Mountain top experiences prepare us to Holy Week experiences…

This weekend’s first reading and Gospel take us to the mountain top. Two different atmospheres with basically same theme. Abraham took his beloved son Isaac to the land of Moriah to sacrifice him according to the command of God. We know the rest of the story: God was testing Abraham’s faithfulness. In the Gospel Jesus reveals his glory at the transfiguration. It is a message of hope and encouragement. What a grace for Peter and James and John to see Jesus transfigured. They got a preview of the glory of Jesus risen from the dead and his glory in heaven. We, as Christians, have promise of God, glory in Jesus, sharing in his risen life.
 
Just before receiving this special grace of seeing Jesus transfigured, Jesus told his disciples that he must suffer greatly, be rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days (Mark 8:31). How did they react? Peter rebuked Jesus for saying this, and Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan. After the mountain top experience Peter said, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Does this tell us something about ourselves? I think we all like mountain top experiences, and we want to stay there.
 
During the transfiguration heaven opened and there was voice that said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." During the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah were conversing with Jesus. They were talking about Jesus: his passion, death, and resurrection. What we see in common in the first reading and the Gospel is this: Abraham takes only his beloved son to Sacrifice. God the Father sends his only son to sacrifice. These readings prepare us for the celebration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Please meet and welcome our new St. Anthony Daycare director…

It is my pleasure to introduce myself as the new Daycare Director of St. Anthony’s parishioners and community members. My experience working with young children began in Park Falls, to which I have extensively added multiple schools and learning centers throughout the greater Milwaukee area, both public and private. I bring back to my hometown courage, knowledge, and humble wisdom. I grew up in Fifield, spending my free time in the summers swimming at Movrich Park. In the winter, I enjoyed sledding, skating, and reading. My daughter is eleven and attending Chequamegon School, enjoying music as she learns to play percussion. We are relishing the peace and tranquility of the abundant rivers and forests.  
 
During my eighteen years in Milwaukee, I had the privilege to study from various teachers associated with the University Arts Department of Milwaukee and in the Educational Field both as a student and teacher while attaining my Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree and Bachelor of Early Childhood Education degree. One of the most memorable and relatable experiences I bring to St. Anthony’s Daycare is a story about my time at a Milwaukee Public U.S. Grant School as a student teacher in Kindergarten for five-year-olds. The class had twenty-five children ranging in age and development and most had not received any schooling before this time. Many spoke other languages with English as primary and came from various types of households ranging in religious and economic backgrounds. As I learned from each of their growing personalities, and they learned a little bit of phonological awareness from me, it became apparent that I was going to change from this experience.
 
After months of growing pains, I became a beloved school teacher, adoring the children in all of their uniqueness. They became the highlight of my day, and as the days came to an end, I also grew as a teacher, learning that I had to let them go and grow onto the next grade. This shared experience of letting go is the one I will bring to every family here at St. Anthony’s as we will watch the children go and grow. 
 
I am opening a new chapter in my life as your Daycare Director. I will also cherish the shared joys and struggles with you as your families will go and grow. I look forward to spending time making sure every detail is attended to, and I welcome fresh ideas as we add to the current program here at St. Anthony’s Daycare. Please contact me if you wish to share your thoughts. St. Anthony Daycare needs your support as we will be looking for donations in the future.
~Thank you, Melissa Eitrem