St Mark Catholic Parish, Rothschild

06/18/2026

A moment with Helen...
How are we reassured in Holy Scripture not to be afraid?

There are many times that Jesus tells his followers not to be afraid. We are also told in the Old Testament that we should not fear. In this week’s gospel from the community of Matthew, we hear Jesus telling his followers that they should not fear. God is always with us. Jesus says that even the hairs on our head are counted and that even a small sparrow is not overlooked. He tells them that they should proclaim the good news from the rooftops.

As we learn and grow to trust that God always loves us, we put aside our fears. Knowing that God always walks with us with his son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we live with courage. We are not afraid because we are so loved by God. May we grow in this certainty as we encounter any fears we might have.

Helen Ackermann, St. Mark Parishioner
Retired Parish Minister

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

June Bug '26 Festival

06/16/2026

Thank you to all who made June Bug '26 a big success!!

06/11/2026

A moment with Helen...
In what way does Jesus need us?

In the liturgical life of the Church we have many seasons. We celebrate Advent, Christmas, Easter and Ordinary Time. Ordinary time is counted time and with this Sunday we celebrate the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. I have often thought that as believers we like Christmas. After all who does not like God entering into the world by way of a small child? Easter is a favorite as well when we focus on our salvation through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Ordinary time is only exciting if we come to understand how much Jesus needs us. With this gospel we hear from the community of Matthew. It relates to us that Jesus is moved with compassion for the people he encounters. He claims that there are not enough laborers. He needs the apostles to go out and announce the good news. By way of preaching, healing, casting out demons and doing good works others experience the love of God. They are not like sheep without a shepherd. They do not feel lost.
So it is with us. Jesus needs us to reveal the goodness of God. Jesus needs us to bring salvation to the world. We are to be his presence in the world. Yes, indeed, Jesus definitely needs us. During Ordinary Time we will be challenged to know how this happens.

Helen Ackermann, St. Mark Parishioner
Retired Parish Minister

06/04/2026

We are what we eat.

With this Sunday we celebrate the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. We need to concentrate on what we consume when we gather to celebrate the Eucharist. Some think that this celebration of Eucharist is a private devotion. It is far from that. It is not me and Jesus but rather us and Jesus. It is our gathering that makes this a communal experience. Together we become the Body and Blood of Christ. In the second reading from St. Paul to the Corinthians we hear that Paul is clear as to what is meant by consuming the Body and Blood of Christ “Because the loaf of bread is one, we though many are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.”

If we become what we eat, we need to understand that this is a communal activity. Together we come to know that through the love of God, his son Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit we are one. Together we are an assembly of believers, listening to the Scriptures, partaking at the table of the Lord with our presider leading us. We should remember that we are not eating alone but sharing with one another this most wonderful experience. We become the Body of Christ in the world.

Helen Ackermann, St. Mark Parishioner
Retired Parish Minister

05/28/2026

While most people probably don't get excited about furnace parts, we're still not sure who was happier to see them arrive: the students or the staff!

NCES: St. Mark was all smiles yesterday as new furnace parts arrived. Thanks to the generosity of those who have supported St Mark Catholic Parish, Rothschild over the years, this exciting delivery marks an important step forward in upcoming furnace repairs and helping ensure the longevity of the building for future generations.

Thank you again St Mark Catholic Parish, Rothschild. We can't wait to see them installed!

05/28/2026

A moment with Helen...
Is the Trinity about love?

We have used symbols to tell us about the Trinity. Often it is a shamrock that is used, three leaves on one stem. We might need to go deeper as we ponder the mystery of the Trinity. The Trinity is all about relationship. It is about love. We are invited to enter into this mysterious relationship of love.

In the gospel from John we hear that God sent his Son, Jesus into the world to provide eternal life. God did not send Jesus to condemn the world but to bring salvation to all. We are invited into this relationship with God believing in God’s goodness and love.

It seems that Jesus was intent on revealing a God of goodness, a God of love. The God Jesus reveals is one who did not come to judge but to bring salvation to all. Jesus shows us how to be a person of love. When we reject love, we condemn ourselves. The Holy Spirit prompts us to be people of love. Look to Jesus so that you too can be a person of love, bringing salvation to others.

Helen Ackermann, St. Mark Parishioner
Retired Parish Minister