Our Mission Statement: Good Shepherd is a Christian, caring community, nourished by a joyful spirit-filled liturgy that inspires our daily lives.
We strive to welcome, accept and love all people as they are, and through our ministries reach out with active concern to those in need.
Visit us online at: mygoodshepherd.org
Upcoming Events:
Dec. 15 8:30 AM Mass at Good Shepherd Mass Intention for the homeless Dec. 19 4:30 PM Live Stream Mass at St. James 3:30 PM Reconciliation before Mass 4:30 PM Mass at Good Shepherd Mass intention for Bob Wachowiak Dec. 20 Pre—Recorded Mass on the Website 9:30 AM Mass at Good Shepherd Mass intention For the Parish Dec. 22 8:30 AM Mass at Good Shepherd Mass Intention for Joseph Druml
Welcome To
GOOD SHEPHERD Catholic Church
Menomonee Falls, WI
“ This is what the Lord asks of you: to act justly,
to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
My Soul Rejoices in my God
On this 3rd
Sunday of Advent, Gaudete (Latin for “Rejoice”) Sunday, our psalm is not from the Book of Psalms, but probably one of the most well-known poems in the New Testament, Mary’s Magnificat. These words were first sung by Hannah of the Old Testament, a woman believed to be barren. She rejoices after giving birth to a son, Samuel, and she offered him back to God. When praying Mary’s treasured words, consider the place of joy in your own faith journey
My soul proclaims your greatness,. O my God, and my spirit has rejoiced
in you, my Savior. For your regard has blessed me,.
poor, and a serving woman. From this day all generations
will call me blessed. For you who are mighty,
have made me great. Most Holy be your Name.
Your mercy is on those who fear you throughout all generations. You have filled the hungry
with good things, and have sent the rich away empty.
You, remembering your mercy, have helped your people Israel,
As you promised Abraham and Sarah. Mercy to their children, forever. Amen.
Our Christmas Mass times for the two parishes will be:
COVID Safety Reminders
We would like to make you aware that to adhere to CDC guidelines, we will continue to keep one outside door open at each exit during Mass to increase circulation of outdoor air.
We are also asking that when you come to Mass, you always stop and let an usher seat you.
The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation has expired and it will be the responsibility of those who are capable and not prohibited by other circumstances to attend Mass.
There are circumstances where the obligation cannot be fulfilled.
Obligation to Attend Mass
Bring toys to Mass on
Saturday, Dec. 12 & Sunday, Dec. 13.
We will fill the altar area with
toys for the House of Peace.
Toys need to be new and unwrapped.
Deacon Gene House of Peace Toy Drive
One example is the impossibility to attend Mass like during the pandemic when public Masses were not allowed.
If a person is ill, especially during this pandemic, they should remain at home.
In order to make sure that everyone can celebrate the blessed day of Christmas safely, we have a reservation system in place and open. It is extremely important that you make a reservation if you are planning on coming to Mass. Even if you are a minister at Mass, you will need a reservation.
Making a reservation ensures that you will have a seat as long as you come to Mass 10 minutes before the beginning of Mass. Reservations that are not filled by 10 minutes before Mass time, can be given away.
When making your reservation, please use the format of last name, first name. Select your Mass time and Mass place. Note that you may reserve your seats in the Good Shepherd Church, Good Shepherd Daniels Hall, St. James Church and
Registration for
Christmas Masses
Christmas Eve:
4:00 pm at St. James
5:00 pm at Good Shepherd
6:00 pm at St. James
7:00 pm at Good Shepherd
8:00 pm at St. James
Christmas Day:
8:00 am at St. James
9:00 am at Good Shepherd
10:00 am at St. James
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP
Joy
REJOICE IN THE
LORD ALWAYS.
I SHALL SAY IT
AGAIN: REJOICE! Phillippians 4:4
St. James Community Center. Please register for all those in your party who will be attending and sitting together. If you are not sitting together, then please make separate reservations.
Please help us spread the word to your friends and family who usually celebrate Christmas with us that reservations are required this year, so they need to reserve their spots at Mass.
The 4 pm Mass on Christmas Eve at St. James and the 5 pm Mass on Christmas Eve at Good Shepherd are almost full so if you want to come to either of those Masses, you will want to reserve your spot right away.
https://reopen.church/r/cnHjFklM.
