St. John the Baptist Parish Plymouth October 14, 2018 Dear Parishioners: This week, four of us will be attending the Amazing Parish conference, a nation-wide convocation being hosted by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee from Wednesday through Friday. The Archbishop has asked every parish to participate, and most have registered. We registered by teams of four or five persons each, and the team for parishes sharing a pastor (like STA and SJB) can be made up of members from both parishes. So, I ve chosen to create a team consisting of Lisa Schoneman (SJB), Chris Holzmann (STA) and Paige Katzfey (SJB/STA). I m excited about this team it s balanced, it s smart, and its members are dedicated to our parishes. In his weekly letter to pastors, administrators and other parish leaders, Archbishop Listecki also talks about the Amazing Parish conference. In part, he wrote: I am excited that the Amazing Parish conference will take place here within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. If parishes are the lifeblood of the Catholic community, it is also true that some parishes have become anemic. This is an opportunity to energize the parish base with the infusion of creative ideas. We have complained for a long time about the dwindling attendance at Mass, the lack of knowledge about the faith, and the need to evangelize the community. Amazing Parish will reinforce the importance of parish life. It will challenge us to re-think our parishes today. While some parishes may be anemic, that certainly is not the case with St. Thomas Aquinas or St. John the Baptist! I think both of our parishes are doing pretty darned well. Recently, STA has conducted a thorough SWOT Analysis [Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat] leading to a re-articulation of parish priorities, while SJB has re-stated its Strategic Plan for 2018-2020 and is taking positive measures to translate the plan as it appears on paper into an action plan in real time. Both parishes are in the process of re-introducing a comprehensive model of Stewardship into parish life. And then there s our twinning relationship with ZeruZeru, Inc. At SJB, I am also liking very much what I see Amy Nelson doing with St. John the Baptist Catholic School. (I ve mentioned this in the SJB bulletin recently, but not in STA s. Amy, Lisa Schoneman and I are taking a semester-long on-line course with the Institute for School and Parish Development at the University of Dayton. The course is entitled Understanding, Organizing and Implementing a Vibrant Catholic School Development/Advancement System, Part I, and it is really quite an eye-opener. There are two other courses which we may sign up for: Part II and Catholic Parish Development: Creating a Belonging and Believing Culture. Meanwhile, in a completely unanticipated coincidence, I picked up the current issue of the Jesuit magazine America to find a most intriguing article: Reading Ignatius in Dystopia: Jesuit Universities in an Age of Anxiety. What the author prescribes for the future of Jesuit schools of higher learning could, I believe, easily be applied to Catholic parochial schools and even to parishes! If you ve got a few minutes, take a gander just google the title. You won t regret it. Father Phil Welcome to the Newest Members of our Catholic Faith Family Baptized Sunday, October 14 2018 Lincoln Allan Petrie, Son of Jason and Amber Petrie and Piper Rayne Adams Daughter of Jeremy and Kamy Adams May they and their families enjoy the Blessings of the sacrament and continue in God s Love throughout their lives. In Loving Memory Our parish family extends its sympathy to the families of Cecilia Schumacher and Elizabeth Hennings May they, with God s Blessing, rest in peace. Wedding Banns II ~ Austin James Wiese and Elizabeth Leslie Brisson Congratulations to Thomas Murphy and Shannon Ryan United in Marriage October 13, 2018 May God bless and carry you through a lifetime of blessings and happiness.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) Another Way to Examine Our Conscience It s not hard to feel intimidated when we think of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We picture ourselves rehashing our faults in front of a priest. We fear that he might have some harsh words for us words that only increase our guilt. We worry that God won t really forgive us. It can be easy to forget that Confession is a sacrament of healing as well as a sacrament of forgiveness (Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 1421). In other words, Confession has the power to change us, not just pardon us. Trust that God s mercy always triumphs over our sin. His power to heal always triumphs over our guilt. Upward / Inward / Outward These are three aspect of our spiritual life we can focus on when preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation: Our Life with God (upward), the state of our hearts (inward), and our relationships (outward). Rather than specific issues, they are meant to spark your own set of questions. Ponder these and see where the Holy Spirit leads you. Trust that God wants to make you whole. He loves you so much that he wants to help you live a more joyful, peaceful life. SJB parishioners told us they are grateful for...... the school and keeping our young people active in their faith....father Phil and everyone who keeps this parish functioning....my family and my job. