My Parish Matters
March 25
A Lenten Day of Reflection and Formation called “My Parish Matters” will be held on Saturday, March 25, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The day will offer two talks: you may select either Parish (training that will help our parish grow as a community where all are invited) or Personal (training that will help your friends and family encounter Jesus and His Church). Click on the flyer below to register. Use the code: StJohnsMatters for free admission. If you need help with registration, please call the parish office.
Sunday, March 19
The Feast of St. Joseph
Since the Feast of St. Joseph lands on the Fourth Sunday of Lent this year, the Fourth Sunday of Lent takes precedence. We offer a powerful prayer to St. Joseph to give him honor on this day:
Prayer to St. Joseph (Never Known to Fail)
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son, all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Lenten Reconciliation
Wednesday, March 29
Lent is a traditional time to partake in the sacrament of Reconciliation. On Wednesday, March 29, there will be 12 hours of Reconciliation at 11 different parishes. The closest to St. John’s is St. Matthias Parish at 9306 W. Beloit Road (corner of 92nd Street). Beginning at 8:00 am through 8:00 pm, there will be a number of priests available to hear confession. A few churches are not starting until 9:00 am. A complete list of all 11 parishes with days and hours is available in the parish office. There are also some parishes offering Reconciliation in Spanish.
Friends, today, in the strange and strikingly beautiful account of the healing of the man born blind in John’s Gospel, we find an iconic representation of Christianity as a way of seeing. Jesus spits on the ground and makes a mud paste, which he then rubs onto the man’s eyes. When the man washes his eyes in the pool of Siloam as Jesus had instructed him, his sight is restored.
The crowds are amazed, but the Pharisees—consternated and skeptical—accuse the man of being naïve and the one who healed him of being a sinner. With disarming simplicity, the visionary responds: “If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind, and now I see.”
This is precisely what all Christians say when they have encountered the light of Christ. It was St. Augustine who saw in the making of the mud paste a metaphor for the Incarnation: the divine power mixing with the earth, resulting in the formation of a healing balm. When this salve of God-made flesh is rubbed onto our eyes blinded by sin, we come again to see.
Bishop Robert Barron
Explore the goodness, truth, and beauty of the Faith.
Your parish has gifted you with full access to the entire library of Word on Fire's feature-length films and short, engaging series through Word on Fire Digital. Click the button below to browse all titles and watch on-demand.
Give From Your Heart
Almsgiving is the act of giving money, food, or goods to those who are in need. By giving alms, we imitate Christ, who gave Himself up for us.
During Lent, we can practice almsgiving in many different ways. The most important thing, however, is that we always give from the heart. The Lord loves a cheerful giver, and the value of our gifts don't necessarily come from the gift themselves, but from the love behind them.
This Lent, focus as a family on being a gift to each other and a gift to your church community. You can do this in big ways and small ways. But always do it with love.
Ways to Give This Lent
Invite your children to really think about things they can do to show love to others. Almsgiving isn't just about giving money! It's about sharing the gifts and the love we have received with others.
Here are some ideas of ways you and your kids can practice almsgiving this Lent:
- Give away one of your toys every Sunday.
- Do a chore around the house without being asked.
- Make care packages as a family and deliver them to a local shelter.
- Perform a random act of kindness every day.
- Share your favorite toy or belonging with others (and without complaining).
- Do extra work for your family and neighbors to raise money to donate at church.
- Give away extra clothing you haven't worn in a long time.
- Go shopping as a family and let your kids pick out the groceries you can donate to the local pantry.
- Write a card to an extended family member to tell them how much you love them.
- Give your Sundays to God. As a family, give up anything on Sunday that keeps you from Jesus.
The Proof of Your Love
As a family, click the video below and listen to the song and lyrics. Reflect on how Jesus has loved you and how you can reflect His love in the world.
"No matter what I say, no matter what I believe, no matter what I do, I'm bankrupt without love."
"If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow me."
St. John’s is fortunate to have 24-hour Perpetual Adoration. Please take advantage of this beautiful opportunity to stay close to God.
We currently have four open hours:
Sundays from 6:00 - 7:00 pm.
Mondays from Noon - 1:00 pm, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, and 4:00 - 5:00 pm.
Saturdays from 2:00 - 3:00 pm.
Contact Kay Shomperlen at 414-763-1250 to volunteer.
Live-streaming: Mass and Adoration
We are live-streaming daily and Sunday Masses as well as Adoration for those who are unable to attend:
Daily Masses:
Monday thru Saturday 8:00 am
Weekend Masses:
Saturday at 4:30 pm
Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 am
If you miss the Livestream, you can watch the upload of each Mass on our YouTube channel.
The Festival Committee is in need of new leadership. Due to continuing health issues, this will be the last year Ron and Barb Heser will be the Festival Chairs.
The festival needs two to four persons to step up and commit to taking on the responsibilities of the Chair. This can be one or two couples or just a group of friends. Ron and Barb will help advise and guide the new chairs as much as possible.
The festival not only contributes to the parish budget but also builds the parish community by involving all volunteers in a common goal. Plus, many people build friendships that can last for decades.
Please prayerfully consider volunteering for this vital position in our parish.
Contact Ron Heser at 414-448-7117 if you have any questions or are interested.
The school’s theme for Lent is “Transform Your Heart.” Our focus this past week was to transform procrastination into responsibility. Our hearts are changing. Our students are also reflecting on their Lenten transformation each week. Students are given time to think about how well each has done in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, as well as on our weekly focus. If students feel as though they are doing well with transforming their hearts, they may add a heart to their classroom's door display. Based on our door displays, we have many students transforming their hearts. Here are some pictures of our classroom doors filling up with hearts.
Volunteer Needed for Athletic Director
SJE is in need of a volunteer to be our new Athletic Director. We currently have teams throughout the school year. Soccer in the fall, volleyball, and basketball in the winter, and track and futsal in the spring. The Athletic Director, in conjunction with the athletic board, will be responsible for providing outstanding experiences and opportunities for our SJE student-athletes. It is an excellent opportunity to serve our community and help our children grow. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, willing to submit to a criminal background check, and complete Archdiocesan Safeguarding training.
If you are interested in becoming the Athletic Director or helping with our athletic program in any way, please email: boberdorf@sje.school or call 414-321-8540.
Ben Oberdorf, Principal
“Keeping Our Eyes Fixed on Jesus”
— Heb:12:2
Scrip is available at all weekend Masses or during regular business hours at the parish office.
Download the RaiseRight app to reload cards, purchase ecards, or purchase physical cards. Contact the Parish Office or School Office for the enrollment code.
CDs from Augustine Institute
Did you know we have CDs (and other items) located in the narthex? Each week we will highlight one of the available CDs.
The cost is $4 each.
In this presentation, Matthew Leonard focuses on the new idea of love proclaimed by Christ and how it gives meaning to human suffering, penance, and ultimately death. By looking at these issues, you’ll discover the secret to how we can all “Rejoice in the Lord always,” just like St. Paul, no matter what happens. Learn about redemptive suffering and Jesus Christ’s mission.