Author: Yvette Shulfer

St. James
St. Mary OF MOUNT Carmel
Parishes
453 S. Main St. P.O. Box 280
Amherst, WI 54406 715-824-3455
-- Fr. Jerzy Rebacz --
Deacon Art Schaller
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Parish Website: sjsmmcc.weconnect.com

October 19th, 2025

Mission Statement: We, the stewards of St. James and St. Mary of Mount Carmel Parishes in the Diocese of LaCrosse, strive to live as disciples of Christ.
Vision Statement: As Parishioners of St. James and St. Mary of Mount Carmel Parishes, we are called as stewards to celebrate the presence of Christ in our life as we worship together in prayer, in liturgy and in the Sacraments. We endeavor to strengthen our Catholic faith and Christian service as individuals, as families, and as a parish community as we seek to spread the teachings of Christ through our words, through our witness, and through our actions.

Weekday Mass Intentions
Tuesday, October 21st, 8:15 AM @ SJ Dorothy Shulfer
Wednesday, October 22nd, 8:15 AM @ SJ Edmund & Chesterine Stremkowski Family
Thursday, October 23rd, 8:15 AM @ SJ Stephen Piesik
Friday, October 24th, 8:15 AM @ SJ Richard Miller
Weekend Mass Intentions
Saturday, October 25th, 4:00 PM @ SJ Richard Konkol
Sunday, October 26th, 8:30 AM @ SJ Parishioners of Our Two Parishes
Sunday, October 26th, 10:30 AM @ SJ Father Bob and Father Ray Pedretti

October As Respect Life Month
Since 1973, the Catholic Church in the United States has observed October as Respect Life Month. As Catholics, we are called to cherish and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end and at every point in between. During the month of October, the Church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity and gift of every human life.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, We thank You for the gift of life, created in Your image and likeness. Help us to cherish, protect, and uphold the dignity of every human person, from conception to natural death. Guide our hearts and minds to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. May we foster a culture of life and love, reflecting Your compassion and grace in our community. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

ADORATION:
St. James: First Thursday of the month after morning Mass. First Thursday of the month 4:30-5:30PM; First Friday of the month after morning Mass
CONFESSION SCHEDULE:
After weekday Masses. Saturday at 3:30 PM at St. James.
Sunday after 10:30 AM Mass at St. James.

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
- October19th, 2025 -
Envelopes are available in the entrances of the church. Please make checks payable to your parish. Thank you.

Stewardship
a way of living

Restoration work at St. Mary of Mount Carmel continues.
This week the scaffolding has been installed. Step 2 completed. Please keep the restoration project and the workers in your daily prayers.
As the project continues to progress large payments are being made each month. We thank all of you that have donated to this beautiful project.
Please keep your pledge payments coming.

Support Scrip Gift Cards
SMMC SCRIP UPDATE: Gift cards are on sale this weekend. Our next sales will be on November 2nd at the 10:30 Mass, on November 15th at the 4 Mass & on November 16th at the 10:30 Mass. Cards can be purchased at any time by calling Pat Zielinski at 715-824-3762.
Thanks to everyone who supports our Gift Card Program!
ST. JAMES SCRIP CARDS: Scrip will be available for purchase at St. James this Sunday, October 19th after the 8:30am Mass. Cards can be purchased at any time by calling Hydie Laidlaw at 715-347-3544 or stop by the parish office.

Our First Annual Taste of Our Heritage...
event was a big hit. Over 80 guests enjoyed food and beverages that represented Poland, Germany, Scandinavia, Greece, Mexico, China and more. It was a festive, fun evening! A huge thank you to these cooks, bakers, & organizers who made the event possible: Fr. Jerzy and his sister & niece, Mike & Julie Juris, Sarah & Josh Andersen, Gilbert Patoka, Judy Zinda, Kathy Somers, Barb Gutschow, Megan Schoeberle, Pat Zielinski, Andy Andrich, Jeremy Patoka, Deacon Art, Ann Hemmy, Cindi Borski and the CCD servers.
Mark your calendars for October, 2026!
Parish News…
2025 COAT DRIVE
Warm coats can warm hearts! Many people will go without a warm coat this winter...You can help! If you have any new or clean, gently used winter coats that could be donated, please place them in the Coat Collection Box located in the Gathering Space at St. James. This year there is a particular need for children’s coats. New winter hats and mittens are always needed as well! Collection dates will be from October 4th – 26th. If you have any questions, please contact Laurie Hintz at 715-592-4604.