For those who feel more comfortable celebrating at home, we will offer a livestream of the 4 pm Christmas Eve Mass at St James and the 9 am Christmas Day Mass at Good Shepherd on both Facebook pages. The recordings of those Masses will also be on our YouTube page and on our website after the Mass.
We would like to thank all those who returned their pledge forms. Also, a reminder to those who have not, please return them by December 15th.
Pledge Cards
If a person is at risk because of age, underlying medical conditions, or a compromised immune system, one would be excused from the obligation.
If a person is caring for a sick person, even if they are not sick, they would be excused from the obligation out of charity.
It is up to each individual to weigh their own circumstances through an examination of their conscience and determine, by use of their conscience, whether or not they are excused from the Mass obligation. Remember, a well-formed conscience is upright and truthful.
If you have a prayer request, please call Carol Weber (262-415-8937) or click on the “Prayer Request” on Good Shepherd’s Website (mygoodshepherd.org), found on the left side of the Home page, or found in the Monday email blast.
If you would like to help us in praying for those requests, please contact Carol so she can add you to her email list.
The Blessing of the Wreath
Leader: We prepare to welcome the Lord who will come again. Let us ask our God in heaven to bless this wreath and us who use it. May we find our hearts filled with God’s grace. (Pause for silent prayer.)
God in heaven, by your word all things are sanctified. Pour forth your blessing upon this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from you abundant graces, through Christ our Lord.
ALL: AMEN.
Third Week:
Leader: Generous and trustworthy God, You are ever faithful to your promises. Set our hearts on fire so that we can bring your light and love to all we meet. May we rejoice and witness your faithfulness. We ask this in the name of Jesus.
ALL: AMEN.
Fourth Week:
Leader: All-powerful and loving God, Mary, your servant, accepted and received the GIFT promised for all ages. Open our hearts to accept the GIFT made present in each person. We ask this in the name of Jesus.
ALL: AMEN
Advent Wreath Service, Year B
Christian Formation has been getting some nice thank you texts and emails from our college kids for their care packages. Here is what I've gotten so far.
College Care Packages
January 3, 2021 through April 4, 2021 (Easter).
For Adults in their 20s & 30s.
Provides Prompts for Prayer & Reflection.
Challenging Practices for Growth.
Weekly Virtual Formation Sessions.
Weekly Accountability Groups.
Monthly In-Person Sessions (optional).
See the Good Shepherd website or app for the registration
link and more details before December 17th.
Base Camp: A Committed 90 Day Climb to the Heights
“My name is Sam, and today I just received my Good Shepherd goodie box! I wanted to message you saying thanks. That really means a lot to me, and thank you for the prayers! You probably know my Grandma, Laverne, I know she is quite famous at Good Shepherd ha ha. Thank you again!”
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for the kind college care package! It was so thoughtful and had some of my favorite snacks in it. I will get good use out of the prayers provided. Thank you again!” -Sophia
“Thank you so much fr the package! I will do my best to join you for the college care zoom too.” -Paige”
“Thank you Good Shepherd!” -Marissa
Thank You to all who helped make this possible! --Corinna
God gives you a mission. How will you respond?
Virtual Posadas Begins this Week
The tradition of Las Posadas is a reenactment of the eve of the first Christmas, when Joseph and Mary searched for room at the inn, but none was to be found. In a traditional Las Posadas celebration, a group of people travels from house to house singing, seeking shelter for the night, answered by those indoors, answering in song. At the third home, the peregrinos, or pilgrims, are welcomed inside to pray, eat, and celebrate.
Check out the link below to a "Virtual Posadas", that begins on December 16 from the Ignatian Solidarity Network. The word posada means "inn" or "shelter" in Spanish. In this tradition, the Bible story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay is re-enacted. The virtual posadas will feature prayers for immigrants.
Steve Schmit .............................. Trustee Treasurer
Dan Popp ................................... Trustee Secretary
Rudi Gutierrez, Maureen Janosch, Ron Leonhardt, Nic Zepnick, George Koleas, Donna Makowski,
Jackie Michaels, Gabriella Ramsey, Katie Papador
For the Hard of Hearing
Mass for the hard of hearing Sun. 9:30 am.
Hearing assisted devices available; see usher for assistance.
