Dear Gesu Parishioners,
I’m excited to share news about an upcoming chapter for both Gesu and my journey within the Society of Jesus. This summer, I’ll undertake a new mission at our novitiate in St. Paul, Minnesota. There, I’ll help form incoming Jesuits, sharing the enriching experiences that have shaped my path. This role ensures the enduring legacy of our Ignatian spirit, preparing the next generation of Church leaders to meet the world’s challenges with depth of faith, intelligence, and compassion.
While I’m filled with enthusiasm, leaving Gesu brings mixed emotions. The growth we’ve fostered together is a treasure I’ll carry with me. Yet, I confidently look forward to the bright future that awaits this resilient, vibrant, and ever-evolving community.
I’m equally excited to announce Fr. Michael Simone, S.J., currently the associate pastor at Old St. Patrick’s in Chicago, will be the next pastor of Gesu. Fr. Simone is renowned for his outstanding preaching and deep knowledge of scripture, skills that promise to nurture and inspire our parish in new and meaningful ways. His insightful writings at America Magazine offer fresh perspectives on faith and its application in contemporary life. Most importantly, Fr. Simone shares our commitment to engaging and inviting parishioners to actively participate in making Gesu an even more dynamic parish. His lively presence will be a great asset in continuing this vital work.
I anticipate concluding my service by the end of June, with Fr. Simone arriving shortly thereafter. We’ll provide specific details about the transition in the coming weeks.
Please keep me, the novices in St. Paul, and Fr. Simone in your prayers. As we move forward, let’s hold fast to our shared mission and embrace the abundant opportunities for growth and outreach that lie ahead. I’m excited to witness Gesu flourish under Fr. Simone’s thoughtful leadership and his commitment to building an even more engaged and active community.
May God bless you all as we embark on this new chapter.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Fr. Ben
I’m excited to share news about an upcoming chapter for both Gesu and my journey within the Society of Jesus. This summer, I’ll undertake a new mission at our novitiate in St. Paul, Minnesota. There, I’ll help form incoming Jesuits, sharing the enriching experiences that have shaped my path. This role ensures the enduring legacy of our Ignatian spirit, preparing the next generation of Church leaders to meet the world’s challenges with depth of faith, intelligence, and compassion.
While I’m filled with enthusiasm, leaving Gesu brings mixed emotions. The growth we’ve fostered together is a treasure I’ll carry with me. Yet, I confidently look forward to the bright future that awaits this resilient, vibrant, and ever-evolving community.
I’m equally excited to announce Fr. Michael Simone, S.J., currently the associate pastor at Old St. Patrick’s in Chicago, will be the next pastor of Gesu. Fr. Simone is renowned for his outstanding preaching and deep knowledge of scripture, skills that promise to nurture and inspire our parish in new and meaningful ways. His insightful writings at America Magazine offer fresh perspectives on faith and its application in contemporary life. Most importantly, Fr. Simone shares our commitment to engaging and inviting parishioners to actively participate in making Gesu an even more dynamic parish. His lively presence will be a great asset in continuing this vital work.
I anticipate concluding my service by the end of June, with Fr. Simone arriving shortly thereafter. We’ll provide specific details about the transition in the coming weeks.
Please keep me, the novices in St. Paul, and Fr. Simone in your prayers. As we move forward, let’s hold fast to our shared mission and embrace the abundant opportunities for growth and outreach that lie ahead. I’m excited to witness Gesu flourish under Fr. Simone’s thoughtful leadership and his commitment to building an even more engaged and active community.
May God bless you all as we embark on this new chapter.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Fr. Ben
KEEP SCROLLING DOWN FOR:
- Holy Week Schedule
- Next Baptism Preparation Class
- Next Anointing of the Sick
- Ministry News & Updates
- Gesu Financials
- All NEW! "Why Do We Do That?"
