One faith community, two worship sites
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
23 April 2021 Volume 69
April 20, 2021
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Last Tuesday night, friends gathered to share testimonies to Catholic Education. Cardinals James Harvey and Timothy Dolan, Bishop Donald Hying, and I reminisced of our Catholic school days. I could not help but reflect on the wonderful friendships that have been created through our mutual love for the Church. Our common experiences drew us together and created a bond that was cemented by our personal friendship in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even Portia Young, our program host, resonated with our experiences, even though she is much younger.
 
We are so blessed to have the gift of the Church. I think of the wonderful people and friendships that have enriched my life. My age is probably forcing me to look back with greater consistency, but in doing so, I see God’s hand in the work entrusted to me. Cardinal Dolan and I go back a few years. We were ordained bishops by St. John Paul II only six months apart. We proudly claim that we are John Paul II bishops.
 
I believe that we were most blessed to have Cardinal Dolan’s direction in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for seven years. He led the Archdiocese during some trying times and his faith and personality kept spirits high and created an environment of hope. He was the Metropolitan when I was in La Crosse, and I observed his care for the clergy and laity. You cannot picture Cardinal Dolan without a smile, which depicts his confidence in the Church and training as a Church historian.
 
Several times during the program, it was said that no one loves the Archdiocese more than James Cardinal Harvey. I knew Fr. Harvey when I was studying in Rome in 1979, but we did not become friends until my ordination to the episcopate. Cardinal Harvey was part of the papal household and later directed the affairs of two popes, St. John Paul II (who made Cardinal Harvey a bishop and archbishop) and Pope Benedict (who made him a Cardinal).
 
After my appointment to Milwaukee in 2010, I became acutely aware of Cardinal Harvey’s love for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Many times, the interest of a priest who serves the larger Church for years diminishes his knowledge of his home diocese. I was amazed at the knowledge of all things Milwaukee by Cardinal Harvey. I can tell you that my knowledge of Milwaukee comes from Fr. Steve Avella’s two-volume history, Fr. James Lobacz’s anecdotal stories, and the extensive memory of Cardinal Harvey. Every summer upon his return home, I receive his historical tutorial. He has become a dear friend and a major supporter of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
 
The new bishop of Madison is no stranger to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He is the former auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese and has developed and used his talents for the good of the Church. Bishop Hying would joke that he fulfilled one of my wishes as an Archbishop, which was to ordain a bishop. He was appointed a bishop by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011. I have since ordained three other bishops: Jeff Haines, James Schuerman, and James Powers, the bishop of Superior.
 
I lamented when Bishop Hying was appointed to Gary, Indiana. We formed a great working relationship and true friendship, and I knew that this talented bishop would soon have his own diocese. I am so glad that he has returned to Wisconsin. His connections to the Archdiocese have never ceased and he attempts, with a generous heart, to fulfill various requests for his spiritual insights that I know make a demand on his limited time.
 
I first met Portia Young at a Catholic Schools dinner when I was appointed as the Archbishop of Milwaukee. A talented media celebrity, it was obvious to me that Portia was a dedicated Catholic, willing to assist the Church in its needs. I have since encountered Portia several times as a true servant leader. Her children attend Catholic school, and she continues to be a source of support for the Church.
 
I reflect on these four wonderful examples of friends created by our love for the Church and our desire to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.   
              
Sincerely,
 
Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
It's National Volunteer Week and we recognize and celebrate the wonderful people who have volunteered their time, talents, and treasures to our Faith Community. In thanksgiving and gratitude, let us take a moment to pray for all our volunteers.

Loving Father,
You taught us the importance of service through the many examples set by your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the works of the Holy Spirit and the grace poured out by you, these wonderful people have heard your call to do great and wonderful things for our Faith Community. May you continue to care for our volunteers and may you shower them with love and many blessings.

Amen
Important Changes for Attending Mass

It is no longer necessary to register for Mass in advance. Social distancing is still required and certain pews will remain closed at this time. We encourage everyone to be mindful of others and keep a safe distance when attending Mass.

Masks remain a best practice and we encourage continued use during the services.

Thank you to all our parishioners for helping to ensure the safety of everyone during these unusual times. We are very blessed to have such amazing parishioners!!!!

Thank you
As you may or may not be aware, each Parish has a donation goal for the Catholic Stewardship Appeal. Both St. Thomas and St. Clare have been extremely generous in working to meet our goal each year. Although the 2021 campaign kicked off only 2 months ago, we have already achieved half of our goal amount. Please consider donating if you are able. There are many wonderful ministries that benefit from your generosity.

Thank you
Walk With Life’s Connection …. Serving your our area every day!

Life’s Connection and Mothers
 
Mother’s Day is a time we remember not only our own mothers who have nurtured and guided us with selfless love, but also a time we remember our Blessed Virgin Mary. She is the greatest of all Saints and the Mother of Jesus. Mary needed reassurance at times, too, just like we all do. 
 
Life’s Connection is a resource in our community that offers mothers a caring listening ear. We will walk with each person who comes to us and guide them in a faith-based way for their family. As one mother recently told us, “Life’s Connection is the family I never had. They listened and cared about me when I needed someone the most.” Just as Mary went to Elizabeth, we all need someone in our life who can walk with us, celebrating joys and sorrows with us. After Angel Gabriel visited Mary, she took a long journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth. She didn’t want to be alone and wanted to be somewhere safe. That is exactly what Mary found when she arrived at Elizabeth’s.
 
Life’s Connection is a safe, nurturing place where families come during both joyful and sorrowful times.  Families we have served still come in years later to introduce their newest family members and share their life’s journey. 
 
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.

The Archdiocese COVID Comeback matrix
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.