Liturgy Schedule
Weekend:-Saturday 4:30 pm;
Sunday 9:30 am
Weekday: Tuesday 8:30am;
Membership
Families or individuals over 17 are invited to join our Faith Community! Register on our website, pick up forms in the Christian Formation Office or join us on our next Welcome Weekend in the Christian Formation Office.
Sacraments
Reconciliation: Communal services held in
Advent & Lent. Individual Reconciliation - 3:30 pm Sat. in the Mary of Magdala Chapel
Marriage: Preparation begins by contacting
Deacon Sandy no later than 6 months prior to the planned date.
Children’s Baptism: Call the parish to register.
Next celebration: January 9 at 4:30 pm or January 10 at 9:30 am
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: RCIA is a
time to consider full membership into the Catholic Faith. Call our office for more information.
Adult Confirmation: Call our office if you wish to
If you would like to thank Fr. Richard for his years of service and wish him a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, we can provide you with cards and his address. The cards can be picked up after Mass. Richard Hart, OFM Cap St. Lawrence Friary 301 Church St.. Mt. Calvary, WI 53057
Candle Light Vigil for Peace and Unity
Sunday, December 20, 2020, at 5PM at the Menomonee Falls Centennial Plaza
You are invited to join a group of caring Village residents, for the Candle Light Vigil for Peace and Unity.
At 5:15 pm candles will be lit and “Jingle Bells” followed by
“ Let there be Peace on Earth” will be sung.
Let’s make this a community effort to bring love & joy to our holiday by encouraging your neighbors & friends to join in!
Free vigil candles are available the day of the event or in advance at Robin’s Nest, Hot House Tavern, Karl’s Country Market, Town Bank, Shelley’s Hallmark, Ally’s Bistro, Edward Jones, Village Hall, BID Office & Chamber of Commerce Office.
Social Distancing Practiced -- Masks Mandatory
College age young adults are welcome to join us every other Tuesday at 7:00pm on Zoom for our College Care Zoom. What will we do or talk about? That is up to you. We know that you need support in your college years from your parish and we are here for that. We can do a Bible Study, we can talk about college life, we can pray, we can talk about COVID, it’s your call. Email Corinna Ramsey in the Christian Formation office to get put on the College email list for the invite to the Zoom. Friends are welcome, too.
GAUDETE! REJOICE! Today we are halfway through Advent. This year, perhaps more so than in our previous experience, we may have a renewed appreciation of the longing that we hear echo through the readings of Advent. Isaiah reminded us in week one of the long captivity that the Jewish people endured in Babylon, and how they longed to be restored to God’s good favor. In week two, Isaiah is told by God to announce to the people that they are about to be restored. After nearly 60 years they were going home, in 538 B.C. Our reading from Isaiah this week is the reading that Jesus proclaims in the synagogue at Nazareth when he begins his public ministry at age 30, to which he adds, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk 4: 21). That means that the promise of Isaiah waited nearly 600 years to be completely fulfilled. At this moment in our history we wait, we ache, we long for an end to the suffering and challenges presented by the pandemic to our daily lives. We literally can’t wait for this to end. The past nine months have been difficult for all and even frightening for some. We wait. But how shall we wait? The Advent season invites us to “Wait in Blessed Hope”. This week we are invited to be joyful in our waiting. The waiting of Advent, the waiting of the Israelites, the waiting of the pandemic can become a drudgery and weigh us down emotionally. We can get mentally fatigued with trying to follow all the directives and rules that, while important, come to feel like a burden. In this place and time, where will we find joy? We can begin with the promise of Advent. Christ has promised to return. We do not know when, but history shows that the Divine Promises are kept. Promises to Abraham, Moses, the people of Israel, and Jesus’ own disciples have been fulfilled. Jesus promises those who follow him that there will be challenge, and suffering, and the cross—but also that all of that will be worth it. In the midst of our difficulties, Jesus promises to be with us, “Until the end of the age” (Mt 28: 20). When we stop and think about it we can often recognize many blessings in our lives that we may have overlooked. What are the blessings you have experienced over the past year? Where, looking back, can you find the hand of God in your life? We have recently heard good news about effective vaccines. We know, at some level, that there will come a time when this pandemic will end. Our biology will adapt, as it always has. So we can meet the current challenges in our lives with hope, and even joy. We can focus on the things that give us life, and recommit to doing what we can to support and protect one another. May your Advent preparations bear fruit in your lives and bring you joyfully to the Light that dawns each Christmas. Blessings to you all. Mike Crain
