Antigo Area Catholic Churches Newsletter — December 2022

Antigo Area

The Church Decorating Ministry: Celebrating the Beauty of Advent and Christmas

As this month gets underway, we are in the liturgical season of Advent, prepar ing our hearts for the coming of our Savior. Then, on Christmas, we celebrate His joyous arrival. During Advent and Christmas, our church will be decorated in a way that honors the beauty of these seasons.

Throughout the church, red and gold decorations will adorn the altar, pillars, and pews. This is all thanks to a group of volunteers who give of their time and talent to beautify our churches.

Kathy and Wayne Schultz have helped to decorate St. John for over 20 years. They began in response to an invitation for more help, and have never stopped. Now, their 6-year-old grandson is among the volunteers who join them.

“It’s an inter-generational process,” Kathy says, pointing out that one volunteer

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At the first Christmas Eve Mass, following Communion, Santa Claus will make his way down the aisle bearing a gift to place in front of the manger.

Christmastime Stewardship How We Can Bring His Son to the World

It is not uncommon to give gifts during Advent and Christ mas, but it is never enough just to leave it at that. True, Je sus gave Himself to us at the first Christmas. And, as always, we should strive to imitate Him by giving of ourselves in some way as we celebrate the anniversary of His birth. But there is a way to give even more than just ourselves — by giving the gift of Christ to others. The seasons of Advent and Christmas are perfect opportunities to share the love and message of Jesus with others in a beautiful way.

Of course, giving of ourselves in imitation of Jesus is a beautiful thing. But it is just as important to remem ber that, as human beings, we bear the likeness of God. As Christians, Jesus Himself inhabits our very souls. As Catholics, our Lord literally dwells within us when we receive Him in the Eucharist. Based upon this logic, we do so much more than imitate Jesus when we selflessly give of ourselves to others. Indeed, just as Mary carried Christ in her womb when she visited her cousin, Elizabeth, and just as she brought Him in her arms to Simeon as a newborn child, we can also literally bring Jesus Christ to the world. What a profound task Our Lord has laid out for us this season! As He grew in Mary’s womb, Jesus could only go where Mary chose to take Him. Of course, He couldn’t do anything — He couldn’t even speak. Mary became His hands and feet, and even His voice. Mary could have stayed at home during her pregnancy, resting and preparing for life with a newborn, as most mothers do. But instead, the Blessed Mother helped her Son begin His mission by bring ing Him to her cousin, Elizabeth. Today, in much the same way, Christ invites us to share Him with the rest of the world. He chooses to make His presence known through us. And so, as the spiritual writer Caryll Houselander beau tifully stated, “We must carry Jesus in our hearts wherever He wants us to go, and there are many places to which He

may never go unless we take Him to them.”

How do we bring Jesus to those in our parish and com munity? There are many ways. We might visit with a sick parishioner over the holidays, providing fellowship and support in their time of need. We may consider serving a local soup kitchen or food bank, and doing our part to make sure that the hungry are fed. We can sing Christ mas carols for our neighbors, bringing true joy and love to their homes. Perhaps we could help a tired friend clean her house, making her life a little bit easier during this busy season. Or we can share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. We might even try going to work with a cheery disposition, or donating money so that a starving child in a poor country can have something to eat. These are just a few examples of how we can practice stewardship.

We may sometimes feel as if our efforts are in vain — especially when it is hard to see the effects of our evan gelization. This temptation is particularly strong when we offer our treasure as a gift to God. The positive effects of monetary gifts aren’t always as visible as gifts of time or talent. But when we give of our treasure, the love of Jesus can travel to places we could never go. While our gift may not directly affect someone in a positive way, it very well may enable someone else to do it for us. Sometimes, God doesn’t just ask us to be His hands and feet, but to enable someone else to be them, as well.

Advent and Christmas give us the opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ call to live as stewards and disciples of His Word. God has put us in a particular place, given us a certain amount of time, and asked us to perform particular tasks and selflessly share a portion of our gifts. This is all for a singular purpose — to bring His Son into the world, and make Christ’s presence just as real as when He first became man more than 2,000 years ago.

The month of December has only just begun. In the eyes of the world, we are already deep into “the Christmas season.”

A few folks have finished shopping and Christmas cards and have started in on the baking. Most of us, however, are just starting to stress about work parties, fam ily get-togethers, present wrapping, and a million other things that give us joy.

