TO THE FAITHFUL OF OUR PASTORATE,
On January 8 we celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord! The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that when Catholics are baptized “the sign of the cross, on the threshold of the celebration, marks with the imprint of Christ the one who is going to belong to him and signifies the grace of the Redemption Christ won for us by his cross” (CCC 1235). Each time we make the sign of the cross we remember that we belong to Christ. Therefore, I present to you a proposal for a potential new name for our soon to be formed parish: Holy Cross Parish. The Holy Cross is the pivotal moment of Christianity, where the ultimate sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ bursts froth for all times and ages. It is here the redemption of humanity is won. Adopting the name Holy Cross Parish would not only honor this crucial event in our faith but also serve as a constant reminder of what being a parish is about and to where our Christian lives direct. Here are a few reasons why Holy Cross Catholic Parish could be a fitting name for our community: Spiritual Significance The Holy Cross is THE symbol of Christianity, representing love, redemption, and the triumph of good over evil. Hardship of some kind is inherent to the human condition, but the Holy Cross reveals that God’s grace takes the poor, broken things of this world—even the foulest, like an ignominious cross— and transforms them into something radiant and new. The Cross/Crucifixion was considered by the pagan Romans to be one of the most humiliating ways of death possible, reserved for the most abject of criminals. Now, to men and women of faith, it becomes a glorious Thing, a marvelous Sacrament of Victory over the very Evil which seems to triumph the moment that Jesus dies. And this is exactly the hope we need as we begin this new journey together as one parish. Unity in the Cross The Holy Cross is about unity. First, unity and reconciliation with the Father. This Tree repairs the sin of the ancient garden and gives us access to the life of the Father. That we can undoubtedly come to know our God in a deep and personal way. And second unity with each other. The Holy Cross is what was marked on each of our heads on the day of our baptism. It is with the Cross that we begin and end our prayers. It is with the Cross that we are forgiven our sins and anointed when sick. And blessed are we if when we die, we have a Cross before our eyes or in our hands. The Cross will remain at the center of things though all history. Therefore, this is a fitting name as the Holy Cross is what unites churches, parishes, dioceses, men and women around the world into the universal and saving mission and message of the Catholic Church. This name, while respecting our three individual churches (Christ the King, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Patrick) and their respective histories, also reminds us how and why we are united in the first place. None of our previous parishes would have ever existed if it wasn't for the Cross. Mission Just as the cross represents the transformative power of faith, adopting the name Holy Cross Parish would symbolize a new chapter for our community—a period of renewal, growth, and deepened commitment to evangelization. Just as the Holy Cross is a sign of God's love; a sign of God's salvation; a sign for us of our hope of everlasting life, it is equally a sign of our responsibility to proclaim God’s love, salvation, hope, and everlasting life to all the souls in this soon to be parish. Process To recap, we have presented Archangels Parish, and now Holy Cross Parish. In the three weeks to come weeks we will present three more potential names of our new parish, with an opportunity for your participation in ranking and feedback. After that we will present, by Ash Wednesday, three names to Bishop Hying for his consideration and ultimate selection. Thank you for your discernment of this new parish name. Please visit this link and see this video for further reflection on the Holy Cross, as one could never say enough! To the One who has died for us, but who we know lives forever, be all honor and thanksgiving, now, and forever. Watch for an e-note and the bulletin next weekend for information regarding the third potential name of “St. Joseph the Worker Parish.” Fr. Chad M. Droessler |
Updates
Welcome to our Pastorate! Welcome to our newest member, Robert Toomey!
Knights of Columbus
Read the recent happenings within Our Lady of the Green Scapular Council. Confessional Space at St. Patrick There is a new confessional space at St. Patrick Church. It’s in the coat room for the time being. This is to ensure that the rite due to the penitent for privacy is respected, and the integrity of the seal of the confessional is upheld.
SVdP Thank You!
Thank you for the gifts in support of the SVdP Little Drummer Program this past Christmas. Click here for a letter from Julie Bennett, CEO & Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Madison.
Overnight Eucharistic Adoration
Adore the Lord at IHM Church. Sign up here. 8pm Jan 31 - 8am Feb 1.
IHM School Enrollment
It is enrollment time at IHM School (early childhood - 8th grade) for the 2024-25 school year. Priority Application for NEW students who are parishioners of Pastorate 26 or siblings of current students runs through Feb. 7. After Feb. 7, enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Begin enrollment by filling out this form.
Open House: come to our school Open House on Jan. 28, 11:30am-1pm to see our school, meet school families and staff, and to get your questions answered!
