On Tuesday, November 3, 2009, at 7:00 P.M., in the Marcy Center (below the church), St. Dominic Catholic Parish in Brookfield is offering the presentation, “Searching for Jesus,” by noted scripture scholar and popular presenter, Dr. Dan Scholz. Based on his newly published book, “Jesus in the Gospels and Acts” (Saint Mary's Press, 2009), Dr. Scholz, will discuss what Catholic scholars are saying today about the historical Jesus, the four New Testament Gospels, and the other early Christian Gospels not included in the New Testament. The event is free and will include the opportunity to purchase the book and have it signed by the author.
This presentation by Dr. Dan Scholz is a wonderful opportunity to explore Jesus in the Gospels and early Christian writings. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
2nd Grade Reconciliation Information
Parents of 2nd Graders,
Hopefully by now those of you who have 2nd graders preparing for Reconciliation have attended the parent meeting and received your materials by now so that you can help in preparing your child for the sacrament. There have been a number of families who have not responded to us about which reconciliation retreat they will be attending and which service they would like to celebrate at. If you haven’t let us know please email, call or send in your slip with your choices.
Dates & times for the retreats are:
Dates & times for the services are:
Hopefully by now those of you who have 2nd graders preparing for Reconciliation have attended the parent meeting and received your materials by now so that you can help in preparing your child for the sacrament. There have been a number of families who have not responded to us about which reconciliation retreat they will be attending and which service they would like to celebrate at. If you haven’t let us know please email, call or send in your slip with your choices.
Dates & times for the retreats are:
Friday, November 13 from 5:30-8:30 PM
OR
Saturday, November 14 from 9 AM-Noon
*Please consider attending on November 14th to keep our numbers more manageable.
Dates & times for the services are:
Tuesday, November 24 at 6:30 PM
OR
Monday, November 30 at 6:30 PM
*At this time we have more room on November 30th if the date works for your family.
How do we explain Halloween to our children?
Some Catholic parents may be wondering, "How do I explain Halloween to my children? How did it originate? Why do we say 'trick or treat' as we go door to door?" These and other questions are answered in a Catholic Update "How Halloween Can Be Redeemed", by Page McKean Zyromski printed by St. Anthony Messenger Press.
If you have another way you like to explain Halloween to your children, leave a comment and share it with everyone.
S. Carol Ann
If you have another way you like to explain Halloween to your children, leave a comment and share it with everyone.
S. Carol Ann
Thanksgiving Dinner coming up!
Our Annual Cooperating Churches of Sussex Thanksgiving Dinner is coming up on Sunday, November 22nd. This is a dinner for the senior citizens of our community to enjoy a turkey dinner with all of the yummy Thanksgiving foods that go along with the turkey. The dinner is served “family style” by the youth of the 5 CCOS churches of which we are a part. We already expect that we will have 100 youth participating as for many of the churches this is a mandatory service project, but there are other areas in which individuals and families can help. We have two seating times and between them should serve about 350 guests. (For a list of all the ways you and your household can help, scroll down.)
All of the food for the dinner is donated by the parishioners of the CCOS churches. Some of the food needs more prep than others as we do not have time to make the turkey or desserts from scratch. The food is dropped off by those donating already prepared foods or items purchased on Saturday morning, November 21st between 9 AM & Noon. The following items need to come to us prepared:
Ways your family may want to help . . . .
Diana Wyszkowski
All of the food for the dinner is donated by the parishioners of the CCOS churches. Some of the food needs more prep than others as we do not have time to make the turkey or desserts from scratch. The food is dropped off by those donating already prepared foods or items purchased on Saturday morning, November 21st between 9 AM & Noon. The following items need to come to us prepared:
- Turkey – cooked & sliced
- Potatoes – peeled & cubed (in water)
- Desserts – pies, cookies or other desserts
- Stuffing – 13 x 9 pans of ready made stuffing
Ways your family may want to help . . . .
- Shop for food or prepare some food for the dinner together
- Create some Thanksgiving cards for the seniors attending (We will collect them from you Saturday morning, or at the November GIFT session and see that the seniors receive them at the dinner.)
- Create centerpieces or decorations for the tables (27 tables)
- Create small cupcake tins with candies or trail mix types of treats
- Decorate a few paper placemats which we can use for the dinner
- Create prayer cards or prayer tabletents for the guests at the dinner
- Make a few decorations to make the atmosphere more festive
Diana Wyszkowski
Household Activity: Gives Me Hope
Who gives you hope in life? This is a simple exercise that you can do with your household, your family, and your friends. How does the way your household (or family, co-workers, friends, strangers) lives give you hope for your life? After thinking about it, tell each other! Affirmation of goodness is important to keep goodness going.
