02/02/2024 | Volume 215

FAREWELL TO A BELOVED DEACON

Carl Alfred Mahnke, age 90, passed away on January 30, 2024, surrounded by his family including the love of his life and wife of 66 years, Marge. Service will be held at St. Thomas on Friday, February 2. Visitation at 10:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Our most sincere condolences to Marge and their family. Deacon Carl’s many years of service to our faith community and the elderly is appreciated by all. May he rest in peace.

OBITUARY

If you're a parent of a son/daughter (5th grade thru high school) that might be interested in becoming a youth server, we are collecting names of those interested through January for training in February. If interested, please contact:

St. Thomas: Kim Kendall at 262-758-0163 or kim.kendallsta@gmail.com 

St. Clare: Parish office at 262-895-2729 or bulletins@tds.net

Thank you for considering this reverent responsibility.

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A SMALL STONE Are you seeking fresh ideas for Lent to deepen your lenten journey? Avellina Balestri shares five spiritual exercises to implement during this holy season. It is common to give up something in particular. However, it should also be emphasized that adding new practices of spiritual devotion is equally fitting for this sacred period of cleansing, contemplation, and renewal. 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

As required by canon law of all bishops who reach age 75, Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki will submit his resignation to the Holy Father on March 12th. He will continue to serve as Milwaukee’s

Archbishop until Pope Francis accepts his retirement and appoints a new Archbishop for Milwaukee. This process has no set timeline. Learn more about Archbishop Listecki’s accomplishments, and the many upcoming celebrations being planned in his honor at www.archmil.org/Listecki.

Catholic Stewardship Appeal 2024

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP APPEAL 2024

From helping people find affordable housing to sharing the Gospel with students from kindergarten through college, your gift to the Catholic Stewardship Appeal makes a huge impact in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

LEARN MORE AND DONATE

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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EVERY STITCH COUNTS CROCHET GROUP

Fr. Johny recently took the time to bless the crochet group at St. Clare and stayed for a lesson! Classes are offered on Thursday mornings from 10 AM - Noon in Holy Family Hall. The group crochets prayer shawls for those who need them. All parishioners are welcome to sign up for a class or join this ministry, if interested, please call Sandy Stokely at (262) 895-7256.

PLEASE JOIN US!

St. Clare's Christian Women’s meeting is on Thursday, February 8th at 6:30 pm in Holy Family hall.

All married couples of St Thomas and St Clare are invited to celebrate World Marriage Day on Saturday, February 10, as Valentine's Day approaches! Join us at St Thomas for the 4:30 pm Mass and a special blessing, followed by a catered dinner in the Gathering Space. A lovely opportunity to honor your marriage sacrament with other parish couples. This annual tradition is sponsored and served by St Thomas Christian Women. There is no cost, however reservations are required. Please contact Anne-Marie Frey at (262)210-5911 by Wednesday, February 7th.

LENTEN FISH FRYS 2024

Mark your calendars! This year's Fish Frydays are February 23rd, 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

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 

Dinner: $40 Each | ATV Raffle: $25 Each or 5/$100 (2024 Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O.). Volunteers are needed before, during and after the event. A great service opportunity for students! Many hands make light work! 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

COUNTRY FAIR WEBSITE HAS MOVED

The Country Fair no longer has a separate website. All the information can be found here: www.saintthomaswaterford.org/parish/countryfair.cfm Please browse through and be sure to check back for updates!

What is the Mass? Why should I want to go to Mass with my whole heart? What actually happens? Fr. John Riley and Chris Stefanick discuss the roots of Mass and its profound implications for us today.

ENJOY FULL ACCESS TO FORMED

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Why a Protestant Pastor Became Catholic by Dr. Scott Hahn

Through his legendary testimony, Dr. Hahn explains how he was militantly anti-Catholic but self-driven to seek the truth. This ultimately led him into the Catholic Church. He soon became an ardent defender of the Faith and one of its most passionate promoters.

Space is still available for a February Cruise! 

Join us in the adventure on the “SS Noah's Ark."

February 18th | St. Thomas Gathering Space | 12:15 PM

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THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Serving smiles and pancakes in the heart of the Sunday morning hustle! Our energetic teens stepped up to the plate, literally, to make the Knights pancake breakfast a smashing success. With smiles as bright as the morning sun, they juggled serving, cleaning, and charming guests with ease. These young champions didn't flip pancakes; they flipped the script on service, showing that enthusiasm and elbow grease go a long way. So here's to the Faith Formation Breakfast Club: your dedication and positivity are the secret ingredients to Faith in action! Thanks for providing the opportunity to serve!

WISCONSIN CATHOLIC YOUTH RALLY 2024

Saturday, March 16th, 10 AM - 6 PM. Middle school and high school students are invited to attend this powerful and prayerful day-long worship experience where students can strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ alongside hundreds of teens from around the Archdiocese. Fees are covered.

