The First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, November 28, 2021
My Dear Friends in Christ,
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year. Advent is intended to be a season of preparation for Jesus’ arrival. While we typically regard Advent as a joyous season, it is also intended to be a period of preparation, much like Lent. Prayer, penance and fasting are appropriate during this season. The faithful should fast during the first two weeks, in particular, as well as receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Many times we focus too much on Christmas – food, decorations, travel and so on – and forget the main purpose of Advent. What are you doing to prepare? Can you make this Christmas meaningful to your spiritual journey? We need to remember who we are and to seek our purpose for being created.
Spend some time with the offerings below from staff to prepare for Sunday Mass. And check out the opportunities to continue your life-long learning.
Anticipate Sunday, November 28
- Mass Readings – In the scripture readings today Jesus tells the disciples, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy.”
- Scripture Reflection – In this week’s reflection Jon helps us think about this weary world and what gives us hope.
- Music Selection – Doug presents the music menu for Sunday Mass. Our prelude piece will be “Christ, Circle Round Us.”
- Pledge Commitment Cards – remember to bring your card with you to Mass.
Other Offerings
- Black Lives Are Sacred Witness Event – On Saturday, November 27, from 10-11 am, St. Catherine’s will host this event on Center Street in front of church. Please support this event by joining the witnesses. Bring a small chair if standing for one hour is difficult.
- Advent Mission – at St. Sebastian on Wednesday, December 1, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join us for a beautiful prayer service and presentation to rediscover Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist—this Advent Season and beyond! Presented by Fr. Brad Krawczyk.
- Message from Pope Francis – Read the Holy Father’s message posted on our website in response to the recent tragedy in Waukesha.
- More from Facing Racism – We have another student prayer video for November!
- Donor Match Program – Find out about this matching gift opportunity that runs to the end of the year!
- Letter from our School Committee – hear about our Soles Walk “Trunk or Treat!” HERE.
- Getting to Know You – Did you miss any of the interviews? Catch up on them all.
- Email and Text Warning – You may receive an email or text from someone pretending to be Fr Peter Patrick asking you to buy them gift cards. IGNORE THESE. Fr Peter Patrick would never ask you to go out and buy gift cards.
Covid-19 Update: Masks are optional, but please wear a mask if you’ve not been vaccinated. At Saint Sebastian a masked-only section is located on the west side of the church (near the organ) for those more comfortable in a masked-only environment. Staff, ushers and minsters will wear masks.
Click HERE for your bulletin.
Click HERE for online giving.
If someone you know needs our prayers, you can send requests to wepray@saintcatherine.org. If you would like to receive the bulletin in the mail or are in need of some assistance, please contact Sister Pat at prussell@saintcatherine.org or 414-445-5115.
God is good all the time; all the time God is good.
Blessings of peace and gratitude.
Father Peter Patrick Kimani
Saint Catherine and Saint Sebastian Parishes
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Sunday, November 21, 2021
My Dear Friends in Christ,
Reminder: This Sunday, November 21, is the Installation Mass at 10 a.m. at Saint Sebastian Parish – Father Peter Patrick will be installed as the pastor of Saint Sebastian and Saint Catherine Parishes at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Haines. There will be no 9 a.m. Mass at Saint Catherine.
Today marks the last Sunday of the liturgical year, also known as the Solemnity of Christ the King. Jesus is the King of the Universe. It’s good to understand the title ‘Christ the King.’ Jesus teaches us, by His example, that true kingship is about service.
Ancient kings were meant to live in service to their people, being willing to set a faith-filled and servant-like example, making difficult decisions with wisdom, mercy and justice. Kings were meant to serve as peacemakers and to be willing to give their lives in service to their people. And this is exactly what Jesus did: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mk. 10:45). He shows us by example that we are called to humble ourselves in loving service to others.
Spend some time with the offerings below from staff to prepare for Sunday Mass. And check out the opportunities to continue your life-long learning.
Anticipate Sunday, November 21
- Mass Readings – In today’s scripture readings we hear about the King and the Kingdom.
- Scripture Reflection – In this week’s reflection Jon helps us think about our image of Jesus, Christ, King.
- Music Selection – Doug present the music menu for Sunday Mass as we celebrate a return to liturgical and musical collaboration between our two parishes for the first time in two years!
