Mary is one part of the Catholic faith that is often misunderstood by non-Catholics. Mary is a part of Catholicism that has drawn me deeper in faith, especially now that I myself am a mother. My daughter's middle name is Mary in honor of the Blessed Virgin. Even though I love my daughter Maddie to pieces, I am not perfect and will never be a perfect mother to her. I will try my hardest, but I love knowing that Maddie will have a spiritual mother looking out for her, too. I also pray to Mary to intercede to God to help me be the best mother I can be.

Mary is the patron saint of the Americas. Often when people think of Mary in America, they think of Our Lady of Guadalupe where Mary appeared in Mexico. Did you know that we have a church approved Marian apparition site in Wisconsin? Mary appeared to Adele Brise on three separate days in Champion, WI (just outside of Green Bay). Bill, Maddie, and I recently did Relevant Radio’s Walk to Mary. This was such an amazing experience walking with people from many different countries and cultures. As we walked with over 5,300 other people to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, you could hear them praying or singing religious songs in their own language. This truly emphasized to me the universal aspect of the church which I feel like often I can forget.

Another cool place to visit this summer with your family is the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, WI. This beautiful shrine also features a rosary walk, Latin Mass, and a Stations of the Cross walk. I personally love the Memorial to the Unborn at this site where I can visit three members of my extended family.

This summer while making plans for your family consider going on a pilgrimage to one of these two sites. These easy day trips are worth the visit!

Best,
Kelly Melcher

St. Mary Faith Formation Coordinator

Come Holy Spirit and come one and all to Saint Raymond's Pentecost Vigil Celebration! Sat., May 27 after 6pm Mass. Bonfire and Potluck Dinner. Brats and hotdogs with buns and fixings and S'mores will be provided. If you are able, please bring a side dish, chips or a dessert to share. If you are unable, please come anyway!! Please contact Nan Falbo 715-450-5212 if you'd like to help prepare or if you have any questions. Hope to see you there! Feel free to bring family friendly and weather appropriate games to play and/or share... yard games if the weather is good OR board games if the weather is rainy. 

After Masses at St. Mary on May 27 and 28, come purchase some yummy goodies and treats! The funds raised will go toward off setting the cost of the La Crosse Diocese Adventure Camp for middle and high school students. Come support your teenage parishioners headed to camp in June! 

At St. Raymond on Sunday, May 21st at 9:30am there will be a training for all current and new extraordinary ministers serving at St. Raymond. We will especially be reviewing the process of distributing the Blood of Christ. Please come to the training and invite anyone you know who may be interested in becoming an extraordinary minister. If you have any questions, please contact Nan Falbo at tnfalbo@charter.net or 715-450-5212.  

Inviting all St. Raymond Servers (and Attendants) to a server training refresher.  A special invitations to anyone, young and old, interested in learning more about serving the Mass. Please tell anyone who wants to learn more about this important ministry. At St. Raymond on Sunday, May 21st at 9:30am.

St. Mary's Guadalupe Council of the Knights of Columbus will be hosting a holy hour for men from 4-5pm Thursday, May 25, at St. Mary's. A social outing at a nearby
 establishment will follow for those interested in learning more about the Knights. For more information about the holy hour or becoming a Knight of Columbus, contact Paul Meznarich at 612-741-7265. 

After Mass on Mother's Day weekend, please take home a baby bottle, put your spare change in it, and bring it back on Father's Day weekend to help support the lifesaving efforts of the Eau Claire County Chapter of Wisconsin Right to Life.  A portion of the donations will go to the APPLE Pregnancy Care Center, and another portion will remain with St. Raymond parish to purchase pro-life materials for our library.

The city of Altoona will be repaving selected roads starting the week of May 7th. 

Sections of roads to be repaved include:

1. S. Wilson Drive, from Bartlett Avenue to Spooner Avenue

2. 4th Street West, from Bartlett Avenue to Spooner Avenue

3. 2nd Street East, from Garfield Avenue to Lynn Avenue

Construction will consist of removal and replacement of the asphaltic pavement. The roadway will not be fully closed during these activities, but there will be limited times when traffic will be impeded. There will be NO PARKING during critical stages. The duration of the work is intended to be brief, and the City appreciates your patience.

Fr. James Kurzynski will be offering Mass at Calvary Cemetery at 10am on Memorial Day (May 29). Weather permitting, the Mass will be held outdoors. Attendees should bring their own lawn chairs. Note that there is roadwork on South Hastings by the main entrance. It may be easier to enter from the Hamilton Ave entrance. We honor those who died in service of our nation. 

St. Mary’s Parish Library. Every Tuesday through the end of May 9-10am. Are you following the Catechism in a Year Podcast? Join us for accountability and community as we journey together through the beauty of our Church's teachings. Drop in any Tuesday that works for you. No registration necessary. Contact Maryjo Frank with 

questions: mdtimme@rocketmail.com or (715) 563-3808 

Director of Music and Liturgy: St. Mary and St. Raymond Parishes are now hiring for a Full-Time (32h) position of Director of Music and Liturgy. Position Overview: To provide outstanding leadership and teambuilding in all areas of liturgical ministry, particularly sacred music – all with a view to leading disciples into deeper conversion and fellowship, while ensuring that the parishes’ liturgical celebrations are uplifting and deeply prayerful. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Fr. Derek Sakowski: DSakowski@diolclergy.org
Click here for the full job description.