St. Margaret's Catholic Church

St. Margaret's Catholic Church Catholic Church located in Geraldine, MT - First Sun. of each mth 9:00 a.m. Mass, all other Sundays 11:00a.m Mass.

01/23/2026

1/23/26

AN ELEVATOR/LIFT FOR ST. MARGARET’S

The faith community of St. Margaret’s is fund raising to install an elevator/lift in our church. This lift will benefit the entire community of Geraldine as it will provide those with mobility issues to have access to the fellowship hall, bathrooms and kitchen. Our facility is welcoming and open to all. This lift will allow everyone to participate in showers, dinners, reunions, luncheons and other fellowship events that are hosted in our spacious hall and efficient kitchen. Our church and facilities are for the entire community.

We are asking anyone interested in our installation to donate any amount to aid in this endeavor. It is estimated at this time the project will cost $40,000. This includes the lift along with the preparation and construction for the space. We will be seeking grant money to complete the project. The number of people who donate to this cause could have a positive and important impact on the chances of receiving a grant.

If you wish to donate something please mail it to St. Margaret’s Church, PO Box 50, Geraldine, MT 59446. If you have questions do not hesitate to contact Lance Juedeman, Mike Goldhahn or Chris Diekhans. We are looking forward to having our space accessible to all.

01/23/2026

1/22/26

Reflection by Trish—The space In-between/ Liminal Space

I loved being a hospice social worker. Working with patients and families at the end of life was rewarding, and I felt I was making a positive impact on my clients. After 9 years in this position, I lost my job. The hospital restructured and dropped my position. After the shock lessened a bit, I found myself feeling lost. I was between what was and what was to come. I couldn’t change the past and did not know what the future held. This is liminal space.

We must wait in this in-between time, the liminal space. Spending time dwelling on the past and thinking about the should haves, could haves, or would haves is not helpful. It serves no purpose. Often, we do not know what the future holds. We can’t change what happened in the past or control what will happen next. This is a time of transition.

It is common to be angry, frustrated, or disappointed when life changes and we have no control over the situation. It is important to find a way to move on from these emotions and accept the present situation. To be patient. When we accept the situation, we can find a place of growth in the liminal space, the empty space in between the past and the future.

Life can be a constant struggle when we believe we can control what happens. When we hold dear to the notion of what we deserve, what is fair, or what our life is supposed to look like. When life does not follow that path, we can feel let down or we can adapt. Everyone’s life journey includes unexpected change.

We can find the sacred by accepting this time in-between, and asking the Divine Holy One to just be with us. When we give up trying to control our lives, The Great Mystery can work through us. A new path will appear in the darkness and we will set off again on our journey. Even as we set out again, we know that at some point another unexpected change will take place.

When we stop tryng to control things we find guidance from the Holy Spirit. I was unemployed for 5 months. During this time I wanted to know what the future held, yet I could not. I felt like I was drifting in an undefined space and time. It was difficult. There were 2 prayers I repeated daily to keep hope and trust in The Divine.

1. “God does not close a door without opening a window.” I would envision a large window opening to bright sunshine, a gentle breeze, and a green landscape. I knew at some point I would move through this window to what the future held for me.
2. “It is only in the darkness that we can see the stars.” In this time of uncertainty, I had to trust in God and believe that eventually stars would appear and I would be directed to where I was needed. The stars may give off only a dim light, but they would show me the path I was to take.
When we try to earnestly control multiple aspects of our lives, we do not leave space for The Great Mystery to work and move in our lives. When you find yourself in liminal space, be quiet and wait. Open you heart and mind to the Holy Spirit for patience as you wait for the Source of Our Being to show us where you are needed.

Trusting the Spirit of God fills us,

The Source of our Being surrounds us

And the Word of Jesus shows us the way.

May we quietly rest trusting we will find guidance.

01/17/2026

1/17/26

Announcements:

Women’s Annual Luncheon Sunday, January 25 at noon. If convenient bring something for the potluck. We will plan the calendar of events for 2026, enjoy playing a simple game and visiting with one another.



Faith Sharing Group facilitated by Trish Eklund will meet Tuesdays at 1:30 at the Senior Center. First session is Tuesday, January 20. If you wish to join please contact Trish Eklund. Text or call 406-781-0076.

01/17/2026

1/17/26

Reflection by Trish—A Bit of History

Pope Leo is planning a visit to Nicaea in Turkey this year to celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. What happened at this council? Why does it deserve special attention?

325 years after Jesus’ life on earth, the Roman emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and recognized it as an official religion. Prior to this, Christians had been under threat for three centuries. There were bishops in the different urban areas, but no way to organize globally. In the different regions there were councils to debate and discuss issues that arose. There was a bishop in Rome, as many cities, but he had no recognized special power, unlike the Pope in Rome today.

