June 15, 2022 UPDATE:

We will have Mass at Wilson and Glenwood City this weekend. After searching, Fr. Joe Stefancin has worked it out to do the Masses. But there will be no procession or dinner for Corpus Christi.

Please ministers at these Masses, make sure you attend or find substitutes to assist Fr. Joe.

Once again, there will be Mass at 4:00pm in Wilson and 10:30am in Glenwood City. Next weekend, we will be back to the normal three Masses in the cluster.

Again, I am soo sorry that we could not celebrate this great feast together!

In Christ,

Fr. John

 

Note:  As with prior information, please help spread the word.  Thank you. 




June 15, 2022

Hello, 

On Tuesday morning, I tested positive for covid. I have made a multitude of calls to find a substitute for the procession and the Masses of Corpus Christi this weekend. Sadly, there are no priests available for the Masses and no deacons yet for even communion services. There is still hope for a deacon yet after writing this. 

The scheduled Mass at Wilson, Clear Lake, and at Glenwood City will NOT be held.  
The Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession and the pot luck are also CANCELLED.  
Please help spread the word to other parishioners.

I am so sorry, The Source and Summit of our Catholic lives - the Holy Eucharist - is not able to be celebrated this weekend in our parish cluster!! Because of this, you are hereby excused from the obligation of Sunday Mass attendance for this weekend only. I encourage you to go to other parishes in the area for Mass however. Corpus Christi is a great celebration of Christ in our lives. 

In Christ,  
Fr. John




March 17, 2022

Hello everyone,
It has been quit awhile since I have posted here. As the war in the Ukraine continues let us pray for peace there and everywhere there is conflict. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis is consecrating Russia and Ukraine to the Sacred Heart of Mary Our Mother in the coming weeks. I would like to encourage you and your family and friends to pray the litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary that is here as well as reading the news of the pope's consecration. Please see below. May God continue to bless us and bring peace to our world!
In Christ,
- Fr John

Pope to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to Immaculate Heart of Mary
The consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by Pope Francis will take place during the Celebration of Penance on 25 March in St Peter's Basilica. Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, 25 March, during the Celebration of Penance that he will preside over at 5pm in St Peter's Basilica.

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said in a statement: “The same act, on the same day, will be performed in Fatima by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, papal almoner,” who is being sent there by the Pope.
The day of the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord was chosen for the consecration.

Martyrdom of the good
In the apparition of 13 July 1917, in Fatima, Our Lady had asked for the consecration of Russia to Her Immaculate Heart, stating that if this request were not granted, Russia would spread "its errors throughout the world, promoting wars and persecution of the Church.” “The good," she added, "will be martyred; the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be destroyed."

Consecrations of Russia to Mary
After the Fatima apparitions there were various acts of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Pope Pius XII, on 31 October 1942, consecrated the whole world, and on 7 July 1952 he consecrated the peoples of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Apostolic Letter Sacro vergente anno: “Just as a few years ago we consecrated the whole world to the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mother of God, so now, in a most special way, we consecrate all the peoples of Russia to the same Immaculate Heart. - Pope Pius XII”
On 21 November 1964, Pope St Paul VI renewed the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart in the presence of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council.
Pope St. John Paul II composed a prayer for what he called an 'Act of Entrustment' to be celebrated in the Basilica of St Mary Major on 7 June 1981, the Solemnity of Pentecost. In June 2000, the Holy See revealed the third part of the secret of Fatima.
At the time, the then-Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, pointed out that Sister Lucia, in a letter of 1989, had personally confirmed that this solemn and universal act of consecration corresponded to what Our Lady wanted: "Yes, it was done," wrote the visionary, "just as Our Lady had asked, on 25 March 1984". 

LITANY OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
 Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

– LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
– CHRIST, HAVE MERCY ON US. – LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.

Christ, hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of souls, Holy Trinity, One God,

– CHRIST, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US. – HAVE MERCY ON US.
– HAVE MERCY ON US.
– HAVE MERCY ON US.

– HAVE MERCY ON US.
– PRAY FOR US. (Repeat after each line.)

