One faith community, two worship sites

LOVE ONE ANOTHER 13 May 2022 Volume 124

May 10, 2022   Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   All throughout the Acts of the Apostles, we are presented with the disciples of Jesus being attacked for their profession of the faith. At times they were imprisoned, flogged, and publicly ridiculed. But whenever the persecution ended, the Apostles and disciples walked away, proclaiming that they were thankful to God that they had been found worthy of persecution for being faithful witnesses to Jesus Christ. They said, again and again, that they must do what God wants and not what man demands.   This last Sunday was Good Shepherd Sunday. The Good Shepherd guides and protects the sheep. There were pro-abortion groups that publicly targeted Churches and organizations that supported an end to abortion. Specifically, they mentioned the Catholic Church and even threatened the desecration of the Eucharist. I could not help but feel the connection to the early Apostolic tradition when the teaching of the faith and the profession of Jesus Christ led to persecution. Yet the faithful were proud to be identified with Jesus and His teachings.   The Catholic Church has been consistent in the defense of the life of the unborn. “No greater love has any than to lay down one’s life for a friend.” The person of Jesus gives us a connection to one another “for I no longer call you a slave but a friend.”   We are horrified by the War in Ukraine that we view nightly on our televisions. We witness the destruction of innocent human life, rightfully appalled by the children who are senselessly killed. Since Roe v. Wade, there have been over 63 million abortions in this country alone. It’s hard to imagine the hardness of heart it must take to consistently take human life.   We speak about the treatment of children and create laws about abuse, realizing that they must be protected because of their vulnerability. Yet a decision issued in 1973 has done more damage to the future of our country than any abuse and destroyed more lives than all wars combined. No society can stand for long if codified in its law is support of the destruction of life. I remember a young person at the Right to Life March in Washington, D.C. addressing the crowd, stating that he was a survivor of the Roe v. Wade decision. He is here today because his mother realized he needed her protection.   We do not know exactly what the decision will be when the Supreme Court finally rules on the Mississippi Case, but we do know that we will always be pro-life because of the teachings of our Church. Despite our critics, we will be pro-women, understanding their role in the Divine Plan for creation. We must work always to make sure women understand they have options that allow them to support the life of their child they bear.   We must also pray to change the minds and hearts of our society, so that life is affirmed from conception to natural death. As we are vilified by our critics like the Apostles, let us be proud that God has seen fit for us to stand for life and profess our faith to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.   Sincerely,   Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki Archbishop of Milwaukee

May 14 and 15 Worship Aid

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Mini-Ministry Fair May 21-22 Are you able to share your time and talent with St. Thomas? During this time of the year, St. Thomas looks for passionate and giving people to serve on our Pastoral or Finance councils or as a trustee. These leadership groups help set the direction for our parish now and for the future. During the Mini-Ministry fair on May 21-22, we will showcase these ministries. Members from each group will be available to answer questions and share their experiences. We encourage you to nominate yourself or a fellow parishioner for one of these ministries. We will request nominations over the next few weeks, starting at the Mini-Ministry Fair. We have several positions to fill for both councils. We also have a trustee position available as Jim Pindel has reached the end of his term. We THANK JIM for his dedication and leadership through these last few years. THANK YOU JIM!!! Please stop by and consider nominating yourself or someone who you know would be an asset for St. Thomas. We will also showcase the St. Thomas Country Fair during the Mini-Ministry fair. We will be selling Cow Pie Bingo tickets as well as Wine and Beer tasting tickets. It is also New Member Registration weekend. Stop by and learn more. Finally, we desperately need more volunteers for the Country Fair. Information will be available for areas where we really need help! Please stop by next weekend See you there

An anonymous donor has graciously offered to provide a box of girl scout cookies to everyone who gives blood at the May drive so sign up soon!

