Christmas Eve - 3:00 pm at HF;

4:30 pm at SJW & 8:30 pm at SJW

Christmas Day - 9:30 am at SJW

Christmas Schedule

See inside bulletin for details about signing-up for in person Masses as

well as live-streaming links.

Christmas is only days away. How are your preparations for this unusual celebration of Christmas coming along? I must confess that my enthusiasm for some tasks is more restrained this year, even something I enjoy doing as much as decorating the Christmas tree. A number of people have noted in their Christmas cards that “it was quiet Thanksgiving and will be the same for Christmas.” Others point out that there have been some hidden graces, too, without all the rush and fuss in a few short weeks. Today might be an apt time to reflect upon what (or WHOM) we miss this year and how God has graced us in surprising ways.

The parish staff has been working hard so that we can celebrate the Christmas Masses in a special and safe way. Like Santa, they are checking our sign-up lists and making sure that there is room in the “inn” (church) for as many as possible. I want to thank them for all the extra work this year and the ministers who will be assisting us on Christmas Eve and Day, especially the ushers. Monday, December 21st, is the last day to call the office (388-3766) to reserve your place. I am also grateful to the parishioners and staff who are making the live streaming of Mass possible at both churches; a number of people have mentioned or written how much this means to them. Thank you in advance for cooperating with us to make this as joyful and prayerful a Christmas as possible this year!

One traditional preparation for Christmas is the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Communal penance services are not possible this year, but I have added a few times for the individual celebration, confession. At Holy Family, I will be using the Cry Room to provide for more distancing and will be there on Tuesday evening at 5:30 pm and Wednesday morning at 9:00 am; please use the upper parking lot and the ramp door. At St. Joseph the Worker, I will be in the Reconciliation Room (Confessional) at 11:00 am on Tuesday morning and at 5:30 pm on Wednesday evening; please use Door 7. Individual appointments for reconciliation can also be scheduled. You may not feel comfortable celebrating this sacrament right now and that is certainly understandable, but I want to be available if you do.

Whether I see you in person or not this Christmas, know that you are very much in my thoughts and prayers. Many have told me how much they miss seeing other parishioners and celebrating the Eucharist with them; I agree wholeheartedly. As grateful as I am for the opportunity to worship as we currently do, my heart aches for the presence of more members of our faith family and a more robust liturgy. Let us continue to keep each other in heart and mind, and do all we can to hasten the day when we can gather again!

Sincerely in Christ,

P.S. Speaking of the inn, I received a funny (if irreverent) Christmas card with Joseph, Mary & baby Jesus in the stable; it reads, “The real reason it was a silent night” and Joseph saying, “How many times do I have to say I’m sorry?! I forgot to make the reservations at the inn, okay?”

CHRISTMAS EVE/DAY MASS INFO

Sign-ups are REQUIRED to attend Christmas Eve/Day Masses. Online scheduling has been disabled. If you

need to change your reservation or still need to sign-up to attend one of these Masses, you can call the Parish Office at

388-3766 between 8:30AM-4:30PM on

Monday, December 21st. Some Mass times may

already be full. No reservations will be taken

after Monday. When arriving to your reserved Mass time,

please check in with an usher at the door.

The 3PM,4:30PM & 8:30PM Masses will also be live-streamed for those not

attending in person. You can view the Live Stream’s here:

SJW YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/

channel/UCAuevregni 4KWsYsx_n3Mfw

HF Facebook page: www.facebook.com/holyfamilylakecrystal

Fr. Reker and the Parish Staff wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Dec. 12 & 13, 2020

$10,581.00

Fiscal Year to Date $154,243.35 Actual

$151,129.67 Budget

St. Joseph the Worker

Fiscal Year to Date $48,275.61 Actual

$45,008.73 Budget

Holy Family

Dec. 13 2020 $1,597.75

Tuesday, Dec. 22: SJW 12:05pm - †Harvey & Alvera Brooks Wednesday, Dec. 23: HF 8:30pm - †Leona & Clarence Schneider Thursday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve HF 3:00pm - †Don Mennega SJW 4:30pm - †Phil Deegan SJW 8:30pm - †Pat Ekman Friday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day SJW 9:30am - †Deceased Members of the Ray Reker Family

