ST. Welcome to

6060 WEST LOOMIS ROAD • GREENDALE, WI 53129 4 1 4 - 4 2 1 - 2 4 4 2 • w w w . s t - a l p h o n s u s . o r g

Fourth Sunday Of Easter • May 3, 2020

May 3 is World Day Of Prayer For Vocations. Take time to

pray this prayer by Pope Francis.

Lord of the harvest, Bless young people with the gift of courage to respond to your call. Open their hearts to great ideals, great things. Inspire all of your disciples to mutual love and giving—for vocations blossom in the soil of faithful people. Instill those in religious life, parish ministries and families with the confidence and grace to invite others to embrace the bold and noble path of a life consecrated to you. Unite us to Jesus through prayer and sacrament, so that we may cooperate with you in building your reign of mercy and truth, of justice and peace. Amen

S t . A l p h o n s u s N o t e s 2

From The Pastor’s Desk Dear Friends, It is great to be back at the parish! My sabbatical went well, although like many of you the plans had to change because of the pandemic. Such is life. I’m thankful to be back home but am saddened that we cannot see each other face-to-face and celebrate Mass together. Hopefully, we will be back together soon.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Fr. Britto for his excellent leadership of the parish over these past months. He is a wonderful priest and a good friend. I am in his debt for all the sacrifices he made to assist me in making the sabbatical possible. My thanks also to Fr. Wally, Fr. Alan, Fr. Tom Demse and the Xaverians for all their kind assistance. We also have an awesome staff. They have stepped up to do their very best in these difficult days. Please keep them in your pray-ers and know that all of us keep you very near in prayer.

It would be great to offer you many updates on what is happening and what will happen here at the parish; however, there is still so much that is uncertain. I am glad to share what I know:

1. Almost all events have been cancelled or postponed to a later date. It is hard to reschedule events at this point, because we don’t know what the restrictions will be or when they will be lifted. We will do our best to communicate as soon as we know more. We certainly look forward to being able to celebrate First Holy Communions and other major milestones as soon as possible.

2. We are excited to welcome our new pastor, Fr. Kevin McManaman, as soon as possible. Usual-ly, new assignments begin in mid-June, however, the start date has been postponed. The plan is that I will remain here until Fr. McManaman arrives. So we may be together a bit longer than origi-nally planned. Father Britto and I are awaiting news of our future assignments, but we have noth-ing to share at this point. This is a time for patience!

3. The shutdown has taken a severe economic toll on many. We are especially concerned for those who have lost jobs or income. It remains a priority of ours to keep our valued employees working, even under the challenging restrictions. Thanks to all of our amazing parishioners for continuing to assist the parish as you are able during these trying times. Every gift counts. You can mail your contribution to the parish office or make a gift on-line through the parish website.

4. There has been a dramatic increase in the use of our food pantry. The pantry volunteers have risen to meet the challenge in a safe manner. We are so grateful to our parishioners and the wider community for remembering the hungry in these days when so many are unable to work.

5. A reminder that, for the time being, gatherings of more than ten people are not permitted. This presents serious complications, not only for Mass but for weddings and funerals. We think of all the couples and families who have been impacted by these restrictions.

6. Thousands of people have been able to partake in the on-line streaming of Sunday Mass. My sincere thanks to Terry and the liturgical ministers for adapting in this situation and to Matt Evrard and Dan Ramsey for providing the technical assistance to bring the Mass to you at home. Their work and creativity is much appreciated.

7. Father Britto and I continue to offer Masses each day. Though we cannot physically be togeth-er, we continue to unite ourselves in prayer. We are all united as one in the Body of Christ.

We will do our very best to keep you posted on the latest news and developments. Let’s pray for a cure to the virus and for a strong and safe reopening of our economy. Continue to check our par-ish website and Facebook page for the latest information.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

-Fr. Aaron Esch

Change In Plans Most of us have had to change plans due to COVID-19, and I’m no exception.

Thanks to the hospitality offered by Fr. Aaron and Fr. Britto, I had planned to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for my 50th anniversary and for my time as your Pastor on May 23. It looks like we now might do that in late summer or early fall.

It was a real honor to be at St. Alphonsus as your pastor and a fellow pilgrim on our faith journey. I cherish so many fond memories and experiences. I do look forward to celebrating the 50th when possible.

Until then, be well and careful. -Fr. Alan Jurkus

Parish Trustee-Treasurer At the closing date for nominations of April 27, I have NOT received any additional nomina-tions for the position of Trustee-Secretary. Therefore, I am happy to inform the parish community that Mary Sue Taft will continue her position as Trustee-Secretary. Her term will run from July 1, 2020, until June 30, 2022. Thank you, Mary Sue, for your willingness to serve. - Fr. Aaron Esch, Pastor

Attention St. Al’s Parishioners Our church is open to those who wish to come for personal prayer/adoration.

