03/08/2024 | Volume 220

During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer with Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. St. Clare and St. Thomas offers many opportunities for parishioners to participate in this holy season. Every Sunday of Lent, and Holy Thursday, bring non-parishable food items to benefit the food pantries, donations will be brought to the altar at offertory. Fill a penny can or rice bowl, volunteer at a fish fry, the Wild Game dinner or a Love Inc. Meal. Our sacrifices and prayer help us follow Christ's will more faithfully.

The annual Women's Afternoon of Reflection is this weekend, Sunday from 1-3 pm at St. Thomas. The theme is "Essentials in our Faith Life," with speaker Talia Westerby. This is a special mid-Lenten opportunity for all our women. Make a last-minute decision to gift yourself with this prayerful retreat.  There is no cost, but please make a reservation promptly by contacting Rita Pisarski at 262-617-0555 or the parish office at 262-534-2255.

A SMALL STONE

Click below to view personal practices and concepts to deepen your Lenten Journey. In conjuction with these practices, small stones will be available at both St. Clare and St. Thomas for parishioners to carry as a Lenten reminder. 

5 SPIRITUAL EXERCISES FOR LENT

On Wednesday, March 20th, area priests will be available for the sacrament of Reconciliation at 11 parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

VIEW LOCATIONS

LIVE STREAMED MASSES AT ST. THOMAS

Good Friday - 7 PM and Easter Sunday - 8 AM.

Click below to view additional recordings on our YouTube channel.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET

ARCHBISHOP LISTECKI'S UPCOMING RETIREMENT

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Please join Knights Council 8172 in congratulating Julie and Jay Henrich as the St. Thomas Aquinas Parishioners of the Month for March.

Julie and Jay Henrich have a long history with the St Thomas Community and they have been parishioners here since 1975 and 1969, respectively. Julie and Jay were married at St Thomas in 1982, 42 years ago. Their four children were all baptized here at St Thomas, are graduates of St. Thomas grade school and Catholic Central High School.

Now all of their children live west of the Rockies while raising their 9 grandchildren, so travel is a big part of their lives. 

They both have had much success in their business careers, Julie as a retired franchisee and Jay still active in real estate development through out southeast Wisconsin. Jay has served on Parish Council, the building committee and has headed the Finance Council for any, many years in addition to other contributions. Julie has volunteered at St Thomas school & held a position on school board for many years. Julie has coached volleyball, led the food tent efforts for the Country Fair and has been a lector at Mass.

We are fortunate to have Julie and Jay in our community and we would ask that you congratulate them for all their efforts to make St Thomas and the Waterford community a better place.

ST. THOMAS CEMETERY CLEAN UP

Spring is Coming! It’s time to remove our winter decorations. Weather permitting, the cemetery committee’s spring clean-up will be on Saturday, March 23rd. If you have any items you would like to save and re-use, please remove them prior to that day. ALL remaining winter and Christmas decorations will be removed and discarded. Spring decorations and Easter memorials can be placed beginning on Palm Sunday, March 24th. Click below to view the cemetery rules and regulations for more details as to what is permitted. Thank you and Blessings to you and your loved ones! 

CEMETERY RULES & REGULATIONS

ST. THOMAS PRESCHOOL 2024-2025

Enrollment has begun for the 2024-25 school year! Our Catholic-based program offers a hands-on play curriculum and environment that nurtures the spiritual, social, emotional, and intellectual development of each child. Questions? Contact Erika Rondeau, Director at 262-534-2255 or email erondeau@saintthomaswaterford.org

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WILD GAME DINNER IS THIS WEEKEND!

There's still time to Volunteer! There are several jobs and time slots available! Click below to sign up. TICKETS: Dinner: $40 Each | ATV Raffle: $25 Each or 5/$100 (2024 Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O.) See you there! Questions? Contact Mikki 262-210-3168 or Scott 414-581-3157.

RSVP - BUY TICKETS

VOLUNTEER SIGN UP

LENTEN FISH FRYS 2024

Our Lenten Fish Frys will resume next weekend, March 15th! March 8th is excluded due to Wild Game Dinner set up. We’re always in need of volunteers! If you’re awesome and want to help out, click link below or call Joan at 262-534-5230. Thank you!

FISH FRY SIGN UP

The Forgiven series communicates God's invitation to each one of us to experience his indescribable love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To help us understand the Grace and healing offered in confession.

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ENJOY FULL ACCESS TO FORMED

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It can feel scary to go to Confession, but really, we go to the Sacrament of Confession because God loves us so much that he wants us to remove all the sins that keep us from Him.

For Children: How to Make a Great Confession WATCH NOW

MISSION TRIP UPDATE

As we gear up for the exciting journey ahead, our Monday Night Mission Meetings stand as our mission's cornerstone. Here, we brainstorm fundraising ideas, fine-tune logistics, and delve deeper into the communities we're dedicated to serve. Camaraderie and unity also thrive, showing that together, we're an unstoppable force. While not everyone could join us, we're anticipating their support in future meetings. We invite you to join us at our April 26th Senior Prom fundraiser. Your support is cruicial as we aim to make a meaningful impact on those in need. Let's make this journey one to remember!

