St. Mary Catholic Faith Community
9 5 2 0 W e s t F o r e s t H o m e A v e n u e , H a l e s C o r n e r s , W i s c o n s i n 5 3 1 3 0 - 1 6 1 4
F o u n d e d 1 8 4 2 • O u r 1 7 6 t h Y e a r
“Celebrating spiritual growth, centered in Christ, through Word, Sacrament and Service.”
June 3, 2018 • The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Fr. Brian G. Mason
1993 v May 22 v 2018
25th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination
Monday, June 4 8:15 am Mass † Thomas Arend
Tuesday, June 5 8:15 am Mass † Evelyn Beuscher • Kiera McCue
Wednesday, June 6 8:15 am Communion Service
Thursday, June 7 8:15 am Mass † James Marx † Jim Meinholz 9:00 am Eucharistic Adoration 5:00 pm Reconciliation
Friday, June 8 8:15 am Mass - School Liturgy (Grades 1 - 7) † Deceased members of the Melenchuk Family 9:00 am Rosary (Eucharistic Chapel) 1:30 pm Wedding of Timothy Kahle and Lauren Franzen
Saturday, June 9 4:00 pm Mass
Sunday, June 10 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am Masses † Helen and Jacob Grandeck † Bill Levar † Jim Engel † Florence Szaj † Jim Ryan † James Jacques † Bart Glowacki † Frank Lisiak † John Zach † JoAnne Burns † Paul Weston † Henry Seroka • Arlene McCue • The living and deceased members of St. Mary Catholic Faith Community
Liturgical Schedule and Mass Intentions
¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Welcome!
- Dear Sisters and Brothers -
I arrived at St. Mary five years ago this month. In my first homilies, I told you my story and I said that you would help me to re-learn priestly ministry in sobriety and that you would help me discern whether or not I should remain in priestly ministry. Today, I am still a priest and I have the privilege of celebrating my 25th anniversary of ordination with you this weekend. I thank you for all that you have taught me, for your prayers, and for your love these past five years. I would not be here with you today were it not for your goodness to me.
I have had the privilege of serving ten different parishes these past twenty-five years. Each has had a different personality and different needs. Some of these parishes were easier to lead and serve than others. I’ve had to make some very difficult decisions over the years; decisions that were not always popular or met with acceptance. I regret that some of those decisions caused hurt and division. I have always tried, to the very best of my ability, to do what was best for each community. I have done my best to be a good pastor and leader. My constant prayer has been to ask God to guide me in the work he has given me and to be able to love his people with an ever more generous heart.
I am grateful for all who are joining me in celebrating this weekend: my family, friends, and parishioners from other parishes. I am so proud to welcome you to St. Mary Catholic Faith Community. You will see why I am so proud to serve this community as we celebrate the Eucharist together.
I want to thank the many, many people who have been a part of my life and ministry over the years: my parents, my sister and her family, my extended family, parishioners who have become dear and trusted friends, members of parish staffs and pastoral councils, and, in a special way, the men and women with whom I share sobriety who always push me to be less concerned with myself and more concerned about the welfare of others. Above all, I thank God for calling me to be a priest, for sustaining me, and for his constant love and forgiveness.
I have no idea where God is going to take me in the years ahead. What I believe, though, is that God is going to continue to do for me what I cannot do for myself. The work I do is not mine; it is God’s. I will continue to count on your prayers, support, and love and I ask you to please continue to teach me how to be a better priest.
- With my gratitude and love -
Fr. Brian
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In Loving Memory
May the Risen Lord grant eternal rest and peace to:
Anna C. Kook - wife of the late Bernard, Sr.; mother of Bernard, Jr., and Tom (Julie); grandmother of Nikki, Bradley (Abby), and Jordan (Jamie).
The Catholic Faith Community of St. Mary extends our condolences to their families and friends.
