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This is your chance to be a lifesaver - donate blood at Dick's 27th Blood Drive!
Date: Saturday, July 9th Time: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm Location: Wauwatosa Catholic School gym Hot dogs and brats will be served to all attempting donors and their guests, and as an extra thank you, limited edition t-shirts will be given out while supplies last. Please make an appointment to help minimize waiting times at http://www.bit.ly/dbdjuly922 or call (877) 232-4376. Thank you for your continued support! Written by Sam El-Azem, Tri-parish Director of Formation for Children During the season of Easter, we witness of the joy of the Sacraments, especially when our youngest friends are invited to receive Jesus in the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time. This is always such a special time for the children and our parish communities.
I want to share with you the process to prepare for the Sacraments within the methodology of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Beginning in Level 1 (K3-K5), the child is invited to consider their friendship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd. It is a friendship that, we believe children already have with God, and is rooted in love and security. Drawing on the Kingdom parables, these themes in the Scriptures are presented and the children are invited to respond. Once in Level 2 (1st-3rd Grade), the children are starting to consider their place in the world, their families, their friendships, and their relationship with God. In Level 1, they grow in the foundational and unchanging love of God and in Level 2, we ponder our response. We start to consider all of the amazing gifts that God has given to us, there is an even greater gift that God wants to give to us—Jesus in the Eucharist. At the beginning of the year, we gather as a group and the children are invited to consider if this is their year to receive Jesus in this special way. When we think about child development, we discover that not all children develop at the same rate physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and yes, even spiritually. Our mixed age group classes allow for children to be exposed to this process of discernment and to assess their own readiness to start preparing to receive these gifts of Reconciliation and the Eucharist for the first time. This is the first year that we approached preparation this way and the fruit of this is beyond words. For the children who discern that this is their year, their focus shifts a bit when it comes to presentations and work with the materials in the Atrium. As their moral lives start to develop, we ponder the moral parables that Jesus gives to us like the Good Samaritan, the Found Coin, the Found Sheep, and the True Vine. We think about what it looks like to love God with all of our hearts, our souls, and our strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus also gives us Maxims in the Bible that help us think more deeply about these commandments—”love your enemies,” “your body is temple of the Holy Spirit,” “do not blow a trumpet before you,” and more. These Maxims invite the children to consider their own lives and how they live (or do not live) these out. This is our response to the gifts we are given. We also study the Mass more intentionally and the children work on a big project of writing out certain prayers of the Mass to make their own first Missal, or guidebook to the Mass. In April, we have three extra sessions that include the child and the parent(s) where we ponder the parable of the True Vine, being connected to Christ, the moments of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the gift of the love of God. A highlight of this entire process, however, is the Sacrament retreat. The children and at least one parent attend a retreat, a time of intentional preparation, on Thursday evening, Friday evening, and most of Saturday. On Friday, we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time, recalling our connection to Jesus, the True Vine. After receiving the Sacrament, the children then light a candle from the Easter candle as a sign of this Light of Christ being renewed within us. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is deeply connected to the Sacrament of the Eucharist. This is why we celebrate the two of them so close together. When we link the Sacrament of God’s mercy and healing with the celebration of the Eucharist, the children know the deep love of the Good Shepherd, a love that is their own, no matter what. That in renewing the Light within us, we can more fully receive all the love that God wants to give. What a gift! These gifts are seen as a part of the whole gift of having a lived relationship with Christ and gifts that we continue to receive as a sheep in the flock of Christ. I encourage parents to not wait to sign their children up for formation when they are in that 2nd grade year. Children have a deep friendship with Christ even from a youngest of ages. Consider enrolling them in our Level 1 Atrium (K3-K5 aged children) so they can spend time cultivating the foundation of Christ’s love so that when they get to Level 2 (1st-3rd grade) and to Level 3 (4th-6th), they can build upon it. Sign up for our 6-week summer sessions is open now and fall registration will open in the middle of summer. Date: Tuesday, May 17th
Time: 6:30 pm Location: St. Pius X, in the Francis Jordan Room (enter through parish office doors) RSVP: Call the St. Pius X parish office at (414) 453-3875 Adults of all ages should have an Advanced Health Care Directive, also known as Power of Attorney for Health Care. Do you need one or need to update your current document (due to deaths, divorce or marriage)? Take charge of your future health care decisions and put the worry of your loved ones aside. Parishioner Lisa Marie Idzikowski, APSW, will explain your choices and the difference between a Living Will, Advanced Directive and a Wisconsin Health Care Power of Attorney as she walks you through the decision-making process. Lisa Marie will answer your questions and provide you with the forms you need to complete a legal document (that evening if you choose to). Come learn about this process for yourself or to help a family member, friend, or loved one. They are welcome as well.  Over the coming months, Catholics from around the world will be participating in a worldwide Synod, or consultation process. Lend your voice to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's response to Pope Francis' Synod on Synodality! What would you like the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and Pope Francis to know?
