Christmas Gratitudes
This weekend, as the church celebrates the Epiphany of the Lord, we are gently reminded that the end of the Christmas season soon draws near its conclusion. Next Sunday, with the celebration of Jesus’ Baptism, we officially bring Christmas to a close. On behalf of myself and the entire Parish staff, I offer a word of thanks for the many kinds of Christmas greetings, Christmas cards, home-made bakery, gifts, handshakes, and a sundry of many and varied gifts. It shows all of us on the staff here at St. John’s your appreciation for the work that is done for the parish throughout the year.
I pray that the New Year brings each of you and your families an abundance of God’s grace and love. Throughout this New Year, may we keep our gaze fixed on Jesus in good times as well as in times of suffering and in our daily personal struggles.
—With gratitude and a spirit of thanks to all in the parish.
Day of Prayer and Penance
January 22 is designated as a particular day of prayer and penance for Catholics in the United States, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” Prior to that day, a Nine-Day for Life Novena for the protection of human life will run from January 16 to 24. You can sign up to receive the Novena through email messages at www.9daysforlife.com. You may also pray the following short prayers during the Novena:
Every Life Is Worth Living
Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gift of life. Help us to cherish and protect this gift, even in the midst of fear, pain, and suffering. Give us love for all people, especially the most vulnerable, and help us bear witness to the truth that every life is worth living.
Grant us the humility to accept help when we are in need, and teach us to be merciful to all. Through our words and actions, may others encounter the outstretched hands of Your mercy. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Life
Father and maker of all, you adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives in your image and likeness. Awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands, and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of life.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen
Honey Is Here!
We are once again selling locally grown honey from our parish office. There are three flavors to select from: Clover and Basswood (both light in color) and Wild Flower (a bit darker shade of amber). Each three-pound jar is $24, preferably paid in cash. It is distributed by Rolling Meadows Sorghum Mill in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
"Live a life that reflects God's love."
Do You Go to Dave & Busters?
If so, can you support Our Amazing School?
St. John the Evangelist is pumped to launch our Dave & Buster’s Power Card Fundraising Campaign!
When you purchase a Dave & Buster’s Power Card from our fundraising page, 50% of your order directly supports St. John the Evangelist! Whether it’s classic arcade thrills, action-packed racing, or multiplayer challenge, enjoy endless gaming fun at any Dave & Buster’s location nationwide when you purchase your Power Card at the link below.
Don’t forget to share it with friends and family to join in the fun: grouprai.se/davebusters69004m.
Pope Leo XIV's Prayer Intention for January 2026
For the month of January 2026, Pope Leo XIV invites the whole Church to renew its love for Sacred Scripture. He encourages us to “pray that praying with the Word of God will be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.”
At the start of a new year, the Holy Father reminds us that the Word of God is not merely read, but prayed—received as living nourishment for the soul. When Scripture shapes our prayer, it forms our hearts in hope, deepens our communion with one another, and sends us forth on mission. As a parish, let us respond by making time for the Bible in our daily lives: through lectio divina, the Sunday readings, family prayer, and quiet reflection. May the Word we pray become the hope we share, drawing us closer to Christ and strengthening us to build a Church marked by fraternity, charity, and joyful witness to the Gospel.
Reminder: Winter Weekend Is Fast Approaching
The Archdiocesan Winter Weekend retreat for young adults in their 20s and 30s is just around the corner. This year’s retreat will be held at the Schoenstatt International Retreat Center in Waukesha from Friday, February 13, through Sunday, February 15. To learn more or to reserve your place, visit brewcitycatholic.com/winter-weekend.html.
To stay updated, join our SJE Adult Formation Flocknote or follow us on Facebook.
Sunday, January 4, 2026 | Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord | Matthew 2:1-12
Friends, the story of the Magi told in today’s Gospel is a summary of the principal dynamics of the spiritual life. Watching the night sky with scrupulous attention for signs of God’s purpose, the Magi evoke the importance of alertness in the spiritual order. We must keep our eyes open to see what God is up to.
Once they saw the star, they moved, despite the length of the journey. Sometimes people know what God wants them to do, but they don’t act out of fear, laziness, or bad habits. The Magi teach us to move.
When they spoke to Herod about the birth of a new King, he tried to use them to destroy the baby. When you walk the path that God has laid out for you, expect opposition.
The wise men came to Bethlehem and gave the child their precious gifts. When you come to Christ, break open the very best of yourself and make it a gift for him.
Finally, they returned to their home country by another route. As Fulton Sheen commented so magnificently: of course they did; for no one comes to Christ and goes back the same way he came!
-Bishop Robert Barron
St. John’s is fortunate to have 24-hour Perpetual Adoration. Please take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to draw closer to God.
We have two open hours of Adoration:
Mondays, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Saturdays, Midnight to 1:00 a.m.
If you are looking for some quiet time to be with Our Lord, please consider signing up.
Call 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.