Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Take Jesus with you this Summer
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Triduum
Today, Holy Thursday, begins what the Catholic church calls the Triduum, the three holiest days of the Church year. This evening, we gather to remember how Jesus left us a way that He could always be with us even though He would return to His father after the resurrection. The Jewish people celebrated the Feast of Passover or sometimes called the Feast of Unleavened Bread every year because their escaping the life of slavery & going into a life of freedom as the People of God was so important to them. They went from death to life. In the midst of that celebration for Jesus & His friends (who were Jews) Jesus changed the bread into His body & a cup of wine into His blood. They were still under the appearances of bread and wine, but in their substance (or essence) they were really His body & blood. This is what Catholics believe as the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. We can go from the slavery (death) of sin into the life of Christ every time we receive the Eucharist. Jesus asked the apostles to “Do this in memory of me” Every Eucharistic celebration is more than just a remembrance of what Jesus did that night.
I hope you can attend either the Good Friday service at 1PM or come to a prayer service in the evening at 7 PM when candles are extinguished one by one until it is as dark as the tomb in which Jesus was placed after he died. These are sad & somber services, as if someone had died. Indeed, Someone has – for us, so we can be freed from the fear of death. It is not the end though.
The Easter Vigil begins at 8PM again in the dark, since we are still reflecting on Jesus’ death and burial. We start with the new fire outside. This tradition was begun by St. Patrick to counter the influence of spring bonfires among the Celtic Druids (pagans) & was eventually incorporated into the Easter Vigil ceremonies. The lighting of a new Easter fire also had a practical purpose. The lamps in church used to be extinguished Holy Thursday night. Consequently, a new fire had to be lit for the celebrant and readers to see by. The Easter candle represents Christ the light of the world coming into the darkness of sin & overcoming it. Do come for this special night. Even though it is long, almost 2-2 ½ hrs, there is something going on all the time. It is very interactive. Bring your bells for the Gloria.
“Let us rejoice and be glad for truly this is the day the Lord has made”
HAPPY EASTER! From S. Carol Ann Jaeger, SSSF
I hope you can attend either the Good Friday service at 1PM or come to a prayer service in the evening at 7 PM when candles are extinguished one by one until it is as dark as the tomb in which Jesus was placed after he died. These are sad & somber services, as if someone had died. Indeed, Someone has – for us, so we can be freed from the fear of death. It is not the end though.
The Easter Vigil begins at 8PM again in the dark, since we are still reflecting on Jesus’ death and burial. We start with the new fire outside. This tradition was begun by St. Patrick to counter the influence of spring bonfires among the Celtic Druids (pagans) & was eventually incorporated into the Easter Vigil ceremonies. The lighting of a new Easter fire also had a practical purpose. The lamps in church used to be extinguished Holy Thursday night. Consequently, a new fire had to be lit for the celebrant and readers to see by. The Easter candle represents Christ the light of the world coming into the darkness of sin & overcoming it. Do come for this special night. Even though it is long, almost 2-2 ½ hrs, there is something going on all the time. It is very interactive. Bring your bells for the Gloria.
“Let us rejoice and be glad for truly this is the day the Lord has made”
HAPPY EASTER! From S. Carol Ann Jaeger, SSSF
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Linden Grove Bingo
We have heard from a number of families that they have really enjoyed the service opportunity available through GIFT of facilitating Bingo at Linden Grove. The residents really enjoy families taking time out of their day to visit and play bingo with them. We are looking for 2 families yet to take the Saturday, May 21st date and go for a few hours in the afternoon. Let us know if your family would like to do this or sign up at the April GIFT session.
A second way of service for Linden Grove is if you would bring small prize items for the Bingo games. We always have a shiny purple box on the table where you find your packets and it has a list of items such as lotions, puzzle books, slipper socks, boxes of kleenex, etc. that could be used as prizes for the residents when they win. Small items donated can bring much joy to the residents, so please consider bringing a few items for Linden Grove when you come to our April GIFT session.
A second way of service for Linden Grove is if you would bring small prize items for the Bingo games. We always have a shiny purple box on the table where you find your packets and it has a list of items such as lotions, puzzle books, slipper socks, boxes of kleenex, etc. that could be used as prizes for the residents when they win. Small items donated can bring much joy to the residents, so please consider bringing a few items for Linden Grove when you come to our April GIFT session.
Mini-Workcamp
The annual CCOS (Cooperating Churches of Sussex) Mini-Workcamp will be held on Saturday, April 16th. This is a day long service project where adults and youth (Gr. 7 and up) do Spring clean up for senior citizens in the area. The help the area residents are looking for are things such as raking, window washing, cleaning gutters and various odds and ends. The youth are divided into groups of about 5-7 with an adult leader to transport and supervise them. With so many hands and much energy each crew is able to do about 5 different sites in the time they are given.
