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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 5pm - 6pm Sunday 9am - 10am 11:15am - 12:15pm

http://www.roncallinewmancenter.com/

Roncalli Newman Parish, 1732 State St, La Crosse, WI (2026)

09/03/2026

You may notice a few new faces around Roncalli Newman - introducing our 2026-2027 FOCUS team!

FOCUS missionaries build friendships with students, lead bible studies, and mentor students during their college years.
If you see one around Roncalli Newman or at Sunday Mass, please say hello! They are excited to meet our stationary members.

Get to know our missionaries:
1. My name is Elliot Drew (New to La Crosse this year!). I was raised in Prairie du Sac, WI and graduated from university of Northern Iowa May ‘25. My time in school was such a blessing to have so many people to challenge me to grow close to God. One of my favorite parts about being a missionary is seeing a student commit to Christ in ways they never thought possible �

2. I’m Wally Wisniewski (New to La Crosse this year!), a first year FOCUS missionary who graduated from Drake University in December 2025. My conversion to Christ was not one single moment, but rather the result of many small “yeses” to God that gradually brought me back to a deeper relationship with Him and His Church. Now, I’m excited to help college students encounter Christ and discover the joy of saying “yes” to Him in their own lives. �

3. Maria (Returning Missionary!) : I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended the University of Cincinnati where I got my degree in marketing. During my freshman year of college, I encountered the Lord through the invitation of a student missionary. I became involved with my Newman Center, where I fell deeply in love with the Lord through the Sacraments and the beautiful community I found there. I am so excited to be back for a second year serving as a FOCUS missionary for UW-La Crosse!

4. Tori (Returning Missionary, and now the Team Director!) : I grew up and attended college in Missouri and graduated with an electrical engineering degree. After encountering the deep love of Christ, i felt the lord inviting me to set my degree to the side and serve the Lord as a FOCUS missionary! I have been in La Crosse ever since, and am excited to keep investing in the community here!

5. My name is Joseph Uitenbroek (Graduating from UWL this December!), I’m from Kaukauna, WI, and I’m blessed to be serving as a student missionary during my senior year at UWL, with plans to graduate this December.
After saying yes to joining my first-ever Bible study, I was able to understand the incredible truth that we all are God’s beloved Sons and Daughters. This has inspired me to help others encounter that same love! I’m excited to keep saying yes to wherever God is calling me, both here on campus and wherever He sends me after graduation!

09/01/2026

⚾️ Take me out to the ball game! 🧢

A few highlights from our recent Dad's Baseball Game. Many thanks to the Men's Club who made this fun afternoon possible.

08/27/2026

From the desk of Fr. Billy Dodge:
Vacation for Father Dodge & Pilgrimage to Medjugorje

Vacation for Father Dodge:

Thanks to the generosity of some parishioners who have offered their place for me and my priest classmate to stay, I will be taking my vacation this year in Naples, Florida. I will fly to Florida on Saturday, August 22, and return to La Crosse late on September 1.

While I am away, I entrust you and our parish communities to the care of Father Zweber. He has just returned from his own vacation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he spent time with one of his priest classmates from seminary.

Vacation is a good opportunity to rest, recharge, and step back from the ordinary responsibilities of parish life. I look forward to returning refreshed and ready to begin the fall with all of you.

Please know that I will keep you in my prayers while I am away, and I ask you to keep me in your prayers as well. May the Lord bless our time apart and continue to draw each of us closer to Himself.

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje:

I am also looking forward to our upcoming pilgrimage to Medjugorje from March 12–22. For those who are considering joining me, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the pilgrimage. I would be happy to answer them and help you discern whether this pilgrimage might be something the Lord is inviting you to experience.

I pray that this pilgrimage will be a beautiful opportunity for us to grow closer to Our Lord through prayer, the sacraments, and the maternal care of Our Blessed Mother.

08/20/2026

From the desk of Fr. Billy Dodge:
Cremation and the Catholic Faith

As Catholics, we believe that death is not the end. At every Christian funeral, the Church proclaims our hope in Jesus Christ, who died, was buried, and rose from the dead. Because of this, the Church places great importance on how we care for the bodies of the faithful who have died.

A question I am frequently asked is: Does the Catholic Church allow cremation? The answer is yes. The Church permits cremation, provided it is not chosen for reasons contrary to Christian faith. The Church nevertheless prefers burial of the body, because it more clearly expresses our faith in the resurrection of the body.

So why does the Church prefer burial?

Our bodies matter. We are not simply souls temporarily living in bodies. The human person is both body and soul, and our bodies have been sanctified through Baptism. Burial expresses our reverence for the dignity of the human person and our hope that God will raise our bodies to new life.

