Human Concerns
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Reformation Lutheran Church |
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Sister Parishes
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Our ecumenical involvement began in 1997 with Reformation Lutheran Church located at 35th and Garfield in Milwaukee, WI. Reformation Lutheran Church owns and operates the "Neighborhood Store". It is staffed by some paid employees as well as by volunteers from various parishes. St. Paul Parish provides volunteers for this store during the first weekend of every month. St. Paul Religious Education Students accompanied by adult volunteers, bake cookies in the parish kitchen and transport them to the "Neighborhood Store" so that customers can have a snack to eat at the store's coffee shop. The items for sale in the store are sold for nominal fees. The proceeds are used to educate the people in the neighborhood and to help fund various outreach programs sponsored by Reformation Lutheran Church.
Each December there is a wonderful program called Advent Adventure. St Paul youth and Reformation Lutheran Church youth make and create Christmas gifts for family members. Cookies are decorated, tiles are painted and presents are wrapped. Everyone works together in the spirit of Christ and His gospel message.
During Advent, St. Paul Parish Giving Tree Program provides gifts to the youth of Reformation Lutheran Church.
Every June, some of the members of Reformation Lutheran Church celebrate Mass together with the Parish of St. Paul. After Mass, food and games are enjoyed at the Parish Festival.
Donations are always welcome. Gently used items such as household goods (pots and pans), toys, working appliances, working automobiles and food are always welcome. Monetary donations are always needed. If you are able to donate, please contact the parish office at 968-3865. |
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Sister Parishes
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Our Milwaukee area sister parish, St. Michael's, is a Catholic Parish located at 1445 N. 24th Street in the central city area of Milwaukee. The members of St. Michael's are quite diverse: Hmong, Laotian, Latino and African American. Many of the people of St. Michael's have recently come to the US or are the first generation of their family to be in the US. The languages of Laotian, Hmong, and Spanish are heard and spoken as often as English.
Many parishioners of St. Michael's are economically stressed. To provide assistance, the pastoral staff has pursued programs which focus on self-empowerment. For example, the Good Samaritan Home Ownership program has helped over 370 low-income families participate in home-ownership. An education advocacy program is also in place. Fr. Dennis Lewis, Pastor of St. Michael's Parish, also serves as chair of a non-profit group called ACTS (Allied Churches Teaching Self Empowerment -- the only church-formed non-profit organization in the Diocese of Milwaukee.)
What we share in common with the parishioners of St. Michael's is being part of vibrant, growing communities, filled with faith and love of the Lord. Members of St. Paul Parish who have participated in special liturgies at St. Michael Parish on either the Feast Day of St. Michael or Palm Sunday can attest to the very rich faith experience at St. Michael's. These liturgies are celebrated in the four languages of the parishes, English, Spanish, Lao and Hmong. There are prayers, readings and songs in each of the languages. We believe both parishes have been blessed by opportunities to share our faith journey together.
Examples of our outreach with St. Michael's parish include the following: - co-hosting an egg roll dinner at St. Paul's
- participation in a Women's retreat
- St. Paul's youth assistance in St. Michael's religious education (First Communion preparation)
- sharing of immigration stories of St. Michael's parishioners at St. Paul's family program, and youth Religious Ed program
- sharing of job leads/employment opportunities
- access to legal services based on ability to pay
- sharing of resources through the Christmas Giving Tree
As we continue and expand our relationship, we welcome and encourage more involvement with St. Paul parishioners. For information on how you can join in this outreach, please contact our parish office at 968-3865.
Our brothers and sisters at St. Michael's have told us we are always welcome to join them in the celebration of Mass. Sunday Masses at St. Michael Parish are usually 9:00 AM and 12:00 Noon; the special liturgies described above are at 10:30 AM.
To reach St. Michael's from Genesee Depot, take I-94 east to I-43 north in Milwaukee. Stay in the left hand lane and exit at Fond du Lac Ave. At the stoplight, turn left onto Walnut Street. Go east to 24th Street. Turn left again and St. Michael Church is 3 blocks ahead on the right (you can't miss the huge steeple.)
Our brothers and sisters say "We look forward to welcoming you! Bienvenida! Zoo siab txais!" |
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Christ Our Peace Parish - Guatemala |
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Sister Parishes
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The St. Paul Parish Human Concerns effort began its relationship with the people of Guatemala in March, 1994 by working through the School Sisters of St. Francis in Milwaukee. With their assistance, St. Paul Parish began its relationship with Parroquia Cristo Nuestra Paz (Christ Our Peace Parish) in Guatemala City and the Hogares Santa Maria de Guadalupe orphanage in Santa Apolonia, Guatemala.
The goal of the Guatemala Solidarity effort is to establish a "true church" between the parishes of St. Paul and Cristo Nuestra Paz. It is through this true church that we strive to increase the spiritual faith and sense of community of our respective congregations as we grow together in Christ.
