Next weekend we are blessed to be hosting a priest representing Cross Catholic Outreach. This official Catholic ministry was founded to link parishes in the U.S. with priests, religious brothers and sisters, and laypeople working in Church missions overseas. Its programs span the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Please be generous in your response to his appeal. Please be sure to say “hi” after Mass. Brochures with a donation envelope will be provided if you wish to support this worthy Catholic ministry. For more information on Cross Catholic Outreach, please go to CrossCatholic.org/outreach or text BLESSINGS to 474747.

​​​​​​​Our good friend, Elaine Zopp, passed away on December 21. Please keep Elaine and her family in your prayers. Elaine’s funeral is Thursday, December 30, with visitation at 10:30am and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Luncheon to follow. Eternal rest grant unto Elaine O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her; may her soul and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Our hearts are full of thanks and unending appreciation for the love and support we receive from everyone here at St. Joseph. We are so thankful for the opportunity to serve you and appreciate all you do for us. It is truly a joy to work here and we wish you all joy, happiness and peace each and every day!

I want to wish all of you and your families a grace-filled and very merry Christmas! I am truly blessed to be your pastor here at St. Joseph and St. Ann parishes! I look forward to 2022 as we continue looking ahead, both as parishes and individuals, asking God what concrete steps we are being called to take in fulfilling His mission for us to live in His kingdom and spread His kingdom daily in and through our ordinary lives! May the Lord Jesus Christ, who came as a baby into our world at Christmas, continue to fill you and your families with a deeper sense of His presence this coming year!

In celebration of the New Year, the Parish offices will be closed on Thursday, December 30, and Friday, December 31. Happy New Year to you and your families.

Because the Solemnity falls on a Saturday this year, it is not a Holy Day of Obligation. Therefore, there will be no special Holy Day Masses this year.

Please take a copy of the book “The Wisdom of Fulton Sheen, 365 Days of Inspiration” which can be found at the main church entrances. This book is a collection of writings that will encourage you to think differently about who you are, how your life is unfolding, what God is calling you to next, and what priorities will lead you to the peace and purpose you desire.

The Diocese of Superior is offering a men’s retreat Feb. 5-6 and a women’s retreat Feb. 19-20. Fr. David highly recommends these retreats as a way to grow in your faith. Both retreats will be held at Heartwood in Trego. Flyers are available at the church entrances.

Melvin Olson passed away on December 7 and Shirley Nelson on December 8. Please keep them and their families in your prayers. Eternal rest grant unto Melvin and Shirley, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may their souls and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

This is a very important ministry that we would like to get going again. If you love the Mass and love having youth servers then please consider becoming our Server Coordinator. This is a volunteer position. No experience necessary. Please email, [email protected] or call 715-634-2867 ext 1 for more information.

You are invited to give memorials for your loved ones this Christmas. The memorials will be used to purchase Christmas trees and poinsettias. Put your offering in an envelope and print the names of those you wish to remember. Place the envelope in one of the collection baskets located at the Church entrances, mail or drop off at the parish office.

Calling all parishioners! Please consider helping out at one of the Christmas Masses. We need Greeters, Ushers, Sacristans, Eucharistic Ministers, and Lectors. Signup sheets are on the table outside of Mary’s office or click on the title above to email Mary at the office . Please sign up today. Thank you!

Dec. 19 after 10:15am Mass. Please call the office for more information; 715-634-2867 ext. 1.

A big thank you to everyone who helped with, shopped at, and/or prayed for the Recycled Christmas this year. The event was successful as our youth netted $3,300. The proceeds will be used as scholarships to send youth, who could otherwise not afford it, to Extreme Faith Camp and other retreats/events. To put this in perspective, the $3,300 will potentially send 6 kids to Extreme Faith Camp. Thank you again for your generosity.