2nd Sunday in Lent

Discussion Questions for Reading 1 (Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18): Faith and trust go together. We believe that our God is a God of love. We can trust God with our lives. Faith means complete trust in God. What does this mean to you?  Pray today: Lord, when you call us to journey into new territories, may we, like Abram, put our faith and trust in you.  What new territories is God asking you to explore?  In every way, each new day is "new territory." How will you trust God today?
Discussion Questions for Reading 2 (Philipians 3:17-4:1):  A citizen is not a visitor, a tourist, or a guest. A citizen is someone who belongs to a particular country. Sometimes citizens of a country go to other countries to live or work. Sometimes they become citizens of their new country. Sometimes they remain citizens of their original country. Their citizenship means too much to them to change. What does being a citizen of heaven mean to you?  What are your responsibilities and privileges as a citizen of this country? 
What are your responsibilities and privileges as a citizen of heaven? 
Discussion Questions for Gospel (Luke 9:28b-36):  The disciples are awed when the voice of God confirms Jesus' identity: "This is my Son, my Chosen One." How will you honor Jesus as the Chosen One of God during Lent?  Three traditional ways are: daily prayer, fasting, and sharing with the poor (almsgiving). How can you include these three Lenten practices into your daily life?
 

http://www.webelieveweb.com/home_proclaiming_faith.cfm?reading_id=50&language=eng&book=0

Lenten Carbon Fest

Run your washing machine with only full loads.  Turn the knob on your washing machine to "cold/cold", and leave it there.  Washing your clothes in cold water gets them just as clean as washing in hot water, but uses half the energy.

(Compiled from Lenten resurces by: Tearfund, Nat'l Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Programs, Prince of Peace Luterhan Church, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rock Springs Congregational UCC, IA IPL, NC IPL, and from Green America and The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change)

Lenten Carbon Fest

Plan ahead to bring reusable bags with you when you get groceries today.  If you already use reusable grocery bags, purchase a set of reusable porduce bags for fruits and vegies. (ecobags.com)

(Compiled from Lenten resurces by: Tearfund, Nat'l Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Programs, Prince of Peace Luterhan Church, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rock Springs Congregational UCC, IA IPL, NC IPL, and from Green America and The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change)

Lenten Carbon Fest

Look to purchase locally-grown food today.  (Just Local Food is located at 1117 S Farwell St.  The next Winter Farmer's Market at L E Phillips Senior Center will be held on Saturday, March 13 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.)

(Compiled from Lenten resurces by: Tearfund, Nat'l Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Programs, Prince of Peace Luterhan Church, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rock Springs Congregational UCC, IA IPL, NC IPL, and from Green America and The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change)

Lenten Carbon Fest

Let your dishwasher breathe.  Run the dishwasher only with a full load, and skip the energy-instensive drying cycle by choosing the "air-dry" option; or just open the door overnight.

(Compiled from Lenten resurces by: Tearfund, Nat'l Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Programs, Prince of Peace Luterhan Church, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rock Springs Congregational UCC, IA IPL, NC IPL, and from Green America and The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change)

Today's Activities

There is Religious Education Classes this evening for grades 1-6 from 6:15 until 7:30.  The Make-up Retreat for grades 7 and 8 will be this evening from 5:30 until 8:00, in the school cafeteria.  High School Youth Ministry will be meeting this evening in the Loft from 7:00 until 8:30.

Lenten Carbon Fest

Be aware of your hot water use today.  Turn off the water while scrubbing dishes.  Take a shower instead of a bath, and try to take a shower that lasts half as long as usual.

(Compiled from Lenten resurces by: Tearfund, Nat'l Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Programs, Prince of Peace Luterhan Church, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rock Springs Congregational UCC, IA IPL, NC IPL, and from Green America and The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change)

Lenten Carbon Fest

If you going to be away from an appliance for over an hour, turn it off as you leave the room.  Even on an "energy-saver" setting a computer, game console or TV wastes mor eneryg when it's on than if your really turn it off.

(Compiled from Lenten resurces by: Tearfund, Nat'l Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Programs, Prince of Peace Luterhan Church, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rock Springs Congregational UCC, IA IPL, NC IPL, and from Green America and The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change)

Lenten Carbon Fest 2010

Make one of your journeys more environmentally friendly today. Could you combine two trips? Carpool rather than driving solo? Bike or walk, or take a bus or Metro, instead of driving?

(Compiled from Lenten resurces by: Tearfund, Nat'l Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Programs, Prince of Peace Luterhan Church, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rock Springs Congregational UCC, IA IPL, NC IPL, and from Green America and The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change)

week of February 21 - 27

Sunday, February 21, Faith Alive information meeting in the school cafeteria beginning at 9:45 am; Wednesday, February 24, Religious Education classes for grades 1-6 beginning at 6:15 pm and ending at 7:30 pm, Middle School Retreat Make-Up beginning at 5:30 pm and ending at approximately 8:00 pm; High School Youth Ministry will meet in "the Loft" beginning at 7:00 pm and ending at 8:30 pm.  On the Thursdays during Lent Father Konopa will be leading a series on various ways to look at the priesthood this coming Thursday, February 25, he will be presenting "Adam was a priest?!?...And all the baptized are priests?!?  beginning at 6:00 pm and ending at 7:00 pm.  

