Mission Statement

PARISH ADMINISTRATION
Parish Office 262-782-4575
Pastor ................................................................................Rev. Peter Berger
pberger@stmaryeg.org
Assisting Priest ...................................................................... Rev. David Filut
Deacon ..................................................................................Charles Kustner
cjkustner@gmail.com
Deacon ................................................................................. Richard Piontek
rpiontek@stmaryeg.org
Deacon ................................................................................. Dick Niggemann
niggemannr@archmil.org
Business Administrator ..............................................................Cheryl Peters
cpeters@stmaryeg.org ..........................................................................
Director of Parish Advancement and Communication ................ Nora Mihm
nmihm@stmaryeg.org ...........................................................................
Building & Grounds Supervisor ....................................................... Dave Foti
dfoti@stmaryeg.org
Parish Secretary ........................................................................ Kathy Janusz
kjanusz@stmaryeg.org
Human Concerns Coordinator ................................................Mary Sue Protz
msprotz@stmaryeg.org
Administrative Assistant................................................................ Chris Kinzy
ckinzy@stmaryeg.org
Trustee .............................................................................. Gordon Giampietro
Trustee ...................................................................................Ignatius Smetek
Pastoral Council Chairman ....................................................... Howard Pryor
Thrift Shop ................................................................................. 262-784-6644
Fax ...………………………………………………………………..262-782-0677
Liturgy & Music 262-782-4485
Director of Music .....................................................................Julie Cucunato
jcucunato@stmaryeg.org
Administrative Assistant............................................................ Jenny Dascoli
jdascoli@stmaryeg.org
Christian Formation 262-782-4575
ST. MARY’S VISITATION PARISH
1260 CHURCH STREET
ELM GROVE, WISCONSIN 53122
WWW.STMARYEG.ORG
THIRD SUNDAY
OF
ADVENT
DECEMBER 13, 2015
Co-directors of Christian Formation
Middle School, Adult & Family Ministry ................................Josh Dieterich
jdieterich@stmaryeg.org ........................................................................
Child & Youth Ministry ................................................... Elizabeth Harrison
eharrison@stmaryeg.org .......................................................................
School 262-782-7057
Principal ...................................................................................... Mary Tretow
mtretow@stmaryeg.org
Secretary ......................................................................................... Kris Dries
kdries@stmaryeg.org
MASSES
Sunday ............................................................... 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am
Anticipated Mass ............................................................. 5:00 pm (Saturday)
Monday thru Friday ............................................................................ 6:30 am
Tuesday and Friday, school days only .............................................. 8:00 am
Saturday ............................................................................................ 8:00 am
RECONCILIATION
Mission Statement
United in faith, we live as a prayerful people
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
called to share our gifts through Christian stewardship in
our church and world communities.
The visible sign of our lifelong commitment is our
dedication to worship, education, and service
in the Roman Catholic Tradition.
First Thursday of the month
6:00 pm - 6:45 pm
Friday
2:00pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday
8:45 am - 9:15 am
Please check the weekly bulletin for changes to this schedule.
Seasonal Quad Parish Reconciliation Services are listed in the bulletin.
HOLY DAYS
Mary Mother of God ..........................................................................January I
Assumption ..................................................................................... August 15
All Saints ....................................................................................... November I
Immaculate Conception ............................................................... December 8
Christmas ................................................................................... December 25
Mass schedules for Holy Days are announced in the bulletin.
ST. MARY’S VISITATION PARISH
2
PARISH REGISTRATION
Maranatha
Come
Lord Jesus
Come
St. Mary’s is always happy to welcome new members. If you are
interested in parish membership, it would be most helpful if you
would call to make an appointment to register (262-782-4575).
An appointment will guarantee the presence of a staff member to
answer your questions and walk through a welcome packet with
you.
Registration guarantees you all the privileges of parish
membership.