Saturday, Dec. 26: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph SJW 5:00pm - †Joseph & Steven Schimek Sunday, Dec. 27: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph HF 8:30am - †Marvin & Betty Grams SJW 10:30am - For the Parishioners ____________________________________________ Mon: Sg 2: 8-14 or Zep 3: 14-18a/ Ps 33: 2-3. 11-12. 20- 21/ Lk 1: 39-45 Tues: 1 Sm 1:24-28/ 1 Sm 2:1. 4-5. 6-7. 8abcd/ Lk 1: 46-56 Wed: Mal 3: 1-4. 23-24/ Ps 25: 4-5ab. 8-9. 10 and 14/ Lk 1: 57-66 Thurs: 2 Sm 7: 1-5. 8b-12. 14a. 16/ Ps 89: 2-3. 4-5. 27 and 29/Lk 1: 67-79 Fri: Night: Is 9: 1-6/ Ps 96: 1-2. 2-3. 11-12. 13/ Ti 2: 11-14/ Lk 2: 1-14. Day: Is 52: 7-10/ Ps 98: 1. 2-3. 3-4. 5-6 (3c)/ Heb 1: 1-6/ Jn 1: 1-18 Sat: Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-59/ Ps 31: 3cd-4. 6 and 8ab. 16bc and 17/ Mt 10: 17-22 Sun: Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3 or Sir 3:2-6. 12-14/ Ps 105:1-2. 3-4. 5-6. 8-9 (7a. 8a)/ Heb 11: 8. 11-12. 17-19 or Col 3: 12-21/ Lk 2: 22-40

Congratulations to Roger Funfsinn

the “301” winner of $500 for Dec. 12!

CHRISTMAS EVE Thursday, December 24th

HF—3:00 p.m. Mass Reader: Katie Parsons & Kaitlyn Kirchner ECM: Mary Jaspers Ushers: Chick Slama & Lance Goettl Musicians: Jan Osten, Jackie Slama, Sheila Sickler

SJW—4:30 p.m. Mass Reader: Peter Schwamberger ECM: Mary Date Back up ECM: Chuck Fox Ushers: Chad Ruch & Leonard Woelfel Musicians: Ann Van Deusen, Anne Richardson, Teresa Anderson

SJW—8:30 p.m. Mass Reader: Tom Hallett ECM: Cookie Oberle Backup ECM: Julie Freyberg Ushers: Dave & Ryan Hassing Musicians: Cindy Lawrence, Jeanne Hassing, Tom Wilcox

CHRISTMAS DAY Friday, December 25th

SJW—9:30 a.m. Mass Reader: Janet Fasnacht ECM: Glenn Barnette Backup ECM: Kevin Doyle Ushers: Janet & Kevin Doyle & Todd Tanhoff Musicians: Benzmillers & Cindy Lawrence

REGULAR WEEKEND MASSES Saturday, December 26th

SJW—5:00 p.m. Mass Reader: Tom Hallett ECM: Glenn Barnette Back up ECM: Mary Date Ushers: Ryan & Dave Hassing Musicians: Cindy Lawrence, Jeanne Hassing

Sunday, December 27th

HF—8:30 a.m. Mass Reader: Lori Mexiell ECM: Mary Jaspers Ushers: Chuck Slama Musicians: Erika Seppmann, Dianne Rothfork SJW—10:30 a.m. Mass Reader: Janet Fasnacht ECM: * 1 NEEDED Backup ECM: * 1 NEEDED Ushers: Jeff Willaert Musicians: Ann Van Deusen, Anne Richardson Doorkeeper: Ron Evan

Tues. 12/22: 11:00am Confessions - SJW 5:30pm Confessions - HF (Cry Room) 6:00pm Choir Practice - SJW Church Wed. 12/23: 9:00am Confessions - HF (Cry Room) 5:30pm Confessions - SJW 6:00pm NO FF - SJW & HF Thurs. 12/24: Christmas Eve - Parish Office Closed Fri. 12/25: Christmas Day - Parish Office Closed *10:45am Communion - SJW Parking lot Sat. 12/26: 4:00pm Confession - SJW Sun. 12/27: 8:00am Confessions - HF

*Fr. Reker will be offering “Communion for the shepherds” on Christmas Day at 10:45AM from the SJW Parking Lot. You can

safely receive Communion from your vehicle. Please plan to arrive at 10:45AM and enter the parking lot from Sibley St. Fr. Reker will be stationed by the stairs to the gym entrance (Door

#17). Please remain in your vehicle to receive Communion. Exit the parking lot onto Blue Earth St.