U
He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant,
which will be shed for many.” - Mk 14:24
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Precious Blood
On this solemnity we focus our attention on the Body and Blood of Christ. We listen to the story of the renewal of the old covenant, which Moses sealed by splashing the blood of animals on the altar of sacrifice, as well as on the people. Jesus, whose blood is the blood of the new covenant, shed that precious blood on the cross, saving us from sin and promising us everlasting life. Blood is the life source that courses through our bodies. The precious blood of Christ is the life source for our spirits. Today may we, like the psalmist, offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord, whose Body and Blood strengthen us to bring the Good News to everyone we meet. © J. S. Paluch Co.
All that the Lord Has Said, We Will Heed and Do
Covenants of ancient times had three main qualities: They were made between unequal parties, they were serious, and they were bloody. Since covenants were often made between a king and his people, they were treaties that brought some sense of benefit or ownership to the king while offering protection to the people. They were not about trivial matters but lifelong commitments of responsibility and allegiance. And the blood? Blood was the sealing factor in covenants. Blood meant “take my life if I break this oath.” It was a vey sobering moment in the covenant ceremony. As the people stood before Moses and received the sprinkling of blood at Mount Sinai, they must have remembered the earlier blood of the Passover lamb in Egypt. And they could not have been ignorant of the message of their circumcision. The blood tie between Israel and the Lord was marked in the flesh of every male among them. If this covenant were broken, someone would pay for it with his life. At Mount Sinai that day, could anyone have dreamed it would be the Lord?
God’s Word is Alive by Alice Camille, ACTA Publications, 5559 West Howard Steet, Skokie, Illinois 60077, www.actapublications.com
Readings for the Week of June 3, 2018
Sunday: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Ex 24:3-8; Ps 116:12-13, 15-18; Heb 9:11-15; Mk 14:12-16, 22-26
Monday: 2 Pt 1:2-7; Ps 91:1-2, 14-16; Mk 12:1-12
Tuesday: 2 Pt 3:12-15a, 17-18; Ps 90:2-4, 10; Mk 12:13-17
Wednesday: 2 Tm 1:1-3, 6-12; Ps 123:1-2; Mk 12:18-27
Thursday: 2 Tm 2:8-15; Ps 25:4-5, 8-10, 14; Mk 12:28-34
Friday: Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9; (Ps) Is 12:2-6; Eph 3:8-12, 14-19; Jn 19:31-37
Next Sunday: Gn 3:9-15; Ps 130:1-8; 2 Cor 4:13 - 5:1; Mk 3:20-35
In Preparation for Next Week
Questions of the Week
What kind of blame is easy for you to admit to? What are you more likely to rationalize?
Have you known anyone who cannot discern holiness from evil, the ”‘morally blind”? Do you think they are lost?
Action Response
Practice taking responsibility for your actions at once. Refrain from defensiveness, do not rationalize or offer mitigating circumstances. Discover the freedom of genuine confession.
God’s Word is Alive by Alice Camille, ACTA Publications, 5559 West Howard Street, Skokie, Illinois 60077, www.actapublications.com
Liturgical ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡
Pray for: ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡
Karen Bain Joan Barnes Margaret Bartness Edward A. Benoit, III Pat Benoit Carol Berg Gerald Brockman George C. Helen Craig Joyce Czysz Terri Dalhoe Evelyn Daniels Frank Darga Kathy Darga Paulette DeRemer Betty Drake Barbara Ernest Thomas Fettig Mary Ellen Flanagan MaryJo Fritz Madeline Gedda David Glick Jessica Gosh Betty and Jenny H.