St Thomas Volunteer Recognition Event Save the Date On Thursday June 2, 2022, during the St. Thomas Country Fair, the parish wishes to recognize all of our volunteers for their efforts in supporting our parish. If you volunteered at any time in the last year for any event, the St. Thomas Country Fair committee will be providing a free dinner and drink ticket for all parish volunteers as a small token of our appreciation. We will also have a nice door prize to present to a lucky winner. Meal and drink tickets will be handed out at St. Thomas after each Mass during the mini-ministry fair the weekend of May 21-22. You can also stop by the parish office and pick up your tickets during normal business hours during the month of May. All volunteers are invited! Please be sure to stop by and pick up your tickets in advance of the fair. Thank you for all you do at St. Thomas

St Thomas Country Fair Needs Your Help   We are in need of auction item donations. Items that are creative, fun and unique always generate excitement. New items only please. Cash donations are also greatly appreciated. Get some friends together and create a basket full of your favorite selections. Sporting event tickets! Gift Certificates! Big or small, we can combine with other items so please consider donating. Contact Kathy Weinkauf at 262-716-1939 if you have a donation or a question. We also need help in selling our Grand Raffle tickets. Over $10,000 in prizes will be given away. Please consider picking up a few tickets in the St. Thomas Gathering Space. Finally, hundreds of volunteers are needed over the 4 day event to make our fair a success. Please consider signing up for a shift or two. We have jobs for all ages and abilities. Click on the link below or contact Blaise Beaulier at 262-598-6515 with any questions. Volunteer with the button below and thank you in advance for your help! Tuesday setup Thursday activities Friday activities Saturday activities Sunday activities Baby Bottle Fundraiser This is the second week of our Baby Bottle Fundraiser for Life’s Connection located in Mukwonago & Waukesha. If you missed your opportunity last week you can pick up a bottle from the Narthex at St. Clare or Gathering Space at St. Thomas. Simply fill the bottle with your spare change, cash or checks made to Life’s Connection.  Your generosity helps Life’s Connection continue to serve its 2,200 families each year. Please bring your baby bottle back next weekend. It is that easy to give support to families in need right here in our own community.  Please click here to watch videos of Life's Connection and the work they do

The annual STA Robran’s Plant Sale begins on Wednesday, May 11th and runs through Tuesday, May 17th. Simply mention St. Thomas when you check out and a percentage of your sale will be donated to St. Thomas. Planting weather is finally here! It’s finally warm enough to plant flowers and veggies. Robran’s has a large variety of plants & vegetables to chose from. We appreciate the generous support that Robran’s has given STA for many years! Please support your local community. Hours: At the farm, 7701 Marsh Road, Waterford Sunday 11AM TO 5 PM Mon - Sat: 8AM to 5PM In Waterford, HWY 20/River Road Sunday: 11AM to 4PM Mon-Sat: 9AM to 4PM

St. Thomas Kitchen in the Gathering Space   The Christian Women have done some serious spring cleaning in the kitchen and closet. The kitchen cabinets have been reorganized and relabeled. There are also new dishes and utensils for our use. The goal is to avoid wasteful use of Styrofoam and to provide a nicer offering to parishioners and guests. Additionally, the closet in the alcove beside the oval table has been organized for storage of your group’s event items. There is a shelf labeled “Hospitality Items” available for collecting items in advance of your event. Please use it rather than the kitchen counters. And take any leftovers home with you afterward.   The kitchen looks like new! Let us all enjoy it, and keep it that way.

Food Service Preschool Cook Under the direction of the Preschool Director, the Food Service Cook is responsible for the daily operations of the hot lunch program. This includes, but is not limited to, food preparation, serving lunches, management of the food service, conformance of food quality, nutrition and productivity standards. Team participation and exhibiting a positive, collaborative skill set is essential.   Some duties include: Insure food service operations are established within budgetary guidelines Follow proper receiving, storage, and preparation techniques to insure that all food items are maintained at a high quality until consumed  Plan, implement, and review all lunch/snack menus based on USDA CACFP nutrition standards Adjusts menus for children with special dietary needs  Part-time position (approximately 15 hrs week) during school year only (summers off!) To Apply Please send resume to Erika Rondeau at erondeau@saintthomaswaterford.org Phone 262-534-2265 ext. 221

Pope Francis Wants Your Opinion   Over the coming months, Catholics from around the world will be participating in a worldwide Synod, or consultation process. Lend your voice to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's response to Pope Francis' Synod on Synodality! What would you like the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and Pope Francis to know? Click the link below and provide your input via a short survey.

Click here to send feedback to Pope Francis

Register here for all entering 3rd thru 5th grade in Fall 2022

Volunteer here

Wind and Water Senior Movies 2022 Tuesday, May 24th | 1 PM St. Clare’s Holy Family Hall   Join us for the viewing of, "Wonder," starring Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson. Based on the inspiring story of the Pullman family and a boy with severe facial differences. Upon entering elementary school, he begins his extraordinary journey to prove that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.   All are welcome!

CLICK HERE for the Wind & Water Senior Program May 2022 calendar.

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