St. Anthony on the Lake Bulletin December 14, 2025
Schedule of Services
Saturday Vigil: 5 pm 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:45 am 9 am Mass is livestreamed and can be viewed later on Vimeo. Childcare is open during 9 & 10:45 am Masses.
Monday & Tuesday 7:30 am Wednesday: 7:45 am 7:30 am Communion Service
Eucharistic Adoration
Tuesday & Thursday: 8 am 8 pm Wednesday & Friday: 8 am 2 pm
Saturday 4 4:30 pm
Contact Ann Grunwaldt at grunwaldta@stanthony.cc
Contact the parish at least six months in advance.
Lessons and Carols
Join us Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4 pm in church for Scripture readings and beautiful music!
This year, we are pleased to welcome Archbishop Grob, who will preside at the event.
PARISH CONTACTS
Parish Leadership & Staff
Very Rev. Anthony Zimmer, Pastor
Fr. Ken Knippel, Assisting Priest
Fr. Ted Lawson, C.Ss.R., Assisting Priest
Deacon Mike Finley, mfinley4@wi.rr.com
Deacon Dennis Petrie, petriedj@gmail.com
Deacon John Murray, johnemurray1566@gmail.com
Sheri Schmit, Trustee Secretary
John Hooyman, Trustee Treasurer
Dr. Kathie Amidei, Pastoral Associate
Vincent LaTona, Music & Liturgy Director
Art Scheuber, Director of Administrative Services
Taylor Baar, Communications & Stewardship Director
Terry Robinson, Human Concerns Coordinator
Kris Ponzi, Administrative Assistant, Bulletin
Brooke Finnegan, Administrative Assistant
Shannon Dakovich, Staff Accountant
School
Marty Van Hulle, Principal
Rebekah Jacunski, School Administrative Assistant
Lifelong Faith Formation
Dr. Kathie Amidei, Pastoral Associate
Maureen Michaels, Administrative Assistant
Council and Committee Leadership 2025 -2026
Scott Krebs, Pastoral Council Chair
Ellen Knippel, Pastoral Council Vice Chair
Florence Prospero, Pastoral Council Secretary
Cheryl Oliva, Finance Council Chair
Paul Baures, Prayer & Worship Committee Chair
Ann Fons, Faith Formation Committee Chair
Kate Burke, Human Concerns Committee Chair
Larry O'Brien, Stewardship Committee Chair
Liz Udovich, School Advisory Commission Chair
MASS SCHEDULE AND INTENTIONS
Sunday, December 14, Third Sunday of Advent 7:30 am For Our Parish Community – KK 9 am +Maria Hoffmann (Woelfe Family) - TZ 10:45 am +Jane McLaughlin (McLaughlin Family) - TZ
Monday, December 15, Advent Weekday
7:30 am +Henry Schnell (Dave & Ann Grunwaldt) - TZ
Tuesday, December 16, Advent Weekday
7:30 am +Jerry Seabert (Albrecht Family) - TL 5 pm Perpetual Help Devotions
Wednesday, December 17, Our Lady of Loreto 7:45 am +Raymondo Salvacion de la Cruz (Arkush Family) - TZ
6:30 pm Advent Reconciliation Service
Thursday, December 18, Advent Weekday
7:30 p.m +Ron Hartling (Barb Webb) - TL
Friday, December 19, Advent Weekday 7:30 am Communion Service - DN
Saturday, December 20, Advent Weekday 4 pm Individual Reconciliation
Sunday, December 21, Fourth Sunday of Advent 7:30 am For Our Parish Community – TZ 9 am +Joanne Esser (Esser Family) - TL 10:45 am +Gerald Mueller (Lois Keating) - TL
4 p.m. Lessons and Carols, Church
TZ = Fr. Tony Zimmer, TL = Fr. Ted Lawson, KK = Fr. Ken Knippel, DN= Dennis Nelson (Celebrant Schedule Subject to Change)
EVENTS AND MEETINGS: December 14 —December 21, 2025
That couples may experience the joy that comes with every new life, and in that joy find strength to overcome the
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice.”
Taylor Baar Communications and Stewardship Director
On this Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, the Church invites us into a spirit of joyful expectation. We shift from waiting to joyful anticipation. The rose-colored vestments and candle on the Advent wreath symbolize this, reminding us that Christ's coming is at hand. The word “Gaudete” means “Rejoice,” taken from the Entrance Antiphon of today’s Mass: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice.” These words capture the heart of Advent; a season grounded in the joyful truth that God is close to us. This nearness of God is expressed beautifully in the name Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” Advent reminds us that we are not waiting for a distant Savior but welcoming the one who has already chosen to dwell among us, who enters our world, our homes, and our daily lives.
In the midst of the busyness of December, Gaudete Sunday stands out, gently calling us to embrace hope. We are often swept up in gift shopping, planning
Thank you for prayerfully considering your 2026 commitments to parish involvement and giving.