But do these things give us joy? Take a moment right now and let your mind wander back to last Christmas. What do you remember from 2021? Christmas was on a Saturday if that helps jog your memory. You might have to get out your cell phone and look at last year’s pictures if you have a hard time recalling the previous Christmas.

Do you even remember the gifts? Or the parties? Did you enjoy Midnight Mass? Family games? Hot chocolate with an old friend? Reading by the tree? Pause and answer this question: My favorite part of Christmas last year was ___? Don’t continue reading until you have answered this question for yourself. You might also pop this question to your family and friends and see what they come up with.

Are you, perhaps, surprised at what actually mattered? And all the things that didn’t matter? This year, then, do more of what you loved and less of the other stuff. Obviously, you can’t only do the things you love. We may have to attend certain parties or do things that others love because we love them. However,

we shouldn’t waste energy worrying and stressing about them. Do those things, but put more time and energy into the things that give you joy.

Prayer time with Oriens and the vir tual Bible study were some of my favorite things last year. I love Christmas decora tions, but I don’t love decorating. A few years back I discovered the old English tradition of keeping your Christmas deco rations up until Candlemas (Feb. 2). That allows me to spend 28 days preparing and 40 days enjoying Christmas. This has taken the pressure off my home decorat ing. I put out my Advent wreath first. The Nativity set comes out next, followed by the other decorations. I don’t light my Christmas tree until the Light of the World is born at Christmas Mass. But then I keep it lit as long as I can until Feb. 2. It lights up the dark time in mid-January and helps me keep the Christmas spirit long after the world has moved on. Where do you find Christmas joy?

Your brother in Christ, Fr. Joel Sember Pastor

ST. JOHN BOSCO YOUTH Annual Gathering Ignites

At the beginning of October, a group of 16 from our parish — including 11 students and five chaperones — attended the St. John Bosco Youth Day: Fire on the Hill in Hubertus, Wisc., at the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians. This was a one-day event that welcomed students in sixth through 12th grades to expe rience adoration, hear speakers presenting on topics rel evant to their lives, and listen to some great worship music.

“We are trying to offer opportunities for the youth to deepen their faith and grow closer to Jesus,” says Kristen Rolling, Faith Formation Coordinator. “We want them to have opportunities to get away and slow down and really connect with Christ. The Holy Spirit is the one who will do the work of bringing them closer to Christ. This is a per fect event to provide an opportunity for just that.”

“I really enjoyed the experience overall because I got to meet other people from around the area who were also interested in deepening their faith and learning more about their vocation,” says Laura Rydberg, a junior high school student in the parish. “We had a lot of fun because the hosts were so welcoming and made sure to incorporate fun games and breaks throughout the day.”

Josh Heuss, one of the chaperones for this trip, had attended the 2015 St. John Bosco Youth Day as a student. For Josh, returning to the event as a chaperone was a spe cial experience.

“As a youth, it was a big eye-opener for me to see the power of adoration and the Eucharist,” Josh says. “It was really one of my first experiences with it as a youth. Now as an adult, I get to witness that great beauty of the experience for the students. It really is a great conference for students.”

This year, the speakers focused on the theme that God doesn’t need us, He wants us. We are loved no matter who we are or what we do.

“What I got out of the talks from the various speak ers was that money and a career should not be what you think your ‘purpose’ or vocation is, but instead, it should be where God wants to take you,” Laura says. “They taught me to be more trusting in God and they emphasized that He will be with us through the ups and downs of life.”

A key part of this event is the time spent in adoration.

YOUTH DAY: FIRE ON THE HILL

Ignites the Faith in Our Youth

Students are given opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and attend Mass with the Bishop of Madison. Michael Preboski, a junior, shares his experience with confession at this event.

“I didn’t know how thrilling a church field trip could be,” he says. “This day gave me the opportunity to see the incredibly stunning Basilica, we listened to an amazing band and I had the best confession of my life. I have never had such a good cleansing, conversation-like confession.”

For many, the hour in adoration is the most powerful part of the entire day.

“I felt like it was my first time actually sitting down and being with Jesus,” says Andrea Waterhouse, a sixth-grader in the parish.

