St. Mary of Mercy, St. Martin of Tours & St. Stephen Catholic Community PO Box 158 Alexandria, SD 57311 (Emery & Bridgewater) Very Rev. Dana Christensen Rectory: 239-4833; Office: 239-4578; E-mail: maryofmercy@triotel.net Fr. Paul Nereparampil (priest in residence) 605-729-2814 parishesonline.com/find/st-mary-of-mercy; parishesonline.com/find/st-martin-church-57332; parishesonline.com/find/st-stephen-church-57319

Feb. 28 - Mar. 6, 2016 3rdSunday of Lent The Lord’s Day: Holy Masses ...Saturday (Vigil): 5:00 p.m. (St. Stephen, Bridgewater) ………. Sunday: 7:00 a.m. (Carmelite Monastery)

9:00 a.m. (St. Mary, Alexandria) 11:00 a.m. (St. Martin, Emery) Rosary & Benediction of the Bl. Sacrament…Sunday: 3:15 p.m. (Carmelite Monastery)Sacrament of Reconciliation by appointment or see schedule below for wkday confess. Sacrament of Baptism-Call Fr. office for class & to set date; Marriage-Call 6 mo. ahead Mass Schedule & Intentions “…it may bear fruit. If not cut it down.” Feb. 29, Monday 7:30 am Carmelite Monastery Mildred Dumais + (Fr. Paul N.) Luke 13: 9Mar. 1, Tuesday 7:30 am Carmelite Monastery For the Holy Souls in Purgatory +

8:30 am St. Stephen, Bridgewater Isidore & Lenora Krier + (Fr. Paul N.)Mar. 2, Wednesday 7:30 am Carmelite Monastery Jan Jarding +

7:15 pm St. Martin, Emery Confessions & AdorationMar. 3, Thursday 7:30 am Carmelite Monastery Ed & Gert Steilen +

5:30 pm St. Martin, Emery Charles Squires + (Fr. Paul N.)Mar. 4, First Friday 7:30 am Carmelite Monastery Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Int. Exposition of Bl Sacrament

10:00 am Diamond Care, Bridgewater For the DCC Residents (Fr. Paul N.) 5:00 pm Carmelite Monastery Repose of the Blessed Sacrament

Mar. 5, Saturday 8:00 am Carmelite Monastery Bishop Paul J. Swain Int. (Fr. Paul N.) 5:00 pm St. Stephen, Bridgewater Bill & Cindy Geppert + (Fr. Paul.) Conf. 4:15-4:45pm- Fr. C.

Mar. 6, Sunday 7:00 am Carmelite Monastery Special Intention (Carmel) (Fr. Paul N.) 9:00 am St. Mary, Alexandria Richard & Marilyn Doyle + (Fr. Paul N.) & Confessions-Fr.C.

11:00 am St. Martin, Emery For People of Parishes (Fr. Christensen) & Confessions 3:15 pm Carmelite Monastery Rosary & Benediction (Fr. Christensen)

Weekly Catechesis Theme: Tempered with Humility Adult: What important work would bear fruit in your life right now if you have more confidence God replied, “I am who am”in God’s care? Children: What great work would you like to do as you grow older? What can you do to begin now?

3 rd Sunday of Lent A Family Perspective by Bud Ozar Jesus “went up the mountain to pray” and he was “changed.” Prayer has the power to change us. This Lent set aside a few minutes each day to pray for members of your family. Pray before each meal and if you are married, spend five minutes in prayer together. Listen to Catholic Radio 91.3 FM Pastoral Reflections- Dear Parish Family, I pray that your Lent continues to be fruitful and that you are being as faithful as you can to your Lenten resolutions. This past week after Mass in Emery, a very observant parishioner came up to me and said “What’s the deal with the candles?” I’m glad somebody noticed! Those of you who are observant will have noticed that beginning on Ash Wednesday all of our Altar Candles are made of unbleached beeswax. Because they are unbleached they have a brownish color. It is a very old tradition that during Lent, and for funeral Masses, that unbleached beeswax candles are used. The unbleached nature of them reminds us that, like the candles on the altar, our souls are not pure white, but rather are tainted by sin. In the Church and Her liturgy, everything means something, and unbleached beeswax candles remind us that we need to be purified, and Lent is the perfect time to purify ourselves by going to confession. Speaking of confession, I want to remind everyone that next weekend on March 5/6 we will have a Year of Mercy weekend. Confession will be available ½ hour before every Mass and will continue during Mass as long as there are penitents who want to go to confession. In order to prepare for Confession, an examination of conscience for adults, as well as a guide to how to go to confession is attached to this week’s bulletin. Please feel free to use it to prepare for Confession and if you need to, bring it along with you into the confessional. Fr. Christensen

Church Picture Directories have arrived. They will be handed out either before or after mass at each of the parishes this weekend. If you took a picture for the directory, you’ll receive a free copy. There are a few extra copies to purchase.

Best Lent Ever- There is a free book from Dynamic Catholic’s Matthew Kelly “Rediscover Jesus” in the back of each church; one per family. To sign up for the daily devotion video clip that follows the book or to use just on its own, go to the website dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever .

Catholic Family Sharing Appeal - Our parish goals for St. Mary’s and St. Martin’s and St. Stephen’s are 100% participation and our financial goals are $18,000, $14,800 and $12,000 respectively. Your gift helps 30 diocesan ministries reach out to thousands, including training our future priests, giving a voice to the unborn through the Respect Life Office, education in our faith to our religious education teachers and ministry to the homebound. Please prayerfully consider a gift to this year’s appeal, fill out your pledge card and drop in the collection next weekend. If you did not receive a letter, let the office know. The 100% participation goal means you need to return your pledge card with whatever type of contribution.

CFSA to date: St. Mary of Mercy $10,870, 55 out of 152; St. Martin $11,850, 40 out of 95and St. Stephen $ 7530, 27/58.

RCIA is the process by which people join the Church. It consists of a series of classes leading up to Easter. Class is on Thursday Mar. 3 at 7pm in the Social Center in Alexandria. Everyone is welcome.

Adult Education “A Walk Thru the Mass” will be Thurs. Mar. 3 at 7 pm in the church at St. Mary’s. It will be part three of a four-session class. If you missed earlier sessions don’t worry, you can jump right in without any trouble. It will be part of the RCIA class, but open to anyone for a deeper understanding of what happens during the Mass.

CRE News- St. Mary’s Mar. 2 gr. CRE reg. time; HS Adoration and Confession will be at 7:15 pm in Emery. St. Martin’s Feb. 28 (K-6) 9:30 am; Mar. 2 the 7&8 and the HS Adoration & Confessions in Emery at 7:15 pm.

St. Stephen’s CCD- K-7 is from 9:15 to 10:30 am (1st Sunday off) Sun. Feb 14, 21 & 28; HS on (2nd & 4th Wed.)

Last Sunday Mass Collections: St. Mary of Mercy $1223, St. Martin of Tours $745, St. Stephen $931.15.

Mass Attendance, which is taken annually at all parishes, will be counted on the weekends of Mar. 6, 13 and 20.

YOUTH GROUP will meet Sunday night Feb. 28 in Alexandria at 7:00 pm in St. Mary’s Church basement. It is for all HS and 7 & 8 grade students from all three parishes and any parents or adults wishing to be involved are welcome to come.Coming up is a trip to Sioux Falls to volunteer at a shelter for the homeless as well as do something fun.

Open House Bridal Shower for Jennifer Hansmann, bride-to-be of Josh Davies, on Sat. March 5 at 11 am at St. Mary’s Social Center.Knights of Columbus Pancake, Sausage Breakfast will be on Palm Sunday March 20 after the 9:00 am Mass at St. Mary’s.

Movie “Until Forever” will start Fri. Feb. 26 at Logan Theatre in Mitchell. It is a true story of a young couple from Minnesota facing a life threatening challenge and finding strength in their faith.   It was filmed at several locations in the Twin cities where it took place along with scenes shot in SD at Hot Springs, Yankton and Rapid City. 

Church of Epiphany Sausage Supper is Sunday March 13 with serving times 3-7 pm; prices: Adults $9, Ages 6-11 $4, Preschool $1.

St. Stephen, Bridgewater

St. Mary, Alexandria St. Martin, Emery

Sat. Mar. 5 @ 5 pm Sun. Mar. 6 @ 9 am Sun. Mar. 6 @ 11 am

Lector Sherril Vondra Kelly Arend Kelsha Kressman Eucharistic

MinisterJerry Hoffman Marlene Warnke Theresa Catron

Altar Servers Nick SchallenkampCorbin Glanzer

Miranda, Ashley & CarterHenglefelt

Sam, Abbi & Sutton ArendJada Wethor

Gifts John & Bernice Schallenkamp Keith Kayser family George & Bea LeitheiserUshers Don Schwans

Stuart RinehartDuane LetcherMel Mowry

Dave JansenJack Catron

Musician Janice Heiberger Sandy Kayser Bonnie ArendRosary Leader D&M S. Sacristan: Vern U. Blonde W. Sacristan:Dave&

Cindy B.CRE grade Students

St. Mary’s Traveling Fatima Shrine is at the Todd Waldera home Feb. 28-Mar.13; next to the Jeremy Zens home.

St. Martin’s Sacred Heart –Diamond Care Service will be Sun. Mar. 10. Meet at church at 2:00 pm to carpool.

Stations of the Cross led by students Stations at church 7:30 pm

Communal Penance Service will be this Sunday Mar. 3 at 7:00 pm at St. Mary of Mercy with

During Lent Wednesday evening Adoration and Confessions will rotate from parish to parish. Lent is a perfect time to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and go to confession: St. Martin’s Mar. 2 at 7:15pm.There will also be Stations at 7:00 pm this week at St. Stephen’s after adoration and confessions.

Please note: Next Sunday, Mar. 10 starts Daylight Savings Time (Spring ahead). On Sat. night set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed!

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry is Friday, February 26th at the St. Martin Parish Hall; serving a lightly breaded Cod Fillet with coleslaw and a baked potato. Dinner will be served from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Cost is $5.00 per person.

Ministry List is on the website or you can pick up a copy in the back of church.

Save a little space for the next week’s bulletin. We will want to start plugging the Pancake breakfast that we are planning for Palm Sunday, March 20th. I’ll send you info on that early next week.

(note for Christi: Please rotate the Wednesday evening schedule between parishes taking into account Adoration for the HS RE classes.)

We have re-scheduled UNTIL FOREVER to start one week later, Friday, February 26.  As always, we will work with you to extend a group discount of our lowest ticket price of $7 for any groups you wish to bring to any showing.  Just call Barb or Lynette at 996-9022 or email barb@loganmovie.com to make arrangements.As you may recall from my earlier email, the movie is a Retrouvaille: Help for Troubled & Strained Marriages- The next Retrouvaille weekend is March 18-20, 2016.  This is a confidential weekend that offers hope and help for couples to heal and renew their marriage relationship.  For questions or to register please contact 605-988-3755 or visit online www.retrouvaille.org. 

