Parishioner Congratulations
This past Sunday, after the morning Masses, we celebrated the Baptism of one of our youngest members, Grace Josephine Mathews. Her grandparents traveled here from India, an uncle from California and an auntie from Boston. The Baptism was followed by an afternoon of feasting on foods, songs, and games. It was also live-streamed to relatives in India.
The Baptism was followed by Savannah Kramasz, one of our grade school graduates, Quinceañera. Quinceañera is a spiritual and social celebration when a young woman turns 15. The spiritual aspect takes place in the context of Mass. During the Mass, the young woman renews her Baptismal vows and promises to be strong in her Catholic Faith. The Mass is then followed by a party with family and friends. Fr. Alex from the Xaverian Missionaries was able to be the celebrant for this special occasion.
Finally, congratulations to Parishioners Jessica Schein and Alex Cannistra, who will be married on Saturday. May the Lord guide them in their new life together and bless their union with peace and happiness.
Narthex Bathroom Project
Classes resume in October; parent meetings will be held in late September. Online registration is open. Click here to register.
Join us on Thursday, September 19 and every third Thursday, for our council meeting in the parish hall. We will start by praying the Rosary (all are welcome) at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.
If you want to discover what the Knights are all about, join us for the Rosary or the meeting; contact Len, Peter, or Jason.
Len Felske, Membership Director, at 414-339-5779
Peter Kurz, Worthy Grand Knight, at 414-659-2656
Jason Zidek, Deputy Grand Knight, at 414-793-0450
Peter Kurz, Worthy Grand Knight, at 414-659-2656
Jason Zidek, Deputy Grand Knight, at 414-793-0450
We have many programs you may be interested in participating in or leading.
https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-do/faith-in-action-programs/index.html
Planting Day Rescheduled
Our new parish project, the Meditation Garden on the north side of the school building, is almost ready to plant! With the help of Villani Landshapers, the garden has been cleared and will be tilled soon. We received many wonderful donations of garden perennials and now we need to get them in the ground. We need help on Saturday, September 21. We will start at 8:00 a.m. Bring your garden gloves, trowels, and shovels. Come when you are able and stay for as long as you can! If your child (10 years and older) is in need of service hours, send them to help! Contact jehrmann@sje.school if you have any questions.
The Christian Women's Society will begin its new season with a Mass on Thursday, September 12, at 6:00 p.m. in the Church. Yearly $5 dues must also be paid at the meeting, and payment must be made by check only and payable to St. John’s Christian Women. All women of the parish are welcome to join them.
Enjoy Some Quiet Time at a Redemptorist Retreat
Consider spending some special time to step out of the turbulence of our divided world. Follow Christ and discover what He has to tell us. Ladies of the parish are invited to the annual spiritual retreat at the Redemptorist Retreat Center on beautiful Crooked Lake in Oconomowoc. This year’s dates are October 11 through October 13, and the theme is “Following in the Footsteps of Our Redeemer during Times of Division.” The retreat offers time for prayer, celebration of the Sacraments, interesting discussions, and, most importantly, time for quiet meditation.
The cost for the two-night, three-day stay is $275, and meals are included. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required.
Please call Barb Heser at (414) 448-7117 for more information.
To register, please contact the Retreat Center at (262) 567-6900. Mail your payment to 1800 Timber Trail Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066. Carpooling is available.
School is great, school is fine, and learning is fun all the time! Our students definitely enjoy learning, as evidenced by their learning smiles, their participation, and the attention they give to their teachers.
"Go Out and Set Your Soul on Fire for God!"
Join us for a transformative book study of
St. Teresa of Ávila's The Interior Castle
Beginning in October, we will delve into St. Teresa’s profound work on the soul’s journey toward union with God. Throughout this book, St. Teresa uses the powerful image of a castle to guide us through seven stages of spiritual growth. We will use the Second Study Edition published by the Institute of Carmelite Studies in 2020. To prepare for our first meeting, please read Fr. Kieran Kavanaugh’s Preface to the Study Edition, General Introduction, and Prologue. We also recommend obtaining a prayer journal (a simple notebook will suffice!) to reflect on your personal experiences during this study. To register, please get in touch with me by email or phone. Let’s embark on this enriching spiritual journey together!
November elections are on the horizon.
Become an informed Catholic!
Election season is upon us! As Catholics, we have a responsibility to be informed voters and to form our consciences in the light of Catholic Church teaching. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued an important document, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” This document was approved in 2015 by the full body of US bishops and updated in November 2023. A handy resource, it helps readers form their consciences with the truth and beauty of Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the wisdom of recent Popes.
Visit:
Looking for a Good Book? Rediscover the wisdom of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Archbishop Sheen’s timeless insights on faith, society, and current events continue to resonate. Communism and the Conscience of the West and A Declaration of Independence: Trusting God Amidst Totalitarianism, Paganism, and War. Sheen’s clarity and conviction offer valuable perspectives for today’s world. Find these volumes online wherever books are sold.
As always, you can stay updated with the latest information about programs and other offerings by joining our SJE Adult Formation Flocknote or following us on Facebook.
September 15 | The Twenty-Fourth Sunday in
Ordinary Time
Sunday, September 15, 2024 | Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time | Mark 8:27-35
Friends, today’s Gospel reports Peter’s confession of faith. In the midst of his disciples, Jesus asks that strange question: “Who do people say that I am?” What he gets by way of response is, first, a public opinion survey: some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.
Then Jesus turns to those closest to him and asks them, “But who do you say that I am?” They are silent, afraid, unwilling to speak. Finally, it is Peter who says, “You are the Christ.” And he gets it right. Does he get it right because he is the most intelligent? Please. Because he is holy and close to Jesus? No. We know the whole story of Peter’s weakness, which is marked by betrayal and stupidity.
It is the Father who has given Peter this insight—not Peter’s clever mind or searching heart. It is a supernatural gift, a special charism. And it is upon Peter and this inspired confession that the Church is built.
-Bishop Robert Barron
Explore the goodness, truth, and beauty of the Faith.
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St. John’s is fortunate to have 24-hour Perpetual Adoration. Please take advantage of this beautiful opportunity to stay close to God.
We need a second Adorer on many of the overnight hours, especially 12 midnight, 1 a.m., and 2 a.m., any night of the week. These hours are a bit of a sacrifice, to be sure, but there is great peacefulness in the quiet overnight hours. You can always try it out for a few weeks and see how it works for you.
Call or text Mary-Eileen Swart at 414-687-3512 if you are interested.
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.
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.