Year of Mercy Mailing 2 Feb 2016
2016 Lenten Devotional Calendar
Good Shepherd Admin
2015 Youth Christmas Pageant
THE TWELVE SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS
You may think the symbols of Christmas have nothing to do with Jesus and his love for us. But, you will see that they are all connected to Jesus in some way:
SYMBOL #1:
The Evergreen Tree
SYMBOL #2:
Christmas Cookies
SYMBOL #3:
Ornaments
SYMBOL #4:
The Wreath
SYMBOL #5:
The Bell
SYMBOL #6:
Presents
SYMBOL #7:
Bows and Ribbons
SYMBOL #8:
Holly
SYMBOL #9:
Candles
SYMBOL #10:
Angels
SYMBOL #11:
The Candy Cane
SYMBOL #12:
The Star
THE TWELVE SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS
It’s Time to Celebrate!
First Communions at Good Shepherd
Welcome to the Lord’s table! Dante Axon (left) and Ryan Buehler (right) have completed the RCIC program! They have made their first Reconciliation December 2, and received their first Holy Communion December 12, 2015 at Good Shepherd. They are both currently enrolled in Grade 5 classes in Faith Formation.
May every step you take into the future, be a journey with the Lord! God bless you.
Christmas Gift of Love Tree
What is the Gift of Love Tree? For the last several years Good Shepherd has a special tree set up in the shrine area of our church at Christmas. Anyone is able to purchase paper ornaments we have to decorate the tree. The names of your living and deceased friends and relatives will be listed on the ornaments. These ornaments are special, because those named on the ornaments (including yourself–who is named on the back of the ornament), will be prayed for at all of our Christmas Masses. What a true Gift of Love!
How does one purchase these ornaments? Click on the link below to access the form. Clearly print the names of those you want on the ornaments. For example: “Sally Doe” or “Sally & John Doe” or “The John & Sally Doe Family.” Space is limited on the ornaments, so no more than a couple names will work per ornament. Your cost is $2 per ornament. Your name should be listed on the bottom of the form so we know who purchased the ornaments. We will include your name(s) on the backside of the ornaments. Use an extra sheet of plain paper for additional names, if needed. When the tree is taken down in January, you will be able to pick up your ornaments any time that month at the parish office, if you want to keep them.
Please return your forms to the parish office before December 20th. Call the office if you have questions, 715-427-5259.
The Beatitudes 2015
Good Shepherd 4th Graders illustrate the meaning of the Beatitudes
Learning the Rosary
Grade 5 students are focusing on the Rosary this year. They are learning the history of this special prayer, and how the mysteries of the Rosary tell stories from Scripture. Students made their own Rosaries and are now learning how to pray using these blessed beads.
Pictured, Back Row: Connor Higgins, Nathan Nikkila, Dante Axon; Front Row: Aaron Matyka, Ryan Buehler & Tanner Vlach
Grade 6 Service Project
Bringing Smiles to Residents
Grade 6 students recently made a beautifully decorated fall tree poster. This poster was signed by all the students in Faith Formation. It now hangs in the dining room area at the Golden Living Center in Rib Lake. It was meant to bring them cheer during this season of Fall.
Pictured l to r: Tatum Higgins, Molly Heiser, Jordan Yanko, Sam Gumz, Jacob Matyka, Tia Bube, Hannah Schuh.
2015 Stewardship Award
Congratulations to Good Shepherd’s 2015 Stewardship Award Winner!
This year’s stewardship award is presented to Judy Cihasky. Judy is one of those behind-the-scenes persons who helps in so many ways.
Judy has been one of the collection counters from way back to at least the 1970’s, and continues doing it today, along with processing our CSA collections. Judy was also in charge of decorations and plant care for a number of years. She now continues to work diligently on the decorating committee.
Judy is the chairperson of the Shepherd Knitters and besides making prayer shawls, has made prayer beads and book marks for the sick and those who need cheering up. She has also made other special blankets and gifts for people.
Judy also helps with funeral luncheons at times, and often jumps in to help with clean up of socials. You will also see her on Sundays as a Mass counter and usher/greeter.
What is so special about Judy is the humble attitude about all she does. She is there to build up and encourage all those she works beside in her ministries, and expects nothing in return for all she does.
Our thanks to you, Judy, for all you do! We are pleased to see you receive this award!
Judy (right) visiting with a parishioner and friend, Dorothy Scharer at Country Gardens.
Welcoming Through Baptism
Welcome to Good Shepherd…
Dante Raymond James Axon, child of Becky and Chris Hebda.
“I got baptized because God wanted me to be with him, and I wanted to be with him. I liked that my family and friends came to it. I feel very excited because I got baptized. I love God.”
We also welcome to Good Shepherd…
Ryan Stewart Buehler, child of Nicole and Jody Scheller.
“What it meant for me to be baptized was that all of my sins were taken away because God forgave me. It also feels like I am closer to God after being baptized. One thing that was cool about being baptized was that one of the oils smelled really good!”