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Combined Collections: Church in Mission 2nd Collection This is a wonderful opportunity to help people in need through five important efforts: Catholic Home Missions Catholic Relief Services Church in Central and Eastern Europe Works of the Holy Father: Peter's Pence World Mission Sunday If you did not receive a mailing at your home, additional envelopes are available in the Church gathering space. We Remember In loving memory of those whose funerals were offered at St. John the Baptist this past year. (November 1, 2017 - October 31, 2018) Remembrance Mass November 4, 2018-9:30am We would also like to remember those family members of parishioners whose funerals were offered elsewhere. Please either call or email your name and contact information, along with the name of your loved one to the parish office by Friday, October 26. sjbparish@sjbplymouth.org or 920-892- 4006. Our deceased loved ones names will be read during Mass and a candle lit in their honor. All are invited to gather for refreshments following Mass. Gratitude to Greatness through SJB Greeters! You are late. There s traffic. It s cold and rainy. And yet, when you walk through the doors, there s a friendly face, a smile, and a welcoming hello. You take a breath, smile, and say hello back. I am grateful every time I come to Mass and am greeted by someone from the SJB Welcome Ministry. They are helping SJB achieve greatness every weekend by making it a welcoming community for members and guests. As we continue our journey of Gratitude to Greatness, please be sure to say hello to our weekend greeters, and also thank them for giving their time to SJB. I also ask you to consider being part of this ministry. You choose the days that work best in your schedule (typically once a month or less). You arrive ½ hour before Mass, open doors, say hello and just welcome those that join us each weekend. It s such a simple way to create greatness at SJB. If you are interested, please contact me, Kristin Strehlow, for more information. KR.strehlow@gmail.com or 893-1316. See you at Mass!
School News Faith Formation News There are many benefits to receiving a well-rounded education. It is important to foster a child s natural abilities. Children thrive much more in life if they are exposed to a wide variety of academic challenges. A well-balanced education generally gives students a positive outlook on learning. Exposure to varied sorts of education, like the fine arts area, can help students in developing better study habits and perform better in higher level education. Programs like Project Lead the Way enables opportunities to experience and use 21 st Century thinking skills. These skills include: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. These are skills, abilities and dispositions that researchers identify as being required for success in 21 st century society and workplaces by educators, by business leaders and by government agencies. Our teachers provide a wide-array of lessons and activities that reach many different interests and learning styles within each of their classrooms. St. John the Baptist School is committed to teaching the whole child and in offering students a well-rounded education. If you are interested in learning more about our academic offerings or would like to take a tour of our fine facility, please contact the school office at (920) 893-5961. Yours in Christ, Mrs. Amy Nelson, Principal Thirty-eight second grade children in our SJB School and Faith Formation Program are busy preparing for their First Reconciliation and First Communion. Please keep them and their families in your prayers during this milestone year. To help the children and their parents prepare for the sacrament of reconciliation Grace Urbanski will present Mercy: A Great Gift for your Heart. Grace will speak to all the children and parents in the Faith Formation programs of Sheboygan County and is sponsored by S.C.O.R.E (Sheboygan County Organization of Religious Educators). BAPTISM Do you have a wee one that you d like to welcome to the Catholic community some day? Interested in meeting other new parents? Could you use some TLC for a night? Come join us for a Baptism Preparation Class. All it takes is one class. Classes are held bi-monthly (every other 4th Monday night of the month from 6-8pm in the Pastoral Ministries Office), starting Monday November 26th. Come to prepare for your child s Baptism and have some food and fellowship in the meantime! Please call or email Paige Katzfey to sign up (892-4006 X118 or pkatzfey@sjbplymouth.org). Stewardship Committee Update The newly formed Stewardship Committee is underway and developing an action plan to guide St. John the Baptist over the next year. Members include: Mary Calvey, Brad Feick, Jamie Feick, Sue Feick, Ann Gamoke, Jeff Mallmann, Ann Roy, Anne Smith, Dick Williamson and Steve Wilson. Pastoral council liaison is Bill Marklein. The group began meeting in May under the guidance of an Archdiocese parish consultant and has now transitioned to a parish-led team. Their goal for SJB is to be a vibrant and welcoming parish that engages our members to be active participants in community life. The team is developing strategies and action plans focused on current active parish members, new members, and inactive members and nonmembers who have participated in sacramental rites and other parish programs. The team meets the first Monday of every month. Its first tasks include creating a new member welcome packet, developing a strategy to reach family members of newly baptized children and newly married couples, and updating the stewardship activity guide. To learn more about the team s work, or if you re interested in helping with its first projects, please talk to a committee member or contact committee chair Anne Smith at smiths1257@frontier.com.