DECEMBER Wed 23 NO Faith Formation In-Person Classes Christmas Break Wed 30 NO Faith Formation In-Person Classes New Years Break

JANUARY Sun 3 Youth Mass - Epiphany at HF - 8:30am, SJW - 10:30am Masses Wed 6 In Person Faith Formation Classes SJW - K-10, 6-7pm HF - K-10, 6-7pm 10th Grade Confirmation - Zoom Class

Sat 9 First Reconciliation at HF - 9:00am, SJW - 11:00am Sun 10 Home School - Unit 3 pick up materials at Holy Family and St. Joseph the Worker

Wed 13 Faith Formation Family Mass 6:00pm at Holy Family Wed 20 In Person Faith Formation Classes SJW - K-10, 6-7pm + First Communion Orientation, student & parent HF - K-10, 6-7pm

Sun 24 Rite of Enrollment - for all 10th Grade Confirmation Candidates: at HF - 8:30am, & SJW - 10:30am Masses

Wed 27 Faith Formation classes for 6-10 grade only Community Guest Speaker for all 6th - 10th graders & parents, David Rinaldi - 6-7pm at SJW

Watch the parish website (sjwhf.org) for updates or changes to calendar

St. Joseph the Worker & Holy Family Faith Formation Contact Information

Connie Wallin, Director: cwallin@sjwhf.org Phone: 507-388-3766

December 20, 2020 Fourth Sunday of Advent

God chooses each of us in a

special way!

We often think of Jesus’ birth as an

idyllic scene. The reality was quite

different. Mary and Joseph were

forced to travel in the last stages of her

pregnancy from Nazareth to Bethlehem. On foot or donkey, it

was a dirty and exhausting journey. Once there, they had no

option for decent housing and had to stay with animals. Young

Mary gave birth in crude conditions with no friend or family to

help.

After a short time, they fled to Egypt with their newborn to

escape threats from the government and stayed there for

several years. There were no friendly faces to greet the family

once they arrived and they had to make their own way in an

unfamiliar land. Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

What can a parent do?

Catholics have a special chare to protect those who are

vulnerable: children, elderly, the poor and those fleeing

violence in their home countries. Like Mary and Joseph, God

has a special place for each of us in his plan for salvation.

Prayerfully ask God what he wants you to do for him and his

kingdom. Partners In Pray LLC

Lessons from the Magi

On January 6 feast of the Epiphany, we

celebrate the visit of the magi, or wise men, to

the newborn Savior. There are two lessons

families can learn from this visit:

Look for a sign. Through study and investigation, the magi

figured out that something big was going to happen and waited

for a sign to tell them which direction to take. God often gives

us signs to point us to the right path. Help youngsters weigh

options and pray for direction when facing big decisions.

Travel in faith. Once the magi started their journey, they

asked for help when they got stumped and believed it would

come. “Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,

saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his

star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” (Matthew

2:1-2). Teach your children to follow his “star” and rely on God

for help. The key is to be like the magi and have faith that

something marvelous will happen. Partners In Pray LLC

(SJW) Last week: 5lbs. Items

Needed this Week: Macaroni &

Cheese/Boxed Dinners

Rev. Timothy T. Reker - Pastor

Nicole Hermer - Director of Parish Activities

Glenn Barnette - Bookkeeper

Connie Wallin - Director of Religious Education

Kathy Moldan - Office Assistant

Sister Janet Wermerskirchen - Music Director

Jon Hermanson - SJW Custodial Engineer

Mike Murrain - SJW Custodian

Ben Moldan - HF Custodian

Email bulletin notices to

office@sjwhf.org by Tuesday at noon.

Office Phone………...…………………388-3766

Parish Email………………...…office@sjwhf.org

SJW Prayer Chain……...……...Joan: 388-5986

HF Prayer Chain…………..Margaret: 317-4785

Email: margaretbuss@yahoo.com

Calvary Cemetery………Terry Miller: 387-5784

Mon-Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fri: 8:30am-12:00pm

or by appointment

Dennis Owen, Richard Johnson, John Allen, Jerry Schultz, George Larson, Tom B.

Baptism - Please contact Fr. Reker in the parish office to schedule the baptism and the

baptism preparation class.

Marriage - Congratulations on your engagement! Please contact Fr. Reker at least 6 months in

advance to begin preparation.

Anointing of the Sick - If you or a family member is homebound or in the hospital and would like a

pastoral visit, please notify the office.

Phone: 388-0600, Website: loyolacatholicschool.org

Adam Bemmels PreK-12 Principal

SJW MEN’S CLUB MISSION STATEMENT: To bring together men of all ages to grow in relationship with

Jesus Christ. With the direction of our Priest, encouraging each other to be servant leaders in our Church.

