St. Pius X Faith Community

Transcription

1 St. Pius X Faith Community! The Pastor s Corner Fr. Paul Portland, SDS Lord, Help Us to Keep Growing In one of his Lenten talks, Pope Francis challenged us not to be like parked cars, but rather to always be moving forward in our spiritual life and in our growth as disciples. This is a challenge for us as individuals and as a faith community: we can settle into routine, doing good things, and forget that we should always be growing. A number of different things are coming together which have the common theme of challenging us, as individuals and as the faith community of St. Pius X, to reflect on how we might be parked and how we might move forward, especially as evangelizing agents who share our faith in an inviting way with others. First, on the level of the archdiocese: we had the synod and the invitation to move from maintenance to mission. The diocesan focus since then has been on the Sunday Mass (as an evangelizing agent) and on stewardship (our need to contribute our time and talent to building up the community). Second, here at St. Pius: once the Finance Council was given the responsibility for financial, budgetary, and maintenance issues, the Pastoral Council realized that most of its time had been spent on those issues, not formation and evangelization, its true tasks. To begin to refocus, the Council set up a Formation and Discipleship/Evangelization Task Force, which requested information on three topics from each council/ commission/ committee: 1. How do your efforts contribute to welcoming, increasing participation, and deepening discipleship? 2. What changes could be made to better reach out to people inside and outside of the community? 3. What formation or resources would help you carry out your mission? Third, coming again from the diocese: there are two initiatives we are expected to participate in. One is a conference called The Amazing Parish which will be held downtown in October. Four of us are going to a pre-conference meeting the beginning of May to find out more of what is involved, but the theme is Mission 1 Issue No. 148 April 2018 and Leadership. At the same time, beginning in September, we will be involved in a three-session program together with representatives from St. Bernard and Christ King called Multi-Parish Ministry Institute, the purpose of which is to help parishes as they move into a cluster. I have no clear idea of how all these things will flow together, but I trust that the Holy Spirit will be guiding us. Meanwhile, we as a parish will continue to move forward with an evening of prayer and reflection on the answers to the questions raised by the Formation and Evangelization/ discipleship Task Force. It will be facilitated by Michelle Nemer, Associate Director of Synod Implementation in the archdiocese, the evening of April 24. Present will be all the members of the Pastoral Council, some staff members, and the chairperson of each group that answered the questions. With the results of our reflection, we will approach the other initiatives and see where the Spirit is leading us. I urge the participation of pastoral council members and the leaders of other groups in our April 24 session. And I ask all of you for prayers of support during these initial steps and your involvement later on as we move forward. Pray in a special way for the gift of the Spirit as we prepare for and celebrate the feast of Pentecost. The Mission of St. Pius X Catholic Community is to nurture, deepen, celebrate and live out our identity as an apostolic community, a people who are called, gifted and sent by our God. Served by the Society of the Divine Savior Salvatorians

2 Justice and Peace Commission: Milwaukee River Keepers Spring Cleanup Catholic Identity We are an Easter People, and hallelujah is our song. This quote from John Paul II rings so true to me this time of year. We are risen with Christ, and this is the basis of our faith. The tragedy of Jesus suffering and dying for our sins is not the beginning of our Church. Our Beginning is in His Rising. Every time we fall in sin is a new chance to rise again with him. Please join St. Pius X at the 23rd annual Milwaukee River Keepers Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 21st from 9am 12pm. Milwaukee River keepers will provide the supplies (including FREE T-SHIRTS) and we pick up the trash that finds its way into our beautiful river system. We are not without sin, but we are also never without God s forgiveness. Peter Guzulaitis, in the March 12, 2015 edition of Our Sunday Visitor wrote, We are a good and graced people who do not need to allow sin and fault to define us. Please meet at: Honey Creek Corporate Center, CH2M Hill Parking Lot, 135 S. 84th Street, Milwaukee WI. Meet at the CH2M Hill Parking Lot off of I-94/84th St exit. Event information can be found at: The Resurrection reminds us that God sees past our sins to who we truly are. This is the Good News and the Joy of this season, the reason to shout our Hallelujahs. This is our Catholic Identity. If you have any questions, please contact Joan Quinn at or jet68@hotmail.com. Holly Cartier welcomes comments at hcarts.hc@gmail.com Living Waters Update Over $26,000 raised this year! Tosa Trio & St. Pius X Health Ministry Present: There are many more villages hoping to have wells to provide safe, clean, readily available water. For $5000 we can provide a new well for a village. You will find Living Waters envelopes in the pews Bullying in the 21st Century: Challenges for Children and Adults We have enough to donate wells in five villages so far this year. Each well can serve from people Sunday, April 15th, 2018 St. Pius X Cafeteria* 7:15 8:15 PM Presented by Steven Dykstra, PhD Director, Children s Mobil Crisis Team Milwaukee County Mental Health Our campaign ends at Pentecost. Thank you for your generosity!! Children collecting water from a traditional well Free and open to parents, grandparents, teachers and all interested adults. Bullying has been described as an epidemic in our country. Bullies appear everywhere; in schools, on the playground, in the workplace, on social media, even among friends and in families. Bullying manifests itself in different ways even causing some victims to take their own lives. So, what is bullying? Why is bullying so prevalent? Why is it so destructive? What can be done? Where is there help? * St. Pius X Parish, 2506 Wauwatosa Ave., parking lot and entrance is north off 75th & Wright St. Enter under the sign for St Pius X School/Gym. You are welcome to attend Mass beforehand in the Church at 6 PM. 2