Mass Intentions
Baptism Preparation
Monday, December 14, Saint John of the Cross, Priest
6:30 am † Phyllis Krukar
Sacrament of the Sick available after Mass
Tuesday, December 15, Advent Weekday
6:30 am † Irineo Echavarre
8:00 am † Dawn Lawler
Wednesday, December 16, Advent Weekday
6:30 am † Margaret Helen Zych
Thursday, December 17, Late Advent Weekday
6:30 am † David Sayas
Friday, December 18, Late Advent Weekday
6:30 am † Paul Wolker
8:00 am † Casper Medved
Saturday, December 19, Late Advent Weekday
8:00 am † Mary Ann Koehler
5:00 pm † David Davis
Sunday, December 20, Fourth Sunday of Advent
7:30 am † Jim Keyes
9:00 am † Elaine Ostrowski
11:00 am
Parishioners
Children ages 6 and under: Those seeking to have children
baptized should be registered, active members of St. Mary’s
Visitation Parish. Parents who request baptism for a child are
expected to complete a preparation class. It is offered bi-monthly.
The next classes are:
Saturday, February 6th from 10-11am in church
Saturday, April 2nd from 10-11am in church
It is generally easier if the preparation is done before the birth of
the child. If you have attended a session within the last five years,
it is not necessary to retake the class.
To schedule a baptism, please view the baptism dates on the
parish website, www.stmaryeg.org/baptism.
Please contact Jenny Dascoli in the Liturgy & Music office at
262-782-4485 or jdascoli@stmaryeg.org for more information or
to register for the baptism class.
Children ages 6-12: Please call the Liturgy & Music Office.
Advent Reconciliation Services
Please take advantage of the communal reconciliation
services during this season of Advent:
Monday
Wednesday
12/14
12/16
St. Dominic
St. Joseph
7pm
7pm
Daily Mass Schedule
6:30 am
8:00 am
Monday thru Friday
Tuesday & Friday, School Days Only
Adults ages 12 and up: Adults who wish to join the Catholic
Church and were not baptized can participate in the Rite of
Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Please call Josh
Dieterich, Co-director of Christian Formation - Middle School,
Adult and Family Ministry, for more information.
The Sacrament of Matrimony
The Catholic Church takes preparation for the Sacrament of
Matrimony very seriously. Generally at least 6 months should be
allowed for this preparation. Engaged couples themselves should
call the parish office to schedule an appointment to discuss their
plans. Marriage can take place any day of the week, although
Saturday is generally preferred by couples. Sunday weddings are
possible, but a wedding Mass is not allowed for such occasions.
Parish Financial Information
Exceptions:
Stewardship
There is no 8am Mass on Tuesday, December 29th
There is no 8am Mass on Friday, January 1st
Through 11/30/15
Parish Office Hours
Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
8:30am - 4pm
8:30am - 5pm
8:30am - noon
Envelopes
Debt Retirement Appeal
$508,754
432,279
Campaign Goal
$3,000,000
Total Pledged 11/30/2015
1,977,086
1,758,329
Automated Giving
49,817
Total Received
Loose Checks/
Cash
26,658
# Participating Households
Thank you for supporting St. Mary’s Visitation Parish!
556
WWW.STMARYEG.ORG
Postings from Fr. Peter
3
Advent Reflection
This Sunday we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent and the Advent Season is now half-over! As we
move through the heart of Advent and prepare ourselves for Christmas, I thought I would include a
meditation from St. Alphonsus Liguori to help us prepare for the great mystery of the Incarnation that we
will be celebrating in a couple of weeks. This reflection comes from his book, “The Incarnation Birth and
Infancy of Our Lord Jesus Christ” – perhaps you will be able to set a few minutes aside to read and pray
with this reflection as part of your Advent preparation.
