OCIA-Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
Just about every year, the parish sponsors classes for adults who desire to be brought into the Catholic Church through the Sacrament of Baptism. These classes are also for baptized adults who never received First Communion and Confirmation. We now call the classes that enable one to partake in the sacraments the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). This year, we have a large class with 10 adults, five of whom desire baptism and five who were baptized as infants but now desire to complete their Christian Initiation with First Communion and Confirmation.
The 10 adults will be officially brought into the Catholic Church on Holy Saturday evening at the Easter Vigil. This year, the Easter Vigil will begin with Mass at 8:00 p.m. Weather permitting, we will have a fire outside for the lighting and blessing of the new Easter Candle.
Throughout the Lenten season, there are special blessings, particularly for those who will be baptized. These three blessings are called Scrutinies, and they take place after the homily on the three Sundays before Palm Sunday. Last weekend, we had a blessing for those who will be confirmed. This special blessing is called the “Rite of Sending Forth.”
During Lent, please keep in prayer all those preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, both those from St. John’s as well as throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Lent
This Lent, we will have three opportunities to participate in the Stations of the Cross. We will continue with Stations on Wednesday evenings, led by Deacon Steve at 6:00 p.m., and on most Fridays, guided by our schoolchildren at 2:00 p.m. and our Seminarian Nicholas Emsing at 6:00 p.m. The Stations of the Cross will take place in the Church.
The Passion of Christ - Sunday, March 30
Parishioners are invited to a free cultural and spiritual event this Lent as we prepare for Easter. Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish have recruited volunteer actors and singers from the Chicago area to present “The Passion of Christ” in Milwaukee in both English and Polish. This live theater production has been performed for over 30 years. The presentation in Polish begins at noon, and the English performance begins at 3:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Richard at (414) 810-8158 or rabiega4@yahoo.com. Admission is free; donations will be accepted.
Honey for Sale
We continue to sell jars of raw, local honey in the parish office. Each jar is $24, and we accept cash or checks.
Our Wellness Warriors are a group of middle-school students who, under the guidance of Mrs. Pitcher, set up different fun, healthy events for our school. On March 3, they led our annual Run the Halls event. It’s the only time of the year when I do not need to remind students to walk, not run in the halls. Our Wellness Warriors made posters advertising the event, set up the route, led their groups in stretching before the event, ran along with the participants, served a healthy snack after students completed the run, and even cleaned up after the event. It was another outstanding experience put on by our Wellness Warriors! The students loved it!
Please visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063321523652 to see more pictures!
"Go Out and Set Your Soul on Fire for God!"
Lenten Spiritual Reading:
Monsignor Ronald Knox’s Retreat for Beginners
Are you searching for some Lenten spiritual reading? Consider diving into A Retreat for Beginners by Monsignor Ronald Knox (1888-1957), a timeless guide to spiritual renewal. Knox invites you, personally, to embark on a journey of deep reflection and divine transformation. With 22 profound reflections on core truths of the Faith -ranging from the Incarnation to the Holy Mass, prayer, and personal vocation - this retreat provides the perfect opportunity for a spiritual “spring-cleaning.” Knox’s teaching offers practical wisdom for loosening the grip of old habits and embracing God’s plan for your life.
Let this book guide you through Lent as you open your heart to the grace of renewal. “Lose no time in asking God to take your life and break it and remold it according to his own plan,” Monsignor Ronald Knox urges his readers.
This book is perfect for every stage of life’s journey. A Retreat for Beginners is a must-read for anyone seeking spiritual growth and peace this season. Order it online wherever books are sold or purchase it directly from the publisher (Cluny Media) [ISBN: 978-1685953843; 240 pages; $19.95].
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.
The Christian Women's Society will meet on Thursday, March 13, at 4:00 p.m. in the Church Hall for its annual Chili Dump gathering. Members are asked to bring their assigned food items to share. Be sure to wear something “Green” and bring your layette donations.
Girl Scout Cookie Sale
It’s the sweetest time of the year. St. John’s Girl Scout Troop 37605 will sell cookies after both Masses on Sunday, March 16. Cookies are $6 per box. Checks, cash, and Venmo will be happily accepted. Their theme this year is “Kindness,” and they would love to share their hearts and smiles with you even if you stop by to say hello. They thank you in advance for your Girl Scout cookie purchase.
Join us on Thursday, March 20, 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
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
2025 Men of Christ Conference
Attention men of the parish: Here is updated information on the Men of Christ Conference. You are invited to join the 2025 Men of Christ Conference—Courage Under Fire—which will be held in parishes across the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Our parish will meet with other local parishes at Carroll University (100 N. East Avenue in Waukesha). The day will feature both virtual and live elements. The morning will feature well-known speakers, Mass, Adoration, Confession and fellowship. Get all the details and register at MenOfChrist.net. Your ticket will be sent to your email address. The day begins on Saturday, March 29, with recitation of the Rosary at 7:05 a.m., Mass at 7:30 a.m. with the program to follow. It should end at 1:30 p.m. For more information, contact Butch Sarnowski at (414) 403-0624 or email him at: ronsarnowski@gmail.com for more information.
Friends, in our Gospel for the First Sunday of Lent, Luke tells the story of the temptation in the desert. At every point in the Gospels, we are meant to identify with Jesus. God became man so that man might become God. We participate in him and thereby learn what a godly life is like.
Jesus has just been baptized; he has just learned his deepest identity and mission. And now he confronts—as we all must—the great temptations. What precisely is entailed in being the beloved Son of God?
First, the tempter urges him to use his divine power to satisfy his bodily desires, which Jesus dismisses with a word. Having failed at his first attempt, the devil shifts to perhaps the greatest of the temptations: power. Power is extremely seductive. Many would gladly eschew material things or attention or fame in order to get it. Jesus’ great answer in Matthew’s account of this story is, “Away with you, Satan!” To seek power is to serve Satan—it is stated that bluntly.
Finally, the devil plays a subtler game—he tempts Jesus to manipulate his Father, encouraging him to jump from the temple and let angels save him. It is the temptation faced by Adam and Eve in the garden: deciding how and when God will act.
-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.
Please read carefully, as many of our open hours have changed. We are currently in need of one (or ideally two) people for the following:
Mondays, 3:00 to 4:00 a.m.
Tuesdays, 2:00 to 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 to 7:00 a.m.
Saturdays, 1:00 to 2:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. to Midnight
We also seek a second Adorer for Fridays, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
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.
