April 2, 2020
Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Good Hope and St. Bernadette Parishes,
May the love and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!
During these incredible days as we are impacted significantly by the Coronavirus (CoVID-19), people are struggling and making sacrifices each day. I, like many other leaders in our community, want to assure you that we will get through this! We will come through these very difficult days by working together! I reassure you that I am keeping you in my daily prayers and am offering Mass for you and your intentions. By trusting in our God, who is our strength and hope, God will guide us on this journey and provide us with what we need.
As life in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and in our parish communities is interrupted from our regular routines, especially as we are preparing to celebrate Holy Week, Archbishop Listecki had an important conference call with the priests and parish directors highlighting further decisions that he is making out of concern for everyone’s safety. He underscored that we cannot make decisions out of fear. We must use common sense in making decisions for the pastoral care of our people without taking unnecessary risks. The Archbishop reminds us that things most likely will continue to change going forward.
Please note: I shared some of the decisions that have been made by the Archbishop after consulting his Executive Council and the College of Consultors in my March 26, 2020, letter. If you did not see that letter, you may find that letter also available on this website.
1. The suspension of public daily and Sunday Masses throughout the Archdiocese will continue through May 3rd; however, please understand that this could change again. The Archbishop is giving a dispensation for the obligation to attend Mass until May 31, 2020, out of concern for those who will be uneasy about public gatherings once we attempt to reopen. Priests may continue to celebrate Mass without a congregation.
2. The distribution of Holy Communion is not permitted to be distributed outside of Mass. It may only be given to an individual as Viaticum (given to a person near or in danger of death). Other practices of “private” distribution may not take place. This diminishes the Eucharist from its proper liturgical and theological context.
3. Parking lot style Masses will not be permitted in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
4. As the Church celebrates Palm Sunday this weekend, there will be no distribution of palms in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Palms will be refrigerated and stored until they can be properly distributed when we are able to resume liturgical celebrations in the future. The number one priority at this time must be to keep people safe and stop the spread of the virus.
5. There are to be no large funeral gatherings taking place in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. As priests, the Archbishop is asking us to encourage families to delay the rituals if at all possible. There must be no more than ten people for a funeral service whether it is being held at church, at the funeral home, or at the cemetery. Social distancing of at least six feet is to be practiced at all times. Everyone realizes that this is especially difficult at such a sensitive time.
6. Holy Week and the Triduum are the most solemn time of our liturgical year. Public celebrations for Holy Week, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil are canceled in all of our parishes. No pre-recorded services are allowed for the Triduum services. The Archbishop will be celebrating Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil from the Cathedral and those services will be livestreamed. Further details are available here.
7. The Archbishop is planning to celebrate Mass on Easter Sunday at 11:00AM on Channel 12. The Archbishop requests that churches that have bells ring them at 12:00PM in celebration of Christ’s resurrection and in solidarity with one another during this difficult time in our history.
8. Because of the ongoing need for Catholic chaplains to minister in hospital and nursing home settings, a select group of priests will be specially trained to provide safe hospital and nursing home visits. Priests who are in high risk categories because of their age or other health conditions will be restricted from this ministry.
9. Realizing that parish donations and stewardship offerings are down in our parish communities, the Archbishop and the Archdiocesan office personnel are assisting parishes with addressing various finance and administrative issues, especially keeping on top of the new regulations coming forth from the government. The Archdiocese is helping parishes by delaying certain payments at this time and by helping parishes to project their cash flow for the next 15 weeks. As the Archdiocese of Milwaukee has frozen all nonessential spending during this crisis, our parish communities are equally freezing all nonessential spending at this time.
10. The Archbishop is encouraging parishioners to make use of online giving and electronic transfer of funds to assist the existence of their parish at this time of crisis. You may also mail in donations to the parish office to help assist with the expenses. We realize that many of you are suffering financial hardship so whatever donations you are able to make will be greatly appreciated.
11. There is also a variety of resources on the Archdiocesan website, including a new series of evangelization tools under Courageous Communion. All updates to parishes and schools are always posted on the website. Please visit www.archmil.org.
12. Archbishop Listecki, Bishop Haines, and Bishop Schuerman continue to offer the daily video reflections. The Archbishop is encouraging us to do whatever possible in order to keep people connected during this time. He understands the great sacrifice it is for people to observe these many restrictions, cancellations, and postponements.
This is a further update of the major decisions that have been made by Archbishop Listecki for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. With the outbreak of this pandemic, our parishes have organized a calling tree in both communities of faith in order to remain connected to one another. For those of you who are on Facebook, please follow the Facebook page at St. Bernadette as well as the new Facebook page at Our Lady of Good Hope. We will be posting various resources and live web streaming on the Facebook pages and webpages at each of the parish sites. Please check back often as there continue to be further updates.