This Week At Gesu
THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 10
8:45 AM: Spiritual Exercises (MR)
MONDAY, MARCH 11
6:00 pm: Pastoral Council (HH)
TUESDAY, MARCH 12
6:40 pm: Marquette Camino (IR)
7:30 pm: Organ Concert (UC)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13
10:30 am: Finance Council (IR)
6:00 pm: Lenten Prayer Series (LC)
THURSDAY, MARCH 14
7:00 am: Choir Rehearsal (UC)
FRIDAY, MARCH 15
12:45 pm: Station of the Cross (LC)
SATURDAY, MARCH 16
9:30 am: NAMI Support Group (HH)
LC-Lower Church; UC-Upper Church; IR-Ignatius Room; LI-Library;
HH-Fr. Herian Hall; CR-Conference Room; MR-Miryam Room
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Thank You!
We have received many pledges and gifts to the capital campaign! A special thank you to those who returned their commitment forms and made financial gifts. If you have not returned your commitment form, please do so as soon as possible using the return envelope that was included in all commitment packets.
You may also complete a commitment form online by visiting HERE or go to:
https://gesuparish.org/campaign-commitment-form
We ask that you continue praying for God’s guidance throughout this process as well as the campaign volunteers and entire parish. We will soon share financial totals and next steps.
https://gesuparish.org/campaign-commitment-form
We ask that you continue praying for God’s guidance throughout this process as well as the campaign volunteers and entire parish. We will soon share financial totals and next steps.
Please visit HERE or go to gesuparish.org/encounterjesus for more information.
SERVICES SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 23-31
From the Anticipation of Palm Sunday to the Joy of Easter
March 23 - EVENING VIGIL
5:30 pm
March 24 - PALM SUNDAY
8:00 am, 10:30 am, 6:00 pm
March 28- HOLY THURSDAY
7:00 pm
March 29 - GOOD FRIDAY
12:00 pm
(and Children’s Way of the Cross at 3:00 pm)
March 30 - EASTER VIGIL
8:00 pm
March 31 - EASTER SUNDAY
8:00 am, 10:30 am
All are welcome to reflect, pray & celebrate with us
JOHN WEISSROCK CONCERT SERIES
Next Event Scheduled for This Tuesday, March 12
Music fills the soul, and we are delighted to invite you, your family members, and friends to join us for the next event in Gesu’s John Weissrock Concert Series at 7:30 p.m. in the Upper Church on Tuesday, March 12.
This event features an eclectic program with works by Litaize, Vierne, Peeters, Bonnal, and Dupré. The featured performer is Dr. Simone Gheller.
Dr. Gheller is a distinguished Music Director and Organist at St. Jerome Church in Oconomowoc, WI, and an accomplished accompanist for the Waukesha Choral Union and the Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy. A member of the American Guild of Organists since 2009, Dr. Gheller boasts a remarkable 35-year performing career, gracing stages in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and the United States, among others. His discography includes four CDs featuring works by Girolamo Frescobaldi, Alessandro Scarlatti, J.S. Bach, Liszt, and Reubke, published under the Tactus and Onclassical Labels.
For a taste of his musical expertise, visit his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@simoneghellerorganist.
There is no registration required for this event, and it is free, but we gratefully accept free-will offerings at the door to support future series and musical events.
If you have any questions about this event, feel free to contact Dean Rosko, Gesu's Director of Music and Organist, at dean.rosko@marquette.edu.
There is no registration required for this event, and it is free, but we gratefully accept free-will offerings at the door to support future series and musical events.
If you have any questions about this event, feel free to contact Dean Rosko, Gesu's Director of Music and Organist, at dean.rosko@marquette.edu.
EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS
A Way to Honor and Remember Loved Ones
We are currently accepting Easter Flower Memorials. If you would like to remember a loved one with an Easter Flower, you can send your memorial in one of the following ways:
- Use the envelope provided in your monthly envelope packet, or use the envelopes available on the tables as you enter the church. Place the envelope with your donation and the name(s) indicated on the envelope, in the collection basket, drop it off at the parish office, or mail it.
- Give online HERE
Memorial Donations need to be in by Wednesday, March 27. Names will be printed on an insert in the Easter Sunday bulletin. Thank you for your generosity!
If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Liturgy Paul Trzebiatowski at paul.trzebiatowski@marquette.edu.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Next Offering: Saturday, April 20
The next Anointing of the Sick during Mass is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, at the 5:30 pm. This service provides an opportunity for spiritual healing and grace. If you or someone you know could benefit from this sacrament, please join us on this date. If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Liturgy Paul Trzebiatowski at paul.trzebiatowski@marquette.edu.
BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS
Next Session: Thursday, March 21
Parents interested in having their child baptized at Gesu should note that Baptism Preparation Classes are held on the third Thursday of every Month. This month the class will be March 21. To register, please contact Fr. Thomas S. Anderson, S.J., at 414-288-4203 or thomas.s.anderson@marquette.edu.
HUMAN CONCERNS AND ADULT FORMATION
Ministry News and Updates
Synod Listening Session – Thank you!
Thank you to those who attended last week’s Synod listening session! We hope you found it to be a meaningful way to participate in the global Church!
Lenten Prayer Series with Fr Doug Leonhardt, SJ continues this month!
Please join us at 6:00pm in the Lower Church on the following remaining Wednesdays of Lent for a light dinner, Ignatian presentation, and spiritual conversation: March 13 and March 20. Fr Doug will draw from the Second Week of the Spiritual Exercises: Deepening Our Relationship with Jesus.
For any questions or further information about Gesu's Human Concerns ministry, please contact the Director of Human Concerns, Katie Dorner, at katie.dorner@marquette.edu.
CHILD, FAMILY, AND YOUTH FORMATION
Become a Catechist at Gesu
We are looking for a few volunteers to train to be catechists for our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program! The role of the CGS catechist is to prepare the environment and give selected presentations from scripture and liturgy that “call forth” the child’s response rather than “pour in” information. As a CGS catechist, you would be working with children K3-K5 at Gesu Parish.
If you are interested and want more information, please contact Johannah Lee, Director of Child, Youth, and Family Formation at johannah.lee@marquette.edu or 414-288-5449.
If you are interested and want more information, please contact Johannah Lee, Director of Child, Youth, and Family Formation at johannah.lee@marquette.edu or 414-288-5449.
Laudato Si'
Hello Everyone,
From this week until Earth Day, we are featuring quotes from Pope Francis’ book, “Laudato Si.” These quotes are courtesy of Fr. Jim Flynn from St. William Church in Louisville, TN, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for about 4 years. Fr. Jim has actively participated in the Laudato Si Movement, which emerged following the publication of “Laudato Si.”
We hope you find inspiration in these quotes, encouraging you to start or persist in caring for our Creation.
With Hope and Courage,
From this week until Earth Day, we are featuring quotes from Pope Francis’ book, “Laudato Si.” These quotes are courtesy of Fr. Jim Flynn from St. William Church in Louisville, TN, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for about 4 years. Fr. Jim has actively participated in the Laudato Si Movement, which emerged following the publication of “Laudato Si.”
We hope you find inspiration in these quotes, encouraging you to start or persist in caring for our Creation.
With Hope and Courage,
Shannon Meagher, Certified Laudato Si Animator
EMPOWERING OTHERS THROUGH EDUCATION
A St. Vincent De Paul Financial Literacy Initiative
The Gesu St. Vincent de Paul Society ( Gesu SVDP) is sponsoring a workshop on financial literacy in March. We want to provide very basic financial information to those who never hear about things like banks and savings accounts that most of us take for granted.
Our main work at SVDP is providing necessities to the poor so they can live comfortably in their apartments. We give them vouchers to obtain beds, furniture, clothing, kitchen items, refrigerators, stoves, and all kinds of household goods.
Our efforts provide basic goods, but we wanted to do something that gave those we serve a chance to help end the cycle of poverty that most of them are caught in.
Many of them don’t have bank accounts, so they use check-cashing stores to cash checks and get what are supposed to be short-term loans. They end up losing their hard-earned money to fees for cashing those checks, and extremely high interest rates for the loans, to the point where their balance is a never-ending albatross around their neck.
So we came up with the idea of this workshop, which will be taught by representatives of Brewery Credit Union. Attached is a PDF copy of the flyer describing the details. If you can, please PRINT out the flyer and give it to anyone you know who might benefit from the workshop. And/or, you might try to place flyers in businesses whose customers might benefit.
Flyers also will be available at the back of church.
