SEPT 13 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

... a pilgrim church coming to know the kingdom of God by being Christ to the world.

3722 S. 58th Street | Milwaukee, WI 53220-2053 | (414) 545-4316

EUCHARIST: PRIEST CONNECT: SAT 5:00 PM FR. BILL BURKERT ONLINE ololmke.org SUN 8:00 AM /10:30 AM /6:00 PM Office: (414) 545-4316 x 20 FACEBOOK /ololmke Home: (414) 645-8053 MON AM TWITTER 8:00 DEACON @ololmke WED AM EMAIL 9:30 JOHN MONDAY [email protected] THU 8:00 AM FAX (414) 541-2251 (414) 550-6053 FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP UPDATE COMMUNITY LIFE

Parish Support - Month August 24-30, 2015 Stewardship Offering (Envelopes/Electronic) ...... $11,048.00 Wedding Banns Offertory ...... $956.89 I Antonella Scordato & Daniel Lorenz Budget Updates Fiscal Year: July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016 Contributions Received ...... $112,678.31 Our Condolences Contribution Budget ...... $113,000.00 ...to the families and loved ones of Difference as of 8/30/15 ...... ($321.69) Jean Boncher, Diana Dellenbach, and all others who have died. Operating Income* ...... $59,007.88 Please keep them in your prayers. Operating Expenses ...... $68,598.03 Balance as of 7/31/15 ...... ($9,590.15) Social Justice Presentation: The

Improvement Fund Updates Dignity of Work To continue to raise awareness of Beginning Balance ...... $97,733.99 the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Donations ...... $6,350.00 Teaching, we are focusing this month Expenses...... ($450.00) Balance as of 8/30/15 ...... $103,633.99 on the dignity of work and the rights of workers. To further explore this Keep Our Vision Growing Campaign Capital Appeal topic, OLOL parishioner, Leon Pledges Received (378 households) ...... $563,685.88 Burzynski, a former electrical worker Pledge Payments Received ...... $549,587.37 and past president of the Wisconsin Expenses to Date ...... $455,352.50 Alliance for Retired Americans, will Current KOVG Cash Balance ...... $94,234.87 offer insight into the conditions with Music Ministry Platform Renovation (Spring 2016)...... Estimate = $197,000.00 which workers are being challenged today. Come join us as we explore such questions as: • Do workers really have a right to organize? CALENDAR RAFFLE 2015 • Should the minimum wage be changed? • How do conditions affect the quality of family life? Date Prize Ticket Winner 8/30 ...... $50.00 ...... 1167 ...... Janet & Ray Furno Participate in the conversation: 8/31 ...... $20.00 ...... 0269 ...... Kathleen Kosiboski Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 9/1 ...... $20.00 ...... 1024 ...... Teo & Zach Zuehlsdorf 6:30 pm. 9/2 ...... $20.00 ...... 0833 ...... Joan Fechtner 9/3 ...... $20.00 ...... 0071 ...... Keith Fraleigh 9/4 ...... $20.00 ...... 1096 ...... Lenny Van Zeeland 9/5 ...... $20.00 ...... 0138 ...... Bruce & Mary Zahn

SUN 13 MON 14 TUE 15

Oktoberfest Sign-Up 8:00 am Communion Service Rm 9 8:00 am Communion Service Rm 9 8:00 am Liturgy Church 6:30 pm Centering Prayer Rm 9 4:30 pm Creative Connections Rm 6 9:00 am 1st Reconcil. Prep Hall ABC 6:30 pm Building & Grounds Sacristy 6:45 pm Boy Scouts - Tr. 612 Hall AB 10:30 am Liturgy Church 7:00 pm Adult Choir Reh. Church 6:00 pm Liturgy Church 7:00 pm SVDP Mtg. Rm 3 7:00 pm Men’s Ministry Rm 6

FORMATION

Discipleship for All: Christian Ministry & the Ministry of Jesus Facilitated by Dr. Harry Fleddermann, Professor Emeritus, this six session course explores Christian Ministry as an extension of the ministry of Jesus. Harry will break open six components of Jesus’ ministry and look at how they continue in the work of the people of God today. The evening includes small group discussion and will meet on Thursdays, September 17, 24, October 1, 15, 22, and 29 from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. There is no fee, but registration is necessary. Please fill out the form found in last week’s bulletin, pick one up at the parish office, or download a form at http://www.ololmke.org/discipleship-institute/ . You may also contact Nancie Chmielewski at (414) 545-4316 x13 for more information.

VIRTUE OF THE WEEK Looking for a Few Good Men... to Come Together for a Retreat! This October 3-4, consider joining a group of guys from OLOL on a Men’s CREATIVITY Retreat at the Siena Center, in Racine. Located on Lake Michigan, the environment offers you a chance to contemplate and discuss with each other Creativity is the power of your thoughts on God and life . Please contact Nancie Chmielewski at imagination. We are open to (414) 545-4316 x13, or at [email protected] with questions.

