S T · JOHN & ST·KILIAN summer newsletter JULY|20 To pray, serve�oic� and love together in christ What Jesus left for us to do: At the Ascension of Jesus, He commissioned his disciples to go forth and fulfill the evangelic mission of the Gospel. This is often referred to as the “Great Commissioning.” It was an invitation to the apostles, but one also extended to believers in every generation. It is at the heart of our baptismal commitment and the social Gospel that Jesus proclaimed. In a very real sense, it fulfills the words of Jesus: “Truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” ( John 14:12 ) The “Works of Jesus” infuse the teaching of the things is our love for others and God. The example entire New Testament. It is a mission to proclaim the of how to do these things is that of Jesus at the Last Kingdom of God, announce the time of repentance Supper who washes the feet of his disciples to teach THE UNFINISHED and forgiveness of sins, enter into an era of “the them that they must also be servants to one another. Resurrecting of Humanity” (in the words of Pope As I finish my term in pastoral leadership at St. Francis), through being faithful witnesses to messages Kilian and St. John, I urge each of you to continue to MISSION and work of Jesus in the world today. And, in that Spirit, be faithful to the works of Christ in our communities to do “even greater things in Jesus’ name.” each day. Seeking to be faithful witnesses to family, OF THE One of the shortest summaries of the message of neighbors, the greater community, our nation, and the the Gospels and summations of the teaching of Christ world is what brings meaning, purpose, and fulfillment FAITHFUL is: “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) to our Christian path and journey each day. The Holy Giving substance and concreteness to that command Father and our bishops have encouraged us through gives a sense of direction on specifically how we are their pastoral responses and teachings in all essential to accomplish the work that Jesus has given us to missions in the church and world today. do. Two fundamental and broadly inclusive guides In the spirit of the Beatitudes and Last Judgement are found in The Beatitudes (Matthew, Chapter 5 and teachings of Jesus, we are directed by the Works of Luke, Chapter 6), and the Last Judgement Teachings in Mercy to be advocates and witnesses to life. This Matthew’s Gospel, 25:31-46. These teachings of Jesus includes all life issues. give a framework, definition, clarity, and substance to The late Cardinal Bernardin of Chicago the “greater things” that we are entrusted to accomplish summarized the unity of life issues as the Seamless as followers of Christ. The motivation for doing these Garment of pro-life imperatives, acknowledging that all life must be considered sacred and divinely A Christian pro-life response includes imbued with dignity and respect. “ The lives of the unborn and newly born as well as “ Accepting the challenge of Pope Francis, and the health care and nutrition to provide for safe and healthy Scriptures themselves, that we be faithful guardians and development of both child and mother needed to stewards of Earth’s environment and resources to protect safeguard their future lives this and future generations from the effects of global “ Adequate medical assistance and help with the support warming and degradation of our air, water, land necessary for the elderly, chronically ill, and their eco-systems and all those not able to afford insurance, “ Working to free ourselves and society of the violence food or housing security against life represented by racism, cultural prejudices, disrespect for the religious beliefs of others, all forms “ Ending the use of the death penalty and all inhumane forms of punishment that violate the sanctity of hatred toward others, and victims of social, gender, of the lives of all prisoners education, and economic injustices “ Advocating for peace through dialogue, negotiations “ Protecting others and ourselves during this time of the and all efforts to avoid conflict, violence and war Coronavirus by following the best medical advice and practices, especially being aware of the most vulnerable “ Supporting meaningful and reasonable gun control and reform laws which protect innocent victims and In working to accomplish all these reforms and truly be a lower the level of violence in society by reducing the community of faith which protects and values all human life, availability of assault weapons through background we do the work that Jesus has left for us. checks and gun registration “ july 2020 Page 1
PRESENTING NEW PASTOR +F R . BR IT TO
Dear St. Kilian and St. John Congregations,
