August 28, 2011: Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our Lady of the Prairie Area Faith Community of
St. Mary’s – Tracy, Minnesota

Father’s Office in Tracy (507) 629-4075, Residence in Walnut Grove (507) 859-2164

Church of St. Mary
249 6th Street
Tracy, MN 56175
(507) 629-4075
www.stmarytracy.org
stmary@iw.net
St. Mary's School
Kathy Vondracek, Principal
(507)-629-3270
www.stmarysschooltracy.org
stmarys@iw.net
Religious Education for Tracy & Walnut Grove
Jean Schmidt (507) 629-3667
saintmaryre@iw.net

School Secretary
Cathy Schons (507) 629-3270
Church Bookkeeper
Joe Sanow (507) 629-4075
Prayer Network
Lota Hannasch (507) 629-4866
Alita Lenertz (507) 629-4145
Custodian - Tracy
Chuyee "Chewy" Her
(701) 212-9258

Church of St. Michael

200 Euclid Ave
Milroy, MN 56263

(507)-336-2505
stmichael@means.net
Administration / Religious Education
Rich Hamsa
(507) 336-2505
stmichael@means.net

Bookkeeper
Kami Parker (507) 336-2635
Prayer Network
Mary Kirsch (507) 336-2353
NU Diocese Catholic Charities
Counseling and Adoptions
Call toll free 1-866-670-5163

Confessions are before all weekday Masses

Baptisms: Contact Fr. Mraz or Rich Hamsa to schedule a date

Marriages: Contact Fr. Mraz or Rich Hamsa 6 months prior to proposed date to begin marriage preparation.

Hospitalized or sick parishoners: contact Fr. Mraz or Rich Hamsa.

Church of St. Paul
600 3rd Street Po Box 236
Walnut Grove, MN 56180
(507) 859-2164
Administrative Secretary
Nancy Hewittt (507) 859-2375
hewithin@redred.com

Bookkeeper
Pat Hansen (507) 859-2581

Prayer Network
Pam Baumann (507) 859-2503

Custodian - Walnut Grove
Merle Pacholl (507) 859-2627

9:30 am–3:30 pm Good Leaders – Good Shepherds Priests’ Meeting in Sleepy Eye

1^st Sat. Sept. 3 8:30 a.m. First Saturday Mass at St. Paul’s in Walnut Grove

The celebration of the Liturgy which assembles the People of God can only be intermittent. Individual prayer apart is necessary in order to unite the periods of Liturgical celebration, and the Christian’s duty of conversation in private with the Father in heaven. The celebration of the Eucharist sacrifice can become a hollow ritual unless we are prepared to take serious Romans 12, 1; “To offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.” Based upon Roman Missal Formational Materials provided by the Secretariat for the Liturgy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2010

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK. Thurs. Sept. 1 from 8 a.m. to Noon at St. Michael’s in Milroy; Fri. Sept. 2 from 9:30 to 12:30, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Mary’s in Tracy. Come spend some quality time with the Lord.

NEXT SATURDAY Sept. 3^rd IS THE LAST TIME WE WILL BE HAVING A MASS AT 7:30 P.M. at St. Mary’s in Tracy. We will return to only having the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday at Walnut Grove and only the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass at Tracy. The experiment was to see if we would get more people coming to mass here but it just switched the crowds from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with the same numbers.

BOX CAR DAYS ARE NEXT WEEKEND IN TRACY: On next Sunday, Sept. 4 St. Mary’s is serving Dad’s Belgian Waffles from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Church Hall. Pies will also be sold by the CCW. On Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 5, St. Mary’s School is hosting the annual Craft Fair in St. Mary’s Gymnasium and a

Food Stand in front of St. Mary’s School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feel free to sit in front of the school, office building and church for the parade at 1 p.m. St. Mary’s School students will meet in the School Parking Lot to get ready for the parade at noon, the Marian 3^rd Degree KC Council and the Bishop Grace Assembly 4^th Degree KC Assembly will be in the parade. The Bishop Grace Assembly members will meet at Joe and Rosemary Van Keulen’s home after the parade for a potluck dinner.

WHOPPER FEED, Saturday, Sept. 3^rd from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall in Currie, MN Cost is $6.00 and includes Whopper, fries, cookie, and beverage. All are invited.

CLASSES ON CHURCH HISTORY will resume Sunday Sept 18 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s in Tracy. If anyone who was not with the group wants to join us you are very welcome to come. We do have a few extra books from last year available.