Scan the QR code or visit: stanthony.cc/renewal to complete your commitment.
parties, promising to “circle back in the New Year,” and preparing for Christmas in other practical ways. Yet the Church invites us to slow down and remember the deeper preparation that truly matters. Gaudete Sunday encourages us to make room not just in our schedules, but in our hearts. Christ desires to be born anew within us each day. His coming is not simply a historical event but a present reality - Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, right now. Through prayer, acts of charity, and choosing peace over hurry, we open ourselves to God’s presence. As we continue our Advent journey, may this Sunday fill us with a quiet joy. May it remind us that even amid the noise and demands of the season, God is near - closer - and inviting us to welcome him so that God’s love may be born in us and shine through us
ADVENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRAYER & WORSHIP
Additional Advent Calanders and devotionals are available in the Gathering Space.
Advent Reconciliation Service
Wednesday, December 17 | 6:30 pm in Church
Lessons & Carols
Presented by the Choirs & Musicians of St. Anthony Sunday, December 21 | 4 pm in Church
Eucharistic Adoration
Tuesday & Thursday | 8 am to 8 pm
Wednesday & Friday | 8 am to 2 pm
PRAYER & WORSHIP
Volunteers Needed for New Ministry
As our communion ministry to the homebound grows, volunteers are needed to help distribute pyxes to parishioners before all the Masses. A pyx is a small container that holds the Holy Eucharist during transport. Volunteers will help a parishioner select a pyx, sign it out, and also give them a booklet with instructions on taking communion to the homebound. The volunteers will also collect the used pyx from the week before for purification.
If you are interested in signing up for this new ministry or have questions contact the Music and Liturgy Office at latonav@stanthony.cc
Christmas Cards for Fr. Tom Sweetser
Fr. Tom Sweetser has been a patient at St. Camillus Rehab & Skilled Nursing for the past few months recovering from a stroke. St. Anthony on the Lake has always been a special place for Fr. Tom, and we miss seeing him here! Send cards to Fr. Tom in in care of:
St. Camillus South Residence 10101 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53226
SPECIAL WEEK OF ADOR ATION
December 15 through 19
Christmas Flowers
To remember a loved one in a special way this season, consider supporting our Christmas Flower Fund. Names of remembrance received by Monday, Dec. 15 will be listed in the Dec. 28 bulletin. Suggested gift is $25. Envelopes are in the Gathering Space. You can also visitstanthony.cc/advent or use the QR code. Contact the parish office with questions.
HUMAN CONCERNS
Drop Off Items & Gift Cards
This Weekend!
Volunteers will sort items for distribution on Monday, December 15.
HAPPENING THIS WEEK END: SATURDAY & SUNDAY, D EC. 13 & 14
WE CAN FOR PERU Trailer in the Parking Lot all weekend.
Quilt Sale for Peru After All Weekend Masses
Gathering Space & Fellowship Hall
Donut Sunday After Sunday Masses |Fellowship Hall
Blood Pressure Checks
After Sunday Masses |FH-Bride’s Room
As a thank you for saving lives, all attempting donors will receive a $25 e -gift card with valid email on file.
St. Anthony on the Lake
Saturday, December 27 8 am to 1 pm | Fellowship Hall
Secure your spot by making an appointment today!
• Visit: tinyurl.com/STAL27
• Call: (877) 232 -4376
• Scan the QR Code
LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION
FAMILY PROGRAM
This weekend we are opening the door with the key of Mary and learning about her YES to God. We had a prayer service with the families to honor Mary. The high schoolers sat with their parents to hear Al for the adult session.
Our next session is January 4 & 5.
Con rmation corner
FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE! MORE PHOTOS! CURRENT INFO! @youth.stanthonyonthelake
Thank you to all high school juniors, parents, and sponsors for attending the recent confirmation meeting. It was a beautiful, spirit filled evening where we were able to spend time in Adoration before our Lord, gather information about confirmation on Thursday, April 30, and get to know each other a little better.
NEXT CONFIRMATION SE SSION Wednesday, Jan. 14 | 6:45 to 8:15 pm | PLC
&
LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION
ADULT FORMATION stanthony.cc/adult -formation
ADVENT SCRIPTURE REF LECTION SERIES with Al McCauley
Concludes Tues., Dec. 16 |11 am to NoonOR 6 to 7 pm |FH—F&G
Scripture readings for Sundays in Advent encourage us to wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior. Visit stanthony.cc/events or scan QR code to register.
TUESDAY!
WAITING WELL: ADVENT WITH FR. MIKE SCHMI TZ with Robin Hicks
Concludes Friday, Dec. 19 |10 am to 11:30 am|Fellowship Hall F&G
Advent can often feel like a countdown to Christmas and preparation for the holidays, when in fact the liturgical season is all about waiting not for short-lived celebration, but for a person. This Advent we can learn to wait well together as a parish. Scan QR code to register.
FRIDAY!
Please Pray for Anand Patel Catechumen seeking full initiation in the Catholic Church with Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, and his wife and sponsor, Allison.
Please Pray for Jennifer Guthrie (r.) Candidate for full communion in the Catholic Church, and her friend and sponsor, Joanna Jaeger (l.).
