Lifelong Faith Formation Connections


From the heart of our Pastoral Associate...Dr. Kathie Amidei
Inspired by Love

"Sometimes people come into your life for a moment, a day, or a lifetime. It matters not the time they spend with you but how they impacted your life in that time." (Unknown)

I got to know Angie Flanagan when she became interested in how we welcome our babies in Baptism. We developed a more personal process and have implemented it ever since. That initial experience was pretty much a paradigm for the many ways Angie has contributed to our faith family. She has a gift for taking opportunities and making them memorable, for taking an idea and transforming it into something beautiful, for knowing what is important and pouring her heart into it for the benefit of others.
Angie has been part of the Faith Formation staff for five years and a generous volunteer for both the school and parish for many more. Recently, she has taken a wonderful position at Catholic Memorial High School, and while we are happy she will continue to be part of the parish, she will no longer be on staff with us.
We wish to express our gratitude for her generosity, care, creativity, hard work, and most especially for how she has loved us. This newsletter is an example of how Angie takes a project and with endless patience, kindness and competency, makes something meaningful and beautiful.
My favorite story about how much Angie cares occurred on a women's retreat at which we planned an elaborate craft. Part of the "fun" of it was that they would leave their semi-finished weaving, and overnight as a "surprise," we would magically glue them onto a jar, transforming their messy weavings into something beautiful! Everyone went to bed about midnight, and we began the "transforming." I projected it would take an hour...
At 3:30 am, we ran out of glue for the glue gun needed to finish the project. Angie insisted on driving home for more glue sticks. At 5:00 am, she asked me to please stop "helping" her. I am pretty sure she didn't sleep at all. When the women returned in the morning, each was greeted with their project beautifully transformed.
I am always inspired by someone who loves but does not count the cost! I am positive that I am not the only one whose life Angie has impacted. That has been a gift. And for this, I am deeply grateful
A response from Angie...
Thank you, Kathie. It is far too seldom that we get to hear such words this side of heaven. It is humbling to read, and tears wash over me. This has been a very difficult decision and one I'm still not sure why, but as in all things, I'm trying to trust in God's plan for me at this time. It is with a grateful heart, that I respond thank YOU and thank St. Anthony for the many opportunities to grow, explore and share. As far as asking her to go to sleep, I thought it best if at least one of us was functioning in the morning :-),
Although I will not be working here, this is my spiritual home and I promise to not be a stranger. I will continue to be at Mass, as well as participate in, support and volunteer for the many valuable programs as much as possible. I would not be the person I am today without you, Kathie, this parish, and its amazing community. It's I who have been blessed by all of you. 
FAMILY PROGRAM
Family Program begins again September 23 & 24. Do you have our start date on your calendar?  


Wondering what family program is or if it's for you?


Who might you invite?
 
MOMS GROUP begins Tuesdays, Sept. 4.
9:30-11am. 
Childcare is provided, please preregister with Kathie Paro so we can have adequate childcare providers present. Infants are welcome to stay with mom. Join this community of mothers as we laugh with, learn from and support one another on the journey of our vocations as mothers. 

If you have questions or want to let us know to expect you, please contact Julie.


Molly Ministry Planning Meeting: Share your ideas on building community among families with our preschool and younger parishioners. Children are welcome to join us Sept. 10 from 9:30-11:00 in the childcare room while we plan for future events. We meet once a month.  New moms are always welcome!
 
Guardians and Angels Playgroup~Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:00.    The first session is Sept. 12 in the childcare room.  Sessions include songs, stories, and crafts along with time for free play and a snack.  Children are welcome to participate at their own level with a parent or guardian.
 
Watch for dates on Field Trip Outings and Mom's Night Out coming soon!
 

We apologize, childcare is not offered during these sessions, the focus will be on parenting children in middle school and high school.
Alpha is returning to St. Anthony this Fall


Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone's welcome. It runs in cafés, churches, universities, homes-you name it. No two Alphas look the same, but generally they have three key things in common: food, a talk and good conversation.

Learn more about the adventure this fall! 
Make a Difference
Who will you share your faith with? Catechists are imperative and still needed!
In the Bible, God reminds his people to remember the wonderful things God has done for them, and to "make them known to your children and your children's children." The great commandment to know and love God is found in verses 4 & 5 of Chapter 6 in the Book of Deuteronomy. Do you know what follows? Verse 6 and 7 say, "Take to heart these words. . . Keep repeating them to your children. . . "

This command is at the heart of our faith formation programs for children and youth. We know it is up to us to share the stories of God, and tell of our relationship with God, to the next generation.

We cannot do that without Catechists; adults who are willing to invest time in creating relationships with the next generation, reminding them of the greatness of God and of God's incredible love and care.

Are you called to be a catechist? Please contact the faith formation office to explore how the needs of our children and youth might intersect with the gifts and talents God has given you!
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children's Liturgy of The Word begins on Sunday, September 9, during the 9:00 Mass. Helpers are needed! Adult volunteers, as well as middle school and high school students can sign up here and pick a Sunday (or two or more) that works for you, to help the leader and the children. It's a great service opportunity! Please contact Debbie Kusch if you have any questions.
THANK YOU!

 
Be a Gift Bearer,  Sign up here

Altar servers needed;  Sign up here





The Hope Center Meal - October 3rd
Families with children in the 5th grade and up are invited to provide food and serve dinner to low-income families at the Hope Center in Waukesha. This is a great way to volunteer together as a family or for teens to get service hours! Sign up here.

Despensa de la Paz Food Pantry - October 13th
Join us to help out at a food pantry in Milwaukee, sorting food and helping those in need! Come as a family or on your own. All are welcome!
8:30-9 Orientation / 9-10 Prep Food Pantry / 10-12 Food Pantry Open / 12-1 Clean Up
This is a new activity for our FaithWorks committee this year-- sign up  and come check it out!
Memorabilia
Have you had a chance to check out our beautiful display from our 100th Anniversary Celebration? Memorabilia from the past, including First Communion Banners from the 1990's. You may spot yours or someone you know! They can be found in the hallway just outside the Faith Formation Offices.

Molly Ministry/Early Childhood
Volunteers are needed to help care for our little ones during Masses. Sign up here.

Want to help us welcome our children being baptized and their families? Be a Baptism Hospitality Minister. There ia a sign up genius that is sent out to a pool of people, and you sign up when you are able to help. Training is available. Contact Kathy Paro or Debbie Klimko.



INSPIRATION

Guided by Saints - Who is St. Mary Magdalene?
Guided by Saints - Who is St. Mary Magdalene?
With Fr. Tony Zimmer and Al McCauley

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Ever wonder what the Schoenstadt Center is, so close to us, off of Northview Road?
Read about it in the Catholic Herald.

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