Heart of Mary, crowned with the roses of innocence,
Heart of Mary, always hidden from the snares of the enemy,
Heart of Mary, mediator between God and men,
Heart of Mary, guarding the secrets of heaven,
Heart of Mary, abyss of humility,
Heart of Mary, throne of mercy,
Heart of Mary, who loves the Father with a Daughter’s love,
Heart of Mary, united to the Son with a Mother’s love,
Heart of Mary, united to the Holy Spirit with a Spouse’s love,
Heart of Mary, ocean of goodness,
Heart of Mary, miracle of innocence and purity,
Heart of Mary, mirror of all divine perfection,
Heart of Mary, where the Blood of Christ, the price of our redemption, was formed,
Heart of Mary, whose desires sped up the salvation of the world,
Heart of Mary, which obtained grace for sinners,
Heart of Mary, which most faithfully keeps the words and actions of Jesus,
Heart of Mary, pierced by the sword of sorrow,
Heart of Mary, most afflicted by the Passion of Christ,
Heart of Mary, nailed to the Cross with Christ,
Heart of Mary, buried by sorrow with Jesus in the tomb,
Heart of Mary, enlivened by joy in the Resurrection,
Heart of Mary, full of sweetness in the Ascension of Jesus,
Heart of Mary, crowned with the new fullness of grace coming from the Holy Spirit,
Heart of Mary, consolation of the afflicted,
Heart of Mary, refuge of sinners,
Heart of Mary, hope and sweet aid of those who love you,
Heart of Mary, help of the dying,
Heart of Mary, joy of all saints,
Heart of Mary, always immaculate,
Heart of Mary, full of grace,
Heart of Mary, blessed among all hearts,
Heart of Mary, tabernacle of the Most Holy Trinity,
Heart of Mary, most similar to the Heart of Jesus,
Heart of Mary, object of indulgences of the Heart of Jesus, Heart of Mary, as beautiful as the lily among thorns,

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Jesus Christ, hear us.

– PRAY FOR US.

– FORGIVE US, LORD.
– HEAR US, LORD.
– HAVE MERCY ON US.
– JESUS CHRIST, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

V. Pray for us, Immaculate Heart of Mary,
R. That we may be worthy of obtaining the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

God of goodness, You filled the most holy and immaculate Heart of Mary with feelings of mercy and kindness, which fill the Heart of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Grant to all those who honor this virginal Heart the grace to keep until death in perfect harmony with the feelings and inclinations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

– AMEN. 



June 1, 2021

“Come Back… We Miss You!!”
 
A parish is “a definite community of the Christian faithful established on a stable basis within a particular Church” whose pastoral care “is entrusted to a pastor as its own shepherd under the authority of the diocesan bishop” (Code of Canon Law, c. 515 §1).
 
For those who don't want to read it all here is the brief:
1. The Sunday Obligation is re-instated. Catholic must attend Sunday and Holy Day Mass.
2. Masks are no longer mandatory but encouraged.
3. Seating is at full capacity in our buildings.
 
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
This past year has wreaked havoc on us all! Now, as we return to normalcy, let us renew our parishes in Christ. As the quote above from the Code of Canon Law (the Catholic Church's rules of how we are Church) states, “a stable basis within a particular Church” we need to come together to live the faith. (Particular Church means diocese headed by a bishop.)
 
Our Church (the Diocese of Superior) gave a dispensation from the obligation to attend Holy Day and Sunday Mass during the pandemic. (A great many of other diocese around the world did as well.) Our Church also mandated seating restrictions to 25% of capacity, sanitizing of hands, pews, door handles, many other things, and masks for people. (A great many of other diocese around the world did as well. Each bishop is responsible for his own diocese.)
 
As pastor I am responsible to carry out what Our Local Church – the Diocese of Superior says to do. 
Unfortunately, some priests may not see or act on it in that way.
 
All that said, here is where we are at:
 
The Obligation for Sunday and Holy Day Mass is re-instated. This starts this weekend, June 5, 6 – Corpus Christi Sunday. As there always has been throughout the whole Church, exceptions for health concerns. In other words if you are sick – stay home! More can be seen on the bishop’s letter to the faithful on our website – www.jbjsaints.com.
 
