Divine Mercy Weekly Update

 

“Are you envious because I am generous?'

Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last."

-Matthew 20:16

 

Keep reading for more details on these and other happenings.

Parish News

Thank you to all who supported and attended our Fall Festival & Divine Raffle last Saturday!  Everyone who bought or sold raffle tickets, volunteered at the event, donated items for the raffle baskets, donated bakery, prayed for our success, and all who attended (despite the rain in the late afternoon) - THANK YOU!  It was a wonderful time and we appreciate your beneficence!  We’ll release numbers when we have the final results, but it certainly seemed to be a success!  May God bless you for all you do for our parish! 

The St. Vincent De Paul Food Drive is THIS Weekend!  September 23/24th - in honor of the upcoming Feast day of St. Vincent de Paul – our Divine Mercy’s St. Vincent de Paul Conference is collecting food for our weekly Tuesday Food Pantry.   Our pantry has experienced an increased number of families who need assistance and, unfortunately, our food supply is running low.  Our pantry is always in need of non-perishable items like noodles, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, tuna, jelly and soup.  Any donation of food or personal hygiene items can be brought to the Narthex at church and deposited into our green bins. Thank you for having the hearts to “bring God’s love to the poor” through your generosity and donations!

The Christian Women invite all ladies to their meeting this Sunday, September 24th.  We attend 9:30 a.m. Mass as a group (pews are reserved in front) with the meeting to follow at 10:30 a.m. in the gathering space outside the kitchen.  A light meal is served.  If you are unable to make Mass with us, please feel free to attend the meal and meeting!  Call JoEllen with any questions at at 414-617-2397.

• The primary mission of Christian Women is continuing spiritual formation.  We achieve this by private/group prayer and Mass attendance.
• Our secondary mission is spiritual and corporal works of mercy for parish needs and community outreach.  We achieve these missions by financially supporting multiple skilled nursing facilities in South Milwaukee, our parish women’s retreats, Brew City Ministries, homeless and women/family shelters in SE Wisconsin, pro-life organizations and cleaning our priest/deacon vestments.  In addition to financial support, you’ve seen and gratefully supported the various collections we sponsor for South Milwaukee Human Concerns and other charitable organizations!
• Thirdly, we financially support our parish school and Christian formation, including May Crowning and gift cards for our school staff.

Our world can seem chaotic and unpredictable.  If your heart is yearning for the fellowship of like-minded women intent on making a positive impact in our parish, community and neighboring communities, please consider joining Christian Women.  All women 18 years or older in our parish are welcome!

Grief Support meets on the last Monday of each month, next on September 25, 10 - 11:30 a.m. at 800 Marquette Avenue.  Jo’El Pearlman, governor of Optimist International for the Southeastern Wisconsin district, will be our speaker.  Please join us and feel free to bring a friend.

Youth Group is excited to explore “Existence” this semester.  Join us Monday, September 25  from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at 800 Marquette Avenue.  It’s a social night and we’ll discuss the Epic Universe.  We incorporate faith, fun, and fellowship into our meetings to help students to know, love, and serve God.  All are welcome - bring a friend!  Keep up with our Youth Ministry page and parent portal on the website throughout the year for important information and participation forms.  Find all the information about Existence here.

Alpha is growing!  It’s not too late to join the conversation and explore big questions about faith.  We meet Tuesdays from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at 800 Marquette Avenue.  We share a meal, watch a short video and discuss it together.  It’s a friendly environment and all are welcome - you need not be Catholic to attend - just seeking God.  Bring a friend and join us!  We’re also in need of help with our hospitality.  Could you sponsor a meal (25-40 people)?  Contact Amanda Decker at amandadecker@divinemercysm.org or 414-762-6810 for more information or with any questions.

Join us for Women’s Bible study on Tuesday, September 26 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at 800 Marquette Avenue for “Keeping in Balance.”  We’ll be using relevant scripture to transform our faith and refuel our lives.  Have questions or wish to join us?  Contact Laurie Bania at 414-350-8469.