13th of the Month-We’ll pray at Planned Parenthood for an end to abortion on Sat. Jan. 13; leave at 11:00 am St. Mary’s.

Welcome to: Dayton Michael, son of Darin & Sarah Schmit, who was recently received into God’s family and also St. Mary’s parish family through the Sacrament of Baptism.Welcome to: Emma Isabella, daughter of Bill & Lisa Schleich, who was recently received into God’s family and also St. Martin’s parish family through the Sacrament of Baptism.

A Pancake Breakfast Today (Sunday) after 11am Mass in Emery is being sponsored by the Knights of Columbus of our Parish Round Table. Join them at St. Martin’s Parish Hall for pancakes and sausage with proceeds from the breakfast donated to help support the mission trip to Belize this summer. Be sure to take in the Sacred Heart Bake Sale there as well.

St. Martin’s Parish Council will be Thurs. Jan. 28 at 7:00 pm at the parish hall.

St. Stephen’s 2016 Committee Lists for Wake and Funeral committees and the groups for DCC Devotions; take a copy.

Also a new Prayer Chain list at St. Mary’s will be made. If anyone wants to be added or changed call Marie at 239-4671.

Knights of Columbus will start the “5 th Sunday Rosary Program” and lead the rosary on the 5 th Sunday of the month.

Ministry – Lectors, altar servers and ushers- A new list will be made soon for all three parishes; please consider giving your time to God and help with parish ministry. Call the parish office at 239-4578 for additions or changes.

St. Stephen’s Christian Mother’s meeting is Wed. Feb. 3rd at 7:00 pm.

With Lent approaching, we might begin considering what we could do to make this year’s Lent the best of our lives. One of the things we might commit to is a daily prayer routine. The following is from Dr. Taylor Marshall and provides seven tips on how to pray every day: The single best thing that you can do is to commit to a schedule of daily mental prayer. Here are tips in no particular order: 1. Find a place in your home where you pray. Designate a space. 2. Find a time in the day when you pray. The prophets and the saints usually got up early to pray. Set your alarm clock earlier (go to bed earlier) and wake up to be with Christ in the morning. 3. Create a morning ritual that includes prayer. I recommend that it include Scriptural reading, also. The Bible is how God usually talks to you. “God never talks to me,” people often say. My response is, “Are you reading the Bible?” God talks to you in Scripture. 4. Use a timer on your phone. Start at 5 minutes and work up to 30 minutes daily. 6. Mental prayer is using your mind (“mental”) to speak to God. Tell him everything. Speak with your heart. Ask Him questions about your life. Ask Him theology questions? Ask Him to do more than you expect. Don’t be afraid to ask for insanely crazy requests. He likes to answer those best because they prove that we didn’t accomplish it. 7. Keep a New Testament or spiritual reading book nearby. If your mind loses track and wanders, use this book to read a few sentences to focus again on Christ or spiritual thoughts. GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A CHILD Six Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm March 1- April 5, 2016– Catholic Family Services, 523 N. Duluth, Sioux Falls. Directed by Dr. Marcie Moran. Call 988-3775 or 1-800-700-7867 to register, the program is non-denominational. Cost – Donation. This program is for adults who have lost a child and are trying to understand and reconcile their grief. The program is designed to be educational and will offer positive suggestions to help people to survive and learn to live fully again.

Catholic Family Sharing Appeal 2016. Next week we begin Your gift will help each of the diocesan ministries reach out to thousands, including training our future priests, proclaiming Christ’s message through the media, providing counsel to the hurt and reaching out to the youth. Please prayerfully consider how God is asking you to support this year’s appeal. Next week we will learn more about this appeal and the programs it supports. Thank you and I look forward to your participation.

Knights of Columbus will meet the 3rd Wednesday of the month; next meeting Jan. 20th at 7:00 pm at the Social Center.St. Mary’s Sacred Heart League will meet on Wednesday, January 20th, at 7:00 pm. Please plan to attend.St. Martin’s Sacred Heart League will meet Wednesday, February 3 at 6:30 at the Parish Hall.

St. Martin’s Sacred Heart News- 2013 officers are Pres. Gen Weber; Vice Pres. Lori Jansen, Treas. LaVonne Olinger, and Sec. Bobbie Aulner. Thank you! The St Martin Sacred Heart League members would like to thank everyone who came to the Soup and Sandwich Supper the night of the Children’s Christmas Program.  The turnout was tremendous, and over $1500.00 was raised to continue to fight for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. A special thanks to Joe Weber for generously donating the delicious soups, to Donna Squires for chairing the raffle, and to all those donating to the event.  Also, thank you to Santa for his special appearance!! Your support is so appreciated!!!

“God’s Mercy, Our Mercy,” a Year of Mercy Parish Mission at St. Katharine Drexel in Sioux Falls on Sun. Jan. 24th –Wed. Jan. 27th. Bill Wegner of Good News International will offer presentations each evening at 7 pm and after the 8 am Mass on Mon.-Wed., Jan. 25th-27th. His presentations will be different each day. A freewill offering will be taken. Everyone is welcome to come. Please call the Parish Office with any questions: 275-6870.

Fr. Ranek 2013 - The Homebound Parishioners of the parishes has always been a special concern of mine. I generally try to bring Holy Communion to them on the First Fridays of the month and pay them a visit. From time-to-time then, I inquire as to whether there are other homebound parishioners that I am unaware of and to whom I should be making an effort to contact. If you are aware of a Catholic person who is homebound due to age, illness or infirmity of any kind, whether they have been practicing their faith or not, please contact me personally. I will contact them to see if they would like regular visits from me to receive the Sacraments of the Church. The Flu (and a particularly nasty strain) has made an appearance in our parishes. The Diocese has come out with liturgical guidelines to minimize the possibility of spreading the flu in church that the pastor may adopt: I will suspend the

use of the “Sign of Peace” until we are past the flue season, as well as Holy Communion under the form of the Precious Blood. Holding hands at the Our Father has never been something I encourage; in fact, the guidelines state, “The faithful should be encouraged to not hold hands [during the Our Father].” You are also reminded that “Those who are ill with the flu or another illness are dispensed from attendance at Masses of obligation during their illness. They are encouraged on Sunday to view the Diocesan TV Mass and as able, to spend time in prayer and reading Sacred Scripture at home.” Incense is a normal part of Catholic liturgical life in many parishes. However, due to the sensitivity of some, I am suspending the use of incense at St. Martin’s at the Saturday evening Masses. I hope this will help those who are particularly sensitive to it.

The Diocese awards a $1,000 scholarship in each of the seven deaneries, to enable a student to attend either Mount Marty College in Yankton or Presentation College in Aberdeen. The scholarships are available to new students, students already in college and non-traditional students. To obtain an application contact the Financial Aid office at either college. Applications are due by March 15th, 2016 and must be returned to the Office of Catholic Schools in Sioux Falls.

Parish Council News- St. Mary’s will meet on Thurs. Jan. 14 at 7:00 pm at the Social Center. St. Martin’s will meet Mon. Jan. 14 at 7:30 pm at the Parish Hall. If you have any items for the agenda, please get them to Fr. Jerry.

Please Note: A change for adoration place: in Alexandria for Jan. 6 then in Emery Mar. 2 and then in Bridgewater April 6.

Youth group is an opportunity for our young people to spend time together praying, having fun, and discussing our faith in a setting that is less “classroom” and more casual style. Come for a great time while also growing in faith.

YOUTH GROUP 1 st Annual Advent Party will be Sun. night Dec. 6. Meet in the parking lot of the Alexandria Parish Hall at 6:30 pm and we’ll carpool to the Bowling Alley in Mitchell. Youth will be responsible to pay for their bowling, but the pizza and pop will be provided. Feel free to bring friends, even if they are not Catholic. Next meeting Jan. 3, 2016.

The Knights of Columbus will meet Tuesday Sept. 15 at St. Martin’s Parish Hall at 7:00 pm.

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM INFERTILITY? Resources are now available on the Office of Marriage, Family & Respect Life website, including prayers, videos, articles, Church teachings, and recommended links. Visit www.sfcatholic.org/respectlife and the new naprotechnology at http://www.fertilitycare.org .New Parish Websites: for St. Martin’s www.parishesonline.com/find/st-martin-church-57332 , for St. Stephen’s www.parishesonline.com/find/st-stephen-church-57319 and St. Mary’s www.parishesonline.com/find/st-mary-of-mercy .

Welcome to: Brinley Ann Addy, daughter of Chad & Andrea Addy, who was recently received into God’s family and also into St. Stephen’s parish family thru the Sacrament of Baptism.

How do I sign up to be notified when a new bulletin is posted? Visit your church’s web page, scroll down to “recent publications”and click "Subscribe to publications via e-mail" and enter your name and e-mail address in the pop-up window. You will now be notified when a new publication is ready to be viewed. There is space for 12 bulletins; to view the others, click “Show more”.

New to the Parish? If you have moved to the area or moving away or changed address, please email or call the Parish Office at 239-4578; email maryofmercy@triotel.net .

Respect Life News: Cells derived from the destruction of an embryonic human child are being used in tests on humans for the first time as a result of authorization from the Food & Drug Administration. This decision ignores reported dangers of implanting such cells in humans, and ignores the successful therapy for more than 70 diseases already accomplished with adult stem cells obtained without killing human embryos.

The Lord is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Oct. Pro Life Month- There are many new pro-life brochures on the glass cabinet in the entryway at St. Mary’s.Respect Life News: Cells derived from the destruction of an embryonic human child (following their creation for Invetro-fertilization for infertility) are being used in tests on humans as a result of authorization from the Food & Drug Administration. This decision ignores reported dangers of implanting such cells in humans, and ignores the successful therapy for more than 70 diseases already accomplished with adult stem cells obtained without killing human embryos.

Hunting on Jerry Hunter’s land is available for pheasant hunting great for Father/son or daughter

Parish Council Meetings- St. Mary’s on Mon. Oct. 8 at 7:00 pm; St. Martin’s on Mon. Oct. 22 at 7:30 pm.

13th of the Month- We will pray at Planned Parenthood for an end to abortion on Tues. Sept. 15; leave at 11:00 am St. Mary’s.

Consider joining them!

Prayer For Those In Service- “Lord Jesus, Savior of the world and King of peace watch over our sons and daughters in the service of their country. Protect them from the physical and moral dangers of military life. Keep them close to you and help them live the commandments. Lord Jesus, give them courage to serve their country with honor and dignity. Be with them when they are in danger. Strengthen them when they face hardships. Above all, Lord, grant that when their service is finished, they may return to us sound in mind, body and soul. Amen.”

Forgiveness is critical to a healthy life. By holding onto an injury, we are hoping for a better past which will never happen. Forgiveness recognizes that we were unjustly treated and that it will not be corrected. Forgiveness does not condone the injustice. It is a decision to not let the injustice control our life any longer. We do not need an apology to forgive someone.

World Mission Sunday- Propagation of the Faith, Oct. 18, our Holy Father Pope Francis calls every Catholic to celebrate at the Eucharist, our vocation to be missionary and to help the missions. Please be generous in our collection: you can use the envelope in your boxed set.

