Third Sunday of Advent
December 14, 2025
Confessions are held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at the northwest entrance (opposite the Adoration entrance) of the church.
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Perpetual Adoration
Office Hours Parish (414) 321-1965 (414) 321-8540 School
Friday: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
After Hours by Appointment Only
Our Staff
Father Michael Merkt, Pastor Email: mmerkt@stjohns-grfd.org
Steve Pemper, Deacon Email: spemper@aol.com
Denise Kasulke, Dir. of Administrative Services Email: dkasulke@stjohns-grfd.org
Karen Schulteis, Dir. of Liturgy & Music Email: kschulteis@stjohns-grfd.org
John Paul Shimek, Dir. of Lifelong Faith Formation Email: jpshimek@stjohns-grfd.org
George Pitman, Jr., Bookkeeper, Building & Grounds Email: gpitman@stjohns-grfd.org
Jan Sadlon, Parish Secretary Email: rectory@stjohns-grfd.org or jsadlon@stjohns-grfd.org
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Gospel Reflection
December 14, 2025
Third Sunday of Advent
When I was 11, I was riding my bike on a Friday night in Scottsdale, Arizona. I saw giant spotlights swirling in the sky. Something amazing had to be happening. I pedaled after them with excitement. Sweaty and tired, I arrived, only to find a used car lot. Bright lights, flapping banners, inflatable balloon men swaying wildly in the wind. I stood there, heart sinking. All that spectacle, and all my effort … for this?
As life proceeds, we learn what it is like to pursue promising but fruitless searches. This week, we hear Jesus ask the crowds regarding John the Baptist: “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?” (Matthew 11:7). He’s not just describing the crowd’s mis-aimed pursuit. He’s naming our tendency to chase after what’s flashy but flimsy.
What are our swaying reeds? For me, it is endless video reels on my phone, worldly pleasures, entertainment in sports, and the good opinion of others. Inflated distractions that bend whichever way the wind blows. But they can’t satisfy my soul. What are your flimsy reeds?
John the Baptist wasn’t a swaying reed. He was rooted, grounded, and unafraid to speak the solid truth. The people went to see him because, deep down, they were starving for something real.
This Advent, the Church asks us to reassess: What are we really looking for? Are we chasing the dazzling but hollow? Or are we seeking what is solid and lasting — that which points to Christ?
— Father John Muir
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Love One Another Catholic Campaign
In the Summer of 2021, we entered the pilot wave of the Archdiocesan campaign, "Love One Another." Below is a video we produced to present some of our case elements. For a more detailed description of our case elements, or if you want to donate, please click here.
Welcome
St. John the Evangelist is a Roman Catholic Eucharistic community faithful to the values and traditions of the Church. We strive to live our faith every day, to embrace stewardship, and to be nurtured by continuous Christian Formation.