Walking with Purpose Six-Week Bible Study For Women Short, but powerful study Fellowship with women Improved relationship with God and others Living in the Father s love reveals how deeply relevant the Gospels are to our relationships both with God and those we love. Weekly morning and evening sessions are available beginning Tuesday, November 6 (9:00 10:30 a.m.) or Wednesday, November 7 (6:00 7:30 p.m.) at St. John the Baptist Parish Office. Register online at sjbplymouth.org or call the parish office at 892-4006. No previous Bible study experience is necessary; come as you are as we discover just how much God loves us. $10 registration and $20 study guide (assistance available). SJB Christian Women s Holiday Craft and Gift Fair Saturday, November 3 8:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. * NEW TIME St. John the Baptist Parish Hall, School Corridors, Old and New Gyms Enter on Pleasant or Plymouth Streets Over 60 Old and New Crafters! No admission Fee Silent Auction Raffles Bake Sale Lunch available until 2:00 p.m. Wheel Chair Accessible Eucharistic Adoration NEW HOURS Beginning November 5, 2018 Monday s 3:30 6:30 p.m. In Church. Thank you to those who responded to the survey. Calling All SJB Bakers! The Christian Women s Craft Fair Bake Sale is a big attraction and it needs lots of homemade baked goods. This year we need more pies of all varieties, especially those donated for sale by the slice in the luncheon area. New this year will be the dessert and coffee table for craft fair shoppers! Be creative and make berry, cherry, pecan and cream pies, or even shoo-fly pie, to donate for us to sell! We still need dessert breads, yeast breads & rolls, bars, cakes, pastries, pies and tortes of all kinds to sell in the bakery area. If possible, make breads and pies in small pans, for smaller families. Please label all bakery for allergies such as nuts, peanut butter, dairy products, fruit, gluten & sugar-free. Drop off donations on Friday, November 2, 3-6 p.m. or Saturday, November 3, 7:30 9:30 a.m. in the cafeteria. Please note the times for the November 3 Craft Fair this year 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For questions on bakery donations call Mary Biskobing, 893-5197 or 207-5507.
Mass Schedule and Intentions SJB - St. John the Baptist STA - St. Thomas Aquinas, Elkhart Lake Saturday, October 13 4:00pm SJB Alton Chambers 4:00pm SJB Ovella Gilson 5:30pm STA Leona & Ray Meerstein 5:30pm STA John & Kate Coyne Sunday, October 14 8:00am STA Joan Mueller 9:30am SJB For the People of St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Families 6:00pm SJB Bob and Joan Feuerstein Monday, October 15 8:00am SJB Paul Thomas 8:00am SJB Deceased Members of the Meuer and Schaefer Families Tuesday, October 16 8:00am SJB Alfons Friederichs 8:00am SJB Tony Woelfel 1:30pm SJB Grandparents Mass Wednesday, October 17 8:00am STA Don Diedrich Thursday, October 18 8:00am SJB Lester Schmitz 8:00am SJB Marcella Meyer Friday, October 19 8:00am STA Roger and Mike Schmitz 8:00am STA Catherine Kraus Saturday, October 20 4:00pm SJB Leo Mugan 4:00pm SJB Edie Kapellen 5:30pm STA Ed and Evangeline Lange Sunday, October 21 8:00am STA For the People of St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Families 9:30am SJB Helena and Joe Burkart 9:30am SJB Jose Guzman Scriptures 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - October 14, 2018 1st: Wisdom 7:7-11 (143B) 2nd: Hebrews 4:12-13 Gospel: Mark 10:17-30 or 10:17-27 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time - October 21, 2018 1st: Isaiah 53:10-11 (146B) 2nd: Hebrews 4:14-16 Gospel: Mark 10:35-45 or 10:42-45 The Week at St. John the Baptist October 14 20, 2018 Sunday... October 14 6:00pm... FF Gr 9-10/Church 6:00pm... Confirmation Class/Church Monday... October 15 12:00pm... Compassionate Hearts Mtg./Parish Office 4:00pm... Eucharistic Adoration/Church 5:30pm... Technology Mtg./Library Tuesday... October 16 