FATHER BOB WILL BE BEGINNING RCIA CLASSES IN SEPTEMBER for any who wish to join the Catholic Faith, any who have missed confirmation, any who would like to know more about their own Catholic Faith, or who are not Catholic but who are curious about what the Catholic Church teaches. Call Father Bob or Rich Hamsa if you would like to join the class.

OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHURCH OF LUCAN INVITES EVERYONE TO THEIR PARISH AUCTION AND ANNUAL DINNER ON SUN. SEPT. 11. The buffet style dinner is served from 11 – 1 p.m. following the 10 a.m. Mass. Guests will dine in air conditioned comfort with handicapped accessible seating available. The menu includes dumplings, sauerkraut, sausage, roast pork, massed potatoes, gravy, green beans, dinner roll dessert and beverage $8.00 Adults; $4.00 Ages 6-11; Age 5 and under – Free. Come and enjoy. The Auction will begin at 12:30 p.m.

ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL AT THE CHURCH OF ST. DIONYSIUS IN TYLER, SUN. SEPT. 11, beginning with the 10:00 a.m. Mass followed by a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings serving from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults - $9.00; Children 3 – 10 years - $5.00; 2 yrs & under – free. Meals on Wheels available call 507-247-3464. There will be lots of activities on the parish grounds. Entertainment by Steve Louwagie. Raffle Drawing at 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by Catholic United Financial matching grant.

FALL FESTIVAL & RAFFLE AT THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY IN COTTONWOOD, SUN. SEPT. 11, Turkey Dinner and all the trimmings with home made desserts. Mass at 10:00 a.m. Dinner Ticket Sales begin at 9:30 a.m. Serving 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults $8.00; Students 6-12 $4.00; Children ages 2-5 $2.00; Under 2 free. Take out available call 507-828-2353. Games and Silent Auction on the grounds beginning at 10:30 a.m. . Raffle at 1:15 p.m.

ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL AT THE CHURCH OF ST. CLOTILDE IN GREEN VALLEY, SUN. SEPT. 18 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass, serving pork loin dinner starting at 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Adults $9.00; Ages 6-12 $5.00; Ages 2-5 $3.00. Take out meals are available call 507-532-2841. There will be games, other activities on the church grounds with a church raffle drawing at 1:15 p.m. Great fun will be had by all!

The Marriage Preparation Program dates for 2012, in Olivia, are: February 4, March 3, March 24, April 14, May 5 and September 8. The Remarriage Preparation Program dates for 2012, in Hector, are: March 17 and August 25. Contact Fr. Bob or Rich Hamsa on information to sign up if you are planning marriage.

On September 6-8, Fr. Craig Timmerman will lead a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse Wis., and also to the newly sanctioned apparition site near Green Bay Wis., Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, the only such approved site in the United States. Pick up will be available at the Southwest Coaches parking lot off of Highway 23 in Marshall and also at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity parking lot in New Ulm. Call Colleen at JeriCo Christian Journeys, for a brochure and more details, at 877-453-7426 toll-free.

ENDOW IS COMING TO THE DIOCESE – SAVE THE DATE – OCTOBER 8, 2011. Endow is a Catholic educational program that brings women together to discover their God-given dignity and to understand their role in transforming society. It utilizes small study groups to cultivate faith, fellowship, and formation. Take the opportunity to find out more about the Endow program by attending a study day conducted by Eileen Love, a facilitator from the national Endow Office in Denver, at the Church of St. Catherine, Redwood Falls, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Specific information on cost and registration and scholarship opportunities will be coming to your parish soon.

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

New VIRTUS training sessions have been scheduled: Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity High School, Winsted; Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Rosary, North Mankato; Sept. 19, 6 p.m. at the Church of St. John, Ortonville; Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m. at the Church of St. Peter, St. Peter; September 26 at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar at 6:30 p.m.; Oct., 9 a.m. at the Church of St. Anastasia, Hutchinson; Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m. at the Church of St. Andrew, Granite Falls. ANYONE WHO WANTS TO VOLUNTEER OR WORK WITH THE SCHOOL OR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM WHO HAS NOT GONE TO ONE OF THESE SESSIONS IS REQUIRED TO GO. Contact Jean Schmidt, Fr. Bob, or Rich Hamsa for more information.

Congratulations to this week’s calendar raffle winner – Lori Hebig. Thank you for supporting our school.

