of the annual appeal is the primary concern. Even if you cannot support the diocese financially at this time, please return your card stating that you will pray for the success of our parish and diocese. I also ask for everyone’s prayers for the success of our campaign and for those who benefit directly in time of need; also please pray for our parish family, your bishop and for your priests.

May God bless you for your generous consideration, and remember the weekend of October 24 and 25 will be AMEN WEEKEND, the day we ask you to return your pledge card by bringing it to Mass and placing it in the collection basket. If you have already sent your pledge in, thank you for your generosity.

God bless,
Fr. Jim

DO NOT FEAR, I AM WITH YOU; DO NOT BE ANXIOUS; I AM YOUR GOD (IS41:10)

Respect Life Essay/Poster Contest

10/6/2020

St. John’s Family Life Committee is happy to announce the first ever Respect Life Essay/Poster Contest! For anyone from fourth grade to 100 years of age that has a story to tell through words or pictures on the sanctity of life; be it a miracle story, an event you witnessed, a love for the unborn, the handicapped or the elderly, now is your time. Please share your thoughts and talents with your parish family!

October is the month of the Rosary & Pro-Life Month

10/5/2020

Marshfield Rosary Rally: All are invited to this event on Wed., October 7th, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. We will meet at Columbia Park at 5pm (meet in the Columbia room if weather is inclement) for the Rosary. Personal testimonies of Rita Johnson and Kathy Richardson will begin at 5:30pm. Dr. Romel Garcia-Montilla, our main speaker, will begin his talk on Socialism ~ The Truth at 6pm. You are invited to bring a bag supper and beverage.

Save The Date: Oct. 10th Our Lady of Fatima Rosary rally to be held at the K of C shrine “Christ guide us on our way” located at the south end of Marshfield at noon. We will be praying for the conversion of our nation. Please call Lori at 715-652-6545.

Saturday, October 17th St. John’s Family Life Committee will meet at the Memorial for the Unborn at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. A Pro-life Rosary will be prayed with meditations on healing for all who have been harmed by the scourge of abortion. All are invited to join in. We will meet around 9am, following the Saturday 8am Mass with the rosary starting shortly after.

From the Desk of Fr. Jim - October 4, 2020

10/4/2020

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
OCTOBER IS DEDICATED TO MARY AND THE ROSARY

When you look at the world today, both secular and within the Church, it is obvious that we are in need of help like never before. This is another reason to be grateful to God for His gift of Mary, especially during this month of October, a month the Church has long dedicated to our Blessed Mother. How do we honor Mary and seek her intervention? First and foremost, it seems natural to listen to what she says when she appeared to the children of Fatima: Mary reassured the children in a gentle voice, saying “Do not be afraid; I will do you no harm.” She told Lucia, “I come from Heaven.” She asked the children if they would “pray the Rosary every day, to bring peace to the world and an end to the war.” On June 13, as Mary appeared to the three children, Lucia asked, “What do you want me to do?” The Lady responded, “Continue to pray the Rosary every day and after the Glory Be of each mystery, add these words: ‘O my Jesus, forgive us our sins! Save us from the fire of Hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.’”

God loves us so much that He desires for us to know Him and receive His personal love. We offend God when we don’t make time for Him each day in prayer. There is no better prayer than the rosary, a prayer that brings us to meditate on the events in the life of Jesus through the eyes and heart of Mary. In the Rosary we encounter Christ through quietly reflecting on how He faced various situations in life; from the events prior to his birth in the Joyful Mysteries, the events of his public life in the Luminous Mysteries, the events of his passion in the Sorrowful Mysteries and his resurrection and events following in the Glorious Mysteries. These reflections can prove to be helpful in our own circumstances. Further, we are transformed by praying the words of three profound prayers: The Our Father, which Jesus gave us; the Glory Be which gives glory to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and the Hail Mary which asks for her intercession as the Mother of God. If praying the Rosary each day seems too daunting, start out by praying a decade, and a Rosary will be completed every five days. Doing this each day during the month of October will help build a habit that can be the base of a deeper prayer life.

I would encourage everyone to honor Mary in a special way in this month of October. As Catholics, we do not worship Mary; however, we do hold that she is in a special place in heaven, and we honor her. We ask for her intercession, that God may listen to her prayers for her children, and turn His gaze upon us. If there are sins you are trying to overcome, if there are health issues you are facing or if you are seeking reconciliation in your relationships, if you are concerned for our Church, our nation or the unborn children; the list is almost endless for us in these days. Turn to Mary and place your trust in her hands. Who better to trust in than the woman God entrusted His Son to in this world?

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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