Please note that although the Gesu SVDP group is sponsoring the workshop, it will be held at the offices of St. John Cathedral. Their facilities had an opening sooner than the always-busy spaces at Gesu.
Most importantly, we ask that you pray for the success of this event. With God’s help, we can get people started on the road to financial stability.
If you have any questions or would like more flyers, just call Gesu SVDP president Bob Friday at (414) 628-1095 or email him at bobtgif@att.net.
Thank you!
Got Questions? We Got You Covered!
Q: Why do we offer Mass intentions, and how does offering a Mass for someone benefit them, especially if they are deceased?
The practice of Mass intentions is a longstanding tradition in the Catholic Church, rooted in the Communion of Saints, prayer’s efficacy, and the Mass’s sacrificial nature. It involves offering a Mass for specific intentions, including prayers for healing, thanksgiving, someone’s intentions (e.g., on a birthday), decision-making guidance, or most commonly, for the repose of a deceased soul.
HISTORY
The practice of offering Mass intentions dates back to the early Church. In the Acts of the Apostles and the writings of St. Paul, we see evidence of the Christian community praying for one another, which laid the groundwork for later traditions of intercessory prayer, including the offering of the Mass for specific intentions. By the 4th century, it was common for the names of the dead, as well as the living who needed prayers, to be read aloud during the Eucharistic liturgy.
As the understanding of the Mass and its sacrificial nature developed, so too did the practice of offering Mass for specific intentions. By the Middle Ages, it became widespread to request Masses for the souls in purgatory, for blessings, thanksgivings, or for the health and welfare of the living. This was rooted in the belief that the Mass, being the highest form of prayer, had immense value in interceding with God on behalf of others.
Sidenote: After Rome’s fall, Europe lacked a unified government, with the Catholic Church emerging as the medieval period’s dominant institution. Leaders gained power through alliances with the Church. The term “Middle Ages” describes Europe from Rome’s fall in 476 CE to the Renaissance in the 14th century, also known as the “medieval period.” (Source: History.com Editors. “Middle Ages.” HISTORY, Read more here: www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/middle-ages)
CATHOLIC DOCTRINE SUPPORTING MASS INTENTIONS
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) teaches that the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324). The practice of offering Mass intentions is closely related to this understanding, as it highlights the Mass’s infinite value and its power as a prayer of intercession.
- Communion of Saints: The Church believes in a profound spiritual solidarity among all members of the Body of Christ, living and dead i.e. (CCC 962). Offering a Mass for someone else engages this communion, as prayers benefit not only the one for whom the Mass is offered but also the entire Church.
- Purgatory and Prayer for the Dead: The Church teaches that those who die in God’s grace but still need purification are assisted by the prayers of the faithful, particularly through the Mass (CCC 1032). This underscores the practice of offering Mass intentions for the souls in purgatory.
- Efficacy of Prayer: The Church believes in the effectiveness of prayer, especially the prayer of the righteous (James 5:16). The Mass, being the perfect prayer, is considered the most effective means of intercession.
OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO THIS PRACTICE
Q: Can a Mass intention be offered for someone who is not Catholic?
YES, Mass intentions can be offered for non-Catholics, reflecting the Church’s universal prayer for all souls and God’s mercy, highlighting the inclusivity of Christ’s salvation.
Q: Why is it important to publicly announce Mass intentions?
Publicly announcing Mass intentions is important for several reasons. First, it fosters a sense of community and shared faith among parishioners, as they join in prayer for a specific intention or person. It acknowledges the belief in the Communion of Saints, where the Church militant (those on earth), the Church suffering (souls in Purgatory), and the Church triumphant (the saints in Heaven) are united in prayer. Announcing intentions also encourages transparency and ensures that the faithful are aware that their requests are being honored, reinforcing the communal aspect of the Eucharist.
INTERESTING TIDBITS!
- Council of Trent: The Council of Trent (1545-1563 A.D.) affirmed the practice of offering Masses for the dead and outlined regulations to ensure the sincerity and propriety of the practice, countering abuses and misunderstandings.
- First Recorded Mass Intention: One of the earliest documented instances of a Mass being offered for a specific intention dates back to the 5th century in the diaries of a pilgrim named Egeria, who recorded the practice during her visit to the Holy Land.