Ellen H. Judy Humpal Mary Jakubowski Jenny Bob Kasnak Kathy Veronica Kerchefski Kojis Family Lisa Konitzer Konitzer Family Jessica Kowalefski Vicki Lang Ed Larson Eleanore Lawson Fred Licau Gerdi M. Marcy Kacie Mertin Dorothy Mutranowski Nolan Joseph Olson Jessica P. Katie Pitterle
Lisa Przybyla Joan R. Pat Radandt Joel Rivera Robert Rogalinski Chris Ryan Mary K. Scheidt Patricia Schroeder Helen Slowinski Joe Slowinski Nancy Slowinski Stephanie Lori Thomas Don Thut Sharon V. Ellen Van George W. Dawn Wachs Bernice Waldron Carla Waraksa Bob White Carol Anne Werkowski Rudy Zvers
Make Memories TODAY! You can still extend your thanks, congratulations, or doodles for a scrapbook we are creating for Fr. Brian in celebration of his 25th anniversary. Small cards are on hand at the Information Center TODAY (June 2 and 3) before and after Masses, and in the Parish Office in the week following. Stop by and share your well-wishes!
Wedding Banns
III Timothy Kahle and Lauren Franzen II Gregory Martain, Jr. and Alysha Gonsalves II Paul Craig and Kristin Kowaleski II Paul Strand and Sarah Bitant I Truman Landowski and Lauren Piotrowski
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Following his ordination in 1993, Father Brian Mason was appointed an associate
pastor of St. Veronica in Milwaukee. “When I was sent to St. Veronica’s, I thought I knew it all,” he said. “I served there with two older priests - they were older than my parents. I found it hard to be in the spotlight and live up to everyone’s expectations.”
The two priests were gracious and kind, helping him grow into his role. From his earliest days, Fr. Brian delivered his homilies without notes, a skill he continues today. During his three years at St. Veronica Congregation, Fr. Brian was also an assisting priest at Sacred Heart in St. Francis. Twenty-five years later, he notes, “Being split between two parishes as a young priest was difficult. … Now, I am a lot more aware of the things I don’t know. I am more patient.”
Fr. Brian’s next move was to St. Matthias in Milwaukee; then to St. Mary in Waukesha; then three years as associate vicar for clergy, an archdiocesan post, which also included serving as pastor of St. Richard in Racine; as an associate pastor for two parishes - Three Holy Women and Old St. Mary in Milwaukee, and then as a member of a team of priests that served four parishes - Old St. Mary, Saints Peter and Paul, Three Holy Women and Our Lady of Divine Providence, all in Milwaukee. “That last assignment with four parishes was difficult. You were only at each place once a month,” he said.
In each of his parish assignments, Fr. Brian has tried to honor the past leadership of the parish and traditions. “When I arrived at St. Matthias, I was associate pastor and director of liturgy. A person asked if I was going to change the way they did Communion. I asked why? The person responded, ‘We want to do it right.’ I responded, ‘What makes you think you are doing it wrong?’”
Moving to St. Mary in Waukesha, Fr. Brian experienced his first assignment as the sole priest at the parish. “It was scary. I was feeling the weight of the place, which had debt [and] money problems.”
Throughout all of his various assignments, he says he has learned to listen more, observe, and be more confident in making decisions.
Reflecting on his ongoing recovery from alcoholism: “The diocese sending me for treatment was a profound change. It forced me to re-think everything I knew about God and my relationship with God,” he said. It is through the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-Step process that he has developed a deeper, more personal relation-ship with God. He always had the “professional relationship,” as he called it, meaning the relationship that came about through his theological studies.
Staying faithful to the 12-Step philosophy means Fr. Brian participates in AA sessions three or four times a week. He often works with men who are just starting the process or are returning to it. His closest friends are those who are walking the same process with him. “Twelve Steps must be part of my spirituality now,” he said.
Of all his duties as a priest, Fr. Brian said celebrating Eucharist, preaching, hearing confessions (he notes he doesn’t hear enough of them), anointing of the sick, one-on-ones with people, funeral planning, and marriage preparation are most rewarding. “The more personal contact, the more I feel most effective,” he said. “However, this is a large parish and I can only be in one place. It’s easy to let this office consume you.”
Being pastor also has its challenges. Fr. Brian said he worries about parish finances and about failing in his ministry. Though not an obstacle, he admits it is not easy to talk about the church’s position on issues that are polarizing, such as immigration. “There’s a fine line between helping people understand. Sometimes even just dipping one’s toe into an issue can be too much for people to hear,” he said.