Join us on our Bus Trip to the Polish District - Chicago Tuesday, October 28th, 2025
This is a one day trip filled with Polish culture, food and fun. Father Jerzy Rebacz & Helen Damask will be escorting the group. Transportation, 2 meals, (one meal is an authentic Polish buffet) prizes and guaranteed fun are included in the cost. The cost is $140.00 per person with a pick-up in Schofield and Plover. Good for all ages. Minimal walking.
To book or for more details please call Helen Damask at 715-574-2654. Booking deadline is Tuesday, October 21st
Book early – seats go quickly!

FAITH STEP:
There have been many who have predicted the Second Coming. But what did Jesus say about the date? It was right there in the story of the Ten Virgins: “therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13). We should be looking forward to, not something we should be afraid of. If we really love the Lord, we want Him to come back. St. Peter says you should be “hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:12). If you don't then that means you've got a guilty conscience, and you need to get yourself to Confession. Ask the Holy Spirit to make your life holy so that you will want to see Jesus come again. This is something you should be thinking about every day: living each day of your life as if it was your last day on earth.
But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father (Mark 13:32).

MARRIAGE: Couples requesting the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage should contact the office at the time of engagement, at least six months prior to the anticipated date of marriage. If a couple wishes to be married as a registered parish member, they must actively participate in the faith (Sunday worship) and be a registered member of our parish at least 3 months prior to requesting the Sacrament of Marriage. Weddings are not celebrated during Lent.
BAPTISM: Parents may request the baptism of their infant at least two months prior to the anticipated date of baptism. Family should be members of our parish, they must actively participate in the faith (Sunday worship) and be a registered member of our parish. To request baptism, please call the parish office at 715-824-3455.
ANNOINTING OF THE SICK: If you or a loved one is in need of the Anointing Sacrament especially before a hospital stay or procedure - please contact the office.
UNITED PRAYERS TO HEAVEN PRAYER CHAIN: Notice to all Parishioners. If you or anyone you know is in need of prayers, please let us know. We will keep your name & prayer request confidential. Names are included only if you so desire.
CONTACTS FOR PRAYER CHAIN: Laurie plhintz5@gmail.com Darlene 715-592-4443 Barb 715-824-3649
Pray for Peace
Pope Leo has encouraged the world to pray for Peace in our schools, in our families and in the world. During October, which is the month of the rosary, we invite you to pray the rosary for Peace. Consider joining Relevant Radio every night at 7:00 pm, with Father Rocky, who leads the Rosary Across America. Go to relevantradio.com to join with thousands of listeners who faithfully pray each night.
BREAKFAST AT THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Sunday, October 26th, serving from 8:15am –11am. Scrambled eggs, fried red potatoes, ham, sausage, dessert & all you care to eat pancakes. $10 adult, $6 for ages 6-12 and $4 for under 6 price includes coffee and sales tax. 401 W Clark St, just across the Clark St Bridge in Stevens Point Open to the public
SACRED HEART STEAK NIGHT DINNER & Raffle. Saturday, November 1st, at Sacred Heart Church in Polonia. Dinner tickets: $30. Available at Parish Office, Polonia Cafe, Sylvia's & Pineries Bank. Dinner after 4:00pm Mass. Raffle drawing at 7:00pm.

Come join us for our
BBQ & Bingo
This is a family activity for children & adults. Sundays: Oct 19th & Nov. 9th immediately following the 10:30am Mass in the St. James Gathering Space
There will be a free light lunch followed by FREE BINGO. We will have a 50/50 raffle as well as baskets being raffled, with the event concluding at 1:00 pm Hope to see you there!
–The SMMC Bingo Committee
All Are Welcome!

Parish Staff
Office: Veronica Bruske & Tina Maves 715-824-3455 catholiccentral54406@gmail.com Send your Ambo announcements into the office via email by Noon Tuesday
Parish Life Administrator: Ann Hemmy sjsmparishlife@gmail.com
Bookkeeper: Sandy Trzebiatowski sjsmbkkpr@gmail.com
Bulletin: bulletininfo06@gmail.com Please send your request via email by midnight Sunday. Please refrain to a maximum of 100 words and in a word document.
Church Councils
Pastoral Council Finance Council
Cindi Borski SM Mark Doll SM
Justen Pacocha SM Gilbert Patoka SM
Barb Gutschow SM Sharon Stratton SJ
Judy Zinda SM Sandy Trzebiatowski SJ Michael Juris SJ Pat Kwiatkowski SJ
Michelle Shulfer SJ Christine Thompson SJ
Committees Chairperson and Co-chairs
Family Life: Laura Gould
Sacred Worship: Judi Marquard & Barb Groholski
Social Concerns: Pat Zielinski and Laura Trzebiatowski-Przekurat

DRE: Michelle Shulfer
sjsmdre@gmail.com