Our Church buildings are now able to have 100% capacity. If, however, you have not been vaccinated or are with children not vaccinated you are encouraged to social distance for your own safety and those of others.
 
That leads us to masks. Although not mandated, masks are encouraged for all for your own safety and those of others. They are mandated for those in specific ministries such as ushers, altar servers, and eucharistic ministers when performing their duties. Readers do not have to have masks if they are vaccinated. The bishop states, “When singing, ALL PEOPLE ARE TO WEAR MASKS to help limit the airborne mist we produce.” (The capitalization is his.) I guess that means masks off and on throughout the liturgy!
 
This year has been very hard on all of us! Personally, I have tried with love and care to pastor our parishes during this. It is very disheartening to look out and see 25% or less of the people I love seated in the pews and not able to see your faces. Some have said they are going to other places for Mass that don't follow the rules of the diocese or even to another diocese. To me personally that is very painful because it goes against not only me but everyone who is the parish – see Canon Law above. If we are, “a definite community of the Christian faithful established on a stable basis,” then each and every one of us is missed when we are not together for Mass on Sunday not just by me but by our parish family!
 
May God Bless You and Yours as we continue to live our lives of faith.
 
See you in Church,
 
 
Fr. John R. Long, Pastor
 



April 29,  2021
 
Hello everyone! In the past couple of weeks I have heard several people say, “I'm not getting the shot!” or “I don't know about the vaccine.” and from many of those same people I am asked when will the Church be fully open? These are ABSOLUTELY connected!! Until 70-80 of all people are vaccinated, the government and science says we will not have 'herd immunity' and it is not safe to be together. The bishops have followed these mandates and strong suggestions throughout the past.
SO, if we do not ALL get the shot we maybe at limitations, masks, no hymnals for a long time. I do understand the fears some people have because of all the unreliable information that floats about. I found a rather reliable source that helps to dispel some of those myths. CNN is not always spot on but they are more reliable than some others. Please check their story here:
 
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/28/health/covid-vaccine-myths-debunked/index.html
 
Please at least take a look at the article and please get both vaccine shots.




March 17, 2021
 
Hello, more questions have been asked about the Covid vaccine and about being vaccinated. USA Today has a very good article entitled: “Clarity for Catholics: It's OK to get Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine – if it's the only one available,” by Elizabeth Weise USA TODAY   Published 5:30 a.m. ET Mar. 17, 2021.
From the article - Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI both received their first doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Jan. 13. Also Catholics' duty is to protect "the common good," the Vatican statement said. The vaccines "can be used in good conscience with the certain knowledge that the use of such vaccines does not constitute formal cooperation with the abortion from which the cells used in production of the vaccines derive." 
To read the whole article please go to:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/03/17/johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine-catholics-vatican-coronavirus/4681486001/
I don't know how long the link will be good for, so if you want to see it do so soon. I looked into reprinting and the cost was too much. I hopes this helps with some concerns you may have.





February 16, 2021

The Diocese of Superior Vocations Office has started a new prayer initiative. They are asking for 1200 rosaries to be prayed for vocations to the priesthood, religious life and permanent diaconate. If you would like to take part in this prayer for vocations, as you prayer a rosary ask God to touch the hearts of our brothers and sisters to enter into one the these vocations in service of the Church. Pray as many as you can!
Toward the end of each month, we are asked to report to the  Vocations Office how many rosaries were prayed in our parish cluster. Contacts are in each of our parishes to gather the numbers to be reported.
At Glenwood City – Pat Frey (715) 265-7175,
at Clear Lake – Larry Thelen (715) 263-3089, and
at Wilson – Martha Erickson (715) 772-4798. 
May God continue to bless our Diocese!
Flyer




Dec 24, 2020
 
Dear Parishioners of our parish cluster,
 
2020 has been a very problematic year for the world. Now, there seems to be a light at the end of this very long tunnel, a vaccine. Even this has a problem because of the way many medical therapies are 1. made, 2. tested, and 3. manufactured. It is important to note these three steps because they are important to understand the problem I am about to explain.

