One faith community, two worship sites
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
18 June 2021 Volume 77
June 15, 2021
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Preparing for this LOA, I tried to think about what was capturing my attention a year ago. It is not because I think what I say carries any special remembrance, but it is interesting to see if I still agree with what I said and if there are any insights related to our current community. I have often encountered former students who are now priests, and they would tell me, “Jerry, I remember when you said … and I have never forgotten it.” To tell the truth, I could not remember saying it, but it must have been something that the Holy Spirit wanted me to convey at that time, and I am glad that it was received.
 
A year ago, we were grappling with the coronavirus and there was tremendous
uncertainty. Many wondered if we would ever return to our “pre-COVID” days. There was social unrest in the country; a type of anarchy seemed to have invaded our society. There was the presidential campaign, with traffic in ad hominem arguments rather than the issues facing our country. I can characterize these things from hindsight, but perhaps I was not considering them when I wrote the LOAs for June. Then again, perhaps they were challenging me on a subconscious level.
 
On June 3 of 2020, I was reflecting on our vision of heaven. Although this may seem innocuous, it may be that during the death toll of the pandemic, all of us needed to realize that our ultimate destiny is heaven.
 
On June 9 of 2020, I referred to the importance of moral absolutes; there is right and wrong. Perhaps during the social unrest and the nightly pictures of violence, I was reminded that immoral means cannot be justified in the name of reaching an end.
On June 16 of 2020, I questioned the utopian claim of some movements developing in our country. Any attempt to impose a utopian ideology carries with it a severe cost, often at the expense of human dignity. However, if true change is desired, it starts with a change of heart and living our commitment to God.
 
On June 23, 2020, I reflected on the practical wisdom that we encounter in the words of our parents, which are embedded in our psyches. “The family that prays together stays together.” During the presidential campaign, it would have been refreshing for the candidates to talk of what united us rather than what divides us.
 
On June 30, 2020, I found myself at home, having to cancel gatherings because of the pandemic. I started to examine my memorabilia of pictures and keepsakes of men, women, and places that have blessed my life. They remained in my heart, shaping my sense of God’s Providence. His hand was there guiding me. He will continue to be there for all who seek Him and pledge their love for Him.
 
I stand by those words in my LOAs, and I will continue to share them with all who LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
 
       
Sincerely,
 
Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
ADDITIONAL MASS MINISTERS ARE NEEDED
 
Please consider joining one of our St. Thomas Mass ministries. It is a wonderful opportunity to participate more fully in the Mass and be of service to our parish. We need additional ministers of communion, sacristans, adult servers, youth altar servers and lectors. You can specify your preferred Masses, and be scheduled with other family members. We will provide the necessary training. 

Please call Terry Ritchey (262-378-4601) for answers to your questions and to sign up.
No Live Stream Mass from St. Thomas on June 19

We apologize, but there will be no live stream Mass this weekend. We only have a small number of AV ministers and they are unavailable this weekend. We hope to have live streaming available next weekend.

We are in need of additional AV ministers to ensure we avoid missing future weekends. Please consider donating your time as an AV minister. We provide all training and equipment. Contact Carol Ewald if you are interested.
Congratulations to our Graduates

In addition to the traditional commencement ceremony with its cap and gown and valedictorian speech, we like to recognize our graduating class with our traditional Baccalaureate Mass. Held on June 5 & 6th, both St. Thomas and St. Clare hosted a celebration honoring our graduating senior class from college, high school and eighth grades. This event was truly meaningful as our whole family of worship had an opportunity to bless these young Christians, led by Fr. Ed and Fr. Al. We acknowledge their personal growth and achievements inviting them to build a stronger relationship with Christ by staying connected to their Church family. Thank you to all who participated and many blessings to those who could not attend. 
St. Clare and St. Thomas
Welcome Back Celebration
Two worship sites. One Faith Community
Our parishes have teamed up to create a "Welcome Back" weekend celebration now that we can gather as a faith community. Guaranteed fun for the entire family so come out and join your fellow parishioners. Attend one or both days!

When
  • August 7 @ St. Clare after the 4:00pm Mass
  • August 8 @ St. Thomas after the 11:15am Mass

What
  • Tents, tables, chairs will be provided
  • The grills will be cooking up some of your favorites along with side dishes and desserts
  • Each parishioner will receive 2 free drink tickets
  • Additional beer, soda, water will be available for purchase
  • DJ will provide a variety of music Saturday night at St. Clare
  • Live music will be provided Sunday afternoon at St. Thomas
  • A few special games will be available for kids and adults
What else you ask????
The inaugural St. Clare/St. Thomas Cow Pie Bingo raffle is now open. The winners will be decided on August 8 so get your tickets while they last. Tickets can be purchased online at the St. Clare or St. Thomas website. Go to the donate page and select the Cow Pie option. If you are not comfortable using technology send an email to:
or

Tickets will be $25 each and we will sell two sets of 200 tickets. If you are new to Cow Pie bingo, a grid of 200 squares is painted within a fenced in area. Each square is randomly assigned to a ticket holder for each of the two games. A ticket holder has a 1 in 200 chance of winning the grand prize.