inspiration, which ignites our Are You Looking for God? originality. Seems an odd question to ask and yet, so many of us are seeking something Creativity connects us to beauty of more. Is this you? Do you know someone who is seeking God in the context of sound, design, color, movement, ideas our faith tradition? RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is the and words, and allows us to bring process in which one enters this community of faith. Contact Nancie Chmielewski something new into the world. at (414) 545-4316 x13 or at [email protected] if you would like to

know more. How have you seen creativity lately? Is the Spirit Moving? When you feel the nudge of God within, where do you turn? The Catholic faith tradition is steeped in the practice of spiritual direction. A person who enters spiritual direction does not do so for therapy, but to seek a companion, or guide, to examine the spiritual journey, to grow deeper in a life of prayer and pondering, and to bring life’s everyday experiences into the light of God’s love. The director/companion/guide walks with the directee and reflects back what he or she may be hearing, noticing, observing. We are blessed to have several directors in our parish community. For more information, please see the bulletin board across from Parish Hall B or contact Nancie Chmielewski at (414) 545-4316 x13 or at [email protected] . WED 16 THU 17 FRI 18

9:30 am Liturgy Church 8:00 am Liturgy Rm 9 8:00 am Communion Service Rm 9 10:15 am Faith Group Social Hall C 9:15 am MOMS Spirituality Rm 3 10:45 am Resurrect. Choir Reh. Church 7:00 pm Christian Ministry & 12:00 pm Resurrect. Choir Lunch Hall C the Ministry of Jesus Hall A 7:00 pm Pastoral Council Mtg. Rm 3 7:00 pm MOMS Spirituality Rm 6 WORSHIP OUTREACH

Liturgy and Justice St. Vincent de Paul Meal Site “’Liturgy without justice is barren. What we profess in worship must bear Volunteers Needed fruit in daily life.’ This principle was firmly embraced in the liturgical movement The SVDP meal site located at of the early 20th century, but needs continued attention today. 10th and Madison needs your help in • How can we immerse a catechumen (or child) in water during liturgy and serving food and drink to those in not work to protect our water supply from pollution and waste? need on Wednesday, September 16. • How can we share a sacred meal and not care about those who do not A car pool is available from the have enough food to sustain their lives? OLOL south parking lot leaving at • How can we claim to share in Christ’s sacrifice in the Eucharist and not live 4:45 pm. Serving begins at 5:30 pm that out by serving others throughout the week? and ends at 6:30 pm. Help in cleaning up would be appreciated. If “While we rightly give our time and effort to foster good worship, we must you need any other information always remember that the expression of our faith in liturgy must be matched by please see the SVDP bulletin board living out that faith in works of justice and love.” in the meeting room hallway or call (Fr. Lawrence Mick, Celebrations , July 2015) the Parish Office. Learn more about how SVDP Earthen Vessels serves the needy of Milwaukee: The St. Louis Jesuits are celebrating their 40th anniversary of their first album, https://youtu.be/zmK3wbtUDkA “Earthen Vessels” with a benefit concert for Cristo Rey High School. The concert will be performed by Tim Manion, John Foley, SJ, Bob Dufford, SJ, Dan Schutte Good Grief Guys Group: and Roc O’Connor, SJ. Members of Corpus Christi/Blessed Savior and OLOL A monthly widowers’ group. music ministries will join them as choir members and musicians. Thursday, September 17, 6:00 pm, at St. Greg’s. Concert information: We are sharing the journey that is When: Sunday, September 20 unique for a man who has lost his Time: 3:00 pm beloved wife. We invite any man Where: Pabst Theatre who is looking for some support, Tickets are available at box office or at guidance, and companionship on his http://www.pabsttheater.org/ grief journey. Contact Wanda, Your Parish Cristo Rey High School is a Jesuit ministry for young women and men of all Nurse for questions (414) 545-4281. faiths and limited financial means. Their mission is to integrate rigorous academic, professional work experiences and spiritual development. Their Comforting the Afflicted vision is to create graduates who will succeed in college and in life who are We all know people who struggle open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving and committed to with illness and grief. Sometimes doing justice, so they can become leaders committed to a lifelong pursuit of words are not enough and we want learning, faith, and justice. to do more. Consider making or presenting these family members, friends and neighbors with a prayer shawl. A prayer shawl can be a wrap or a lap blanket. It can be knit, crocheted, woven, or stitched. At OLOL, we have had an active Prayer SAT 19 SUN 20 Shawl Ministry for the past eight years. If you wish to take a shawl to Oktoberfest Sign-Up Oktoberfest Sign-Up someone, please stop in the Lobby Boy Scout Popcorn Sale Boy Scout Popcorn Sale near the Marion Grotto. Take what 5:00 pm Liturgy Church 8:00 am Liturgy Church you need. At that same site, you can 10:30 am Liturgy Church find prayers and patterns to create a 11:30 am GIFT Hall ABC shawl as well as websites to visit. 6:00 pm Liturgy Church You are encouraged to create a prayer shawl. Please bring your finished shawls to the Parish Office so we can tag them. COMMUNICATIONS SPOTLIGHT