3 News from our School Wauwatosa Catholic Students at Wauwatosa Catholic School were quite serious about their Lenten observances. They spoke quite freely about how they were preparing themselves for Easter. On Holy Thursday, all students were able to attend the Living Stations of the Cross. Our 8 th grade students narrated and acted out the Passion of Jesus. This meaningful presentation was an excellent way to begin this most holy time in our Church Year. Our K5 classes are working on the Transdisciplinary Theme Where We Are in Place and Time. The emphasis of their unit is on moral life and service. They will be studying about how we should share for the good of self and others; some of the ways to care for the poor and our social responsibility to help those that we can. The students will be taught how to do an action project from the beginning to the end. They will be doing a class service project and inviting the whole school to become involved. All of the K5 students voted and will be working on a project involving the Wisconsin Humane Society. The students have made posters, which can be found all around WCS. On April 13, students may wear Spirit Wear. They will be asked to make a donation to the Wisconsin Humane Society. Among the items needed are: dry dog or cat food, kitty litter, canned dog or cat food, pet toys. A cash donation will also be accepted. Donations will also be accepted from parishioners! Our 8 th graders are working on the MYP Community Project. This is a requirement in the programme, much as the 5 th grade Exhibition is for the Primary Years Programme. The 8 th graders have been studying the Holocaust in their Individuals and Society (formerly known as Social Studies) class. They are in the process of doing a group project of what they have learned. For their individual project they are looking at how individuals can be lights to others. They will be displaying their projects on Thursday, May 3, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Please consider coming to this display. We have again received grants from the Kohl s grants program. Three of the four grants for which we applied were accepted. Next year our students will be going to the Junior Achievement program, the Milwaukee Public Museum and Discovery World funded for the most part by this wonderful program. We hosted visitors from the International Baccalaureate March 26 and 27. Our Primary Years Programme was scheduled for this evaluation visit since it has been 4 years since we have been authorized. While we will not receive the written results until June, it was obvious that our entire staff was and is prepared to offer the PYP. On May 14 and 15 we will be hosting more visitors from the IB. This time the focus will be on our Middle Years Programme. This is our verification, or authorization, visit from the IB. We are all well aware that we could not be doing the wonderful things we do for our children without your support. We appreciate your support. You are always welcome at WCS we would love to show you the excellent learning and teaching that goes on! April Family Skate Night April 14 Even if you don t skate, you re welcome to come to the cafeteria for great homemade pizzas by Pius Pizza Pops, from 6-8 pm. A whole pizza your choice of toppings is $10. Beginners Skating is from 6-7 PM Family Skating from 7-9 PM Admission is $5.00 includes skates ($1.00 discount with your own skates) No in-line, Skechers or Heelys skates Questions? Or to schedule a party Call Wauwatosa Catholic s school office Other skate night dates: May 12, June 2 Trivia Night Saturday Evening April 21, 2018 Test your Knowledge with a Bevy of Brainteasers Christ King Parish - North Hall - Join your Parish Collaborative Friends for a fun filled evening. Only $10 per person - Tables of 8 Contact: Karen: wimannings@aol.com for more information and to sign-up. Mark your calendar - See you there - Friday Morning Prayer Join the group that meets with Br. Silas Henderson, SDS after the 8:00 AM Mass in the rectory each Friday morning. Read and learn about the Mass readings for the next Sunday and share in discussion and prayer. All are welcome. 3

