The Christian Women Society of Three Holy Women is “baking the world a better place” with its annual Italian cookie sale. Your previous support of this fundraiser has enabled the Christian Women to continue to make significant financial contributions to our parish social justice and education ministries. Additionally, we have been able to make donations to Open Door Café, The Cathedral Center, The Benedict Center, and other agencies in our neighboring community that do good work. If not interested in purchasing cookies, we could put to good use a No Cookie Donation.
The Advent Giving Trees of the Cathedral, Old St. Mary, Our Lady of Divine Providence, and Three Holy Women will be supporting the ministries of Women’s Care Center, Open Door Café/Prison Ministry, and St. Vincent de Paul. You can read about each of these ministries and their Wish Lists on the attached flyer. After purchasing your gift, please cut off and tape a “tag” from the flyer onto your UNWRAPPED gift and return it to the Advent Giving Tree at any mass by December 16-17.
Join us in celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Cathedral! This year there will be a Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe beginning December 3. See the attached flyer for the schedule. We will have a bilingual rosary, holy hour and Mañanitas on Monday, December 11 beginning at 11:15 pm. On Tuesday, December 12, we will celebrate with traditional native dances at 6:40 pm, bilingual Mass at 7:00 pm, followed by a celebration in the Cathedral Atrium. We hope to see you there!
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God remains forever.” Isaiah 40:8
On the first and third Mondays of each month, we invite individuals to share and reflect on the upcoming Sunday readings. In a small group setting, we break open God’s Word, allowing it to speak to our lives and to challenge us to grow in our understanding of who God is, who we are, and who God is calling us to be.
For further information contact Chad Griesel, Pastoral Associate, at cgriesel@ffpmke.org or 414-271-6577.
Brewing the Faith is an evening designed to help young adults in their 20s and 30s connect. It’s open to absolutely anyone; grab a beer (first is free), hear a message and meet your neighbor. Brewing the Faith starts at 7:00 pm at Broken Bat Brewing Co. (135 E Pittsburgh Ave). Reach out to Nino Rebholz at nrebholz@ffpmke.org if you have any questions.
Dorothy Day writes, “The final word is love…To love we must know each other … and we know each other in the breaking of bread, and we are not alone any more…We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.”
Despite the many challenges we face today, we believe in the power of love found in Communion and in community. Our parishes invite anyone who is interested in exploring the Catholic faith to consider the RCIA process. RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a place where adults of any or no faith tradition can explore questions of faith and prepare to join the Catholic Church.
This group meets weekly September through May, with sacraments being received at the Easter Vigil. If you or someone you know might be interested, contact our Pastoral Associate, Chad Griesel, at 414-271-6577 or cgriesel@ffpmke.org.
UPLIFT Teens provides spiritual formation for all High School students from the parishes of Old St. Mary, Our Lady of Divine Providence, SS. Peter and Paul, and Three Holy Women. UPLIFT Teens will encounter Jesus Christ and be in a peer community that supports a life of discipleship. Whether you are a Junior or Senior in High School preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation or an underclassman open to learning more about your Catholic faith, UPLIFT Teens is for you!
We strongly encourage at minimum two years of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Acceptances will be given to those who are just joining as a Junior or Senior, however, it becomes much more crucial to attend, participate, and engage!
Our UPLIFT Teens format will meet two Wednesdays a month for two hours at St. Rita Church (1617 N Cass St). Our time will consist of a dinner meal, prayer in the church, videos, small group discussion and games and community building throughout the night.
Please register for UPLIFT Teens by September 6 at tinyurl.com/upliftteens2023.
For more information on UPLIFT Teens, contact Nino Rebholz, Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, at nrebholz@ffpmke.org or 414-271-6577.