Cancelation Alerts With the start of the school year, inclement weather is not too far Circle October 9-10-11 on your calendars. Plan to bring your family and behind. OLOL can alert you by text friends for the whole weekend! if the building has closed. Why mess with success! We are bringing back your favorites in 2015 To sign-up, text 81010 to @cancela. including the Polka Liturgies, Fish Fry, Vern and the Originals, Ed Hause Band, The If it replies "Service Squeezette’s, beef dinner, cake walks, Marni’s Storytelling, Basket raffle, Black Access Denied," your service Forest Cafe, and more! provider probably doesn’t like We are adding new events and activities to keep our event fresh and texting to short number codes. Then @cancela exciting. try texting to • 502) 694-1142. Kohl’s Wild Theater is returning at 11:00 am on Saturday with a new ( If you do not have program great for children to grandparents. This program is associated with a phone that can receive texts, don’t the Milwaukee Zoo and brings music and puppetry to our campus. worry, you can receive these alerts • Champagne Breakfast on Sunday Morning starting at 9:00 am. We hope by email too. Just send an email to that those who attend the 8:00 mass will join us. Grab breakfast before or [email protected] and you after the 10:30 am Polka liturgy. will get an email with the text alert • Indoor Tailgate party. Wear your green and gold. At half time we want a that has gone out. “fan”-tastic photograph with as many people included as possible! The big Please note that these texts will screen last year worked very well. Of course we have the brats and be used only for inclement weather beverages to serve your guests. and emergency situations. If a • program is canceled due to other Family craft table. The Art Guild and parish members are coordinating art circumstances, that information will projects for families. be passed on by those coordinating The schedule and menu are posted on the Oktoberfest page on the the event. ololmke.org website. Click the link to visit the Oktoberfest Artisan Fair Facebook page and remember to “like” us.

CONNECT! WITH THE WORD

MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK - MARK 8:27-35 SUNDAY READINGS 50:5-9a: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and Who do you see today suffering for follow me.” In this famous passage about Christian discipleship, we usually tend the faith? to focus on Jesus’ call to take up our cross. It can seem as though the choice to James 2:14-18: be Christian is a choice for pain and suffering. But we must not forget the last How do others see you putting your part of this verse: Jesus tells us to follow him. He is walking this journey ahead faith into action? of us. He is the one who first takes up the cross. Mark 8:27-35: Consider what’s involved in “blazing your own trail.” You have to advance What challenges you most about face-first into the brambles and bushes, you have to navigate the right direction Mark’s definition of discipleship? to your destination, you have to scale the hills and cross the waters without the aid of stair or bridge. On the other hand, when we hike on a path that someone else has created, we are spared all of these extra trials. Yes, the journey may still be intense, but we make it with confidence, knowing that we are going in the right direction, and that we have every advantage along the way thanks to someone else’s efforts. This is what it is to follow the path of Christ.

© 2015 Liturgical Publications Inc YOUR ONE STOP AUTO REPAIR SHOP Full line RAY’SRA BUTCHER of Transmissions Wildflowers & Weeds Tune-Up Florist~ SHOPPE Custom Window Brakes ~ Treatments A/C 5910 W. Forest Home Ave. SUNDAY S PECIAL Alignment - Engines-Repair/Rebuild Milwaukee, WI 53220 Professional Installation & Repairs Brakes & Computer Diagnostics (414) 545-5656 6 R OLLS F REE W ITH THE Maintenance Service PURCHASE OF 1 # HOT HAM 9034 W. National Ave • West Allis, WI 53227 Janet Wielebski 5454545 W. Forest Home Ave. Owner • Parish Member 414-321-1850 • www.kathysshadeshop.com 321-5450 www.wildflowersandweeds.com 4640 W. Loomis Rd., Green"eld 423-1322 HENRY P. FONS EUGENE L. KALUZNY ATTORNEY AT L AW ~ 40+ YEARS EXPERIENCE ~ Attorney At Law Phone: (414) 321-1449 N89 W16416 Main St., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Wills, Living Trusts, Probates of Estates, Real Estate Transactions Estate Planning KALUZNY L AW OFFICES , S.C. Wills • Probate • Trusts 6510 WEST FOREST H OME A VENUE STE . 1 Real Estate • General Practice Linda The Barber Personal Injury 3150 S 46th St 414-541-1010 7115 W. Forest Home Ave. Providing Quality Service, Repairs Hours: Tues-Fri 8am-5pm 414-327-2323 & Installation for over 28 Years & Sat 8am-2pm Prompt Service on All Makes & SHERRY G IERCZAK Donate online to Models of Garage Doors & Openers TOP PRODUCER Marc Christopher / Eloisa De León “M AKING DREAMS COME TRUE ” Our Lady of Lourdes 414-321-0500 HOMESALE REALTY [email protected] ATTORNEYS SherryGHomes.com Immigration and Criminal Law 6510 W Forest Home Ave 1574A West National Avenue www.advohd.com “EXPERIENCE IS NOT EXPENSIVE - IT ’S PRICELESS ” Milwaukee,WI 53204 • 414-751-0051 www.ololmke.org We are also a proud member of the CALL TODAY F OR A FREE M ARKET ANALYSIS www.christopher-law.com Better Business Bureau (A+ Rating) 414-788-4190 | 262-798-7070 ALICE ZAGANCZYK Starting at $50 SEBRING GARAGE ($75 with $25 Off CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT New Clients, Seniors, Students) American & Foreign Auto Repair INDIVIDUAL AND B USINESS For W2 Wages and • Brakes • Clutches • Shocks & Struts TAX R ETURN P REPARATION 1 State Filing • Starters • Alternators • Batteries Zaganczyk Family • Mufflers • Lube & Oil Service 5 Locations to serve you Members since 1964 1123 N Water St. Ste 305 Milwaukee, WI 53202 • Computerized Wheel Balancing 414-282-4050 414-231-9138 6005 W. Howard Avenue • 321-9235 www.maxsass.com www.amaccountingonline.com 60th & Howard Avenue Compliments of