To get the COVID-19 vaccine, thousands of researchers went to their labs and started work. Once a vaccine looked promising it was tested on human cells to see if it would stop the virus. If it did then it was put into production. That is a simplified version of the way it is done.
Common in human drug making is the use of human cells. These cells most often were gathered from aborted fetuses – murdered children in the womb. These cell lines were gathered in the 1970's and 80's in the Netherlands.

As Catholics, we know that ALL life is sacred. Therefore, anyone directly or indirectly involved with the murdering of children in the womb – abortion is outside of what humanity should be about. Therein lies the problem. All life is sacred, that is a small part of why we wear masks.  We wear them to not infect anyone else who may die.  We may have the virus and not know we have it and then breathe to pass it on to them. The children who had their lives taken and used in the cell lines were not given the sanctity of human life!

The Church also knows that good can come from bad! The Just War theory is an understanding of that. We have two vaccines for use in the U.S. now. Both have used the cell lines in only the testing phase of arriving at the vaccine. Because the world is in need and many are dying, the cell lines were used in a very small part of arriving at the vaccine and that there are no other vaccines, the ethics and morals of the Catholic Church are not broken by using the vaccines.








September 16th
Hello everyone. As I hope you have read, the bishop has re-instated the obligation for Sunday Mass attendance. Some have said ,”I never heard that before.”  Well here is some you should have heard.

 
Specifically “WHEN” did The Church classify missing Mass as a mortal sin?”*
The first time the Catholic Church had a universal law (applicable to every Catholic) that required mass attendance every single week was the 1918 Code of Canon Law.
 
That means, All baptized Catholics are to attend Sunday and Holy Day Mass. If one does not, they are in a state of serious (mortal) sin. (from the Code of Canon (Church) Law  Can.1246. Also from the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 2185.
 
Many of us understood the Mass requirement as a Precept of the Church.
The precepts of the Church are the requirements of the church that are deemed necessary for you to fulfill upon pain of mortal sin. Mass is one of those requirements, but there are a few situations, where you may be excused from Mass.
 
The bishop has stated some who are dispensed (means you are not is sin if you don't attend).
            Any one of the following means you are dispensed:
 
A. If you -  (health wise - on going)
 
1. are over the age of 60 years
2. have a compromised immune system
3. have serious heart problems
4. are diabetic
 
B. If you -  (health wise - at this time -  please stay home)
 
1. have tested positive for COVID in the past 14 days
2. are running a fever
3. have flu or COVID symptoms
4. you believe attending Mass would put you at undue risk for other members of your family i.e. elderly
 
C. If you come to the church and can not get into Mass because it is full at 25% capacity. You are not obligated to go to another parish because you have sincerely tried to attend.  You are dispensed.
 
 
I hope that this makes it a bit clearer. If you have any questions please give me a call – 715 565 3132.
 
May God Bless us all!!
 


June 11, 2020

Ocean of Mercy

VIRTUAL CATHOLIC CONFERENCE FOR KIDS 
SATURDAY, JUNE 20 TO SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020
https://www.essentialcatholic.com/home

Here is a virtual Catholic Conference for Kids. Sign up your kids for this Faith Filled conference for your kids! Go to the website and help your kids understand their faith!




May 30, 2020
 
Hello Everyone, I received an email on Saturday evening from the bishop to have Masses open to our parishioners starting next weekend June 6&7. Plans for this have been on going for days, weeks and months. There are a lot of rules laid down by the diocese for the safety of God's people. Here are ones that apply to you.
 

