Catholic Churches of NCC includes: Saint Patrick Parish Seneca WI; Saint Philip Parish Rolling Ground WI; Saint Mary Parish Gays Mills WI; St James Cemetery Rising Sun WI; Kneeland Cemetery Seneca WI catholicchurchesofncc.com

26^th Sunday of Ordinary Time    September 28, 2025

St. Mary, St. Patrick, St. Philip Parishes

Mail address for all three parishes:   PO Box 35, Seneca WI 54654

Website: https://www.catholicchurchesofncc.com

Confessions: Normally, 30 minutes before every

Mass and by appointment.

Normal Monthly Eucharistic Adoration:

St. Patrick: First Friday after the 8:30 AM Mass

St. Philip: First Sunday after the 10:30 AM Mass

Mass Intentions This Week

Pastor: Fr. Tom Huff – frtomhuff@gmail.com St. Patrick's Rectory 608-734-3252

Bookkeeper: Angie Martin -- 608-734-3931 stpatricks.seneca.bookkeeper@gmail.com

Bulletin/Mass Intentions/Membership: Yvonne Hady -- 608 485-2109 hadyy@mwt.net

Bulletin Information Deadline: Tuesdays at 4:00 PM. Bulletin is posted on our website.

UPCOMING PARISH EVENTS

Sat. & Sun., Sept. 27 & 28 Apple Fest Pancake Breakfast

at the Community Building

Serving 7-11:30 AM each day

Wed., Oct. 1 Adult Faith Study at St. Mary’s, 7:00 PM

Sun., Oct. 5 St. Philip’s Fall Festival,

Serving 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Income from Last Week

From the Priest’s Corner: The Lesson of Dives and Lazarus

Dives is the traditional name given to the rich man of our parable. While living very well off, he totally ignores Lazarus, a beggar near his house, failing to give him even some leftovers.

In time, both men die and after death everything gets reversed. The Angels escort Lazarus to the bosom of Abraham, which is an image of heaven, implying the moral goodness of Lazarus despite his poverty and suffering. Dives however finds himself suffering in Hell, implying his moral badness, despite his wealth and prosperity. This isn’t about wealth or poverty. It’s about one person who dies in a state of grace and one who dies in mortal sin by neglecting others whom he could have easily helped.

Dives, who was used to having his every command obeyed, now finds out that he has lost not only all his former wealth, power and control, but now will experience the physical and spiritual torments of hell forever. Lazarus, who survived only from the scraps of food given by others, was still faithful to God and His laws. And for this he now enjoys the abundant delights of heaven - for all eternity.

What about us? Do we see others in need as opportunities for us to be Christ-like according to our abilities? Mother Teresa made a good point - when she said; “If you can’t help a hundred people, then help just one.”

Knights of Columbus Invitation:

You are invited to put your faith in action! The Knights of Columbus are having a recruitment drive. This will be for the council in Seneca. Contact Gregory Helgersen, Field Agent – 608-462-3372 or gregory.helgersen@kofc.com

Divine Mercy: St. Faustina writes, “I understand souls who are suffering against hope, for I have gone through that fire myself.  But God will not give us anything beyond our strength.  Often have I lived hoping against hope, and have advanced my hope to complete trust in God.  Let that which He has ordained from all ages happen to me.” (Diary, 386)

VOCATION REFLECTION MINI-RETREAT

October 12, 2025, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.  St Rose Convent: This in-person mini-retreat is an opportunity for young adults, ages 18- 30 discerning their call and exploring options for their future to visit the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in LaCrosse, WI for a time of guidance and reflection. Come practice discernment methods and hear how others have gained the clarity of purpose they seek. All are invited to come early for Catholic Mass at 10 a.m. and free lunch is included.  For more information call 608-782-5610 or email vocations@fspa.org. 

St. Mary Announcements:

Rosary – 30 minutes before Mass -- St. Mary’s Church is open each day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You are welcome to stop in to pray and/or light a candle for your special intention.

First Sunday Potluck – Potluck brunch after Mass each first Sunday of the month. All are welcome, dish to share is appreciated, but not required. Next potluck is Sunday, Oct. 5^th.

Apple Fest Pancake Breakfast is THIS Sat. and Sun., Sept. 27 & 28 at the Community Center, serving 7 to 11:30 AM each day. Serving pancakes, sausage links, scrambled eggs, apple sauce for a free-will offering! Contact Yvonne Hady if you would like more information 485-2109 or hadyy@mwt.net

St. Philip Announcements:

St. Philip Candles: Contact Bonnie Murphy. The cost is $5 per candle.

St. Philip’s Fall Festival on Sunday, October 5^th serving pulled pork sandwiches, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, homemade pie and ice cream from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. $12 for adults, $5 for children (6 and under.) Carry-outs available; call 608 624-5498. Baked goods, basket raffle, raffle tickets.

Tri-Parish Prayer List – We want to pray for the ill and others in our parishes who need ongoing prayer. To be placed on or to place someone on our prayer list, please call: Sue Peterson 608-735-4865, Bonnie Murphy 608-386-4954, or Ica Boylen 608-734-3287.

Pilgrimage to Mexico with Fr. Tim - Marian Messengers February 8-13

Come and visit Our Lady of Guadalupe with Fr. Tim Oudenhoven. We will be walking the actual steps of St. Juan Diego and learning firsthand of the incredible message and mission that Mary has for us! For More information visit: www.marianmessengers.org or call 800-842-4842 (Select International Tours in partnership with Theology of the Body Institute)

Thinking of Becoming Catholic?

One significant reason people don't become Catholic is because no one has ever asked them to! Do you know someone who might be interested in becoming Catholic or who has questions about the Catholic faith? If so, please invite them to the first OCIA session on Sunday, October 12 at St. Philip.

The OCIA—Order of Christian Initiation of Adults—is the process by which adults are prepared to enter into the full communion of the Church by the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. It consists of instruction in the Catholic faith and various liturgical rites throughout the year.

A new OCIA process begins Sunday, October 12 and will meet every other Sunday in Saint Philip's basement from 9:00-10:15 am. Call Chris Carstens at (608) 521-0023 (evenings) or Fr. Tom Huff at (608) 734-3252.