Contact Dennis Thompson to place Zaganczyk Family an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 950-9952 x2470 Parish Members Since 1964 S. 74 th and Layton Brook"eld • Glendale

BRUSKIEWITZ AFFORDABLE S TUMP REMOVAL, LLC For ALL Your PRINTING NEEDS! 414-327-1777 Mon. - Fri: 9-5 • Sat. Eves. By Appt. FOREST LANE “Big or small, we grind ‘em all” FUNERAL CHAPEL (414) OFF 16" or less - $30 - Additional Services • Tree Cutting & Trimming Your First Family Owned Milwaukee & Surrounding Counties Order 321-9421 & Operated Free Estimates & Insured 6211 W. Forest Home Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53220 Celebrating 100 Years WWW.AFFORDABLESTUMPREMOVALLLC.COM of Service Complete line of Hispanic & American Groceries. 1912 - 2012 We specialize in fresh corn tortillas, Mexican bakery and our famous El Rey Tostadita Chips. Funeral & Cremation Services Serving Milwaukee Since 1978 5355 W. Forest Home Ave. BeerBee - SoSodada - WineW ine - LiquorLiq 414-321-1700 El Rey El Rey Family Market El Rey Plaza El Rey Food Mart Daily 9 - 9 • Sunday 10 - 2 916 S. Cesar Chavez 5200 W. Oklahoma Ave. 3524 W. Burnham St. 1320 W. Burnham St. Milw., WI 53204 Milw., WI 53219 Milw., WI 53215 Milw., WI 53204 5031 W. Oklahoma 545-2175 Health Center Parish Member 414-643-1640 414-541-5200 414-643-1616 414-383-7786 WWW.DISCOUNTLIQUORINC.COM Tower Chicken Farm, Inc. 3939 S. 92nd St. Baychar Auto Service, Inc. Fresh Turkeys, Chickens, Duck, Geese Emissions • Computer Diagnostics Greenfield, WI 53228 • Kielbasa Polish Sausage Air Conditioning • Complete Auto Repair • Great Variety of Chicken Sausages Leo - Owner Phone: (414) 321-1800 Summer Sausage • Beef Sticks 3rd Generation Fair & Honest Service Chicken Burgers • Pierogi 6733 Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53219 Fax: (414) 546-7357 4111 S. 6th St. • 744-7151 543-4111 • 543-4112 • Fax 543-3909 SCHWEITZER’S Knights of Columbus for Catholics EL REY Family Market LAWN EQUIPMENT Buy 1 Taco Get 1 FREE SALES & SERVICE Discover the Catholic (cannot be combined with other offers) 6437 W. Forest Home Ave. difference for your Greenfield, WI 53220 financial needs. 414-541-5200 Phone: 543-2557 www.schweitzersservice.com Find an agent at kofc.org or by calling 1-800-345-5632 5200 W. Oklahoma Ave. PANCAKE BREAKFAST ROMAN HALE PARK & FALL FESTIVAL ELECTRIC AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES, INC.

Residential Work • 414-425-1441 • “Complete Domestic & Foreign Service” 640 S. 70th St. 10983 W. Forest Home Avenue 414-471-8565 Hales Corners 5121 W. Howard 414-321- 3900 Sunday Oct. 11 - 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m Funeral Home 27th Street at Greenfield Ave. Family Owned 9 AM Mass - Silent Auction & Operated Raffle - Bakery – Music – Crafts Offering Sunday Brunch 10am-3pm starting May 3rd 5920 W. Lincoln Ave. Fish Fry every day, Pizza, Broasted Chicken, Dine-In, Drive Thru, Delivery, Catering, Serving Lunch & Dinner, Dining Room, $8 Adults • $4 Kids 5-12 414-541-7533 Full Bar & Patio Area, Private Parties, Lunch Meetings 4 years & under free www.schafffuneralhome.com 15% off all orders before 4pm every day A 4C 01-0531 FOR A D I NFO C ALL DENNIS T HOMPSON 1-800-950-9952 • WWW .4LPi. COM OUR L ADY OF L OURDES , MILWAUKEE , WI Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time • September 13, 2015