“Consider that the eternal Father, in giving us his Son for a Redeemer, for victim and price of our ransom, could not have given us
stronger motives for hope and love, to inspire us with confidence, and to oblige us to love him. In giving us his Son (says St. Augustine),
he could give us nothing more. He desires that we should avail ourselves of this immense gift in order to gain for ourselves eternal
salvation, and every grace that we want; whilst in Jesus we find all that we can desire; we find light, strength, peace, confidence, love
and eternal glory; for Jesus Christ is a gift which contains all the gifts that we can seek for or desire.
‘How hath He not also, with Him, given us all things? (Romans 8.32)’ God having given us his beloved only-begotten Son, who is the
fountain and treasure of all good, who need fear that he should deny us any favor that we ask of him? ‘Christ Jesus is of God made unto
us wisdom, and justice, and sanctification and redemption’ (1 Corinthians 1.30).’ God hath given him to us in order that he might be to
us ignorant and blind creatures light and wisdom, wherewith to walk in the way of salvation; in order that to us who are deserving of
hell he might be justice, enabling us to aspire to paradise; that to us sinners he might be sanctification, to obtain for us holiness; that,
finally, to us slaves of the evil he might be a ransom to purchase for us the liberty of the songs of God. In short, the Apostle says that with
Jesus Christ we have been enriched with every good gift and every grace, if we ask it through his merits: ‘In all things, you are made
rich in Him,…so that nothing is wanting to you in any grace’ (1 Corinthians 1.5).
And this gift which God has made us of his Son is a gift to each one of us; for he hath given him entirely to each of us, as if he had given
him to each one alone, so that every one of us may say: Jesus is all mine; his body is mine; his blood is mine; his life is mine; his
sorrows, his death, his merits, are all mine. Wherefore St. Paul said, ‘He loved me and delivered Himself for me’ (Galatians 2.20). And
every one may say the same thing; ‘My Redeemer has loved me; and for the love that he bore me he hath given himself entirely to me.’”
St. Mary’s Visitation Parish, School and other ministries owe our success to the generous donations of our parishioners. We appreciate
your contributions throughout the calendar year.
Were you aware that historically 18% of all general stewardship donations are received in the month of December?
We count on and appreciate being included in your end of year giving again this year. Thank you.
According to IRS regulations, all contributions must be physically received by the close of business on December 31st to be considered
donations in the 2015 calendar year.
St. Mary’s Parish Office will be open until noon on Thursday, December 31st. Donations received after noon on December 31st and at
the New Year’s Day Masses will be recorded as 2016 donations.
Christmas For Our Troops
Please donate an "Arms of Jesus" blanket, blessed by the order of St. Camillus, to our veterans at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical
Center.
SMV children and teens make handmade blankets for the veterans at the VA Medical Center. Please consider a donation to purchase
supplies to make these blankets, made with love and prayer, by writing a check for $20 to SMV and note "Arms of Jesus" on the check.
Checks can be mailed to SMV (SMV, Elizabeth Harrison, 1260 Church Street, Elm Grove, WI 53122) or dropped through the mail slot
of the parish office.
We will bring the donated blankets to the veterans as you purchase them throughout Advent until the Epiphany! Thank you for your
heart-felt donation and sacrifice for our veterans.
Please contact Elizabeth Harrison with questions, 262-385-1100.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
4
Monday: Gr. 3-5 Reconciliation; 1:30pm,+
 Home & School Mtg; 5:30pm
Tuesday: 8am All School Mass
 Holiday Treasures
 Girl Scout Troop #8979 Mtg.
Wednesday: Holiday Treasures
 5:11 Presentation; 2pm
Friday: 8am All School Mass
Readings for the Week of December 13th:
Sunday:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Zep 3:14-18a/Is 12:2-6/Phil 4:4-7/Lk 3:10-18
Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a/Ps 25:4-9/Mt 21:23-27
Zep 3:1-2, 9-13/Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23/
Mt 21:28-32
Wednesday: Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21b-25/Ps 85:9-14/Lk 7:18b-23
Thursday:
Gn 49:2, 8-10/Ps 72:1-4, 7-8, 17/Mt 1:1-17
Friday:
Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19/Mt 1:18-25
Saturday:
Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71:3-6, 16-17/Lk 1:5-25
Next Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a/Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19/Heb 10:5-10/
Lk 1:39-45
Adoration Chapel
In his writings the prophet Isaiah urges us to prepare the way of
the Lord. How are your spiritual preparations for Christmas
coming?