Notably, the Council of Nicaea was the first meeting of all the bishops. From May to July in 325 AD, bishops came together across their differences to listen, to discern, and to seek. The Council was held in Nicaea, a suburb of Constantinople, which is now Istanbul. There were over 300 bishops present, and most were from the east.

Constantine recognized that Christians debated issues that affected Rome. If Constantine was to be an effective leader of the Roman Empire, the Christian church had to be in agreement with the Empire over many issues. (There were many things that they did not agree upon. Remember that Jesus was murdered because he raised ideas and issues that were cause for debate and made the leaders uncomfortable at that time.)

For example, the date of Easter was not uniform across the regions. Bishops used local formulas to calculate when Easter was celebrated. At this council it was decided Easter would be the Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. It is apparent today that there were faulty assumptions of when the equinox would be, but it was unifying to agree upon a date for everyone to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Today the Eastern Church and the Western Church celebrate Easter on different dates due to the fact that when the Gregorian calendar was accepted in 1582 by the Pope, the Eastern church kept the Julian calendar for their religious holidays.

The council discussed practical issues as well as theological issues. One of the biggest debates was over Jesus being divine and human. Some believed he was a wonderful person. Others thought he as divine appearing as human. Of course, some believed he was both human and divine. After lengthy and heated debate, it was at this council that Jesus’ divinity was affirmed. In other words, God loves us so much that God entered our mucky and messy reality to bring us in union with God. It was agreed upon that Jesus is fully human and fully divine.

The council crafted the Nicene Creed, which we frequently say during our Mass. This allowed all the faithful to coherently and simply state what we believe. We believe in God; Jesus, human and divine; and the Holy Spirit; all separate and all one.

In the Nicene Creed, we say the word “consubstantial”. Consubstantial means “of the same essence” or “of one being with the Father”. It is hard to find a word to really express this understanding that is foundational to our faith.

Jesus as human and divine was the experience of the first Christian communities, those who had personal experience with Jesus. They shared their experience of Jesus and God being deeply connected. They preached about God being present to all of humanity. But after 300 years, some had lost this message.

The message of this first ecumenical council is that our faith is really about experiencing God here and now. In doing so we experience the Divine, we experience God as love. Religion is not about following the rules. The rules were set to help us to come to know the Great Love ever present and close to us.

Pope Leo wrote a letter that states, “We are enriched by the unity of all Christians to reach a common understanding. The Nicene Creed is the at the heart of shared faith.” It is important to note that unity is not uniformity. Unity us being harmony, of one accord. There may be many things Christians disagree about, but the creed is basic to all.

We give thanks to the One Loving God of all.

01/10/2026

1/10/26

Reflection by Trish—What question should we ask

Many of us in our culture frequently ask the wrong question. When someone struggles with addiction we may ask, “Why do they choose to use?” Instead we could reflect on the disease of addiction and how it tells the brain you can’t survive without using. We could ask, “What can be done to help this person with their disease?”

Our society is often frustrated or even angry with people who are poor. We might ask, “Is there a policy or cultural pattern in place that makes it difficult for those who hit bottom to climb up?”

It is no uncommon to hear the question, “Why do they stay with their abuser?” The abused has been subjected to a pattern of abuse that often makes them believe they have no value and can’t survive without the help of the abuser. A possible question would be, “What can be done to stop abusers?”

When we face changes to our lives that we do not choose, job loss, economic difficulty, relationship struggles, health issues, or other concerns it is not uncommon to ask, “Why me?” “Why now?” “How can this be happening to me?” We may make statements like, “I don’t deserve this?” “It seems everything happens to me!”

ALL people face struggles, trials and suffering. Life is always changing and we can’t control it. What we can do is ask better questions. After pausing to absorb the event that does not seem to fit into our lives. Acknowledge that it is present and does affect us, then ask- “How can I cope with?”

First, know that we are not in control of all that happens. We make plans for our future, but we can’t dictate what will happen. It is in times of difficulty, complication, and hardship that we grow spiritually and emotionally.

Ask “What can I be grateful for?” Practicing gratitude in all circumstances is extremely helpful. Do you have people that are supportive? Be thankful you have the opportunity to make choices. With what is happening what do you still have? Perhaps you still have your health, or your home, or some financial support. Think about what goes well each day in the circumstances you find yourself in and give thanks for the little things that go well. Gratitude is one of the most important prayers we can say.

What can I learn? It is important to recognize that life is not about what you want or plan. Life happens in unexpected ways and we must follow the dance. We can discover new abilities we did not know we had. We can join our struggle with all those who struggle now and who have struggled in the past. Know you are not alone.



Sometimes we are to learn about forgiveness, patience, or understanding. We can grow in our ability for love. Jesus was murdered because he made the people in power uncomfortable. His example of leaning on The Divine for strength, not being hateful, and forgiving his captures is an example to us of how to deal with difficult situations.