Save the Date - Wired to the Heart Virtual Event: 2/6/21

Taking into consideration the health and safety of everyone involved, Loyola Catholic School's annual Wired to the Heart event, will be presenting its fundraising gala VIRTUALLY Saturday, February 6, 2021. This virtual experience will be filled with all the fabulousness that you have come to know and love from Wired to the Heart! Be sure to LIKE the Wired to the Heart Facebook page- stay up to date on event details@wiredtotheheart! Thank you for your continued support.

Employment opportunities

Loyola will soon be offering bus service to some of our students outside of the District 77 bus routes. We are seeking a shuttle driver for the morning route, with the potential of adding shifts. For more information, please contact Trudi Clements, 507-388-0606.

Loyola is also hiring a Director of Development to support and sustainably strengthen our Advancement Department. The Director will help assist in our fundraising efforts, manage and train current staff, and be a key player in our future campaign efforts. If you or someone you know is qualified for this position, please contact Trudi Clements, 507-388-0606.

Your parish support makes all we do, learn, and celebrate at Loyola possible. Leading through Faith, Academic Excellence, and Service.

St. Joseph the Worker

WE STILL NEED $5,795.50

To make our goal of 32,700!

We have raised $26,904.50 or

83% of our goal.

Holy Family WE ONLY NEED

$820.00 To make our goal of

$9,900!

We have raised $9,080.00 or

92% of our goal.

ADVERTISE HERE! We are looking for additional advertisers for our bulletin for 2021. Please contact

Nicole at the Parish Office if you are interested: nhermer@sjwhf.org.

JOB OPENING: St. Joseph the Worker/Holy Family Parish Cluster is seeking a Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry. The candidate must be a practicing Catholic, in good standing with the Church, with an active and faithful Catholic life. The primary responsibility of the Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry is to administer (design, develop, direct, communicate and evaluate) the Parish Faith Formation Program. A theology degree is preferred, but not required. Competence with a teaching, supervisory, and ministry role is a must. This is a full-time, salaried position, which reports directly to the pastor. Compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested and qualified candidates should email a cover letter and resume by November 30th to office@sjwhf.org. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION WITH US - During these times we have been relying more and more on communicating with you via virtual options. We have found that a lot of the emails in our system are inactive. If you have a moment, could you please verify that your registration information is correct? You can do this yourself by visiting https://winona.parishsoftfamilysuite.com/ and setting up an account or you can submit a parishioner update form on our website sjwhf.org and we will compare the information for you. Thanks in advance!

Considering a year-end gift to St. Joseph the Worker?

Here’s what you need to know:

1. We appreciate you! More than 30 percent of all charitable donations are made in the month of December. We’re honored that you’re considering a gift to St. Joseph the Worker.

2. Christmas office hours Our office will remain open to receive any gifts (financial, fruitcakes, or other) until Thursday, December 31st at 12:00PM. We are open 8:30AM-4:30PM Monday-Wednesday for the next two weeks as well. (Closed December 24th and 25th)

3. Special Tax Breaks – this year only As part of its response to the coronavirus, Congress made temporary changes to the tax code to incentivize charitable giving in 2020. Make sure to speak with your attorney or financial advisor to find out how you can save money on taxes while benefiting St. Joseph the Worker.

4. You can donate online, right up until the ball drops! The Internet isn’t just for video chatting with friends and grandkids! Now, you can donate to St. Joseph the Worker online at www.sjwhf.org (look for the green DONATE NOW button). You can donate right up until 11:59 p.m. on December 31 and have it applied to your 2020 tax year.

CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER & HOLY FAMILY PARISH

To advertise, contact Nicole at the parish office

507-388-3766 or nhermer@sjwhf.org

Well Drilling • Septic Systems www.seppmann.com

507-625-3400

Contact the parish office at 388-3766 to

promote your business.

www.drummersgardencenter.com 507-388-4877

In Loving Memory of

Husband, Father, Grandfather.

We love and miss you, -Your Family

John Quiring

In Loving Memory of my family Bill & Marie Sturm, Donny,

AnnaBelle & Mary Ann

Missing You—Peg

In Loving Memory of our wife, mother, sister,

and dear friend.

JUDY HOGAN

We love you and miss you very much.

In Loving Memory of

of my daughter, Kristin and husband, Larry Volk. We love

and miss you.

In loving memory of all our family: Francis, Phyllis & Nathan Sohler

Love and miss you all. -Michael & Nancy

Angela M. Schuck, DDS

Keith P. Flack, DDS

507-625-CARE (2273) mankatodentist.com

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