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Appleton, WI

Advent Homily Series 4 of 4

Forth Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2019. Catch up on the first three messages first: Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 IS 7:10-14 |  ROM 1:1-7  |  MT 1:18-24 Discussion Questions Who is my protector(s)? Who do I protect? Was there a time when I did not have a protector? Describe. How does having a […]

Dec 22: In Joy and Sorrow by Fr. Bill

I treasure Ann Weem’s book of poetry, Kneeling in Bethlehem, and make a point to take it off of my shelf every Christmas Season. This book has become a good guide to my prayer during this holy time of the year. In that spirit, here is Ms. Weem’s poem titled, “What Do I Want For […]

Advent Homily Series 3 of 4

Third Sunday of Advent, December 15, 2019. Catch up on the first two messages first: Week 1 Week 2 IS 35:1-6A |  JAS 5:7-10  |  MT 11:2-11 Discussion Questions Consider someone who was a “repairperson” in your life, how did you feel Jesus’ presence at that time? What do you think were the lenses that […]

Dec 15: In Joy and Sorrow by Fr. Bill

I have suggested this before. Even though you may not be thrilled with poetry, I would encourage you to lean into it. Don’t sell yourself short. You don’t have to understand every word or thought. Sometimes the beauty of poetry touches us, not in the mind, but in the heart, and in a totally inexplicable […]

Online Gifts With Faith Direct

During Advent, we prepare our minds and hearts for the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the upcoming Christmas season, it is likely that we will be busy with parties and family gatherings. Simplify your life, save time, and enjoy the peace of mind […]

Advent Homily Series: Entrusted 2 of 4

Second Sunday of Advent, December 8, 2019. Click here if you missed the first message of this series. IS 11:1-10  |  ROM 15:4-9 |  MT 3:1-2 Discussion Questions What would Isaiah’s peaceable kingdom look like in my world? What steps could I take this Advent to move toward this place in my life? As a […]

Dec 8: In Joy and Sorrow by Fr. Bill

Next weekend, on the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudate! or Rejoice! Sunday), I bring up my 3-foot artificial Christmas tree, fully decorated, lights and all, from the basement. It stands tall on a coffee table in my living room. I like to think of the Christmas tree, topped most often with a star or an […]

Now Hiring!

St. Mary Parish is a vibrant parish that is fully embracing the transition from a model of maintenance to a model of mission with focus on missionary discipleship and evangelization. We are seeking two energetic, creative, and engaging individuals who are on fire with a love for Jesus and His church and are excited to […]

Advent Homily Series: Entrusted 1 of 4

First Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2019. IS 2:1-5  |  ROM 13:11-14 |  MT 24:37-44 Discussion Questions: How often have I had good intentions to respond to what Jesus is asking of me (go to get the glass of water) and I am caught in the good and the challenging dramas of my life? How […]

Dec 1: In Joy and Sorrow by Fr. Bill

It said that “familiarity breeds contempt.” Now I don’t know how true that is. It seems that in relationships more often than not, the more we can get to know another person, the more we grow in appreciation of her or him. But it may be so though that sometimes we are stunned to learn […]