St. Joseph &

Sts. Peter & Paul

Catholic Churches

Seventh Sunday

of Easter

May 24, 2020

A word from our Priest Friends , Peace be with you. I hope you are all doing well and feeling okay. The good news is that I’m starting to see instructions from both the Archbishop and the other bishops in Iowa for what Mass will look like when we are allowed to have it with more than 10 people in church. The bad news is that, as of the writing of this bulletin column, it’s still not clear when that will happen. The Archbishop continues to say that it is an indefinite suspension. So we continue to wait. We all wait for instructions on how we can celebrate as a parish family again. I hope you are waiting in hope! For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been highlighting some of the stories that are being portrayed in our stained glass windows. Last week, I featured two of the windows at Sts. Peter and Paul Church on the tradition/east side of the church. This week, I’d like to continue with the five windows on the scripture/west side of the church.

Let’s start in the front of church, next to the musicians with this image, showing the interaction of Jesus and Joseph. Jesus is carrying a T-square and a yardstick, held in such a way that seems to form a cross. He looks to his father, Joseph, as though he is struggling to bring them to him. Even as a child, he is bearing the weight of his cross. Mary looks to Jesus while spinning yarn. She is the “worthy wife” mentioned in Proverbs 31:19 who “puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle.” Notice

that Joseph is looking at Mary but pointing to Jesus, almost as though he’s making sure Mary is looking at him too. I think he’s proud of Jesus and how he’s growing stronger and wanting to help. Still, notice that Jesus is only wearing a loincloth, the clothes he will wear to the cross. Mary is wearing a blue cloak, a symbol of her purity. She seems quite young, especially compared to the grey-haired Joseph whose clothes are decidedly labor oriented, with an ax in his hand. The picture shows the time not mentioned in

Sacred Scripture of the family life of this Holy Family. The second stained glass window depicts the Finding in the Temple, told in Luke 2:41–52. In the story, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem for his bar mitzvah, the ritual in Judaism whereby a young boy is declared a man. On the way back north to Nazareth, Mary and Joseph realize that Jesus is not with them so they retrace their steps all the way back to Jerusalem. It says in verses 46-47, ”After three days they found him

A word from our Priest continued in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.” In this image, you see Jesus dressed simply in white standing and speaking to a group of at least four older men who are dressed opulently in multi-colored clothing. Yet they also appear to be rapt in attention to every one of his words. Notice that Mary and Joseph are not there. It’s like we’re seeing this from their perspective, excited to see our lost child but also confused as to why these lavishly dressed “teachers” are paying such attention to him.

This next window is probably the most profound of all the pictures. It incorporates three passages of scripture at once. First, the fact that Jesus is the shepherd and his red tunic points to John 10:14-15 “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.” He also is holding one small sheep in his white cloak, which points to Matthew 18:12 “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them

goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?” Jesus is holding the lost sheep in his hands. Lastly, there’s the animals on the ground that point to Matthew 25:31-33 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.” Notice the sorrowful, downward looks of the goats versus the sheep who are looking at the lost sheep or bowing down in adoration. This window speaks volumes about how we are to look to Jesus and be prepared for our judgment. The next picture is really quite plain but, I think, quite profound. We are invited with Jesus into the garden of Gethsemane for the Agony in the Garden. We know it’s this and not just a picture of Jesus praying because, directly behind Jesus’ back, there are three figures, presumably apostles, sleeping. Jesus wears the colors of suffering (red) and nobility (purple) partially covering the color of glory (white). He kneels next to a rock with his hands folded. I suspect the reason there’s not a lot more detail in this window is because we are meant to focus on Jesus’ face. It is the central image of the window and it directs us upward

Parish Calendar Tuesday, May 26 6:30 PM - Pastoral Council Meeting SJ Parish Center or Zoom Thursday, May 28 6:00 PM - Finance Council Meeting SPP 6:30 PM - Pastoral Council Meeting SPP Friday, May 29 7:00 AM - Finance Council Meeting SJ Parish Center or Zoom

SERVICE TIMES

4:15 10:15

A word from our Priest continued toward heaven. We are invited into this window to stay awake and be prepared for the Kingdom in prayer, just as Jesus was getting prepared for his cross and death in Gethsemane. I also suspect there’s a reason this picture is directly in front of the next picture and that we move from the next picture to this picture on our way to receive the Eucharist and move the opposite way after we’ve received. This window depicts the

Resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. As an Easter people, it’s purposefully placed closest to the door of Sts. Peter and Paul. It shows Jesus in his pure white, transfigured glory. Beside him are soldiers either hiding their face in fear or pretending to be asleep. They wear multi-colored clothes, similar to the priests in the window of the Finding in the Temple, that seem to point to an opulent lifestyle. Also, similar to the finding in the Temple, Jesus wears simple white. Our eyes are drawn, once again, immediately

to his face. They could have added details with angels or rays of the sun but, instead, they added two profound details. First, in his left hand he holds a blue flag with a red cross. This, apparently, is the Christian Flag, a symbol that was being put forth in ecumenical circles at the time of the building of this church as a unifying symbol for Christians throughout the world. This is quite a remarkable inclusion considering how far from the ecumenical movement we were in the 1930’s and that there is no other church in Springbrook other than Sts. Peter and Paul. This may have been an attempt to reach out to non-Catholics living in town. Jesus’ right hand is in the form of a blessing. Once again, it’s as though the last thing we’re supposed to ponder as we leave the church is the blessing of Jesus we just received from Jesus through the priest. I hope these reflections help you to understand and appreciate the thought that went into the making of our churches. And I hope they help you in your prayer while you are surrounded by these works of art that so profoundly teach our faith.

Reflection during this Easter Season from Deacon Robert I spent some time this week reflecting upon how often God uses geographical settings to communicate His message. When some expect to hear God’s word in the raging wind, he comes in a gentle breeze. When we expect God to appear in the most prestigious places, he meets us on a leisurely walk on the road. Even a burning bush can utter the voice of God. There are some predictable settings that God uses to get people’s attention. When summoned or invited to the mountaintop, you can expect God to be present. Remember when Moses is summoned to the mountaintop when he was having a difficult time in leadership. God makes his presence known and tries to encourage Moses. There is the Sermon on the Mount, the Transfiguration and even the hill of Golgotha all examples of going up to be in his presence.

Catechist’s Corner This month, I joined a challenge begun by a friend to complete ‘5K a Day in May’ (where participants walk, bike, or run 3.107 miles each day in May). I said “yes” without thinking about how hard this would be in the long haul. It takes me between 25 minutes to an hour to complete this task each day and having been out of a regular exercise routine (for almost a decade, plus two babies and one on the way), this proved to be quite a feat to get back into the swing of things. However, as I write this, it is the 17th day of May, and, surprisingly to myself, I have completed the equivalent of 5K a day in mileage so far! Breaking it down to thinking “Only for today, I have to do a 5K. I cannot tell you how many times I have started exercise routines or regimens, only to get a few days or weeks into them before I see that my pace isn’t what it used to be or just plain feeling sore so it just feels better and more comfortable to lay in bed instead of going running… One day “off” of a routine has meant so many times for me in the past that I would never start again. THE GOSPEL DOESN’T CALL US TO COMFORT I share this experience because I find so much likeness in my desire and efforts to try and stay healthy through exercise and in trying to be holy. I know that both of these things are great for me, but in the long term, they are both just plain HARD. It is easier and it is more comfortable to not actively pursue holiness (or exercise for your health)! It is, oftentimes, easier to sit in a pattern of resentment than to forgive a loved one who hurt us. It is easier to not go forward and help the person in need. It is more comfortable to add money to savings or buy that thing I really want rather than tithe to my parish or to the poor. It is easier to sit and watch Netflix than it is to sit and pray silently with the Lord for an hour. It is easier to go along with our friends when they are partaking in a pattern of sin and inviting us into it than to risk what their response would be if we said, “No.” It is easier and definitely more comfortable to not pursue holiness through all things, but God does not call us to a life of comfort, he calls us to a life of greatness. He made YOU, he made ME, to become saints. STILL, DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED IN YOUR PURSUIT OF HOLINESS As I mentioned last week, the Holy Spirit can be a great help to us on our journey to holiness-to becoming saints. However, I know that discouragement can thwart the working and power of the Holy Spirit faster than anything! That is why it is important for us to view our path to becoming saints as the 82 members of our community have viewed the 5K a Day challenge! This change in perspective to ‘only for today’ has aided so many in starting and sticking with a workout program, how many can this perspective aid in those pursuing a life of holiness?! We must remember that God gives us each day, each moment, as a chance to begin again. Our losses and failings of yesterday should never discourage us from what we CAN do today!

