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, Dec. 8: 8 am & 7 pm Wednesday: 7:45 am (Young at Heart Mass)
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. Join us on Monday, Dec. 8 for The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Masses at 8 am and 7 pm Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us! 8 am Mass will be livestreamed.
PARISH CONTACTS MASS SCHEDULE
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
AND INTENTIONS
Sunday, December 7, Second Sunday of Advent 7:30 am +Esther Schmidt (Louise Kerstein) – TZ
9 am For Our Parish Community – TL 10:45 am +Ted Ferrara (Geri Lucchesi) - TL
12:30 pm Baptisms
Monday, December 8, The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
8 am +Walter Grunwaldt (Dave & Ann Grunwaldt) - TZ 7 pm +Mary Garski (Marcella) - KK
Tuesday, December 9, St. Juan Diego Cuauhtiatoatzin
7:30 am +Matt Mullen (Ellen & Brian Fehrenback) - TL 5 pm Perpetual Help Devotions 7 pm Taize Service
Wednesday, December 10, Our Lady of Loreto 7:45 am +Kathleen Wellner (Family) - TZ
Thursday, December 11, St. Damasus I, Pope 10:30 am Young At Heart Mass Zachary Pfister (Amy Pleger) - TZ
Friday, December 12, Our Lady of Guadalupe 7:30 am Communion Service - MF
That the Church may bring about effective repentance from the sin of abortion, and the gift of healing to those wounded by it, we pray to the Lord…
Hello, December … ‘tis the Season of Giving!
Director of Administrative Services
December is widely recognized as the season of giving, a time when the spirit of generosity flourishes across communities and cultures. This month, marked by holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, fosters a unique atmosphere where people are especially inclined to give back, whether through donations, volunteering, or acts of kindness.
I am often asked several questions about ways to give financially. As a donor there is key information that you need to be aware of. St. Anthony on the Lake Parish is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. As such, your contributions may be deductible on your federal and/or state income tax. Please see your tax professional for your specific circumstances.
Contributions must be received before January 1, 2026, to be eligible for the 2025 calendar year. Contributions can be mailed, but the postmark must be prior to January 1, 2026 . Contributions made to the parish at Mass on Wednesday, December 31st, will be credited to the 2025 calendar year. Contributions made on New Year’s Day will be credited to the 2026 calendar year.
Contributions can be made in many ways:
• Placing checks and cash in the Sunday collection.
• Donating online with mySAL. Many of our parishioners choose to set monthly recurring electronic giving through mySAL.
• Donating stocks, bonds or partial proceeds from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) to avoid capital gains tax. When donating stock, bonds or partial proceeds from your IRA, you have the option to directly transfer the funds or have a check sent to us. There are several account numbers that may be needed to make these transfers possible. If you are interested in this type of donation, please contact me. I can help facilitate the transactions. Stocks and bond transactions should be completed prior to the last week in December to ensure they are recorded for the 2025 calendar year. The sale of the stock or bond needs to be completed before we can record the donation.
Want to double your impact of giving?
Find out if the company you or your spouse works for offers a matching gift program. Corporate matching gift programs are charitable giving programs set up by corporations in which the company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. For example, if a donor works for Bank of America and donates $100 to St. Anthony on the Lake Parish, Bank of America will double the donation by also writing a check for $100.
Thousands of companies offer matching gift programs. A few examples include:
• Johnson & Johnson: Triples donations with $2 for $1 match for current employees while also doubling donations for retirees.
• Bank of America: Doubles donation $1 for $1 up to $5,000 annually per employee.
• Home Depot: Doubles donations $1 for $1 up to $3,000 annually per employee.
• GE: Doubles donation $1 for $1 up to $5,000 annually per employee.
Consider checking with your company’s human resources department for programs offered by your employer. The impact of these programs can be substantial!
St. Anthony on the Lake is extremely lucky to have very generous parishioners who have supported our mission and our covenant for over 100 years. Through your generosity we have been able to build our programs and continue our growth. We know that every dollar entrusted to us is special, and we work hard to maximize its potential. Thank all of you for all you do in support of this parish!
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.
PRAYER & WORSHIP
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! He’s been one of our devoted “help-outs,” and often seen here in the pews at Sunday Mass. Send cards to Fr. Tom in in care of:
St. Camillus South Residence 10101 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53226
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
Great Job, Volunteers!