Life takes many twists and turns. There are painful and difficult times, but if we allow ourselves to find a way to accept change, ask what can I be grateful for, what can I learn, where is the dance of life taking me. With self-reflection about what we can do to make the situation less painful and by not trying to control what others do or dictate how circumstances are to unfold, we will find increased peace and love around us.

As we journey through life’s ups and downs, twists and turns

May we take time to draw strength from The Great Mystery

By quietly leaning into our constant companion

And being mindful that the Spirit of God fills us.

01/03/2026

1/3/26

Reflection by Trish—Quotes for the New Year

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. -Benjamin Franklin

And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been. – Rainer Maria Rilke

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.

– Melody Beattie



Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
– Harriet Tubman



New year – a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours. – Alex Morritt



The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. – Eleanor Roosevelt



Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
– Winston Churchill



Every single year, we’re a different person. I don’t think we’re the same person all of our lives. – Steven Spielberg



Life is about change, sometimes it’s painful, sometimes it’s beautiful, but most of the time it’s both. – Kristin Kreuk



What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year.
– Vern McLellan



The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
– Chinese Proverb



The New Year is a painting not yet painted; a path not yet stepped on; a wing not yet taken off! Things haven’t happened as yet! Before the clock strikes twelve, remember that you are blessed with the ability to reshape your life! – Mehmet Murat ildan



Success is not about the destination, but the journey you take to get there. Embrace the process, learn from failures and let every experience shape you into the person you are meant to become. – Zig Ziglar



It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over. – F. Scott Fitzgerald



Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. – Carl Bard

12/28/2025

12/27/25

Reflection by Trish—Holy Family

Did you know you are part of a holy family? All families are holy, no matter what they look like or what their relationship with one another is. In every family there is a connection of love. Parents want what is best for their children. At the same time, all families have their problems and their struggles. This is where God is - in ordinary families.

God comes to us in the ordinary. God is present all the people around us, all of nature, and in the humdrum of our daily lives. That is one of the important messages in the story of Jesus’ birth.

Jesus was born just like every other baby, through hard labor, with all the pain and the mess. Mary’s body carried this baby for 9 months and then gave birth in the ordinary way. Prior to the birth, the family had traveled around 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, walking most of the way. They looked like any other family in the area.

Scripture says there were angels in the area. It does not say Joseph or Mary saw angels, as they focused on caring for the new baby. I do think whenever a new child enters the world, the parents hear angels singing. There is a song, or a whisper, in the hearts of the mother and father that says “This is a miracle! This is so special there are not words to describe this new creation!”

I have a beautiful small statue of Mary and Joseph with the child Jesus. When I look at it, I think of it as a depiction of any family. You can see the love shared between Mary and Joseph, leaning into each other as they gaze at the child Joseph is holding.

This family we read about in Scripture had many struggles. Before Jesus was 2 years old, they had to walk over 300 miles to Egypt. They would have known little about this country before they arrived. People spoke a different language, ate different foods, had a different religion, embraced different cultural practices, and I am sure viewed Joseph and Mary as outsiders. The holy family were ordinary people dislocated and struggling to assimilate, just trying to make a living.

When they returned to Nazareth, they initially had to rely on family and friends. It would have all been foreign to the child Jesus, even though he likely would have been embraced by relatives he did not know. Joseph and Mary had to trust in the unknown from the time of conception, through the birth, during their displacement, and then throughout each day of their ordinary lives as changes continued to happen.

God is with each of us in the mundane moments in life, the joyful moments of celebration, the heartwarming and humorous moments, and in times of great struggle. The Spirit of God never leaves us.

This is a good time to reflect on your family. Despite its faults, misunderstandings, and difficulties, what do you value about your family? Who is your family? What special connection do you have with members of your family? What have you gained by being in this family? What characteristics and values do you have from each of your parents? How has your family provided you with insights, strengths, or support?

Source of Our Being, Loving Parent

We need to take time to rest in your Presence

To grow in our ability to trust that you will be there

In the difficult and the good times.

12/20/2025

Wed. Dec. 24🎄Christmas Eve Mass 5:15 pm the block ad in the River Press is incorrect.🕊️

12/20/2025

12/19/25

Reflection by Trish – Christmas wish for you

When you are troubled PEACE

When things are chaotic SILENCE

When things look empty HOPE

When you are lonely LOVE

When you are down JOY

♥️🕊️♥️🎄♥️

12/14/2025

12/13/25

Reflection by Trish—Where is Jesus to be born?

A number of years ago a friend lived in Rome for 6 months. She shared that around Christmas time she enjoyed visiting different towns in the area that had each set up their own unique nativity scenes. Many of the places created a small village much like their village, with boats in the harbor, shops along the street, houses, and people. There was much activity going on in this recreated village, and sometimes you had to look hard to see where the holy family was. Where were Jesus, Mary and Joseph in this village? They did not have center stage, but were tucked away just as it was when Jesus was born.