As we navigate through these rough seas, remember the words of Jesus to not be afraid! Let us keep our eyes fixed on the Lord. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. I truly miss gathering for the Eucharist and sharing with you in person. Let us continue to support one another, stay safe, and most of all, be healthy.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Gregory J. Greiten
St. Bernadette Parish, Pastor
Our Lady of Good Hope, Administrator
Printer-friendly version of Fr. Greg's letter
Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Good Hope and St. Bernadette Parishes,
May the love and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!
During these incredible days as we are impacted significantly by the Coronavirus (CoVID-19), people are struggling and making sacrifices each day. I, like many other leaders in our community, want to assure you that we will get through this! We will come through these very difficult days by working together! I reassure you that I am keeping you in my daily prayers and am offering Mass for you and your intentions. By trusting in our God, who is our strength and hope, God will guide us on this journey and provide us with what we need.
As life in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and in our parish communities is interrupted from our regular routines, especially as we are preparing to celebrate Holy Week, Archbishop Listecki had an important conference call with the priests and parish directors highlighting further decisions that he is making out of concern for everyone’s safety. He underscored that we cannot make decisions out of fear. We must use common sense in making decisions for the pastoral care of our people without taking unnecessary risks. The Archbishop reminds us that things most likely will continue to change going forward.
Please note: I shared some of the decisions that have been made by the Archbishop after consulting his Executive Council and the College of Consultors in my March 26, 2020, letter. If you did not see that letter, you may find that letter also available on this website.
1. The suspension of public daily and Sunday Masses throughout the Archdiocese will continue through May 3rd; however, please understand that this could change again. The Archbishop is giving a dispensation for the obligation to attend Mass until May 31, 2020, out of concern for those who will be uneasy about public gatherings once we attempt to reopen. Priests may continue to celebrate Mass without a congregation.
2. The distribution of Holy Communion is not permitted to be distributed outside of Mass. It may only be given to an individual as Viaticum (given to a person near or in danger of death). Other practices of “private” distribution may not take place. This diminishes the Eucharist from its proper liturgical and theological context.
3. Parking lot style Masses will not be permitted in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
4. As the Church celebrates Palm Sunday this weekend, there will be no distribution of palms in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Palms will be refrigerated and stored until they can be properly distributed when we are able to resume liturgical celebrations in the future. The number one priority at this time must be to keep people safe and stop the spread of the virus.
5. There are to be no large funeral gatherings taking place in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. As priests, the Archbishop is asking us to encourage families to delay the rituals if at all possible. There must be no more than ten people for a funeral service whether it is being held at church, at the funeral home, or at the cemetery. Social distancing of at least six feet is to be practiced at all times. Everyone realizes that this is especially difficult at such a sensitive time.
6. Holy Week and the Triduum are the most solemn time of our liturgical year. Public celebrations for Holy Week, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil are canceled in all of our parishes. No pre-recorded services are allowed for the Triduum services. The Archbishop will be celebrating Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil from the Cathedral and those services will be livestreamed. Further details are available here.
7. The Archbishop is planning to celebrate Mass on Easter Sunday at 11:00AM on Channel 12. The Archbishop requests that churches that have bells ring them at 12:00PM in celebration of Christ’s resurrection and in solidarity with one another during this difficult time in our history.
8. Because of the ongoing need for Catholic chaplains to minister in hospital and nursing home settings, a select group of priests will be specially trained to provide safe hospital and nursing home visits. Priests who are in high risk categories because of their age or other health conditions will be restricted from this ministry.
9. Realizing that parish donations and stewardship offerings are down in our parish communities, the Archbishop and the Archdiocesan office personnel are assisting parishes with addressing various finance and administrative issues, especially keeping on top of the new regulations coming forth from the government. The Archdiocese is helping parishes by delaying certain payments at this time and by helping parishes to project their cash flow for the next 15 weeks. As the Archdiocese of Milwaukee has frozen all nonessential spending during this crisis, our parish communities are equally freezing all nonessential spending at this time.
10. The Archbishop is encouraging parishioners to make use of online giving and electronic transfer of funds to assist the existence of their parish at this time of crisis. You may also mail in donations to the parish office to help assist with the expenses. We realize that many of you are suffering financial hardship so whatever donations you are able to make will be greatly appreciated.
11. There is also a variety of resources on the Archdiocesan website, including a new series of evangelization tools under Courageous Communion. All updates to parishes and schools are always posted on the website. Please visit www.archmil.org.
12. Archbishop Listecki, Bishop Haines, and Bishop Schuerman continue to offer the daily video reflections. The Archbishop is encouraging us to do whatever possible in order to keep people connected during this time. He understands the great sacrifice it is for people to observe these many restrictions, cancellations, and postponements.
This is a further update of the major decisions that have been made by Archbishop Listecki for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. With the outbreak of this pandemic, our parishes have organized a calling tree in both communities of faith in order to remain connected to one another. For those of you who are on Facebook, please follow the Facebook page at St. Bernadette as well as the new Facebook page at Our Lady of Good Hope. We will be posting various resources and live web streaming on the Facebook pages and webpages at each of the parish sites. Please check back often as there continue to be further updates.
