Wind & Water Newsletter

01/22/2024 | Volume 214

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS FEAST DAY

Parish feast days are an opportunity to celebrate and honor the patron saint. It is the time for members of the parish to come together as a family and a community to thank God and celebrate our faith and togetherness as people of God. It is also an acceptable practice to celebrate the feast day at any point during the year, in order to properly recognize and honor the saint. For this reason, we are going to postpone our formal feast day celebration of St. Thomas Aquinas until later in the year (the actual feast day is January 28th). This will allow for additional planning and activity choices with potentially more comfortable weather options as well. More information coming soon.

If you're a parent of a son/daughter (5th grade thru high school) that might be interested in becoming a youth server, we are collecting names of those interested through January for training in February. If interested, please contact:

St. Thomas: Kim Kendall at 262-758-0163 or kim.kendallsta@gmail.com

St. Clare: Parish office at 262-895-2729 or bulletins@tds.net

Thank you for considering this reverent responsibility.

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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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ST. THOMAS BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

If you or someone you know is suffering from a loss, support is available.

there are printed materials on the wall, outside the kitchen in the gathering space with phone numbers, websites and locations for online, group, or one-on-one support. Healing Journals can also be found at the back of the church.

Calming the Chaos is a Grief Support Group

Held at the Burlington Senior Center (Hwy 11 and W), led by Tammy Beardsley, Grief Specialist, Fridays, 9 - 11 AM. Tammy has a master’s degree in social work and was a social worker for Aurora Hospice for many years before her recent transition to a Grief Support Specialist. She assists people dealing with the loss of a loved one by providing resources and emotional support as they work through their grief and find a new normal. Loss of any kind is difficult to maneuver, but the most important thing to remember is you are not alone and there is no time frame for your grief.

Bereavement on FORMED

The Parish subscription to FORMED includes content related to bereavement, sign up for free! Search “Grief” and several items will appear, including Grieving with Great Hope, an online grief support program. As a FORMED subscriber, you can access all five sessions of this series, along with a workbook and guide.

FORMED SIGN UP

FUNDRAISER FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Join us Sunday, January 28th for the Knights of Columbus 26th annual Pancake Breakfast at St. Thomas (school hall). This is a “free will” event, but donations are gladly accepted and appreciated to help support Catholic Education. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 11:30 AM, enjoy pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, milk, and juice. Bring the whole family!

All married couples of St Thomas and St Clare are invited to celebrate World Marriage Day on Saturday, February 10. Join us at St Thomas for the 4:30 pm Mass and a special blessing, followed by a catered dinner in the Gathering Space.

This is a lovely opportunity to honor our marriage sacrament along with other parish couples. This annual tradition is sponsored and served by St Thomas Christian Women. There is no cost, however reservations are required. Please contact Anne-Marie Frey at 262-210-5911 by Wednesday, February 7th.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Dinner: $40 Each | ATV Raffle: $25 Each or 5/$100 (2024 Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O.). Volunteers are needed before, during and after the event. A great service opportunity for students! Many hands make light work! 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

COUNTRY FAIR WEBSITE HAS MOVED

The Country Fair no longer has a separate website. All the information can be found here: www.saintthomaswaterford.org/parish/countryfair.cfm Please browse through and be sure to check back for updates!

Ryan Defrates: Secret Agent is an animated action-adventure series about a young spy with a whole lot to learn! One day he is paired with a very unlikely partner...his mom! These half-hour episodes are great for churches or families. For ages 6 and up.

ENJOY FULL ACCESS TO FORMED

FORMED for Children

Brother Francis Lenten Reflections - Intro: Cartoon characters teaching children (and parents) all aspects of the Catholic Faith. View 2-minute videos, throughout each day of Lent. Enjoy other “Brother Francis” videos/topics.

WISCONSIN CATHOLIC YOUTH RALLY 2024

Saturday, March 16th, 10 AM - 6 PM. Middle school and high school students are invited to attend this powerful and prayerful day-long worship experience where students can strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ alongside hundreds of teens from around the Archdiocese. Fees are covered.

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RSVP SIGN UP

PERMISSION SLIP

FEBRUARY BLOOD DRIVE

Giving warms the heart. Please spare a moment this winter to give lifesaving blood and heartwarming hope to local families. Appointments are highly encouraged, click below to reserve your spot or call Pat (262)210-6879, Adrienne (262)456-7342 or Kim (262)758-0163.

RESERVE MY SPOT

Give blood, get subs! Receive a coupon for $5 off $15 from Cousins Subs, while supplies last.

BABY SHOWER & DIAPER DRIVE

The Human Concerns Committee/Elizabeth Ministry Pro-Life Baby Shower and diaper drive to benefit Life Choices and Life's Connection concludes this weekend. Please drop off all donations by Sunday, January 28th. Monetary donations are also accepted. Questions? Please contact St. Clare: Sandy Stokely (262) 895-7256, St. Thomas: Stephanie@gotcherfamily.com, katy@oconnorfamily.net or mary.hoffman@hotmail.com

LOVE INC FEBRUARY MEAL - ST. THOMAS

We're serving an Italian spaghetti dinner. Please click below to learn more and sign up to donate food or help serve. Thank you!

“SOUPER” BOWL SUNDAY IS FEBRUARY 11TH!

Please donate cans or cases of soup for the annual “Souper-Bowl” Sunday weekend! There are designated containers in St. Clare's narthex and St. Thomas' gathering space. There are many needy families in our area who would like a nice warm bowl of soup! Donations will go directly to the Norway Helping Hands Food Pantry and the St. Thomas Food Pantry. Contribute what you can to kick-off our souper-bowl before the game. Thank you!