  1. Only 25% of the Church main can have people in them. No one other than organist in choir loft. People of the same household may sit together but each person is counted for the total. Social distancing is required.
    1. St. Bridget W – 30 people (Sat. 4:00PM)
    2. St. John CL  – 45 people (Sun. 8:30AM) 
    3. St. John GC - 60 people (Sun 10:30AM)
  2. The Dispensation for Sunday Obligation remains in place. - You don't have to come to Sunday Mass.
  3. You MUST wear a mask in the Church. If  you do not have a mask we have some available. But you MUST wear a mask in the Church.
  4. ANYONE WITH FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS OR A TEMPERATURE OF 100.4 DEGREES OR MORE, PLEASE STAY HOME!
  5. Any At-Risk person, those who are older and all who have underlying health issues such as respiratory health issues or a compromised immune system, are encouraged to remain at home and continue to celebrate Mass virtually as you have been, making a Spiritual Communion.
  6. The live-streaming Mass next weekend will be at 10:30 a.m.
  7. If you need to use the handrail to get into Church Please wear gloves to use the handrail then come in and make sure you sanitize your hands.
  8. The ushers will seat and dismiss you from the pew.
  9. You are asked only go to your registered parish.
  10. You must “reserve” a spot so that all can have a chance to attend by calling:
    1. St. Bridget Wilson            please call    Martha Erickson        715-772-4798
    2. St. John Clear Lake          please call    Rosemary Koenig      715-263-2905
    3. St. John Glenwood City   please call    Faye Steffen               715-781-3195

I hope and pray that all goes well. The number of cases in both counties (St. Croix and Polk) has continued to rise. I need us all to be careful in these times. Please follow the rules set up by the diocese and we can be safe.
We will be celebrating Holy Trinity Sunday back together – many of us! May God bless us all and care for us - in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Fr. John





May 29, 2020
 
This week our country passed 100,000 deaths for the virus. This is horrible! I thought though, about other deaths in our country. So I googled and found according to the CDC Approximately 862,320 abortions were performed in 2017. The virus deaths are terrible but the abortions deaths are much more and these are completely preventable. This is horrible! The virus is getting attention in our and my prayer life. We also need to remember the innocent children who are killed each day in our country. Prayer for all life and God's place in our life are needed.
As we continue with the Communion Services each Sunday, we continue with protections against the virus with masks and social distancing. This will continue when we start Mass in a couple weeks. This will mean half the pews will be empty, masks for everyone, no hymnals and social distancing in the pews. Please continue to check on our website for all updates.
In Minneapolis, there have been riots because of police violence. Let us pray for peace there and in so many places of our world. Prayer is the answer to be united to God and to each other.
We all have a lot to pray for!
In Christ,
Fr. John







May 20, 2020
 
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Yesterday, all of the pastors and parish directors met with our bishop on-line to receive the plan for opening up our diocese for public worship. Our diocese will be doing a gradual opening by having a Communion Service at one parish on each Sunday afternoon until we open for Mass in all the parishes.
This service is limited to eight (8) people at a time. The service is approximately five minutes long. It is only the reception of Holy Communion. Your personal preparation is to be done with the use of on-line/televised Mass and prayer before coming. After receiving the Eucharist, personal prayer is to be done outside the Church.
The bishop stated that anyone who is sick should stay home! He also stated that anyone with an underlying health condition, survivors of cancer, respiratory ailments, diabetes, heart difficulties, kidney or liver damage as well as those over the age of 65 should seriously contemplate exposing themselves by coming to the service. (I had to get special permission to have the service.)
The Service for the Reception of Holy Communion will start at 12 noon this Sunday, May 24th at St. John the Baptist in Glenwood City.  We will continue this practice until Mass that is open to the public starts again. As with everything in the pandemic there are certain rules that must be followed. The bishop made these quit clear (in bold) on these aspects and that each pastor needs to adjust for each individual building.  So here is what we need to do:
 

 
 
I hope that all read and follow these instructions and is once again able to receive Our Lord's Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. For those unable, please at the on-line/televised Mass make a Spiritual Communion, to be one with God and His Church.
 
As we celebrate this Sunday the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus to the right hand of the Father, may we be united in His great Love for us all!
 
In Christ,
 
Fr. John












May 16

Hello everyone, Here is an email I received from the great people who brought you the First Catholic Virtual Conference:

After the first Virtual Catholic Conference, we asked people how they were doing with the quarantine.

Without fail, the number one struggle people shared was loving their family and staying pure.

"I feel so impatient with my kids."

"I'm finding that without my distractions, it's been very difficult to remain pure."

"Being home with my wife has brought to light some hidden conflicts in our marriage."

