Weekly E-bulletin 10.6.24

This weekend, I want to again express my heartfelt gratitude for the generous response to our stewardship appeal. To date, we’ve received $76,618 in new gift commitments, along with many offers to volunteer and pray. It’s inspiring to see that 105 families have already contributed.

The theme of "gift" can beautifully weave together this weekend's Gospel reading and our call to stewardship. God makes a gift of Himself to us in countless ways, and we, in turn, are called to reflect that gift in various aspects of our lives. Marriage and family life are powerful examples—within the love we share with our spouse and children, we witness a reflection of God’s own generosity.

As part of our stewardship journey, this weekend we will host a commitment weekend. Let us ask for the grace to live out this spirit of generosity, becoming instruments of God’s love and grace in the world. Whether through our time, talents, or financial resources, we are invited to make a concrete commitment in response to God’s gift of Himself in our lives.

With gratitude and prayer for you,

The first Stella Maris Children's Choir Mass will take place this Sunday, Oct 6 at St. Patrick. Children (K-8) who wish to sing should arrive at 8am for rehearsal in the parish center and will sing at the 9am Mass. Details here. Young ladies are invited to stay afterwards for the first Filiae Mariae meeting.

St. Benedict Parish
Read a note of sincere thanks from Fr. Abdon Mapendo, pastor of our sister parish of St. Benedict in Tanzania HERE.

Knights of Columbus Sept Newsletter
Read the recent happenings within Our Lady of the Green Scapular Council HERE.

CTK SVdP Meeting
The next meeting of the CTK Conference, Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be held on Sun., Oct. 13 at 10:15am in the CTK St. Ann's room. This meeting is open to anyone from Stella Maris who would like to learn more about our group and visit with the CTK members. SVdP is a Catholic lay organization that leads women and men to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are in need, suffering or forgotten. We welcome new members! Contact Vince Wagner with questions 608-561-7123.

St. Anne's Society Bake Sale
St. Anne's will be hosting a bake sale after all Masses Oct. 19 & 20. All women of the pastorate are invited to donate items (cookies, bread, bars, or jellies/jams) which can be dropped off prior to Mass at any of the 3 churches. If you are interested in helping sell items the day of the event, please contact Teri. St. Anne's will be donating a portion of the profits from this sale to Stella Maris Pastorate toward purchasing vestments to be used by visiting or newly ordained priests. Thanks for your support. Teri Kuntzsch 608-206-5144.

SVdP Bundle Sunday Clothing Drive 
The St. Vincent de Paul fall/winter clothing drive is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 26 & 27. Donation bags will be handed out after all Masses at IHM, SP and CTK on Oct. 19 & 20. Bags with your donations (clothing, shoes, accessories and linens) can be brought back the following weekend, Oct. 26 & 27. Volunteers will be available in the parking lots of each church to accept your donations. This is a great chance to clean out your closets before winter. Thank you in advance for your support.

Mass Intentions
Mass intentions can be requested for a person who is living or deceased, for a celebration, in thanksgiving, as well as special intentions. Submit online.

The first meeting of Filiae Mariae will be Oct. 6 after the 9am Mass at St. Patrick from 10:30am-12:30pm. Filiae Mariae of Stella Maris is a community in which young women learn to serve the Church through friendship, prayer, formation, workshops, and games. Lunch is provided. More info here.

Mass of Hope and Healing with Bishop Hying
Sunday, Oct. 6 at 1pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. For anyone grieving the loss of children through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, abortion, stillbirth, or infant death. Questions? Contact Mary

Sign up to be a prayer/peaceful witness at Madison Planned Parenthood Clinic at 3706 Orin Rd. Mondays 6-8pm. Details here.

Oct. 9 - Prayer/Adoration Night - meet in IHM Marian Hall at 6pm. All are invited!

Moms Coffee Hour
Second Saturdays of the month; next meeting Oct. 12, 9:30am-10:45am. Meet in IHM narthex after 9am Mass. Details here. Contact: Avarie Roser

High School Youth Group
Help serve food to those in need on Oct. 15, 5:30 - 6:30pm! Meet us at the Luke House (310 S Ingersoll St, Madison, WI 53703) or reach out to Tony / 608-291-5065 if your teen needs transportation. On Oct. 19, join for nighttime fun at Schuster’s Farm 6:15pm-10pm (haunted forest, corn maze, bonfire & live music). Please RSVP and see all the details here.

The churches within our pastorate prepare and serve meals at the Luke House. Food donations and volunteers to serve the food are needed. CTK: Oct 15 & 30, SP: Oct 16 & IHM: Oct. 23

Trunk or Treat
Join the annual trunk or treat event on Oct. 25 from 5-7:30pm in the IHM school parking lot. Sign up if you'd like to decorate your trunk, bring a food item or help with the event.

Rosary Rallies for Religious Freedom
CTK outdoor Marian Garden, Thursdays through Oct 31, 6-7pm. Bring a chair. Dress appropriately for the weather. More info here, or contact Julie, 715-862-2523.

Hurting from Abortion?
Find hope, healing and mercy at a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat. No matter how long it’s been, Rachel’s Vineyard retreats offer hope and peace for anyone (women or men) who struggles with emotional or spiritual pain after abortion. Next retreats: Nov. 8 - 10 & March 28 - 30, 2025. Register at madisondiocese.org/rachel. Questions: Mary / 608-821-3177. Confidentiality is assured.