Our Lady of Guadalupe & St. Patrick's Parishes

Spreading the Gospel on the South Side of Milwaukee

June 2025

Iskali: "A Living Response to the Call of the Spirit”

A message from Miguel Garcia, Iskali Missionary

This June marks six months since we launched the young adult ministry initiative at St. Patrick and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

I’m incredibly grateful for the love, support, and warm welcome from our community. None of this would be possible without your encouragement and prayers.

We officially began our Iskali Community on February 4th with over 10 young adults from areas like Racine, Burlington, and throughout Milwaukee. It quickly became clear how needed this ministry is for Latino young adults on the South Side. Today, we’ve grown to around 15 regular members and are planning to open an additional meeting day to welcome even more young people.

In March, we hosted our first social event outside the parish at Zócalo: Tragos, Tacos y Teología. The event created space for young adults to connect over drinks, food, and faith. Though the venue had a capacity of 50, over 70 young adults attended from across Milwaukee and even Chicago. We’re currently planning a second event!

We also held our first service day, where young adults cleaned the gym at Our Lady of Guadalupe and built a volleyball stand for future events. It was a powerful moment of community, ownership, and giving back. In addition, we’ve participated in community service outside the parish.

In April, we hosted our first adoration hour for young adults at St. Patrick, inspired by Cor Jesu. Over 30 young adults attended, with many going to confession some for the first time in years. We ended the evening with a social over sweet bread and hot chocolate, generously provided by my parents.

Our young adults are also stepping up as leaders serving as catechists in the Confirmation program, helping with this past Lent’s parish activities, and participating in Iskali retreats. Their presence is already transforming our community.

The Holy Spirit is clearly at work, and we’re excited for what’s next, including partnerships with the Archdiocese and participation in Mexican Fiesta.

Thank you for supporting this mission. We’re just getting started and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for the rest of the year.

Parish Life

Congratulations to the Recipients of

First Commnion 2025

We joyfully congratulate all the children who received their First Holy Communion this year.

This is a beautiful and sacred step in your journey of faith. May you always feel the presence of Jesus in your heart and continue to grow in love and devotion.

God bless you and your families on this special occasion!

Congratulations

to the recently confirmed!

“Here I am, Lord.

I come to do your will.”

We are filled with joy as we celebrate all the young people who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, may they live their faith with courage, love, and commitment.

May the Spirit they have received inspire them to be a light in their communities, to follow Christ’s path, and to serve with generous and open hearts.

The Church proudly accompanies them in prayer during this special moment of their spiritual journey, encouraging them to continue growing and witnessing their faith every day.

Congratulations confirmed adults!

We warmly celebrate all the adults who have recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation. This important step in your faith journey strengthens you with the Holy Spirit to live boldly, serve with love, and deepen your commitment to the Church.

May God continue to guide and bless you as you grow in faith and share His light with those around you.

For more photos, visit our gallery 📸

Thank You to Our Visitors

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who visited our parishes as part of the Parish Examen Process (led by Fr. Aaron and the visiting team).

Coming from Jesuit communities, your presence made this a meaningful and enriching time of reflection, dialogue, and shared mission.

We are grateful for the opportunity to grow together in faith.

Lenten Donations 2025

Update on Lenten Box Donations

We are grateful to share that, thanks to your generosity, a combined total of $5,303 was collected through this year’s Lenten box campaign through our two parishes. From this amount, $1,800 will be donated to support the St. Vincent de Paul meal program, which continues to serve those in greatest need.

We also want to be transparent and let you know that this year’s collection was lower than in previous years.

These donations are not only a beautiful expression of our Lenten commitment to almsgiving, but they also help support the day-to-day operations of our parishes. We deeply appreciate every contribution, and we thank you for walking with us in faith and service.

St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Meal Program

The St. Vincent de Paul Meal Program in Milwaukee has been serving warm, nutritious meals to children and adults in need for over 40 years. Operating at Harambee and Cross Roads Kitchens, the program serves meals six days a week, offering not just food, but also a welcoming and dignified environment.

We are proud to share that our Confirmation youth are volunteering at the meal centers, putting their faith into action through service to the community.

Learn more

Upcoming Events

God Our Father,

In your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless the fathers, godfathers, and foster care fathers of the Sister Parishes. Strengthen them so that they may become more fully the loving and caring men whom they are meant to be by the grace of Jesus Christ, though the intercession of St Joseph. Amen. 🙏

Father's day Celebration

Sunday June 15th

We warmly invite all fathers to join us for a special blessing during each Mass as we celebrate and honor them on this special day.

More information

Instagram

2025 Iskali Conference

The 2025 Iskali Conference is a transformative Catholic gathering created for and by young Latino adults who are ready to lead, serve, and grow in their faith.

Set at Casa Iskali, this four-day event will feature a powerhouse lineup of Catholic leaders, including Sister Paesie, Alan Graham, Christina Lamas, Vicente Del Real, Montse Alvarado, Fr. Esequiel Sánchez, and many more each bringing a unique voice to the mission of forming vibrant, faith-filled leaders for the Church and the world.

Expect dynamic keynotes, spiritual formation, community building, and joyful worship in an environment that celebrates culture, faith, and purpose.

Whether you're discerning your calling, looking to be inspired, or hoping to make lasting connections here's a place for you here.

Be part of the movement! Be part of Iskali!

Summer Camps -Casa Romero 2025

Fun, faith, art, leadership, and sports for kids and youth!

Casa Romero offers FREE camps for young people of different ages during June, July, and August. A great opportunity to learn, share, and grow in community!