We provide meals throughout the day beginning with breakfast at 7:30 while they are getting acquainted with their crew and learn about their assignments. We close at the end of the day with a dinner held at Redeemer UCC which is just down the road from us on the other side of Lisbon. Many of the senior citizens come to join us for dinner at 4:00 and after dinner while having dessert there is a small closing program with a powerpoint showing pictures taken throughout the day and a few witness talks.
Please consider joining us! ALL Registration forms can be found at the St. James website at www.stjames-parish.net under Christian Formation, and are due to Greg Zyla no later than April 1st. There is a Youth Form, an Adult Form and if you know a senior in the vicinity that needs our help feel free to get a form to them or have them call 253-2902, so that we can provide them the assistance they need.
We provide meals throughout the day beginning with breakfast at 7:30 while they are getting acquainted with their crew and learn about their assignments. We close at the end of the day with a dinner held at Redeemer UCC which is just down the road from us on the other side of Lisbon. Many of the senior citizens come to join us for dinner at 4:00 and after dinner while having dessert there is a small closing program with a powerpoint showing pictures taken throughout the day and a few witness talks.
Please consider joining us! ALL Registration forms can be found at the St. James website at www.stjames-parish.net under Christian Formation, and are due to Greg Zyla no later than April 1st. There is a Youth Form, an Adult Form and if you know a senior in the vicinity that needs our help feel free to get a form to them or have them call 253-2902, so that we can provide them the assistance they need.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Lent Soup Supper
Fasting with Friends
Come to Church to Pray with the community.
After prayer, come to the Community Center to Fast with a Simple meal.
Ash Wednesday Soup Supper
5:00 – 5:50 p.m. – Serve soup
6:00 – Liturgy
6:45 – 7:30 p.m. – Serve Soup
All are welcome to attend this event.
Through fasting, prayer, & giving of Alms (sacrifices and money),
we will honor the beginning of Lent
we will honor the beginning of Lent
Come to Church to Pray with the community.
There will be an Ash Wednesday mass at 6:00 p.m.
After prayer, come to the Community Center to Fast with a Simple meal.
We will serve a simple meal of soup, bread, and beverages for all to share.
Come to give alms.
All Donations will go to operation Rice bowl.
Come to enjoy the friendship of your parish Family.
Come to enjoy the friendship of your parish Family.
The menu will include;
Homemade Soup, bread, and a beverage.
Any questions call Sue Devine-Simon at 262-253-2904
A SPIRITUAL REVIVAL
Don’t forget to come to the concert/revival this Sunday, March 6 at 5:30PM(early enough for families). It is here at St. James in church. Bring your Bible & a snack. Fr. John is a very good speaker and the music should be awesome. Watch the bulletins and the website for more Lenten opportunities for faith enrichment.
LENTEN BOOK STUDY
For those of you who are available during the daytime, we will have our usual 6 week Lenten series for personal spiritual growth on Wednesday mornings from 9 – 10:15 AM. The series begins on Ash Wednesday, March 16 and goes through Wednesday, April 13th. The resource will be Joyce Rupp’s book Open the door, a Journey to the true self. It will include about 2 pages for each day in the week with reflection questions, a brief meditation, a prayer & a scripture passage. Once a week we will share & pray together.
Cost: $15, payable to St. James
Register by calling S. Carol Ann at 262-253-2915 or email scajaeger@archmil.org
Deadline: Monday, March 7 so books can be ordered
Cost: $15, payable to St. James
Register by calling S. Carol Ann at 262-253-2915 or email scajaeger@archmil.org
Deadline: Monday, March 7 so books can be ordered
A LENTEN REFLECTION TOOL
Here is a link to the Lenten BLOG http://iamsentmetoyou.blogspot.com/ which will be a family orientated Lenten reflection tool and be available beginning on Monday, March 7th. Please check it out and see how this might work with your family.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
MONTHLY MISSION FOR MARCH
Attention Middle School Students at St. James!
Our monthly mission to the SOS food pantry was rescheduled for Saturday, February 26th. All middle school students of St. James are invited and encouraged to join us for an opportunity to stock the shelves at the SOS food pantry. Parents can drop off their kids at the pantry at 1:00 and pick them up from the pantry at 2:30. Please bring food donations with you. The kids will learn about the SOS and the community it serves.
Check the “Fav Five” listing in the bulletin for ideas of foods needed at the pantry. Also, please RSVP by Wed Feb 23rd to either.
Pam Dennis fotopubnavy@yahoo.com
Sandy Ciha sciha@wi.rr.com
Our monthly mission to the SOS food pantry was rescheduled for Saturday, February 26th. All middle school students of St. James are invited and encouraged to join us for an opportunity to stock the shelves at the SOS food pantry. Parents can drop off their kids at the pantry at 1:00 and pick them up from the pantry at 2:30. Please bring food donations with you. The kids will learn about the SOS and the community it serves.