Any extra fresh garden produce would be welcome for our hot lunch program at the school. It can be

Calendar raffle tickets are now being sold for $52/ticket. Weekly winners may win $100 or $500. See any parent to buy a ticket.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR WORKERS TO HELP IN THE BOX CAR DAY FOOD STAND Monday September 5^th from 9-5. Call Marla at 507-828-0341 if you are willing to volunteer your time.

The school will be accepting sealed bids on the framed/matted print (100/200) “When Time Stopped” with bids stopping on Monday, September 5, 2011 @ 4:00 pm. You can view the print in the school office Monday-Friday 8am-3pm and at the school craft fair 9am-4pm on September 5.

Homeless Night in a Box – Fri. Sept 16^th. Grades 5-8^th – Starts after the football game- Cost - $5.00 & 2 items for the food shelf. You can set up your box prior to game if you like. Parents please pick up your child Saturday Morning between 7:30 - 8:00 AM

Rel. Ed. Faith Formation Begins – Wed. Sept. 28^th (Parents and Students. It will begin with WHOPPER FEED – 5:00 – 7:00 PM - SPEAKER and CLASSES at 7:00 in Church. Registration Forms have been sent out. If you fail to receive one please contact our office – 629-3667

We need (CATECHISTS) for several classes. Grades 5-9^th (5 classes) Please contact Jean Schmidt, DRE, If you would like to serve in that way. Pray for teachers! God is calling you!

Trip planned for July 7-14^th Location : Champaign, IL, Need a deposit of $75.00 before Oct. 5^th. The sooner we sign-up the best chance of getting our choice of location. Total cost is $500.00 – Fundraising opportunities throughout the year. SIGN-UP TODAY or call Jean Schmidt – 507-629-3667 or Cell 507-828-2171

CCW would like to thank Larry Benson, John Lanoue, Gary Petersen, Rod Benson, and Casey Benson for helping move the new refrigerator into the kitchen!

Sunday August 28, Special Women's Pampering Afternoon! Because YOU deserve it - FREE Waterless Foot Spas & Facials. St. Mary's Basement, 2 sessions: 1 PM & 4 PM. Call Lisa Dieter with questions & reservations 629-9025. The ONLY thing you need to bring is yourself, your favorite beach towel, and your relaxed, pampered mood. Thank You.

ST. MARY’S CHOIR REHEARSAL this Wed. Aug. 31 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the St. Mary’s Choir Loft. New singers as well as former singers are always welcome to raise your voices in praise of the Lord!

BOX CAR DAYS PARISH AND SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS: NEXT WEEKEND – Dad’s Belgian Waffles, next Sunday, Sept. 4 serving from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Church Hall. Craft Fair and Food Stand on Monday, Sept. 5 at St. Mary’s School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extra helpers are always welcome to set up, take down and work at the Food Stand. Contact the chairmen.

GOT EXTRA PRODUCE? CONSIDER SHARING SOME WITH THE TRACY AREA FOOD SHELF. The Kitchen Table Food Shelf in Tracy is gratefully accepting donations of extra garden-grown fruits and vegetables. The Food Shelf’s hours are Monday 9:30 AM to Noon, and is located behind the Tracy Fire Hall.

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

CCW SHEPHERD OF THE FIELD FOR 2010-11 for St. Mary’s: Rev. Samuel Perez Tax, Church of St. Joseph, P.O. Box 427, Henderson, MN 56044-0427. Date of Ordination: June 2, 2001, Date of Birth: September 13. Please remember him in your prayers and send cards and letters of encouragement, appreciation and congratulations for his priestly ministry.

WE WILL HAVE SECOND COLLECTIONS WEEKLY TO PAY OUR DEBTS to the Diocese and for the insurance payment. Please use your “Debt Reduction Envelopes” for this.

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

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE COMMUNION: Harry & Nancy Hewitt, Sandy Alcorn

LION’S CLUB September 8: Kris Landuyt*,Bonnie Doubler*, Connie Ourada, Cathy Dallenbach,

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

WE ARE LOOKING FOR someone to step forward and volunteer to be our CCW President. It has been several years

since we have had an active president. There are many who could serve. Call Nancy if you are willing to serve.

WE NEED MORE ~ MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST & LECTORS. If you would be willing to share these gifts,

please talk to Fr. Bob or Nancy. Thank you to those who recently volunteered – Mark DeSmith & Merle Pacholl.

