PARISH STAFF 788-5483

Rev. Brian D. Konopa ext. 7 Pastor frkonopa@mmoclacrosse.org

Rev. Mr. Richard Sage ext. 8 Deacon rsage@mmoclacrosse.org

Sr. Kathy Stuttgen, FSPA ext. 5 Ministry with the Elderly and Sick kathy@mmoclacrosse.org

Therese van Oss ext. 4 Religious Education and Pastoral Minister tvanoss@mmoclacrosse.org

Andy Foley ext.6 Buildings and Grounds afoley@mmoclacrosse.org

Mary Jo Lium ext.9 Sacred Music mjlium@mmoclacrosse.org

Holly Gorman ext.3 Finance Assistant finance@mmoclacrosse.org

Rose Wegner ext.2 Parish Secretary secretary@mmoclacrosse.org

AQUINAS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Ted Knutson 784-8585 President

Patty Gallagher-Kosmatka 782-5998 Principal, Cathedral School

Kate Moll 782-5564 Principal, Blessed Sacrament School

Angela Koblitz 783-5483 Principal, St. Patrick School, Onalaska

Denise Ring Principal, Aquinas Middle School 784-0156

Principal, Aquinas High School 784-0287

2006 Weston St. La Crosse WI 54601 (608) 788-5483 mmoclacrosse.org mmoc.blog mmoc.mobi

OUR MISSION

Mary, Mother of the Church parishioners are called to be the

People of God, formed by the Holy Word and nourished by

the Holy Eucharist. We joyfully share our faith and gifts of time,

talent, and treasure. We are committed to serve all God's people in the building of the

Kingdom.

MASS TIMES Saturday Vigil 4pm Sunday 8am & 10am Tuesday–Friday 7:30am

CONFESSIONS Saturday 3:15-3:45 or by appointment.

Contact the parish office to register, schedule a baptism, schedule a wedding (six months notice required), and to request the Sacrament of the Sick.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS Tuesday–Friday 8am-3pm

FINANCE OFFICE HOURS Tuesday–Thursday 8am-Noon

SCRIP Scrip is sold before and after all week-end Masses and in the parish office on Fridays from 8am-3pm. BULLETIN DEADLINE Requests are due to the office by Mon-day in written format.

November 21, 2021

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Pandemic Spacing When public Masses began, churches were spac-ing every-other-pew but we were able to space eve-ry-third-pew due to the size of our church. As our attendance grew, we transitioned to every-other-pew with the encouraging news that other churches were not reporting spreading events. Later on, as parishes removed their ropes to ac-commodate the growing numbers, we did this in one section only. Again, we haven’t heard of breakouts here or abroad. The “open section” has been filling, especially at the 10 AM Mass. Additionally, the “roped sections” are not always utilized the best because people pre-fer to sit at the ends of the pews and not use the middle. This weekend the “roped sections” only have ropes in the front pews. People who wish this con-trolled spacing, please arrive a little earlier and sit in the front half of church. In those areas without ropes, people are still encouraged to space (i.e. stagger) as possible. Our new ventilation system will remain running for clean air. We also have ion generators operating to purify the air which is pulled out of the church and mixed with fresh, outdoor air. Every October, the Diocese asks parishes for a Mass Count over 4 weekends. Our average number of attendees this year: 4 PM Mass: 212 people 8 AM Mass: 198 people 10 AM Mass: 244 people Some people may want to use this information in selecting a Mass to attend.

Thanksgiving Mass Time Thursday, November 25 at 9:00 AM. Let us come together to give thanks to God! (There will be no Mass Friday, November 26.) All liturgical positions need to be filled for this Mass. Go to www.mmoclacrosse.org and click on the Ministry Scheduler link at the top of the page, or call Rose at 788-5483, ext. 2.

Parish Office Hours Open Tues. and Wed. 8am-3pm; closed Thurs. (Thanksgiving Day) and Fri. Scrip will be available for purchase Wed., Nov. 24 from 8am-3pm.

Angel Tree 2021 The tree is up and decorated with angels. As in the past, each angel has a dollar amount attached. You have the opportunity to donate cash or check, or purchase scrip of your choice in that amount and place in the box. All angels and dona-tions need to be turned in by December 5. This pro-ject is designed to help Catholic Charities provide for families in need during the Christmas season. Thank you for always being so generous.

Church Decorating The parish needs someone to take the lead in decorating our church for the liturgi-

cal seasons (mainly Christmas and Holy Week/Easter). The current lead volunteer is willing to train and assist in responsibilities such as organizing li-turgical cloths and coordinating volunteers to ensure that the church is decorated (and undecorated) in a timely manner. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Father Konopa at 608-788-5483 x7 or frkonopa@mmoclacrosse.org.