Studying God’s Word and works. The Letter of James uses the word “faith” nineteen times, most often as a simple • Isaiah 50:5-9a noun and usually to refer to the faith of the • James 2:14-18 community of believers. One of the strongest • Mark 8:27-35 [131B] moral imperatives issued in the Letter of James is the call to put one’s faith into action: “Be doers The readings for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in of the word and not hearers only, deluding Ordinary Time challenge us to put our faith into yourselves” (1:22). Action constitutes the heart action. As Scripture teaches us, practicing our of the law (“the perfect law of freedom,” 1:25) faith often comes at a very high price. and serves as the cause from which the believer The first reading is an excerpt from one of the “shall be blessed” (1:25). four “servant of the Lord” oracles (Is 50:4-11) James 2:14-26 has received more attention than found in Second Isaiah 40–55. In the reading, the most parts of the letter because of its perceived prophet bears testimony to the price he has paid conflict with Paul’s insistence that faith without for responding to his call: “The Lord GOD opens works “saves” (see, for example, Rom 3:21-31; my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, Gal 2:15-21). When read independently of Paul’s have not turned back. I gave my back to those letter, this section’s point is clear and consistent who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked with the ethics in the rest of the letter: “Faith of my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (2:17). and spitting.” The prophet Isaiah displayed James goes on to cite to Old Testament figures— great courage in the afflictions he personally and Rahab—as two people who suffered for living out his faith. Isaiah never put their faith into action and were therefore surrendered his conviction: “The Lord GOD is “justified” by God. my help, therefore I am not disgraced.” In the fourth “servant of the Lord” oracle (Is 52:13— The Gospel reading is the first passion 53:12), the community itself bore witness to the prediction in the Gospel of Mark. Jesus’ faith of Isaiah, coming to the remarkable insight revelation to the disciples that he, Jesus, as that another’s suffering can be redemptive for Son of Man, “must suffer greatly” is set within the entire community of believers: “He was the context of a question that Jesus poses to pierced for our sins, crushed for our iniquity. He the disciples: “Who do people say that I am?” bore the punishment that makes us whole, by Within the storyline of the Gospel of Mark, his wounds we were healed” (Is 53:5). Peter’s negative reaction to this revelation is understandable. The disciples have had no The second reading from the Letter of James forewarning of Jesus’ suffering and death until is one of the letter’s most well-known and this moment in the story. In fact, it is only at controversial sections, James 2:14-26, the short this point in the story that the disciples have essay on faith and works. Today’s reading finally realized Jesus’ true identity. Peter’s presents the beginning of the discussion on faith response, “You are the Christ,” to Jesus’ question (“Who do you say that I am?”) indicates that the University in Kenya. The cause that led to their disciples have grown in their relationship with executions was their being Christian. To live or Jesus. Jesus then further instructs the disciples die was based on the simple question, “Are you a (and the crowd) on what will be the defining Christian?” Their answers determined their fate. characteristic of discipleship in the Gospel of If they answered for Christ, they were executed. Mark: “Whoever wishes to come after me must The Kenyan situation is eerily similar to that deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” of Columbine High School in Colorado some Central to the message of the “good news” of sixteen years ago. The deranged gunman asked Jesus is that you will be called upon to put your student Cassie Bernall, “Do you believe in God?” faith into action—often in the service of others. Her response of “yes” led to her death. Each Dr. Daniel J. Scholz day there are those who pick up their cross and Inspiring Your Homily witness to their faith at great personal expense, if not with the cost of their lives. Persecutions After all Jesus taught and all his miracles, continue. Each day we are to consider Jesus’ healings, and extraordinary show of love, he still question, most likely with less serious temporal wondered if the disciples got the message. Thus, consequences. we hear Jesus ask the question, “Who do you What is your response to that question? Our say that I am?” If the disciples knew him as the answers can be tepid and noncommittal or strong Messiah and Lord, then he got through to them. and convincing. Consider the strong commitment Some answer this question of Jesus in great of those truly dedicated to their beliefs, even if fashion; and others, in not so great a fashion. their practices might differ from our own. Some This writer knew a consecrated religious who religious zealots resort to terroristic extremes in took a leave of absence from active ministry in carrying out their beliefs, even if purportedly order to go to the beach and learn yoga and then rooted in peace. As inhumane as their means take classes on how to be a clown. Certainly might be, their commitment can teach a lesson. the Lord presents opportunities to minister in Consider how strong your commitment to Christ all circumstances of life. But, come on ... What is as he asks, “Who do you say that I am?” prompts someone to temporarily leave active Consider an example from the 1700s in the ministry for such trivial pursuits? Hopefully, the life of St. Paknanas the Gardener of Lord provided the yoga-driven clown-wannabe Athens. The Turks enslaved this twenty-year-old the opportunity to witness in some way in those and tried to force him to give up his Christian circumstances. faith. When they couldn’t persuade him to do As trivial as some examples might be, so there so and torture proved futile, an executioner are profound examples of those who answered was summoned. The executioner felt some this question of Jesus. The life of every martyr compassion and simply rested his sword against provides a profound answer to this question. Michael’s neck, while asking him to reconsider. As Tertullian noted centuries ago, the blood of Michael responded, “I am a Christian. I refuse to the martyrs was the seed that served as great give up my faith.” The executioner slightly cut inspiration for others. Some estimate the number his neck hoping to convince him to reconsider. of Christian martyrs in the persecutions of the Michael repeated, “I told you, I am a Christian. first three centuries of the church to be as high as Strike with all your might, for the faith of Christ.” eleven million. This should inspire us to see our The aggravated executioner ended the earthly faith witness as no trivial matter. life of St. Michael the Martyr. And Jesus asks us, “Who do you say that I am?” Consider some examples as to how people answered the question of Jesus, “Who do you Fr. Ragheed Ganni was a thirty-five-year-old say that I am?” Recall the recent witness of the priest martyred in , , in 2007. He had 147 young people killed in the attack at Garissa just finished celebrating Mass when men carrying