By now you have heard the news that I, Father Britto, have been assigned as your new Pastor. I am thrilled to have been given this new assignment. I look forward to getting to know and serve all of you. First, I would like to “break the ice” and share a wee bit about myself. y given name is Britto Raja Suresh, but I prefer to go by “Britto.” Both my parents are retired Mand living in my hometown in South India. I am the eldest of their two sons. My younger brother is a school teacher, teaching the native language of Tamil. In the village of my hometown, it is customary for sons to be named after St. John de Britto, a Portuguese Missionary of the Jesuit order. He preached the Christian religion, in the region of Madurai, South India for 20 years —1673 to 1693. It was in 1693 that he was executed in the place called “Oriyur” for defending the gospel values and was canonized St. John de hile I am excited and ready to Britto on June 22, 1947. transfer to my new assignment, I Being from the soil of “St. Britto’s great Martyrdom,” Wadmit that I feel a wee bit of stress I, too, was impressed by his values and started my vocation and sadness. Leaving behind the comfort as a Jesuit scholastic. I was soon called by the Holy Spirit to of staff, friends, and parishioners who have become a shepherd for God’s people. It is then that I decided become my family leaves me a bit saddened and to become a diocesan priest, as the Jesuits had limited stressed. Added to this is a new layer of stress opportunities for such a vocation. In 2003, I was ordained to from the pandemic and protests. Rest assured, I the priesthood in South India. will be comforted and guided by the Holy Spirit After 11 years of my priestly ministry in India, I was to overcome these stressors. awakened with the call to continue as a shepherd of God’s As I was working on this article, I happened to people in the United States. In 2014, I was appointed see this quote from an unknown author: as Associate Pastor at St. Veronica in Milwaukee and “Don’t confuse your calling with your served for two years. From there, I joined St. Alphonsus assignment. You’re called to fulfill God’s Congregation in Greendale and have been serving as the purpose. You’re assigned to specific tasks Associate Pastor for the past four years. for God’s purpose.” Is this not true? I have been blessed in my priesthood in the United States. New opportunities to share Christ’s love and I have had the privilege to serve, counsel, and minister mercy await me at St. Kilian and St. John. I am many. I have shared the joy of birth and baptism, the wide- officially set to begin my new assignment on eyed wonderment of First Communion, the confident August 4th. I am eager to be your shepherd; to commitment of Confirmation, the excitement of marriage, serve, counsel, minister, and become a part of and the sorrow of illness and death. I have cherished these your families. opportunities to share God’s love and mercy. Peace and Blessings, Fr. Britto
Page 2 St.John/St.Kilian VOICE KNEW THAT ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD would be memorable, but I did not expect its unforgettable character be colored by the uncertainty and fear that a worldwide pandemic brings. However, Archbishop Listecki hit the nail on the head during his homily at the otherwise stripped-down ceremony. By being ordained on the original day amidst the challenging circumstances and sacrificing what would otherwise be a large communal Appeal Update celebration, it was made clear that ordination day really belongs to Christ and is a visible Isign for His continuing work of salvation. There is some good news to share, as The Ordination Mass was subdued. Only our immediate families could be present. the Archdiocese is in Phase One of the Thankfully, my entire immediate family and their families were able to attend. That alone Catholic Comeback. The 2020 Archdiocese was a great gift. Due to restrictions on numbers, there was unfortunately no choir nor Stewardship Campaign, “Many Hands, One could many of the presbyterate be able to attend. However, the subdued nature of the Vision,” continues on since the February Liturgy helped the Rite speak. For us newly ordained and not, the simplicity of the Liturgy launch. St. John and St. Kilian are strongly helped us all actively enter into prayer with the words and gestures that the Church gives committed to supporting this Appeal. in the ordination of priests. Currently, St. John has contributed $9,580 Following the ordination, what would otherwise be a busy schedule of first blessings, towards their goal of $14,280. St. Kilian has hearing confessions, receptions, etc., was equally subdued given contributed $35,631 towards their goal of the circumstances. Yet, as in the ordination itself, it allowed $45,900. Being able to support this year’s for a deep reflection on the mystery of participating in Christ’s appeal in spite of our current challenges is testament to our willingness to share in our gifts. As St. Mother Theresa said, “There is deep joy in giving, since what we receive is much more than what we give.” Being new to Working together as a congregation, we can be a part of another successful Appeal. priestly ministry by fr. Justin Weber Contributions can be made online at: https://www.archmil.org/2020-Catholic- ministerial priesthood. When Jesus took on our humanity, He Stewardship-Appeal.htm took it all on. There is nothing left untouched by His Incarnation;
