Wind & Water Newsletter

05/05/2023 | Volume 176

Fr. Michael Erwin's 25th Anniversary

May 14th, 11:15 AM Mass | St. Thomas | Hospitality to Follow

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

June 10TH| Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center, St. Francis

Mass with Archbishop Listecki, Eucharistic procession, and opportunities for formation, Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic adoration, and service. DETAILS & REGISTRATION

CEMETERY SAMARITANS

The Cemetery Committee gives a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the parishioners who responded to our Adopt-A-Garden bed appeal. Every garden bed has been paired with a volunteer to maintain the bed in memory of a loved one. The response was so overwhelming that we now have a Grounds Crew! They will tackle larger projects in order to keep the monuments from being overgrown by wayward shrubs and plants.

Blessings to: Katherine Amann, Kris Amborn, Sandy Beck, Tammy French, Tony Gorenc, Laura Halbach, Rick Holland, Kelly Malchine, Pat McPhetridge, Kristy Pavlovich, Terry Ritchey, Gary Stelter, and Shawn Zibolsky.

PARISH STUDENTS ATTENDING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

The St. Thomas School Endowment Fund will again provide tuition grants to St. Thomas parish students attending Catholic Elementary or Catholic High Schools (K-12) for the 2023 – 2024 school year. $500 for elementary students and $1000 for high school students. Grants will be paid upon verification of attendance directly to the schools. Contact Matt Fehler at 262-534-3544 email mattfehler@yahoo.com or Lloyd Sippel at 262-758-6480 or email lsippel@tds.net for more information.

PRESCHOOL FAITH FORMATION GRADUTION 2023

Our preschoolers concluded their classes with graduation on April 30th! Each class sang their own class song and the graduates also sang a graduation song! The Star-Lite grads talked about their favorite bible story and shared a few details from each story; as you can imagine, these little ones know how to entertain an audience! Keeping with tradition, each graduate was given The Beginners Bible. Each preschooler also received their very own memory book of classroom photos taken throughout the school year. Our celebration concluded with a graduation cake, coffee and juice!

ST. CLARE & ST. THOMAS RCIA PROGRAM

Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Church and discerning whether you may want to become Catholic? Perhaps you have a child in the religious education program, your spouse is Catholic or you'd like to learn more about your Catholic faith. If so, we would be happy to help you through our RCIA program. Reading, discussion and prayer is used to invite you into a deeper understanding of what it means to be Catholic. The class meets two Tuesdays a month from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at St. Clare. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Peggy at (262)534-5233 or visit either parish website.

RUMMAGE SALE - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Please start gathering your donations for the sale! Note, we do NOT except adult clothing, electronics or large/upholstered furniture or construction materials. All child/baby clothing should be gently used, please no undergarments. Questions? Call Laverne Lewis at 262-534-6208

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2023

Registration for Vacation Bible School is now OPEN!

St. Clare | June 26th - 30th | 1 - 3 pm each day | FREE

All those entering 3K-5th grade can attend.

Those entering 6th-12th grade and adults are needed to volunteer.

SUPPLIES DONATION SIGN UP

AMAZON WISH LIST

NOW HIRING! ST. THOMAS PRESCHOOL

Seeking a part time Lead/Assistant Teacher. Join our team! We provide a nurturing, playful, safe, and creative space children to learn and grow each day. Please send your questions and/or resume to Erika at erondeau@saintthomaswaterford.org

PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT

Enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year has begun! Offering 3K and 4K programs, half or full-day options and extended care.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

ONLINE ENROLLMENT FORM

LOVE INC MONDAY MEALS

St. Thomas is sponsoring a dinner at Love, Inc. in Burlington on May 8th. We're serving Sloppy Joes, Shrimp Pasta Salad, Raw Veggies and Brownies. Please use disposable serving dishes and be sure to label all donations, "Love Inc. Meal Program." Food can be dropped off in the Church Gathering Space kitchen the weekend of May 6th & 7th by the end of 11:15 Mass on Sunday.