Adoration is unique at this event. With nearly 900 stu dents, rather than just leaving the monstrance on the altar, they process around the space with the monstrance for the entire hour. They pause at different people or groups of people and make the sign of the cross with the monstrance. This brings the Body of Christ so close to the students.

“Honestly, I think the biggest part of this event is ado ration,” Josh says. “Many of our students have never been to adoration. They have never experienced something like that. So to be a part of that and encounter Jesus in that way is truly special.”

“As a youth, it was a big eye-opener for me to see the power of adoration and the Eucharist. It was really one of my first experiences with it as a youth. Now as an adult, I get to witness that great beauty of the experience for the students. It really is a great conference for students.”

— JOSH HEUSS

We will continue to offer opportunities for our youth to deepen their faith. Consider joining as a chaperone or making a monetary donation to help cover the expenses of these trips. Your support is appreciated.

The Origin and Beauty of the Nativity Scene

With all the commercialism surrounding Christmastime, it’s far too easy for us to lose sight of the true reason be hind the season. Overwhelmed by our endless to-do lists and the hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping, our focus quick ly shifts away from the Christ Child’s birth. And yet, hidden amongst the holly wreaths and garlands, the Christmas Nativ ity remains a tangible reminder of the Incarnation, pulling us back into time for a moment as we reflect upon the incredible gift of Christ’s birth.

Interestingly, it was circumstances much like our own today which first led St. Francis of Assisi to recreate the Nativ ity scene nearly 800 years ago. Frustrated with the growing materialism and greed that seemed to pervade 13th-century Italy, St. Francis wanted a way to visually remind people of Christ’s humble beginnings — to show them that Christmas isn’t about pomp and circumstance or material goods, but rather about unselfish love. Describing the idea to his friend Giovanni, St. Francis wrote, “I want to do something that will recall the memory of that child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger...”

And so St. Francis’ idea took form on Christmas Eve in 1223. This original Nativity scene was a living one, even includ ing live animals. Villagers were deeply moved by the silent dis play of humble beauty, and the Nativity tradition soon spread throughout Italy and surrounding Europe. It is a tradition that remains today in nearly every Christian church and in many homes. In fact, it’s hard to imagine Christmas without a Nativ ity scene somewhere.

Coming in various sizes and styles, each Nativity replica continues to focus our hearts on the true meaning of Christ mas — to help us remember that Christmas isn’t about the amount of gifts under the tree or the festive decorations, but rather about celebrating Christ’s birth. Many families have a tradition of hiding the Infant Jesus, only placing Him in the crib on Christmas morning. This helps build anticipation dur ing the Advent season as we anxiously await the Divine’s birth. Others go a step further, actually wrapping up the Christ Child to be opened as the very first gift of Christmas.

Yet, whatever your family’s particular traditions, we hope that the Christmas Nativity continues to draw your heart heav enward this Christmas season — to center us all on the greatest gift ever given, our Incarnate Lord.

Save the Date for Our Upcoming Parish Retreat, Jan. 21

Join us 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 21, for our Parish Retreat, Stewardship in the Family, led by stewardship expert and author Lisa McArdle.

Our call to holiness most often begins right in our own homes — by taking care of our family. This retreat will help you discover the spiritual transformation that takes place when you make stewardship central to your life. We have a God of abundance. Let Him show you all He has in mind for you — to receive and to share!

To RSVP, please contact Joanna at 715-623-2024.

Lisa McArdle will lead the Stewardship in the Family Parish Retreat on Jan. 21.

“Stewardship in the Family,” led by Lisa McArdle

The Cenacle of Prayer: Walking Together in Prayer with the Blessed Mother

Before the Cenacle of Prayer was an official ministry, it was just three young moms who connected over a desire to deepen their faith. Over 30 years ago, Janet Waterhouse, Karen Prunty, and Darlene Eckerman were working together on Vacation Bible School and realized that they all longed for friends with whom they could pray and share the faith. So, they began to meet once a week to pray the Rosary, bringing their young children along.

“There was a deep draw to continue, as we usually left refreshed,” Janet says. “We always had each other when one or another needed prayer.”

It was a simple beginning, but the start of a lifelong friend ship. Other women joined the prayer group over the years and as the women grew in their faith, they supported one another through hardship and loss.