His becoming man. In a similar way, while our celebrations were not the grandiose ones we may have expected, like Christ coming in the crib, our small celebrations were no less Budget for Fiscal Year loving or blessed. Following the ordination, I spent much of the weekend with my family. That in itself was a great blessing as on any other ordination weekend, I would likely 7/1/20— 6/30/21 not have seen them as much. That weekend we prayed at the gravesides of my deceased grandparents with extended family who could not otherwise be present at the ordination. Returning home, we had a nice family dinner. Sitting in the living room, just hours after I was ordained a priest, I found myself reading “Go, Dog, Go” with my nephew. I had many emotions during my first Mass at St. Kilian the following Sunday. On one hand, my mind was flooded with memories, from grade and high school and my experience at St. Kilian. The stained glass window of the slain lamb above the entrance, an image that always took hold of me as a kid, took on a new meaning when it was I who said the words, “Behold the Lamb of God.” Thankfully, my immediate family was able to be at my first Mass; it was an immense blessing to be able to offer them Jesus present in the Eucharist. Juxtaposed to this joy, however, came the heaviness of heart of not being Revenues Amount Pct. able to celebrate with the congregation. The empty pews were a reminder that we were Liturgy 10,000 1% still in a challenging and uncertain time which limited access to the Sacraments. If I felt Religious Education 25,700 2% pain of a priest without a flock to tend to, I can only imagine the pain of a pastor who School 344,415 30% had been serving God’s people for 10, 20, 30, 40 years and how painful these weeks must Administration 776,000 67% have really been. It reminded me of the necessity of prayer for our bishops and pastors, Total 1,156,115 100% patience and cooperation with their decisions, knowing full well that they, too feel the pain we all do. Expenditures Amount Pct. After the weekend, my exterior life remained mostly the same. At that time, I still had Liturgy 58,950 5% two weeks of classes and exams to prepare for. It was a good reminder that a priest, at any Religious Education 73,625 6% stage of life, is more than what a person does. I became more and more aware that while School 785,100 63% the exterior had largely remained the same, my daily activities had, in fact, changed, Administration 153,468 12% and changed profoundly. Now, it was not a seminarian, but a priest, who was studying at Pastoral Ministry 54,832 4% his desk. Now, it was not a seminarian, but a priest, who prayed, read, hiked, etc. While Maintenance 115,200 9% the exterior actions of my life remained largely the same, the identity through which I Total 1,241,175 100% approached them did change. After the ordination weekend, this was perhaps the most valuable lesson of them all. I would rest in the relationship with God, but now with a new Net ( 85,060 ) character, that of a priest, and from that identity, accept whatever mission may come my way, both the big and the small. july 2020 Page 3 A HUGE TO OUR AMAZING CATECHISTS YOU ARE ROCK STARS
e would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our catechists and other volunteers in both the St. John and St. Kilian Religious Education programs. These programs rely on volunteers to W make the programs run, and run smoothly. For the majority of catechists, it is, thank you for a job well done — for your many years of service — and we will see you in September, the next RE year! For others, it is, thank you for a job well done, for your many years of service, we will miss you as you move on to a new challenge! But, whether moving on, or staying for another year, we say a sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU! We would also like to give our catechists a special thank you for completing the RE year with your groups. Some completed the year by mail, some on-line. We know this was nothing any of us expected when we started in early September! We were certainly never trained in college for what to do during a pandemic. If you would like to answer Jesus’ call to “Come follow me” by being a catechist, please call or email Bill Thimm (St. John) 262-673-6788 or [email protected], or Dennis Vlasak (St. Kilian) 262-673-4831 ext. 406 or [email protected]. Both parishes will be in need of new catechists for the 2020/21 year, and would be more than happy to discuss the opportunities with you.