1st Sunday of Lent

Life Questions: What restores your spirit?  What tempts you to believe you are not good enough the way you are?  Tell about a place that has the power to restore you.  When do you go there?
Gospel Questions: What tests your faith in God?  How does Jesus see himself?  What does Jesus mean that people do not live on bread alone?  What do we need to live?  What words of God do you trust?

Lenten Carbon Fast - 1st Sunday of Lent

Remember you baptism today, and the power of water.  Try to conserve: Leave a bucket in the shower or kitchen sink, and collect "grey water" to water the plants.  Have a lawn or flower beds/pots?  Consider a rain barrel so you can water them with rain.

(Compiled from Lenten resurces by: Tearfund, Nat'l Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Programs, Prince of Peace Luterhan Church, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rock Springs Congregational UCC, IA IPL, NC IPL, and from Green America and The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change)

Lenten Carbon Fast

Check windows and doors for drafts with a ribbon or feather.  If it flutters, make or buy a draft dodger, or seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

(Compiled from Lenten resurces by: Tearfund, Nat'l Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Programs, Prince of Peace Luterhan Church, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rock Springs Congregational UCC, IA IPL, NC IPL, and from Green America and The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change)

Lenten Carbon Fast

Go meat-free today (as Catholics we are asked to abstain from meat on all the Fridays of Lent).  Christians have been eating less meat during Lent for generations.  Choosing meat-free meals is one of the most powerful things you can do to reduce your carbon footpring (VegDC.com)

(Compiled from Lenten resurces by: Tearfund, Nat'l Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Programs, Prince of Peace Luterhan Church, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rock Springs Congregational UCC, IA IPL, NC IPL, and from Green America and The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change)

Lenten Carbon Fast

Turn down your thermostat by at least on degree.  Aim for 68 degrees durign the day and 60 degrees at night.  Program your thermostat if you can.  Always turn the heat down when you leave home.

(Compiled from Lenten resurces by: Tearfund, Nat'l Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Programs, Prince of Peace Luterhan Church, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rock Springs Congregational UCC, IA IPL, NC IPL, and from Green America and The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change)

Ash Wednesday

Religious Education Classes are not scheduled for this evening, February 17,  so families are able to attend Mass together at 6:30 PM, for Ash Wednesday.  High School Youth Ministry begins with Mass at 6:30 and then will meet in the Loft after Mass.

Lenten Carbon Fast 2010

The Environmental Outreach Committee of the Archdiocese of Washington with help from Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light and adapting resources from Tearfund and others has developed a Lenten calendar.  Beginning today and throughout Lent I will be adding ways to this blog that you can "fast" to help the environment this Lent.  The following is a quote from Pope Benedict's Encyclical Caritas in Veitate: "The environment is God's gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsiblity towards the poor, towards, future generations and towards humanity as a whole."  As Catholic Christians we have a responsiblity to be wise stewards of God's Creation and each of us must decide how we can improve our stewardship to safeguard God's Creations now and for future generations. 
February 17 2010 - Ash Wednesday  "So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumplet before you...so that your alms may be done in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."  Mt 6:2-4 Ash Wednesday remindes us to be faithful in action even when no one is paying attention.  If we are living in Harmony with the rest of God's Creation, especially when no one is looking our households, our churches and our society will also be transformed.  Remove one light bulb from your home today and live without its light for the next 40 days.  This will decrease your energy use, and act as a reminder of your Lenten Carbon Fast.

(Compiled from Lenten resurces by: Tearfund, Nat'l Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Programs, Prince of Peace Luterhan Church, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rock Springs Congregational UCC, IA IPL, NC IPL, and from Green America and The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change)

Wednesday, February 10

Grades 1-6 have religious education this evening from 6:15 until 7:30; Grade 7 will meeting this evening from 6:00 until 7:30; 8th grade small faith groups are scheduled to meet this week and High School Youth Ministry will meet this evening from 7:00 until 8:30 in the Loft.

Middle School Make-up Retreat

The make-up retreat for those who missed their scheduled retreats in January will be Wednesday, February 24 beginning at 5:30 PM and ending at approximately 8:00 PM.  Those 8th graders who were at their retreat on Saturday, January 30th do not need to attend religious educaton that evening.