Scheduled Dates:
September 20 – UPLIFT Teen AND Parent Orientation
October: 4 / 18
Mission Trip Fundraiser: OPTIONAL Nov 3, 6:00 – 7:30, Saint Rita, Dinner
November 4 – Service Day, location TBD, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
November: 1 / 15 / 29
CONFIRMATION RETREAT: November 17 – 19
December: 6 / 20 (Cor Jesu @St. Robert, 7:00 – 9:00 pm)
January: 3 / 17 / 31
February: 7 / 28
March: 13 / March 20
April: 3 / 17
May: 1 / 15
Mission Trip Fundraiser: OPTIONAL May 18, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Holy Rosary Parking Lot, Car Wash
Confirmation: Sunday, May 19, 2:00 pm at Gesu Parish
Eat, Drink and Be Catholic offers women and men of all ages a casual opportunity to explore the Catholic faith. We hope to provide space for intellectual, relational and spiritual growth as well as some real community building. Our hope is that at the end of each evening, individuals not only know more but are inspired and empowered to live out their faith. The format ranges from speakers and group discussion to movies and music.
Our next session will be on Wednesday, December 6 at the Wisconsin Tap Room (717 N Plankinton) beginning at 7:00 pm. Our associate pastor, Fr. Carlos Londoño, will lead our discussion on “The Beauty of Advent.”
For more information, to RSVP, or to be added to the email list for future events, contact Chad Griesel at cgriesel@ffpmke.org.
Scheduled Dates:
October 4 and 18
November 15
December 6
January 17 and 31
March 20
April 17
May 1 and 15
Check out recordings of Eat, Drink & Be Catholic @Home evenings: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1dTC8Mi4ngPSBp8iTMi5Y7pc9pFvAZBC
Pornography is a modern societal issue. Mitch Mueller, LPC, LPCC, SAC and Andrew Kolb, biomedical engineer, will present a comprehensive approach to the matter from a psychological and computer science point of view that is both insightful and practical. All adults are welcome to attend.
Dads – We Have a Group For You Too! Bacon Dads was formed as an offshoot of “Beacon Moms.” Join a community of dads from a variety of faith experiences who share the common goal of developing a deeper faith through fellowship, conversation and the occasional beer. The hope is to become better men, husbands and fathers by sharing in each other’s wisdom and strength.
This fall, both Moms groups and Dads groups will be gathering (separately) for discussion on fostering and nurturing a life of prayer based on Father Jacques Phillipe’s teachings as outlined in his book Time for God. We will be reminded of God’s deep desire for ongoing intimacy with each of us while examining the foundational principles for a strong prayer life (spoiler alert: the life of prayer is a gift of God’s grace!), and how to overcome the obstacles that arise in our everyday lives to keep us on the path to Jesus.
Bacon Dads meet every other Thursday evening from 8:00 – 9:30 pm at the Family of Four Parishes Ministry Center (2479 N. Murray Ave.)
Meeting Dates:
October 12, 26
November 9, 16
Dec 7, 21
If you are interested in joining these fun and faith-filled dads please register at tinyurl.com/bacondadsgroup.
Questions? Contact Jacob Riyeff at jacobriyeff@gmail.com or Andy Clausen at garnet888@gmail.com.
Love Came Down at Christmas
The story of Christmas is all about love, and how Jesus came down from the heavens above. We deliver holiday plants to parishioners who are homebound or living in healthcare facilities. If you are interested, please join us on Saturday, December 9 to help deliver 200 plants and visit with parishioners who continue to be a vital part of our parish community. Masks will be provided so we can continue to keep everyone healthy.
Many volunteers are needed! We are asking volunteers to also bring the Eucharist with the plants to our parishioners. If you have never done this before, do not fear! A short formational training will be done before you depart for your visits. Pyx cases and prayer cards will also be provided for you.
On Saturday, December 9, all volunteers will meet at 8:30 am in the Old St. Mary Parish Center (835 N Milwaukee St). Please feel free to use the parking lot.
To volunteer and/or verify that a nursing home or homebound parishioner is on the delivery list, please contact Terri Balash at 414-469-6173 or tbalash@ffpmke.org.