Public Square Rosary to Save America will occur on Oct. 13 in Mitchell from 12 noon to 1:00 across from the Corn Palace by the Chamber Gift Shop.

St. Stephen’s Outreach Program is for Catholic Hispanics to help them learn English, rectify marriage within the Church and immigration status. If anybody can sponsor a class to pay travel expenses from SF, it would be $50. All three parishes are encouraged to participate with any amount. Please contact the parish office or Madelynne Schwans to help.

Respect Life News: The 13 th of the month is our parishes scheduled day to pray in front of the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Sioux Falls. Because it falls on Sunday they will go Tues. Sept. 15 which is the scheduled day for Bishop Swain. They will leave at 11 am from St. Mary’s and return around 1:45 pm. Those who cannot go may pray a rosary at home.

Pro-Life News- Abortion and euthanasia … are the places where those committed to a conditional and selective vision of human rights have planted their flag in our time. They want to draw lines between the important and unimportant members of society, between persons and “nonpersons.” In a different time or place the forcing issue might be slavery, racism or anti-Semitism – today abortion and related issues force us to decide whether we mean what we say in speaking of inalienable human rights, inherent in simply being human.

New Formation Fee Policy for students whose parents are not members at St. Mary’s or St. Martin’s: a Fee of $50 for the 1st child and then $20 for each additional child. Clarification: Only non-members outside the linked parishes need to pay the Fee.

The Knights of Columbus regular meeting on Tues. May 13 will begin at 7:00 pm at the Social Center.

Can your marriage be described as "ho-hum"?  Bring it up to speed by attending our next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend scheduled for September 14-16, 2012 at Broom Tree Retreat and Conference Center near Irene, SD.  For more information or to register, contact John & Dawn Elsinger at 605-362-0924 or visit www.WWME.org.  A Weekend of Discovery... A Lifetime of Love!

John, Chapter Six has been the source of our Gospel these last few Sundays. This chapter is a key for our understanding of the Holy Eucharist as Catholics. Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world” (verse 51). He continues, “...unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you...For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink” (verses 53, 55). It is said that the rebellious angels turned from God in their pride when they were shown the plan of God to become a mere man (humans being so much lower than angels). These proud angels could not humble themselves to worship a man. We too are tested: Can we be humble enough to worship God in the form of bread and wine? In today’s passage, many left Him—they could not believe this. What about us? If we believe, how do we show it? Evangelization and catechesis are two different things. Evangelization plants the seed; catechesis waters and fertilizes it. The seed is the relationship with Jesus Christ. This comes through hearing the Gospel, seeing it lived in the family through prayer, coming to Mass, and Christian love and service of others. The seed is planted in the family; our CRE program provides water and fertilizer. Pray that all parents be attentive to planting the seeds of faith in the lives of their children. Pass it on! Faith is good for life now (it’s the only sane way to live in a crazy world) and forever (it’s going to get you to Heaven).

Annual Safe Environment Training- All volunteers working with youth (attn: teachers) must attend a meeting and this is also open to parents. Mark your calendars: St. Martin’s-Emery, Aug. 29 after teacher’s meeting and at St. Mary’s-Alexandria, Aug. 29 after their meeting. If you cannot make one of these meetings you will need to go on-line to www.sfcatholic.org and view the information and then take a short test and print or email your certificate to the parish.Note: New volunteers/ employees are also required to have a criminal (not financial) background check (paid for by the parish). If you have questions please call the office at 239-4578.

13th of the Month- We will pray at Planned Parenthood for an end to abortion on Thurs. Aug. 13; leave at 11:00 am St. Mary’s.

Donation of Children’s Clothes – Clothing will be sent to the missions from St. Mary’s. Please contact Marie Bettmeng at 239-4671 to schedule a drop off a donation of children’s clothes. Thank you.

Sacristans Needed- Fr. Christensen is looking for sacristans to prepare for Masses at St. Mary’s and St. Martin’s parishes; St. Stephen’s is covered. Anyone from High School and older are welcome. The duties of the sacristans would be to 1) set up the chalice/ciboria/water/wine/etc. before Mass and put them away after Mass; 2) make sure that all the ministers (altar servers, lectors, EMHC’s, ushers) are present and accounted for. Ideally I would like at least 4 individuals/teams per parish. If you are interested please call Christi in the office. Once we have a list, there will be training (including a binder with pictures) so that everyone knows what to do. Update: only a few people have stepped forward to help with this. Please consider giving of your time and talent to help our parish liturgies go smoothly.

2015-2016 Training As a diocese, we believe that the Catholic Church’s ministries and institutions must be safe places for children and adults. Therefore, we educate and train ordained, consecrated and lay staff and volunteers regularly in our continuing efforts to make certain the dignity of all individuals entrusted to the Church’s care is respected and they are kept safe from harm. The training for all staff and volunteers working with children in 2015-2016 will be “Professional Boundaries and Behaviors”, and will be available online soon. We will be communicating to the local SE coordinator when the online training is ready to launch in the near future.

KSTJ “The Lamb” Catholic Radio 91.3 FM station is on the air. Please support them thru prayers or a donation securely online at www.lambradio.com or mail it to: Agnus Dei Communications, Inc., 6300 South Old Village Place, Suite 203, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 or call us at 605-275-4659. Catholic Radio changes lives each day. Great News!  The Lamb Catholic Radio Mobile APP is NOW available to be downloaded.  You can go to www.lambradio.com and click on the mobile APP icon that works with their smart phone and down load the APP in a matter of seconds.  Listen anywhere. 

Pro-Life News - You are welcome to attend an organizational meeting for Hanson County Right to Life on Friday July 10 at 7 pm at St. Mary’s Social Center.  Local pro-lifers will be receiving exciting new pro-life materials to advocate for the voiceless.  Your input, skills, and talents are greatly needed and appreciated!

Also, before I left for Italy I asked for some donations to buy something nice for the parishes. There was not a huge response to this request so I was not able to buy the things I had hoped, they will have to wait for another time. Instead, I bought a new paten (the gold vessel that the priest host rests on during the Eucharistic Prayer) for Bridgewater, and for Emery and Alexandria a new embroidered pall (the piece of stiffened material that is placed over the chalice during the Eucharistic Prayer). These things were from the list of things that I have had in the back of my mind that should be purchased for the parishes. They are very nice and of good quality, so thank you to those who donated. Thank you for your help and cooperation.

A Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel offered by the Carmelite Sisters will close with a Mass in the Chapel on Thursday evening July 16, offered by Fr. Christensen; rosary begins at 7:00 pm followed by the Solemn Mass.

New Altar Servers are needed: at St. Mary’s anyone from grades 4 & up with 1st training session on Fri. May 25 at 10:30 am; and at St. Martin’s grades 5 & up with 1st training session on Wed. May 23 at 10:30 am; call Fr. Jerry at 239-4833.

Confessions – The “Confessions” CD is free to each parishioner. Please pick up the CD with your name on it.

Broom Tree ScheduleSilent Retreat Schedule:Women’s:, May 14-17, June 18-21, August 13-16, September 17-20, October 22-25,November 5-8; Men’s: August 20-23, September 24-27, November 19-22Day of RecollectionBroom Tree Days of Recollection begin at 10 a.m. and include conferences, time for Adoration, Mass, and anopportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The day ends in mid-afternoon. Because lunch is served, we askthat you please register. A prayerful donation is requested.Days of Recollection: May 12, June

Well, it’s that time of year and the farmers have been in the fields working hard. As a rural community farming is an important part of our lives, even if we ourselves are not farmers. Farming is part of the fabric of our rural way of life, and as such, we need to support our farmers with our prayers. One of the ways that I, as your pastor, want to support our farmers is by coming to bless your fields. On June 14th, we will celebrate what I am calling “Field Blessing Sunday.” On that weekend, there will be special prayers offered that our crops will be protected from bad weather and that the harvest will be abundant. After the 11am Mass, I, along with some altar servers and a large supply of holy water will get into the back of a pickup truck (I need a volunteer to provide the truck and drive – someone who knows the area well) and we will proceed from farm to farm blessing the fields. Next weekend there will be a sign up sheet in the entrance of the Church so you can sign up to have your farm blessed. When the list is complete, farmers will be contacted with an approximate time that I will arrive to bless their fields. These blessings are very powerful; sign up soon!

Further, please consider attending a support and discussion group that will begin meeting Thursday, February 16th, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 523 North Duluth Avenue, Sioux Falls. Please contact 988-3775 to register and for more information.

Items for Those in Need- St. Stephen’s has an ongoing collection; April is for laundry & dish soap; leave in kitchen area.

Parish Council News- There are three openings on St. Martin’s Council. It is a 3-yr term with the option of serving two terms, meeting quarterly. Registered and confirmed members are eligible. Anyone interested submit your name to the office.

Natural Family Planning & Fertility Care - NFP is a natural means to enhance the possibility of conceiving a child as well as, with the proper intention, spacing births in marriage. It is, however, a gift largely unknown or even misunderstood by the average couple. NFP: For information and list of instructors and physicians call the Family & Children Faith Formation Office, 605-988-3776 or check the Bishop’s Bulletin. Also see: www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp. 

St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Diamond Care Devotions May 31. At 2:30 , September 13th, and November 1st. 

GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A SPOUSE Six Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm – 8:30 pm. June 9– July 14, 2015 at Catholic Family Services, 523 N Duluth, Sioux Falls. Directed by Dr. Marcie Moran. This program is for adults who have lost a spouse and are trying to cope with the pain of separation and loss. Role change and loneliness are secondary losses which can complicate the grieving process. The program will offer assistance in coping with this change and making healthy readjustments. Non-denominational - Cost –Donation. Call 988-3775 or 1-800-700-7867 to register.

Holy Day of Ascension of Our Lord is transferred from Thurs. May 1 to Sun. May 24 for our diocese.(look at May 4-08

Respect Life - The 13th of the month is our parishes scheduled day to pray in front of the Planned Parenthood Clinic. If you cannot make it to Sioux Falls, a group meets on the 13th at St. Martin’s Church at 2:00 pm each month (unless it falls on a weekend) to pray the rosary to end abortion. Please make an effort to support life issues.

confessions before

13th of the Month- We will pray at Planned Parenthood for an end to abortion on Mon. April 13; leave at 11:00 am St. Mary’s.

CRE News –St. Mary’s –Apr. 18 NO HS CRE; notes were sent home for 3rd gr. parents to help with 1st Comm. Breakfast on April 29 and junior parents to help with Graduation celebration on May 6; call Amanda 940-1018.

Welcome to: Jersey Marie Kressman, daughter of Brad & Kelsha Kressman, who was recently received into God’s family and also into St. Martin’s parish family thru the Sacrament of Baptism.