4:00pm.. Building & Grounds Committee Mtg/Parish Office 5:30pm... Christian Women Exec. Board Mtg./Parish Office Wednesday... October 17 6:00pm... FF Gr 1-8/School 6:15pm... FF Gr 9-10/School 7:00pm... Adult Volleyball/Gym Thursday... October 18 8:30am... Mission Quilters/Parish Office 9:30am... Bereavement Ministry Mtg./Parish Office 6:00pm... Classic Choir Rehearsal/Church Support the Boy Scouts Next weekend, October 20 & 21 the Boy Scouts from Troop 874 will be taking orders for Christmas wreaths and greens after the Masses, in the Church Gathering Space. Items will be delivered before Thanksgiving. Thank you. Bring some Joy into Someone s Life at The Gathering Place Have you ever volunteered and felt that you received way more than you gave? That's what our volunteers tell us every day. We do so many different activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy doing with an adult with memory loss. Socializing, potato bowling, playing games, art, wood working or just doing a puzzle with someone is an important way to help. Bring some joy to someone else's life by spending your Mondays or Tuesdays with us. Call us today at 920-627-6847 or email carolb@stpaulfalls.com CHILI SUPPER Hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 243 October 18, 2018 from 4:00 7:00 pm 40 Stafford St., Plymouth Dinner includes chili, cheese, crackers, desserts and beverage. Adults and children: $8.50, children under 6 free. Proceeds will benefit Wreaths Across American and the Sons of the American Legion Josh Dog Project.
St. John the Baptist Parish Information Sacramental Celebrations Eucharistic Liturgies: See the front cover of Bulletin. Baptism: Contact the Parish Office Reconciliation: 2nd and 4th Saturday from 9:30-10:00am in the Reconciliation Room. Marriage: Contact the pastor no later than six months prior to day of the wedding. Very Reverend Philip D. Reifenberg Shared Pastor Parishes of St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Trustees Bill Barbieur Treasurer Tom Paul..Secretary Pastoral Council Chair : Adam Schneider Members: Anne Gamoke, Bill Marklein, Tony Mischo, Cheryl Nicholson, Keith Ott, Joel Pierce, Tony Glenboski, Kim Welsch Finance Council Chair : Jim Birenbaum Members: Bill Barbieur, Mark Gumm, Tom Paul, Joel Pierce St. John the Baptist School - 893-5961 Amy Nelson..Principal Ann Penkwitz...School Secretary Joel Pierce. School Board Chair St. John the Baptist Faith Formation - 892-6015 Amy Albers Director of Faith Formation Nancy Kultgen.Faith Formation Assistant Contacts Cemetery..Parish Office - 892-4006 Prayer Needs.Kate - 893-0937 St. Vincent de Paul...892-4913 sjbplymouth.org Parish Membership We welcome you to the St. John the Baptist Parish Family. To receive a registration form or to notify us of an address change, please complete the form below. Place the completed form in the collection basket, or return it to the Parish Office (115 Plymouth Street, Plymouth 53073). Name Address: Phone: New Parishioner Address Change Bulletin Deadline Please submit announcements to the parish office by noon on Monday. bulletin@sjbplymouth.org Parish Office Contact Information Hours: 8:30am-Noon and 1:00-4:00pm Phone..892-4006 Website... www.sjbplymouth.org E-mail...sjbparish@sjbplymouth.org Lisa Schoneman.....Director of Administrative Services Paige Katzfey...Pastoral Associate Katie Kleiber.....Communications Coordinator Julie Krueger.Parish Secretary Scott Dedlow...Building Maint./Dir. Of Music &Liturgy Hearing Assistance: The induction loop system for hearing device users is installed in church. To take advantage of this hearing assistance, please turn your hearing device to the T coil setting and sit in either of the middle two sections of church. St. John the Baptist Bulletin Advertiser of the Week Filippo & Sons Inc. The support of our advertisers helps offset the cost of publishing our bulletin. Please thank them when you can and support them with your business.