Several songs have been written with the theme would you recognize Jesus if you saw him? Do we look for Jesus in the ordinary? In the situations that are uncomfortable? Jesus is present in laughter with friends, in love shared, in comfortable silence with others, and in the ordinary tasks of our day. He is in smiles and greetings on the street, a polite gesture of a stranger, or the wonder of nature. Jesus is also in the homeless, the mentally ill, those with the illness of addiction, and those who are struggling.

If you are waiting to see Jesus present in a glorious way, I doubt it happens. As with the birth in Bethlehem or the re-creation of the nativity in village where Jesus is not easily found, Jesus seldom comes to us in the obvious. Perhaps we heard some wise words come from someone we had little regard for. A situation we try to avoid can be a growing experience. Jesus is there. Jesus is with us when relationships fail, when jobs dissolve, and when we feel things couldn’t get any worse. Jesus walks with us, giving us strength. Do you recognize Jesus as you deal with, move through, or seem stuck in uncomfortable and difficult situations?

Keep looking to see where Jesus is each day. The presence of Jesus is hidden in your encounters and your experiences. Recognizing Jesus fills a place in our hearts can help carry us when needed.

Loving and tender Jesus,

Just as you were born in a humble dwelling

Help us recognize your humble and tender presence here and now.

12/06/2025

12/6/25

Announcements:

December Schedule:

Sunday, Dec. 14—Simple Christmas program after 11:00 am Mass

Sunday, Dec. 21—Decorate church for Christmas after 11:00 am Mass

Wed. Dec. 24—Christmas Eve Mass 5:15 pm



Christmas Angel Project— Our Christmas Angel information is posted on the church bulletin board. Please leave items donated in the church entryway.

Teen Stockings
Can be filled with personal hygiene items, goodies, socks, gloves/mittens and gift cards to Walmart. (That is where most of them shop). The parents of the teen will be asked to encourage the teen to purchase some items of clothing for themselves. We would like to include a gift card for each teen for at least $50.

Family Stockings
Family stockings will be given to members of the Geraldine community that may need a little help during Christmas. These stockings can be filled with anything that will fit in them. This might include personal hygiene items, goodies, socks, games, etc. These stockings may have checks for utilities, gas or groceries added to them We will also have a ham or turkey for the family.

Young Children
There will be Angels with gift requests as soon as we receive the requests.

12/06/2025

12/6/25

Reflection by Trish—Heaven Came to Earth (reprinted from my writing 2023)



The Great Mystery came to us in as a small child. His name was Emmanuel, God with us. We celebrate this wonderful event every year. Christmas time seems to increase hope. Help us believe in the possibility of peace. At this time each year we see concrete examples of charity and love. Yes, Christ’s birth is a wonderful feast.



When we read the Gospel stories, the message is telling us how we are to live. We are to follow the example of Jesus. What does the Christmas story tell us? Just as The Divine Holy One came to earth, we are called to aid in making The Kingdom come here on earth.



‘We are not to wait to go to heaven. We are to bring heaven to earth,’ Joan Chittister, Benedictine nun and spiritual guide. As we contemplate the birth of Jesus, God becoming human, we should think about how we can make the Great Love more present by our actions and words.



Opening Doors: Joseph knocked on doors to find a place for Mary and the baby that was to be born. Few doors were open to the family. The Divine Mystery is waiting for you to open your heart to those we don’t understand, those you don’t know, and those that are difficult.



Shining Star: The star was present to lead the way to the stable. Today with all the light pollution, people are seldom out at night where it is dark, few observing the night sky, would you see the star? The Holy One is all around us, in all of creation, the Spirit of the Divine dwells in every person. Do you look to find the Divine Presence, the Star surrounding you?



Lights: Scripture says that Jesus is a Light to the world. As we look at the Christmas lights and candles this time of year, think about how you can reflect the light Jesus brought to the world. We are called to be mirrors of Jesus.



Gifts: In what small way can we be a gift to those around us. You may experience the gift of friendship and family this holiday season. Ponder how you can be a gift to others. How can you help to ease the emotional or spiritual hunger or yearning of those you encounter.



‘We are to become heaven so that God might find a home here.’ Meister Eckhart, Dominican Theologian.



As we celebrate the Great Mystery coming to be one of us,

May we grow in our understanding

Of how we are to continue helping others experience God with us.

Address

623 Brewster Street
Geraldine, MT
59446

Opening Hours

Monday 12am - 11:55pm
Tuesday 12am - 11:55pm
Wednesday 12am - 11:55pm
Thursday 12am - 11:55pm
Friday 12am - 11:55pm
Saturday 12am - 11:55pm
Sunday 12am - 11:55pm

Telephone

(406) 737-4573

Website

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