Catechist’s Corner continued Often times, in the pursuit of holiness, the devil will attack. (The thief doesn’t try to steal from empty houses, so the devil will leave you alone as long as you aren’t pursuing the Lord. Therefore, we must expect that the devil will attack us if we are choosing to pursue the path God has laid ahead for us.) As Fr. Timothy Gallagher states, “When you have fallen into a defect or sin, you may feel a heavy sense that this will never change. You may hear insinuations like these: ‘You will just keep falling in this way. Here you are, yet again, with the same failing. You will always be the same. You will never change.’ This is the voice of the enemy! Recognize it as such, and reject it. Never believe this voice. It is the voice of the liar (John 8:44).” I cannot tell you how many times the devil has spoken (and still speaks) these to my mind! As Venerable Bruno Lanteri states, “Remember that we do not acquire holiness in twenty-four hours nor without continual defects and failings. The awareness that we will commit many failings, very many, greatly helps us toward holiness because it roots us in self-knowledge and humility, and this is one of the foundations of our sanctification, the other being an invincible hope in divine mercy. Be attentive, then, not to allow yourself to be discouraged by any defect, and be always ready to begin at every moment. Only be faithful to this, and I promise you that you will become holy.” THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY The path to holiness is very hard if we are trying to do it all on our own. Part of the success of the 5K group is that there is an online community where people come together and post their successes and failings. It is motivating to see other people in the pursuit of health and fitness--it stirs up a sense of healthy guilt--but there is also so much positive encouragement for us when a member doesn’t get to 5K. I think we all need groups like this to help us grow in our holiness, as well! Our world has tried to box faith and spirituality into something that is done in isolation and only to be done in our personal times. THAT is exactly how God stays out of things!! God is all about calling people into COMMUNION, the Body of Christ! I challenge you to (if you do not have a group that you can go to yet), pray and discern who would or could be “holy accountability” people for you--others who are pursuing sanctity as you are and can pick you up when you are feeling discouraged and also cheer for you when you experience success (and you can do the same for them!). If you can’t think of anybody, pray to God to place holy people into your life and don’t be afraid to be the first person to reach out and invite others in--often others are simply waiting for the invitation to grow in faith! Remember, it is never too late to begin again and become who God meant you to be--a great saint!

Stewardship Quote … In today’s Gospel, Jesus prays, “ I

have given You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do.” Good stewards follow His example by using their time and talents for the glory of God.

Marquette Catholic Schools Pre-K - 12 Catholic Education Available for All

872-3256 - High School 872-3284 - Grade School

Mass Intentions

Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day Mass - at SJ Church) 8:25 AM - SPP † Marvin Jacobs † Allen Helmle Tuesday, May 26 8:25 AM - SJ † Lois Deppe Wednesday, May 27 8:25 AM - SJ † Chris Kueter & Manderscheid & Kueter Family Thursday, May 28 8:25 AM - SPP For the People Friday, May 29 8:25 AM - SJ † Joan Kilburg Saturday, May 30 4:15 PM - SJ For the People † Shirley Monner; † Lois Deppe Sunday, May 31 8:00 AM - SPP † Anita Schmidt; † Living & Deceased Members of the Zeimet & Michel Families 10:15 AM - SJ † Tony Sieverding; † Dominic & Florence Kilburg & Deceased Family Members

STEWARDSHIP OF GIVING

St. Joseph Adult Contributors 61 of 762 Envelopes.………………………………….....$2439.00 EFT (Auto Deposit) …………………………….$625.00 Votive...……………………………………….……$40.00 Easter.……………………………………………...$80.00 Ascension Thursday………………………………...$65.00 Offertory…………………….……………………$95.00 Total..................................................................$3344.00 Sts. Peter & Paul Adult Contributors 6 of 145 Envelopes...................................................................$556.00 EFT (Auto Deposit) ...................................................$295.00 Votive.…………………………………………..…...$6.00 Total....................................................................$857.00

Sts. Joseph Cemetery News: Please remove decorations

from graves seven days after Memorial Day, June 1, for mowing reasons. Thank you.

Scrip is still available to purchase at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. Please contact one of the scrip volunteers if you have any questions: Mary Lou Clasen (872-4465), Carolyn Bies (872-4251), Judi Stephany (872-5927) or Kathy Zeimet (872-4064). Your participation is greatly appreciated.