Check the “Fav Five” listing in the bulletin for ideas of foods needed at the pantry. Also, please RSVP by Wed Feb 23rd to either.
Pam Dennis fotopubnavy@yahoo.com
Sandy Ciha sciha@wi.rr.com
Thursday, February 10, 2011
CONCERT AND LENTEN REVIVAL!
Theme: Keeping It Real: Love & The Works Of Mercy
St Mathews 25:31-46 & St James 2:14-17
This event will take place on March 6,2011
at the St James Catholic Church In Menomonee Falls
W220N6588 Town line Rd.
TIME:5:30 PM
Our Speaker for the evening will be:
Fr. John Celichowski, OFM Cap
Provincial Minister, Province of St Joseph of the Capuchin Order
Music: St Martin De Porres Gospel Choir
All are welcome, come and receive the blessings of the Lord!!
(Please bring your bibles. Social to follow in the Gathering Space)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Men of Christ Conference: Putting on the Armor of God!
The Men of Christ conference is coming up!
This year’s theme is “Putting on the Armor of God”!
Here is a link to the conference flyer
http://menofchrist.net/files/11/2011_flyer.pdf
This year’s conference is at the Milwaukee Theater (downtown Milwaukee) and will be held
Saturday, February 19th, 2011.
We are organizing a group to go!
Please contact Nathan Lasnoski (nlasnoski@concurrency.com)
with questions, or see the website: http://menofchrist.net/
Thursday, January 20, 2011
LIVING THE GOSPEL MINI-SERIES: Living as Family in Community
In Scripture, Jesus tells us to love one another, but is God really asking me to love everyone?
- What does it mean to live in family and community?
- Who genuinely are my sisters and brothers?
- Where can I find God in the strife of family and culture?
- Why should I care?
Human boundaries whether political, cultural or based on fear limit our ability to live in true community, yet the message of Jesus is one of inclusion and participation. What does that mean? How far do we need to stretch? Is it possible to break free of boundaries that limit our loving relationship with God and each other?
In this mini series on Living the Gospel, we will explore the call to love one another as one human family. We invite you to come and join us as we rededicate ourselves to Living the Gospel message.
Living the Gospel is a four session Scripture based small group discussion plus service immersion experience offered by the 3 parish cluster of St. James, St. Mary and Good Shepherd. The series will be held on Feb 10, 17, and 24 with an outreach experience on Mar 3. One session will be held at each church. The deadline to register for this mini series is Monday, February 7. To register contact Paul or Debra Schneider at djschneider@wi.rr.com or call 414-550-2167 with your name, email address and/or phone number.
Together we will explore how we can Live the Gospel.
- What does it mean to live in family and community?
- Who genuinely are my sisters and brothers?
- Where can I find God in the strife of family and culture?
- Why should I care?
Human boundaries whether political, cultural or based on fear limit our ability to live in true community, yet the message of Jesus is one of inclusion and participation. What does that mean? How far do we need to stretch? Is it possible to break free of boundaries that limit our loving relationship with God and each other?
In this mini series on Living the Gospel, we will explore the call to love one another as one human family. We invite you to come and join us as we rededicate ourselves to Living the Gospel message.
Living the Gospel is a four session Scripture based small group discussion plus service immersion experience offered by the 3 parish cluster of St. James, St. Mary and Good Shepherd. The series will be held on Feb 10, 17, and 24 with an outreach experience on Mar 3. One session will be held at each church. The deadline to register for this mini series is Monday, February 7. To register contact Paul or Debra Schneider at djschneider@wi.rr.com or call 414-550-2167 with your name, email address and/or phone number.
Together we will explore how we can Live the Gospel.
FORMATION, FRATERNITY AND FUN
With the new year, come more opportunities for those considering the call to priesthood to gather together for formation, fraternity and fun.
On Saturday, January 29th - Junior High School Boys are invited to the Seminary for a morning of winter baseball from 9:00-12:00. They are hoping for a lot of snow so that they can get a game of baseball going on the front lawn of the Seminary. There will also be a chance to celebrate Mass and share a meal together.
On Friday, January 28th - from 6:30-9:00, High School Boys are invited to a Bowling Night - they'll bowl, eat, and pray.
Permission slips for these events can be found at thinkpriest.org/events.html
and if you would like more information, please contact Fr. Peter Berger at pberger@sfs.edu or 414-747-6489.
On Saturday, January 29th - Junior High School Boys are invited to the Seminary for a morning of winter baseball from 9:00-12:00. They are hoping for a lot of snow so that they can get a game of baseball going on the front lawn of the Seminary. There will also be a chance to celebrate Mass and share a meal together.