When cremation is chosen, the Church asks that the cremated remains be buried or placed in a sacred place, ordinarily a cemetery or another place designated by the Church. A cemetery is a place of Christian hope and remembrance where we pray for our loved ones and entrust them to God's mercy. It also makes visible our belief that death does not have the final word.

For this reason, the Church does not permit the scattering of ashes or the dividing of cremated remains among family members. Cremated remains are not simply something to be disposed of or kept as a private family possession. They deserve the same reverence that we give to the body.

If you have scattered the remains of a loved one in the past, or if you currently have cremated remains in your home, please do not feel ashamed or embarrassed. Many people simply do not know what the Church teaches. This is not a time for shame but an opportunity to learn and to act according to our Catholic faith.

Ultimately, when we bury the body—or, following cremation, bury or entomb the cremated remains—we proclaim our Christian hope:

This person is not gone forever. We entrust this body to the earth in the hope of the resurrection.

May our faithful departed rest in peace, and may we never lose sight of the hope that, in Christ, death does not have the final word.

08/12/2026

From the desk of Fr. Billy Dodge:
Honoring Our Lady of the Assumption — Saturday, August 15

This Saturday, August 15, the Church celebrates one of her most beautiful solemnities: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul, into Heaven.

On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption, solemnly proclaiming that the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the close of her earthly life, was taken up, body and soul, into the glory of heaven — and that this belief definitively forms part of the deposit of faith received from the Apostles.

A Note on the Obligation This Year

Whenever August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption, falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated. In 2026, this solemnity is not obligatory since it falls on a Saturday. That said, the abrogation of the obligation does not diminish the feast — it remains one of the Church's great celebrations of Mary, and attending Mass is a wonderful way to honor the Mother of God.

Opportunities for Mass This Saturday

For those who wish to attend a Mass for the Assumption, Masses are being offered at several locations:

Cathedral
Mary Mother of the Church
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
St. Patrick, Onalaska
Please check with each parish directly for specific Mass times.

Getting Married on a Holy Day

This Saturday at 1:00 p.m., a wedding Mass is being celebrated at Blessed Sacrament. Because August 15 is a high solemnity, the readings and prayers at this wedding will be celebrated in honor of Our Blessed Mother on the Assumption. All are warmly welcome to attend — it is a beautiful opportunity to mark this feast in the context of the sacred bond of marriage. But please come dressed appropriately for a wedding!

What a grace it is that this couple begins their married life together under the mantle of Our Lady — taken up into the very glory to which all of us are called.

As you celebrate this feast, consider: what does it mean for your own hope of resurrection that the Mother of God now dwells — body and soul — in the fullness of Heaven's glory?

08/07/2026

We are still collecting for the community Back 2 School drive this weekend! You can drop off needed supplies listed in the bulletin in the entryway/narthex of both churches. Additionally, there are envelopes in the pews with Back 2 School on them. Please make checks out to Catholic Charities LaCrosse as they are one of the major partners in supply school supplies to those in need in our community. Thank you for supporting children in our community!

08/01/2026

From the desk of Fr. Billy Dodge:
Encounter Jesus, August 7, at Fire Night

One of the greatest blessings we have as Catholics is the opportunity to encounter the living Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist. Throughout the Gospels, we see people bringing their physical illnesses, spiritual burdens, fears, and hopes to Jesus. They encountered not only His truth but also His mercy, healing, and peace.

I would like to personally invite you to FIRE NIGHT on Friday, August 7, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. here at Blessed Sacrament Parish.
Whether you are on fire in your faith or simply feel like your spiritual life has grown cold, FIRE NIGHT is an opportunity to spend time with the Lord and allow Him to meet you where you are. You are welcome to come for the entire evening or simply stop in for a few minutes.

The evening will include:

- Praise and worship music to help open our hearts to God.
- Eucharistic Adoration, placing Jesus Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament at the center of the evening.
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation, where the Lord desires to free us from sin and restore us through His mercy.
- The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for those who are experiencing a serious physical or psychological illness, preparing for a serious surgery, or facing the challenges of advanced age.
- Prayer intercessors who are available to pray with anyone seeking prayer for physical healing, emotional wounds, spiritual struggles, family concerns, discernment, or any other intention.

Sometimes we carry burdens that we were never meant to carry alone. Jesus invites us, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). FIRE NIGHT is simply an opportunity to respond to that invitation.

Perhaps you have been away from Confession for years. Perhaps you are carrying anxiety, grief, or illness. Perhaps you simply desire a deeper relationship with Christ. Whatever brings you through the doors, know that you are welcome.

Please consider inviting a family member, friend, neighbor, or coworker to join you. Sometimes a simple invitation is all someone needs to take one more step toward the Lord.

I hope to see you there as together we seek the fire of the Holy Spirit and the healing presence of Jesus Christ.

