Concert Info, Common Ground, New Volunteer Opportunity

           
     Dear Gesu Parishioners,

It feels like we’re building some momentum with Paul and Yola on board and with various councils, commissions, and committees at work. Here are a few updates.

Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council has a full agenda for Monday night, which is kind of exciting. We’re doing stuff. After we discuss various reports and initiatives at the meeting, we’ll have more to share with the parish. As always, stay tuned. 

On Monday the Council will welcome a new member. Stephanie Quade stepped down from the council in December. Thanks to Stephanie for her service to the parish these several years. Dr. Xavier Cole, Vice President for Student Affairs at Marquette and regular 8:00 a.m. parishioner, has generously agreed to take her place on the council. Welcome, Dr. Cole!

Common Ground
This past Monday, Bill Lipscomb represented Gesu at a Common Ground assembly on public housing in Milwaukee. He reports that a group of women from Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church taught him to “whoop” when the preaching was “fire.” See Bill’s note below about getting involved in this important initiative.

Preparation for Lent 
Hard to believe, but Ash Wednesday is approaching quickly—February 22! You might take some time to consider how you and your family will observe this season of preparation. 

You’ll hear me say throughout the season that Lent is about joy, because it culminates in the celebration of the Resurrection. Our Lenten preparation then is about nurturing joy—clearing out the things that obstruct our encounters with the crucified and risen Jesus and nurturing the things that helps those encounters. Do more of what help and less of what doesn’t. 

There are lots of good Lenten resources out there. I go back to this article every year. We’ll be giving out Lenten prayer booklets in the coming weeks. We’ll also be working to provide good content in the bulletin, website, social media channels, and, of course, here in the weekly newsletter. 

Jesuit Saint This Week
On February 15 (this coming Wednesday) the Society of Jesus celebrates St. Claude La Colombière. I can think of two images of Claude in the upper church. Tracking them down might be a fun scavenger hunt this week.

Blessings on your week!

Fr. Ben