Attendance counts were taken at the masses for three weekends. This is the breakdown of our parishes and monastery:March 7 & 8: Sat. St. Stephen 5 pm- 90; Sun. Carmel 7am- 5; 9am St. Mary- 121; 11am St. Martin-128 March 14 & 15: Sat. St. Stephen 5 pm- 78; Sun. Carmel 7am- 5; 9am St. Mary- 142; 11am St. Martin-144 March 21 & 22: Sat. St. Stephen 5 pm- 89; Sun. Carmel 7am- 4; 9am St. Mary- 104; 11am St. Martin-112

Cemetery Policy at St. Mary of Mercy: This is a reminder of the long-standing policy that all grave decorations be confined to the cement pad on which the grave stone is set. Some graves have collected numerous decorations making it difficult to care for the cemetery lawn. For the sake of a nice-looking cemetery, please clean up the grave areas.

Special Joint Meeting of St. Stephen's parish council and the finance council is on Thurs. Mar. 26 at 7pm in parish hall.  Mr. Matt Althoff and Mr. Mike Bannwarth from the Diocese of Sioux Falls will be on hand to discuss past financial issues in the parish.  The meeting will not be open to the public, only the members of the councils.  Pray the meeting is fruitful.

Items for Those in Need- St. Stephen’s has an ongoing collection of paper or cleaning products, laundry detergent or personal hygiene products. These items cannot be bought with food stamps. Leave in kitchen area. For March we are concentrating on personal hygiene products: toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, hand soaps, shampoo & conditioners, deodorant and razors for men and women. However, we gladly accept any items.

St. Stephen’s CCD classes - The following is the schedule for March: 22nd, and the 29th.

The Respect Life Office has made available to us very informative brochures on a variety of topics / problems and they are displayed in the entry of St. Mary’s Church. You may take any of them or make use of the CD’s on the opposite table.

Steubenville North -Youth Conference will be July 27-30 with exciting speakers & musicians. The cost is $325. Forms are at www.sfcatholic.org/youth; you need to register as soon as possible; space is limited or contact parish office. Also Discipleship Camps are HS July 9-12 & July 16-19 and Jr. High July 23-26 at Broom Tree. Parish scholarships may be available for any of these events; deadline is May 11th.

Our parish goals are100% participation so we need everyone’s help to meet these goals.

Pilgrimage to Italy: Join Fr. Dana Christensen on the pilgrimage May 20-29, 2015. We will be travelling to many shrines including the Vatican and Basilicas of Rome, Assisi– the home of St. Francis in St. Clare, Monte Cassino – the burial place of St. Benedict, San Giovanni Rontondo– the home and burial place of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Lanciano – where we will see the famous Eucharistic Miracle, and Loretto – home of the Holy House of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. We will also have the opportunity to see our Holy Father Pope Francis. Daily Mass at the Shrines will be provided as well as opportunities for private prayer. For more info and a brochure contact Fr. Christensen at 605. 239.4833 or frdanachristensen@sfcatholic.org . FULL

Welcome to: Cooper James Wenande, son of Tony & Amanda Wenande, who was recently received into God’s family and also St. Mary’s parish family thru the Sacrament of Baptism.

Prayer of Spouses- Lord Jesus, grant that I and my spouse may have a true and understanding love for each other. Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May we always bear with one another’s weaknesses and grow from each other’s strengths. Help us to forgive one another’s failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of self. May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both ever closer to you Lord through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection. Amen.

Please note: The Sisters will be on Retreat - The Carmelite Sisters will have their annual retreat Jan. 14 thru Feb. 22. During this time, the morning Mass will be in St. Mary’s Church at 7:30 am with no morning Mass at Carmel. On Sun. Feb. 19 there will be No 7:00 am Mass and no Rosary or Benediction in the afternoon.

Respect Life- If you were once the unborn child your mother carried, then you have to accept an undeniable truth:  killing that child through abortion would have killed you.  Not a potential you.  Not a possible you.  Not a future you.  Abortion would have killed you. This is why abortion is tragic.  It kills more than a human body.  It kills a valuable human being.  GK, Precious Unborn Human Persons

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM INFERTILITY? Resources are now available on the Office of Marriage, Family & Respect Life website, including prayers, videos, articles, Church teachings, and recommended links. Visit www.sfcatholic.org/respectlife. Further, please consider attending a support and discussion group that will begin meeting Thursday, February 16th, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 523 North Duluth Avenue, Sioux Falls. Please contact 988-3775 to register and for more information.

Respect Life - The 13th of the month is our parishes scheduled day to pray in front of the Planned Parenthood Clinic. If you cannot make it to Sioux Falls, a group meets on the 13th at St. Martin’s Church at 2:00 pm each month (unless it falls on a weekend) to pray the rosary for respect life issues and to end abortion. Please make an effort to support life issues.

1st Communion Parent Meeting for both parishes will be on Sun. Jan. 15 at 7 pm at St. Mary’s Social Center.

New to the Parish? Please stop by or call the Parish Office to register as a member, or if you are leaving the area call Christi at 239-4578.

Broom Tree Schedule -Silent Retreat Schedule: 2015 – Women’s: Feb 19-22, March 5-8, May 14-17, June 18-21, August 13-16, September 17-20, October 22-25, Nov. 5-8; Men’s: Feb 26-Mar 1, March 19-22, August 20-23, September 24-27, Nov. 19-22

St. Raphael Fund is meant to assist the military and their families. The goal is to encourage healthy families. Donations or applications for funds can be sent to St. Raphael Fund, 523 N Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 or call 800-700-7867.

GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A SIBLING - Six Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Jan. 6- Feb. 10, at Catholic Family Services, 523 N Duluth, S.F. This program is for adults who are grieving the loss of a brother or sister. Cost- free will offering. Call 988-3775 or email cfs@sfcatholic.org to register. This group is non-denominational.

RETROUVAILLE: Help for marriages in need of healing in Sioux Falls on March 16-18, 2012. Contact: 988-3776 or visit www.retrouvaille.org . Note: Please keep in mind that the Retrouvaille program has helped couples who experienced chronic communication problems as well as those who thought they were beyond hope, already separated, or even divorced.

Pray for Life with Bishop Paul J. Swain as part of the Diocesan Life Chain Link, in front of PlannedParenthood on West 41st Street in Sioux Falls on January 20, 2015 at 12:00 noon. If you are unableto attend, please consider joining in prayer in your own parish, or sign up for another prayer time on

the online calendar. To learn more or to sign up to pray, visit the “Life Chain Link” page of theOMFRL website at www.sfcatholic.org/respectlife/.

St. Stephen’s is looking for someone to clear snow from the church and rectory; also to mow the properties next year. Jeff Arend’s boys mow ch/rectory.not cemetery

Movie and TV Program Reviews are available on the websites www.parentstv.org and for movies decentfilms.com, pluggedin.com, and movieguide.org, and at USCCB (Catholic Bishop’s websiste) .

Used Laptop Computer- St. Martin’s is looking for an old laptop to be used with the new “Synthia” music system and also able to play DVD’s for the CRE program. A limited battery capability is workable for us. Call the office 239-4578.

Altar Server Training for all three parishes will start soon. Fr. Christensen needs one or two men from each parish to help train the servers and rehearse for big feast days (Christmas and Easter); call the office 239-4578.

CRE News –1st Comm. Parent Meeting for both parishes on Nov. 6 at St. Martin’s at 7:00 pm. St. Mary’s -Nov. 9- No HS CRE. St. Martin’s - CRE Christmas program practice will begin on Nov 13 at 9 am; please drop off your children at the church at 9 am each Sunday until the program. Nov. 13- confessions gr. 4; 7-12 graders will have their Teen Mass on Sunday Nov. 13. Please be there at 10:35 am for the rosary and sit up front. St. Martin’s teachers: Remember by Nov. 15 to do your Safe Environment on line. Go on-line to www.sfcatholic.org and view the information, take a short test & print certificate.

13 th of the month is our parishes day to pray at Planned Parenthood Clinic in Sioux Falls; Thurs. Nov. 13 leave at 11 am from St. Mary’s and return around 1:30 pm; call Marie B. or prayer a rosary at home for respect for all life.

Respect Life News: The 13 th of the month is our parishes scheduled day to pray at Planned Parenthood Clinic in Sioux Falls. On Thurs. Oct. 13 they will leave at 11 am from St. Mary’s and return around 1:30 pm; or prayer a rosary at home.

Scott Hahn’s Sunday Reflections- If you enjoy the reflection in recent bulletins go to http://www.salvationhistory.com/homily_helps to receive an email each week with his thoughts on each Sunday’s Bible readings.

Share Your Talents -Fr. Christensen is looking for someone who knows how to sew to do a few things for our parishes. If you can sew and would be willing to donate some time please contact Fr. Christensen at the parish office 239-4578.

Respect for Human Life is just part of being Catholic. One cannot be Catholic and be pro-abortion in any sense of the word.

“It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.” Mother TheresaWords for Life- Some claim that scientists who kill embryos for their stem cells are not actually depriving anyone of life, because they are using “spare” or unwanted embryos who will die anyway. This argument is simply invalid. Ultimately each of us will die, but that gives no one a right to kill us. Our society does not permit lethal experiments on terminally ill patients or condemned prisoners on the pretext that they will soon die anyway.

Note: New volunteers are also required to have a criminal (not financial) background check (paid for by the parish).

It's normal to grieve a pregnancy loss, including the loss of a child by abortion. It can form a hole in one's heart so deep that it seems nothing can fill the emptiness. Join us for a Rachel's Vineyard Retreat, October 17-20 for hope, healing and forgiveness. Strictly confidential. Call 800-700-7867 for information. Scholarships available.

Remembrance Book to record and store funeral dates and obituaries for family and friends; helps to remind you to keep them in your prayers especially during the month of Nov. Available at the Carmelite Monastery or www.RememberMeProject.org .

Catholic Religious Education (CRE)

New to the Parish? If you have moved to the area or if you plan on attending Mass here after parish transitions, please email or call the Parish Office to register as a member, call Christi at 239-4578; email maryofmercy@triotel.net.

The Confraternity of the Holy Face is a devotion being initiated in the Diocese of Sioux Falls at St. Mary Church in Salem, SD. Devotions are held on the First Sunday of every month at 7-7:30pm. Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus offers prayers in reparation for sins of blasphemy against God’s Holy Name as well as the profanation of Sundays and Holy Days of obligation. If you wish to enroll in the Confraternity, even without attending the devotions, write to Confraternity of the Holy Face, St. Mary Church, P.O. Box 308, Salem, SD 57058.

Forgiveness is critical to a healthy life. By holding onto an injury, we are hoping for a better past which will never happen. Forgiveness recognizes that we were unjustly treated and that it will not be corrected. Forgiveness does not condone the injustice. It is a decision to not let the injustice control our life any longer.

Study of the Faith- RCIA will begin in October; anyone interested in joining the Catholic Church, learning more about it or wanting to prepare for Confirmation. Contact Fr. Jerry at 239-4833 for a registration form.

Broom Tree Schedule- Silent Retreat Schedule: MEN’s: Sept. 25-28; WOMEN’S: Sept. 18-21, Oct. 23-26, Nov. 6-9.

Pro-Life News- The 9th Annual Sioux Falls Life Chain will be on Sun. Oct. 5 from 2-3. Be a witness to the dignity of life!St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Dues- There is an envelope dated Sept. 22 in your boxed set for Sacred Heart League dues which helps to pay for cleaning of the Church and many other things. The dues are $20. Thank you for your attention to this.

