“OUR LADY OF THE PRAIRIE” AREA FAITH COMMUNITY NEWS:

 From the Bishop – Bishop John M. LeVoir

Thank you for reading at all Masses my statement on the Health and Human Services ruling that, if left standing as it is, would erode religious liberty for people of all faiths, not just Catholics. I have received much positive feedback from people. Please continue to activate the laity by asking them to contact their legislators and to fast and pray that this ruling will be changed to allow for the protection of conscience rights. The catechism reminds us that . . .“Jesus’ call to conversion and penance . . . does not aim first at outward works, ‘sackcloth and ashes,’ ‘fasting and mortification,’ but at the conversion of heart, interior conversion. However, interior conversion urges expression in visible signs, gestures and works of penance.”

* Fasting: Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

* Abstinence: Catholics, 14 years of age or older, must abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday,    and all the Fridays of Lent.

* Reception of Holy Communion: Catholics who have received their First Communion are required to receive at least once during the year. In the United States, this reception of Communion may take place from the first Sunday in Lent through Trinity Sunday, the Sunday after Pentecost.

* The Church also encourages attendance at daily Mass, self-imposed times of fasting or abstinence, additional prayer and generosity to local, national, and worldwide charities.

* Flowers are not permitted during Lent except for funerals and on the 4^th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday – Rose) if there is a funeral, please remove the flowers from church after the funeral Mass.

* The Gloria is not sung during Lent (Except for solemnities) and the word Alleluia or Hallelujah are not used until Easter, other forms of the Gospel acclamation will be used. Instruments used at Mass should only support singing.

* Weddings are discouraged during Lent

OTHER LENTEN SUGGESTIONS:

* Fast from TV, internet or anything else that distracts you from prayer and family life.

* Attend the Stations of the Cross on Fridays of Lent – 2 p.m. Tracy, 5:30 p.m. Walnut Grove, 6:30 p.m. Milroy.

* Attend a weekday Mass during Lent.

* Read the daily readings for Lent found on your monthly calendar.

* Take 5 – 10 minutes more for daily prayer & family prayer.

* Meditate on the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary.

* Attend the “Lenten Home Study Groups” or the “Creating Sabbath Space in Our Lives” program Monday evenings in Milroy.

* Put the money you save from fasting and abstaining in the rice bowl to provide food for the hungry.

* Visit the nursing home or a shut-in.

* Go to confession.

* Bring someone who does not get out to Mass, Stations of the Cross, Lenten Programs & Confession.

TWO SPECIAL SECOND COLLECTIONS THIS WEEK: On Ash Wednesday is a special collection for “The Church in Central & Eastern Europe” which was decimated by 40-70 years of Communist control and next weekend for the “Black and Indian Missions” here in the United States. Please be generous in helping our brothers & sisters in need.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST WILL BE NEEDED TO HELP WITH GIVING ASHES ON ASH WEDNESDAY. Please stop by the sacristy before Mass to get instructions.

Annual World Day of Prayer program will be held on Friday, march 2, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Tracy. The program has been prepared by the women of Maylasia with the theme “Let Justice Prevail.” Dessert will be served after the program. Al are welcome.

 St. Ann's Church in Wabasso is presenting a series of films titled "Catholicism" being shown Sunday evenings. This series of films by Fr. Robert Barron is open to anyone who would like to learn more about, or deepen their Catholic faith. Each session starts at 7:00 PM. Dates are as follows:  Feb 19 MARY, MOTHER OF GOD (the person and role of the Blessed Virgin Mary); Mar 4 THE INDISPENSABLE MEN (Sts. Peter, Paul and the Apostles); Mar 18 THE MYSTICAL UNION OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH (the nature of the church); Mar 25 LITURGY AND THE EUCHARIST (the Mass and sacraments); Apr 22 THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS (Who are saints-four saints who displayed great virtue); Apr 29 THE FIRE OF HIS LOVE (Prayer and spirituality)
May 6 THE LAST THINGS (Purgatory, Judgement, Hell and Heaven).