CATHOLIC YOUTH RALLY ON FEB. 27

St. Joseph, Elk Mound, is hosting a youth rally for a variety of ages on February 27th, 10 am - 8 pm at Elk Mound High School. Participants will be divided into three groups: Group 1 - Up to 4th Grade; Group 2 - 5th - 8th Grade; Group 3 - High school
   Parents are welcome to stay and share the day with their child/children. In fact, families are encouraged to spend this day together. Vince Hall will visit St. Olaf on Sunday, February 7, after the 10:30 Mass to give a 15 minute presentation in the Parish Center to answer your questions.   At the rally, lunch and dinner are provided.  There will be time for the children to unwind with some swimming, basketball, volleyball, or just some quiet time. There will be opportunities for Eucharistic adoration and confession and Benediction prior to Mass at 7:00 pm.  All children must be registered, either prior to that day or at the door, and will have to be signed out by a parent or pre-arranged representative.  If you can't make it for the whole day feel free to come for as long as you can.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact Nikki Hall (715-879-5015; thehalls@isp.com), especially if you can't make the information session.  Featured speakers include: Pat & Andrew Brueggan, Sr. Marguerite Cook, Fr. Brian Konopa, Deacon Thomas Kinnick, and Fr. Joseph Hirsch.

February 7 - 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 - Isaiah 6:1-8; Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Gospel - Luke 5:1-11
Discussion Questions for Reading 1: God's providence sends us little and big challenges. How do you meet them? Do you say, "Oh, God, do I have to?" or do you say, "Here I am, God. Send me!" Sometimes life is like a game. When the ball comes your way, isn't it your instinct to hit it, kick it, catch it, or do whatever the game requires you to do with the ball? When God sends a "ball" (a new responsibility, a new challenge, a little annoyance) your way, get in there and say, "Here I am, God. I got it!" God does not ask that you handle every ball perfectly. Like a good coach, he just wants you to try. And you do not do this alone. You are part of a team. Who will you ask for help when you need it?  Discussion Questions for Reading 2: Have you ever seen a picture or an icon of the resurrection? Usually it shows Jesus in blazing white robes, surrounded by light. The picture is trying to tell us that Jesus is alive and full of light and love. His new life is now more "alive" that his earthly life was. He is no longer confined to his human body. His life and love can be, and are, anywhere and everywhere. How do we "see" the resurrection of Jesus today? Where do we find his light, life, and love? Where is the living Jesus today? How can we be witnesses to his resurrection?  Discussion Questions for Gospel: For Peter, this catch was a wonderful surprise. He was so overwhelmed that he said to Jesus, in effect, "This is too much! I shouldn't be hanging around with someone like you!" When have you been wonderfully surprised by God? How did you feel? When Jesus says, "Do not be afraid," he is preparing Peter for what is to come. "You think this is something?" Jesus could have said. "What until you see all the good we can do for God's people!" So Peter left everything and became a disciple.

http://www.webelieveweb.com/home_proclaiming_faith.cfm?reading_id=43&language=eng&book=0


You are a disciple. How can you "leave everything" to follow Jesus in prayer and service this week?

Growing in Love - Fertility Appreciation Workshop

Discover SIX sure-fire ways parents and their children can maintain and strengthen healthy, fulfilling relationships during the growing years that are based on God's love rather than today's societal messages.

March 3rd from 6:15 - 8:30 PM

Sacred Heart Hospital Community Auditorium

Presented by: Alice & Jeff Heinzen--Director and Coordinator for NFP, Diocese of La Crosse, Office of Family Life. This evening's presentation will allow parents to share the beauty of Catholic Christian sexuality with their children. The program will:

• respect the role of parents as primary educators in matters of human sexuality
• address changes that occur during puberty as well as the importance of keeping the changing body healthy in gender specific settings
• provide materials to help parents discuss puberty and the beauty of sexuality at home.

Families with children in Grades 4 through 7 are encouraged to attend this workshop. Parents should determine their child's readiness based on either their physical development or the questions the child is asking. Typically, girls between ages of 10-15 and boys between 11-16 should attend.

RSVP Requested 715-717-1600

Week of February 7 - 13

Sunday, February 7 Faith Alive Orientation 9:45 in the school cafeteria and Super Bowl Sunday!  Monday, February 8 Date Night - Theology of the Body with Fr. Konopa.  Wednesday, February 10 Religious Education Classes for Grades 1-6 beginning at 6:15 PM and ending at 7:30 PM and Grade 7 beginning at 6:00 PM and ending at 7:30 PM.  High School Youth Ministry will meet beginning at 7:00 PM and ending at 8:30 PM.  Friday, February 12 St. Olaf Men's Club Fish Fry, beginning at 4:00 PM and ending at 7:00 PM.  Light of the World Retreat will begin at 5:30 PM, continue on Saturday the 13th & end on Sunday the 14th.

Wednesday February 3rd

The Lion's Club Wild Game Feed is taking place in the parish center beginning tat 5:00 PM watch for traffic as you pick up and drop off your children for Religious Education Classes: grades 1-6 will begin at 6:15 PM and end at 7:30 PM; grade 8 will begin at 6:00 PM and end at 7:30 PM.  High School Youth Ministry will meet from 7:00 until 8:30 in Meeting room 2.