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LOVE ONE ANOTHER 10 December 2021 Volume 102

December 7, 2021   Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   As a boy growing up in the Catholic school system, Dec. 7th was always the day before the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the United States of America. It was a Holy Day of Obligation and as a feast day, a day off from school was anticipated. However, the prayer that would begin our classes reflected the sentiments of the religious sisters, our teachers, many of whom were young girls on Dec. 7, 1941, and how their memories shaped them in a significant way. In my home and the larger community, Dec. 7, 1941, was tagged the “Day which will live in infamy.” This was the very brief but impactful speech delivered by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt after the surprise attack by the Imperial Japanese Naval aircraft on the American base on Pearl Harbor.   My parents, aunts and uncles observed the day by remembering that this was the moment that brought the United States of America into World War II. My father and uncles would all proudly wear the uniforms of the country and separate from family and friends for years to engage in battles in Europe and the Islands of the Pacific. It was also a remembrance of those who paid the ultimate price. In my family, there was a man my aunt was planning to marry who died as a sailor aboard ship in a naval battle. I was too young to have experienced that day, and I only knew of their experience vicariously through the films presented on television and the expression of their feelings. It was easy to determine that this was a life-changing event, and I understood, even as a boy, why this day had such importance.   The event that occurred on Dec. 7, 1941 demanded a response. In some sense, it defined us and our corporate identity, as well as our willingness to stand and protect the sovereignty of our nation. There would be other moments in our more recent history that would be transformative for ourselves as individuals and as a community. Depending upon one’s age, there was the Cuban Missile Crisis (when the world was on the brink of a nuclear war); the John F. Kennedy assassination (the end of Camelot); and of course, there was 9/11 (the burning of the twin towers seared in our memories).   All the events that attack our “national persona” challenge our willingness to defend and stand tall for who we are and what we believe. As time passes, the significance of the experience also diminishes. This is true for all the events that have shaped our collective historical consciousness.   For instance, we can’t possibly know what George Washington and our forefathers were faced with when seeking independence from an all-powerful England, or the problems that faced Abraham Lincoln in fighting to preserve the Union and end slavery. But what they accomplished helped to develop us as a nation and as a people.   It seems that our modern social critics hold a mirror of perfection on past historical figures. I doubt that these so-called critics would possess the same passion to preserve and protect the freedoms that characterized our previous generations; although at times imperfect, they defended and protected us. I pray that future social critics will not condemn us for our wanted disregard for the life in the womb and the killing of tens of millions of the unborn; the trillions of dollars in debt imposed on future generations; and our silence in the face of the erosion and surrender of religious liberties and our freedom of speech.   We can and do learn from our imperfect collective experiences if we always seek to do our best to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.   Sincerely,   Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki Archbishop of Milwaukee

This Weekend's Mass Worship Aid

Click here for the Dec. 11-12 Worship Aid

Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin   Lessons and Carols   Friday, December 17, 2021, 7:00 PM St. Thomas Aquinas Church 305 S. 1st St. Waterford, WI   The Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin will make its long-anticipated return to in-person concerts with its perennial favorite, Lessons and Carols: December 17th at 7:00 p.m. in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Waterford. Audiences return year after year for the joy, wonder, and peace of the Christmas story and music. All are warmly invited to these beautiful venues to listen, sing along, and share fellowship in this season of hope and love.   The audience will be treated to inspirational music including familiar carols such as “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” jazz‑inspired “Evening Prayer” by popular contemporary composer Ola Gjeilo featuring Patricia Backhaus and Patricia Badger on trumpet, and an ethereal setting of William Blake’s poem, “The Lamb” by British composer John Tavener. The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols had its Kings College, Cambridge, premiere in 1818, and has become a beloved tradition worldwide.   The Choral Arts Society is looking forward to welcoming audiences while keeping health and safety a top priority. To that end, we have developed these policies and protocols: All, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask (covering mouth and nose) throughout the building. Distancing should be maintained. Hand sanitizer will be available. Anyone experiencing symptoms or recently exposed to Covid-19 should not attend. Vaccination, or a recent negative Covid-19 test, is strongly encouraged.   The Choral Arts Society is a volunteer, auditioned community chorus. CAS celebrates the human spirit through choral music. In an atmosphere of fellowship and collaboration, the CAS fosters the creative talents of musicians and composers. The CAS partners with others who share our passion for artistic excellence. Please visit www.choralartsonline.org   Tickets: Adults $15 in advance/$17 at the door, Seniors $12 in advance/$14 at the door, Students $5. Advance tickets available at Personal Touch Florists in Racine at 5445 Spring St., or online at www.choralartsonline.org, or at the door. Contact the CAS by Email at admin@choralartsonline.org or call 262-634-3250

Click here to help at the homeless shelter

Come join our team St. Clare Administrative Assistant  Part-time, 20 hours/week Preferred hours are Tuesday - Friday mornings with flexibility. For more information contact: Julie Boulware at julieboulware.stclare@gmail.com or visit the job posting on the Archdiocese of Milwaukee website (archmil.org)

Mission Trips are Back  We have an opportunity for you!   Over the years, our mission trips have been extremely impactful and enjoyable learning opportunities for the youth of our parishes. Students are exposed to different parts of the country as well as different cultures. They serve others in need, pray and build friendships. We are looking for sponsors to help ease the cost for our High School students who will travel to Knoxville, TN in the summer of 2022. The cost for one student to attend this mission trip is $700 but any donation amount, big or small, will help all students experience this amazing opportunity. We are grateful for any donations!  Checks can be dropped off at the St. Clare or St. Thomas parish office or simply write mission trip donation on your check and place it in the collection basket at Mass. Please be sure to include your name.   We will be inviting all our Donors for an Appreciation Dinner in late summer. Students will be sharing their experience with you.  Thank you

Caregiver Needed Caregiver (part-time, Burlington, WI): Attends to the physical, nutritional, safety, social and emotional comfort of its religious order of men by providing direct patient care consistent with their comprehensive care plan and assessments. They work under the guidance and direction of an R.N to protect the rights and safety of residents and help the facility function smoothly, observe and collect data and perform all duties as assigned to provide care to residents. This position has housekeeping duties such as cleaning bedrooms, living areas and laundry. Must be available evenings and every other weekend. Prior experience in a skilled nursing facility preferred. For more information please contact Bro. Craig Wilking (262) 763-3241 X123/124.

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St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Clare of Assisi parishes Waterford and Wind Lake, WI.