The Feast of the Holy Family
Sunday, December 26, 2021
My Dear Friends in Christ,
On Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Family comes in different forms including biological, adoptive, church, friends – the list goes on. If you ask anybody what is most important in life, they will all say family and faith. I also like to add forgiveness. Family is the first school where we learn to love and care for each other and to forgive.
In any interaction with other people there will be misunderstandings. Therefore, there is a need to forgive each other if we want a long lasting relationship. Depending on the circumstances, forgiveness might be a short-term or long-term process, but it’s always worth it. When you forgive, you are setting yourself free. Happy New Year!
Spend some time with the offerings below from staff to prepare for Sunday Mass. And check out the opportunities below.
Anticipate Sunday, December 26
- Mass Readings – The scripture readings tell us about the roles and relationships in family.
- Scripture Reflection – In this week’s reflection Jon helps us think about the meaning and the challenges in family relationships.
- Youth Formation – Margaret offers the readings with thought-provoking questions and a host of resources for further knowledge and reflection on this Feast of the Holy Family.
- Music Selection – Doug presents the music menu for Sunday Mass as we continue to rejoice in the birth of our Savior.
Other Offerings
- Centennial Celebration – The kick-off event of Saint Catherine’s centennial year will be at Mass on Sunday, January 9, followed by a reception.
- Bible Study on the Gospel of John – Join us for this eight-part Bible Study on the Gospel of John that will begin January 4, 2022. Come either Tuesday mornings at 9:15 a.m. at St Catherine or Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at St Sebastian. To register email Jon Metz at jmetz@saintsebs.org. There is a $10 fee for the workbook.
- Donor Match Program – Find out about this matching gift opportunity that runs to the end of the year!
Covid-19 Update: Masks are optional, but please wear a mask if you’ve not been vaccinated. A masked-only section is located in a marked area on the east side of the church 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 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 19, 2021
My Dear Friends in Christ,
Christmas is the ideal time for us to be filled with the spirit of Christ, allowing his rebirth within us. Once Christ is reborn in us, he enables us to share his love with all whom we encounter by offering them humble and committed service, unconditional forgiveness and compassionate, caring love.
When Mary received the good news from the angel, she went in haste to share her joy with Elizabeth. What about you and me? Do we share the good news of God with others? When we encounter Jesus through his words, it should prompt us to serve others with love just like Mary did for Elizabeth.
Spend some time with the offerings below from staff to prepare for Sunday Mass. And check out the opportunities below.
Anticipate Sunday, December 19
- Mass Readings – The scripture readings tell us about Mary and Elizabeth greeting each other in the Holy Spirit.
- Scripture Reflection – In this week’s reflection Jon helps us think about what brings us joy.
- Youth Formation – Margaret offers the readings with thought-provoking questions and a host of resources for further knowledge and reflection on this Fourth Sunday of Advent.
- Music Selection – Doug presents the music menu for Sunday Mass. As usual, we have a few extra English/Spanish bilingual songs to celebrate the Feast.
- Pledge Commitment Cards – remember to bring your card with you to Mass.
Christmas Mass Schedule
- Christmas Eve at 4 p.m.
- Christmas Day at 10 a.m.
- We will not have reserved seating, but there will be a cap on how many people will be admitted.
Other Offerings
- Pancake Breakfast – after Mass in the School Cafeteria.
- Sacrament of Reconciliation – Prepare your heart to welcome the newborn Savior. The sacrament will be offered Saturday, December 18, at 9:30 am at St. Catherine.
- Facing Racism – On Sunday, December 19, join a conversation on racism and reflect on what we as Catholics are being asked to do. Watch a PBS Black Nouveau presentation on understanding implicit bias; CHECK HERE for more information.
- Centennial Celebration – The kick-off event of Saint Catherine’s centennial year will be at Mass on Sunday, January 9, followed by a reception.
- Bible Study on the Gospel of John – Join us for this eight-part Bible Study on the Gospel of John that will begin January 4, 2022. Come either Tuesday mornings at 9:15 a.m. at St Catherine or Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at St Sebastian. To register email Jon Metz at jmetz@saintsebs.org. There is a $10 fee for the workbook.
- Donor Match Program – Find out about this matching gift opportunity that runs to the end of the year!