Parish Social Join us Thursday, December 2 af-ter the 7:30 am Mass in the Parish Hall for coffee, conversation and fellowship.

Advent Penance Services December 1 at MMOC at 4PM (with Gr. 3-5) and 7PM (with Gr. 6-8). All adults are welcome!

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception This holy day of obligation will have Masses offered on Wed., Dec. 8 at 7:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM.

Liturgical Ministers Needed Many liturgical posi-tions need to be filled for the Immaculate Concep-tion on Wed., Dec. 8 including Sacristans, Ministers of Holy Communion, Greeters, Gift Bearers, and Servers. Please consider filling in if you are availa-ble. Go to www.mmoclacrosse.org and click on the Ministry Scheduler link at the top of the page, or call

Rose at 788-5483, ext. 2.

NEEDED: Sacristans Volunteers are needed to prepare the sacred vessels before Mass, tend to them afterward, and give attention to a variety of other items. Generosity of time and the ability to manage the sanctuary steps are requirements. Sac-ristans arrive for Mass about 20+ minutes before-hand and remain an additional 15 minutes after-ward. As with all liturgical ministries, training is of-fered until there is a level of comfort. Scheduling needs are respected; for example, volunteers choose their Mass preference, can “block off” week-ends they are unavailable, and can request substi-tutes when less timely events arise. All three week-end Masses need volunteers. Please contact Rose, Parish Secretary at 788-5483 x 2.

Christmas Mass Times Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 at 2pm, 4pm & 6pm Christmas Day, Dec. 25 at 9am

During the pandemic, Bishop Callahan is granting an early start for Christmas Eve Masses to accom-modate the increased interest to attend Mass for Christmas while encouraging physical distancing.

Welcomed to the Waters of Baptism Congratulations to Boden James Westpfahl who was baptized on November 13, 2021. We welcome you to God’s family with great joy!

Family Life

Mary Mother of the Church

Christmas Flower Donation We are receiving do-nations toward the purchase of flowers and decora-tions in memory of a loved one or as a gift. You can use the flower envelope in your November/December packet or use a blank envelope with your dona-tion and the name of the person(s) you would like to memorialize. A list of those who are honored and remem-bered will appear in a January bulletin.

Plan Ahead For The Holidays As Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Christmas ap-proach, please plan ahead for your Scrip purchases for all your shop-ping, baking, decorating and gift buying needs. Purchase scrip in the

parish office on Fridays from 8am-3pm and before/after all weekend Masses. You can also buy scrip online, please call Holly in the office for all the details 788-5483, ext. 3.

Holy Hour for Life On Wed., Dec. 1 there will be Eucharistic Adoration after the 7:30 AM Mass. On this day the Supreme Court will hear the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Wom-en’s Health which represents the best chance we have seen to overturn Roe v. Wade. It revolves around a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks.

40th Annual La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner In the past, our parish answered the need for green beans and punch. This year we will provide $400 from Works of Charity due to the abundance of funds in response to feeding the homeless campers at Houska Park.

Help Afghan Refugees Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse is do-ing incredible work assisting thousands of Afghan refugees at Ft. McCoy, near Tomah. Find out how you can help by volunteering or donating. Vis-it cclse.org/afghanistan-refugee-assistance.

Warming Center November 28 meals and milk provided by: Dianne Hoffman and her group; Jolene Goodman and Sarah Kopski. Food is delivered to the Warming Center at 413 South 3rd St. by 6:00 PM on Sunday.

New Comic Book "Champion of the Poor" is based on the life and work of Father Joe Walijewski. This action-packed, full-color comic book biography tells the inspiring life sto-ry of Father Joe Walijewski, priest of the Diocese of La Crosse and founder of the Casa Hogar orphan-age in Peru. From his days as an impressionable young boy in Michigan, where he discovered a

Requiescant in Pace Please pray for the re-pose of the soul of Jim Thornton. Our prayers and sincere sympathy are extended to the families and friends who mourn their loss. Eternal rest grant onto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Thanksgiving Break Just a friendly reminder, there will be NO CLASS for K-5, Edge and LifeTeen on Wednesday, November 24th. Happy Thanksgiving!

Classes resume for K-5, Edge, and Life Teen on Wednesday, December 1st.

An Evening with St. Nicholas On Monday, Dec. 6, at 6:00 – 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall, we will celebrate an Evening with St. Nicholas. The festivi-ties will begin with singing, St. Nicho-las will arrive to read a story to the chil-dren, and the evening will conclude

with crafts and treats. All parish children from ages 3 through 7 (1st Grade) are invited to participate…other siblings are also welcomed for the conven-ience of families. Parents are requested to stay and enjoy the evening with their children. No reserva-tions are needed. Any parent or teenager who wish-es to assist with the event please contact Therese van Oss: 788.5483 ext. 4. St. Nicholas hopes to see you there!