On Friday, January 28th - from 6:30-9:00, High School Boys are invited to a Bowling Night - they'll bowl, eat, and pray.
Permission slips for these events can be found at thinkpriest.org/events.html
and if you would like more information, please contact Fr. Peter Berger at pberger@sfs.edu or 414-747-6489.
MONTHLY MISSION FOR GRADES 6 THRU 8
Hey Middle School Students! Join us for our next Monthly Mission event. We are stocking the shelves at the SOS food pantry on Saturday, January 29th at 1:00. We will learn about the SOS and the community it serves at the pantry. Bring along food donations and boxes of valentines for the families to use. It’ll be a great time!
You are welcome to bring a friend!
You can be dropped off at 1:00 and picked up at 3:00
N63 W23626 Silver Spring
RSVP to one of us to let us know you are coming
Thanks!
Pam Dennis fotopubnavy@yahoo.com
Sandy Ciha sciha@wi.rr.com
You are welcome to bring a friend!
You can be dropped off at 1:00 and picked up at 3:00
N63 W23626 Silver Spring
RSVP to one of us to let us know you are coming
Thanks!
Pam Dennis fotopubnavy@yahoo.com
Sandy Ciha sciha@wi.rr.com
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Bankruptcy of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
By now, no doubt, you heard on the news that The Archdiocese has filed for bankruptcy. This raises many questions & concerns. Some of these have been answered in a Q & A sheet prepared by the Archdiocese. You can access it on the Archdiocesan website: www.archdioceseofmilwaukee.org, then go to Chapter 11 Reorganization, Detailed reorganization information, and finally Reorganization Q & A.
If after reading these questions and answers, you still have a question, you may email it to reorg@archmil.org. You may not get an immediate answer because of the high volume of requests. Let us pray for all impacted by this decision. Submitted by S. Carol Ann Jaeger.
If after reading these questions and answers, you still have a question, you may email it to reorg@archmil.org. You may not get an immediate answer because of the high volume of requests. Let us pray for all impacted by this decision. Submitted by S. Carol Ann Jaeger.
GIFT Core Team Meeting
The GIFT Core meeting is open to all GIFT participants. Please come to help plan and implement ideas for the future.
Next Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 7-8 PM
Next Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 7-8 PM
We will hold the GIFT core meeting in the CF office.
The agenda will be:
1. Results of brief survey on improving our communication
2. Ideas for a Mid-way evaluation:
-to cover what learnings have happened so far this year
- What needs to happen for the adults; for the children
- How can we make it happen?
3. Any other ideas for planning the rest of the year
4. Status of the small groups meeting in the home
Blessing of Homes
Today is Jan. 6, which traditionally is the feast of The Three Kings or the Magi. These were the 3 men who came to visit the Holy Family. They were Gentiles, not Jews, so St. Matthew included their story in his gospel to remind his audience, mostly Jews, that Jesus came for all people. This year we celebrated the feast last Sunday.
One popular religious tradition since the Middle Ages has been associated with this feast: the blessing of homes. The ritual calls for a priest or parent to mark, with chalk, the inside of the main door with the initials of the Magi and a code of the current year connected with crosses:
This year it will look like this: 20 + C = M = B = 11 The initials stand for the legendary names of the Magi (Casper, Melchior and Balthasar) This becomes a reminder that each time we enter or leave our homes, we want God’s protection on our home and all who enter in to it. It also says that the home of a Christian/Catholic is a holy place – a place with Christian symbols, and a place where prayers are said – like the “House/Church” or “the Domestic Church”.
The Church encourages the practice of lay people to pray blessings – blessing food, children, their home. Sometime this week, whether you live alone or with a family, pray a blessing on the place you call home. I and the sisters that I live with now at Clare House are going to do a blessing on Friday night. We may pray something like this: “ Be my shelter, Lord, when I am at home, my companion when I am away, and my welcome guest when I return. And at last receive me into the dwelling place you have prepared for me in heaven, where you live forever and ever. Amen.”
Submitted by S. Carol Ann Jaeger
One popular religious tradition since the Middle Ages has been associated with this feast: the blessing of homes. The ritual calls for a priest or parent to mark, with chalk, the inside of the main door with the initials of the Magi and a code of the current year connected with crosses:
This year it will look like this: 20 + C = M = B = 11
The Church encourages the practice of lay people to pray blessings – blessing food, children, their home. Sometime this week, whether you live alone or with a family, pray a blessing on the place you call home. I and the sisters that I live with now at Clare House are going to do a blessing on Friday night. We may pray something like this: “ Be my shelter, Lord, when I am at home, my companion when I am away, and my welcome guest when I return. And at last receive me into the dwelling place you have prepared for me in heaven, where you live forever and ever. Amen.”
Submitted by S. Carol Ann Jaeger
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