5:30 pm St. Martin, Emery NO Mass 10:00 am Diamond Care, Bridgewater (No Mass)

St. Mary’s CRE will begin on Sept. 14 but we still need teachers for 1st & 8th grade call office at 239-4578

St. Stephen’s is looking for someone to clean their rectory every 2wks; will take about 2-3 hrs. Call office 239-4578.

Please Note: We realize that because of the change in Mass times parishioners may end up in one of the other linked parishes. We will continue the practice of returning the offering envelope to the parish where you are registered. Even though parish funds are kept separate, we welcome and encourage a sense of a catholic

community within our three linked parishes. Please know that you are welcome to a parish function where you are at mass.

St. Martin’s Rosary Leaders – We are looking for more volunteers to lead the rosary. Call the parish office 239-4578.St. Martin’s Reception Brunch produced many delicious dishes. We are asking that anyone who brought a dish especially the breakfast casserole, please email the office at maryofmercy@triotel.net with your recipe so a small booklet can be made and then made available to those who wanted those recipes.

Mark your Calendars - The St. Stephen’s Sausage Supper is Oct. 5th. It was decided to continue the tradition sausage supper as a great fundraiser and it gives everyone a chance to work together within the parish. We pray for the success of our sausage supper and are thankful that the tradition will continue.

Bulletin Announcements- Anyone wanting to get information into the bulletin should send an email by Wed. noon to maryofmercy@triotel.net or call parish office at 239-4578. This would also be the way for renting the halls in each parish.

Natural Family Planning & Fertility Care: For info and a list of instructors and physicians call the Family & Children Faith Formation Office 605-988-3776. Did you know? Children can be conceived while on oral contraceptives, and the chemicals in the pill can alter the lining of the uterus resulting in the death of the child because it cannot successfully implant in the womb of the mother. There’s a better way for you to plan your family: NFP; www.sfcatholic.org/RespectLife

Prayer at Planned Parenthood will take place on Saturday, the 13th at noon. Please join me to pray for the conversion of all in the abortion business, for an end to abortion, for the mothers and fathers who believe they need to abort their children and for our country to outlaw this practice. As usual, I will leave at 11 am from St. Mary’s; rides are available simply by calling me—or you can meet us in Sioux Falls. The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15th is a day of obligation this year

In another week-and-a-half school will have resumed in both parishes, which means our Catholic Religious Education (CRE) programs will not be far behind. This week, you may be contacted to help with the program. We have had good cooperation in the past, and I hope it will continue. Passing on the faith to the next generation is the primary responsibility of a Catholic parent. This is highlighted in the baptismal ritual where the parents are reminded of this responsibility several times. Godparents, too, share in this charge. This responsibility is not fulfilled simply by sending children to the parish religious education program. Unless children are taught at home the importance of Sunday Mass (by going) and that Sunday is different from other days of the week; unless children are taught how to pray—both individually and together as a family; unless they are exposed to Sacred Scripture, through the reading of the Bible at home; unless they are introduced to Catholic practices and sacramentals (like holy water, religious images, medals, etc.); unless they are given an example of Catholic moral practice and taught a Catholic approach to morality—unless these things are done at home, the hour per week of religious education will have only a minimal impact on your child and cannot be expected to sustain them in their faith for life.

What you do at home with your child in the way of religious education truly has ten times the impact of nearly anything done in CRE. CRE is best seen as a support and affirmation of what you do at home. My hope is to eventually move toward a home-based religious education program. One that I’ve been examining has parents teach their own children 3 weeks of the month, with the fourth week being a gathering of parents and children—the parents for a lesson preparing them for the next sessions they will teach at home, and the youth seeing catechists to help fill in any gaps. Until such time as a program like this can be implemented, we would ask your cooperation in making our religious education programs the best they can be. A quality faith formation program is one of the indications of a “vibrant parish” under the Diocesan Planning Guidelines. Let us make our parishes particularly vibrant in passing on the faith to the next generation. Blessings for a new school year,  Fr. Jerry

Respect Life News: The 13 th of the month is our parishes scheduled day to pray in front of the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Sioux Falls. On Wed. Aug. 13, a group will leave at 11 am from St. Mary’s and return around 1:45 pm. They are looking for a driver. Let Marie Bettmeng know if you can come at 239-4671. Those who cannot go may pray a Rosary at home.

Quote from Blessed Mother Teresa – “I also know that there are great problems in the world – that many spouses do not love each other enough to practice natural family planning. We cannot solve all the problems in the world, but let us never bring in the worst problem of all and that is to destroy love. And this is what happens when we tell people to practice contraception and abortion.” Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

KSTJ “The Lamb” Catholic Radio 91.3 FM station is on the air. Please support them thru prayers or a donation securely online at www.lambradio.com or mail it to: Agnus Dei Communications, Inc., 6300 South Old Village Place, Suite 203, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 or call us at 605-275-4659. Catholic Radio changes lives each day. Great News!  The Lamb Catholic Radio Mobile APP is NOW available to be downloaded.  You can go to www.lambradio.com and click on the mobile APP icon that works with their smart phone and down load the APP in a matter of seconds.  Listen anywhere. 

Adoption? If you feel you are being called to adoption, please contact Catholic Family Services to find out more information regarding our adoption services. Please contact Christy Vander Woude, MSW at cvanderwoude@sfcatholic.org or call our main office at 605-988-3775 or 800-700-7867.

St. Stephen Church PO Box 49 Bridgewater, SD 57319** 605-729-2814.

For an emergency or to get a hold of a priest please call Fr. Christensen first at 239-4833 or his office at 239-4578; Fr. Paul N. 729-2814.

Broom Tree Schedule - Silent Retreat Schedule: MEN’s: July 17-20, September 25-28 WOMEN’S: August 14-17, September 18-21, October 23-26, November 6-9

Catholic Family Services invites you to join our Living with Chronic Illness group. It’s an educational supportive group for those living with chronic illness and their care givers that meets each month, on the first Tuesday, from 1:00-3:00 PM at St. Lamberts Parish, 1000 S. Bahnson Ave Sioux Falls. For info call Margi at Catholic Family Services, 605-988-3775.

Gathering emails- Please submit your email address so we may communicate more effectively and inexpensively with you. Parishioners from St. Mary’s & St. Martin’s are asked to send a quick message “Here’s my address.” to maryofmercy@triotel.net . Most of St. Stephen’s emails are on the list from getting the bulletin. Thank you for your help.

The Knights of Columbus regular meeting on Tues. May 13 will begin at 7:00 pm at the Social Center.

New Altar Servers training and those wanting a review: anyone from grades 4 & up at St. Mary’s call Fr. Jerry at 239-4833 or parish office 239-4578; at St. Martin’s grades 5 & up call Jeff Arend at 449-4752 or cell 999-7684. Consider helping Fr. Jerry at the altar. Times to be determined later.

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” -St. Francis-

The days are dwindling of my being with you as your Pastor, and many people are vacationing these days, so I know I will miss seeing many of you before I leave. But I want to make sure that all of you know how much I have been privileged to be with you. I thank you for welcoming me into your homes and into your hearts. Certainly I have made mistakes and certainly I was not able to reach everyone—and especially remember people’s names! I did not get “thank you” notes written for all the generous gifts at Christmas and Birthdays. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t grateful—I appreciate your generosity immensely and I want to thank everyone who took good care of me in these nearly four years. I won’t say “goodbye” just yet! But know that you will always be in my heart and in my prayers. Thank you for four great years!

DIVORCED? The Catholic's Divorce Survival Guide 6 week program begins Wed. June 11, 2014 at 6:30pm at St Mary's Catholic Church, 2109 South 5th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD. Cost is $45 per person and includes a "Personal Survival Guide," refreshments and all materials for 6 weeks. Find comfort and counsel consistent with Catholic teachings. Call Margi at Catholic Family Services 988-3775, 800-700-7867 or email mculhane@sfcatholic.org to register or for more information.

GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A SPOUSE Six Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm – 8:30 pm. June 10– July 15, 2014 at Catholic Family Services, 523 N Duluth, Sioux Falls. Directed by Dr. Marcie Moran. This program is for adults who have lost a spouse and are trying to cope with the pain of separation and loss. Role change and loneliness are secondary losses which can complicate the grieving process. The program will offer assistance in coping with this change and making healthy readjustments. Non-denominational; Cost – a donation. Call 988-3775 or 1-800-700-7867 to register.

13th of the Month- We will prayer at Planned Parenthood for an end to abortion Tues. May 20 with Bishop Swain.

Thank you to those parish council members: St. Mary’s: Dorothy Bahmuller and Cindy Beyer; St. Martin’s Jill Budahl that volunteered to serve another 3yr. term: Donna Squires

or consider a gift of GRAIN from your harvest

Children’s Grief Program Five Thursday afternoons from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 29-June 26, 2014. Catholic Family Services, 523 N Duluth, Sioux Falls. Presented by Christy VanderWoude. This program is designed for children ages 6-8 years old that have experienced the loss of a loved one. In age related groups, the children will have an opportunity to share their grief experiences and learn that they are not alone in their feelings. Call 988-3775 or 1-800-700 –7867 to register. This group is non-denominational and there is no cost for participation.

Alexandria Blood Drive will be Thurs. June 19 at United Methodist Church from 2-6:30 pm; for apt. call Darla 996-0797

Welcome to: Allie Mary Ruden, daughter of Chris & Emily Ruden, who was recently received into God’s family and also St. Martin’s parish family thru the Sacrament of Baptism.Welcome to: Jase John Einar Kayser, son of Kenny Kayser and Teresa Wagner, who was recently received into God’s family and also St. Martin’s parish family through the Sacrament of Baptism.

Pregnant and need help? The Mother Teresa Endowment is a fund of the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls through Catholic Family Services, which provides help for those in financial difficulties due to an unplanned pregnancy. Free pregnancy counseling and assistance for costs not covered by other resources is available. If you know of someone in need of assistance or would like to contribute to the endowment fund, contact Catholic Family Services at 1-888-700-7867.

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat – May 16 - 18 - Strictly Confidential. A safe, loving, non-judgmental environment. Open to men, women, mothers, fathers, grandparents who have been affected by abortion. Non-denominational but sponsored by Catholic Family Services. For materials or more info, call 988-3775 or 1-800-700-7867 or email mculhane@sfcatholic.org.

Make a Good Confession this Lent: www.goodconfession.com for help to prepare. Our only Communal Penance Service will be on Tues. night April 8th in Emery in conjunction with the Mission Retreat with 7:00 pm start; several priests The Home Missions Appeal is every year in April to support the dioceses in our own country in which there are either very few Catholics (as in parts of the southern U.S. or Alaska) or where the Catholics are very poor (as on Indian Reservations) or both! Without the help of more fortunate dioceses, maintaining the Church in these areas would be very difficult. We will have a second collection for this appeal next Sunday, April 27.Adoption?  If you feel you are being called to adoption, Catholic Family Services will be holding an informational meeting about the process of adopting a child on April 23, 2014 and on May 1, 2014 in Sioux Falls.   For more information or to sign up, please e-mail Christy Vander Woude, MSW cvanderwoude@sfcatholic.org or call our main office at 800-700-7867.