Another goal of the Guatemala Solidarity effort is to provide economic support for the community programs undertaken by Parroquia Cristo Nuestra Paz and for the mission work being done in Guatemala by the School Sisters of St. Francis, especially the Hogares Santa Maria de Guadalupe Orphanage.
The Archbishop of Guatemala established Parroquia Cristo Nuestra Paz in May, 1985 to serve the people in the colonies of Juana de Arco, Limón and Sta. Elena in Zona 18 of Guatemala City.
Not only does Cristo Nuestra Paz minister to more than 50,000 people in these colonies, it also has an outreach program for the people in the settlements of Candelaria, and Italia.
Some of Christ Our Peace outreach programs are: - Dental Clinic
- Medical Clinic
- Counseling Program for domestic abuse
- Children’s Educational Program
- Food Program
- Sewing School
- Typing School
- Nursing School
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Outreach
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For more than 20 years, St. Paul's Christian Women have made a hearty stew, salad and desserts to take to St. Ben's in Milwaukee. This luncheon is served on the fourth Thursday of every month to approximately 500 people including men, women, and children. The St. Ben meal proram operates for the homeless and/or the needy in the area of 10th and State streets. Also provided are: school supplies, men's socks, hygiene essentials, children's mittens, etc. Anyone interested in helping may call the parish office at 262-968-3865. |
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Outreach
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The Loaves and Fishes Committee collects non perishable food as well as money which is used to purchase fresh food items. This collection takes place on the third weekend of every month for the benefit of those economically less fortunate. Some of these donations are also used for the St. Ben's Meal Program as well as the Kettle Moraine Food Pantry. |
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Kettle Moraine Food Pantry |
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Outreach
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The Kettle Moraine Food Pantry is located adjacent to All Saints Lutheran Church in Wales, WI. This pantry provides support for all those living within the Kettle Moraine School District. Currently, approximately 56 families are being assisted. The families include: 48 men, 56 women, and 124 children. The Kettle Moraine Food Pantry is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from 10 AM to 11 AM. A major supporter of this pantry, St. Paul Parish provides money, food and ten active volunteers. In addition, one member of St. Paul Parish is on the Kettle Moraine Food Pantry Board. Some of the items most needed include: cooking oil, long-grain rice (not instant), large size diapers, sugar, paper goods, personal care items, cleaning supplies (especially laundry detergent), canned main meal dishes (Spaghetti O's, tuna, etc.), and canned fruit. Because of the need to purchase fresh foods, there is always a need for financial support. If you are interested in helping this project, please contact the St. Paul Parish Office at 262-968-3865. |
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Mount Meru Coffee Project |
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Outreach
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The Mt. Meru Coffee Project is an ecumenical project with All Saints Lutheran Church. The project pays farmers of Tanzania a fair price for their quality coffee. This provides the farmers with additional funds that allow them to send their children to school, access to and pay for health care, and also support their local farm village markets and merchants. More information about this outreach program can be found on their website [http://www.mtmerucoffee.org] |
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Health and Healing Ministry |
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Outreach
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The members of the Health Ministry of St. Paul Parish seek to carry out the healing mission of Jesus. The members of the ministry are the eyes and ears of St. Paul Parish. The members communicate the needs of the parish to the parish nurse who is the coordinator of the health ministry of St. Paul Parish.
The parish nurse provides holistic nursing services to the people of St. Paul Parish. The parish nurse is a health educator, health counselor, health advocate, a spiritual support person as well as a referral and resource person. The parish nurse also coordinates volunteers to comprise the health ministry.
The parish nurse is available on the first Sunday of every month to provide blood pressure screening as well as other health and wellness programs. Parish nurse office hours are: Monday and Tuesday from 9:00AM to 3:00PM. Individual appointments are also available upon request.
If you are in the medical field and would like to volunteer to be of assistance to the parish nurse, or if you need to make an appointment with the parish nurse, please call the St. Paul Parish Office at 968-3865 (ext. 304). |
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Outreach
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The Bereavement committee is a small group of parishioners who assist those who have lost a loved one. At the time of a death a home visit is usually made to help the family with the planning of the funeral liturgy and the selection of music. The family is encouraged to be involved as much as possible with the liturgy, i.e. lector, present the gifts, minister communion. Time is also spent in prayer and dialogue to learn more about the person who has died.
Four to six weeks after the funeral a small bereavement packet of readings is mailed. Committee members also keep in touch with the bereaved for approximately one year or more.
Christmas cards are sent and memorial Masses are scheduled close to the 1 year anniversary date. An invitation is sent to the family inviting them to the Mass.
On All Soul's Day, November 2, a special liturgy is celebrated to remember all loved ones who have died. Pictures of loved ones are displayed on a large poster board. At the liturgy parishioners are invited to light a candle in memory of their loved one. There is a short social and sharing time in the Galleria after the liturgy.