2 Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time • September 13, 2015 machine guns confronted him. The gunmen Quoting from Tradition demanded that he renounce Jesus Christ. Fr. Ganni looked down the barrels of the machine For each of the Gospels is a collection of guns and refused to deny his faith in Jesus. The announcements which are useful to him who gunmen sprayed him and three deacons with believes them and does not misinterpret them; bullets. Four martyrs were admitted to heaven it brings him a benefit and naturally makes him that day. And Jesus asks us, “Who do you say glad because it tells of the sojourn with men, that I am?” on account of men, and for their salvation, of the first-born of all creation, Christ Jesus. And Our Jewish brethren observe the Sabbath in again each Gospel tells of the sojourn of the good sacred fashion by going so far as to program Father in the Son with those minded to receive elevators in public buildings to stop at every Him, as is plain to every believer; and moreover floor. Thus, they need not lift a finger to push the by these books a good is announced which had button for their desired destination. The door been formerly expected, as is by no means hard opens and closes at each floor. How well do we to see. For spoke in the name keep holy the Lord’s Day? And Jesus asks us, almost of the whole people when he sent to “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus and asked, “Art thou He that should come Another example can be seen in the tradition or do we look for another?” For to the people of the Amish plain folk. If you take a ride the Messiah was an expected good, which the in the Amish countryside, you will likely prophets had foretold, and they all alike, though see horses and buggies or barefoot farmers under the law and the prophets, fixed their atop horse-drawn cultivators in the fields. hopes on Him, as the Samaritan woman bears There is something to be admired about their witness when she says: “I know that the Messiah commitment to their beliefs and practices. How comes, who is called Christ; when He comes He committed are you to your faith? And Jesus asks, will tell us all things.” Simon and Cleopas too, “Who do you say that I am?” when talking to each other about all that had happened to Jesus Christ Himself, then risen, Many might judge the evangelizing practices of though they did not know that He had risen, the Jehovah’s Witnesses to be bothersome. When from the dead, speak thus, “Dost thou sojourn you see two people approaching your front alone in Jerusalem, and knowest not the things door with literature in hand, do you draw the which have taken place there in these days? And window blinds and turn off the television? Their when he said what things? they answered, The commitment is to be admired. When was the last things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was time you took the bold step and discussed your a prophet, mighty in deed and in word before faith with a stranger? And Jesus asks, “Who do God and all the people, and how the chief priests you say that I am?” and our rulers delivered Him up to be sentenced Seek to imitate the commitment of such to death and crucified Him. But we hoped that it dedicated believers to their particular cause. was He which should redeem Israel.” Allow their commitment to inspire you to be just Origen, Letter of Origen to Gregory. as committed to Jesus Christ. The call of Christ is Translation from A Select Library of the Nicene and answered in both simple and great ways. Some Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church. answers are expressed in words and actions, Series I. Volume 9. Edited by P. Schaff et al. others are bathed in blood. There is to be no Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, reprint 1978–1983. identity crisis in our recognition of Jesus as he Research by Jay Martin asks, “Who do you say that I am?” Our answers are to be rooted in faith, hope, and love. Be prompt with your answer, and don’t waste time clowning around. Rev. Donald W. Cieniewicz

3 Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time • September 13, 2015 Building Your Liturgy ensemble. It is one of those “earwig” songs that will follow you home from the liturgy. September 13, 2015 This is not a “one size fits all” Sunday. We use There is a subtle turning beginning to take Psalm 116, but the verses and refrain are quite place in our readings, as more is beginning to different from the many “Our Blessing Cup” be revealed about Jesus’ death. He speaks of settings. Watch this carefully as it conveys a the suffering. We also hear such key phrases as very different feeling. Joe Mattingly’s “Walk in “you are the Christ” and “take up his cross.” The the Land” is a fun setting, but is a little like a passage from Isaiah is from one of the suffering high school show choir tune. It could be a better servant songs and prefigures the death of Christ prelude piece than actual liturgical selection. Meanwhile James presents the classic “faith versus works” argument that still abounds in Planning Your Week some traditions. There is a caustic wit in the Monday is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. examples that he uses, and we would do well There is a Gloria, and you may use its own to heed them. Because all of these readings are preface or Preface 1 of the Passion of the Lord. so full of rich imagery, and James uses multiple “Lift High the Cross” or a reprise of some of voices, it would behoove you to have some of yesterday’s cross hymns might be fitting. This your best readers, or those who can proclaim a used to be an ember day, when people prayed passage with a poetic, dramatic sense well. for a successful harvest. If you are in an agrarian region, you may wish to pull this out of the Similarly, your psalmist must do some Book of Blessings. The fifteenth is Our Lady of homework and realize just how this passage Sorrows, and the sixteenth is Sts. Cornelius and connects to the Isaiah passage and the Gospel. . “The cords of death encompassed me ...” That is some powerful stuff. People need to truly hear If you have not taken a day of retreat or seen a that. It is easy for psalmists to sing notes and spiritual director or confessor in a while, this words and miss the poignant meaning behind autumn season might be a good time, so that them. One cannot stress the need for advanced you are spiritually renewed and fresh as things preparation enough! begin to ramp up for the year. Jill Maria Murdy This passion is caught in the Collect as we pray: “that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart.” Ian Callanan has a piece called “You, the Christ” that relates the suffering of many strangers, homeless, and the like, and includes the liens: “Do I know you, nameless face? ... You, the Christ I can’t ignore.” Other selections might be “Take Up Your Cross” or “Take Up Our Cross.” There is also a beautiful octavo, “The Cross Says Come,” or Steve Warner’s “Christ Has No Body Now but Yours.” “Faith of Our Fathers” ties to the James reading, but be sure to get to the verse about the mothers too! Michael John Poirier’s “Strength for the Journey” is a piece that is rich with piano and a voice, choir, or complete contemporary