Catholic Family Services in Mitchell, SD has new hours for their counseling services. Dr. Marcie Moran, Director of Catholic Family Services will be available for appointments from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Wednesdays beginning May 7, 2014. Our address is 1115 E. 5th Ave. Mitchell, SD 57301. Please call 800-700-7868 or 605-988-3775 to schedule an appointment.

Internet Safety: I have had a request for helping people deal with pornography and other inappropriate internet content. By age 18, 90% of boys and 60% of girls are exposed to Internet pornography. From a recent diocesan workshop I learned about Open DNS (opendns.com) and “Family Safety” from Microsoft (go to Microsoft.com and search for “Family Safety”). These sites have free tools that can be used to filter inappropriate internet content. Another option is Safe Eyes (safeeyes.com). A site to help adults is Covenant Eyes (covenanteyes.com). If you or members of your family have problems with internet porn, etc. these sites provide tools to protect yourselves and your children.

Broom Tree Schedule- Silent Retreat Schedule: MEN’S 2014: July 17-20, and September 25-28. WOMEN’S 2014: May 15-18, June 19-22, August 14-17, September 18-21, October 23-26, Nov. 6-9.

Congratulations to: Ben and Christina (Wenande) Terveen who were united in marriage last weekend at St. Mary’s Church; also to Ken and Katrina (Jarding) Hostler who were also united in marriage at St. Mary’s earlier in August.

Check out the Catholic Reading Center: Magnificat Magazine, Catholic Answers and more!

Welcome to: Carissa Elizabeth Weber, daughter of Chris & Liz Weber, who was recently received into God’s family and also St. Martin’s parish family thru the Sacrament of Baptism.Welcome to: Sophia Caroline Kayser, daughter of Kenny & Kelly Kayser, who was recently received into God’s family and also St. Mary’s parish family through the Sacrament of Baptism.

Congratulations to Nick & Megan Nielson-their marriage was recognized in the Catholic Church at St. Mary’s Dec. 3.

Prayer of Spouses- Lord Jesus, grant that I and my spouse may have a true and understanding love for each other. Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May we always bear with one another’s weaknesses and grow from each other’s strengths. Help us to forgive one another’s failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of self. May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both ever closer to you Lord through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection. Amen.

Pregnant -One Word, Many Emotions.  If you or someone you know is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, Catholic Family Services can help.  CFS provides free confidential pregnancy counseling

regardless of race or religion.  Please contact Christy Vander Woude, MSW at cvanderwoude@sfcatholic.org or call our main office at605-988-3775 or 800-700-7867.

St.

Mary’s). Those who cannot go may pray a Rosary at home. Let Fr. know if you can come— room for three.

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CATHOLIC RADIO IS NOW ON THE AIR.  You can listen to authentic Catholic radio 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on KSTJ 91.3 FM “The Lamb” and also on line at www.lambradio.com.  If your business would like to become a Business Underwriter on KSTJ 91.3 FM please contact Ray Campbell or Kevin Culhane at 605-275-4659.  Follow us on Facebook at Lamb Radio.

Pregnant and need help? The Mother Teresa Endowment is a fund of the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls through Catholic Family Services, which provides help for those in financial difficulties due to an unplanned pregnancy. No one should consider abortion because of financial reasons; help IS available. Free pregnancy counseling and assistance with costs not covered by other resources is available. If you know of someone in need of assistance or would like to contribute to the endowment fund, please contact Fr. Ranek or Catholic Family Services at 1-888-700-7867.God’s love does not distinguish between the infant in the mother’s womb or the child or the youth or the adult or the older person. In each one God sees His image and likeness. Human life is a manifestation of God and His glory. Pope Benedict XVI

Congratulations to the Mary of Mercy Carmelites who have sent off their first new foundation to Hague, N.D. on the Feast of St. Joseph. Five Nuns comprise this new foundation, which has been a long time forming. Two have accompanied them and will stay temporarily to help them get started there. Keep them in your prayers, since Mother assures me it is quite an undertaking to start a new foundation. March 19, 2014

BISHOP HOCH SCHOLARSHIP 2014 - 2015 The Diocese awards a $1,000.00 scholarship in each of the seven deaneries, to enable a student to attend either Mount Marty College in Yankton or Presentation College in Aberdeen. The scholarships are available to new students, students already in college and non-traditional students interested in attending or already attending these colleges. Please contact Mary Andersen at mandersen@sfcatholic.org for more information.

Respect Life- [In vitro fertilization] Often embryos not used in a first attempt at pregnancy are frozen and stored for future attempts. This also poses a serious risk to their lives. When their parents have as many live-born children as they want, or abandon their efforts to have a child through IVF, the remaining embryos are considered “excess” or “spare.” Some are thrown away as laboratory waste, while others are abandoned indefinitely in a frozen state or slated for experimental purposes. The current debate about killing embryonic human beings on a large scale to “harvest” their embryonic stem cells arose partly because IVF clinics produced so many “spare” embryos, creating a terrible temptation for researchers to find a “use” for these human beings no longer wanted by their parents.

~ United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology

PRAYER: Blessed are You, O Lord our God, for You guide our footsteps. You bless our coming in and our going out; from birth to death You hold us in Your care. (Here, mark the door lintel with the blessed chalk: 20 + C + M + B + 11). Lord Jesus, You are the door to the Kingdom of God, the sheep gate to life eternal: O portal of eternal peace, our living way, free us from our sins and open for us the door to salvation. Together we pray, "Our Father ..." Lord Jesus, as the Three Kings found your home by following the star that led them, help us to find You in this house through the light of the love we share. May all who enter this door share in the hospitality of our home. Bless our home and all of us in this new year; and lead us to our eternal home to live forever in the glory of Your Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. AMEN.

St. Martin’s Sacred Heart- The new Sacred Heart Leaflets will be in the back of church; please pick yours up.

Thank you to all who participated in the Diamond Care birthday celebration especially the St. Martin’s 7&8 gr CRE class along with their teachers Clar Weber, Patty Miller and Roger Leitheiser who sang Christmas carols; a great performance

Respect Life News: The 13th of the month is our parishes scheduled day to pray in front of the Planned Parenthood Clinic. On Jan. 13, Fr. Jerry will go to pray in front of Planned Parenthood in Sioux Falls at 12 noon (leave at 11 am from

Forgiveness is critical to a healthy life. By holding onto an injury, we are hoping for a better past which will never happen. Forgiveness recognizes that we were unjustly treated and that it will not be corrected. Forgiveness does not condone the injustice. It is a decision to not let the injustice control our life any longer. We do not need an apology from someone to forgive them.

The Knights of Columbus tootsie roll drive brought in $312.87, which after expenses will be spit between the Special Education programs of our schools. Thank you to all who contributed.

Ministry - Lectors and Ushers- A new list will be made soon for both parishes; please consider giving your time to God and helping either lector or usher. Call the parish office at 239-4578 for additions or changes.

Technology for Faith- There are Apps for your mobile phone to get devotions, the daily mass readings, the rosary, the Bible, confession aides, saints of the day, Vatican documents and many other topics; go to applied apps, then Catholic, then topic.

Medishare-

Learn More about the Faith -Anyone wanting to learn more about the faith or an adult in need of Confirmation, or a non-Catholic interested in possibly joining the Church is invited to attend.  Please contact Fr. Jerry 239-4833. Here’s my address.” Please submit your email address so we may communicate more effectively and inexpensively with you. Parishioners from both parishes are asked to send a quick message to maryofmercy@triotel.net . Thanks for your help.

Diamond Care Birthday Party -St. Martin’s Sacred Heart is in charge of the Dec. birthday party at Diamond Care on Sun. Dec. 22- Band 3 (Bobby Aulner??? - chair). The 7&8 CRE program will help with the program by singing Christmas carols. Anyone else interested in going, they will leave at 6:45 pm from the church for a 7:00 pm start.

Catholic Family Services invites you to join our Living with Chronic Illness group. This is an educational supportive group that meets monthly from 1:00-3:00 p.m., for those living with chronic illness and their care givers at St. Lambert, 1000 S. Bahnson Ave., Sioux Falls. Next meeting date is December 3. For more details call Margi at Catholic Family Services, 605-988-3775. DIVORCED? The Catholic's Divorce Survival Guide 6 week program begins Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 6:30pm at St Mary's Catholic Church, 2109 South 5th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD. Cost is $45 per person and includes a "Personal Survival Guide," refreshments and all materials for 6 weeks. Find comfort and counsel consistent with Catholic teachings. Call Margi at Catholic Family Services 988-3775, 800-700-7867 or email mculhane@sfcatholic.org to register or for more information.

Diamond Care News- St. Martin’s Sacred Heart is in charge of the Dec. birthday party at Diamond Care on Mon. Dec. 7- Band 1 (Deb Weber - chair). Anyone interested in going, they will leave at 6:40 pm from the church for a 7:00 pm start.

November is the month when the Church draws particular attention to her members being purified in Purgatory. We can help them with our prayers, sacrifices, Mass intentions, and indulgences. Two particular indulgences which can be of great benefit to our brothers and sisters who have died are those plenary indulgences involving a "Visit to a Cemetery" (plenary when done between November 1-8, inclusive); and the "Visit to a Church or Oratory on All Souls Day," applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory. Please take this opportunity to help your deceased relatives and friends. A sheet with the conditions for the indulgence can be found in the church entryways.

New to the Parish or Moving? Please stop by or call the Parish Office to register as a member, or if you are moving or if you are leaving the area call Christi at 239-4578.

Forgiveness is critical to a healthy life. By holding onto an injury, we are hoping for a better past which will never happen. Forgiveness recognizes that we were unjustly treated and that it will not be corrected. Forgiveness does not condone the injustice. It is a decision to not let the injustice control our life any longer. We do not need an apology from someone to forgive them.

St. Martin’s -Also, election of officers will be held at the Dec. 4 meeting.

  This was the possible message from Fr. Jerry on the weekend of June 1, 2014 but decided to change the 5:00 Mass because it would be the least disruptive to the least amt of parishioners.After careful consideration of the Survey Results and the work load presented on weekends according to the new linkage of parishes, we will institute the following Mass schedule after July 1st, 2014, which will be reviewed after a year by Fr. Dana Christensen and the Councils: Saturday evening: St. Martin, 5:00 PM Sunday morning: Carmel 7:00 AM; St. Mary, 9:00 AM; St. Stephen, 11:00AM

Prayer For Those In Service- “Lord Jesus, Savior of the world and King of peace watch over our sons and daughters in the service of their country. Protect them from the physical and moral dangers of military life. Keep them close to you and help them live the commandments. Lord Jesus, give them courage to serve their country with honor and dignity. Be with them when they are in danger. Strengthen them when they face hardships. Above all, Lord, grant that when their service is finished, they may return to us sound in mind, body and soul. Amen.”