Join us on Saturday, May 21st at 10:00 am in the Francis Jordan Meeting Room* for a facilitated dialogue and listening session about the consultation questions. A synthesis of the discussion, along with your comments, will then be forwarded to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which will in turn forward their synthesis to Rome. No registration is required. Unable to attend the meeting? You can still share your thoughts by filling out the survey here. *Come to the parish office doors off Wauwatosa Avenue.  Over the coming months, Catholics from around the world will be participating in a worldwide Synod, or consultation process. Lend your voice to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's response to Pope Francis' Synod on Synodality!
What would you like the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and Pope Francis to know? Visit https://tinyurl.com/5n6z4547 and share your thoughts. Paper copies are available in the back of church for those who prefer. Please fill out the survey and return it in a sealed envelope in the offertory basket in the back of church or to the parish office by Sunday, May 29th. The St. Pius X Health Ministry Committee invites you to their workshop:
Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal & Financial Planning Date: Tuesday, March 29th Time: 6:30 pm Location: St. Pius X (in church) Description: When someone is showing signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. Often, conversations with family about changing behaviors can be challenging and uncomfortable. This program provides tips for breaking the ice with your family so you can address some of the most common issues that are difficult to discuss: going to the doctor for a diagnosis or medical treatment, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans for future care. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, open to the community. Masks are requested if you are not vaccinated.  We are proud to announce that we have hired Nicolle R. Schroeder to be the new principal of Wauwatosa Catholic School. Mrs. Schroeder, a Wauwatosa resident, comes to us with 20+ years’ experience as an educator.
Her impressive resume includes:
Mrs. Schroeder offered the following about herself: “Building relationships with all stakeholders comes naturally to me which is vital to helping students achieve their academic, personal, and post-secondary goals. I take great pride in my visionary outlook and effective organizational abilities….” The search committee was comprised of a trustee from each of our supporting parishes, two former principals (parishioners), a WCS teacher, who is also a WCS parent and a WCS administrator. There were a number of quality candidates for the position. All members of the committee ranked Mrs. Schroeder their top choice after two rounds of interviews. We believe that she will be a great leader and will provide stability and growth for our school. A sampling of comments from members of the search committee: Mrs Schroeder is extremely well organized, smart, experienced, a good communicator, is invested in the Tosa neighborhood, prayerful, an honest and sincere commitment to continuous growth for students and staff, calm and thoughtful demeanor, approachable, positive energy, wants to be here and is excited about this opportunity… We wish to honor Mrs. Schroeder’s current contracted employment, so she will not officially start at WCS until July 1st. However, between now and then she will be interacting with Dr. Burdick and members of the staff to get “up to speed” as much as possible before she starts. We will be setting up meetings for you all to have an opportunity to meet and interact with Mrs. Schroeder. Please join us in welcoming her to our Wauwatosa Catholic community. From Nicolle: Greetings and blessings! I am delighted to be joining the Wauwatosa Catholic community as Principal. Pope Francis said, “In education dwells the seed of hope, a hope of peace and justice, a hope of beauty, of goodness; a hope of social harmony.” Hope is one of the main reasons I love working in education. Children’s futures are so full of promise and possibility! I look forward to meeting you all in the upcoming months. Till then, I wish you a Spring filled with hope and gratitude. The Sisters of the Divine Savior invite you celebrate Catholic Sisters Week by helping us respond to growing food insecurity in Milwaukee. From March 1st - 14th, we’re collecting donations for Mother of Good Counsel and Blessed Savior Parish food pantries.
All unexpired, non-perishable food is needed. We’ll also accept unopened household paper goods and feminine hygiene products. Please drop off your donations in the bin at front door #20 at the SDS Community House, 4311 N. 100th Street (adjacent to Divine Savior Holy Angels HS). The last day to donate is Monday, March 14th. Below is a list of resources for you and your family to use during this season of Lent. If you have other resources that you would like to share, please email the parish office at [email protected].
St. Pius X Lent & Easter Schedule A list of events and liturgies taking place here at St. Pius X. https://bit.ly/LentEaster2022 A Guide to Lent 2022 by the Catholic Herald Information on various Lenten topics including fasting and the Paschal Triduum liturgies. catholicherald.org/featured/guide-to-lent-2022 “This is Home” from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee A Lenten resource for families with young children Do you want to pass your faith on to your children, learn how to pray as a family, and make your house feel more like a home? THIS IS HOME is a resource for families with young children to help connect what happens at Sunday Mass to everyday life in the home through fun family activities, family prayer, and family scripture study. Sign up today for this weekly Lent series beginning on Ash Wednesday (March 2nd). www.archmil.org/THIS-IS-HOME Augustine Institute: Virtual Bible Conference Date: Saturday, March 5th Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Cost: Free This Lent, return home to the Father’s house. Register today and join us on March 5th, the first Saturday of Lent, for this free virtual event hosted by Dr. Tim Gray and featuring trusted scholars from the Augustine Institute. These talks will help you delve into the riches of the Scriptures and more fruitfully embark upon your Lenten journey. Visit bibleconference.augustineinstitute.org to learn more and register. Lenten Day of Reconciliation Date: Tuesday, April 5th Location: Various parishes around the Archdiocese of Milwaukee The sacrament of reconciliation will be celebrated at 13 parishes throughout the archdiocese. For times, locations and more information, visit www.archmil.org/Pray-Reconcile-Rejoice. Click the link below to open a printable Lent, Holy Week & Easter 2022 Schedule. 