(NOTE: If you buy a ticket from both St. Clare and St. Thomas you will be included in both games. )

If the cow pies directly on your square, you win $1000. The four touching squares win $250 each. (We will have a set of winners for St. Clare and for St. Thomas) All proceeds will be shared between the two parishes.

 Pig Raffle 
We are also bringing back our PIG RAFFLE. John Henrichs, the Henrichs Family and Henrichs Quality Meats & Show Pigs have generously donated a pig to raffle off. The Knights of Columbus have also stepped in and will cover the processing costs.
 
Thank you!!!!!
 
Tickets are $5 a piece or 5 for $20 for a chance at 1/2 pig, fully processed. We will raffle off two winners. Please go to the St. Thomas or St. Clare website and click on the donate page. You will be able to electronically enter the raffle by selecting the "Pig Raffle" button. Just enter a few pieces of information if you are not registered and provide a credit/debit card or account number. It's that simple and completely safe. The system will let us know your name, the number of tickets you purchased and track your payment. We will write your name on the number of tickets you purchase and put them in the raffle bin. If you wish to enter the raffle but really don't feel comfortable using technology, send an email to
or
 
Drawing will be held on August 7 for the first 1/2 and August 8 for the second 1/2.

The Archdiocese released a new COVID Comeback matrix on May 20. Many changes. See below
This Weekend's Mass Worship Aid
WHAT A WONDERFUL MOVIE NIGHT

Although our first Outdoor Movie Night had rain clouds hovering directly over the St. Thomas courtyard, this did not stop us from showing up or watching the movie. Full speed ahead to the gym was the consensus. Each person willingly hauling projector, electrical cords, speakers, blowup screen, popcorn, chips, licorice, and chairs. We really made the best of it. What a perfect learning experience as we refined our techniques so much, we are equipped with some pro tips on everything you need to know for an outdoor movie night especially if it rains. 

We might not have a real pause button for life, but we found our pause button from the rain in the gym. 

Our hope is to host another movie night featuring a blockbuster that will have you escaping under the stars with a big bowl of popcorn, in front of the big screen soon. Thank you to all who participated and helped make it a successful event!  
St. Clare Pastoral Council
May 26, 2021
Meeting Summary
Committee Reports:
 
Christian Women: Gifts for altar servers who are graduating will be given at Baccalaureate Mass June 5/6. Christian Women will be providing the sides and desserts for the August 7 Welcome Back event.
Men's Society: Golf outing sponsorship is going well. The outing is August 28th. Men's Society will be providing and grilling the meat for the August 7 Welcome Back event, as well as beverages.
 
Finance Council: 2021-2022 budget has been submitted to the Archdiocese, which is projected to be a deficit. Planning for fundraising events will take place for the new fiscal year.
 
Buildings and Grounds: The committee is in the process of obtaining bids for major repairs and regrading to stave off flooding that had taken place in the past.
 
Human Concerns: The rosebud program, through Elizabeth Ministry, has been initiated. A display is set up in church and people are encouraged to write prayer intentions for those suffering from miscarriage, infertility, loss of a child.
 
Faith Formation: Family religious ed in the new year will be held Sunday morning at St. Clare, Sunday and Wednesday evenings at St. Thomas. Confirmation is scheduled for March 13, 2022.
 
Prayer and Worship: With Covid restrictions lifting, the changes to communion, offertory and seating were discussed. Joan Dibb and Margo Roslawski will be responsible for scheduling lectors as Chris Czysz will be stepping down after many years of dedicated service.
 
Stewardship: Members are needed to start this important ministry. The goal for this new committee is to begin looking at how new parishioners are welcomed to St. Clare.
 
New Business:
 
Welcome Back Event: August 7 at St. Clare; August 8 at St. Thomas. All proceeds from the pig raffle and cow pie bingo will be split between the two parishes.
 
Discernment for new Pastoral Council members: June 23rd 6:30pm in the church.
 
Joint St. Clare and St. Thomas Pastoral Councils meeting Tuesday, July 20, 6:30pm at St. Thomas.
Thank you for your generosity!
There are only a couple weeks left of this fiscal year, and because of your generosity we're closing in on our budget shortfall at St. Clare. Our year ends June 30th. Thank you St. Clare parishioners and our parishioner friends at St. Thomas for your generosity, and for any further contributions. We are so blessed!
We would like to highlight and thank a few of our loyal sponsors in each email.
St. Thomas and St Clare thanks you very much!
A complete list of all our sponsors can be found on our website. Please support them whenever possible
St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Clare of Assisi parishes
Waterford and Wind Lake, WI.