Fr. Brian’s Dream… “ To See Parishioners Walking with Parishioners on the Journey of Faith Intentionally”
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Fr. Brian is grateful for the support he receives from fellow priests, especially our parish help-outs, Fr. Leonard Barbian and Fr. Dominic Caldognetto. “Leonard and Dominic are so gracious,” he said. His first contact with Fr. Leonard was when he was ordained. “He was the associate vicar for the clergy and a priest with many years of experience, and well-known and loved. I was scared to death of him.” Later, when Fr. Brian and Fr. Leonard were pastors at neighboring parishes in Waukesha, Fr. Brian came to know him better, erasing the fear. “Fr. Leonard has always treated me well. We are fortunate to have both of these priests minister to us here at St. Mary.”
Being a priest for twenty-five years has been both rewarding and daunting. “When I can help someone, when they send me a note or tell me the difference I made in their life, when you can help somebody leave feeling differently than when they came in - that’s when you recognize the power of being a priest. I help people know that God isn’t angry with them or displeased. But, priesthood has been hard for me. I have fought it. Because I fear that I am not up to the task. ‘God you have to find someone else to do this,’ I have often thought. There can be a lot of doubt, fear. But then something always happens, and I say, ‘All right God, this is why I became a priest.’ That’s why I am still here. God wants to keep me here.”
Fr. Brian remarks that hearing from the people is important not only to him but to all clergy. It makes his day when he hears someone say they love coming to his Mass or hearing his homilies.
He also asks for our prayers. “A number of people tell me they pray for me. That is very humbling that I am a part of their daily prayers.”
He also strives to be seen as human. Having his large black lab Molly at his side in the parish office often breaks down barriers and aids in being perceived as human. He said families who come in to plan funerals for a loved one often ask if Molly can be in the room. “She adds a calming, warm presence,” said Fr. Brian.
Fr. Brian has introduced several new opportunities at St. Mary for spiritual growth including the Peace Prayer and weekly adoration of the Eucharist. “The Peace Prayer I started four years ago after an American journalist and Marquette University graduate was beheaded. This was so jarring and so unbelievable for a young man to die in such a gruesome way. We can’t look for peace outside ourselves. Now, after making this prayer part of our liturgy, I’ve had people say don’t get rid of that Peace Prayer. It reminds us of who we are supposed to be. That’s why when I introduce the prayer before the end of the Mass I note that we pray to be God’s instruments of peace.”
As to Eucharistic adoration, Fr. Brian said “I am convinced that a parish is strengthened by the prayers of its people. We need to rely on God and ask for help as much as we can. There is a powerhouse there in prayer and we need to avail ourselves. This is ultimately the parishioners praying for the parish.”
Looking to the future, Fr. Brian’s focus is for us to have a genuine concern about the welfare of others, whether parish members or not - especially for people who come for whatever reason. “We must take a step beyond welcoming, wanting people to feel they belong. We must minister to people between the ages of twenty and fifty. They are largely not being tended to. I would like to instill in us such a conviction about who we are that someday when there is a change in pastor, people have so invested themselves into new ways of thinking, serving, reaching out and welcoming that the people cannot and will not let go of what they have created within the parish. Priests come and go, but this is your community. There needs to be a real sense of ownership.
“I want us to learn how to accompany other people. I want to see parishioners walking with parishioners on the journey of faith intentionally. This will strengthen the church. That’s why I push so hard for these new ways of thinking. This is totally new; I did not learn this in seminary. It’s not easy to change, mostly because it is new to me, to our staff and our parishioners.
“I have the privilege of serving as pastor. I feel privileged to be here and am thrilled to celebrate this anniversary here.”
Fr. Brian, we, the catholic faith community of St. Mary, are grateful for your ministry, your leadership, and your faithfulness.
We walk with you as disciples of Christ as you continue your priesthood.
- Interview and article by Bev Jurkowski, parishioner
Looking Ahead…
Vacation season is here, but you don’t have to travel to have fun because we’re going to party right HERE!