That's why we saw the Catholic LoveLife Conference as the perfect response.

With more than 11,000 LoveLifers already registered, this week is your final opportunity to join this movement of Catholics seeking the secrets to authentic love, an intimate prayer life, and an on-fire communion with the Holy Spirit.

They are putting on another one from the responses they received. Above is what they are coming up with. You can take part by registering for this new conference at: https://www.virtualcatholicconference.com/chastity?r_done=1

I hope many families will sign up and bring the Love of Jesus deeper into your hearts!

 

Stay Healthy and Stay Holy!!

 

 



May 6
 
Hello everyone, I am in my second round of calls to everyone in the cluster. All have been well and waiting for a time of normalcy which I pray is coming soon. New today puts 28 cases of virus in St. Croix County and 5 in Polk County, so we need to be careful!! I have had no news from the diocese as to the future opening of our Churches.
Below is a conference that we can all part take of. It is based on St. Pope John Paul II theology of human intimacy. You do need to sign up to take part. There are 12 priest/bishops presenting,  26 women presenting and 36 men presenting! I strongly recommend this for all parishioners looking to understand better what is means to be human!!! I hope that you all sign up. There are over 50,000 people signed up already! Please sign up at:
tobvirtualconference.com.

 The presentations are each about 20-30 minutes long and you can view starting this Friday at noon going to Sunday at mid-night. A GREAT thing for our Catholic Faith!!
 




April 28th

Hello again, It seems as everyday there are more and more opportunities to grow in our faith on the internet. The Pentecost Pilgrimage 2020 has been encouraged by our Diocese of Superior Charismatic Renewal Service Team.

World-wide catholic virtual PENTECOST PILGRIMAGE starts 26 April (Sunday)
Thousands of pilgrims from over 30 countries with 20+ free video talks and podcasts
Register and get free access to all Holy Spirit related talks, catholic music promotions, virtual chat rooms, select speaker Q&A's, discussion questions, calls to action.
Official partner and sponsor, the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, and many diocese' around the world are activating their parishes and communities in the lead up to Pentecost using www.pentecostpilgrimage.com content, offering an opportunity for a time of unity, formation and connection twice a week for six weeks.

Again, I am sorry that this is so late in notification (it starts this Sunday) but when I get it I send out to you.

Continue to keep in prayer during this very difficult time.




April 27
 
Hello everyone, three weeks ago there was a Virtual Catholic Conference that I told you of at the last minute. As soon as I heard about it I let you know. I hope many of you took part in the Conference. I found it very excellent. There is to be another one on May 8-10. This one will be focused on St. John Paul II Theology of the Body. Are you a man, woman, young, old, parent, grandparent, single, married? In other words are you a human being? This conference is for you!!
God made us male and female. What does that mean? How does God love us and show His Love? This is part of the understanding of this conference. 
As with the other virtual conference, you must register ahead of time to take part. 59 Catholic speakers and 10 artists will be presenting about 20 minutes talks throughout this awesome weekend. I encourage everyone to take part. You may register here:  https://www.tobvirtualconference.com/free-pass
 
There are some other things going on in the month of May.
 
            An annual pro-life event which began over 10 years ago. It begins on May 1 and continues through May 3, 2020. The website  www.SaintMichaelTheArchangelOrganization.org has more details.
 
            Good Shepherd Sunday is World Day of Prayer for Vocations May 3, 2020.  you may go to the website: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1103521214679&ca=7f7e2415-3a28-4fa7-9955-530535c10584
           
            The U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops along with the Canadian Bishops ask us to pray for Strength in the struggle against the covid pandemic. Please see statement on our website.
 
            The Holy Father, Pope Francis has asked that during this month of Mary Our Mother, that we add the following prayers to our Rosary prayers.
 