One door (as you come, the farthest door to your left) in the main entrance will remain open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. everyday, Monday through Sunday.

Live Stream Mass Ministry We are looking for six people to learn the set up for live streaming the Sunday Mass. There are a lot of Technical people in our congrega-tion, and we would like to add this ministry to Sunday’s Mass at 10:00 a.m. Once we return back to church with the assembly, the live stream liturgy will take place at the 11:00 a.m. We are always open to new ideas to help im-prove and update our church equipment. Please email me at terry@st-alphonsus.org, for more information.

First Quarter Statements Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Parish Ministry Center is closed until further notice, and limited work is being performed. As a result, the first quarter statements will be mailed out this coming week. Should you have any questions about your statement, please call the Parish Office, and leave your name, phone number and a brief message describing the issue, and someone will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you for your coopera-tion and understanding during this unprece-dented time.

2019 Annual Report Is

Now Available Please see the Home page of our website for a digital copy of the 2019 Parish and School Annual Report. This report contains information on the membership, minis-tries and formation pro-grams of our parish, as well as the financial budget and results for 2019.

S tewar d sh ip : T ime , Ta l en t & Tr ea su r e 3

Scripture Readings Readings for the week of May 3, 2020 Sunday: Acts 2:14a, 36-41/Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 [1]/1 Pt 2:20b-25/Jn 10:1-10 Monday: Acts 11:1-18/Ps 42:2-3; 43:3, 4 [cf. 3a]/Jn 10:11-18 Tuesday: Acts 11:19-26/Ps 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7 [Ps 117:1a]/Jn 10:22-30 Wednesday: Acts 12:24—13:5a/Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8 [4]/Jn 12:44-50 Thursday: Acts 13:13-25/Ps 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27 [2]/Jn 13:16-20 Friday: Acts 13:26-33/Ps 2:6-7, 8-9, 10- 11ab [7bc]/Jn 14:1-6 Saturday: Acts 13:44-52/Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 [3cd]/Jn 14:7-14 Next Sunday: Acts 6:1-7/Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 [22]/1 Pt 2:4-9/Jn 14:1-12

Observances for the week of May 3, 2020 Sunday: 4th Sunday of Easter; World Day of Prayer for Vocations Monday: Tuesday: Cinco de Mayo Wednesday: Thursday: National Day of Prayer Friday: Saturday: Next Sunday: 5th Sunday of Easter; Mother’s Day ©LPi

Parish Giving Results Envelope and Offertory Contributions:

July 1, 2019 through April 27, 2020 * This Past Weekend’s Contributions $ 38,284 This Month’s Contributions (to date) $ 110,700 Last Year Same Month Contributions $ 145,842 (to date) Budgeted Amount for April $ 123,929

*

For more detailed information on the Operations Budget and Balance Sheet, see the Monthly Financials at www.st-alphonsus.org/financecouncil.cfm.

Thank you for your generosity.

About Our Adult Candidates Preparing For The Initia-

tion Sacraments Adult and Youth RCIA candidates have continued to prepare for their Initiation Sacraments by way of participating in our parish live-streamed Masses, followed by their catechetical session via Zoom video-conferencing. These virtual gatherings have enabled candidates, sponsors, and catechists to share faith and life together. We know that once we come out of this time of crisis, Archbishop Listecki will announce the date we will celebrate as an archdiocese. Please keep in prayer: Denise Kunz, Oskar Morales Booker, Francisco Morales, Rick Kwiatkowski, Alejandra Pettis, Maricruz Talavera-Pettis, Jody Topping and Patrick Ross, as they deal with this spiritual hardship. Saint Alphonsus, pray for us! -Sr. Eileen Kazmierowicz

Registration For Christian Formation Registration is now open for the 2020-21 Christian Formation classes (grades 5K-11/Confirmation). Online and paper registrations are available on the Faith Formation page of the St. Alphonsus website. Get your registration and tuition deposit in by May 15, to receive our lowest rates! Email christianformation@st-alphonsus.org if you have any questions.

Christian Formation Needs Volunteers The Christian Formation program is looking for volunteer catechists for their 2020-21 Christian Formation classes. If you are interested in a rewarding experience helping children grow in their faith, this is a great opportunity! Catechists for all grades (5K-11th Grade) are needed. Classes meet 10-13 times, and all teaching materials are provided. If you would like to volunteer, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FAEAD2FAA8-catechist1. If you want more information or have questions, please email christianformation@st-alphonsus.org. Thank you!

Thank You Parishioners Thank you for your prayers during this uneasy time for everyone. We have been trying to think about all of the positives and all the resources we do have, and not about what we are missing or can’t have.