June 13th -Thursday -We continue to pray at Planned Parenthood on the 13th of the month to beg God for an end to the scourge of abortion in our State. Attention given to the horrors of the abortionist Kermit Gosnell who was sentenced to prison for killing babies born alive, is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the horror of abortion. Every abortion is a tragedy, and if you’ve never tried to do something about this, then join us in prayer this Thursday. Fr. will leave from St. Mary’s at 11 a.m. / back by 1:30 p.m.

Adoption? If you feel you are being called to adoption, please contact Catholic Family Services to find out more information regarding our services. Please contact Christy Vander Woude, MSW at cvanderwoude@sfcatholic.org or call our main office 800-700-7867.

Affordable Counseling available with Catholic Family Services in Mitchell. Common issues are: relationships, depression, anxiety, past trauma, parenting, anger management, and phobia. Call 1-888-496-2273. We have a sliding scale fee according to income and number in the family. Medicare, Medicaid or insurance is used when applicable.

Classes of Inquiry will be held for those wanting to join the Catholic Faith or for others interested in updating their knowledge; call the parish office at 239-4578. Schedule of classes to be determined by participants.

Natural Family Planning & Fertility Care: For information and list of instructors and physicians call the Family & Children Faith Formation Office, 605-988-3776 or check the Bishop’s Bulletin. Also see: www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp

Divorced? The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide 6-week program begins Wednesday, June 12th at 6:30PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 2109 S. 5th Ave. Sioux Falls. Cost is $45 per person and includes a “Personal Survival Guide,” refreshments and all materials for 6 weeks. Find comfort and counsel consistent with Catholic teachings. Call Margi at Catholic Family Services 988-3775 or 800-700-7867 or email mculhane@sfcatholic.org to register of for more information.

GRIEVING LOSS FROM SUICIDE   April 23 – May 28, 2013 from 6:30 – 8:30pm at Catholic Family Services, 523 N. Duluth Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, directed by Dr. Marcie Moran.  Non-denominational, cost- donation.  A program for families who have lost a loved one from suicide.  The suddenness of the death, the confusion and the painful reactions are significant topics of the program.  This is a time when professional support is needed.  Call 988-3775 or email cvanderwoude@sfcatholic.org with any questions or to register.

13th of the Month -The 13th being on Sunday, we shall join Bishop Swain in praying for an end to abortion at Planned Parenthood on Tuesday, January 15th. If you wish to join us in prayer, call the Parish Office or Fr. Jerry.

Prayer for Religious Liberty (text of National Prayer Cards) O GOD OUR CREATOR, from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society. We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith. Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice

to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome—for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us—this great land will always be “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Copyright © 2012, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.

Retrouvaille: Help for Troubled & Strained Marriages- The next Retrouvaille weekend is April 19-21, 2013, in Sioux Falls. This is a confidential weekend that offers hope and help for couples to heal and renew their marriage relationship.  Please contact 988-3755 to register.  For general information visit: www.retrouvaille.org.

How would you rate your marriage?  You are eligible for a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend not because you need it, but because you and your marriage deserve it!  Our next scheduled Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is April 5 - 7 to be held at Clubhouse Hotel and Suites in Pierre. For more information call John and Dawn Elsinger at 605-362-0924 or visit www.wwme.org .

ATTN: CRE 7-12 parents please talk to your children about NOT bringing drinks and snacks to class unless for a special occasion. The teachers are volunteering their time to teach, and when children are bringing candy and drinks it is becomes a distraction.

Can your marriage be described as "ho-hum"?  Bring it up to speed by attending our next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend scheduled for September 6-8, 2013 at Broom Tree Retreat and Conference Center near Irene, SD.  For more information or to register, contact John & Dawn Elsinger at 605-362-0924 or visit www.WWME.org.  A Weekend of Discovery... A Lifetime of Love!

St. Martin’s Prayer Chain will be updating their lists, call Theresa Catron 449-4378 or the office 239-4578 to be added to the prayer chain or any other changes. The deadline is March 4.

our next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend scheduled for September 14-16, 2012 at Broom Tree Retreat and Conference Center near Irene, SD.  For more information or to register, contact John & Dawn Elsinger at 605-362-0924 or visit www.WWME.org.  A Weekend of Discovery... A Lifetime of Love!

How would you rate your marriage?  You are eligible for a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend not because you need it, but because you and your marriage deserve it!  It’s a beautiful weekend experience designed for couples of all ages and backgrounds to enrich their marriage.  Make this season special by devoting one weekend to your marriage.

13th of the Month We shall keep our monthly commitment to pray at Planned Parenthood for an end to abortion, especially in our state. Please join me in prayer. We shall depart St. Mary of Mercy at 11am from church; call Fr. if interested in going

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Prayer of Spouses- Lord Jesus, grant that I and my spouse may have a true and understanding love for each other. Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May we always bear with one another’s weaknesses and grow from each other’s strengths. Help us to forgive one another’s failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of self. May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both ever closer to you Lord through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection. Amen.

The Diocese awards a $1,000 scholarship in each of the seven deaneries, to enable a student to attend either Mount Marty College in Yankton or Presentation College in Aberdeen. The scholarships are available to new students, students already in college and non-traditional students. To obtain an application contact the Financial Aid office at either college. Applications are due by March 15th, 2013 and must be returned to the Office of Catholic Schools in Sioux Falls.Contata

Family Catholic Services - Dr. Marice Moran, Clinical Director of Catholic Family Services, will begin seeing clients every other week in our Mitchell office. Dr. Moran is offering couples and individual counseling dealing with anxiety, depression, anger and grief. To set up an appointment, please give our main office a call at 800-700-7867.

God’s love does not distinguish between the infant in the mother’s womb or the child or the youth or the adult or the older person. In each one God sees His image and likeness. Human life is a manifestation of God and His glory. Pope Benedict XVI

The Knights of Columbus: The Knight’s Round Table are having a breakfast at St. Mary’s Parish on Sunday, January 13th, serving pancakes and homemade sausage from the Alex Locker at 10am right after Sunday’s Mass until around 12:30. We hope to have Fr. Ranek's Sudan Mission Report available also.

Carmelite Gift Shop / Book Store – There are many good books, religious items and DVDs (both current and / or religious) at the Carmelite Book Store across the street from St. Mary’s in Alexandria. Some of the titles of DVDs include “For Greater Glory”, “Courageous”, “October Baby”, “Narnia”, “The Ultimate Gift”, “The Way”, “Rita”, “The`re`se” and many other titles for interesting gifts and viewing. Stop by and check out the shop.

Annual Safe Environment Training- All volunteers working with youth & employees must view the annual Safe Environment training on line at www.sfcatholic.org and then take a short test. Questions call the office at 239-4578.

Studying the Word of God found in the Bible is an important means of spiritual growth. Fr. Jerry is looking for men or women who would be interested in leading a Bible Study group. It can be organized around your schedule If you pray and see yourself being a Bible Study group leader, please contact Fr. and the topic / book of Scripture to be studied will be decided on.

Couple Retreat: Retreat at Broom Tree on Dec. 7-9 with Fr. Jeff Norfolk; schedule & details at www.broom-tree.org or call 605-263-1040. Broom Tree for 2013: Men’s- Feb. 21-24 and Women’s – Feb. 21-24

‘Catholic Views’ brings you interviews on timely issues concerning our faith, reflection on the Sunday scripture readings and updates on religious news. It airs each Sunday at 8:00 am on KELO-AM, 1320, out of Sioux Falls.

Pro-Life News- Abortion and euthanasia … are the places where those committed to a conditional and selective vision of human rights have planted their flag in our time. They want to draw lines between the important and unimportant members of society, between persons and “nonpersons.” In a different time or place the forcing issue might be slavery, racism or anti-Semitism – today abortion and related issues force us to decide whether we mean what we say in speaking of inalienable human rights, inherent in simply being human.

Caregivers Support Group- will meet Tues. Oct. 23 at 2:00 pm at Avera Queen of Peace Hospitality House, Mitchell.

Words for Life- Some claim that scientists who kill embryos for their stem cells are not actually depriving anyone of life, because they are using “spare” or unwanted embryos who will die anyway. This argument is simply invalid. Ultimately each of us will die, but that gives no one a right to kill us. Our society does not permit lethal experiments on terminally ill patients or condemned prisoners on the pretext that they will soon die anyway.

New to the Parish or Moving? Please stop by or call the Parish Office to register as a member, or if you are moving or if you are leaving the area call Christi at 239-4578.

Home Visits- This fall Fr. Jerry will resume home visits in the parishes. Please sign up on the sheets in the entryway.

Study of the Faith- RCIA will begin in October; anyone interested in joining the Catholic Church, learning more about it or wanting to prepare for Confirmation. Contact Fr. Jerry at 239-4833 for a registration form.

Welcome to: Carissa Elizabeth Weber, daughter of Chris & Liz Weber, who was recently received into God’s family and also St. Martin’s parish family thru the Sacrament of Baptism.

Respect Life News: Cells derived from the destruction of an embryonic human child are being used in tests on humans for the first time as a result of authorization from the Food & Drug Administration. This decision ignores reported dangers of implanting such cells in humans, and ignores the successful therapy for more than 70 diseases already accomplished with adult stem cells obtained without killing human embryos.

Married Couples... Join us for a quiet weekend out on the prairie! Register to attend our next

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: The website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for marriage enrichment www.foryourmarriage.org . It is always current and updated with new material. At the Home Page, you can click on categories of: “For Every Couple,” “Preparing for Marriage,” “Caring for your Marriage,” “About Catholic Marriage,” “Marriage in the News,” “Marriage Rx,” “Today’s Marriage Tip,” and book reviews.

DWS SUPPORT GROUP for divorced, widowed and separated. Open to people of all faiths. A ten week program led by volunteers who have been through the program and want to give back after experiencing help with their grief and pain. Registration is Tue. September 15, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at John Paul II School, 1510 W. Elm in Mitchell. Cost $40 for books and materials. Call 996-9033 or 1-888-496-2273 for more information. Parents Television Council gives you an overview of the contents of TV programs and movies to help decide which are family friendly. You can go to this website for that information: www.parentstv.org

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for anyone affected by abortion will be Aug. 24-26 and is strictly confidential with a safe, loving, non-judgmental environment. Scripture based retreat exercises. Open to men, women, mothers, fathers, grandparents who have been affected by abortion. Non denominational. Sponsored by the Catholic Church and includes the sacraments. Call Heather at 605-988-3775 or 1-800-700-7867 for registration & more info or email hkarrow@sfcatholic.org .

Web Site- Out of town for the weekend? Check out the parish website listed on the top of this bulletin and click on ‘bulletins’ and then the current bulletin date to stay updated for ministry lists and parish information; email listed too.

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM INFERTILITY? Resources are now available on the Office of Marriage, Family & Respect Life website, including prayers, videos, articles, Church teachings, and recommended links. Visit www.sfcatholic.org/respectlife. Further, please consider attending a support and discussion group that will begin meeting Thursday, February 16th, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 523 North Duluth Avenue, Sioux Falls. Please contact 988-3775 to register and for more information.

