Some updates and news: Many of you have noticed the big metal containers in the parking lot. They are part of the project of installing new windows in the Rectory. When I arrived here 10 years ago, there were some people on the Parish Council and staff who were recommending that we change the windows. After enduring windows that would not close, or open, or let in cold air in the winter, we have finally begun the change. The project will require nearly a month. The company has a couple of other projects that it must complete at the same time and thus will pause for short periods.

As St. Norbert Abbey continues to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the founding of the Norbertine Order, there are several events and projects that the Abbey is sponsoring. One of those projects is a Habitat for Humanity home. As a Norbertine apostolate, or ministry site, our parish is invited to participate in the various activities which surround the build. The family, by coincidence, is a family of our parish. We will be helping them by raising funds, cooking meals, volunteering skills and labor to build the house, and will pray for the family when they take possession of their new home. Please consider how you will be involved in this important act of charity and service. Watch the bulletin for more information.

This weekend the parish is a site for a working visit from the personnel from the Mexican Consulate in Milwaukee. In order to better serve their clients whose work schedules, availability for travel, and other reasons, make it difficult to make appointments in Milwaukee, or Chicago, the consulate comes to them. Our parish collaborates with Casa Alba Melanie to provide local support, communication, and of course, our parish center, for a few weekends each year. This is an important service to our parishioners and the larger community.

Some forth-coming blessings and reasons for prayer: This weekend we bless students, teachers, administrators and staff as they prepare to return to school. There is a backpack raffle for students! In the middle of September we bless catechists and students. In early October we will bless pets, remembering the special relationship of St. Francis and animals. A couple of weeks later we will bless married couples and honor those couples who celebrate special anniversaries and have a reception for them. At the end of October we begin to remember the holy ones who have died, the saints, and our deceased loved ones. We invite children to dress a saints on the weekend of October 30-31 and on November 1. Finally, November 7 is the Memorial of St. Willebrord, our patron saint. St. Willebrord, pray for us!

Peace, Fr. Andy