 Are you saying the family rosary? The rosary will be said
in Church at 5pm on the 13th, sponsored by the Christian
Women. Can you and your family attend?
 Have you made time for reading the Bible?
 Have you gone to Confession recently?
 Are you spending time in the St. Mary's Perpetual
Adoration Chapel?
 Have you joined the Adoration program? What a fabulous
gift that would be for God, yourself and the parish!
We must have at least one person in the Chapel at all times--and
as you can see below, there are many hours for which we need
coverage. Can you help keep Perpetual Adoration Going?
Are you still looking for that perfect gift for your spouse,
children, siblings, friends? This year give the best gift of all--a
gift of prayers. Spend an hour in the Chapel and offer it for his/
her/their intentions. Then pick up a "Gift of Love" card in the
vestibule of the Chapel, fill it in and present it as a Christmas
gift. The cards are free and there is no limit to the number
you can take and use. This is one gift which anyone could
use, and no one can ever have too many prayers!
We Need Coverage:
Sundays
1-2 am
Mondays
2-3 am
Tuesdays (Jan-April)
1-2 am
Tuesdays
4-5 am
Wednesdays
2-3 pm
Thurs. midnight-1 am
Thursdays (2nd& 4th)
2-3 am
Fridays
2-3 am
Fridays
8-9 pm
Call Colleen Schwarz, 414-795-3153
Call Mary Rhomberg, 262-786-1974
Call Mary Schwarz, 414-771-8738
"
"
Call Joleen Gordon, 262-789-6766
Call Jack or Pat Morien, 262-786-6490
"
"
Call Rita Dragani 262-796-1162
Call Kathy Stapleton, 262-782-2658
Sunday (12/13): Feed The Hungry Sunday
 Poinsettia Sales After All Masses
 Family Rosary; 5pm+
 Brookfield Central Sacred Concert; 7pm,+
Monday: Thrift Shop Open; 9am-4pm
 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd; 3:15pm, SC
 Mary's Angels Children's Choir (Age 6-11) Rehearsal; 4:15pm,+
 Musicâ Oramus (Age 12 and up) Rehearsal; 5:45-6:45pm,+
 Parent Info Mtg. for Teen Summer Service & Youth
Conference; 7pm, SC
 Quad Parish Penance Service; 7pm, St. Dominic
 Visitation Choir Rehearsal (Age 12 and up); 7-8pm,+
Tuesday: Thrift Shop Open; 9am-4pm
 RCIA; 6:30pm, Attic
Wednesday: Edge (Gr. 5-8); 6:15-7:45pm, Atrium
 Advent Family Night; 6:15, SC
 Quad Parish Penance Service; 7pm, St. Joe’s
Thursday: Thrift Shop Open; 9am-7pm
 Cantor Rehearsal; 5:30pm,+
Friday: Thrift Shop Open; 9am-4pm
 Kiwanis Golden K of EG. Coffee served until 9:30am mtg;
SC (Visitors are Welcome)
 Holy Dusters; 11am,+
 Reconciliation; 2-5pm,+
 Musicâ Oramus (Age 12 and up) Rehearsal; 5-6pm,+
Saturday: AA Meeting; 7-8am, SC
 Reconciliation; 8:45-9:15am,+
 Cantor Rehearsal; 9am,+
 Thrift Shop Open; 9am - noon
Sunday (12/20): YDisciple; 4:30pm, Attic
Location Key: Church (+), Senior Center (SC), Cafeteria (CA), Scout
Room (SR), Gym (G), School Art Room (AR), School Library (L), School
Classrooms (S), After School Care Room (ASC), Music Room (MR),
Parish Office (P), Atrium (Atrium), Youth Center - The Attic (A)
St. Mary’s Thrift Shop
262-784-6644
BLESSED ADVENT & MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Enjoy 20-50% off all red tagged items in store all month long!