OUR CCW SHEPHERD OF THE FIELD is Fr. Tony Hesse of the Church of Holy Trinity, 111 Winsted Ave W,

PO Box 9, Winsted, MN 55395. His ordination anniversary date is June 2, 2001, date of birth October 23. Please remember

him in your prayers, send cards and letters of encouragement, appreciation and congratulations for his priestly ministry.

MSGR. GREG SCHAFFER Please continue to remember him in your prayers as he continues his treatments

here in the US for skin cancer. He will return to the San Lucas Mission as soon as the doctors give him permission.

CCW MEETING will be held after mass Saturday, September 17, 2011 to plan the Fall Luncheon. Plan to attend.

FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND ROSARY will be this Saturday Sept. 3^rd at 8:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s,

All are invited to participate in this devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Good People of St. Michael— Due to an infection my hip surgery is rescheduled for Thursday, September 1st, again at Avera Hospital in Marshall. Please remember me in your prayers.

About the Upcoming Changes in the Mass: What if I don’t like the new translation? For most people, the unfamiliar is always uncomfortable, at least at first. The more familiar the old is, the more challenging it may be to accept and embrace the new. It is completely normal to feel uncomfortable as you begin studying and reading the new texts. Taking steps to become more familiar with the texts can help a great deal. At the same time, be open to the possibility that you will find things to appreciate in the rich language of the new texts. The more you read them and study them and pray them, the more familiar and comfortable they will become and the more you will appreciate the theological depth they convey. Taking the time to learn more about your faith, including the Mass and Scripture, can help you appreciate the new texts more fully. Using the catechetical opportunities made available by your parish and diocese can help you overcome concerns about the changes. Finally, you can take your concerns to God in prayer. Pray for a deeper understanding of the meaning of these texts and for an open heart to grow in communion with the Church. Copyright © 2010 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

New life in Christ: Welcome to Levi Dolan Schmidt, the infant son of Adam and Kami Schmidt. Levi will become a child of God by Baptism at 1:30 p.m. this Sunday. Congratulations to the proud parents.

Religious Education—Time to Register for 2011-2012 Registration forms have been mailed to each household who was registered last year. If you were missed, please call the parish office, 336-2505, or pick up a form in the back of church.

CCW Chairpersons are needed for Circle 1 and Circle 2. Please contact Bev Welu, 336-2196, or Ann Felton, 532-7557, if you can do this work of service for CCW.

Question of the Week Jesus gives us the core truth to life and eternal happiness - the cross. Name the cross that you carry. How is it bringing you closer to God?

Catholic Heart Workcamp Mission Trip July 7-14, Champaign, IL Eligible to go: 8th grade thru College; Cost: $500; $75 deposit by Oct. 5; fundraising throughout school year. Please call Jean Schmidt to sign up: 507-629-3667; 507-828-2171. Sign up soon so we can have our best chance at the location of our choice.

Who Provides Reliable Emergency Relief to the Horn of Africa, Haiti and all over the world?
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES. We also know it by “Operation Rice Bowl” during Lent.

Capitial Campaign News Thanks to all who have made a contribution to the Christ Our Life capital campaign. You may make a three-year pledge at any time. There are pledge envelopes in the lobby of the church or just call the parish office @336-2505 for one. We are gradually accomplishing our parish goal together. Thank you for your participation!

St. Michael Christ Our Life Update Please prayerfully consider a 3-year pledge to the Campaign.

Thank you for your generous support totaling $55,313.00 ( 62% of our campaign goal)

Marriage Encounter: give your marriage a well deserved vacation! Plan to go on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend and come back with a marriage that is refreshed and full of energy! Upcoming weekends are scheduled for: * Nov 18-20, 2011 in Stewartville, 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.

Another Marriage Encounter group in the Twin Cities Discover the full potential of your marriage by attending a Marriage Encounter. Visit www.marriages.org for a listing of retreats and locations or call 651.454.3238.

Help for Hurting Marriages Twin Cities Retrouvaille offers a monthly program consisting of a weekend and several follow-up sessions. Retrouvaille helps couples put the pieces of their marriages back together and rebuild loving relationships. Registration is required. For information call 651.464.5855, or www.helpourmarriage.com

Aug 28	1:30pm, Baptism of Levi Dolan Schmidt
Sept 1	8:00am, Eucharistic adoration
Sept 6	6:30pm, CCW Meeting
Sept 11	CCW Brunch & Welcome Sunday— all Circles
Sept 18	Catechetical Sunday—catechists commissioned during Mass
Sept 21	7:00pm, CCW Cleaning—Religious Ed. Center, all Circles