4 Lay Salvatorians Sue Haertel, SDS St. Pius X is a Salvatorian Parish founded and served by the Society of the Divine Savior. In our history, priests, brothers and sisters have served in our parish and school. But few people are familiar with the newest branch of the Salvatorian Family the Lay Salvatorians, and I am often asked why I say, Sue Haertel, SDS, when I cantor. The Lay Salvatorians were developed and sponsored by the North American Province of the Society of the Divine Savior (and later joined by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Savior) as part of the Society's renewal shortly after the Second Vatican Council. Lay Salvatorians explore and live out the Gospel demands of ministry, service, and love within the context of the larger Salvatorian family. From the very beginning, the founders, Fr. Jordan and Mother Mary saw clearly that lay people had an important and essential part to play in the Church. Lay Salvatorians are involved in such ministries as raising a family; religious education; parish work; care of the sick, needy, elderly, and children; social justice; teaching; and ecumenical work. The Lay Salvatorians are an integral part of the Salvatorian religious community rather than an independent organization. We are not associates we are full members of the family. We serve in leadership roles in many areas. St Pius X and Mother of Good Counsel are two Salvatorian parishes in our area. There are seven Lay Salvatorians in these parishes, and there are 39 Lay Salvatorians throughout Wisconsin and many more Lay Salvatorians across the United States and the World. Now that you know some of our history, I will share some of my story. I was confirmed as a Catholic at St. Pius X on March 31, I grew up in a faith-filled Methodist family with daily prayer, scripture reading, and church involvement. I was drawn to the Catholic Church because of the sacramental aspects and the opportunity to receive the Eucharist daily. Fr. Bill Remmel was the Pastor at that time and I was a part of the RCIA program. Since then I have enjoyed being able to serve in many ways at our parish, and then I learned about the Lay Salvatorians. The idea of growing in my faith, having a chance to serve in different ways, and becoming part of a larger family all appealed to me. I went through a period of formation and made my commitment as a Lay Salvatorian in Being a Lay Salvatorian has given my life purpose, my faith has grown, and I have made many wonderful friends. I have also had the opportunity to go to Africa and teach English to the Salvatorian Sisters in Tanzania. This week, Lay Salvatorians from across the United States will be in Milwaukee for our National Lay Salvatorian Convocation. If you d like to learn about the Lay Salvatorians, I d be happy to talk with you. Sue Haertel, SDS shaertel@wi.rr.com Parish List If you receive paper copies of the newsletter or do not receive weekly updates by , you are not on the parish list. Please join! Just visit the parish website stpiusparish.org and look for the sign-up link to subscribe to our mailing list. Some folks have signed up, and still are not on the list and do not receive the s. Here are some tips: if you are in g-mail, be sure to check the "Promotions" tab. Otherwise check Junk mail. Also, if you unsubscribe from any , you may be off all of them. Many people have recently added their names to our list. Using for parish information saves us money for postage as well as paper costs. Thank you! SCRIP Thank you to everyone who buys SCRIP for their shopping needs. SCRIP gift cards can be purchased after each Mass and in the church office Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Talk to Kathy Wellenstein for information on how to order SCRIP on-line or from your smart phone. If you are in a store or restaurant and decide you d like to use SCRIP to pay, you can order your SCRIP on the spot. This on-line account is linked to your checking account. Remember your Loved Ones with a Mass Intention Consider having a Mass said for your loved ones or for a special intention you would like to make. Call the parish office at to select a specific date for your Mass. The offering for the Mass is $10.00, which can be brought to the parish office or mailed to the parish with your request. What a wonderful opportunity to have the parish pray for your intention. 4

