One faith community, two worship sites
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
30 April 2021 Volume 70
April 27, 2021
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
I have noticed that as we battle to return to some normalcy during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are certain aspects of life that we need to address. Of course, our first priority was an attempt to discover a vaccine and/or treatment for the coronavirus as quickly as possible. We needed to address overcrowded hospitals and health care facilities to ease the pressures on our front-line health care workers. Discovering a vaccine became a national priority. 
 
Understandably, attention to biological aspects of the pandemic would bring us some hope of returning to a normal routine. A vaccine would bring us some sense of safety and allow us to emerge from our national self-imposed isolation. As we start to approach 50 percent of the population vaccinated, I can detect individuals beginning to journey back to the workplace, to restaurants, and some public gatherings.
       
However, biology is only one aspect of human nature. I have stated this in the past, but I believe that as a priest and bishop, I am encountering the psychological aspect of the human construct with much more frequency. The emotional impact of the isolation, fear, and uncertainty, which the pandemic imposed on our families, friends, and communities, manifests the psychological aspect more profoundly. As a society, we have not properly addressed the effects of isolation and anxieties that have taken a toll on our relationships. During this pandemic, we have been separated from the very people who support and nourish our wellbeing. In some instances, we were even separated from our loved ones who died in loneliness or who suffered without the consolation of family members or friends. Some have been subjected to over-interaction with family members, leading to tension in the home without the natural separation that occurs with attending work or school.
 
Many people are in front of screens for 7 or 8 hours a day. As much of a blessing technology is for staying connected, it is not a replacement for face-to-face or in-person contact. We have not discussed the physical outbursts in families or the depression that accompanies much of the uncertainty, all of which stems from the pandemic experience. Now, as we begin to interact again, I believe that we must be sensitive to those who have been psychologically wounded by this pandemic.
 
Many people may not even be able to articulate why they feel the way they feel, but as family and friends, we can be a sounding board, allowing them to express whatever feelings they are encountering. I am told that the demands on counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists have increased tremendously during this pandemic. We must realize that it will take some time to achieve our emotional equilibrium. We can be of assistance in this process if we are aware of the need for patience and understanding with family members and friends. We must always address the whole person, understanding that the psychological aspect of our nature also needs our attention to achieve stability.

The last aspect for our consideration is the spiritual life. The aspect of spirituality has also suffered during the pandemic in the inability to take comfort in faith/service gatherings and the ability to pray with neighbors. Research studies maintain that individuals who attend religious services are remarkably much more satisfied with their lives than their secular counterparts who do not practice a religion. This makes sense because God directs our lives and calls forth trust in His love and mercy.
 
Many have told me of the tremendous feeling of satisfaction in their return to the Eucharist. One person said that it felt like receiving their First Holy Communion all over again. Uniting with Jesus in the Eucharist invites our Lord and Savior to be one with us during these moments of fear, depression, and uncertainties, and to know that the power of His love is given to us. It is our responsibility to take this love, with patience and understanding, to truly LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 
       
Sincerely,
 
Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
This Weekend's Mass Worship Aid
Can we help?

Can we help with any outdoor projects such as yard clean-up, weeding, garage organizing, planting flowers, etc?? We are in need of a few jobs in the coming weeks to gain some experience since this is new to us. We will also have a high school mission trip in our St. Clare and St. Thomas community the week of July 5 thru 9 and will be looking for a number of projects for our youth to participate in during that week. Love Begins Here is a new initiative by the Archdiocese and we are hosting one of their first local mission trip programs for teens.  

We need to keep the jobs outdoors due to COVID restrictions. If you are unable to complete yard work or need assistance, please contact one of the parish offices or click the link below to sign-up. Projects will be considered once we match the teens to fill the type of service work needed. Although we can't make any promises, we need to begin creating a list of potential sites to keep our mission teens busy!  
One of Our Own

Earlier this week, the work of one of our St. Thomas parishioners was unveiled at two art exhibits. Frank Korb taught art for years in our community and touched the lives of many students with his humor and talent. If your student attended one of Frank's classes, you felt the positive impact he had on them. Frank has always been generous with his talent and created a beautiful rendering of the original St. Thomas church several years ago. A copy hangs in the rectory today.

If you are looking for a family activity, consider visiting one of the galleries to view some of Frank's work.

The Bluemoon show is open on weekends from 1pm - 4pm. The address is 18620 Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 and runs through May 9. 

The Gallery B show runs through May 24 and the hours are 12pm - 6pm. The address is 7700 Wisconsin Ave E, Bethesda MD 20814.

Well done Frank!!!!
March Month-end Financials
 
Outlined below are the most current financials. We thank all our parishioners for being so generous and giving. Thank you for your ongoing support.
 
As a reminder, both St. Clare and St. Thomas have online giving options for your convenience. If you are interested in a one time donation or reoccurring donations, you can do either easily. Just log into the St. Clare or St. Thomas website and select the DONATE button at the top of the page. It's quick and easy!! 
Walk With Life’s Connection …. Serving your our area every day!
Life’s Connection Baby Envelope
Fundraiser Opportunity

Our Baby Envelope Fundraiser for Life’s Connection starts TODAY! Do you have a few extra dollars to give? Your investment impacts the lives of women facing unintended pregnancy, families who face a loss due to miscarriage or stillbirth and families in crisis. 

Life’s Connection’s two locations in Mukwonago and Waukesha serve over 1,700 families a year and the funds go directly towards providing medical services, education and mentoring the families. During our Pandemic we have seen a 30% increase in families needing help. Can you stand with us by picking up an envelope in the back of church. Fill out the envelope with cash or check made to Life’s Connection. Please mail the envelope directly to Life’s Connection. You are helping us to change hearts, save souls and lend support to those who need us most. 
 
For more information, please visit
 or stop in for a beautiful tour at either of our centers.
We will have more inspiring stories to share with you.
 
Mukwonago – 307 S Rochester Street
Waukesha – 494 W Main Street
 
If you would like to support our mission you can safely give on-line at https://www.lcmission.com/donate.html or you can mail your support to one of our centers. We invite you to take a tour of our centers so you can experience the wonderful resources that are available to those in need in our community. Thank you for considering supporting our mission.
Preschool Earth Day

St. Thomas Preschoolers had an awesome week talking about and celebrating Earth Week. They learned about recycling, compost, waste, and all the little things they can do to make a difference. Students made pinecone bird feeders, worked in their garden, picked up litter, watched an Earth day video, and read The Earth Gives More and I Can Save the Earth. They came up with some cool ideas to save the earth and even went on an Earth Day scavenger hunt! The kids were all in:)

The Archdiocese released a new COVID Comeback matrix on April 28. Many changes. See below
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.