From Father Harmon...

One of the things which I enjoy about being a parish priest is learning about the history of our parishes. Last Friday, at the famous Saint Mary’s stations of the cross, I had an organist play organ accompaniment during the Stabat Mater hymn. It was beautiful to hear almost 200 voices singing along to the organ. Afterwards, the organist was telling me a little bit about the organs at our two parishes. The organ at Saint Mary’s was installed in 1931! Recently, I went up to the choir loft and examined this organ. It is absolutely beautiful. This organ was made by the famous Schaefer Pipe Organ Company out of Slinger (Schleisingerville) Wisconsin. Bernard Schaefer was the founder of the Schaefer Organ Company. He was originally a watch and jewelry maker from Bavaria. However, he eventually transferred his skills to making organs and then handed his business over to his three sons. To this day, the museum in Slinger has a display of a Schaefer organ. The organ at Saint Frances Cabrini is also a Schaefer organ. In fact, I have been told that it was the last Schaefer organ ever installed. It has around one thousand pipes tucked behind the organ screen. I have come to realize that many people do not know that behind the crucifix is an organ screen and the pipes are back behind it. Like the organ at Saint Mary’s, it is an impressive musical instrument.

I am committed to keeping our organs in tip-top shape, not only because they add history to our parishes, but they also add a dimension to worship that is transcendent and stunning. The Second Vatican Council, for their part, professed their love for the pipe organ when they said that “In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things.” Thank you to all our organists, pianists, musicians, cantors, and choir members, for assisting us in our Sacred Liturgies!

This is a photo of the largest  pipes built by the Schaefer Organ Company in Schleisingerville. Joseph Schaefer Jr (top) is holding the pipe and Albert J. Schaefer is on the ground.
https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/ACG6MYYCI7DMHS9A

Readings for the week of March 5, 2023

Sunday: Gn 12:1-4a/Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 (22)/2 Tm 1:8b-10/Mt 17:1-9
Monday: Dn 9:4b-10/Ps 79:8, 9, 11 and 13/Lk 6:36-38
Tuesday: Is 1:10, 16-20/Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23/Mt 23:1-12
Wednesday: Jer 18:18-20/Ps 31:5-6, 14, 15-16/Mt 20:17-28
Thursday: Jer 17:5-10/Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6/Lk 16:19-31
Friday:  Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a/Ps 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21/Mt 21:33-43, 45-46
Saturday:  Mi 7:14-15, 18-20/Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12/Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
Next Sunday:  Ex 17:3-7/Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 (8)/Rom 5:1-2, 5-8/Jn 4:5-42

LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO BAKE DESSERTS AND/OR HELP AT THE FISH FRY. PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OFFICE IF YOU ARE ABLE TO HELP. THANK YOU! 

For Catholics 18 years or older

The Gospel reveals that the human person is made in the "image and likeness of God." There is an integral unity of body and soul that is fundamental to each human person. In opposition to the truths of the Catholic faith, "gender ideology" has been increasing throughout broader society. This presentation is being offered to Catholics looking to understand more about "gender ideology." We have invited the Person & Identity Project to present. PIP’s mission is to assist the Catholic Church in promoting the Catholic vision of the human person and responding to the challenges of gender ideology. Find out more information and how to register below:

• General Presentation | Monday, March 27th | 7pm-9pm | Christ King Parish in Wauwatosa, WI    

• Spanish Presentation | Monday, March 27th | 7pm-9pm | Archdiocese of Milwaukee (MMCPC)

• General Presentation | Tuesday, March 28th | 7pm-9pm | St. Francis Borgia Parish in Cedarburg, WI

SAVE-THE-DATE: March 26th following Masses: coffee/donuts and social with the Twinning group to share about their recent trip to Honduras. 

SUMMER UPDATE....SAINTS IN TRAINING
Please note that because of various construction projects, we will not be holding Saints In Training this summer.  We encourage you to attend Totus Tuus at Saint Francis Borgia Parish in Cedarburg.

Have you ever attended the beautiful Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper?  One of the traditions is to have Father wash the feet of several members of the parish, just as Jesus did at the Last Supper.  Would you be interested in being a part of this beautiful tradition? Please contact  Beth Habersetzer in the parish office to find out more.  