5 St. Pius X Community Calendar April, 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday , Conf. Rm. 3 Bldg. & Grnds. 5:45 pm R/LR King. Prep 5-8 pm Cafe 4 101, Conf. Rm J4J 7 pm Church 5 6 Refl on Sun script 8:30 R/DR 7 Easter 8 Fellowship Steward 9 am Cafe 9 Rm 10 B Scouts 6: Parish Coll 7 pm Conf. Rm. Fr. Mark Prable R/LR 7 pm 11 AA 12:15 pm J4J 7 pm Church Tri P PC Agenda 6:15 R/LR/DR/Apt 12 Stain Glass Sing 3:30 Choir Rm Choir 7:15 Church st Comm retreat 8 am 2 Café classsrooms Family Skate/Pizza 6 pm Café, Gym 15 Fellowship PC 9 am Café YM 6 pm Church 2 pm 101, 103, 104, R/LR/DR, Café, School Tosa Trio & Health M 7:15 Cafe 16 Steward. 6 pm R/LR 17 Senior Bd 10 am R/DR Rose So 7 pm 101 King Prep 5-8 pm Cafe 18 AA 12:15 pm 19 Stained Glass Sing 3:30 Choir Rm Choir 7:15 Church Fellowship Lit 9 am Cafe 23 Finance 6 pm R/LR 24 Seniors 9 am R/DR, LR, Church B Scouts 6: Formation Task Force 7 pm R/LR/DR/Kit 25 AA 12:15 pm J4J 7 pm Church 26 Stained Glass Sing 3:30 Choir Rm Choir 7:15 Church King Prep 9 Noon 29 Fellowship J&P 9 am Cafe YM 6 pm Church, 2 pm 101, 103, 104, R/LR/DR, Café, School 1st Comm Pictures 11:30 church 30

6 INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP *STEWARDSHIP AS A LIFESTYLE* Beginning with life itself, all is gift from our God. That is the basic premise of Stewardship. God gifts us with our life, our talents, our family and friends, our treasure and our time on this earth. As Christian disciples, we are called to nurture and utilize these gifts to grow God s Kingdom. Disciples, then, cultivate stewardship as a lifestyle. Bishop Robert Morneau, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Green Bay, and one of the original authors of the US Bishops pastoral letter Stewardship: A Disciple s Response utilizes the image of gardens as a means of gaging how one is tending the following gifts received from God. Garden of the... Body: proper nutrition, exercise, rest; avoid chemical abuse, smoking, obesity. Soul: cultivate a life of prayer, regular reception of the sacraments, scripture reading. Family and Friends: take time to nurture relationships important to you. Emotions: aim for an emotional balance in life; work at being in good humor. Mind: keep learning new ideas, things. Decisions: make well informed choices; work toward understanding and consensus. Polis; be politically aware, be an informed and involved citizen and vote. Globe; care for the environment; recycle, don t waste natural resources. Chip: use technology for good purposes. History: know and value things of the past. Arts: listen to, read, and watch the best in books, movies, music, radio, TV, theater. Money: use financial resources well; set and keep a budget; set spending limits; ask how much money is enough. *PRAYER INTENTIONS* We encourage all parish members to include the following intentions in your daily prayers during the coming month. For the grace to recognize our Lord as the primary source of all our blessings and to nurture and share our gifts as called upon. For our children who will be receiving their First Communion and our young adults who will be Confirmed, that these Sacraments will bring them into a deeper relationship with our Lord. For the homeless, unemployed, and those suffering with addictions, that the Resurrected Christ will touch their lives. For all the sick and shut-in members of our faith community and for all the intentions on our Wailing Wall in the rear of our church. *STEWARDSHIP PRAYER* Generous and loving God, you call us to be disciples of your Son Jesus and good stewards of all your many gifts. Open our minds and hearts to a greater awareness and deeper appreciation of your countless blessings. Transform us through the power of your Spirit to nurture a Stewardship way of life marked by faithfilled prayer, service to our neighbor, and generous sharing. Teach us to be faithful servants of your gifts. With Mary s help, may we return tenfold the gifts entrusted to us. We pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Stewardship prayer, Diocese of Green Bay). *MONTHLY SCRIPTURE REFLECTION* As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God s varied grace. (1 Peter 4:10) Do not be deceived... all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights (James 1:16-17)