First Prayer
O Mary,
You shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who, at the foot of the cross,
were united with Jesus’ suffering,
and persevered in your faith.
“Protectress of the Roman people”,
you know our needs,
and we know that you will provide,
so that, as at Cana in Galilee,
joy and celebration may return
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the will of the Father
and to do what Jesus tells us.
For he took upon himself our suffering,
and burdened himself with our sorrows
to bring us, through the cross,
to the joy of the Resurrection.
Amen.
We fly to your protection,
O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions
in our necessities,
but deliver us always
from every danger,
O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

 

Second Prayer
“We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God”.
In the present tragic situation, when the whole world is prey to suffering and anxiety, we fly to you, Mother of God and our Mother, and seek refuge under your protection.
Virgin Mary, turn your merciful eyes towards us amid this coronavirus pandemic. Comfort those who are distraught and mourn their loved ones who have died, and at times are buried in a way that grieves them deeply. Be close to those who are concerned for their loved ones who are sick and who, in order to prevent the spread of the disease, cannot be close to them. Fill with hope those who are troubled by the uncertainty of the future and the consequences for the economy and employment.
Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us to God, the Father of mercies, that this great suffering may end and that hope and peace may dawn anew. Plead with your divine Son, as you did at Cana, so that the families of the sick and the victims be comforted, and their hearts be opened to confidence and trust.
Protect those doctors, nurses, health workers and volunteers who are on the frontline of this emergency, and are risking their lives to save others. Support their heroic effort and grant them strength, generosity and continued health.
Be close to those who assist the sick night and day, and to priests who, in their pastoral concern and fidelity to the Gospel, are trying to help and support everyone.
Blessed Virgin, illumine the minds of men and women engaged in scientific research, that they may find effective solutions to overcome this virus.
Support national leaders, that with wisdom, solicitude and generosity they may come to the aid of those lacking the basic necessities of life and may devise social and economic solutions inspired by farsightedness and solidarity.
Mary Most Holy, stir our consciences, so that the enormous funds invested in developing and stockpiling arms will instead be spent on promoting effective research on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Beloved Mother, help us realize that we are all members of one great family and to recognize the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer.
Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course.
To you, who shine on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope, do we entrust ourselves, O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.
 
I hope these help during this difficult time!
In Christ,         Fr. John







April 14, 2020
 
Here is a help to live the faith in this time of crisis. It is offered by the head bishop of the eastern rite of the Catholic Church in union with Rome. The hour of prayer in families can help as we struggle to live so closely together!
            - Fr. John
 
Coronavirus: SOS! The cure for death
from Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate
 
There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus which has caused a global panic. Reasonable preventive measures must be respected, although they alone cannot save us. There is also an order of spiritual principles that is often forgotten about. We should keep to it. An old proverb says: “Doctors treat, but God heals.”
The fight with coronavirus is a fight with death. But we must know that even if we avoid the coronavirus, none of us shall avoid death after all. Physical death, however, is not the greatest evil. The greatest evil for man is the second death – eternal damnation! (Rev 20:14) We can be saved from it only in Jesus Christ. He said: “He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” (cf. Jn 11:25)
At this time of panic, many Christians do not appreciate the necessity of the saving faith in Jesus Christ which saves us from the second death. What is at stake is the salvation of immortal souls, i.e. the salvation of our dearest ones from eternal torment. The spirit of the world drives people with all force onto the broad way leading to destruction (Mt 7:13).
What is the cure for eternal death? Perfect contrition!
How to make an act of perfect contrition? You need to admit your sins both to yourself and to God. Just as a deadly virus affects the body, so also sin affects the soul. Jesus took your sins upon Himself and paid for them on the cross. Believe in Him, and call on His name with faith. In Him is your salvation. Scripture says: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom 10:13) Imagine Christ’s cross, the wounds in His hands, His feet and His heart, and say with faith: “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Repeat it five times, with your eyes fixed on the five wounds. Try to perceive in spirit that while you are saying this prayer of contrition, a beam of God’s forgiveness comes from each of the wounds and penetrates your heart. You can think of a verse from Scripture, e.g.: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness. By His wounds we were healed.” (1Pet 2:24-25) At the end, make the sign of the cross three times with faith.
This is the cure for eternal death. Jesus Himself is the cure. At the moment when you will be dying, call on the name of Jesus and He will take you into eternal happiness.
How often should we take this priceless cure for death? Because we know neither the day nor the hour of our death, it is best to take it in the morning and in the evening and also during the day – at 9:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00 (cf. Ps 119:116).
Paradoxically though it may seem, the coronavirus quarantine has created the conditions for the restoration of the family in that the whole family must stay at home. You ask what the means are of strengthening the family, of strengthening relationships between spouses and between parents and children? The answer is this: a holy hour – the family prayer at 2:00-3:00 p.m. The incomparably great benefit for the family, which the holy hour gives, requires only a small sacrifice – abstain at this hour from the television, mobile phones and the internet, that means, communicate vertically with God rather than horizontally.
Many priests give a blessing at the end of the holy hour. In this time of the danger of the coronavirus, they also pray for the protection of your family, or even for your healing. This is the hour of our Lord's death upon the cross. Receive this blessing at 3:00 p.m. by making the sign of the cross with faith.
Offer this cure for death to your neighbours too. You will give them proof of the greatest love, for it will save their souls and their families.