Other Offerings
- Letter from our School Committee – hear about our Soles Walk “Trunk or Treat!” HERE.
- Getting to Know You – This week we have a “super-sized” edition of “Getting to Know You” featuring the Social Action subgroup which is part of Facing Racism Group. The Group is made up of Leah Sealey, Chris Dwyer and Michael Duffey. These three share so much wisdom about how to engage faith and take social action against racism. Because this is a ‘super-sized’ edition this will be the last interview until the week after Thanksgiving. Enjoy!
- Thanksgiving and Advent – The faith formation team would like to share resources with parish and school families. This Sunday, prior to the installation Mass, come choose some materials to help your family to observe this special time in our liturgical year. Here is a google doc with online resources, Advent prayers and information about service opportunities.
- Advent Mission – The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is excited to host Advent Missions at 18 parishes throughout southeastern Wisconsin— including St. Sebastian! This Mission is based on “The Gift of Sunday,” a theological reflection issued by Archbishop Jerome Listecki. Join us on Wednesday, December 1, from 7 to 8:30 pm for a beautiful prayer service and presentation that encourages everyone to come to Mass and rediscover Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist—this Advent Season and beyond! Presented by Fr. Brad Krawczyk.
- Black Lives Are Sacred Witness Event – On Saturday, November 27, from 10-11 am, St. Catherine’s will host this event on Center Street in front of church. Please support this event by joining the witnesses. Bring a small chair if standing for one hour is difficult.
Covid-19 Update: Masks are optional, but please wear a mask if you’ve not been vaccinated. At Saint Sebastian a masked-only section is located on the west side of the church (near the organ) for those more comfortable in a masked-only environment. Staff, ushers and minsters will wear masks.
Click HERE for your bulletin.
Click HERE for online giving.
If someone you know needs our prayers, you can send requests to wepray@saintcatherine.org. If you would like to receive the bulletin in the mail or are in need of some assistance, please contact Sister Pat at prussell@saintcatherine.org or 414-445-5115.
God is good all the time; all the time God is good.
Blessings of peace and gratitude.
Father Peter Patrick Kimani
Saint Catherine and Saint Sebastian Parishes
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, November 14, 2021
My Dear Friends in Christ,
Have you ever felt you were given a second chance and then promised God to live today better than yesterday? I ask for His graces to discern what I am supposed to do and pray to see God in all the people I am going to encounter, and that they see Him in me.
We may not want to talk about death and the last things that will happen at the end of times. As we come towards the end of the liturgical year, we hear the readings addressing the end of time. We should not fear death or the last things, but we should live every day as if it is our last day. Every day is a second chance God gives us; let us live each day better than yesterday.
Spend some time with the offerings below from staff to prepare for Sunday Mass. And check out the opportunities to continue your life-long learning.
Anticipate Sunday, November 14
- Mass of Remembrance – We will honor those who have died during this
past year at Mass. - Mass Readings – In today’s scripture readings we begin to hear about being watchful and being ready.
- Scripture Reflection – In this week’s reflection Jon helps us think about looking for signs of God in our lives.
- Music Selection – Doug present the music menu for Sunday Mass.
Other Offerings
- November 21 Cluster Mass – Father Peter Patrick will be installed as the pastor of Saint Sebastian and Saint Catherine Parishes at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Haines. Mass will be at 10 a.m. at Saint Sebastian church. There will be no 9 a.m. Mass at Saint Catherine church on November 21.
- Getting to Know You – This week the guest on “Getting to Know You” is Dan Holahan, a parishioner at both St Catherine and St Sebastian and a Theology Teacher at Marquette High School.
- Black Lives Are Sacred Witness Event – On Saturday, November 27, from 10-11 am, St. Catherine’s will host this event on Center Street in front of church. Please support this event by joining the witnesses. Bring a small chair if standing for one hour is difficult.
- Service Opportunity – St. Vincent DePaul Meal program needs your help while staff continues to prepare and serve hot meals to-go style. There is a crucial need for volunteer assistance on Sunday and Friday at Cross Roads Kitchen and on Friday at Harambee Kitchen. Groups or individuals are welcome. Food Assembly: 3:30PM-5:30PM Clean-Up/Set-Up: 5:00PM-6:30PM. To register, click on Cross Roads Kitchen (931 W. Madison St. 414-649-9555, Serving: Sun.-Fri. 4:00-6:15 p.m.) or Harambee Kitchen (2600 N. 2nd St. 414-249-3866, Serving: Mon.-Fri. 4:00-6:15 p.m.)