Divine Mercy’s Dynamic Men’s Group welcomes you back this Fall!  We meet Wednesday nights from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in the Gathering Space at 800 Marquette Avenue.  Join us September 27; October 11, 18, 25; November 8, 15, 29; and December 13, 2023.  This season, we will review engaging video topics focused on the Eucharist - to help deepen our understanding of the Eucharist, the importance of receiving this Sacrament and share in our experiences - no matter where we are on our spiritual journey!  These discussions will help prepare our hearts and minds for the National Eucharistic Revival, focused on renewing the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.  Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.  For more information, contact Gary Branger at garybranger@divinemercysm.org.  Please commit and let us know.

Teaching the Mass.  All are welcome to come and see what the Holy Mass is all about!  Join Fr. Joe for an informative session about the “ins and outs” of the Mass.  September 28th at 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. at 800 Marquette Avenue.  Can't make this particular date?  No worries- Father Joe will be offering the Teaching Mass session several times throughout the year so everyone has the opportunity to attend if they choose.  Mark your calendar for any of the following dates:

• Saturday, December 2 at 10:00 am
• Thursday, March 14 at 10:00 am and 6:30 pm
• Saturday, May 25 at 10:00 am

All sessions take place at 800 Marquette Avenue and guests are welcome.

Respect Life Events:

40 Days for Life Campaign - September 27 - November 1, 2023.  Find out more about 40 Days for Life here.

 Life Chain - Sunday, October 1 from 2-3:30 PM.  Stand for Life with other Divine Mercy members in the public right of way on the west side of Hwy 100 between Green St. and Parnell.  Contact Jean Becher at 414-423-8879 with questions or to sign up.  More information about Life Chain can be found at www.milwaukeelifechain.org/about

Traveling rosary for life - October 7 – 8 AM.  Mass, Rosary, Adoration and Reconciliation at the Basilica of St. Josaphat (233 S. 6th Street in Milwaukee, WI).  

Divine Mercy is offering a Safe Environment Education class on Thursday, September 28 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at 800 Marquette Avenue.  Anyone working with youth in our parish (and throughout the Archdiocese) is required to take a SEE class and complete a background check prior to volunteering or working with children.  Register here for Divine Mercy’s class, or visit the archdiocesan site here to select another one that fits your schedule better.  Registration is required no less than 24 hours in advance of the session; there is no same day registration allowed.  Courses fill quickly, so sign up today!

Anointing of the Sick will take place on Saturday, September 30 following 4:00 p.m. Mass.  This is offered on the last Saturday of every month following Mass.  

Cub Scouts Pack 235 will be selling wreaths and popcorn after all Masses September 30 & October 1 and October 7 & 8 for their yearly fundraiser.  Come support the Scouts!  All boys and girls in K5-5th grade are invited to join scouts, as well.  To sign up or for more information, contact Cubmaster Brian Genduso (bjg@genduso.net or 414-803-9976) or James Gates (jgates1@alumni.nd.edu or 414-301-9121).   

Pet Blessing on Sunday, October 1 at 12:30 p.m. at 800 Marquette Ave.  In honor of St. Francis of Assisi and his love and care for all creatures, we’ll have a pet blessing outside of church at Marquette Avenue.  Please have your pet on a leash or properly secured for the protection of pets and humans.

Divine Mercy is honored to be a site for an October All Night Eucharistic Vigil of Reparation and Prayer on Friday, October 6 at 800 Marquette Avenue.  Beginning at 7:00 p.m. and ending with Mass at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, there will be the opportunity for confessions, speakers, Adoration and devotions all night long.  This Vigil is open to the public.  These All Night Vigils began in September of 1965 to answer our Lady’s call at Fatima to pray and do penance for world peace and for the conversion of sinners.  Sponsored by the Archdiocese in conjunction with the Legion of Mary.  Come spend an hour or more if you can!  Questions should be directed to 414-258-2665.  