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RSVP SIGN UP

PERMISSION SLIP

FEBRUARY BLOOD DRIVE

Giving warms the heart. Please spare a moment this winter to give lifesaving blood and heartwarming hope to local families. Appointments are highly encouraged, click below to reserve your spot or call Pat (262)210-6879, Adrienne (262)456-7342 or Kim (262)758-0163.

RESERVE MY SPOT

Give blood, get subs! Receive a coupon for $5 off $15 from Cousins Subs, while supplies last.

LOVE INC FEBRUARY MEAL - ST. THOMAS

We're serving an Italian spaghetti dinner. Please click below to learn more and sign up to donate food or help serve. Thank you!

SIGN UP

“SOUPER” BOWL SUNDAY IS FEBRUARY 11TH!

Please donate cans or cases of soup for the annual “Souper-Bowl” Sunday weekend! There are designated containers in St. Clare's narthex and St. Thomas' gathering space. There are many needy families in our area who would like a nice warm bowl of soup! Donations will go directly to the Norway Helping Hands Food Pantry and the St. Thomas Food Pantry. Contribute what you can to kick-off our souper-bowl before the game. Thank you!

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.

NEW! TAI CHI EVENING CLASS

FREE & Open to the Community, Age 18 and Up! January 9th - February 6th, Tuesdays | 6:15 - 7:15 PM | Limit 20 Participants. St. Thomas Cafe (lower level) enter door #12 off St. Thomas Street. Instructor: Peter Joy.

SIGN UP ONLINE

BOOK CLUB BEGINS JANUARY 29TH

Join us to read and discuss Living Joy: 9 Rules to Help You Rediscover and Live Joy Every Day by Chris Stefanick. Living joy isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. But how do we find it, and hold on to it, when so much in our life stands in the way? Living Joy equips you with the wisdom needed to experience joy to the fullest. With evidence, experience, and common sense, Chris Stefanick presents nine rules that will empower you to overcome the obstacles that are keeping you from unspeakable joy. Books will be available at the first session for $12.

FEBRUARY LUNCH WITH BUNCO & THE NORWAY FIRE DEPT

Join us for our February Lunch! First, a friendly round of Bunco, followed by lunch and a presentation by the Norway Fire Dept: Emergency Preparedness for Seniors. Give & Take Exchange: February's theme is Book Swap! Bring books you've read and take another new to you! Register by February 18th by calling either parish office: St. Clare 262-895-2729 | St. Thomas 262-534-2255 or click the link below. Wear red or pink! Bring a friend! Goodwill Donations Accepted.

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NEW! WOMEN'S WELLNESS THROUGH MOVEMENT

Tuesdays and Thursdays in the St. Thomas Uhen Center, 8:45-9:45 beginning February 13th. Sign-up is required, limited to 15 participants. A fun combination of Tai Chi, exploration of movement, and breathwork to improve balance, breathing, relaxation, and freedom of movement. Instructor: Gail Willert.

SIGN UP

TAI CHI SESSIONS FOR SENIORS 60+

Join us for Tai Chi and Qigong classes in the St. Thomas Uhen Center.  

January 2 - February 8 | Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Open to all community seniors, parish membership not required.

SIGN UP

NEW! CARDS & GAMES

Get your game on and join us the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in the St. Thomas Gathering Space, 12:30 - 3:30 PM. Our next get together is Tuesday, February 13th. Cards and shufflers provided, feel free to bring your own games too! Learn a new game, teach others your favorite, or challenge a fellow pro! Each table decides which game to play. Snacks and water provided or carry-ins welcome. Open to all community seniors, parish membership not required.

FIRESIDE BUS TRIP

“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” | FRIDAY, MARCH 22nd

$125 per person Includes: Motorcoach Transportation, Lunch & your ticket to the show! Reservations and advance payment required, due February 19th. 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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REGISTER ONLINE

OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH AT NOON

A new opportunity for Catholic education! St. James will open August 2024. The first school from its inception sponsored by the Archdiocese to use a unique blend of curriculum/pedagogy. Infant/Toddler program and K3-6th Grade (with later 7 - 8 additions). Montessori-based early childhood program. Classic liberal arts academic program with art, music and a full sports program.

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LIFE'S CONNECTION'S BIGGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR!

W231 N1600 Corporate Court, Waukesha | 4:30 - 9 PM | Dinner at 6 PM.

$100/PERSON, $800 / TABLE OF 8, *$950 / TABLE OF 10. Cash Bar, Live & Silent Auction, Wine & Jewelry Pulls, Bourbon Raffle & our Gift Card Raffle. Plus, special guest speaker, Rebekah Hagan, whose son was saved by Abortion Reversal. Register by January 31st. Can't make it? RSVP for virtual participation auction can be found on the registration page.

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St. Clare of Assisi & St. Thomas Aquinas Churches

Wind Lake & Waterford, WI