LENTEN OPPORTUNITIES
Ash Wednesday Masses Wednesday, March 2nd 8:00 am 7:00 pm Lenten Reflection & Adoration Tuesday, March 8th 7:00 pm Taize Prayer Service Friday, March 18th 7:00 pm Taize is a form of Christian prayer originating from the ecumenical Christian community of Taize in France. You are invited to rest in God through meditative singing, prayer, readings, and silence. Anointing of the Sick (During Mass) Saturday, April 2nd 5:00 pm Sunday, April 3rd 8:00 & 10:30 am Reconciliation Service Tuesday, April 5th 7:00 pm Reconciliation is also available every Saturday from 4:00 - 4:30 pm in the chapel or contact Fr. Paul to schedule an appointment. HOLY WEEK & EASTER Palm Sunday Masses Saturday, April 9th 5:00 pm Sunday, April 10th 8:00 & 10:30 am Holy Thursday - April 14th Mass 7:00 pm Good Friday - April 15th Stations of the Cross 12:00 pm Service 7:00 pm Holy Saturday - April 16th Easter Vigil 8:15 pm Easter Sunday - April 17th Masses 8:00 & 10:30 am All Masses, services and events will be held in the church. We hope to start up fellowship and donuts once again after Sunday morning Masses towards the beginning of 2022, depending on Covid of course. This tradition has been sorely missed during the last 22 months.
While we are excited to get started, we will need your help to make this happen! Could you help one Sunday a month? There are two shift times to choose from: Early Shift: Come in around 7:30 am to prepare the cafeteria before the 8:00 am Mass (which you can attend) and stay until everyone has left the cafeteria after the 8:00 am Mass. Late Shift: Come in shortly before the 10:30 am Mass ends (Fr. Paul will let you leave Mass early), prepare for fellowship, and clean up afterwards. This is a great opportunity for families to serve together and for students to get in their volunteer hours. We’d love to see some new faces volunteering; training is provided! If you would like to help, sign up on the list in the back of church, online, or call the parish office at (414) 453-3875. Thank you!  Drive to Save Lives Sweepstakes: As a thank you for saving lives this Season of Giving, donors who donate blood at Versiti donor centers and community blood drives between now and January 9th, 2022, will beentered into Versiti’s Drive to Save Live Sweepstakes for a chance to win an SUV. (Eligibility and Terms/Conditions: www.versiti.org/ways-to-give/blood-donation/drive-to-save-lives-sweepstakes/drive-to-save-lives-sweepstakes-official-rules.)
Card Sunday November 27th & 28th Spread some Christmas cheer to our homebound parishioners by writing or making Christmas cards for them! Cards can be returned to the back of church or the parish office by Sunday, November 28th. Gift Sunday December 4th & 5th Gift Sunday is a long-standing (40+ years) tradition at St. Pius X. It helps to meet needs within our community. Please do not wrap the gifts; if boxed, label with the item, size and age group, and indicate the designated agency (i.e. boy/girl 6+ years, 4T boy blue shirt and pants, woman’s med black gloves). Place your gifts in the labeled boxes in the back of church, or drop them off at the parish office by Sunday, December 5th. Gift cards are strongly encouraged and may be purchased through St. Pius X’s Scrip program, placed in an envelope(s) and labeled with the agency name. There will be a box for gift cards in the back of church (only on the weekend of December 4th & 5th) and at the parish office (drop off anytime through December 3rd). Gift Requests All age groups
Eras Senior Network
St. Vincent de Paul
Casa Maria
Hope Network
La Causa Crisis Nursery and Prevention Program (birth to 12)
Food Sunday December 11th & 12th This year we will be collecting food in-person and online donations for the Hunger Task Force. Please drop off your donations in the boxes in the back of church, or donate online (click here). You may make online donations any time up until Christmas. If you have any questions, please call the parish office at (414) 453-3875.
Date: Thursday, November 11th
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm Location: St. Pius X church Presented by: Stephanie Delmore, MA, LPC, Victim Assistance Coordinator & Employee Support Coordinator for Parishes & Schools, Archdiocese of Milwaukee RSVP: Contact the parish office at [email protected] or (414) 453-3875 (walk-ins are welcome) This workshop is being offered to all tri-parish & Kingdom Prep staff, concerned adults & teens accompanied by a parent. The pandemic has brought an increase in stress for most of us. This level of stress may be unprecedented for some and may be leading to thoughts of suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Americans ages 10-34. Through this educational session, you can learn about the signs and symptoms of suicide risk in youth and adults. Anyone can learn how to provide support and intervention for those who are struggling. In addition, the session will present an overview of mental health and well-being and the effects of trauma. Please note: This program contains an evidence-based QPR session. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. As a QPR-trained Gatekeeper you will learn to: recognize the warning signs of suicide, know how to offer hope, know how to get help and save a life. Masks are requested if you are not vaccinated. |
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