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard assembling the Advent Calendars. Terri Field did an awesome job designing the calendar and members of our Prayer and Worship committee worked together choosing the scripture passages. It was a great team effort! Special Thanks To: Terri and Matt Field, Bonnie Colopy, Linda Janecke, Laurie Ellis, Kathy Pierce, Ellen Knippel, Cheryl and Jim Oliva, Jan Brazell, and Julie Farrell.
ADVENT OPPORTUNITIES
Additional Advent Calanders and devotionals are available in the Gathering Space.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Holy Day of Obligation
Monday, December 8 | Mass at 8 am & 7 pm 8 am Mass will be Livestreamed
Taize Prayer & Music Service
An Evening of Quiet Prayer & Contemplation
Tuesday, December 9 | 7 pm in Church
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
HUMAN CONCERNS
Young at Heart Christmas
LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION
IMPORTANT UPCOMING D ATES
FAMILY PROGRAM
This weekend we are opening the door with the key of Mary and learning about her YES to God.
Sunday, Dec. 7 | 10 am to Noon Monday, Dec. 8 | 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Since the relaunch 15 days ago, we’ve had 21,730 views and picked up 35 new followers. Our 200th Instagram follower received a Starbucks drink at the last Family Program. Congratulations, Maddie!
NO DECEMBER CONFIRMA
FIRST RECONCILIATION STUDENTS
Understanding How to be Closer to God
GRADES 9, 10 & 12 Jan. 14, Feb.11, & March 11
BRIDGE MINISTRY FOR
Meets First Monday of the Month | 7:30 to 8:30 pm
DECEMBER 8 : Attend Holy Day of Obligation Mass the Solemnity of the Virgin Mary Immaculate Conception. We will meet after Mass for Advent Reflection. Also, DECEMBER 14 : Reflection & Christmas Party; Bring a White Elephant Gift (wrapped) the Crazier the better!
JUNIOR RETREAT: REGI STER NOW!
Feb. 20 from 6:30 pm through Feb. 22 at 12:15 pm
Registration open online. Attendance is required to be confirmed. Contact Deanna MuÒoz, with questions at munozd@stanthony.cc.
MuÒoz
Parents and children attended their second preparation session for First Reconciliation at the end of November. Activities helped them understand how they can grow closer to God by being good decision makers using the Ten Commandments. They practiced the steps of the sacrament by acting out their First Reconciliation together using pretend sins.
Thank you for keeping these students in your prayers as they prepare to celebrate their First Reconciliation in January.
LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION
ADULT FORMATION
stanthony.cc/adult -formation
ADVENT SCRIPTURE REF LECTION SERIES with Al McCauley
Tuesdays, Dec. 9 & 16 |11 am to NoonOR 6 to 7 pm |Fellowship Hall F&G
Scripture readings for Sundays in Advent encourage us to wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior. Cost is $20 per person, which includes the book. Visit stanthony.cc/events or scan QR code to register.
TUESDAY!
WAITING WELL: ADVENT WITH FR. MIKE SCHMI TZ with Robin Hicks
Continues Friday, Dec. 12 & 19 |10 am to 11:30 am|Fellowship Hall F&G
FRIDAY!
EMERITUS GROUP
Formation & Fellowship for Adults
Sunday, Dec. 7 |10:20 am |FH–F&G Meets twice a month on Family Program Sundays. For details and registration, visit:stanthony.cc/emeritus-group.
Congratulations Cara Bonnell!
Advent can often feel like a countdown to Christmas and a hustle of 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. Our initial meeting will be Sun., Nov. 30, and then subsequent Fridays, December 5, 12, 19. $10 per person, which includes book. Scan QR code to register , or visit stanthony.cc/events.
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.).
GUARDIANS & ANGELS
Wednesday, December 10
9:30 to 11 am|Childcare Room
Toddlers, preschoolers, and their adults meet forfree play, a craft, snack, story and songs. Registering recommended, but not required. Contact Ann at grunwaldta@stanthony.cc
MOM’S GROUP
Thursday, December 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
Al McCauley
Adult Formation Director mccauleya@stanthony.cc
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.