 “Sowing Seeds of Hope in a Distracted World” will be the topic of the 2012 Bishop Lucker Lecture on Sunday, March 18 at the Church of St. Catherine, Redwood Falls from 7-8 p.m.  The featured speaker is Jim Ennis, Executive Director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference. Come and hear how Catholics are making an impact in their communities!   The 2012 Diocesan Distinguished Service Awards will be presented following the presentation. This event is open to the public and free of charge. Refreshments will be served.

Twin Cities Area Women’s Communities of Faith visiting day. On Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. the Twin Cities area School Sisters of Notre Dame are hosting a visit with the School Sisters, Franciscan Poor Clares, Benedictines, and the Sisters of St. Joseph.  This is an opportunity to visit four different religious communities to meet, learn, share meals, and pray with Catholic Sisters. Car pooling will be arranged. To register, contact Sr. Joyce Kolbet at 507-389-4296 or jkolbet@ssndmankato.org. Please register before February 22.

The Office of Vocations will be hosting Operation Miryam Dinner on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Schoenstatt on the Lake, 27762 Co. Rd. 27, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085 Young women high school age and older who are open to a religious vocation will be personally invited to pray Evening Prayer and have dinner with Bishop John LeVoir. Contact: Margaret McHugh 507-233-5327, 507-359-2966

FRASSATI VISIT, Join us to search, Faith, College & Vocation. Friday March 2nd – Sunday March 4th, 2012 Events all held in St. Paul, Lodging at the University of St. Thomas Schedule of Events:  Friday - Arrive. Cor Jesu Adoration, music and confessions; Saturday - Meet Catholic students truly living out their faith how it is meant to be lived! Saturday evening LIFELINE NET MASS, Dynamic Mass & DANIELLE ROSE in Concert! Sunday – Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Arrive home by 5:00 p.m. Lodging hosted in dorm rooms: ladies with the Catholic women’s floor and guys at St. John Vianney Seminary. To register call: Margaret McHugh: mmchugh@dnu.org or contact Fr. Craig Timmerman: fathercraig@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Diocese of New Ulm Office of Vocations 507-359-2966

 CHURCH HISTORY CLASS THIS SUNDAY AT 1:30 P.M. at 1:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church Hall in Milroy, none next Sunday due to the Confirmation Retreat.

 HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT BECOMING A CATHOLIC? ARE YOU AN ADULT WHO MISSED BEING CONFIRMED?  Father Bob is having RCIA Classes for those who are looking into these options on Thursday’s at 6:30 p.m. Contact Fr. Bob if you are interested 629-4075.

Lenten Reflection Day, Date: March 3, 2012, Place: Schoenstatt on the Lake, 27762 Co. Rd. 27, Sleepy Eye, Time: 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, Theme: The ideal of man and woman with the challenge to love accordingly, Cost: $20 - Dinner and snacks included, RSVP: 507-794-7727 All are welcome!

Couples’ Retreat Weekend, Date: March 2-4, 2012, Place: Schoenstatt on the Lake, 27762 Co. Rd. 27, Sleepy Eye, Time: Friday at 7 pm to Sunday at 1 pm, Cost: $120 per couple, RSVP: 507-794-7727, Father Francisco Rojas & Sr. M. Jessica Swedzinski, All are welcome!

Marriage Minute: What does marriage have to do with children? Children are at the very heart of marriage. The “supreme gift” of marriage, a child comes precisely through the mutual, loving self-gift exchanged between husband and wife. It is only because of their sexual difference that spouses are able to cooperate with God in the awesome adventure of welcoming a child into the world. Marriage is not just about satisfying adult desires, but is a pro-child institution. The community of the family is built upon the communion of the spouses.  (USCCB.org, Marriage: Unique for a Reason)  mncc.org/issues/marriage.

Marriage Protection Pledge – I pledge to vote YES for Marriage! Based on Minnesota law, ballot questions that are left blank count as NO votes. Therefore, I pledge to vote YES on the Marriage Protection Amendment on November 6, 2012, thereby preserving the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. – Pledge forms are in the Church entry. Please sign up, we need your help. You will receive updates on the Amendment.