We are again asking for a list of couples in your parishes who are celebrating 25, 50, 60, and 65 years or more of marriage this year so that we can invite those couples to attend our annual Wedding Anniversary Mass with Bishop Paul J. Swain this summer. Two Masses will be celebrated again this year, one in Aberdeen and one in Sioux Falls at The Cathedral of St. Joseph.

Because of the number of couples involved, we can only invite those celebrating the above milestone anniversaries. We would appreciate it if you could provide us with your parish list by April 15, 2012. Parishes that have ParishSOFT can quickly create a report and submit it via email. Instructions for preparing this report are attached. If your parish does not have this software, please fill out the attached sign-up form. We have attached the form in both PDF and Word formats so that you can submit your form via email if you’d like.

HAVE YOU SUFFERED A MISCARRIAGE OR AN EARLY INFANT LOSS? Resources are now available on the Office of Marriage, Family & Respect Life website, including prayers, videos, articles, Church teachings, and recommended links. Visit www.sfcatholic.org/respectlife. Further, please consider attending a support and discussion group that will begin meeting Thursday, February 9th, 2012, 7:00 p.m., at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 523 North Duluth Avenue, Sioux Falls. Please contact 988-3775 to register and for more information.

GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A SIBLING - Six Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. January 10 – February 14, at Catholic Family Services, 523 N Duluth, S.F. This program is for adults who are grieving the loss of a brother or sister. Cost- free will offering. Call 800-700-7867 to register.

The Confraternity of the Holy Face is a devotion initiated by the Diocese at St. Mary Church in Salem. Devotions are held on the First Sunday of every month at 7-7:30pm. Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus offers prayers in reparation for sins of blasphemy against God’s Holy Name as well as the profanation of Sundays and Holy Days of obligation. To enroll in the Confraternity, attendance not required, write Confraternity of the Holy Face, St. Mary Church, PO Box 308, Salem,SD 57058.

Catholic Family Services is pleased to announce that we now have a counselor in the Mitchell office, specializing in individual, couple and family therapy. If interested in setting up an appointment please call the main office at 605-988-3775 or 800-700-7867.

Natural Family Planning & Fertility Care: For information and list of instructors and physicians call the Family & Children Faith Formation Office, 605-988-3776 or check the Bishop’s Bulletin. Also see: www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp

Respect for Human Life is just part of being Catholic. One cannot be Catholic and be pro-abortion in any sense of the word.

THE BEST MEDICINE FOR SOUL AND BODY IS DAILY COMMUNION WITH JESUS!†Catholic CD’s are available in the entryway of St. Mary of Mercy Church for your use. There are many good titles which can help inform you about matters of the faith. These are up-to-date and very inspirational. We all need to be inspired in our faith; these CD’s can help do that for you. PLEASE take advantage of them. No fee; no due dates.

Congratulations to Bill and Lisa Schleich who validated their marriage in the Catholic Church at St. Martin's on Apr.13.

‘Catholic Views’ brings you interviews on timely issues concerning our faith, reflection on the Sunday scripture readings and updates on religious news. It airs each Sunday at 8:00 am on KELO-AM, 1320, out of Sioux Falls.

Parishioners are invited to sign up for the Home and Farm blessing.  Father will be picking up the Home Visits again this summer and you may sign up to have your home or farm/fields/animals/ equipment blessed.  Sign-up sheets will be posted in the church entryways.  Please indicate a preferred day & time as well as your telephone number.   Campfires at the church—a fun time for families and all alike will begin this summer.  I have purchased a portable fire pit and will invite parishioners and neighbors to join me outside for a time of singing (bring your guitars), prayer, fun and snacks beginning in June.  I anticipate this to be later on Wednesday evenings, alternating parishes through the summer.  Watch the bulletin for details. 

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--CFSA Pledge Cards- Thank You to all who responded to our CFSA campaign this year. As we continue to accept pledges, please note that per Diocesan policy all cards must be returned with or without a pledge. All responses received through the parish level will benefit the parish. Pledges made through the Sioux Falls Diocesan Office calling process (which they will begin soon) will remain there; so we encourage you to return your card through our parish office. CFSA Pledge Cards- Thank You to all who responded to our CFSA campaign this year. We continue to accept pledges. All responses received through the parish level will benefit the parish. Pledges made through the Sioux Falls Diocesan Office calling process (which they will begin soon) will remain there; so we encourage you to return your card through our parish

Respect Life - The 13th of the month is our parishes scheduled day to pray in front of the Planned Parenthood Clinic. If you cannot make it to Sioux Falls, a group meets on the 13th at St. Martin’s Church at 2:00 pm each month (unless it falls on a weekend) to pray the rosary for respect life issues and to end abortion. Please make an effort to support life issues.

Parents Television Council gives you an overview of the contents of TV programs and movies to help decide which are family friendly. You can go to this website for that information: www.parentstv.org . :) ----Out Reach Materials- There are new brochures from the Respect Life Office concerning pregnancies, stem cell research, natural family planning, senior care, abortion, adoptions, contraception and Rachel’s Vineyard- healing from an abortion.

Presentation Sisters – Finding God Retreat for Single Women – Single women (ages 20 – 40) are invited to a retreat Fri. July 13 6:00 – 9:00 pm at Marian House, 227 E 30th St, Sioux Falls, S.D.  Please join Sister Phyllis for a reflective evening and explore how prayer can build and strengthen our inner peace.  Pre-registration is required by Fri. July 6 to Sister Phyllis Gill at 605-229-8414 or pgill@presentationsisters.org. There is no cost to attend.

St. Mary’s –Interesting videos that explain or help you learn more about the faith are in back of church for anyone to listen to and return when finished.

Adult Education CD’s were put in the back of St. Mary’s Church. A reminder for those who have made use of them if you are finished listening to them, please return to Church so others may also enjoy the CD’s.

Prayer of Spouses for Each OtherPrayer of Spouses- Lord Jesus, grant that I and my spouse may have a true and understanding love for each other. Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May we always bear with one another’s weaknesses and grow from each other’s strengths. Help us to forgive one another’s failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-

being of one another ahead of self. May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both ever closer to you Lord through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection. Amen.

Prayer For Those In Service- “Lord Jesus, Savior of the world and King of peace watch over our sons and daughters in the service of their country. Protect them from the physical and moral dangers of military life. Keep them close to you and help them live the commandments. Lord Jesus, give them courage to serve their country with honor and dignity. Be with them when they are in danger. Strengthen them when they face hardships. Above all, Lord, grant that when their service is finished, they may return to us sound in mind, body and soul. Amen.”

Divine Mercy Chaplet- Because of the seriousness of the world situation and war, the Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed after the Sun. Masses in front of the Blessed Sacrament and Divine Mercy.  Petitions are for peace and freedom from a more serious war.  Everyone is welcome to participate. Divine Mercy Chaplet- Because of the seriousness of the world situation, the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy will be prayed after Mass each Sun. in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Sr. Faustina was instructed from our Lord with these promises: “Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death. What great graces I will grant to souls who will recite this chaplet! By means of it, you can ask and obtain anything if it is compatible with my will, etc.”

Prairie Rome Companion (PRC) is a new initiative for adult catechesis in our diocese. PRC is an online audio program which offers presentations and interviews on matters of Catholic teaching, in order to explain our faith and help the average adult Catholic better understand the teachings of the Church. Regular episodes are recorded weekly and are 30 minutes long. In addition, presentations of Theology on Tap are also available for download. Go to www.sfcatholic.org and click on Prairie Rome Companion or Theology on Tap links. For questions or problems call Dr. Chris Burgwald at 605-988-3770.

Catholic Family Services 1115 E. 5th Ave. Mitchell; welcomes an experienced, professional counselor, Art Zambrano, PhD. He works with the Wounded Well; normal people who are burdened with pain, anxiety, stress, marriage challenges, grief, anger etc. There is a sliding scale fee and assistance for farm families; free pregnancy and post abortion counseling. Call 1-888-496-2273 for an appointment or more information.

Prayer for Those in Service- O God of Mercy, we beg You now to protect in a special way those who are fighting for us and for the country we love. Bless them and protect them. If they are tired, give them strength. If they are wounded and suffering, give them comfort. If they are lonely, touch them with Your gentle hand and let them know that You are near them. May they return safely to the arms of their families and friends. And if they should give their lives, grant them eternal peace. Hasten the day, dear Lord, when we may all enjoy the blessings of peace once more. Amen.

NFP Classes - Attend a series of classes on the symptom-thermal method of Natural Family Planning at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell beginning Sunday, February 13, at 1:00 pm. To register call Wayne & Sandy at (605) 425-2325. Natural Family PlanningFor information regarding Natural Family Planning please check the web site of the United States Bishops: www.usccb.org, and click on “Natural Family Planning.” You may also check the Bishop’s Bulletin for the list of instructors in our area, or call the diocesan Family Life Office 605-988-3776. Also check out www.ccli.org.

Grief Support GroupThe Grief Support Group will meet the 2nd Monday of every month in the Delaney Clinic at 1115 E. 5th in Mitchell from 7 to 8:30 pm. This is for dealing with the loss of any loved one No need to register, just show up. If you have any questions call Sr. Phyllis Gill at Catholic Family Services: 996-9033 or 1-888-496-2273.

Prayer for Priests

Praise to you, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for in your Infinite love you care for your people by the ministry of priests.

May their faithful service bring lasting good to your Church and great happiness to them.Help them to do what is right, that by their teaching and living, we may grow in the

knowledge of your love. As our priests instruct your people, enlighten them with the wisdom of Christ the Teacher. As they preach your Word and celebrate the sacraments, sanctify them with the holiness of Christ

the High Priest. As they face weakness, suffering and discouragement, strengthen them with the grace of Christ our Life-Giver. As they work for peace, unity and healing in your Church uphold them with the courage of Christ the Reconciler. Giver of all

good gifts, make the ministry of ourpriests a spiritual offering pleasing to you, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Pro-Life CornerAbortion kills a living, growing human being. Today in America, over 4,400 little human beings are killed every day by surgical abortion. If abortion is a matter of “choice”, what choice does the baby have?

Legislative Vote- Your help is needed! Please call your senators about the Federal Marriage Amendment. Ask them to support the bill stating that marriage is between a man and a woman. Call the US Congress at 202-224-3121.US LegislationThe Unborn Victims of Violence Act (UVVA) House - HR 1997; Senate – S 1019 seeks to give protection to the Unborn in the event an unborn child is killed during the commission of a federal crime. The Senators can be reached at the US Senate at 202-224-3121 or online www.senate.gov . Individual numbers are: or Tim Johnson 1-800-537-0025.Pro-Life Concerns

When any bills concerning pro-life issues come up for a vote in the State Legislature you can contact your Senator or Representative for District 25 by the following ways: Clarence Kooistra 1117 – 4th St. Garretson, SD 57030-2011; Mike Kroger 505 – 12th St. Dell Rapids, SD 57022-1033; Tim Rave 46923 250th St., Baltic, SD 57003 or e-mail address trave@eastplains.net. You can also call Pierre: House of Rep. 773-3851, Senate 773- 3821, fax 605-773-6806; Governor Mike Rounds 773-3212 or e-mail address sdgov@state.