DECEMBER 22 OPEN GYM
CANCELLED
Next Session: Monday, January 26
St. Anthony School Gym
Ann Grunwaldt
Early Child (5K & under) & Family Ministry Director grunwaldta@stanthony.cc
Cara was welcomed into full Communion with the Catholic Church on Nov. 22, with the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. May God continue to bless you on your journey, Cara!
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
OF THE WORD (CLOW)
9 am Mass Ages 4 through First Grade
SUNDAYS
Children ages 4 through First Grade are invited to listen to and learn about God’s Word through Scripture, song, and prayer at an age -appropriate level.
THINGS I WISH I HAD SAID by Al McCauley
“It is great wisdom to know how to be silent.” - ST. JOHN OF THE CR OSS
Support Our School with SCRIP Gift Card Fundraising
The holidays can bring up a unique nostalgia and heaviness in our hearts when we are missing someone and dealing with the pain of death.
If you are grieving the loss of a loved one and would like to explore more ways to pause the pace of the season, care for yourself, and explore ways to honor, cherish and remember your loved one, please come to the Handling Holiday Grief session with Grief Guide, Kathleen Cullen Ritter MSW.
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT COMMITTEE IS Preparing for Annual Trivia Night!
Who became the first Pope to visit the United States in 1965?
What was the name of the first cloned sheep, born in 1996?
What female pop icon was dubbed the “Material Girl” in the 1980s?
What coffee drink became a cultural icon for Millennials in the 2010s?
Are you and your partner a Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, or Gen Z? We’llhave questions for all ages at the Marriage Enrichment Trivia Night, following the 5 pm Mass on Saturday, February 28!
There will be pizza, drinks, fun, and childcare is available for those who register early. This is always a great time for couples! You can even sign up a whole team (3 couples). Watch for sign up details!
FROM OUR SCHOOL: Opening the Door With Outreach
The students and staff at St. Anthony on the Lake School have organized several outreach opportunities already this year as part of learning about Catholic Social Teaching themes and our responsibility to care for others.
During Socktoberfest, our October outreach project, we successfully collected a total of 1,139 pairs of socks! Those new, warm socks were taken by our St. Anthony on the Lake parish St. Vincent de Paul representatives to Crossroads Kitchen on the south side of Milwaukee to help the homeless during the cold months ahead.
Recognizing a growing need in our community, student government launched efforts to collect food donations for the Pewaukee Food Pantry.
This ongoing collection will assist those in need in our local community. Items can be placed into the collection boxes in our kindergarten lobby at any time.
Each year, St. Anthony on the Lake partners with Capuchin Community Services to provide families in need with a holiday meal. The Capuchin friars of the Province of Saint Joseph promote justice for all as they serve spiritual and other basic human needs, especially for people living in poverty. In early November, our school participated along with our parish Family Program to pack boxes for the House of Peace Holiday Food Collection.
ornaments at school. Those new items are given to 11 organizations that the Giving Tree Ministry serves.
In addition, student government plans to collect pop tabs from the tops of aluminum cans again this year to donate to
House Charities Eastern Wisconsin. Since 2000, recycling the little aluminum tabs from soda cans has generated over $400,000 for our Ronald McDonald HouseÆ .
We have presented the opportunity to our school families for participation in The Giving Tree in early December. Families may choose to participate by selecting ornaments at weekend Masses on December 6 and 7, or they may respond to information that student government has sent home to have their children select Giving Tree
I am thankful for the efforts of the student government officers, class representatives, students, staff and teachers, our principal, administrative staff, and all of our families
8th Grade Teacher
Middle School Language Arts & Student Government Advisor
Calendar Raffle Winners (11/24 –11/29)
THANK YOU
Scan code with your phone or visit: www.stanthony/giving to make a one-time or recurring gift. THANK YOU!
HAPPENING NEXT 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
Leslie Kiefer
Norah VonRueden
Dale S. Hintz
$25
$25
$25
Melissa Schneider
Becky Kohl
Mary Bajorek
MARRIAGE MOMENT:
“There is nothing more admirable than two people who see to-eye keeping house as man and wife, confounding their enemies, and delighting their friends.”
(Homer, 9th century BC)
Marriage is pretty ancient. Renew yours each day.
SPECIAL WEEK OF ADOR ATION
Monday-Friday
December 15 through 19
$25
$25
$25
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 8 am to 8 pm
Wednesday & Friday: 8 am to 2 pm
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.
