Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Before we know it, Lent will be upon us. And of course we will be called to pray, fast and give alms. I would like to merge our Lenten spirit with a new tradition in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee: the Archbishop’s annual “Lenten Luncheon.” In conjunction with Catholic Charities of Milwaukee, the first one is planned for Tuesday, February 24, 2015. I started a Bishop’s Lenten Luncheon in La Crosse with Catholic Charities and it was very successful and continues to this very day.

The Lenten Luncheon will give us an opportunity to come together, highlight the work of Catholic Charities of Milwaukee, and provide a simple lunch. We will have the choice of three delicious soups, salad and bread, prepared by popular St. Francis de Sales Seminary chef, Nick Litscher, and sous chef, Tom Zielinski. Our menu will also consist of shortbread cookies (for those who did not give up sweets for Lent), baked by Joanne Merriner, my dessert specialist.

The luncheon will begin with prayer at 11:30 a.m., and end promptly at 1 p.m., I promise, so that those coming from work can return without too great a loss of time.

At the lunch, we will have the honor of presenting three separate awards. We will recognize an individual, an organization and a religious community for their commitments to charitable work. Each will receive the “Treasure of the Church” award: a framed and signed print of St. Lawrence, created by artist Father Anthony Brankin, specifically for Catholic Charities. Father Brankin’s works are displayed in Rome, Chicago, La Crosse and Milwaukee.

St. Lawrence is a good role model for Catholic Charities. He was asked by the emperor to bring forth the treasures of the Church and place them before him. The next day, St. Lawrence appeared, surrounded by widows, orphans, beggars, the lame and the blind. “Here,” he said, “is the wealth of the Church.” The emperor was so angry, he ordered St. Lawrence to be executed and St. Lawrence was roasted alive, martyred for the faith.

The recipients of the award have manifested a love for the work of Catholic Charities. Ann Marie Wick, former board chair of Catholic Charities, is a symbol of the next generation of Catholics dedicated to the work of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. She is a tireless supporter of Catholic Charities, often promoting various charitable programs to young adults. Her humility and deep spirituality create the foundation for all her actions.

St. Joseph Hospital, of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, is the organization selected for its great work among the urban poor. When many organizations have abandoned the city and its poor, St. Joseph Hospital continues to care for the poor and under-served through its emergency room services. It is also well noted for its neonatal care unit, which assists the most vulnerable among us.

The religious community receiving the “Treasure of the Church Award” is the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi. Their presence in the archdiocese almost mirrors the creation of the archdiocese itself. They have been involved in every aspect of charitable and educational outreach. They continue, to this day, their support for charitable works. If there is a social concern, the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi are there fulfilling the mandate of their founder. Their order is a true treasure.

Our first luncheon will take place at St. Francis de Sales Seminary. There are 250 seats available at $25 per seat or a table of six for $150. All proceeds will go to Catholic Charities. If you can’t make the luncheon, perhaps you would consider being a sponsor or making a donation toward the luncheon to offset the cost. Reservations and donations can be made through Catholic Charities of Milwaukee and all the information is available at this link.

Merging prayer, fasting and almsgiving at a Lenten Luncheon gives us an opportunity to create an environment where we recognize the love of Christ through our outreach to our brothers and sisters and fulfill His command to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the January 13, 2015 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.