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time • September 13, 2015 4 Raising Your Prayers Prayer of the Faithful Introductions Heavenly Father, taking up our cross and following after your Son For the Mass of the Day (to use after the Greeting). is often a difficult road to travel. Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say It is easy to get distracted that I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Christ.” and forget that you are there as our help. Who is Jesus for you? We all desire God to be Remembering that it is your desire to save us, one thing or another for us. For all that we wish we now offer our prayers. God to do and be for us, he gently reminds us of this: We must take up our cross and follow him For all leaders in the church, and if we wish to save our life we will lose it. especially our Holy Father, Are we ready to follow this God? that as our chief shepherds and guides, they will continue to remind us, Penitential Act especially by example, God is always gracious and merciful that it is in giving up and losing our lives and ready to forgive our sins. that we actually save them. In order to prepare ourselves We pray to the Lord. to celebrate this liturgy, For each of us, we now offer our sins to God. that we will discover the wisdom (Pause for silent reflection.) of thinking not as humans do but as God does You have freed our souls from death. and joyfully and courageously Lord, have mercy. follow in the path of Christ and always walk before the Lord. You keep the little ones and dry our tears. We pray to the Lord. Christ, have mercy. For the wisdom to see humility You incline your ear to us and hear our voices as the only true power to possess. when we call. We pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For our youth who are returning to school, that they will realize that all human learning flows from the wisdom of God and that our world and our lives are only truly understood if seen through the eyes of our Creator. We pray to the Lord. Gentle Father, Your Son taught us a profound lesson in accepting the cross he was forced to carry. He carried that cross with confidence and it is that same confidence we seek today. Help us to see beyond what is human to your divine presence, which brings life and wisdom to all things. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Rev. Mark Suslenko

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time • September 13, 2015 5 Engaging Your Parishioners Everyday Stewardship I am sure I drive my kids crazy! When they fail Reflections to use for your bulletins, website, social to do, over and over again, that which I have media, and more. asked them to do, they continue to say, “I’m Message of the Week sorry,” to which I say, “No, you’re not!” They look at me with that look that says, “How can Mark 8:27-35 you not accept my apology? Who doesn’t accept “Whoever wishes to come after me must ‘I’m sorry?’” Then I say to them, “If you were deny himself, take up his cross, and follow truly sorry you would change and do what I me.” In this famous passage about Christian asked you to do!” Of course, their response discipleship, we usually tend to focus on Jesus’ almost always is, “I forgot!” Forgot? How does call to take up our cross. It can seem as though someone forget something that has been asked the choice to be Christian is a choice for pain of him or her several times in the course of day? and suffering. But we must not forget the last Well, if I drive them crazy, I am sure it is because part of this verse: Jesus tells us to follow him. He they drove me crazy first! is walking this journey ahead of us. He is the one who first takes up the cross. James would probably be on my side, or at least I want to believe he would. He asked Consider what’s involved in “blazing your own the question, “What good is it if someone says trail.” You have to advance face-first into the he has faith but does not have works?” He goes brambles and bushes, you have to navigate the on to speak about those who would wish others right direction to your destination, you have to well, only to do nothing to help them to be scale the hills and cross the waters without the well. Unfortunately, all of us sometimes fall into aid of stair or bridge. On the other hand, when the trap of talking a good game but not really we hike on a path that someone else has created, stepping up to the plate to do something. We say we are spared all of these extra trials. Yes, the all the right things, but then do much less than journey may still be intense, but we make it what is required, or even nothing at all. with confidence, knowing that we are going in the right direction, and that we have every It isn’t easy being a good steward, daily advantage along the way thanks to someone answering the call to share more, give more, and else’s efforts. This is what it is to follow the path love more. Even when I write these reflections, I of Christ. am struck by my own shortcomings and failings. I don’t want just to write something and not Questions of the Week internalize it to the point where I must act. As an Mark 8:27-35: Everyday Steward, I strive to be at least a better What challenges you most about ? this day than I was the last, and pray to Mark’s definition of discipleship? be better tomorrow than I am today. I guess if I can just ask that of my kids as well, they might Isaiah 50:5-9a: not see me as so crazy after all. Who do you see today suffering for the faith? Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS James 2:14-18: How do others see you putting your faith into action?

Subscribers are permitted to reprint material in parish communications only; all other reproduction is prohibited. © 2015 Liturgical Publications Inc, LPi Resource Center, P.O. Box 510817, New Berlin, WI 53151-0817, 1-800-950-9952, ext. 2469 “Like” Oktoberfest Artisan Fair on Facebook, then post and share pictures Oktoberfest Artisan Fair 2015 and the fun experiences from Oktoberfest Weekend of October 9, 10, & 11