HELPING HANDS FOOD PANTRY

Thanks for your donations, keep up the good work! Needed items include Pancake Mix, Bisquick, Cake and cookie mixes, Spaghetti Sauce, Hamburger Helper, Canned or boxed potatoes and Kleenex. Highlighted food and non-food items for January: Mac n cheese, Paper Towels.

ST. THOMAS FOOD PANTRY

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

Much needed items

Ketchup, salad dressing, pudding, jello and sugar

NEW! TAI CHI EVENING CLASS

FREE & Open to the Community, Age 18 and Up! January 9th - February 6th, Tuesdays | 6:15 - 7:15 PM | Limit 20 Participants. St. Thomas Cafe (lower level) enter door #12 off St. Thomas Street. Instructor: Peter Joy.

BOOK CLUB BEGINS JANUARY 29TH

Join us to read and discuss Living Joy: 9 Rules to Help You Rediscover and Live Joy Every Day by Chris Stefanick. Living joy isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. But how do we find it, and hold on to it, when so much in our life stands in the way? Living Joy equips you with the wisdom needed to experience joy to the fullest. With evidence, experience, and common sense, Chris Stefanick presents nine rules that will empower you to overcome the obstacles that are keeping you from unspeakable joy. Books will be available at the first session for $12.

SENIOR LUAU LUNCH WITH ELVIS

The temperature outside was sub-zero but St. Clare's Holy Family hall was smokin' hot and our Hawaiian Luau rocked! 72 seniors braved the cold to enjoy a Polynesian lunch and a Hunka-Hunka Burnin' Love! Logan Remy, may be only 19 years old, but the King was in the building! He was an amazing impersonator and captured Elvis' voice and moves. His mannerisms were spot on! He played the audience and shook so much we thought he'd break a hip! His tribute included over twenty-three songs, fun was had by all! Click above to view photos.

FEBRUARY LUNCH WITH BUNCO & THE NORWAY FIRE DEPT

Join us for our February Lunch! First, a friendly round of Bunco, followed by lunch and a presentation by the Norway Fire Dept: Emergency Preparedness for Seniors. Give & Take Exchange: February's theme is Book Swap! Bring books you've read and take another new to you! Register by February 18th by calling either parish office: St. Clare 262-895-2729 | St. Thomas 262-534-2255 or click the link below. Wear red or pink! Bring a friend! Goodwill Donations Accepted.

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NEW! WOMEN'S WELLNESS THROUGH MOVEMENT

Tuesdays and Thursdays in the St. Thomas Uhen Center, 8:45-9:45 beginning February 13th. Sign-up is required, limited to 15 participants. A fun combination of Tai Chi, exploration of movement, and breathwork to improve balance, breathing, relaxation, and freedom of movement. Instructor: Gail Willert.

TAI CHI SESSIONS FOR SENIORS 60+

Join us for Tai Chi and Qigong classes in the St. Thomas Uhen Center.

January 2 - February 8 | Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Open to all community seniors, parish membership not required.

NEW! CARDS & GAMES

Get your game on and join us the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in the St. Thomas Gathering Space, 12:30 - 3:30 PM. Our next get together is Tuesday, February 13th. Cards and shufflers provided, feel free to bring your own games too! Learn a new game, teach others your favorite, or challenge a fellow pro! Each table decides which game to play. Snacks and water provided or carry-ins welcome. Open to all community seniors, parish membership not required.

FIRESIDE BUS TRIP

“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” | FRIDAY, MARCH 22nd

$125 per person Includes: Motorcoach Transportation, Lunch & your ticket to the show! Reservations and advance payment required, due February 19th. 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.

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CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

All grade school students are invited to attend a CCHS basketball game for FREE! Help cheer the Toppers to victory, a fun night for the whole family, pre-register and receive a free bag of popcorn!

Get your 2024 Athletic Benefit Calendars for $20 each while supplies last!

365 prizes valued from $20 to $125, with drawings held monthly throughout the year. It is possible to win multiple prizes. Calendars may be purchased at CCHS, St. Mary's Parish office, at church after certain Masses, by phone 262-763-1519, or email Karen at kschwenn@cchsnet.org.

OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH AT NOON

A new opportunity for Catholic education! St. James will open August 2024. The first school from its inception sponsored by the Archdiocese to use a unique blend of curriculum/pedagogy. Infant/Toddler program and K3-6th Grade (with later 7 - 8 additions). Montessori-based early childhood program. Classic liberal arts academic program with art, music and a full sports program.

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LIFE'S CONNECTION'S BIGGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR!

W231 N1600 Corporate Court, Waukesha | 4:30 - 9 PM | Dinner at 6 PM.

$100/PERSON, $800 / TABLE OF 8, *$950 / TABLE OF 10. Cash Bar, Live & Silent Auction, Wine & Jewelry Pulls, Bourbon Raffle & our Gift Card Raffle. Plus, special guest speaker, Rebekah Hagan, whose son was saved by Abortion Reversal. Register by January 31st. Can't make it? RSVP for virtual participation auction can be found on the registration page.

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The Pallium Lecture is an annual event hosted by Archbishop Jerome Listecki designed to foster conversation and engage the broader culture through the Catholic intellectual tradition. This year, we welcome Dr. Elizabeth Lev, Art Historian, Author and Tour Guide, on Thursday, February 15th.

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