From the Office of Family Life & Social Concerns – Chris Loetscher:  Only three couples have registered for the March 17 Remarriage Preparation Program. If you are assisting a couple who is planning to remarry in the Church, please encourage them to register for the March 17 date (there will not be another opportunity in this diocese, until Aug. 25).  Contact Fr. Bob or Rich Hamsa if you are interested.

Parishioners are urged to contact their legislators (http://www.nchla.org/actiondisplay.asp?ID=292) and ask them to co-sponsor the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179 and S. 1467), to ensure that those who participate in the health care system retain the right to provide, purchase, or enroll in health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions. Even though President Obama has offered a change it still does not respect the consciences of the Catholic faithful. He asked that insurance companies pick up the cost of contraception and abortions, but some dioceses are self insured and they still would be forced to pay it, also if the insurance companies are to pay these bills where do they get the money from, from the premiums paid by all so we end up paying for them anyway.

 
The Mother Cabrini Council #1841 Knights of Columbus ~ Silver Lake, MN invite you to their 50^th Annual Fish Fry to be held on Friday, March 2^nd at the Silver Lake Auditorium. The menu consists of fish fillets, homemade potato salad, coleslaw, beans, bread, milk and coffee. Tickets are $9.50 in advance or $10.00 at the door; children ages 5-10 are $5.00 and ages 4 and under are free. Take outs will be available. Serving will be from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. There will also be a huge bake sale sponsored by the Holy Family CCW. We hope to see you in Silver Lake!

NOTE: PLEASE HAVE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE BULLETIN IN BY WEDNESDAY A.M.  PLEASE SEND ALL BULLETIN INFORMATION TO THE CHURCH OFFICE - e-mail use: stmary@iw.net or call the office 629-

4075.

DID YOU MISS GETTING THE SUNDAY BULLETIN?- Feel free to look up the website to find the Sunday Area Faith Community bulletin, the Area Faith Community  monthly calendar, last Sunday’s homily and other information at the OUR LADY OF THE PRAIRIE  WEBSITE: www.ourladyoftheprairie-afc.org

Our Lady of the Prairie Area Faith Community School:

Congratulations to this week’s calendar raffle winner—Chris Gervais. Thank you for supporting our school.

No school will be held on Monday, Feb. 20 due to Presidents Day.

The St. Mary’s Stars Program will be held Thursday, February 23 @ 2:45 pm in the gym. The public is invited to attend.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS:.  NO Classes Afternoon and Evening – Feb. 22^nd

Ash Wednesday  (Please participate this instead): St. Mary’s  - 8:30 AM; St. Paul’s  -  5:30 PM; St. Michael’s – 7:15 PM

Confirmation Commitment Sunday – Feb. 26^th. Be in church by 10:00 AM. Retreat following at Schoenstatt Retreat Center – Sleepy Eye,  Noon – 5:30 PM.  Will return back in Tracy at 6:30 PM. Please make travel arrangement for students to Sleepy Eye or call 629-3667. MUST BRING $20.00 each for Retreat.

Valentines Dinner:  Our Youth going on the Mission trip wish to thank everyone who came.  Fun was had by all. Thanks for letting us serve you!

Youth Game Night – Grades 5-8^th. Sunday – March 4^th,   5:00 – 8:00 PM. St. Mary’s church basement - Cost - $5.00 per person

Mark Calendars:  Jr. High Rally – April 22^nd, 11-5  at Kerkhoven (hope to be taking a VAN full of 5-8^th Graders.  Permission Slips coming out in April.

BIBLE & Catechism BOWL – in April – Prepare by reading the Book of Matthew and studying your faith. (Commandments, Sacrament, etc)

Please pray for the success of our Religious Ed. Program for the year.

NEWS FROM SAINT MARY’S IN TRACY:

This is the information for a visit or card to Fr. John Pearson:

Reverend John A. Pearson, Room 109, Courage Center, 3925 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55422, 763-520-0303 (Nurses’ Station) (For visitors, the south parking lot is the one closest to his room.)