OPERATION RICE BOWL
As we begin our Lenten journey, reflect on how your prayers, fasting and almsgiving can guide you. Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN USHER?   

We would love to have you join us! Training Provided!

Please call the parish office for details.

SCRIP: 

Is available after Sunday Masses.

CHURCH CLEANING:

Our next church cleaning is March 25 @ 7am.  Many hands make light work.   Questions about church cleaning please call Beth at the office.

FULL SHELF FOOD PANTRY:
Thank you for your support of the Full Shelf Food Pantry.
We will be highlighting a needed item each month.  

MINISTRY OF THE MONTH...GREEN TREE SCHOOL

Green Tree neighborhood School has the highest elementary enrollment in the district. St. Mary’s initial outreach (prior to Covid) was with a backpack/ school supply collection. After Covid, additional assistance was provided with needed winter clothing & snacks for the kids to take home for spring break. Going forward we hope to reserve August as the Green Tree school-supply month with any additional help on an as-needed basis. Contact Jean Franke for additional info.

COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

HOLY ANGELS GIFTS FROM THE HEART RAFFLE & FAMOUS FISH FRY
33rd Gifts from the Heart Fundraiser and Famous Fish Fry at Holy Angels School on Friday March 17th from 4pm to 8pm. We are excited to have over 100 items generously donated by our school families, parish members, and many local and state businesses. Come enjoy an evening out with dinner and raffles at Holy Angels.

CHILI and CHICKEN DUMPLING SOUP  - Holy Trinity Church, Newburg, WI
Saturday March 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.  $10 per quart - also a BAKE SALE
Take out ONLY in the school hall

St. John XXIII Catholic Parish Port Washington-Saukville
Employment Opportunities
-Administrative Assistant
-Associate Director of Faith Formation & Pastoral Care
Be Christ inspired and joyfully live your call through these fulltime yearlong positions!
For more information or to apply, contact Director of Administrative Services Bill Henkle at 262-284-4266 or henkleb@stjohn23rd.org.

Love painting, drawing, photography, or graphic design? Submit your artwork for a chance to win the 2023 Pro-Life Wisconsin Art Contest for your grade. Winning entries will be printed as a prayer card and distributed in your church and through PLW. Learn more at ProLifeWI.org/prayer-card-contest.

The Clothes Closet
at Salem UCC, Wayne; just north of the HwyH/Cty Rd W intersection.  
Everything is FREE: Clothing from infant to adult sizes.
Open Alternating Mondays 9:30-11am
2nd Thursdays 3:30-5pm
1st and 3rd Saturdays 10:30-12noon
Call 262-665-2367.

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity
invite Catholic Single Women 20-35 to discern and discover in-person or on-line. For more information visit https://fscc-calledtobe.org or call/text Sister Julie Ann at 920-323-9632.

Casa Guadalupe Volunteer Opportunities

Read to Succeed, Childcare, and Homework Help needed.
Contact http://www.casaguadalupeonline.org/ to learn more.

Grief Support Groups-

5th Avenue Methodist Church; 323 S. 5th Avenue in West Bend

First Thursday of the Month 6:30pm-8:00pm
Questions? Call 262-306-2691

or

FORMED.org offers a Catholic program titled
“Grieving with Hope” for free and can be done at home.

Interfaith Caregivers

Connecting Seniors with Caring Volunteers.  
This organization provides local opportunities for both volunteers and recipients.  They bring non-medical care, such as light housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation, or just a friendly visit to Seniors who could benefit from resources necessary to remain independent.  To register as a volunteer or recipient, call them at 262-365-0902. 

Worldwide Marriage Encounter-
Promotes experiences for couples who want to
make their good marriage even better. Visit http://www.wwme.org/ for details.

Retrouvaille-Help for your Marriage
Please call (414) 502-7685 or email: Milwaukee@HelpOurMarriage.org or visit the website at http://www.HelpOurMarriage.org

St. Dymphna Mental Health Group
1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 1pm
Saint Mary's of the Hill Parish
Contact Kim Geisler at 262-229-0821 or mikey28.max@gmail.com