03/01/2024 | Volume 219

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.

Our annual Women's Afternoon of Reflection is next weekend. The theme is "Essentials in our Faith Life," with speaker Talia Westerby. She'll lead us through Scripture, personal testimony and prayer. This mid-Lent retreat will include silent meditation between Talia’s reflections, and we will close with the rosary. This is a special mid-Lenten opportunity for all women of St. Thomas and St. Clare. 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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INTERNATIONAL SYNOD OF BISHOPS

During this Interim Stage, in the season of Lent, dioceses across the world are holding two listening sessions, focused on two guiding questions about the Church’s structure, and the Church’s mission. Listening Sessions will take place:

Saturday, March 16th, 9 - 11 AM at St. Matthias Parish, Steiger Hall,

9300 W. Beloit Rd, Milwaukee.

Saturday, March 23rd, 9 - 11 AM at Good Shepherd Parish, Parish Hall,

N88 W17658 Christman Rd, Menomonee Falls.

REGISTRATION

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

The Henrich’s have a long and rich history with the St Thomas Community. Jay has been a parish member since 1969 when his parents and family moved here, at that time he was about to enter the third grade at our parish school. Julie’s family moved to the area and joined St Thomas in 1975. She was beginning her freshman year at St Mary’s, now Catholic Central High School.

Julie and Jay were married at St. Thomas in 1982, 42 years ago.  Their four children were all baptized here and they all graduated from St Thomas grade school and CCHS. All of their children live west of the Rockies while raising their nine grandchildren, so travel is a big part of their lives. 

Julie had a thriving business as a franchisee and just recently sold the last of her Subway restaurant locations after running them for over 20 years. Jay’s career has been in real estate development throughout southeast Wisconsin and most recently, he is building and selling residential condominiums here in Waterford. They have been active members of the parish in many areas. Jay has served on Parish Council, the building committee and has headed the Finance Council for many years. Over the years, he has also coached basketball, worked wild game dinners, country fairs and other committees as needed. While not as active as he is able, Jay has been a Knight since the St Thomas council was established.

Julie has volunteered at St Thomas school and held a position on the school board for many years. She has coached volleyball, led the food tent efforts for the Country Fair and has been a lector at Mass.

Their next chapter will take them out west to visit and enjoy grand babies and travel to destinations around the world. 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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IT'S ALMOST HERE!

Volunteers are needed before, after and during the event. Many 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.). Seeking raffle donations: Sporting Goods, Sporting Apparel, Game tickets, or ANY other Donation item. 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 continue this weekend! Future dates: March 15th, and March 22nd. 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

Through his legendary testimony, Dr. Scott Hahn explains how he was militantly anti-Catholic but self-driven to seek the truth. This ultimately led him into the Catholic Church.

LISTEN NOW

ENJOY FULL ACCESS TO FORMED

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What is the Mass? Why should I want to go to Mass with my whole heart? What actually happens? Fr. John Riley and Chris Stefanick discuss the roots of Mass and its profound implications for us today. WATCH NOW

REFLECTIONS ON CONFESSION: A JOURNEY OF FORGIVENESS

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Gil, Fr. Joy, Fr. Thomas, and Fr. Johny for guiding us through a moving evening of confession at St. Clare's on February 28th. They allowed us to embrace forgiveness and continue our Lenten journey with renewed spirits. The evening was filled with heartfelt confessions, fostering a sense of unity and grace among parishioners. Afterwards, we enjoyed treats and activities, deepening our connections as part of Faith in February Family Faith Formation. Thank you to all who participated in making this evening a memorable and spiritually enriching. May our shared experiences of confession strengthen our bonds and lead us closer to God.

FAITH FORMATION 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 seniors 60+, 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

MARCH BLOOD DRIVE

Appointments are encouraged, and walk-ins are also welcome (as space allows). Want to double your impact? Consider dual red donation, or invite a friend and save lives together! Eligibility Questions? Call (877) 232-4376. Click below to reserve your spot or call Pat (262)210-6879, 

Adrienne (262)456-7342 or Kim (262)758-0163.

SAVE MY SPOT

MONDAY MEALS - MARCH

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

SIGN UP TO DONATE OR SERVE

YOUR LENTEN ALMS PROVIDE SUPPORT

St. Clare and St. Thomas will have Penny Cans and Rice Bowls available throughout Lent. The Penny Can Campaign will help the mission of the Schoenstatt Sisters. The Lenten Rice Bowls will help Catholic Relief Services feed the hungry around the world. Thank you for your donations! 

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

Spaghetti Sauce, Chef Boyardee (any variety), Ranch Salad Dressing, Ramen Noodles, Cereal, instant Oatmeal,

Laundry detergent.

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

Attention Men: You’re invited to the 2024 Men of Christ conference with both virtual and live elements. Saturday, March 9th at St. Leonard's Catholic Church in Muskego, 7 AM - 1:30 PM. Featuring well-known speakers, Mass, Adoration, Confession and fellowship. Questions? Contact Dave Hintz at (262)844-4808. 

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

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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St. Clare of Assisi & St. Thomas Aquinas Churches

Wind Lake & Waterford, WI