Dear friends of St. Bernadette Parish,
As I mentioned several weeks ago at the weekend liturgies, we have an issue with the grotto which is in the courtyard area. This past summer, one of the rocks fell from the upper part of the grotto. If you look carefully at the grotto, you will notice areas where the mortar is failing and light is showing through between the rocks. It is of great concern because as the mortar continues to give way, the rocks will continue to keep falling down.
The grotto was originally designed by Leonard Schmidt, who also supervised the construction. It was physically constructed by Fr. Arens and his two friends, Joseph Patrick, who was a mason contractor, and Roland Wittig, plus other parishioners. Three hundred tons of rocks were used in constructing the grotto, which were dug from surrounding farms. The grotto was dedicated by Fr. Arens on the Feast of the Assumption in 1963.
In searching for a company that would be able to help repair and preserve the grotto, we were directed to the Holton Brothers by several parishes in the Archdiocese. After taking a look at the grotto, we received an estimate between $39,500 - $43,500. It is anticipated that approximately 75-80% of the mortar joints on the outside of the grotto will be tuckpointed. While we realize that this is an incredible amount of money, the grotto has been an integral part of the history and life of St. Bernadette Parish.
We ask that you consider making a special donation in order to help repair and save the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Donations are going to be collected for this project throughout this upcoming winter and, hopefully, repairs will begin in late spring or early summer. Contributions can be sent to or dropped off at St. Bernadette Parish, 8200 West Denver Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53223. Mark them Grotto.
Thank you for your continued support of our parish community. May God bless you always for your kindness and generosity.
Peace,
Fr. Gregory J. Greiten
As I mentioned several weeks ago at the weekend liturgies, we have an issue with the grotto which is in the courtyard area. This past summer, one of the rocks fell from the upper part of the grotto. If you look carefully at the grotto, you will notice areas where the mortar is failing and light is showing through between the rocks. It is of great concern because as the mortar continues to give way, the rocks will continue to keep falling down.
The grotto was originally designed by Leonard Schmidt, who also supervised the construction. It was physically constructed by Fr. Arens and his two friends, Joseph Patrick, who was a mason contractor, and Roland Wittig, plus other parishioners. Three hundred tons of rocks were used in constructing the grotto, which were dug from surrounding farms. The grotto was dedicated by Fr. Arens on the Feast of the Assumption in 1963.
In searching for a company that would be able to help repair and preserve the grotto, we were directed to the Holton Brothers by several parishes in the Archdiocese. After taking a look at the grotto, we received an estimate between $39,500 - $43,500. It is anticipated that approximately 75-80% of the mortar joints on the outside of the grotto will be tuckpointed. While we realize that this is an incredible amount of money, the grotto has been an integral part of the history and life of St. Bernadette Parish.
We ask that you consider making a special donation in order to help repair and save the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Donations are going to be collected for this project throughout this upcoming winter and, hopefully, repairs will begin in late spring or early summer. Contributions can be sent to or dropped off at St. Bernadette Parish, 8200 West Denver Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53223. Mark them Grotto.
Thank you for your continued support of our parish community. May God bless you always for your kindness and generosity.
Peace,
Fr. Gregory J. Greiten
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Mass ScheduleSaturday: 5:00pm
Sunday: 10:30am Tuesday and Thursday: 5:30pm (excluding Holy Thursday) Thanksgiving Mass of Anticipation: Wednesday, November 27, 6:30pm Holy Days and other special days: If not listed, check the bulletin or contact the parish office. Sacrament of ReconciliationFirst 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. |
Our MissionSt. 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. St. Bernadette Parish in the NewsOur 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 |
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.
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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.
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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! New this year: potato pancakes are available for purchase. Click here to see the fish fry schedule.
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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.
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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