On Saturday, June 9, at 4:00 pm Mass, we will recognize and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ordination of Deacon John Burns to the permanent diaconate. Join us in a light reception for Deacon John after Mass in the Gathering Space.
On the weekend of June 23 and 24, you are invited to join us in blessing our Director of Child Ministry, Jim Beuscher, as he retires. Please stop by and extend your thanks and well-wishes to Jim after any of the Masses. A light reception will follow the 9:00 am Mass.
And just when you think there couldn’t be any more fun, there’s St. Mary Parish Festival!
Attention Parents of Our First Communicants!
The photos of your children that you submitted for the First Eucharist display board have now been removed. Please pick them up at the Information Center before or after Masses on weekends up until Monday, June 18.
Position Open for Parish Accountant
St. Mary Parish is seeking an accountant. A person in this position reports to the Director of Administrative Services and supports the accounting functions of the Parish and School. Responsibilities include:
• Maintaining and managing the financial information systems of the Parish and School and generating accurate and consistent monthly financial statements.
• Monitoring and maintaining the parish banking, investment and endowment accounts, including processing all deposits and disbursements, monitoring online banking and recon- ciling bank and investment statements, and other accounts.
• Generating all payments to vendors.
• Coordinating all receipts and weekly or daily bank deposits, and coordinating volunteers for money-counting.
• Processing School/Parish payroll through a payroll vendor.
• Maintaining appropriate records for all required federal, state, and local governmental filings.
• Supporting the DAS in the administration of employee benefit and insurance programs (Health, Dental, Life, pension, 403b and Disability).
Twenty hours per week, with very flexible schedule. There may be very limited evening or weekend work. A Catholic in good-standing is preferred but not required. Please submit your resume and cover letter to Daniel Hansen, Director of Administrative Services, at [email protected] or at the parish’s address (9520 W. Forest Home Avenue, Hales Corners, Wisconsin 53130-1614).
Announcements ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡
Sunday, June 3 6:30pm High School Confirmation Candidates and Sponsors Session
Monday, June 4
Tuesday, June 5 6:30pm Vacation Bible School Youth Leader Meeting
Wednesday, June 6 8:45am Church Cleaning 11:45am Senior Fitness Class 7:00pm St. Vincent de Paul Meeting 7:00pm Bread Ministry 8:00pm Men’s Basketball
Thursday, June 7 9:00am Young at Heart Board Meeting 6:30pm First Thursday Women’s Group 6:45pm Respect Life Committee Meeting 7:00pm Spring Grief Support Group
Friday, June 8 4:30pm Pathfinders Meal (Away)
Saturday, June 9
Sunday, June 10 * Before and after all weekend Masses.
To find out where events are taking place in the parish complex, visit www.stmaryhc.org/calendar.php and click on event entries.
St. Mary Parish Calendar ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡
Attention Tuesday Evening Scripture Study Attendees!
Venue Change for the Month of June
For all Tuesdays in the month of June, Fr. Chuck’s Scripture Study will be meeting at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
- Young At Heart -
Koffee Klatch Tuesday, June 12, 11:30 am (Lunch at 12:00-Noon)
Clifford’s Supper Club • Hales Corners
On the menu are broasted chicken, tenderloin tips, or pork chops for $13.00 or baked Icelandic Cod for $14.00. You do not need to be a Young At Heart member to attend. Register by calling Shirley at 414-281-0654. After lunch, Gary Alexander, Civil War re-enactor/story teller and vocalist, will enrich and entertain us with an “Anthology of Civil War Songs” and the stories that inspired them.
45+ Singles Group Spring Dinner
Our spring patio dinner at That’s Amoré will be on Sunday, June 10; meet at 6:00 pm for drinks, 6:30 pm for dinner. The Sunday special is all-you-can-eat spaghetti or mostaccioli. If you wish to attend, contact Sue Timlin at 414-460-4886 or at [email protected] no later than June 8.