EMBRACING THE JOURNEY IN RCIA

For those who are preparing for initiation into the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), this season holds special significance. During this sacred rite, our candidates examine their lives, acknowledging both the joys and the challenges encountered along their faith journey. Seeking God's healing and strength through prayer and reflection. As a community, the scrutinies remind us of the ongoing conversion and purification that is central to our Catholic faith. Let us examine our own lives, repent, and embrace the grace of God’s mercy. God bless our candidates, our community, and all who seek to deepen their relationship with our Lord during this Holy season.

MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISER

Join us for an enchanting evening at the Young at Heart Senior Prom, where age is just a number and memories are timeless! This event is open to all community seniors, feel free to bring a son, daughter, or grandchild as your special date. Your $25 ticket includes admission for one, a delectable spaghetti dinner followed by live music and entertainment. Come dance the night away and create cherished memories with friends old and new! Tickets go on sale in March, save the date!

WISCONSIN CATHOLIC YOUTH RALLY 2024

Saturday, March 16th, 10 AM - 6 PM. All middle school and high school students are invited to join us for this powerful and prayerful day-long worship experience where students can strengthen their relationship with Jesus alongside hundreds of teens from around the Archdiocese. Our faith formation directors will be coordinating transportation for the group and all fees are covered.

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RSVP SIGN UP

PERMISSION SLIP

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

St. Thomas is sponsoring the evening meal at Love, Inc. in Burlington on Monday, March 11th. We're serving a Loaded Mac & Cheese dinner with salad, jello and dessert. Click below to sign up. Questiosn? Email Kristy at kmpent@yahoo.com

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HELPING HANDS FOOD PANTRY

Thanks for your donations, keep up the good work! Needed items include Bisquick, Cereal, Spaghetti/Sauce, Spaghetti O's, Hamburger Helper, Canned or boxed potatoes, toilet paper, plastic bags and Kleenex.

ST. THOMAS FOOD PANTRY

Please help fill our pantry shelves. Thank you for your support and generosity!

Much needed items

Jelly, Spaghetti sauce, Chef Boyardee items, Sugar, Spaghettios.

CARDS & GAMES

Join us for some fun and games! Our next session is Tuesday, March 12 in the St.

Thomas Gathering Space, note, we will start at 1 PM instead of 12:30. We've learned to play Trionimoes, Blank Slate, Racko, Five Kings and Sheepshead. Come learn a new game or teach us one of your favorites! Open to the community, bring a friend, neighbor or family member! Snacks and beverages provided.

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP LUNCH & LEARN WITH BUNCO!

March 19th | 10:30 AM Bunco | Noon Lunch | 1 PM Presentation

Serving Irish Beef Stew with Guinness, Colcannon Potatoes, Green Beans, Irish Soda Bread, Green Pistachio Fluff, Assorted Homemade Desserts, Irish Coffee and Beverages. (Menu subject to change). Presentation: Local author, Ingrid Hanson-Popp, speaks about her first book: Cellophane Farm, Life in the Slow Lane. An inspirational book about her mother's life that will help you realize how much your life matters. Sponsored by the Norway Community Fund. Give & Take Exchange: Game Swap! Exchange your games for new-to-you games. Please make sure to include directions and all required pieces. Sign up required by March 15th, call either parish office or click link below.

SIGN UP ONLINE

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROL KING MUSICAL | FRIDAY, MAY 10TH

$125 per person Includes: Motorcoach Transportation, Lunch & your ticket to the show! Reservations and advance payment required, due April 5th. Minimum 30 Guests. To reserve your seat, click link below or call either Parish Office, St. Clare 262.895.2729 | St. Thomas 262.534.2255. Questions? Email: cewald@saintthomaswaterford.org. The bus trip is sponsored by the Wind & Water Senior Fellowship Program and is open to the community.

LEARN MORE | REGISTER ONLINE

What Every Catholic Should Know About Suffering

with Dr. Mark Giszczak| March 14TH | 1 PM (Mountain Time)

Join the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology for a live webinar!

Suffering is a mystery: an unavoidable reality of human life, which disorients us and tests our souls. It leads us to ask questions about God and his goodness. Tune in as Dr. Mark Giszczak explores the redemptive value of suffering, the topic of his new book, Suffering: What Every Catholic Should Know. 

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MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY

Come & See, for single women between the ages of 18 and 45. Sunday, March 24th, 10 am - 2 pm, Sisters' Convent, 31144 Hunters Trail in Burlington. To register, email Sr. Elizabeth at msfsistersvocations@gmail.com

LENTEN MISSION The Burlington-Lyons Catholic Community is hosting a Lenten Mission on March 10th, 11th & 12th, presented by Fr. John Lococo at St. Charles in Burlington, no registration necessary.

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ELIZABETH MINISTRY COUPLES RETREATS

Offering Hope, Help and Healing On Issues Related To Relationships, Sexuality, and Childbearing. Many of our Events and Retreats include or have optional stays at Zechariah House - a safe haven to experience healing, mind, body, and spirit through prayer, resources, education and rest.

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Wind Lake & Waterford, WI