The Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman Mother Church of the Diocese of La Crosse, WI

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Created on Tuesday, 31 January 2012 15:27

Written by Bp. William Callahan, OFM Conv.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

May the Lord give you peace.

Please allow me a moment to share some news with you concerning an alarming and serious matter that negatively impacts the Church in the United States directly, and strikes at the fundamental right to religious liberty for all citizens of any faith. The federal government, which claims to be "of, by, and for the people," has just dealt a heavy blow to almost a quarter of those people-the Catholic populationand to the millions more who are served by the Catholic faithful.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that almost all employers, including Catholic employers/ will be forced to offer their employees' health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception. Almost all health insurers will be forcedto include those "services" in the health policies they write; and almost all individuals will be forced to buy that coverage as a part of their policies.

In so ruling, the Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, denying to Catholics our Nation's first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty. As a result, unless the rule is overturned, we Catholics will be compelled either to violate our consciences, or to drop health coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing so). The Administration's sole concessionwas to give our institutions one year to comply.

We cannot-we will not-comply with this unjust law. People of faith cannot be made second-classcitizens. Our brothers and sisters of all faiths, and many others of good will, already join us in this important effort to safeguard our religious freedom. Our parents and grandparents did not come to these shores to help build America's cities and towns, its infrastructure and institutions, its enterprise and culture, only to have their posterity stripped of their God given rights.

In generations past, the Church has always been able to count on the faithful to stand up and protect her sacred rights and duties. I hope and trust She can count on this generation of Catholics to do the same. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.

I am, therefore, asking three things of you. First, as a community of faith, we must commit ourselves to some extra time of prayer and fasting. I leave that time open to your good judgment and charity. We must pray that wisdom and justice may prevail and religious liberty may be restored. Without God, our efforts will amount to nothing; with God, our faith can move mountains!

Secondly, I encourage you to please visit the Bishops' Conference website at: www.usccb.org/conscience. There you can find a video presentation from Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York and the current President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops, concerning the importance of this matter and learn more about this severe assault on religious liberty.

Thirdly, and most Significantly, information is available there, and I hope you will use it to contact our representatives in Congress prevailing upon them to support legislation that would reverse the Administration's decision.

Thank you for your kind attention to this letter and for any further support you may offer. Obviously, this is a matter of grave importance for us as Catholics; please remember, it is also a matter of grave importance for us as Americans.God be with you.

Praying for all of your special intentions and the needs of your families, I am

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan
Bishop of La Crosse

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

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Created on Tuesday, 31 January 2012 15:15

Written by Fr. Charles Stoetzel

This weekend begins the celebration of Catholic Schools Week. Schools plan various activities with students to mark the week. However, it is more important to celebrate and show appreciation for the purpose of Catholic schools, and the many sacrifices of those who support them including the Catholic parishes.

The original intent of Catholic schools in the United States was to educate Catholic children who immigrated here with their parents. Catholic children were not allowed to attend public schools. Many religious orders were founded with the purpose to start Catholic schools for the education of the youth in all academics including teaching the Catholic faith. The original intent is no longer true but the need to educate Catholic children of the faith is. That is one thing that no one can take from a person.

This diocese has had a rich history supporting Catholic schools in the past and present, and looking to the future with great optimism. Many thanks go to our parents, parishioners and benefactors who support the mission of Catholic schools today. We pray for God’s blessings to bless the work of our Catholic schools.

Thank you and God bless you.
Fr. Stoetzel

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

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Created on Thursday, 26 January 2012 12:21

Written by Fr. Charles Stoetzel

This Sunday marks the 39th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to make abortion legal in this country. It is estimated there are about 1,000,000 abortions performed every year since 1973. Depending on which side of the issue a person supports, there has been much talk and heated debate. Passions run high by both groups.

The one aspect that seems under-estimated is science. It holds that a new, distinct being is created at the moment of conception which is human. Since I believe that no one wants to refute science, then there should be no question on the validity of abortion. However, those who are pro-choice muddle the fact by saying that the being isn’t fully human. The question is: Who makes that determination? If it is left to humanity, imagine how imperfect that is going to be. Who wants to take on the awesome task to say who lives and dies?

We must continue to pray, read and support pro-life causes. Let us ask the source of all life, God, to help us in our need to protect human life from the moment of conception to the last natural breath.

Monday, Jan. 23rd is a penitential day. Please attend Mass, say an extra rosary, and do some sort of penance to end all forms of evil that is destructive against human life.

Thank you and God bless you.
Fr. Stoetzel

Holy Hour for Life: Sunday Jan 22

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Created on Thursday, 19 January 2012 14:28

Written by Admin

Immediately following the 10:30 am, Mass at the Cathedral on Sunday, January 22, we will again celebrate a Holy Hour for Life, presented by the deacons of the diocese as requested by Bishop William Callahan. Please make every effort to be present at this event, the Vigil of the National Day of Penance and Prayer for Life, established by the Bishops of the United States. Reparation does need to be made, while this battle against the forces of darkness can only be won by turning in prayer to Christ whose light gives meaning to our humanity. We will remember that the quickest way to get His attention is through His mother!

Photos from last year on Facebook.

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

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Created on Thursday, 19 January 2012 13:59

Written by Fr. Charles Stoetzel

Last Tuesday, we began Ordinary Time in the Church calendar. If we thought Advent went by quickly, so did the Christmas Season. We will be in Ordinary Time until the Lenten Season which begins on February 22nd with Ash Wednesday. It seems odd to call this Ordinary Time. The reason it is so called is the time before and after the great solemnities of Christmas and Easter can’t compare to them. However, there is nothing ordinary about it. The Church continues to celebrate the mysteries of our faith throughout the year. The Church has selected wisely the passages from sacred scripture so that we can hear and reflect upon the Word of God. Themes are found in the readings which help us to understand better our Catholic faith.

So, there is nothing so-so about Ordinary Time. The time we are in now and will resume after the celebration of Pentecost is really extraordinary. Anytime we have the celebration of the Mass is most extraordinary, and should have a profound effect upon us.

Thank you and God bless you.
Fr. Stoetzel

The Solemnity of the Epiphany

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Created on Monday, 09 January 2012 22:04

Written by Admin

You have heard me give an update at the weekend Mass on how we are doing on the Diocesan Annual Appeal for this year. As of December 13th, we are doing fairly well. The parish target amount decreased slightly over last year which was helpful. Any money given over and above the amount comes back to the parish. That money is used to support our parish operational budget. So we depend on the overage to help meet our financial obligations.

Presently, only 21% of the members of our parish have responded in pledges. We need to have everyone respond no matter how great or little that one can give. It is only you that can determine how much you can but we all should be able to give to support our parish family and diocese.

This is the feast of the Epiphany when the three wise men found the Christ-child who is king of all. They brought him symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh which represented respectively the kingship, divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ. What do we have to offer to the Lord? I hope we can all say, in part, our financial giving to show our gratitude for his love and kindness.

Thank you and God bless you.
Fr. Stoetzel