“During these years we have earnestly prayed for our fami lies, spouses, and personal problems,” Janet says. “We have shared our lives deeply. We have seen cancer more than once in our families. We have traveled the road of a child dying. We have shared our joys and sorrows.”

The prayer group evolved over the years as different mem bers brought new inspiration. The word cenacle refers to the Upper Room where Christ and His disciples had the Last Sup per. One of the members read a book by a Marian priest, Fr. Gobbi, in which he shared words he received from the Blessed Mother. Fr. Gobbi created Cenacle prayer groups for priests and then expanded to the laity.

Janet and the others took on Fr. Gobbi’s format. The women pray to the Holy Spirit, read Fr. Gobbi’s writings, pray a Rosary, then pray for the pope and an Act of Consecration to the Blessed Mother.

The women have taken part in various Scripture studies and consecrations over the years. As their faith has grown, the members have brought things they’ve learned back to their own parishes. They’ve become more involved with Eucharistic Ado ration as their reverence for the Eucharistic has deepened.

Looking back, Janet can see how having this community of women transformed her faith and carried her through difficult times. Yet, it all began with three young moms taking a chance on one another.

“If you feel a desire for more faith, don’t be afraid to cre ate your own group,” Janet says. “Especially young women with young children — walk through life with these women, because they share the same desire for Christ that you do. It doesn’t have to be formal, just get together and pray.”

The Cenacle of Prayer meets most Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Sts. Mary and Hyacinth. Women from all the parishes are wel come to come, pray, and share fellowship.

“This prayer group has been my rock,” Janet says. “How blessed I have been to pray and receive prayer. I cannot imagine what life would have been like these past 32 years without this prayer group. We walk with the Blessed Mother leading us on.”

(From left) Darlene Eckerman, Judy Black, Tina Heuss, Janet Waterhouse, Patty Koeple, Karen Prunty, and Eileen Hartle

(From left) Karen Prunty, Darlene Eckerman and Janet Waterhouse

Saint John the Evangelist 415 6th Ave.

Antigo, WI 54409 (715) 623-2024 stjohn@antigoareacatholicchurches.com

Saints Mary & Hyacinth 819 3rd Ave. Antigo, WI 54409 (715) 623-4938 ssmh@antigoareacatholicchurches.com

Saint Wenceslaus N5340 Church Rd. Deerbrook, WI 54424 (715) 627-2126 stwencel@antigoareacatholicchurches.com

The Church Decorating Ministry

is 80 years old. “The men help put the trees up because the stands have to be fastened with power tools. We have girls on ladders trimming trees, and boys hanging garland.”

The team of decorators varies from year to year, and all are encouraged to participate — from young to old. Chil dren and teenagers can help in a variety of ways, including trimming the six Christmas trees that adorn the altar or hanging the red velvet ribbon that runs the length of the pews. Confirmands are especially encouraged to consider helping out as part of their community service.

The six pillars inside the church will be decorated as well — three will be wrapped with red draping, and the

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other three will each be decorated with a wreath with a flicker hurricane lamp inside.

Right before the first Christmas Eve Mass, volunteers place red poinsettias throughout the church.

At the first Christmas Eve Mass, the priest will place the infant Jesus in the Nativity set that volunteers have set up. Following Communion, Santa Claus will make his way down the aisle bearing a gift to place in front of the manger. He will reverence the altar, before kneeling in front of the manger and delivering the wrapped Christmas package.

“It’s a joy to see the faces of the younger children when Santa appears,” Kathy says.

If you would like to share your gifts of time and talent in order to help make our churches beautiful this Advent and Christmas season, please contact Kathy Schultz at 715-627-7844.

MASS & CONFESSION TIMES

SAINT JOHN: Masses: Monday, 8:15 a.m., Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, 8:15 a.m., Thursday, 8:15 a.m., Saturday, 6 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. Confession: Tuesday, 5:30-6:15 p.m., Saturday, 5:15-5:45 p.m. & Sunday, 8:15-8:45 a.m.

SAINTS MARY & HYACINTH: Masses: Wednesday, 7:15 a.m., Friday, 7:15 a.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. & 4 p.m., Sunday, 7 a.m. Confession: Saturday following the 8 a.m. Mass & 3-3:45 p.m.

SAINT WENCESLAUS: Masses: Tuesday, 8 a.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. Confession: Sunday, 10:15-10:45 a.m.