2024 Fish Fries
IHM: February 16, March 1 & 15 Dine In: 5-7:30pm & Carry Out: 4:30-7pm St. Patrick: February 23 & March 22 Dine In & Carry Out: 4:30-7pm Catholic Herald Subscription It's time to renew your Catholic Herald newspaper. The cost is $23/year. This is the nominal charge for all who would like a subscription. There are forms in the back of church. |
Events
St. Patrick Pancake Breakfast
The Knights of Columbus Council 7775 of St. Patrick is sponsoring an all you can eat pancake breakfast on Jan. 14, 8:30-11:30am at St. Patrick Church in Cottage Grove. Proceeds will go to the Cottage Grove Food Pantry.
Jesus and the Eucharist Bible Study
Pastorate 26 will be hosting a Study of the biblical roots of the Eucharist as part of the National Eucharistic revival. The seven-part Study will be held on Mondays, beginning Jan. 15, from 6:30-8:45pm at CTK. Sign up here. Contact Sandy Bakk or Chris Speece with questions.
Prayer/Adoration Night
Jan. 17 in IHM Marian Hall at 6pm. One of our priests will share a bit about how they pray in their own personal prayer time. Afterward, we'll have time to pray in Eucharistic Adoration accompanied by some prayerful music!
Luke House - January
The churches within our pastorate prepare and serve meals at the Luke House. Food donations and volunteers to serve the food are needed. Sign up here. CTK: Jan. 16 & 29, STP: Jan. 17, IHM: Jan 24.
Annual Benefit Dinner + Dance
Jan. 26 at Barnwood Events WI: 3230 Larsen Rd, Madison, WI 53711. The silent auction opens for bidding on Jan. 15 and will remain open until 8pm on Jan. 26! Even if you can't be with us in person, you will be able to fully participate in the silent auction from home!
Euchre Night at CTK
Christ the King Men’s Club is hosting a Euchre Night on Jan. 28. Gather at 6:30pm, play 7pm - 9pm. Open to all adults, couples and singles welcome. $5/person.
Retrouvaille
Is your marriage tearing you apart? Find help through Retrouvaille, (ret-tro-vi), where husbands and wives are helped to re-discover each other. There is hope and grace. Madison’s upcoming program is Jan. 26-28 at the Green Lake Conference Center. Visit here for more info.
Women's Retreat to Holy Hill
Women of Pastorate 26 are you desiring to grow in holiness? Do you desire to have more time with God? You are invited to a Silent Retreat at Holy Hill, March 14-16. Space is limited! Click for details and to sign up before Feb. 15. Questions: call Patti Schmelzer at 608-334-0968.
Pancake Breakfast at CTK
Christ the King Men’s Club is hosting an all you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast on Feb. 11, 8am-12pm. Details here.
Iconography Workshop
Master Iconographer Drazen Dupor of Madison will guide participants through a step-by-step process of painting the icon of the Scared Heart of Mary. No experience required. Feb 16-18, register here.
Christian Experience Weekend (CEW)
CEW is an opportunity to leave your busy world behind for a couple of days to reflect on your relationship with God and others. Women's weekend: Feb. 16-18, Men's weekend: March 1-3. Details here.
Healing from Abortion
Whether recent or many years ago, Rachel’s Vineyard retreats offer hope and peace for anyone, women or men who have struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain after abortion. Upcoming retreat: March 15-17. Confidential and private. Contact Mary at 608-821-3177, or [email protected] or visit their website. |
Mass Intentions
Monday Jan 15
7:30am-STP: Intention designated by Celebrant Tuesday Jan 16 7:30am-CTK: Intention designated by Celebrant 8:30am-IHM: † James Mead Wednesday Jan 17 7:30am-STP: † Harold Handel 8:30am-IHM: Intention designated by Celebrant Thursday Jan 18 7:30am-CTK: † Mary Ellen Peterman 8:30am-IHM: † Bob Duffey Friday Jan 19 7:30am-STP: Intention designated by Celebrant 8:30am-IHM: † David Weaver Saturday Jan 20 9am-IHM: Intention designated by Celebrant 4pm-STP: People of Pastorate 26 5pm-CTK: † Dave Showers Sunday Jan 21 7:30am-IHM: Intention designated by Celebrant 9am-STP: Intention of Mary Hebert 9am-CTK: † Merl VanderHeinden 10:30am-IHM: † Dineen Grow |
Give Your “First Fruits” Back to God
To Parish..........5% To Diocese.......1% To Charities......4% |