MISSION OF LOVE VALENTINE PROJECT FOR FEBRUARY. Look what $2.00 given can do – provide enough corn, beans, and rice to feed a family for a week at our diocesan mission at San Lucas, Toleman, Guatemala. $2.00 will also provide school supplies for kids. Drop your checks made to “Mission of Love” or cash in an envelope marked “Mission of Love” along with your name in the Sunday Collection, or drop it off at the School or Parish office, or give it to Alita Lenertz. Your valentine and gifts will be given to Msg. Schaffer. What a GREAT ALMSGIVING FOR LENT. Please be generous.

PLEASE MARK YOU CALENDARS NOW for ST. MARY'S ANNUAL BEEF AND PORK DINNER Sunday, March 25 serving from 11-1 p.m. Anyone wanting to donate toward the meat please contact Keith Schons at 629-4289. We will also be having our ANNUAL RAFFLE. Watch for your ticket packets in the back of church beginning the first weekend in March. Please feel free to hand out tickets to others if you are able to since we are legally unable to mail them. SILENT AUCTION items can be brought to the parish hall and given to Jan LaVoy during school day hours. You may also call Jan at the hall 629-3841 or leave a message at her home 629-3633. Our parish dinner is a fellowship event for the parishioners of St. Mary's. Gwen Johnson will once again be calling for workers and pies. Save Gwen some time and give her a call if you are available that day 629-4653. It will also guarantee you the spot that you enjoy working most!

The CCW scholarship applications are now available in the back of church. The scholarship program is sponsored by the NUDCCW. The monies donated to this program come from individual parish CCW organizations. Anyone that is involved in parish ministry may apply to offset tuition costs or workshop fees. Applications are due to Lisa Schaar not later than March 1, 2012. Scholarships may be dropped off at the parish or school office.

OUR GIFTS TO GOD: February 19, 2012

This Week’s Youth Envelop Winner: Addy Kramer.  Come to the Sacristy to choose your prize.

Liturgical Ministers for Ash Wednesday, February 22, 8:30 a.m.:

Liturgical Ministers for Sunday, February 26, 10:30 a.m.:

Wednesday Communion: February 29: Fr. Bob. If you can’t make it please find a replacement. If you can’t find a replacement call

Fr. Bob.

 ST. MARY’S CCW NEWS:

Cleaning: February: St. Ann

Funeral/Large Function: St. Elizabeth: - Elvera Benson & Joann Borchert

Small Functions: Our Lady of Fatima: - Cheryl Lenertz & Kim Torkelson

Scrip Orders: If you wish to order scrip bring your request to the school office.

 CCW SHEPHERD OF THE FIELD FOR 2011-12 for St. Mary’s:  Fr. Eugene Hackert, Lake Villa Maria Senior Apts.  702 3^rd Ave. NW Apt. 13, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085. Date of Ordination: June 2, 1951, Date of Birth: 2-14-27.  Please remember him in your prayers and send cards and letters of encouragement, appreciation and congratulations for his priestly ministry.

 ALUMINUM CANS FOR THE TECHNOLOGY FUND for St. Mary’s School can be dropped off in the wagon behind St. Mary’s Church.

NEWS FROM SAINT PAUL’S IN WALNUT GROVE

MININSTRIES FOR FEBRUARY 22, 2012  ASH WEDNESDAY 5:30PM

LECTOR:  MaryAnn Alcorn

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE COMMUNION:  Harry Hewitt, Becky Knakmuhs, Beatrice Maeyaert

PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS:  Ushers

MINISTRIES FOR FEBRUARY 25, 2012

LECTOR:  Marianne Boerboom

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE COMMUNION:  Dave Doubler, Merle Pacholl, Leo Theisen

USHERS FOR FEBRUARY:  Ron Kassel, John Doubler

LION’S CLUB :   March 8^th : Maydra Maas,  Gloria Doubler, Betty Kassel,  Kris Landuyt

 SACRIFICIAL GIVING FOR THE WEEK OF  February 18, 2012

Adult   $347.00,  Plate  $31.25,  Youth $ 1.00 Fuel  $10.00  Maintenance  $ 5.00  Cemetery $ 45.00 TOTAL   $ 439.25

RECONCILIATION:  5:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s Saturday’s and prior to mass on weekdays when held at church

CCW meeting after mass on February 18, 2012 to plan the Spring Luncheon.  Please mark your calendars and share any new ideas you have.