All children, toddlers to middle/high schoolers, are warmly invited to take part in the Family of Five Parishes’ Christmas Nativity Play. Roles include shepherds, sheep, angels, Mary, Joseph, Wise Men, and narrator.
December 9, 2023
Three Holy Women-St. Rita Church
2:00 – 3:15 pm Rehearsal
3:15 – 4:00 pm Crafts/Snack Break
4:00 – 4:30 pm Nativity Play
To sign up, contact LaTanya Bacon at lbacon@ffpmke.org or call 414-962-2443.
This fall, Moms groups will be gathering for discussion on fostering and nurturing a life of prayer based on Father Jacques Phillipe’s teachings as outlined in his book Time for God. We will be reminded of God’s deep desire for ongoing intimacy with each of us while examining the foundational principles for a strong prayer life (spoiler alert: the life of prayer is a gift of God’s grace!), and how to overcome the obstacles that arise in our everyday lives to keep us on the path to Jesus.
Even though our name is Beacon Moms, our groups are intended for all women – young, old, mother, not a mother, married, or single. All women are welcome to join a group.
Groups will be offered at three different times of the week, starting the week of October 2. We are excited to be able to provide free and loving childcare during the Tuesday daytime group.
– In-Person Monday Evenings 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Family of Four Parishes Ministry Center (2479 N. Murray Ave.)
Facilitated by Mamie Riyeff
Oct 2, Oct 16, Oct 30, Nov 13, Nov 27, and Dec 11
– In-Person Tuesday Mornings 9:30 – 11:00 am at Family of Four Parishes Ministry Center (2479 N. Murray Ave.)
Facilitated by LaTanya Bacon & Darcy Lesniak
Oct 3, Oct 17, Oct 31, Nov 14, Nov 28, and Dec 12
Childcare will be provided during these meetings.
– Virtual Tuesday Evenings 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Facilitated by Katy Benway and Anh Clausen
Oct 3, Oct 17, Oct 31, Nov 14, Nov 28, and Dec 12
Please register at tinyurl.com/beaconoflove.
If you have any questions, please contact Mamie Riyeff at mriyeff@ffpmke.org.
This fall, Moms groups will be gathering for discussion on fostering and nurturing a life of prayer based on Father Jacques Phillipe’s teachings as outlined in his book Time for God. We will be reminded of God’s deep desire for ongoing intimacy with each of us while examining the foundational principles for a strong prayer life (spoiler alert: the life of prayer is a gift of God’s grace!), and how to overcome the obstacles that arise in our everyday lives to keep us on the path to Jesus.
Even though our name is Beacon Moms, our groups are intended for all women – young, old, mother, not a mother, married, or single. All women are welcome to join a group.
Groups will be offered at three different times of the week, starting the week of October 2. We are excited to be able to provide free and loving childcare during the Tuesday daytime group.
– In-Person Monday Evenings 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Family of Four Parishes Ministry Center (2479 N. Murray Ave.)
Facilitated by Mamie Riyeff
Oct 2, Oct 16, Oct 30, Nov 13, Nov 27, and Dec 11
– In-Person Tuesday Mornings 9:30 – 11:00 am at Family of Four Parishes Ministry Center (2479 N. Murray Ave.)
Facilitated by LaTanya Bacon & Darcy Lesniak
Oct 3, Oct 17, Oct 31, Nov 14, Nov 28, and Dec 12
Childcare will be provided during these meetings.
– Virtual Tuesday Evenings 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Facilitated by Katy Benway and Anh Clausen
Oct 3, Oct 17, Oct 31, Nov 14, Nov 28, and Dec 12
Please register at tinyurl.com/beaconoflove.
If you have any questions, please contact Mamie Riyeff at mriyeff@ffpmke.org.
