02/23/2024 | Volume 218

Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. 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 panny can or rice bowl, volunteer your time at a fish fry, Wild Game dinner or Love Inc. Meal. Our sacrifices and prayer help us follow Christ's will more faithfully.

The St. Thomas Christian Women invite all women of St. Thomas and St. Clare to enrich your Lenten journey with us! Our guest speaker is Talia Westerby, a dynamic and inspiring mother of four young boys. She'll lead us through Scripture, personal testimony and prayer. The theme is “Essentials in our Faith Life.” This mid-Lent retreat will include silent meditation between Talia’s reflections, and we will close with the rosary. There is no cost, but please make a reservation 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

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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HOSPITALITY AT ST. THOMAS Hospitality Weekends are once a month (except December). Parish families, committees or groups are encouraged to host! Your family/group can bring and serve whatever you wish following the Mass you choose. Ideas include; coffee, juice and donuts, fruit/veggie platters, bagels and cream cheese, ham and rolls, cheese and sausage platters, hot soup and rolls. The possibilities are endless! Your group is responsible for set up and clean up. Click below to sign up. Questions? Call Pat Popp (262)895-6369.

SIGN UP TO HOST

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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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

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 begin this weekend, February 23rd! Future dates: March 1st, 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

Ryan Defrates: Secret Agent: An animated action-adventure series about a young spy with a whole lot to learn! These half-hour episodes are great for kids (6 & up) and families. WATCH NOW

ENJOY FULL ACCESS TO FORMED

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FORMED FOR CHILDREN

Brother Francis Lenten Reflections - Teaching children (and parents) all aspects of the Catholic Faith. Short, 2-min videos, throughout each day of Lent. WATCH NOW

Preschool Faith Formation celebrated Parent's Day by performing in the Noah's Ark narrative. All the little critters entered the Ark; drama and singing began with rain and thunder and critters performing. Finally the sun came out and the rainbow appeared!. Following their performance the children presented their parents with a gift they prepared for them; parents also received a laminated card entitled "Lifting My Child In Prayer" with thoughtful and inspirational verses. We concluded our program with refreshments for all.

FAMILY FAITH FORMATION LENT KICKOFF 

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Ash Wednesday Lent kickoff activities! We had three special stations: Fasting Station: Create a family sacrifice jar; add a black bean each time someone fasts, prays, or gives alms. By Easter, replace black beans with jelly beans for a sweet reminder of our journey.

Almsgiving Station: Decorate hearts with names of those we're praying for during Lent. Hang them on our prayer banner to show our commitment to community and intentions. Prayer Station: Let's embrace almsgiving, prayer, and fasting together to feel renewed by Easter. Next Faith in February Event: Renewal & Forgiveness Reconciliation Service at St. Clare February 28th, 6pm followed by family fun activities. Let's support each other on this faith journey!

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

ST. CLARE HUMAN CONCERNS

Volunteers are needed for the Love, Inc. Meal Program this coming Wednesday, February 28th. The sign up sheet is in the Narthex. Thank you for sharing your gift of time for this important ministry!

YOUR LENTEN ALMS PROVIDE SUPPORT

Beginning Ash Wednesday, St. Clare and St. Thomas will have Penny Cans and Rice Bowls available. St. Clare's Penny Can Campaign will help the mission of the Schoenstatt Sisters. St. Thomas' 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.

WIND & WATER MOVIES

The Mighty Macs (2009) | Rated G

Wednesday, February 28th at 1 pm in the St. Thomas Gathering Space. Join us for this comedic drama about an all-girl Catholic college basketball team and their determined coach. All are welcome!

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.

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CATHOLIC CENTRAL GRADE SCHOOL VB CLINIC

CC's high school gym. February 29th, 5:45 - 7:15 PM GRADES 5&6 | 7:30 - 9 PM GRADES 7&8. Limited to first 24 grade school athletes. To reserve your spot, email Wayne Schultz at wayneschultz@cchsnet.org

Hours are Monday thru Friday, 6 - 8 AM, and 2:30 - 4:30 PM. Possible extra hours for field trip and sporting events. CDL-B Needed, will train. If interested, email operations@cchsnet.org

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. 

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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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Wind Lake & Waterford, WI