WATERFORD COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE AT ST. THOMAS

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! Click above to reserve your spot or call Pat (262)210-6879 or Adrienne (262)456-7342. Donate and splash away! All donors receive a coupon for up to 4 FREE outdoor water park passes to Mount Olympus, while supplies last! Enter by Blood Donation or Online.

ELIZABETH MINISTRY

The Wind & Water Baby Bottle Fundraiser benefitting Life’s Connection has begun! In 2022 they served 2,461 families offering medical services, education and mentoring free of charge. That is a 60% increase over prior years showing the need greater than ever in our community for various reasons but especially since Roe V Wade was overturned. They supported 709 women in choosing life for their baby!! The need is great and is still growing in 2023. We hope you will consider helping the families in our community.

FAMILY PLAY GROUPS

Saturday, May 13th & May 20th | 9 - 11 AM | St. Thomas Uhen Center

Join Family Playgroups hosted by Elizabeth Ministry! Meet other parish families, make new friends, have fun and play in a safe space.

CLARISSE & HER FIGHT FOR LIFE

As parishioners, we’re very familiar with her warm smile and musical talent! Some may be surprised to know she’s also in a fight for her life battling End Stage Renal Failure. Diagnosed in 2015 with renal cancer, she underwent surgery, removing the entire cancerous kidney. Shortly after, her other kidney began to fail and she eventually needed emergency dialysis. She's continued dialysis for the past couple of years, though very difficult, she tries to make the best of it with her joyful spirit! She needs a kidney transplant and is asking for our help.

LEARN MORE

LIVING DONOR INFORMATION

DONOR REGISTRATION

ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT ST. CLARE MAY 20TH - 21ST

Norway Helping Hands Food Pantry needs a boost and helping hands deserve ice cream! To help our neighbors in need, please bring non-perishable food items to Mass at St. Clare the weekend of May 20th & 21st and enjoy a sweet ice cream Sundae! Your donations are much appreciated!

Learn what to expect, ask questions, strategic planning and fellowship!

Please bring something simple and delicious to share!

CLICK TO RSVP

HELPING HANDS FOOD PANTRY

Thank you for your donations! Monetary donations are also much appreciated. Checks payable to “Norway Lutheran Church”

with the notation of “Food Pantry” on the memo line.

Items needed: spaghetti, sauce, Spaghetti-O’s, canned or boxed potatoes, Hamburger Helper, paper towels, plastic/paper bags.

ST. THOMAS FOOD PANTRY

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

Much needed items

Ketchup | Mustard

Laundry Soap

WIND & WATER MOVIES AT ST. CLARE

Called and Chosen (2017) | Wednesday, May 10th

1 PM | St. Clare Holy Family Hall

Vincent Capodanno, the son of Italian immigrants, serves as a Maryknoll missionary in Asia following the communist takeover, then joins the US Navy during the height of the Vietnam buildup. In one of the fiercest battles of the war, Operation Swift, he is fatally wounded while tending fallen marines.

MAY LUNCH & BUNCO!

Join us for a Bunco Tournament, a delicious home cooked lunch followed by live entertainment by talented singer pianist, Jay Isaacson! Registration required by May 13th. Click below or call either parish office

(St. Clare 262-895-2729 | St. Thomas 262-534-2255) or

Peggy Liginiski 262-534-5233. Bring a friend! Goodwill donations accepted.

REGISTRATION

FIRESIDE BUS TRIP "LEGENDS IN CONCERT"

Thursday, June 22nd | Matinee

Join us for a trip to the Fireside Theatre and enjoy a Chicken Cordon Bleu lunch and an entertaining theater show! $125 includes motor coach transportation, lunch, theater ticket, taxes and all gratuities.

Registration and payment are due May 12TH! Click below to register or email Carol at cewald@saintthomaswaterford.org

SENIOR FITNESS: PICKLEBALL

Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays | Noon - 2 PM

St. Thomas Uhen Center

St. Thomas will supply the nets and balls, participants will need to supply their own paddle. Beginners are welcome!

