One faith community, two worship sites
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
02 April 2021 Volume 66
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Early on Easter morning, three women go to the tomb of Jesus to anoint His body, per Jewish custom. Approaching the tomb, they discuss the dilemma of rolling back the large stone that covers the entrance, for it is too heavy for them to move. It is at this moment that they realize the stone has been rolled away and, upon entering the tomb, Jesus’ body is nowhere to be found. Rather, an angel greets them with the instruction, “Do not be amazed!” Jesus had risen just as He had foretold. (Mark 16:1-7)

How often during this past year have we discussed with one another our human frailty amid the heavy burdens that confront us? Like the three women, we continue with our daily responsibilities amid uncertainty, doubt, and confusion. If this past year has taught us anything, a lesson may be that we have less control over our lives and the successes we seek than we once thought. Rather than depress or frustrate us, this realization should be a consolation to all those who celebrate the Resurrection.

It was precisely in this moment of the recognition of weakness that the glory of God was made manifest. While the women entered the empty tomb in sheer amazement, the heavenly being reminded them, “Do not be amazed!” What is burdensome, overwhelming, destructive, and even deadly for humans, is conquered by Christ. God has promised to save us, and Christ has surely risen from the dead. Do not be amazed!

What the angel is instructing the women – and all of us now – is to believe that God is faithful. Every worry of the human heart comes from a lack of trust in God’s faithfulness. During Lent, we may have profoundly experienced these worries as we tried to let go of the behaviors or treasures we cling to for security and comfort. At Easter, we rejoice in the event of God’s faithfulness that destroys the fears, even the ultimate fear of death, forever. Rather than be amazed, or in disbelief of the saving power of God, we are called to rejoice in His faithfulness and love for us.

I invite you to ponder the reading from Isaiah 54 that was read at the Easter Vigil. We hear the Lord say:
  • Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, my love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the LORD, who has mercy on you…
  • All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. In justice shall you be established, far from the fear of oppression, where destruction cannot come near you. (Is 54:10-14)

In the many ways we have all been challenged, confounded, or wounded this past year, I ask you to bring these burdens to the empty tomb. Together with the women, encounter the glory of God’s faithfulness and let your heart rejoice in His mercy and love for you. His love will never leave you. Let us all bring the joy of the Resurrection, which we celebrate at every Mass, to our families and communities.

With a heart full of gratitude for your faithfulness, I am,
Sincerely yours in Christ,

Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki

EASTER 2021
Adoration Changes during Holy Week

There will be no Eucharist Adoration during the day on Holy Thursday, April 1st at St. Thomas. However, there will be Eucharist Adoration after 7:00pm Mass on Holy Thursday at St. Thomas until 10:00pm
LOVE INC. MEAL
 
St. Clare is scheduled to serve the Love Inc. meal on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. There is a sign up book in the narthex. We will meet at church at 1:00 p.m. to prepare and package the meal. We will leave church at 4:30 p.m. for Love Inc. 
 
We are in need of volunteers to serve the meal and have many openings left. 
Walk With Life’s Connection …. Serving your our area every day!
Life’s Connection Introduction 

Last year, St. Thomas parishioners were introduced to Life’s Connection as part of our Elizabeth Ministry. We are a local non-profit pregnancy support center located in Mukwonago and Waukesha, WI.  Our pregnancy center is faith-based and offers free resources to families in need within our community providing hope, help and healing when families need it the most. Resources we offer include counseling, ultra-sounds, miscarriage/stillbirth support, educational classes for pregnancy and parenting, baby essentials such as car seats, pack-n-plays, diapers, clothing and much more. Families who come to us in a time of need are served lovingly through our Learn and Earn Education Program. The classes families take not only educate them but also give them confidence and points to help them earn items their families need.  All of the items we provide to our clients are made possible through generous donors.  Many area churches and parishioners are those donors who support our mission through baby showers and baby bottle fundraisers. Since Life’s Connection opened, we have served over 5,000 families helping them choose life for their baby and being there for them every step of the way.  Since our Pandemic, we have seen an increase of 30% in our community. We hope that St. Thomas will join our mission of providing hope, help and healing to our community.

For more information, please visit www.lifesconnection.org or stop in for a beautiful tour at either of our centers. We will have many inspiring stories to share with you on your tour that may just be the hope you have been looking for.

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.
Our Religious Education Programs

St. Thomas and St. Clare teens encountered the Wisconsin Catholic Youth Rally at Holy Apostles on March 13th. Although the day was more compact than usual with limited seating due to this crazy covid year, we really enjoyed that sacred time together. We heard from young Catholics who are on fire for Jesus. We experienced a transformational Benediction. We had deep conversations about our faith journey and really felt our hearts open to this wonderful experience of the presence of Jesus. Very excited for next year!
Our growing Adult Ed program, really knows how to engage in conversations with each other about our faith, family everyday life. We learn from sharing our experience, strength and hope. Our topic for March touched on making our way through Lent and the roadblocks we encounter. We found we are more addicted to different things than we thought. We shared some simple ways to meet those addictions. These addictions don't always take the form of alcohol or drugs. They can be too much screen time, social media, poor eating habits, or self criticism. Replacing these behaviors with healthier ones and having an accountability partner is ideal. 
Junior Retreat Theme "I Can Only Imagine" We gathered early March to embrace our dreams of change, forgiveness and healed relationships. We explored our own desires and what God desires for us. We even opened love letters from our parents and family. We enjoyed a safe fun time together.
New Matrix!!!

The Archdiocese published a new matrix. Click below to see the new directives.
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.