It's coming soon! The Divine Mercy Christian Women Fall Rummage Sale is on October 7! PLEASE continue to save the following for donation: Gently used household items, purses, clothing, shoes, craft and sewing items, home decor, baby needs, toys, books, and games. Also looking for usable garage items, working electronics, and small size furniture pieces. We also love old and unique items, as well as jewelry, for our boutique. DONATION DROP-OFF DAYS are Wednesday, October 4 (6-8 pm), Thursday, October 5 (8 am-8 pm), and Friday, October 6 (8 am-12 noon) at the school cafeteria on 695 College Avenue. Please do not drop off items at the parish or school offices. Questions? Need a pickup? Please call Nancy at 414-571-1191.

The 8th Annual Divine Mercy's Women's Retreat - GPS - God Promises Salvation. . . Strengthening your relationship with God,  is taking place on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at 800 Marquette Avenue.. Please see the attached flier and registration form and sign up today!  We hope you will take time from your busy day to join us! 

All Sisters, Moms, Aunties and Friends are invited to our 8 th Annual Divine Mercy Women’s Retreat called GPS, God Promises Salvation. We have a great lineup of wonderful women such as Sister Kelley, OSF, Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi who will open our retreat with insight into How to pray and How to Incorporate Daily Prayer in our busy lives. In addition, we have invited two young women to speak, Ellie Hoffmann and Isabel Jimenez, from Brew City Catholic Missionary, to talk about Scripture Meditation and How to Journal your thoughts and prayers to our heavenly Father.

You are invited to start your day by joining us for Adoration & Rosary at 8:00 a.m. and Mass starting at 8:30 a.m. A continental meal and lunch will be served. So, give yourself time to fellowship and build and strengthen your relationship with God.

If you have any questions, please email or text, Dali Galaviz, dgalavizconsult@aol.com  or (479) 685-7749.

The Usher Pancake Breakfast is taking place Sunday, October 15 from 8:00 a.m. - Noon in the Gathering Space at 800 Marquette Avenue.  Pancakes with a Purpose is back!  Proceeds will go to provide formation classrooms with crucifixes.  All you can eat pancakes, french toast, applesauce, milk, juice, and coffee (sausage limited).  $5 for Adults, $2 for children aged 4-12, and Free for children 3 and under!  Join us for breakfast prepared and served by our very own Ushers!

Join us for a special movie event - Power In My Hands - A story of hope and the power of prayer.  Sunday, October 15 at 2:00 p.m., 800 Marquette Avenue.  Light refreshments will be served.  The time is now to call upon God, through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary, to heal our country and return it to holiness.  

Get ready for the Catholic Event of a Generation!  Join the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on a Pilgrimage to the National Eucharistic Congress, July 17-21, 2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis. This historic 5-day gathering of 80,000+ Catholics from across the United States will be a new Pentecost, a powerful anointing and personal commission to invite others to know Christ. Learn how the Lord will bless you through this gathering by visiting Pilgrimage to the 10th National Eucharistic Congress today! 

On-going Offerings 

Monday Morning Bible Study "Plus" meets every Monday right after Mass, about 9:15 a.m. in the Parish Office Conference Room for scripture plus a book discussion of Bishop Barron’s “This Is My Body - A call to Eucharistic Revival.” We would love to have you - all are welcome!  Please contact Laurie Bania if you have any questions at 414-350-8469 or the office and leave a message. 

Grief Support is held the last Monday of every month.  The next meeting is Monday, September 25 from 10 am - 11:30 a.m. at 800 Marquette Avenue.  

Divine Mercy Card Club meets every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month in the Parish Office Conference Room at 1:15 p.m. for some card-playing fun and camaraderie.  All are welcome to join and to come and go as your schedule permits.  We usually play sheepshead, but are open to other card games, as well.   **Please note - Card Club will meet at the Kelly Senior Center at 6100 S. Lake Drive in Cudahy beginning in June until further notice.

Mother of Perpetual Help devotion and Rosary is offered every Monday at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel at College Avenue.  

