Father Ron Serrao - Pastor |
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Dear Parishioners:
We celebrate, once again, the coming of God into our world to become like us, to experience everything we experience, to show what God is like, and to save us from the futility of a fragile existence. He humbled Himself, stepping down from the throne of heaven to one of the lowliest places He could go, to the life of a carpenter, a preacher, a healer of bodies and souls, and to His eventual death on a cross. The good news of His coming is made more joyous in His resurrection, His triumph over sin and death. We rejoice that the Son freely took this assignment out of love for us. Christmas shows us how much God loves us. He gave His only Son. There is no other attribute that expresses the essence of His being as revealed in Jesus better than LOVE. We, as His followers, and filled with His Spirit, are called to continue showing forth that love to all people.
Every time we reach out to someone in need, or that is hurting, - Jesus comes again into this world. Every time we break down barriers that separate – Jesus comes again. Every time we repent of our pride and our other vices – Jesus comes again. Mother Theresa said: “God has no hands but ours.” We have to give His hug to the world – so that He can come again. May Christmas have that meaning for all of us as we celebrate Christ’s coming alive again in our world.
This year has been a difficult one for all of us because of the covid-19 but in spite of the difficulties that we face the Lord tells us not to lose our faith but to grow stronger our faith. He tells us “do not be afraid I am with you always.” Thank you also for your continued financial support to our parish even in this difficult time. May God bless your generosity.
May our Lord Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, bless you, your families and loved ones at this blessed time of hope and grace.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Fr. Ron Serrao
Pastor
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Father Rich Rhinehart - Parochial Vicar |
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Greetings, As we head into this blessed week of the Nativity of our Lord, I just wanted to take an opportunity and say Thank You! Thank you for all your prayers, support, an generosity to me as I continue in this new assignment! I’m so blessed to have been assigned to this 5-parish cluster which includes my home parish of St. Peter the Fisherman. I’m very humbled and grateful! I will continue to minister as a priest the best I can to all of you as we journey together through life and faith. Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out to me for anything you may need, as I know many have helped me since I moved here last July.
A very blessed Christmas and an abundance of blessings this coming New Year to all of you, your families, and loved ones. May 2021 be a great year as we continue to fight Covid-19, pray for each other, and grow as a cluster of parishes here in the Northwoods! Please continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones or have been impacted negatively from this pandemic. Know of my continued peace, prayers, and support too!
In Christ through our Blessed Mother Mary,
Fr Rich
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Christmas
Today marks the end of the Advent season and the beginning of the Christmas season. We have lighted four candles these past four weeks and asked God to help us be present to our neighbors and friends. Now in the Christmas season we are called to be Christ in the flesh to our world.
Let us pray...
God,
you became human through the obedience
of a simple young woman named Mary.
Mary is our model of faith.
May we be faithful to your word as Mary was.
Give us the courage to face each day
with the yes that Mary gave to you.
We ask this through the incarnate God,
who comes to us again during this Christmas season.
Amen.
The Nativity of the Lord
Our hearts are aglow with the joy of Christmas! Our senses are alive with the season, from the rich smells of evergreen and gingerbread to the feel of crisp air on our skin and the warmth of a loved one’s embrace. At some point in the holiday hustle and bustle, take a few moments of quiet. In the silence, reflect on the other senses of the season. Imagine the cool damp of an animal stable, the earthy smell of hay and feed, and the crisp night air blowing in softly. Imagine kneeling beside an exhausted, joyful mother and a relieved, protective father. Imagine an infant wrapped in cloth scraps held out to your open arms. Imagine holding the infant Jesus. As his eyes meet yours, welcome into your heart the greatest gift of Christmas.
(A Cappella starts the video, Chorale is at approx. 08:30, 7th/8th Grade Choir is at approx. 12:05, and HS Jazz Ensemble is at approx. 20:51)
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Christmas Mass Times
in our cluster are as follows:
(Reservations are NOT required, please wear a mask, sanitize upon entering/leaving and maintain social distancing)
Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 24, 2020
2:30 pm - St. Kunegunda ~ Sugar Camp
3 pm - St. Theresa ~ Three Lakes
4 pm - St. Peter the Fisherman ~ Eagle River
6 pm - St. Theresa ~ Three Lakes
7 pm - St. Albert ~ Land O' Lakes
8 pm - St. Kunegunda ~ Sugar Camp (please note, no morning Mass this day)
Christmas Day
Friday, December 25, 2020
8 am - St. Mary ~ Phelps
8:30 am - St. Theresa ~ Three Lakes
10 am - St. Peter the Fisherman ~ Eagle River
10:30 am - St. Kunegunda ~ Sugar Camp
Please contact the office with questions.
715-547-3558
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Phone: (715) 547-3558
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