Congratulations to Deacon Rene Rillorta
In Deacon Rene Rillorta’s first homily this past weekend, he began by thanking St. John parishioners for years of prayers, which he said he felt helped him each semester accomplish the academic and spiritual tasks at hand. He also asked us for continued prayers to help him as he embarks on this new vocation as Deacon. In one way, we have promised to continue to pray for him in the parish’s Spiritual Bouquet. Nearly 200 parishioners offered the promise of the gift of prayers in the weeks ahead. Through the coming year and years ahead, may we be faithful in asking for God’s blessing on him and his family. May we pray also for Deacon Steve in his ministries and for all deacons who serve the church in many varied capacities.
A big and hearty thank you to those who helped with the festive pancake breakfast in honor of Rene’s ordination. The food was as good as ever, and we had a strong gathering of parishioners to wish Deacon Rene many blessings.
Looking Ahead: Understanding Pornography, Screen Time, Anxiety and Depression
Please plan to attend a special talk by Fr. Kevin Barnekow, a Clinical Psychologist and a Milwaukee Diocesan Priest as he speaks on Thursday, September 24, at 7:00pm here at St. John’s in the Church Hall. He will speak about practical strategies for healing and freedom from pornography, screen time, anxiety and depression, all of which are some of the greatest scourges on our present-day society. It is free to attend.
Fresh Produce in the School Garden
As I look at the school garden (between the church and the parish office), there is plenty of beautiful Swiss Chard. If you would like some, please help yourself.
Honey Is Back!
If you have been looking for some great local honey, the parish is selling jars in three varieties: Clover, Basswood, and Wildflower. The honey is from Rolling Meadows Sorghum Mill in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Each jar is $25; the parish office accepts cash or check.
Liturgical Celebrations This Week
Please join us for our weekday Mass at 8:00 a.m. when we will celebrate several Feast Days.
Monday, September 21, Feast Day of St. Matthew, Apostle: One of the 12 Apostles, St. Matthew is the author of the first Gospel. Formerly a tax collector, he became one of Jesus’ closest followers and witnessed Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and resurrection. His life shows the power of answering God’s call.
Wednesday, September 23, St. Pio of Pietrelcina: More popularly known as Padre Pio, he was born in 1887. He joined the Capuchin Friars at the age of 16 and was ordained a priest seven years later. For 50 years, he was a much sought-after spiritual advisor, confessor, and intercessor whose life was devoted to the Eucharist and prayer.
Saturday, September 26, Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs: Twin brothers and physicians, they were martyred because they refused to publicly renounce their faith. They were executed after being tortured. Many miracles have been attributed to the brothers.
Saturday, September 26, The Blessed Virgin Mary: The Marian devotion on this day encourages you to attend Mass and pray the Rosary. Please remember Mary in your personal prayer life.
Sep
24
Beyond the Screen
7:00 p.m. St. John's Church Hall
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Respect Life Church Hall Meeting
All parishioners are invited to an open forum to learn more about Respect Life initiatives in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. You will hear from local Respect Life leaders and discover the many ways that our parish can make a difference. This meeting will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Parish, 16000 W. National Avenue in New Berlin. Admission is free, but registration is required: archmil.regfox.com/rl-church-hall-meeting. If you need help with registration, please come to the parish office.
Respect Life Ministry Baby Wipe Drive
The Women’s Support Center is in need of baby wipes. These wipes will go into layette bags that are given to new moms. Space in each bag is limited, so they need small packages with no more than 80 wipes per bag. We will collect the wipes the weekend of September 26 and 27, but you can bring the baby wipes to the parish office anytime over the next few weeks.
Women’s Spiritual Retreat-Save the Date
Ladies of the parish, please consider attending the next women’s retreat at the Redemptorist Retreat Center from October 9 to October 11. The theme is “Surrender and Catch,” based on Fr. Michael Crosby's book, “Finding Francis, Following Christ.” St. Francis learned the power of listening and surrendering to God, and going forward to catch God’s true purpose for us. Consider joining other women in celebrating the sacraments, discussions, and quiet meditation, surrounded by the beautiful grounds of the retreat center. To register, please call (262) 567-6900. Carpooling is available. For more information, please call Barb Heser at (414) 448-7117.
Our third annual Read-In on September 11 was a wonderful afternoon filled with books, buddies, and plenty of reading fun. Students from K4-8 rotated with their buddies through five different locations throughout the school, creating unique spaces to enjoy their favorite books. Students settled in with a book and read at each station. From the gym and the playground to the cafeteria stage, music room, and St. Francis statue, students enjoyed reading together in different areas of our school. The afternoon was a great reminder that reading is fun and that we should read, read, read, and read some more. We are proud of our students for embracing the joy of reading.
Today and Every Day Be a Peacemaker
Technology Volunteers Needed
St. John’s School is looking for technology volunteers to help with the upkeep, troubleshooting, and repair of our school’s technology. Our current technology volunteers, Andy Milbrath & Nick Popowycz, are willing to share their knowledge and train anyone interested in helping. If you have a knack for technology and would like to volunteer your time and talents to support our school, we would love to hear from you. No expert experience is required, just a willingness to learn and help. Please contact the school office at 414-321-8540 or email Mr. Oberdorf at boberdorf@sje.school if you are interested.
Sunday, September 20, 2026 | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time | Matthew 20:1–16a
Friends, the parable of the vineyard that Jesus tells in today’s Gospel is one of the most disturbing of all the parables. Keep in mind that upsetting us is one of the main purposes of parables, stories that invent new worlds by inverting this one.
We know the outline of the story well: A landowner goes out to hire workers for his field, hiring them at different times during the day. Then, at the close of work, he pays each the same wage. When those hired earlier complain, the owner contends, “Am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?”
Do any of us really find this answer satisfying? Don’t most of us instinctively side with the complainers? Have you noticed that the one virtue even little children seem to understand implicitly is justice? “It’s just not fair!” Well, this just doesn’t seem fair.
But we should squint at this story through the lens of the prophet Isaiah’s reminder that God’s ways are not our ways. Does this story undermine justice? No; rather, it shows the justice that flows from God’s vision of things.
We know the outline of the story well: A landowner goes out to hire workers for his field, hiring them at different times during the day. Then, at the close of work, he pays each the same wage. When those hired earlier complain, the owner contends, “Am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?”
Do any of us really find this answer satisfying? Don’t most of us instinctively side with the complainers? Have you noticed that the one virtue even little children seem to understand implicitly is justice? “It’s just not fair!” Well, this just doesn’t seem fair.
But we should squint at this story through the lens of the prophet Isaiah’s reminder that God’s ways are not our ways. Does this story undermine justice? No; rather, it shows the justice that flows from God’s vision of things.
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.
There are FOUR open hours of Adoration:
Sundays 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. (need one more person)
Tuesdays 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Saturdays, Midnight to 1:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 2:00 a.m.
We are also seeking Adorers for several hours during the week, with many options to fit your schedule! Please consider an hour during the day, the evening, or overnight.
You are welcome to sign up temporarily to see how it works with your schedule. Please 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 through Saturday at 8:00 a.m.
Weekend Masses:
Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
If you miss the Livestream, you can watch the upload of each Mass on our YouTube channel.
Scrip is available at most weekend Masses (unless it's a holiday weekend), 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.