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 Third Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 12, 2021
My Dear Friends in Christ,
We have arrived at Gaudete Sunday (Gaudete is the Latin word for “rejoice”), and the Scriptures take on a joyful tone as we continue our preparations for the feast of our Savior’s birth. Let us rejoice in Christ’s extravagant love and avail ourselves of the peace He longs to give us.
As we will hear in Sunday’s Gospel, we should not retreat from life, but be converted to a just way of living. Jesus meets us where we are in life. This week, ponder the question, “What should I do for Jesus to be born in my heart?” And let’s look carefully at our lives to make sure we are indeed making of them a gift fitting for Him.
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, December 12
- Mass Readings – The scripture readings today are filled with the joy and expectation of the coming of the Savior.
- Scripture Reflection – In this week’s reflection we contemplate Advent as the season of giving and generosity.
- Music Selection – Doug presents the music menu for Sunday Mass. This Sunday we’ll have our annual play with young parishioners re-enacting the story of St. Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe. As usual, we have a few extra English/Spanish bilingual songs for the occasion.
- Pledge Commitment Cards – remember to bring your card with you to Mass.
Christmas Mass Schedule
- Christmas Eve at 4 p.m.
- Christmas Day at 10 a.m.
- We will not have reserved seating, but there will be a cap on how many people will be admitted.
Other Offerings
- Sacrament of Reconciliation – Prepare your heart to welcome the newborn Savior. The sacrament will be offered Wednesday, December 15, at 9 am at St. Sebastian and Saturday, December 18, at 9 am at St. Catherine.
- Facing Racism – Join a conversation on racism and reflect on what we as Catholics are being asked to do. Watch a PBS Black Nouveau presentation on understanding implicit bias; CHECK HERE for discussion dates and times.
- Bible Study on the Gospel of John – Join us for this eight-part Bible Study on the Gospel of John that will begin January 4, 2022. Come either Tuesday mornings at 9:15 a.m. at St Catherine or Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at St Sebastian. To register email Jon Metz at jmetz@saintsebs.org. There is a $10 fee for the workbook.
- 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.
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 Second Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 5, 2021
My Dear Friends in Christ,
If we cannot seek God in quiet moments of our lives, we are not likely to find Him when trouble strikes. We are more likely to panic. But if we have learned to seek Him and trust Him in quiet moments, then most certainly we will find Him when the going gets rough.
Advent is a time to renew and deepen our relationship with God. It is a time of patient waiting for God, prayerful and trusting waiting for God. Celebrate Advent with your heart; it is an opportunity to step back from that which preoccupies and distracts us daily and make a straight way for the Lord to receive the special grace God has planned for each one of us this Advent.
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, December 5
- Mass Readings – The scripture readings today are filled with the hope that comes with preparation.
- Scripture Reflection – In this week’s reflection we contemplate Advent as a time of preparing and the prophets in our lives.
- Music Selection – Doug presents the music menu for Sunday Mass.
- Pledge Commitment Cards – remember to bring your card with you to Mass.
Christmas Mass Schedule
- Christmas Eve at 4 p.m.
- Christmas Day at 10 a.m.
Other Offerings
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Mass will be at St. Catherine on Tuesday, December 7, at 5 p.m. and at St. Sebastian on Wednesday, December 8, at 8:20 a.m. This holy day is celebrated on the actual date rather than on the Sundays closest to their liturgical dates.
- Sacrament of Reconciliation – Prepare your heart to welcome the newborn Savior. The sacrament will be offered Wednesday, December 15, at 9 am at St. Sebastian and Saturday, December 18, at 9 am at St. Catherine.
- Facing Racism – Join a conversation on racism and reflect on what we as Catholics are being asked to do. Watch a PBS Black Nouveau presentation on understanding implicit bias; CHECK HERE for discussion dates and times.
- Bible Study on the Gospel of John – Join us for this eight-part Bible Study on the Gospel of John that will begin January 4, 2022. No prior Bible Study experience needed. This user-friendly Bible Study uses video, a workbook and guided discussion. There are two opportunities to join us: Tuesday mornings at 9:15 a.m. at St Catherine or Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at St Sebastian. To register email Jon Metz at jmetz@saintsebs.org. There is a $10 fee for the workbook.
- 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.
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 HEREfor 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