Fabulous FURS! FURS! & genuine-looking FURS, too!
Look gorgeous for the holidays for half the price of
consignment-quality clothing! Create a festive atmosphere
with decorations from our Christmas room!
Feast Day Specials
Dec.28
Feast of the Holy Innocents
20% off children's items.
* Senior Discount not applicable on Dec. 8.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS
Dec. 24
Dec.25
Dec. 31
Jan.1
9am-Noon
CLOSED--Merry Christmas!
9am-4pm
CLOSED--Happy New Year!
DECEMBER 13, 2015
The Family Rosary
Christmas Mass Schedule
5:00pm December 13
Thursday, December 24
4:00pm
10:30pm (10:00pm prelude)
Friday, December 25
7:30am
9:00am
Friday, December 25
11:00am
The Parish Offices are closed.
There is no 6:30am or 8am Mass.
The Parish Offices are closed.
There is no 6:30am.
Weekday Ministers ~ The Week of December 13th
Server
Jack Elwell
Sacristan
Jack Morien
Lector
Jerry Shimek
Eucharistic Ministers Jack Morien and Ron Szymanski
Poinsettia Plants
Christmas in The Grove
‘Tis the season…
don’t go any further than
St. Mary’s for your shopping!
1. Thrift Shop
Buy the perfect present or a gift certificate for someone who
likes to rummage.
2. A Gift of Prayers
Spend an hour in the St. Mary's Perpetual Adoration Chapel
and offer it for someone's intentions. Then pick up a "Gift of
Love" card in the vestibule of the Chapel, fill it in, and present
it as a Christmas gift.
3. Christmas Cards
Purchase Christmas cards featuring St. Mary's Crèche and
Altar. The package cost is $15 for 12 cards. The cards are
available in the parish office.
4. SCRIP
When you purchase Scrip certificates, the vendors will give a
percentage to St. Mary’s School.
Contact school, 262-782-7057, if you would like to purchase
SCRIP certificates to your favorite stores and restaurants.
5. Poinsettia Plants for our Sanctuary
What a wonderful way for all of us to share the splendor and
beauty of Christmas with those we love. Purchase the gift
cards after all Masses next weekend.
6. Christian Women Cookbook
Know someone who loves to cook? Buy them the perfect
recipe book with all of St. Mary's Parishioners' recipes.
Mary, The Holy Mother of God
Friday, January 1st
A Holy Day of Obligation
Church
The Family Rosary will take place
the 2nd Sunday of every month at 5:00pm.
For Your Planning,
Please Note The Following Changes
Thursday, December 24
5
The Environment Committee is taking orders for poinsettia
plants. For a $15 donation, these poinsettias will be a part of our
church sanctuary decorations this Christmas.
You may designate the poinsettia as a memorial or a simple gift
for a loved one, friend or neighbor. The names of those honored
will be published in the bulletin as we approach Christmas.
What a wonderful way for all of us to share the splendor and
beauty of Christmas with those we love and each other.
Cards may also be purchased in the Parish Office until tomorrow,
12/14.
If you have any questions, call the Parish Office, 262-782-4575.
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Christmas Poinsettia Gift Card Order Form
I would like to order Christmas Poinsettias
at $15 each in honor of the following people (Please Print):
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________________
Total # of poinsettias ordered ____ @ $15.00 ea. = ______
Total # of cards needed ____
Your Name __________________________________________
Telephone __________________________________________
Masses:
Thursday, 12/31 at 5pm & Friday, 1/1 at 9am
Parish Offices: Close at noon on Thursday, 12/31
Closed Friday, 1/1
Practicing Mercy ~ December 2015
Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee Year of Mercy to begin on December 8, 2015 and continue through November 20, 2016. Catholics
throughout the archdiocese are invited to practice the Works of Mercy throughout the jubilee year.