Cookie Walk Volunteers Needed Mary Mother of the Church Cookie Walk will be held December 11, 7:30-1:00. Makers of every kind are needed. If you are a cookie maker; a candy, bread, pie maker or soup and chili maker, please stop in and add your name to the sign-up sheets in the back of church.

Raffle Baskets and furniture will be on display and tickets go on sale in the Parish Hall hallway begin-ning this weekend. Raffles include:

3 handmade solid oak rockers (toddler, youth and adult). Raise Your Glass wine basket featuring 3 bottles of wine, 4 glasses, kitchen tow-el, wine opener, cheese/wine book, Go-diva chocolates and $25 Festival gift card.

Staycation basket featuring 2 family games, collecti-ble doll, My Arcade handheld gaming system, wine rack with mini bottles of wine, truffles and $25 gift cards to Bath & Body Works and Domino's pizza. Mystery Box featuring ??? and valued at $250. Raffle tickets are $1 each, 6 for $5, 12 for $10. Drawing at the Cookie Walk (you do not need to be present to win).

Social Justice

Religious Education

PCCW

November 21, 2021 unique call to the priesthood, to his daring adventures as a missionary in South America, readers are im-mersed into the heroic actions of a courageous Champion of the Poor. $6.99 copies can be pur-chased at voyagecomics.com/fatherjoe/

Diocesan Annual Appeal Each household should have received a mailing seeking financial support for the work of the broader church. Take some time to read the impact of our Church and ask the Holy Spirit how you can provide. The target goal for our parish is $106,530. Thank you!

St. Joseph Cathedral PCCW Christmas Bazaar Sat., Dec. 4 in the Undercroft 8 - 2 pm. Handmade greeting cards, gifts, crafts and raffle. All baked goods will be pre-packaged and ready to give as a

gift. A mask is suggested but not required.

As we approach the end of the Church year our read-ings turn towards themes surrounding the end of the world and that can get us thinking about the last things. In his talk, “The Four Last Things”, Fr. Mike Schmitz tackles four very difficult topics, Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell. Listen to this talk and begin to answer the question "What happens when die?”

Blessed are all who hope in the Lord.

- Psalm 1

Liturgical Roles: November 27-28

Community Events

FORMED.org

Minister of Holy Communion

4:00 p.m. Joseph van Oss (Deacon) Dave Imhoff, Nancy Imhoff

8:00 a.m. Karen Nordstrom (Deacon) Mary Jo Schumacher, OPEN

10:00 a.m. Barbara Hauke (Deacon) Lori Hammes, Shannon Klar, OPEN

Lector

4:00 p.m. Linda Gillette, Joseph van Oss

8:00 a.m. Nancy Steinhoff, Bob Mahr

10:00 a.m. Sally Egan, Bill Brendel

Server

4:00 p.m. Madison Schlegel, Sue Ernster

8:00 a.m. Ryann Klar, Lincoln Stanek

10:00 a.m. Elie Klar, Marcus Klar

Cantor

4:00 p.m. Nancy Misch

8:00 a.m. Sara Groetsch

10:00 a.m. Sunday Choir

Musician

4:00 p.m. Mary Jo Lium

8:00 a.m. Mary Jo Lium

10:00 a.m. Mary Jo Lium

Sacristan

4:00 p.m. OPEN

8:00 a.m. Kerry Groetsch

10:00 a.m. Carol Forer

Gift Bearer

4:00 p.m. Maggie Bell, George Bell

8:00 a.m. Michael Lium, OPEN

10:00 a.m. Phil Klar, Nick Hammes

Greeter

4:00 p.m. Steve Schaub, Kevin Moyle, Larry Weibel, Arian Arens, Mary Schaub, Mike Weissenberger, Patrick Hogan, Lead-OPEN

8:00 a.m. Deke Stanek, Sandy Pitsch, Dave Lawrence, Mary Lawrence, Erica Stanek, Brian Logue, Cindy Klar, Lead-Bob Klar

10:00 a.m. Trisha Stratman, Chuck Berendes, Jon Mason, Gabriella Stratman, Charlotte Berendes, Riley Klar, OPEN, Lead-Lisa Doering

Scrip Seller

4:00 p.m. Heidi Schlegel, Dee Sauer

8:00 a.m. Mary Genz, Sue Moyle

10:00 a.m. Sheri Skelton, Sue Pretasky

Finance

As of Nov. 12, 2021

November 21, 2021

Weekly Mass Intentions Tuesday, November 23, 2021 7:30 AM Int. for Larry and Colleen Weibel by Kelly Schmitz, John Weibel, Katie Pacicki Wednesday, November 24, 2021 7:30 AM † Rita Nowicki by Nowicki Family Thursday, November 25, 2021 Thanksgiving 9:00 AM † Jim Arens by The Family Friday, November 26, 2021 No Mass Saturday, November 27, 2021 4:00 PM † George and Josephine Nachtigal by George and MaryJo Schumacher Sunday, November 28, 2021 8:00 AM Pro Populo 10:00 AM † Jerome and Colleen Papacek by Friedman Family

The Rosary is prayed before each weekday Mass Tuesday through Friday beginning at 7:05 am.