ST. JOHN ST. KILIAN 5K Laura Roethle 4K Debbie Peters 8th Grade Shelley Kandler 1st Grade Laura Roethle 5K Lisa Sweeney 8th Grade Andrea Tadlock 2nd Grade Gina Klink 1st Grade Patty Fulop 9th Grade Tana Everts 3rd Grade Shirley Rotta 1st Grade Joelle Pryzckowski-Brandt 9th Grade Laurie Johnson 4th Grade Cindy Rosbeck 2nd Grade Sheryl Willman 9th Grade Russ Krebs 5th Grade Louise Feucht 3rd Grade Melinda Baker 10th Grade Diann Koski 6th Grade Debbie Rusch 3rd Grade Amy Gonnering 10th Grade Joan Schnorenberg 7th Grade Mary Rusch 4th Grade Terri Burns 10th Grade Ane Ohm 8th Grade Sabrina Hennes 4th Grade Mary Pat Peters 10th Grade Bill Ohm 9th Grade Mary Rusch 5th Grade Kathleen Erickson 10th Grade Chrissy Vega 10th Grade Mary Weiss 5th Grade Elizabeth Gonnering Confirmation George Hansen Confirmation Savannah Pankow 6th Grade Angela Hanson Confirmation Bob Jewell 6th Grade Brian Kowalke Confirmation Ron Weber, Jr. 7th Grade Jenifer Kirsch
First Eucharist and St. John First Eucharist Celebration | Sunday, June 28th 2:00 PM Mass. Confirmation Update St. Kilian First Eucharist Celebration | Sunday, July 12th 2:00 PM Mass. Please offers your prayers for these children as they receive Jesus We have been allowed to schedule in the Eucharist for the first time. Masses for the reception of First CONFIRMATION WILL BE CELEBRATED AT 3 VARIOUS MASSES Eucharist and Confirmation during the St. John will hold a Mass Monday, June 29th 7:00 PM. Covid-19 Pandemic! St. Kilian will have a Masses Thursday, July 2nd 7:00 PM and These Masses will be private Sunday, July 12th 11:00 AM. Confirmation Candidates were able for the families only. to choose which date worked for their family. As the Candidates approach their final Sacrament of Initiation, please pray that they may see and feel the Holy Spirit at work in their lives, feel the love God has for all His people, and grow ever closer to the Trinity.
ST. JOHN'S PLAY 4 CADE BLOOD DRIVE Thank you to everyone who donated blood at the 3rd annual play 4 cade blood drive, held on June 5 and 6, and please save the date for the annual play 4 cade event | august 1st and 2nd. Details to be announced soon.
Page 4 St.John/St.Kilian VOICE PARISH ST.KILIAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL QUESTIONNAIREmail completed form to | st.kilian parish office, 428 Forest St., Hartford, wi 53027 / 2020 21 With the transition to a new administrator/pastor, we would like to update our records in order to keep you better informed regarding changes and important information about the parish. • OPEN• We would appreciate a few minutes of your time to fill out and ENROLLMENT return this questionnaire. K-3 THROUGH GRADE 8 FAMILY NAME(S) “Faith in Every Child”
Please place a check mark in front of all boxes that apply. □ I am a current parishioner of □ St. Kilian Congregation □ St. John Parish □ I am no longer a parishioner □ My/our contact information has changed:
Name
Address
Phone #
□ I would like to receive contribution envelopes. SMALL CLASS SIZES □ Please send information regarding automatic payment contributions EXPERIENCED, DEDICATED TEACHERS Use the space below or attach an additional sheet(s) for comments, FREE, AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM any other needs or suggestions you would like to make UNTIL 5:30 ON FULL SCHEDULE DAYS TUITION ASSISTANCE FAITH BASED EDUCATION OPEN TO ALL CHILDREN SERVING THE HARTFORD AREA SCHOOL CHOICE PARTICIPANT SPECIALIZED HELP FOR STUDENTS RETURNING FROM LONG-DISTANCE LEARNING
Call for a tour and opportunity to meet our principal, Jenny Trimberger. Parents, grandparents and other family members are welcome to visit the school to help new students become a part of the St.Kilian School family.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL 245 HIGH STREET · HARTFORD WI 262 673 3081 www.stkiliancong.org
july 2020 Page 5 Picture This: RENOVATION OF THE ST. THEODORE ROOM AT ST. KILIAN RESTORATION OF THE OUTDOOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT ST. JOHN FROM FR. DAVID’S WISH LIST hen a pastor retires, it’s not unusual for some kind of social or party. Those things are not possible in the current situation because of the need to protect W one another during this time of the Coronavirus. At the same time, I feel very strongly that each of you are the people who should be thanked. My 14 years of priestly ministry at St. Kilian and 4 years at St. John have been filled with your kindness, generosity, and willingness to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ here in Hartford and Rubicon. In any case, I would like to invite you, if you wish to show appreciation for my years here, to make a donation to an initiative to help in the needed renovation of the St. theodore Room , on the second level of the Parish Center Office at St. Kilian. It is one of the most used rooms on the church campus. It’s used extensively by our Liturgical Music Ministry and its many choirs, cantors, and education of our young children, youth, young adults and adults, and musicians who are dedicated and committed to the music program that Audrey Rhinehart has led and expanded over her many years of service to music in our Eucharistic Liturgies, funeral and wedding celebrations, concerts, and the encouragement and enthusiasm that she brings to our music ministry at St. Kilian. The St. Theodore Room also is the meeting place for many committees, including the School Committee, Human Concerns Committee, and, at times, the Finance and Pastoral Council meetings. The Knights of Columbus at St. Kilian also use this as their meeting room. The space is also used for WorkCamp meetings, Religious Education classes, retreats, and welcoming guest speakers. The “Christ Have Mercy” retreat has also utilized the space for in-parish renewals. In any case, it has a great need— as did the Gathering Space, for renovation, carpeting and painting.