Covid-19 Update: Masks are optional, but please wear a mask if you’ve not been vaccinated. A masked-only section is located on the east side of the church (3 rows that are marked) for those more comfortable in a masked-only environment. Staff, ushers and minsters will wear masks.
Click HERE for your bulletin.
Click HERE for online giving.
If someone you know needs our prayers, you can send requests to wepray@saintcatherine.org. If you would like to receive the bulletin in the mail or are in need of some assistance, please contact Sister Pat at prussell@saintcatherine.org or 414-445-5115.
God is good all the time; all the time God is good.
Blessings of peace and gratitude.
Father Peter Patrick Kimani
Saint Catherine and Saint Sebastian Parishes
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, November 7, 2021
My Dear Friends in Christ,
Everything we own is a gift from God; we have been made the custodians of those gifts. Sometimes in life we think that the hard work of our hands and minds has brought us to where we are and what we have. Yes, that is part of it, but more so, it is the hand of God.
Today’s readings focus on fully giving to others without expecting any return. We should always be grateful for the many blessings God gives us, and we should share. Giving becomes a tangible way we can express concern and love to other people.
Spend some time with the offerings below from staff to prepare for Sunday Mass. And check out the opportunities to continue your life-long learning.
Anticipate Sunday, November 7
- Mass Readings – In today’s scripture readings we hear about the widow who gave all she had.
- Scripture Reflection – In this week’s reflection Jon helps us think about what we have to give and what others need.
- Music Selection – Doug present the music menu for Sunday Mass.
Other Offerings
- November 21 Cluster Mass – Father Peter Patrick will be installed as the pastor of Saint Sebastian and Saint Catherine Parishes at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Haines. Mass will be at 10 a.m. at Saint Sebastian church. There will be no 9 a.m. Mass at Saint Catherine church on November 21.
- Getting to Know You – The guest this week on “Getting to Know You” is Anne Novotny, a St Sebastian parishioner, social worker, mom and foster parent! Listen as she shares her wisdom about the importance of family.
- Financial Reports – Find the year-end financial statements on the bottom of the parish home page.
- The Fish Fry is back! Saint Sebastian will start with carry-out-only dinners on the first Fry-day of each month on November 5, open from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Black Catholic History Month – Lecture series, the Legacy of Enduring Faith, presented by the Black Catholic and Ethnic Ministries Office. Saturday mornings in November from 8:30-11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church Hall, 1927 N Vel R Phillips Avenue., Milwaukee. All events are FREE. For more information visit our webpage. RSVP is required. All are welcome.
- Service Opportunity – St. Vincent DePaul Meal program needs your help while staff continues to prepare and serve hot meals to-go style. There is a crucial need for volunteer assistance on Sunday and Friday at Cross Roads Kitchen and on Friday at Harambee Kitchen. Groups or individuals are welcome. Food Assembly: 3:30PM-5:30PM Clean-Up/Set-Up: 5:00PM-6:30PM. To register, click on Cross Roads Kitchen (931 W. Madison St. 414-649-9555, Serving: Sun.-Fri. 4:00-6:15 p.m.) or Harambee Kitchen (2600 N. 2nd St. 414-249-3866, Serving: Mon.-Fri. 4:00-6:15 p.m.)
Covid-19 Update: The parish safety committee is recommending all parishioners wear masks for Sunday Mass. Three rows on the east side of the church are available for masked-only parishioners who need to maintain distancing. Staff, ushers and minsters will wear masks.
Click HERE for your bulletin.
Click HERE for online giving.
If someone you know needs our prayers, you can send requests to wepray@saintcatherine.org. If you would like to receive the bulletin in the mail or are in need of some assistance, please contact Sister Pat at prussell@saintcatherine.org or 414-445-5115.
God is good all the time; all the time God is good.
Blessings of peace and gratitude.
Father Peter Patrick Kimani
Saint Catherine and Saint Sebastian Parishes