Teachers have been hard at work! We have gone from in-person teaching to completely online teaching. Everyone has gone about this challenge in their own way. Some people created websites. Some have used Facebook and FB Live to connect with their students. Many have created videos. Google has been working overtime. Teachers have been utilizing Google Class-rooms, Forms and Hangouts (all ways for us to connect to our students).

Personally, we have been able to listen to and enjoy our families. We have been blessed with this extra time together! Some people may have organized paperwork or cleaned up different areas of the house or read a good book. Some have connected with friends and family through phone calls and social media. Slowing down our busy lives has allowed us to reflect on our personal and professional lives. This has indeed been a special time for everyone. We have all grown from this experience. We all have learned something new. We are thankful for our safety and health and yours too! We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers and hope you do the same for us.

Let’s recall Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me.” -Ms. Penny Steinke – 5K Teacher

The Faith & Beauty Committee Is Pleased To Announce The Art & Text Exhibit is now live! You can view it at www.pledlspalette.blogspot.com. Please begin viewing with the last post first (Art & Text 2020) and move upward.

Art & Text is a group of poems and art done by St. Alphonsus parish members, stu-dents, and professional poets. Each artist has responded to a poem in his/her own unique way. Enjoy!

-Laurie Pledl

Tear Along Perforated Line

Contacts Church Building 6060 West Loomis Road • Greendale, WI 53129 Parish Ministry Center & Christian Formation Office…….414-421-2442 5960 West Loomis Road • Greendale, WI 53129-1824 Fax…………………………………………………………………414-421-8744 E-mail…………………………………………………..stals@st-alphonsus.org Website………………………………………………….www.st-alphonsus.org Pastoral Staff…………………………………………………….414-421-2442 Pastor, Rev. Aaron Esch………………………… fraaron@st-alphonsus.org Associate Pastor, Rev. Britto Suresh…….. .brittosuresh@st-alphonsus.org

eileen@st-alphonsus.org Director of Finance, Kathy Jaeckels………………kathyj@st-alphonsus.org Director of Liturgy & Music, Terry Piontkowski ……terry@st-alphonsus.org Director of Christian Formation, Julie Lobitz…………..lobitzj@st-alphonsus.org

School Principal, Mary Stallmann…………………. mary@st-alphonsus.org Permanent Deacon, Ted Gurzynski……….theodore.gurzynski@gmail.com Permanent Deacon, James Leggett..jleggettfarmersinsurance@gmail.com

Rev. Walter Vogel………………………………………….Priest In Residence School Offices…………………………………………………..414-421-1760 6000 West Loomis Road • Greendale, WI 53129 School & Gym Entrances…………………………...6080 West Loomis Road Fax…………………………………………………………………414-433-0709 Pastoral Council Chairperson, Denna Flemming…………………..430-1482 Parish Trustee, Mary Sue Taft……………………………………….425-6400 Parish Trustee, Robert Lange………………………………………..940-2755 Neighborhood Outreach Program……………………………………488-6500 Emergency Food Pantry……………………………………………...514-4400

Prayer Network If you have a Special Intention for which you would like prayers, please call one of the St. Alphonsus Prayer Networks: St. Ann (Geri)…………………………………………………………..281-4507 St. Patrick (Holly)………………………………………………………282-0485 The networks are confidential; please feel free to contact them with your requests.

Eucharistic Celebrations Weekend……...Saturday 8:00 am 4:30 pm; Sunday 7:30, 9:00 & 11:00 am Weekday…………………………………………………………..See schedule

Sacrament of Baptism For Baptismal arrangements, call the Parish Office, 421-2442.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday 8:30 am 3:30 pm or anytime by appointment.

Anointing of the Sick Please contact the parish office to make an appointment to be anointed

New Membership Joining our parish community can be easily done at the Parish Ministry Cen-ter, Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., or Fridays from 8:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. You can also register online at www.st-alphonsus.org.

S t . A lphonsus D i r ec to r y and Ca l enda r s 6

Do you know that St. Peregrine is the cancer saint?

ALL MASSES AND DEVOTIONS

HAVE BEEN CANCELED

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

ALL MASS INTENTIONS FROM

NOW THROUGH MAY 31, 2020,

WILL BE SAID BY THE PRESID-

ING PRIEST AS SCHEDULED.

Question Of The Week Theme: We enter life to the full through Christ. Question for Youth: Sheep know their shepherd and follow his voice. How hard is it for you to recognize the voice of God in your own life? Who has helped you hear God’s voice? Question for Adults: In what specific ways is Christ an example which you follow when dealing with others, especially with the ones against whom you hold a grudge or those who dislike you?

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

Good and gracious God, You call each person by name and invite them to follow you. On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, may each person hear and respond to the call they have received. We pray for all discerning marriage, the chaste single life, consecrated life, or ordained ministries, that your Holy Spirit would guide, inspire, and strengthen them. May your Church and the world be enriched by the "yes" of your children. Amen.