07/31/2026

Our Back 2 School is this weekend and next! Supplies and monetary donations will be collected at all Masses this weekend and next. Envelopes will be available in the pews.
Thank you for supporting children in our community as they head back to school!

07/27/2026

The Healing Grace of the Anointing of the Sick

One of the greatest treasures of the Catholic Church is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Unfortunately, many Catholics still think of it as "Last Rites" and wait until the very end of life to call a priest. While the sacrament certainly strengthens those who are dying, it is also meant to bring Christ's healing and grace to those facing serious illness or major surgery.

In recent years, the Church has continued to emphasize the proper understanding of this sacrament. The Anointing of the Sick is intended for those who are suffering from a serious physical illness, preparing for serious surgery, experiencing the frailty of old age, or facing a serious psychological or mental illness. Christ desires to strengthen us not only spiritually but often emotionally and even physically as we carry the cross of suffering.

The sacrament is not magic, nor does it guarantee physical healing. Rather, it unites us more closely to Christ in His Passion, forgives sins when Confession is not possible, strengthens us against discouragement and temptation, and gives us the grace we need to endure suffering with hope and peace. Sometimes God also grants physical healing according to His holy will.

Please do not wait until a loved one is unconscious or in the final moments of life before calling a priest. If you or someone you love is diagnosed with a serious illness, is preparing for a significant surgery, or is struggling with a serious mental or psychological condition, contact the parish office to arrange for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It is far better to receive the sacrament early, when one can consciously participate in the prayers and receive the grace Christ desires to give.

When someone is in danger of death, there are additional gifts the Church desires every Catholic to receive. If the person is able, the priest should first celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, granting sacramental absolution. Afterward, the priest should impart the Apostolic Pardon, a beautiful blessing granted by the Church that includes a plenary indulgence for the dying when the proper dispositions are present. Finally, if possible, the person should receive Holy Communion as Viaticum—"food for the journey"—the final reception of Our Lord before entering eternal life. These graces are among the Church's greatest gifts and should never be overlooked.

One of the corporal works of mercy is to care for the sick. One of the greatest ways we do this is by ensuring they receive the sacraments. As your pastor, it is always a privilege to bring Christ's healing presence to those who are suffering. Please never hesitate to call. I would much rather anoint someone too early than arrive too late.

May Our Lady, Health of the Sick, and St. Camillus de Lellis, patron of the sick and healthcare workers, intercede for all who are ill, and may Christ the Divine Physician bring His healing, strength, and peace to every heart.

07/18/2026

From the Desk of Fr. Billy Dodge:
The Gift of Offering a Mass Intention

One of the greatest gifts we can offer another person is not a card, flowers, or even our prayers alone—it is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

At every Mass, Jesus Christ makes present His one sacrifice on Calvary, offering Himself to the Father for the salvation of the world. When we request a Mass intention, we unite a particular person or intention to this perfect sacrifice. Whether we are praying for someone who has died, for a family member facing illness, for a couple celebrating an anniversary, for a child preparing for an important milestone, or in thanksgiving for blessings received, there is no greater prayer the Church can offer than the Mass.

The tradition of offering Masses for the deceased is especially important. While we entrust our loved ones to God's mercy, the Church has always encouraged us to pray for those who have died, asking the Lord to purify them and welcome them into the fullness of heaven. Having Masses celebrated for our deceased family members and friends is a beautiful expression of love that continues even after death.

Many Catholics have a cherished custom of requesting a Mass each year on the anniversary of a loved one's death, on birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or other significant occasions. These intentions become a lasting reminder that our lives are rooted in Christ and sustained by His grace.

Our parishes have openings for Mass intentions throughout the year. If you would like to request a Mass intention, please contact the parish office. A customary stipend accompanies each intention—not as payment for the Mass, which is beyond all earthly value—but as an offering that supports the Church and the ministry of the priest.

More importantly, I encourage those requesting a Mass intention to unite some personal sacrifice to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Consider offering your own prayers, time in service to others, an act of charity, a donation to those in need, or another sacrifice as an expression of your love for the person or intention you are remembering. In this way, we more fully unite ourselves to Christ's perfect offering on the altar.

If you are able, I also encourage you to attend the Mass at which your intention is offered. While your presence is not required, participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and praying for your intention at that moment is a beautiful expression of faith. Your intention will be announced during the Mass. If you wish to keep your intention private, we can simply announce it as "A Special Intention."

I encourage every family to make the offering of Mass intentions a regular part of your Catholic life. Few gifts are more meaningful than knowing that someone you love has been remembered at the altar, where heaven touches earth and Christ pours out His saving grace upon His people.

May we never underestimate the power of the Holy Mass, for it is the greatest prayer we possess.

Roncalli Newman Parish

09/03/2026

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08/27/2026

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Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	5pm - 6pm
Sunday	9am - 10am
	11:15am - 12:15pm