DURING THE HEATING SEASON WEEKDAY MASSES WILL NOW BE IN THE SACRISTY to make use of the free heat from the

furnace below so we don’t have to heat the church. Please enter through the sacristy door located by the outdoor Mary statue.

WHEN IT GETS BELOW ZERO, WE MAY HAVE SATURDAY EVENING MASS IN THE SOCIAL HALL AS IT IS INSULATED

AND EASIER TO HEAT. You will still be able to enter through the church. Watch for signs when we decide to do this.

NEWS FROM ST. MICHAEL’S IN MILROY

Good People of St. Michael ~ .  On the Lenten Retreat Creating Sabbath Space in our Lives:   Father Ron Rolheiser also talks about guilt.  “No, I can’t take this.”  “Yes, I want you to have it.”  The gift is given to us twice before we actually accept it.  We feel guilty because we don’t deserve it.  True—but it’s a gift, a pure gift.  And gifts often involve sacrifice.  Like going to Mass each Sunday is a sacrifice of one hour of our time; we give one hour back to God and then we can enjoy the day.  Our sacrifice is a way of recognizing the gift—whatever it is,  the gift of harvest, the gift of life, the gift of Christmas.  Grace before meals helps us recognize the gift of food, of family, of health…  We need to give something back in order to enjoy what we have.  Otherwise we fail to see the gift.  Take prayer ~ it’s a gift.  But when we don’t pray, we miss the gift.  We forget to thank God and recognize the gift.  We need to give back and to sacrifice in order to truly enjoy the gifts of God.  This 5-session Lenten retreat begins on Mon, Feb 27, 7:00-8:45pm, at St. Michael’s.  Program is free and open to the public.  Call Rich Hamsa @336-2505, program leader, for any questions.

 CCW     Next sponsored event is the CCW Lenten Breakfast for the Needy on March 18 after Mass—Circle 1.

Question of the Week      As you listen again to the familiar story of the man being lowered through the roof, what words or phrases strike you? What part of this story do you find most amazing? What powerful signs have you seen that God forgives us and heals us?

Renewed for Life ~ a booklet of daily readings for your Lenten Journey  This booklet offers a Scripture verse, a meditation from one of the works of Henri Nouwen and a concluding prayer for each day from Ash Wednesday to Easter.  It booklet features a unique blend of some of the earliest and some of the last published works of Henri J.M. Nouwen, one of the most popular and profound spiritual writers of the past century. Nouwen always insisted on prayer as the basis not only of our relationship with God but also an understanding of ourselves. Over the course of his life, however, prayer and self-understanding were transformed and refined through the crucible of Nouwen's own spiritual growth and development.  Please receive a copy and try to make good use of it during this Lenten season.

Marriage is a journey!!            A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend can help you enrich your marriage and add some pizzazz to your journey.  Whether you’ve been married 1 year or 50, a Marriage Encounter Weekend may be just the thing you need to put a breath of fresh air into your relationship. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is: Mar 16-18, 2012 in Frontenac, MN.  For information and/or registration, contact:  Jeff and Rondi Kodet at 507-644-3523 or jrek@redred.com or visit our website at www.wwmeSection8.org.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter      Attend the next Marriage Encounter on February 25-26 at the Mt Olivet Conference Center in Farmington.  Visit www.marriages.org for a listing of retreats or call 651.454.3238.

Help for Hurting Marriages    Retrouvaille helps couples put the pieces of their marriages back together and rebuild loving relationships. Twin Cities Retrouvaille offers a program consisting of a weekend and six follow-up sessions. The program is offered several times a year. Registration is required. For more information, please call 651.457.8838, or visit www.helpourmarriage.com.