 

April 6, 2020
 
Hello everyone,
I write this Holy Monday morning. My thoughts and prayers are with you in the Holy Week and crisis time. I have put together what I hope will be a grace-filled time for the Holy Triduum Services and the preparation of Easter and the Novena to Divine Mercy.
 
The following will be live streamed on our website/facebook. jbjsaints.com
Holy Thursday Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 p.m.
Good Friday Service will be at 2 p.m.
     (St. John GC will be closed from 1:30 – 3:30 this day)
     The start of the Divine Mercy Novena at 3 p.m.
Easter Vigil will be celebrated at 8:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m.
 
There are sheets at the open Churches (noon until 5pm) for the Novena
(except St. John GC on Good Friday see above).
 
Again, I hope and pray this will be a grace filled time for you and our world!!
 
In Christ,
 
Fr John







Hello Everyone!

 

I hope and pray that all is going well with you and yours!! This is the most strange year for Holy Week in our lives! My emotions are down – sadness, loneliness, fear, and loss – but there is also hope, because we all know that Easter and Our Savior's Resurrection will come! ALLELUIA!! And we also know that there will be an end to the virus pandemic! ALLELUIA!!

As the disciples waited in the Upper Room in fear and trembling, so too you and I wait for the time of freedom to celebrate God's Love in our world.

The Diocese has put together 6 pages to help us celebrate Holy Week. I share them with you here.

In Christ,

Fr John


FROM FATHER JOHN:
March 19, 2020
 
My Dear Friends in Christ,
 
These are difficult times! I pray that they will not last long. With the times, we need to keep the faith and do so with caution for our health and the health of our brothers and sisters. The Bishop has asked that the Churches be open for prayer. This is problematic because we are also not to have liturgies, meetings, or gatherings of any kind. What we have come up - after consultation with each of parishes - are times for the Churches to be open.
 
For Glenwood City and Clear Lake – each Church will be open from noon until 5:00 p.m. each day – Sun. - Sat.
For Wilson – the Church will be open on Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m.
 
It is VERY IMPORTANT that rules for entrance in the buildings be followed. This is not only for your safety but for the safety of all God's children. Because we cannot clean between each person coming and going, we ask that you wear gloves BEFORE you touch the door, while signing in and when you touch any surface!!!
 
I cannot stress this enough – wear GLOVES. We all have them after all winter is close to ending and we need to keep them out for this time. We do not have the ability to clean any surface you may touch or that someone has touched before you got there!!!
 
Each of the Churches has signs for the entrance to be used and a sign-in sheet. For more on each of these please read at the Church and bring your gloves!!
 
Please take the time to use the Presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament for prayer in this time of need.
 
Today, the Pope has requested that the rosary be prayed worldwide today at 9:00 p.m. Rome time. That is 3:00 p.m. our time - the hour of Great mercy – the Hour Our Savior gave His Life. Let's notify everyone we know to unite in prayer at 3:00 p.m. today and pray the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
 
May God be with us during this time of trial!
 
In Christ,
 
Fr. John
 
P.S. For hope and help please go to our website www.jbjsaints.com  home page and read “Pandemic Gratitude”
 
P.P.S.  wear GLOVES!