For December, we focus on two Works of Mercy: “Instruct the Ignorant” and “Admonish the Sinner.”
Take these two Mercy Actions:
1) Reflect on who around you is misinformed or confused about the faith and lovingly share with them your zeal for Jesus and his
Church.
2) Pray outside an abortion clinic.
Youth Ministry Happenings
Teens Ages 15-18!
Registration is open for teen summer service and the Steubenville Youth Conference. Registration forms are available in back of the
church atrium and on St. Mary’s website, stmaryeg.org in Ministries/Teen Ministry tabs. Registration deadline for both events
is December 31st. Location and cost information is included in the registration form. Contact Elizabeth Harrison for further information
at eharrison@stmaryeg.org.
Reach Out Reach In
Opportunity for teens who are interested in spending a week in service with children in shelters or summer programs,
special needs children and adults, a family and organic farm, painting or landscaping for community organizations and
so much more.
Steubenville Youth Conference ~ July 22-24
This conference is primarily an invitation to spiritual growth. For some this means entering into a personal relationship with God for the first time. For others, this means a deeper and more mature acceptance of the gospel, the
Church, and a greater zeal to be a witness for Christ. The conference weekend is about developing the gifts given at
Baptism and sealed at Confirmation. You will discover that Christianity is not for the weak and timid. Be prepared to
join thousands of teens from around the country for a weekend to get serious about a life with Christ and His Church.
Parent Information Meeting For Your Teen's Interest
In Attending a Summer Service Week and/or a Youth Conference with SMV in 2016.
What:
Parent Information Meeting
Why:
Teen Summer service week and/or youth conference registration deadline is 1/1/16
When: Monday, December 14th @ 7:00pm
Where: Senior Center
Who:
Teens interested in a Summer community service and/or Catholic Youth Conference
Both of these activities are for teens entering Gr. 9-11 in 2016. Friends from other parishes are welcome to attend. The service week
event will fulfill Confirmation service requirements for 2017. Teens are welcome to attend this meeting with parents.
The meeting will last one hour and address questions you or your teen have before the registration deadline of January 1st. Please review
the detail information provided on SMV web site, stmaryeg.org under Ministries/Teens before the parent meeting.
Retreat for People Who Have Lost a Spouse
Wednesday, January 27th, 9am - 3pm ~ St. James Parish, 7219 S. 27th St., Franklin
Join us for this special one-day retreat for men and women of all ages who have lost a spouse through death. It doesn’t matter how much
time has passed since the spouse died; all widows and widowers are welcome regardless of the length of their grieving or how long they
were married. This day was created to help you deal with the grief, pain and isolation that accompanies the loss of a spouse.
Participants will listen to presentations, and have personal time for other activities. The cost of the daylong retreat is $25, and includes
materials, lunch, beverages and snacks. Financial aid is available. You must register in advance by Wednesday, January 13th.
For additional information, please contact Ali Butler at 414-758-2241 or butlera@archmil.org.
2016 Confirmation Retreat is on January 29th - 31st
Schoenstatt Retreat Center ~ W284 N698 Cherry Lane ~ Waukesha ~ 262-522-4300
Gentlemen: Please arrive at Schoenstatt by 5pm on Friday night. You are to depart after dinner on Saturday night
by 7pm and attend 11am Mass on Sunday with the entire Confirmation group at SMV.
Ladies: Please arrive at Schoenstatt retreat center by 7:30am on Saturday morning and depart after breakfast on
Sunday morning by 10:30am to attend 11:00am Mass with the entire Confirmation group at SMV.
Transportation to and from the retreat center is provided by parents. Teens are not allowed to have cars at the retreat center.