If you're looking for some inspiration and some great examples (or if you're doubting the goodness of humanity), check out the website GivesMeHope. A recent video contest winner is inspiring.
If you're looking for some inspiration and some great examples (or if you're doubting the goodness of humanity), check out the website GivesMeHope. A recent video contest winner is inspiring.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Kids Against Hunger
What would it take to provide 50,000 or more meals to people starting in African Villages?
50,000 meals = 500 people giving 1 hour of work and $25 on one Saturday in November.
Kids Against Hunger is a program run by Outreach International. They need volunteers to pack in one hour shifts on Saturday, November 7th from 8am to 5pm at Menomonee Falls High School.
Interested? Contact Sandi Blackwell at (262) 246-8486 or Pam Schwalbach at (262) 502-9130 or by email. We also have several registration forms and more information in the CF office.
50,000 meals = 500 people giving 1 hour of work and $25 on one Saturday in November.
Kids Against Hunger is a program run by Outreach International. They need volunteers to pack in one hour shifts on Saturday, November 7th from 8am to 5pm at Menomonee Falls High School.
Interested? Contact Sandi Blackwell at (262) 246-8486 or Pam Schwalbach at (262) 502-9130 or by email. We also have several registration forms and more information in the CF office.
Holiday Help
Milwaukee's Catholic Charities has organized several ways you and your household can serve the needs of local families this Christmas season. Please check out the flyer below for more information on how we can make a difference this Christmas:
Monday, October 19, 2009
GIFT Video - October 11/13
Here is the presentation from Father Art recorded on Sunday, October 11th:
GIFT - October 11, 2009 from St. James Parish on Vimeo.
GIFT - October 11, 2009 from St. James Parish on Vimeo.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Update
On both Sunday and Tuesday families shared how they are taking something we do at the GIFT session and repeat it or adapt it to their household. This is one of the goals of GIFT. Keep it up!
Also, we are having more adults attend GIFT, so we are becoming truly intergenerational! Another goal we are working at. Thank you.
S. Carol Ann
Also, we are having more adults attend GIFT, so we are becoming truly intergenerational! Another goal we are working at. Thank you.
S. Carol Ann
Jesus: Brother
“Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:28)
When I was in middle school (many years ago), I had an encounter with Jesus in the Bible. I got into the habit of reading the bible everyday. I had one of those sheets that gave suggestions of passages to read when one was dealing with specific live issues (When worried, read Luke 12:22-31, When happy, read 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, When…). Once I got through my list, I started reading the Gospels and getting to know Jesus as a person, as my friend, and as a brother. The “brother image” has stayed with me to this day and is one that I can easily relate to, and take a lot of comfort in. Maybe having 4 brothers that draws me to this image ,or maybe it’s the concreteness of thinking about a real person relating to me.
When thinking about the phrase “Who do you say that I am?” I would answer: You, Jesus, are someone who is a brother to me. You hang out with me as my brothers do and listen to my joys and frustrations. I even wonder sometimes if you tease me with the unusual people and crazy situations that enter my every day life. The spirit of your presence reminds me to laugh and take things in stride. When life becomes difficult or sad, You remind me that I am never alone…a phone call away. It is much easier to walk into difficult situations with my Brother than alone. Each week I am reminded of the “Real Presence” of Jesus in my life when I celebrate and receive Eucharist. Jesus, my brother, gives me the gift of himself over and over to remind me of who he is…My brother, my friend, my God. What a GIFT!
Sue Devine-Simon
When I was in middle school (many years ago), I had an encounter with Jesus in the Bible. I got into the habit of reading the bible everyday. I had one of those sheets that gave suggestions of passages to read when one was dealing with specific live issues (When worried, read Luke 12:22-31, When happy, read 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, When…). Once I got through my list, I started reading the Gospels and getting to know Jesus as a person, as my friend, and as a brother. The “brother image” has stayed with me to this day and is one that I can easily relate to, and take a lot of comfort in. Maybe having 4 brothers that draws me to this image ,or maybe it’s the concreteness of thinking about a real person relating to me.
When thinking about the phrase “Who do you say that I am?” I would answer: You, Jesus, are someone who is a brother to me. You hang out with me as my brothers do and listen to my joys and frustrations. I even wonder sometimes if you tease me with the unusual people and crazy situations that enter my every day life. The spirit of your presence reminds me to laugh and take things in stride. When life becomes difficult or sad, You remind me that I am never alone…a phone call away. It is much easier to walk into difficult situations with my Brother than alone. Each week I am reminded of the “Real Presence” of Jesus in my life when I celebrate and receive Eucharist. Jesus, my brother, gives me the gift of himself over and over to remind me of who he is…My brother, my friend, my God. What a GIFT!