As we navigate through these rough seas, remember the words of Jesus to not be afraid! Let us keep our eyes fixed on the Lord. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. I truly miss gathering for the Eucharist and sharing with you in person. Let us continue to support one another, stay safe, and most of all, be healthy.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Gregory J. Greiten
St. Bernadette Parish, Pastor
Our Lady of Good Hope, Administrator
Printer-friendly version of Fr. Greg's letter
Our grotto is in need of major repairs. Please consider donating to help us reach our goal so we can fix it.
Contributions can be sent to:
St. Bernadette Parish
8200 W. Denver Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53223
Include a note indicating it's for grotto repairs, or write grotto in the memo section of the check.
Thank you for your generosity in helping preserve this important part of our parish!
Contributions can be sent to:
St. Bernadette Parish
8200 W. Denver Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53223
Include a note indicating it's for grotto repairs, or write grotto in the memo section of the check.
Thank you for your generosity in helping preserve this important part of our parish!
It is a lot of money, so let’s break it down:
If 250 St. Bernadette Parish families each donated $150, we would reach our $37,500 goal! |
|
Mass Schedule
Saturday: 5:00pm
Sunday: 10:30am
Tuesday and Thursday: 5:30pm (excluding Holy Thursday. Holy Day Masses that fall on a Tuesday or Thursday could be at a different time.)
There will be no Masses until further notice.
Public celebrations for Holy Week, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil are canceled in all of our parishes.The Archbishop will be celebrating Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil from the Cathedral and those services will be livestreamed. Further details are available here.
Holy Days and other special days: If not listed, check the bulletin or contact the parish office.
Sunday: 10:30am
Tuesday and Thursday: 5:30pm (excluding Holy Thursday. Holy Day Masses that fall on a Tuesday or Thursday could be at a different time.)
There will be no Masses until further notice.
Public celebrations for Holy Week, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil are canceled in all of our parishes.The Archbishop will be celebrating Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil from the Cathedral and those services will be livestreamed. Further details are available here.
Holy Days and other special days: If not listed, check the bulletin or contact the parish office.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
First and third Saturdays of each month at 4:00pm, with the exception of Holy Saturday.
Communal Reconciliation celebrated during Advent and Lent within our tri-parish cluster of Northwest Milwaukee Catholic Parishes.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation has been canceled until further notice.
Communal Reconciliation celebrated during Advent and Lent within our tri-parish cluster of Northwest Milwaukee Catholic Parishes.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation has been canceled until further notice.
Our Mission
St. Bernadette Parish is a welcoming Catholic faith community, empowered by the Holy Spirit to help bring about the Kingdom of God, through worshiping in sacrament, teaching the Word, and serving as Jesus did.
|
|
We are proud of our heritage and the ways it continues to form our ministries. We are inspired by the life and blessings of our patron, St. Bernadette, and called to live Jesus' ministries in our neighborhood and beyond.
Learn more about us.
We hope you will visit us, to witness our passion in action.
Learn more about us.
We hope you will visit us, to witness our passion in action.
Because of vacation days, the parish and school offices might not always be open at the regular times during the summer months. It would be best to call before your visit to be sure someone is available.
|
If Northwest Catholic School is closed due to inclement weather, the St. Bernadette Parish office will also be closed. To verify that we are closed, watch for St. Bernadette Parish (or Saint Bernadette Parish) in the closings on Today's TMJ 4, Fox 6, or WISN Channel 12, or look for us on the closing pages on their websites.
|
St. Bernadette Parish in the News
Our faith community is getting attention from the local Catholic news media. Great news, humbly shared.
Neighborhood party leads to lifetime of parish involvement
Ecumenical Palm Sunday gathering marks 45 years
Neighborhood party leads to lifetime of parish involvement
Ecumenical Palm Sunday gathering marks 45 years
We asked our parishioners and friends what makes them proud to be a part of the Catholic faith community of St. Bernadette Parish. Here is what they told us.
Come visit us to feel it for yourself. All are welcome. |
"For over 40 years, St. Bernadette has been a very warm, helpful, and wonderful parish. I feel at home here with God and so does my family." "I am proud of all the outreach that is done to improve our community." "St. Bernadette community lives its faith by its joyous, welcoming spirit and its generosity in meeting the needs of the poor, sorrowing, and sick." |
8200 W. Denver Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53223 |
Our Fish Fry!Dine in or carry out...just find out why people are buzzing about our fabulous fish fry!
Click here to see the fish fry schedule. |
Northwest Catholic SchoolWe serve diverse families by providing high-quality Catholic education to build a better world, through growth in faith, academics, skills, service, leadership, and social development.
Now enrolling grades K4-8. We are a Choice school. |
StewardshipStewardship is a way of life. It is recognizing that all we have is a gift from God, and because we are so grateful for what we have received, we freely share those gifts with others. Learn more about how sharing your time, talent, and treasure is making a big difference.
|
Check out what's happening at our tri-parish cluster, the Northwest Milwaukee Catholic Parishes:
St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish
Our Lady of Good Hope Parish
St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish
Our Lady of Good Hope Parish