Dorothy Day writes, “The final word is love…To love we must know each other … and we know each other in the breaking of bread, and we are not alone any more…We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.”
Despite the many challenges we face today, we believe in the power of love found in Communion and in community. Our parishes invite anyone who is interested in exploring the Catholic faith to consider the RCIA process. RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a place where adults of any or no faith tradition can explore questions of faith and prepare to join the Catholic Church.
This group meets weekly September through May, with sacraments being received at the Easter Vigil. If you or someone you know might be interested, contact our Pastoral Associate, Chad Griesel, at 414-271-6577 or cgriesel@ffpmke.org.
The Family of Five Parishes is excited to launch a monthly gathering for newly married couples (about 5 years or less). Come enjoy a great night where you’ll have time to meet other newly married couples, enjoy some beverages together, and hear a presentation for practical tips, experience, and life in marriage. RSVP at tinyurl.com/newlywedministry or email Nino Rebholz at nrebholz@ffpmke.org for more information!
This fall, Moms groups will be gathering for discussion on fostering and nurturing a life of prayer based on Father Jacques Phillipe’s teachings as outlined in his book Time for God. We will be reminded of God’s deep desire for ongoing intimacy with each of us while examining the foundational principles for a strong prayer life (spoiler alert: the life of prayer is a gift of God’s grace!), and how to overcome the obstacles that arise in our everyday lives to keep us on the path to Jesus.
Even though our name is Beacon Moms, our groups are intended for all women – young, old, mother, not a mother, married, or single. All women are welcome to join a group.
Groups will be offered at three different times of the week, starting the week of October 2. We are excited to be able to provide free and loving childcare during the Tuesday daytime group.
– In-Person Monday Evenings 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Family of Four Parishes Ministry Center (2479 N. Murray Ave.)
Facilitated by Mamie Riyeff
Oct 2, Oct 16, Oct 30, Nov 13, Nov 27, and Dec 11
– In-Person Tuesday Mornings 9:30 – 11:00 am at Family of Four Parishes Ministry Center (2479 N. Murray Ave.)
Facilitated by LaTanya Bacon & Darcy Lesniak
Oct 3, Oct 17, Oct 31, Nov 14, Nov 28, and Dec 12
Childcare will be provided during these meetings.
– Virtual Tuesday Evenings 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Facilitated by Katy Benway and Anh Clausen
Oct 3, Oct 17, Oct 31, Nov 14, Nov 28, and Dec 12
Please register at tinyurl.com/beaconoflove.
If you have any questions, please contact Mamie Riyeff at mriyeff@ffpmke.org.
“Uniting People Living in Faith and Truth” (UPLIFT) Families is the religious education program serving the parents and children (K3-8th grade) of the Family of Four Parishes. UPLIFT Families is a program for children and adults, designed to develop strong Catholic families in which children learn the joys of following Jesus Christ and the truths of our Faith through the witness of Christian life in their families.
Families will attend classes twice a month from September – May, on either Wednesday evenings (5:30 – 7:15 pm) or Sunday mornings (10:30 am – 12:15 pm).
September 13 – Parent Meeting/Social
Family Meetings: Sept 27, Oct 11 & 25, Nov 8 & 29, Dec 13, Jan 10 & 24, Feb 7 & 21, March 6, April 10 & 24, May 8
For more information on UPLIFT Families, please email familyformation@ffpmke.org or call Anh Clausen, Director of Family Ministry and Religious Formation, at 414-962-2443 x302.
The All Saints Meal Program serves nearly 150 of our brothers and sisters from the surrounding community in the inner city of Milwaukee every Tuesday and Thursday evening. All Saints parish members, parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and businesses sponsor the meals and/or serve God’s children. Our Family of Four Parishes purchases, prepares and/or serves meals on the 2nd Thursday of the month to guests.
If you would like information or to get involved, please contact Chad Griesel at cgriesel@ffpmke.org or 414-271-6577. Thank you for your generosity and care for those in need.