The Resurrection Choir is a group of parishioners who sing for the funeral liturgies. The Resurrection Choir is always looking for more members. All members are called at the time of a funeral to participate if they can. The Bereavement Committee meets four to five times a year.
Call the Parish Office at 968-3865. |
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Linden Grove Nursing Home |
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Outreach
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Every Wednesday morning of the year several parishioners meet at the Linden Grove Nursing Home in Waukesha to pray the rosary with the Catholic residents. Then Holy Communion is distributed.
New members are always welcome and encouraged to join. The time commitment is Wednesday morning from 9:00 AM until approximately 10:15 AM. Call the Parish Office at 968-3865 to volunteer. |
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Heavenly Babies Layette Project |
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Outreach
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Imagine having a baby and not having anything for the baby to wear home from the hospital. With this difficulty in mind, Heavenly Babies Layette Ministry was conceived at St. Paul Parish in 1994. Through the kindness of many "angels" who donate their time and talent, thirty packages per month of "A BABY SHOWER IN A BAG" are put together and given to six agencies serving the Milwaukee and Waukesha areas. These items are then distributed to those in need.
Heavenly Babies exists through the generosity of many who donate new or gently used baby clothing, or are willing to shop rummage sales for quality used baby items, or are able to knit, or crochet. Many items are especially made by the group including: sweaters, hats, booties, and afghans. There is also a group of quilters who make beautiful baby blankets. Other "angels" donate books, baby items, and of course, money which is used to purchase items to complete each layette. Heavenly Babies is also blessed by "angels" working together to make the first few weeks of baby's life more comfortable for needy moms and their infants.
For more information on how to help, or if you are aware of someone who needs assistance, please contact the parish office. |
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Outreach
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During the Advent Season, a large Christmas tree is decorated with stars which contain the names of children and their holiday gift wishes. Parishioners select a star and purchase the item requested by a child. During the celebration of the Mass, parishioners are asked to lay the gifts beneath this tree. On the last Sunday in Advent, these gifts are delivered by a group of parishioners to the church or organization making gift requests. Each year, over 600 gifts are provided by the members of St. Paul Parish. |
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Outreach
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The purpose of this ministry is to provide monthly breakfasts to welcome new members to St. Paul Parish as well as to provide fellowship among all parishioners. Volunteers are always welcome. Many duties include: preparing and serving breakfasts (preparation begins at 7:00AM), and cleanup (completed by 1:00 PM). If you can spare some time to help, it would be greatly appreciated. Ham sandwitches, breakfast beverages and sweet roles are served at a modest cost.
Breakfasts are usually served on the fourth Sunday of the month with some exceptions. Please check the St. Paul Parish Bulletin for dates. |
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Cooperating Congregations of Waukesha County - CCWC |
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Outreach
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Cooperating Congregations of Waukesha County, Inc. is an ecumenical ministry committed to serving people in need in Waukesha County. St. Paul Parish has been involved with CCWC since 2001. Financial support and volunteers are provided to this organization. There are many volunteer opportunities. For more information, please see the CCWC Website [http://www.ccwccares.org]. |
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Communion to the Home Bound |
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Outreach
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This program provides the Holy Eucharist to anyone unable to leave their home for Mass either on a short-term or long-term basis. A brief prayer service is conducted, the Holy Eucharist is served, and a social interaction period follows. Anyone wishing to be trained to be a Holy Eucharist provider or requiring this service, please contact the parish office at 968-3865. |
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Thanksgiving Food Baskets |
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Outreach
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At St. Paul Parish food baskets are delivered to more than 26 families. This community service activity involves the entire parish. The students of St. Paul School as well as their parents are involved with publicity, collecting non perishables, packing, and delivery. Money collected the weekend before Thanksgiving is used to purchase turkeys and fresh produce. If you are interested in contributing food or money for this event, please contact the parish office at 968-3865. |
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Interfaith Caregiving Network |
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Content
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Interfaith Caregiving Network, Inc. is a faith-centered, community-based organization assisting older adults (60+) and disabled adults (18+) throughout Waukesha County. This network helps these individuals remain in their homes by organizing volunteers to provide free supportive services. Interfaith enhances the quality of life by connecting clients with committed, caring, and dedicated volunteers.
All services through Interfaith are free of charge and offered through the generous gifts of time from community volunteers.
Some of the services provided are: - Transportation to medical appointments, and other appointments as needed
- In-home friendly visiting
- Telephone reassurance and friendships
- Grocery shopping with or for an individual
- Outdoor chores including snow removal and lawn care
- Non-medical, in-home respite care for individuals caregiving for a loved one with dementia, Parkinson's disease, ALS, long-term disability or illness
- Help with forms and bills
- Referral and connection to other county services
- Special fall and spring outdoor chore days to prepare homes for the changes in season
St. Paul Parish supports this organization by supplying volunteers and some financial support.
Those interested in volunteering or those in need of assistance may call Interfaith at 262-549-3348. |
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Ministries 