At St. John, for members there, I would suggest any donation you might want to make to my “retirement wish” of the renovation of the beautiful outdoor “Way of the Cross” (Stations of the Cross). o give some incentive to these projects, I have framed over 60 pictures, mostly photographs that I’ve T taken over my years here. Some appear here with this message. This will not be a bidding auction, nor will prices be assigned to each beautifully framed print. You will have a chance to view a video soon, featuring all the artwork. They will be a “first-come, first choice” gift from me. There are many local, travel and international pictures along with some art prints. Some are very large and some are just right for a small side table in your home. It is a small way that I want to thank you for your years of support and generosity. If the picture you like is still available, you can reserve it for yourself, your family,or as a gift for someone. Like many things, I feel that my interest in photography is another gift from God that is meant to be shared. You’ll be able to see these pictures in color on the video that will be available soon. So, there’s my “Retirement Wish List” should you wish to contribute ❦ St. Kilian | renovation of the St. theodore Room ❦ St. John | Donation to the repair of the outdoor Stations of the Cross For your convenience, enclosed in this newsletter you will find a self-addressed stamped envelope for donations to these projects or for any contributions. All gifts will be greatly appreciated, and it has been an honor, filled with many blessings, to spend these years of faith journey with each of you. Many Blessings, Fr. David
Page 6 St.John/St.Kilian VOICE A “hello” and “goodbye” highlight the last day of school fter weeks of being separated by the necessity of long-distance learning, the A students and faculty of St. Kilian Grade School celebrated a time to say “Hello” and “Goodbye” during a drive-thru of families and students on the street in front of the school. K-5 graduates were given their diplomas, homework assignments were returned to the students, awards and other honors were presented and (of course) there were treats! Registration continues at St. Kilian Grade School and plans are being made for the new school year this fall. Contact the school for more information 262-673-3081
On behalf of the students and staff of St. Kilian School, I want to thank all of our parishioners and community members who continually show their amazing support of Catholic eductation We cannot wait to see you in September! Have a wonderful summer Thank You With great appreciation, Mrs. Trimberger
CATHOLIC SCHOOL To Rummage OR NOT To Rummage THAT IS THE QUESTION Fr. David is very sad about this, and many of you probably will be as well. After a careful look at the present situation, the decision was made not to have a rummage sale this year. However, everyone will be looking forward to Rummage Sale 2021. It will be bigger with many more offerings. So, please hold on to those treasures that you will still want to donate to the sale next year. For the shoppers, you might consider starting a “rummage sale fund” as part of your preparation for what is always the biggest and best rummage sale in Hartford!
St. John’s 150th Anniversary Cookbook We anticipate a great demand for our cookbooks, and we want to be certain to order plenty. You can reserve one or more for yourself and your family at this time to be assured of receiving them. Priced at $10 each. Send no money now. Payment will be at time of delivery.
Please reserve cookbook(s) for me.
Name
Phone or Email Reserve Thanks to everyone who donated recipes! your copy now! We hope you enjoy it! Form can be mailed to the parish office, 428 Forest St., Hartford, WI 53027
july 2020 Page 7 st.john & st.kilian NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID HARTFORD WI 53027 PERMIT NO. 180
To pray, serve and love together in christ �oic�QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | JULY 20 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
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245 High Street · Hartford Wi 53027 Wi · Hartford 245 High Street 428 Forest Street · Hartford Wi 53027 Wi · Hartford Street 428 Forest 262·673·3081 262·673·3081
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