DECEMBER 22 OPEN GYM — CANCELLED
Next Session: Monday, Jan. 26
St. Anthony School Gym
Al McCauley Adult Formation Director mccauleya@stanthony.cc
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY GROUP
Wednesdays | 7:30 am | FH -G
If you have any questions, please contact Jerry DeMers at gerald.demers@yahoo.com
WOW: WOMEN OF WISDO M
Wednesdays | 9:30 am Fireplace Lounge
WOW is a group of women who gather on Wednesday mornings for spiritual companionship and faith growth. You are welcome to come when you can.
STICKY FAITH
Wednesday, December 17 9:30 to 11 am FH Brides Room
This book group is geared towards parents of teens and young adults, but all are welcome. Meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Contact Tasha Baures with questions at baurest@stanthony.cc.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY O F THE WORD (CLOW)
9 am Mass Ages 4 through First Grade
SUNDAYS
Praising God through song is an important part of Children’s Liturgy of the Word at St. Anthony’s. We are grateful for Julie Farrell’s direction in leading the children in a special song for Advent.
MOM’S GROUP
THURSDAY!
Thursday, Dec. 18 |9:30 to 11 am|Fireplace Lounge
Share your family’s Advent journey and traditions with the Moms Group! Childcare available for those who preregister. Contact Ann at grunwaldta@stanthony.cc
GUARDIANS
& ANGELS
Wednesday, Jan. 7 |9:30 to 11 am|Childcare Room
Join our gathering for toddlers/preschoolers and their adults for free play, a craft, snack, story and songs. Registration is on the website and is recommended but not required.
THINGS I WISH I HAD SAID by Al McCauley
Ann Grunwaldt
Early Child (5K & under) & Family Ministry Director grunwaldta@stanthony.cc
“To be kind is more important than to be right .” - F. SCOTT FITZGERAL D
MARRIAGE MOMENT:
How do you know if your hobby, sport, or volunteer work is taking too much time from your marriage ? Often it’s about the same time your spouse starts complaining about feeling neglected. Pay attention.
Did you know?
The O Antiphons - also called the Greater Antiphonsare a set of seven ancient liturgical texts sung during Vespers in the Catholic Church’s Liturgy of the Hours. Each antiphon begins with the invocation “O” and addresses Christ under a distinct biblical title: O Sapientia (Wisdom), O Adonai (Lord and Ruler), O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (Key of David), O Oriens (Radiant Dawn), O Rex Gentium (King of All Nations), and O Emmanuel . Each title reflects Old Testament prophecy and culminates in a plea for the Messiah’s coming to save and redeem.
Rooted in early medieval tradition attested as early as the 11th century the O Antiphons express humanity’s longing for deliverance and form one of the most poetic highlights of the Advent season. They have also inspired hymns such as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
The antiphons are sung from December 17 –23, the seven days preceding the Christmas Vigil. Their placement in the ferial (weekday) Office aligns with the Church’s novena of immediate preparation for Christmas, inviting deeper contemplation of the Incarnation and the approaching birth of Christ.
FROM OUR SCHOOL: Opening the Door This Advent
December is such a busy month for First Grade! After All Saint's Day, the Firsties began working on the annual Nativity Play! They did such a fantastic job. Their weeks of hard work definitely paid off. They joyously sang and retold the story of our Lord's birth. The title of their play is "O Come Emmanuel," which is so fitting for the season. Emmanuel means God with us. Almost all of the lines can be found in our Gospel. It helped all who
watched prepare their hearts for the coming of Emmanuel! Many, many thanks to Mrs. Guthrie and Mrs. Farrell who helped the play be such a success!
The Firsties have been preparing their own hearts for the coming of Emmanuel through prayer and almsgiving. We have participated in special Advent prayers around the Advent wreath with the school. Many Firsties also participated in the Giving Tree. During the last week of school before the holiday, the Firsties will participate in a STEM buddy activity! We also planned our first school Mass!
Katie Huettl 1st Grade Teacher
Calendar Raffle Winners (12/1 –12/6)
THANK YOU
Scan code with your phone or visit: www.stanthony/giving to make a one-time or recurring gift. THANK YOU!
Sacrament of Baptism
Calder Hubert Tangredi son of Dominic & Adalyn
Violet Mae Reeder daughter of Kyle & Allison
Dominic John Toby son of Kevan & Alexis
were baptized this past weekend at St. Anthony on the Lake.
Jim Amidei
Janet Emling
Richard Siebenaller
$25
$25
$25
Ashley Knutson
Jacki Wendorf
Kathryn Connor
$25
$25
$25
Which device, introduced in 1958 by Jack Kilby, revolutionized modern electronics?
What 1984 film featured the line, “Who you gonna call?”
Which reality TV show debuted in 2000, starting the modern reality craze?
What app, originally for short dance and lip -sync videos, became a global platform for Gen Z creators?
Do you (and your mate) enjoy Trivia? Are you and your partner a Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, or Gen Z? We’ll have questions for all ages at the Marriage Enrichment Trivia Night, following the 5 pm Mass on Saturday, Feb. 28.
SAVE THE DATE! There will also be pizza, drinks, fun and childcare (if you register early). This is always a great time for couples! You can even sign up a whole team (3 couples). Register online on our parish website.