Thanksgiving Prayer

Loving God, we thank you this day for our many blessings, and we ask for the grace to be thankful

even when times are hard.

When we have plenty, help us to serve those who go without.

When we are healthy, help us to care for those who are sick.

When we have comfort, help us to comfort those who suffer.

Thank you, God for what we have, and please move us to

compassion, prayer and action to help those who are in need.

Please bless all our loved ones who cannot be with us today, and

bless us and the food we are about to receive.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Building Our Future Together Whenever we gather in prayer, we offer praise and thanksgiving to almighty God. In so many ways and times, the Lord has blessed us with His love and mer-cy. Truly, God is good…always!

Since the earliest days of the United States there have been days set aside for a Thanksgiving ob-servance. As children we learned of the pilgrims and their first Thanksgiving celebration in October, 1621. Throughout the early years of the republic there were Thanksgivings but they may have been held on differ-ent dates and different times during the year … or in some years, not observed at all. In 1863, President Lincoln established the observance of Thanksgiving to be on the last Thursday of November. In his proclama-tion, Lincoln cited many wonderful gifts that are re-ceived from God and concluded with these words: “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out any of these great things. They are the gra-cious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remem-bered mercy.” Since Lincoln’s proclamation in 1863, Thanksgiving has been observed annually in the Unit-ed States. In 1941, Congress passed a bill making the date of Thanksgiving a matter of federal law and fixing the day as the fourth Thursday of November.

In this weekend before Thanksgiving, we prayerfully remember all of our dedicated and generous parishion-ers who have worked, sacrificed and prayed to bring us this far into Phase IV of our Master Plan. We look for-ward to completing Phase IV in 2022 and we continue to be most grateful to God who has truly blessed the work of our hands. Through the intercession of Mary, our Mother may God’s grace sustain us as we continue to Build Our Future Together.

During this season of Thanksgiving, let us become more aware, throughout each day, of the things for which we can be thankful, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Wishing all the deer hunters a safe and happy hunt!

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La Crosse Backhoe La Crosse Backhoe Services, Inc.Services, Inc.

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1501 West Ave. S • LaCrosse, WI Catholic Identity Since 1929

A Full Service CPA Firm • Tax Planning & Preparation

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Casual Dining With Quality Food & Spirits“A La Crosse Tradition Since 1955”

3119 State Rd788-5110

BagniefskiHeating & air Conditioning

• Sales • Service • Installation Hometown Proud Dealer for

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Because we understand the healing values of faith and tradition.

Dickinson Family Funeral Homes & crematorywww.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com

La Crosse • Onalaska • Holmen Brian & Bridget, Parishioners

ONALASKA LACROSSE LA CRESCENT 907 Sand Lake Rd 200 West Ave S 111 So. Oak St. 782-1252 782-1252 895-2518

LACKORE ELECTRIC MOTOR REPAIRFactory Service Station For:

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Paul Gale - Owner 782-7635Over 35 Years of Experience

“Setting the Standard”

Commercial • Residential • IndustrialScott Kainz, Parishioner (608) 386-0575

Wisconsin State Certified Master Electrician Fully Insured

Earl L. Bonsack, Inc.Driving nice since 1963

‘Living the Dream’

Dan’s shoe RepaiRServing You Since 1935608-782-3775 • dansshoerepairlax.com112 5th Ave. N. • La Crosse, WI 54601

Ron Hammes Refrigeration

788-3110 24 HR. SERVICE

REFRIGERATION SALES & SERVICE

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Ron

Hammes

5416 S. 33rd. Street La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601608-788-6800

Member SIPC

Mike Wintheiser, Financial Advisor 3208 State Rd. La Crosse, WI 54601 608-433-9859 www.edwardjones.com

New Construction Remodel • Repair

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Compliments Of

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PURVEYORS OF FINE MEATS AND SEAFOOD

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Joseph Kotnour, DDS

Investments • Trust • Since 1913 www.trustpointinc.com

Better Hearing is Better Living

Call 608-527-0573 for a free book about living with hearing loss

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