- Stipends: Traditionally, those requesting a Mass intention would offer a stipend to the priest as a sign of support and gratitude. This practice, regulated by the Church, is not meant to “buy” grace or prayers but to contribute to the livelihood of the clergy.
- Intention Books: Many parishes maintain books of intentions, where the faithful can write down their prayer requests. These intentions are then included in the prayers of the Mass, even if a specific Mass is not dedicated to each one.
- Global Solidarity: Mass intentions are often shared among priests worldwide, especially in places where there is a greater need for financial support. This reflects the universal nature of the Church and the sharing of spiritual goods among its members.
Please call 414-288-7101 Monday to Friday( 8:30 am - 4: 30pm) or visit the Parish office to reserve your Mass Intention. There is a customary donation of $10.00 for each Mass. Upcoming Mass Intentions are published in the weekly parish bulletin.
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO HONOR LOVED ONES HERE AT GESU
Beyond Mass intentions, there are other special ways to honor or remember loved ones, living or deceased.
- LIGHTING A MEMORIAL CANDLE in the church offers a significant gesture of remembrance. You are welcome to light your memorial candle at the front of either the Upper or Lower Church. Donations are appreciated to help offset the costs of purchasing candles. In the Upper Church, candles by Mary’s altar are $1.00, and $5.00 by the Saint Ann altar. In the Lower Church, candles by Mary’s and Saint Joseph’s altars are $1.00 each.
- FLOWER MEMORIALS for Christmas, Easter, and other occasions offer a beautiful way to keep the memory of loved ones alive. We are now accepting memorials, which can be submitted using your monthly packet envelope, envelopes at church entrances, or online. Please include your donation and the names to be memorialized. Submit by March 27 to have names listed in the Easter Sunday bulletin insert. For questions, please contact our Director of Liturgy Paul Trzebiatowski .
A Prayer Request for Dr. Sy Kreilein
The family of Dr. Sy Kreilein, a longtime member of Gesu parish and esteemed German teacher at Marquette University High School for 45 years, requests your prayers. Following two brain surgeries and a high-risk cardiovascular procedure for a heart attack, Dr. Kreilein has been in critical condition. As he battles these health challenges, the Kreilein family is grateful for the Gesu Parish community’s support. To send well wishes to the family, please email our Director of Liturgy, Paul Trzebiatowski, who will ensure your messages are forwarded.
"Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven." - James 5:14-15
Low-Gluten Hosts
Please stop in at the sacristy before Mass and ask the Director of Liturgy, Paul, for a low-gluten host. The host will be placed in a special pyx which they will place on the altar at the preparation of the altar. Please do so at least ten minutes before Mass begins. If you have any questions, please contact our Paul Trzebiatowski at paul.trzebiatowski@marquette.edu.
Gesu Parish Financials
Thank you for your continued support of Gesu!
Prayer Intention of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
The following is the prayer intention of the Holy Father entrusted to the Pope’s worldwide prayer network for the month of March 2024:
FOR THE MARTYRS OF OUR DAY,
WITNESSES TO CHRIST
Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.
Courtesy Announcements
The following announcements are not sponsored by Gesu Parish, but provided as a courtesy. If you have questions about any of these announcements, please contact the sponsoring organization.
Stay Connected and Support the Parish
Are you sure you are a registered member of Gesu Parish? Perhaps you have been attending Mass here for quite a while and would like to join our parish family but have never gotten around to formally registering. No worries! Click below to register!
Mass Times
Saturday, March 9 thru Friday, March 15
SAT - 5:30 pm Mass of Anticipation
SUN - 8:00 am, 10:30 am, and 6:00 pm
MON - 7:00 am, 12:05 pm, and 5:30 pm
TUE - 7:00 am, 12:05 pm, and 5:30 pm
WED - 7:00 am, 12:05 pm, and 5:30 pm
THU - 7:00 am, 12:05 pm, and 5:30 pm
FRI - 7:00 am,12:05 pm (w/ STATIONS OF THE CROSS after), and 5:30 pm
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Monday-Friday – 11:30 am- 12:00 pm and 4:45 pm - 5:30 pm
Resources to Help you Grow in Your Faith
