Ushers Needed
We need to increase the number of ushers at each Mass. We have ushers who are aging and some who are moving away. I ask that you prayerfully consider taking part in this important parish ministry. If interested, please talk to one of the head ushers at your Mass. On Saturday’s 4:30 p.m. Mass, that is Jim Andritsos; on Sunday’s 8:30 a.m. Mass: it is Randy Skonieczny, and at 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass; it is Tony Adams.
World Marriage Day
This weekend, the Church celebrates World Marriage Day. The Knights of Columbus would like us to celebrate in a special way by having all married couples pray the Marriage Prayer before the end of Communion. There will be a couple to lead the prayer at each Mass. Below, you will find the prayer which you are invited to pray:
Lord, help us to remember when we first met
and the strong love that grew between us.
To work that love into practical things
so that nothing can divide us.
We ask for words both kind and loving, and
hearts always ready to ask for forgiveness
as well as to forgive.
Dear Lord, we put our marriage into Your hands. Amen
Lent 2026
We are 10 days away from the beginning of our Lenten season. Scripture, as well as the teachings of the Church, ask us throughout these 40 days to increase our prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.
The parish is making available, during this Lenten season, a resource called “Lenten Gospel Reflections.” It is a resource put together by Word on Fire and Bishop Robert Barron. It offers the Lenten Gospel of the day, followed by a short reflection based on the Gospel, and a possible reflection to ponder and meditate on. The book also includes a place to write down your thoughts and inspirations.
We are asking for a $2 donation per book if possible. This Lenten resource is designed to be used by an individual, a couple, a family, or a neighborhood faith-sharing group. In addition to this resource, Stations of the Cross during Lent will be held on both Wednesday and Friday evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Church.
Ash Wednesday Masses will be at 8:00 a.m., Noon, and at 6:30 p.m. on February 18. The 8:00 a.m. and Noon Masses will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.
Catholic Stewardship Appeal
This weekend marks the beginning of the annual Catholic Stewardship Appeal. This is an important shared effort to support ministries serving the wider Church and community. Inspired by the rhythm of planting and harvesting (and by Archbishop Grob’s boyhood growing up on a farm in Cross Plains), this year’s theme, Planting Seeds, Harvesting Hope, reflects a simple truth: lasting growth takes faith, patience, and trust. When we give generously, we plant seeds and cultivate hope for students and families, for those facing hardship, for parishes and ministries, and for the future of the Church. Please donate generously as you are able.
School Frozen Pizza Orders
Those who ordered Faye’s Frozen Pizzas can expect a phone call on or around Tuesday, February 10, with the day and time of pickup in the school gym. A limited number of pizzas can be stored in the parish office if the delivery pickup day or time is not convenient for you. Thank you for your many orders. This was one of the most successful fundraisers for the school in some time.
The next prayer hour of Millions of Monicas will take place on Wednesday, February 11, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Church. All women are welcome to join other mothers in prayer to grow in holiness and humility, and for their children and loved ones who have strayed from the Catholic Church.
This initiative encourages mothers, grandmothers, and spiritual mothers to unite in prayer, reflecting their belief in the power of prayer to bring their loved ones back to the faith.
Our next meeting is Friday, February 13, 2026, 10:30 am to Noon. Bring your new creations of Prayer Pockets, Shawls, Lap Blankets, Twiddle Muffs, and Baptismal Gifts. If you enjoy knitting and crocheting, we would love for you to join us and learn more about this ministry. Thank you for your monetary and new yarn donations, dropped off at the Parish Office, to help us in this mission! The meeting location is near St. John's, with easy access and no stairs.
For location, directions, and more information, contact Diane Oakland at 414-617-0721, dianeoak@gmail.com.
Thank You for a Successful Open House!
At our parish school, we joyfully began Catholic Schools Week with worship and prayer. Students from our Junior Lector group participated in all three weekend Masses, along with members of the Youth Choir and Youth Hand Bell Choir at the Saturday afternoon Mass.
Our school-wide celebration continued with Prayer Pods, where students in grades K4-8 gathered in mixed-age groups to learn more about their pod’s patron saint and grow in faith together. These meaningful connections allow older and younger students to share, lead, and learn from one another. Students also enjoyed a snack while spending additional time building relationships within their pods.
It was a wonderful way to begin a week centered on faith, community, and service.
"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 continue our Dave & Buster’s Power Card Fundraising Campaign into March!
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.
Book Recommendation:
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s Philosophies at War
Are you searching for wise guidance amid the turmoil of our age? Known as “America’s Pastor,” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979) remains one of the most trusted teachers and witnesses of the Catholic faith. In Philosophies at War, he probes the cultural and spiritual forces shaping the modern world with clarity and conviction.
Sheen contends that today’s crisis flows from a profound division: between those who uphold Truth and those who deny it. Writing as both a bishop and an engaged citizen, he examines war, revolution, government, and politics through a deeply moral and theological lens. He demonstrates that struggles for social and political order are never merely about economics or power, but ultimately about the soul of humanity and its relationship with God.
With keen insight, Sheen critiques modern secularism, materialism, and radical individualism, showing how they erode society by severing people from God, natural law, and one another. Drawing on history and philosophy, he offers incisive analyses of the most dangerous ideologies of the twentieth century—including Marxist socialism, Nazism, and fascism—revealing their shared aim: total control of the human person, body, and soul. He also challenges forms of liberalism and industrialism that weaken the common good and dull moral responsibility.
For readers seeking a clear framework to understand competing worldviews and the spiritual roots of cultural conflict, Philosophies at War provides enduring insight and guidance. Order your copy today from TAN Books for just $24.95.
If you would like to be notified about a future book study on this work, please email me, John Paul Shimek, at jpshimek@stjohns-grfd.org.
NEW Archdiocesan Website!
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has unveiled its new website, and it’s worth a visit. Packed with resources and information that support our shared Catholic life, the site serves as a go-to portal for local Catholics. Check it out at archmil.org.
To stay updated, join our SJE Adult Formation Flocknote or follow us on Facebook.
Sunday, February 8, 2026 | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time| Matthew 5:13–16
Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus asks, “If salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?” That question ought to bother us as much today as it did Jesus’ audience long ago. What he means is that a weak Christianity is a disaster for the world, for the world depends upon the Christian Church in order to become what it was meant to be.
Consider the truly awful gun violence in the streets of Chicago and other large American cities. A vibrant Christianity would actively get in the way of this affront to human dignity. Vibrant Christian churches would rub salt into the earth of this violence; vibrant Christian witness would be a city set on a hill.
Consider the tens of millions of unborn eliminated over the past fifty years. I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of the mothers and fathers of these murdered children came from a Christian background. Why wasn’t their Christianity strong enough to function as salt and light? Why wasn’t their faith illuminating enough to shine a light into the darkness of what they were doing?
The clear implication is that without vibrant Christians, the world is a much worse place.
-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 currently have one open hour:
Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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.