Students and friends in grades 6-12 are invited to join us for Youth Group.  We meet  Mondays from 6-8 p.m. at 800 Marquette Avenue, beginning September 18th. This Fall, we are excited to bring you “Existence” (flier with dates here)! Keep an eye on the Youth Ministry page of the website and the Parent Portal for news, and fill out the online contact form and applicable permission forms to participate.  Questions?  Contact Amanda Decker at 414-762-6810 or amandadecker@www.divinemercysm.org. 

St. Anthony Devotional Group meets on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel at College Avenue. Join us next on October 3 & 17. Come pray with us!

Lovely Ladies in Christ Women's Bible Study meets twice a month, every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Marquette Avenue, beginning September 12, 2023. Please call Laurie Bania with any questions at 414-350-8469 and leave a message.

Divine Mercy’s St. Vincent de Paul Society hosts a Food Pantry every Tuesday from 11am-1pm at 800 Marquette Avenue.    Non-perishable food items like noodles, sauce, macaroni & Cheese, tuna, jelly, and canned vegetables are always needed.  Also, personal hygiene products are running low and are needed.  Please place your donations in the marked bins in the Gathering Space.  Your support is deeply appreciated!!   

Divine Mercy’s Dynamic Men’s Group meets Wednesday Nights, 6-7:30 p.m. in the Gathering Space at 800 Marquette Avenue. Our Fall meeting dates include: September 27; October 11, 18, 25; November  8, 15, 29; December 13. 
Fellowship starts at 6 PM. Short video at 6:30 PM followed by small group discussions. Finished usually no later than 7:45 PM. Many of you have talked about how much attending these sessions have meant to you. Share this joy with a friend or relative and bring them along. For more information, contact Gary Branger at garybranger@www.divinemercysm.org .

In need of prayers for yourself or someone else? Call on our Prayer Network by contacting Dolores 414-762-0194 or Audrey 414-762-4638, so we can pray for your intentions. We also have established an email address for your prayer requests: Memorare72@gmail.com. We hope to help many through our prayers!

Unable to join us for Mass in person?  Our homebound brothers and sisters are still an important part of our parish, and we continue to pray with and for you. If you are unable to attend with us in person at this time, we livestream our Mass each Sunday.  Please contact the parish office at 414-762-6810 if you or someone you know would like a visit with Communion as well.  Masses are available for viewing anytime on our YouTube channel.  Live streams appear at the top of the page as they occur.  Our channel also has a cache of 200+ videos from the last two years nested under playlists according to type.  Listen to a homily again or share it with someone else, hear our ABIDE speakers, and more! 

Guatemalan coffee is available for sale at the Parish Office.  Cafe Juan Ana was established in 1992 by Fr. Greg Schaffer in response to challenges faced by primarily indigenous coffee farmers. Named in honor of his father & mother, John & Ann, the coffee is a delicious treat, with beans grown in rich volcanic soil.  A variety of coffee is available for $13. - $15. per bag.  We also now have K-cups and some new flavors - espresso, too!  After the independent farmer is paid, processing & shipping is covered, the balance of each bag purchased goes toward educational scholarships that Divine Mercy provides to needy students in Chinique, Guatemala.  Thank you for your purchase!

Order from the very popular Berres Brothers Coffee (Wisconsin made) and the company will give 15% off and make a 15% donation to the Scholarship Fund for a student at Divine Mercy. Opt to pay for shipping, or pick up in Watertown to save a little more money. Berres Brothers has excellent flavored coffees, as well as other options, perfect for gifts or as a treat for yourself.  Just visit www.berresbrothers.com/discount/FFSF and use code FFSF. Thank you for your support!

Got extra plastic grocery bags? Christian Women  are collecting them for a parishioner, Rita Sweet, who crochets them into mats for the homeless.  Bring your bags to church and place them in the large, marked collection box.  They’ll be given new life and these large, lightweight, weather-proof, durable sleeping mats will help someone in need.  

Fabulous Extras throughout the Archdiocese and our Community (because there’s a lot we can’t always include in our bulletin)