Sue Devine-Simon
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child is a service project offered to the GIFT Families to participate in over this next month. Operation Christmas Child is organized by Samaritans Purse and is a collection of toys, treats, and other personal items for children around the world who are caught in crisis due to war, natural disasters, and poverty. It is a wonderful opportunity to involve your children in helping other children their age by reaching out in care and love by providing a gift for them.
Many of you have received a pamphlet in your Family Packet materials, but because of the smaller size of the pamphlet we noticed that a number were left behind in the folders. If you do not have a pamphlet you can go to the website www.samaritanspurse.org.
We will be collecting items up until November 18th so we are encouraging those who want to participate in this service project to bring their shoebox to the November GIFT Sessions.
You can fill a shoebox with a number of small items but items to avoid would be anything breakable, perishable, things requiring extra parts like batteries, or war related toys. The box and cover can be wrapped in Christmas wrap but the lid should be wrapped separately as the boxes get checked before they are shipped. When your box is complete please include an envelope with a $7 donation for shipping if possible. Attach the label as to whether the gift is for a boy or a girl and what age level this gift would be appropriate for. Please seal the package with 2 rubberbands to keep the box closed and bring it with you on either November 8th or 10th to GIFT.
Many of you have received a pamphlet in your Family Packet materials, but because of the smaller size of the pamphlet we noticed that a number were left behind in the folders. If you do not have a pamphlet you can go to the website www.samaritanspurse.org.
We will be collecting items up until November 18th so we are encouraging those who want to participate in this service project to bring their shoebox to the November GIFT Sessions.
You can fill a shoebox with a number of small items but items to avoid would be anything breakable, perishable, things requiring extra parts like batteries, or war related toys. The box and cover can be wrapped in Christmas wrap but the lid should be wrapped separately as the boxes get checked before they are shipped. When your box is complete please include an envelope with a $7 donation for shipping if possible. Attach the label as to whether the gift is for a boy or a girl and what age level this gift would be appropriate for. Please seal the package with 2 rubberbands to keep the box closed and bring it with you on either November 8th or 10th to GIFT.
Household Activity: Mission Statement
What is your household about? Deciding as a household what your worthy purposes, worthy visions, and worthy values are will unite your household together in both the brainstorming and the keeping of the mission. Your mission statement will embody principles everyone has chosen and that everyone has committed to live. After you're done, try creating a communal poster or a personalized note card with the mission statement to remind you about your agreed upon mission.
No mini-GIFT
Just a reminder, we will not have mini-GIFT this upcoming week (October 18 and 20). Take the time to spend with your family.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
St. James Monthly Mission - October
St. James Monthly Mission is a great opportunity for high school students to get involved in the St. James community. This month we will head out to St. Ben's for their Community Meal. Check out the flyer below for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact Isaac (info on the flyer).
If you have any questions, please contact Isaac (info on the flyer).
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Second Grade Parents
We are holding parent meetings this Sunday and Tuesday for all families who have a 2nd or 3rd grader preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You are asked to attend one of the following meetings. Childcare will be provided.
- Sunday, October 4th at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Center OR
- Tuesday, October 6th at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Center OR
- Tuesday, October 6th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center
Change in Schedule
Please note that we will not be holding the Mini GIFT sessions on Sunday October 18th and October 20th (This is session #3 on your GIFT calendar). We wanted these sessions to be meaningful and well done and simply do not feel we can pull them together by these dates. We’re sorry if this caused any inconvenience. Be assured that we will hold the rest of the GIFT sessions as scheduled.
Household Activity: Prayer Walk
Take a prayer walk this week. Do it with everyone in your family or go in pairs as your schedule allows. Be aware of God’s wonderful creation by counting all the different kinds of trees, or counting the different natural colors you find in creation. Thank God for all you see and say your thank you prayers out loud, with your eyes open. Happy Walking!
Prayer Links
Over to the right you may have noticed a new section to the blog called "Prayer Links". This is a collection of links to websites that can help us pray.
If you have any suggestions or a personal favorite online resource for prayer, let us know!
- Prepare for the Sunday liturgy with the Scriptures ("Prepare for Sunday from SLU")
- Reflect on the readings selected for the day ("Daily Reflections from the USCCB")
- Reflect on aspects of our faith ("Daily Reflections from Creighton" and "Daily Reflections from Notre Dame")
- Watch the entire 8:15 Sunday Mass at St. James ("Sunday Mass @ St. James")
- Take a short, daily retreats ("Daily Prayer: Sacred Space" and "3 Minute Retreat")
- Listen to audio reflections on the Sunday Gospel ("Sunday Gospel Podcast: LifeTeen")
- Listen and pray along with a compilation of music, Scripture, and a homily ("Prayercast from Notre Dame")
If you have any suggestions or a personal favorite online resource for prayer, let us know!
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