Friday October 9 Sunday October 11

Friday Night Fish Fry 4:30 PM -7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 612 Polka Mass 10:30 AM in the church Vern and The Originals 4:30 PM -7:30 PM Polka Time! Beer Garden Beverages served 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Artisans in Classrooms 11:00 PM - 3:00PM Beer Garden Serving 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM or until the game ends. Saturday October 10 Story Time with Marni 11:30 AM Atrium by Mary Grotto Artisans in Classrooms 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Indoor Tail Gate Party! Big screen TV at NOON Beer Garden Serving 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Cake Walk 11:50 AM and 1:30 PM Kohl’s Wild Theater 11:00 AM Beer Garden Family Art Project by the ART Guild 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM Ed Hause Band 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM Board games in Parish Hall for families or BYO Youth Musician: 2:00 PM Black Forest Café Half Time Parish/Oktoberfest Photo. Green and Gold encouraged! Dan & Sean Van Zeeland 3:00 PM Black Forest Café Cake Walk 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM Sunday Menu Polka Mass 5:00 PM in the church Champagne Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM Squeezettes 6:30 PM – 9:30PM Brats/hot dogs 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM POWER Polka, Pop, Rock and so much more! 2012 WAMI winner. Squeezettes.com All Weekend long Reservation Cake Walk 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM Basket Raffle and Artisan Auction: Beer Garden

Saturday: Winners announced at 8:00 PM I wish to reserve a table at Oktoberfest Saturday Saturday Menu Sunday: Winners announced at 3:00 PM (10/13) night in the church hall from 5:30 PM to Beef dinner with German potato salad & red cabbage 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM OLOL Calendar Raffle: Town Square close. or hot beef sandwiches on Saturday evening Storytelling with Marni for all ages Brats & hot dogs all day Name on Table will be: ololmke.org/oktoberfest New! Back by Popular Demand! ______

Sunday Champagne Breakfast $100. Family Art Projects Black Forest Café (Rm 10) - German tortes and homemade strudel Hansel & Gretel’s Popcorn and Pretzels. Warm! Make the check payable to Our Lady of Lourdes. Write Sunday October 11 “Oktoberfest table” in the memo line. Please place Specialty beers and Sprecher Root Beer money in an envelope with this form. Turn into the parish office by 10/10/2012. Tables seat about 8 people.

Discipleship Institute OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES PRESENTS (IN COLLABORATION WITH THE HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE)

FRIEND-TO-FRIEND MINISTRY BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER 2015

The Discipleship Institute in collaboration with the Health & Wellness Committee is beginning a “Friend- To-Friend” Ministry here at Our Lady of Lourdes.

Here’s how it works: you are dealing with an issue in your life and it would really help to talk about it with someone who has experienced that same issue. You put in a call to the Parish Nurse, Wanda Nye and she “connects” you to a “friend”. That “friend” will offer support and encouragement and most importantly, will listen to you!

If you are interested in becoming a “friend”, please “Friend” Connections in place:  Alcoholics Anonymous contact Wanda Nye, Parish Nurse, and tell her you are  Adult Children of Alcoholics ready and willing!  Gay, Lesbian Issues  Dealing with Kennedy’s Disease (form of Muscular Dystrophy)  Kidney Disease  Dealing with Heart Disease  Cancer  Dealing with sick children  Dealing with Breast Cancer  Caregiving for the Elderly  Alzheimer's Disease

“Friend” Connections needed:  Depression  Diabetes  Arthritis  Difficult Pregnancies  Separated & Divorced  Housebound, Loneliness  Loss of a loved one  Marriage Issues  Aging Issues  Spiritual Development  Dealing with Multiple Sclerosis  Dealing with problem children Contact: Wanda Nye, Parish Nurse  Faith questions (414) 545-4281  Recovery issues  Anger management [email protected]  Work/job related issues What’s Left to Learn About Love?

Find out when you join us for: and Ruth Love Crosses Boundaries [Six Weeks With the Bible] Choose either: Wednesday mornings, October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, & 18 10:00 am — 11:30 am at OLOL or Thursday evenings, October 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, & 19 6:30 pm — 8:00 pm at St. Greg’s

Register by October 8: Contact Nancie Chmielewski at (414) 545-4316 (OLOL) Karin Felske at (414) 543-8292 x238 (St. Greg’s) There is an $8.00 fee for the book, payable at the first session Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Visits to Homes, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and Prisons

The St. Vincent de Paul Society visits people in all kinds of distress to offer a helping hand and a listening ear. Volunteers go to the homes of anyone who requests help. The home visit is the basic, most fundamental activity of a Vincentian ministry. Rather than have people come to us, we go to the homes of those in need. During this visit we learn the nature of the problem as well as more about their other needs. Whatever the person shares with us remains confidential between the Vincentian conference and the person. A home visit is always done by a minimum of two Vincentians, never alone. We listen to the person or family, getting their perspective on the problem and its resolution. The information gathered at the initial visit is brought back to the SVDP meeting and discussed. It is a joint decision within our conference as to what assistance we are able to provide. One of our most important gifts to leave behind is a feeling that someone cares and that there is hope. We celebrate the works of our parish SVDP conference and encourage everyone to consider becoming part of this arm of the Church’s ministry.

DID YOU KNOW . . . Along with home visits we  Provide rent and energy assistance  Provide vouchers for furniture and household items available at our SVDP stores  Coordinate the food pantry, open every other Tuesday, which served 874 individuals last year  Sponsor the blood drive twice a year (February and August),  Coordinate Bundle Weekends twice a year (May and October),  Collect school supplies for needy innercity schools,  Serve at the south side meal site every third Wednesday,  Sponsor twinning efforts with the Philippines,  Served at Mt. Carmel/Kindred over 40 years taking residents to mass in the chapel on Sunday mornings,

Spiritual growth is a very important aspect of our ministry. We continue to work as Vincentians seeing Christ in those we serve and in each other.