If you have any questions about the Senior Fellowship Program, Contact Peggy at pliginski@gmail.com or Carol at cewald@saintthomaswaterford.org

PROGRAM INFORMATION

FAITH FORMATION - MISSION TRIP PRESENTS

A Young at Heart Prom for parish seniors, their friends and family! Guests will enjoy a spaghetti dinner, music, entertainment and the coronation of Prom King and Queen! Tickets will be sold after Masses at St. Thomas and St. Clare. They are also available in either parish office. All proceeds go towards this this year’s Mission Trip to Minnesota for our teens. Volunteers Needed!

JOIN THE PLANNING COMMITTEE

AUCTION DONATIONS NEEDED

The Country Fair Committee needs your help! Do you have items you can donate to the Auctions? The Silent Auction runs from Thursday at 5 PM through Sunday at 2 PM. The Live Auction will be Sunday, June 4th from 4 - 7 PM. Items can be dropped off in the parish office Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4 PM. Many thanks!

VISIT THE FAIR'S WEBSITE

FAIR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The Sign-up genius links have been updated for this year on the website. Please click below to sign up. Your help is greatly appreciated!

VOLUNTEER SIGN UP

COUNTRY FAIR YARD SIGNS

There are yard signs in the back of church, while supplies last. Everyone is welcome to take one and give it a good home.

Your efforts to buy or sell tickets is greatly appreciated!

There are 15 tickets per packet, Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20
If you need more tickets, call the Parish Office at 534-2255
Ticket stubs and money should be returned in an envelope with your name written on the front.
Return them to the Grand Raffle booth during the Country Fair or to the Parish Office.
All stubs and money must be in by 2:45 PM on Sunday, June 4th.

Click below to learn more!

2023 GRAND RAFFLE

Thursday, June 1st

A Free Dinner and Drink for

ALL St. Thomas Volunteers!

If you volunteered at any time in the last year for any event, we'd like to show our appreciation. Enjoy food and beverage from The Cotton Exchange "Taste of Country" or good eats from our food tent! Meal and drink tickets will be distributed at St. Thomas after each Mass during the Mini-Ministry Fair the weekend of May 20th-21st or stop by the parish office and pick up your tickets during normal business hours in May. Thank you for all you do!

FREE GRADE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL CLINIC

Catholic Central High School Gym

May 8th | 7 - 8:30 PM | Grades 7&8

May 9th | 7 - 8:30 PM | Grades 5&6

Limit to the first 24 grade school athletes. Send email to reserve your spot!

COACH WAYNE SCHULTZ: wayneschultz@cchsnet.org

ATTENTION PARENTS OF 8TH GRADERS

We know that choosing a high school is a big decision and we hope you decide to choose Catholic Central. We have support available to help your family pay for school and will work with you to meet your individual needs. The return on your investment will be great! Last year, our graduating class was awarded close to one million dollars in college scholarships! Questions? Contact admissions@cchsnet.org or call (262) 763-1510.

A MINI-BUS FOR CATHOLIC CENTRAL

Catholic Central was recently blessed with a $30,000 grant from the Erica P. John Fund to help offset the cost of a new mini-bus. Together with donations, other fundraisers and the current online campaign through GiveSmart, we've raised $70,000 of the $89,600 required. Please consider donating and help us reach our goal!

MAKE A DONATION

POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS (PTC)

"Powerful Tools" focuses on your well-being. The class meets once a week for six weeks and has been studied and shown to help family caregivers. Reduce stress, guilt and depression, manage time, set goals, communicate effectively and more! Call the number above to register or email Ruth.Stauersbol@racinecounty.com

PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY

Join us for an 8-day holy adventure with Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey R. Haines and Fr. Jerry Herda. We’ll visit Assisi, Orvieto, Rome, and of course, Vatican City, where we will tour the city’s major Papal Basilicas, visit the Vatican Museums, celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, and attend a Papal Audience with our Holy Father. Celebrate our faith, form deeper bonds of friendship, and enjoy food and customs of another culture!

LEARN MORE