2013-2014 Parish Annual Report - Queen of the Apostles Parish
Transcription
2013-2014 Parish Annual Report - Queen of the Apostles Parish
St. Mary Immaculate Conception Parish Tomah, Wisconsin Annual Report 2013-2014 Parish Information St. Mary Immaculate Conception Parish 303 West Monroe Street Tomah, Wisconsin 54660 Pastor: Monsignor Richard W. Gilles Associate Pastor: Father David Bruener Deacon: Rev. Mr. Robert Riedl msgr.gilles@gmail.com frbruener@stmarysic.com dcnbobriedl@centurytel.net Parish Office: Business Manager: Cindy Bailey Music Director: Barb Zupancich Maintenance: Jeff Atteln Parish Secretary: Katie Pierce 608-372-4516 cbailey@stmarysic.com bzupancich@stmarysic.com jatteln@stmarysic.com psecretary@stmarysic.com Religious Education Office: Director of Religious Education: Wanda Thorson 608-372-0825 wthorson@stmarysic.com School Office: Principal: Jack Sulik Secretary: Teresa Schoos 608-372-5765 jsulik@stmarysic.com tschoos@stmarysic.com Mass Times: Weekends: Saturday: 4:00pm Sunday: 8:00am and 10:30am Adoration Times: Tuesdays -- 4:30pm-5:30pm First Fridays -- After Mass-12:00pm (and Third Fridays, Sept-May) Weekdays: Tuesday: 5:30pm Wednesday-Friday: 8:05am Confession Times: Tuesdays – 5:00pm-5:20pm Saturdays -- 3:15pm-3:45pm Liberty Village Assisted Living Center: 1st and 3rd Thursdays: 10:00am Tomah Care Center: 2nd and 4th Thursdays: 10:00am Councils and Committees Parish Pastoral Council The Parish Pastoral Council meets on the third Tuesday of the odd months to discuss the pastoral planning, developing pastoral programs, improving pastoral services, and evaluating the pastoral effectiveness of various programs and services. Although the Council is not a body which makes binding decisions, the recommendations of the Pastoral Council are to be taken seriously when grounded in prayer, discernment and communal wisdom. Andrea Dalton Deacon Bob Riedl Paul Dwyer Karen Riggs Bill Fleming Ed Tomko Fred LeSavage Jodi Villacrez Mike MacLaren Joanne Westpfahl Dale Maternoski Deb Welch (Finance Council Rep) Glenn Pampuch Jack Sulik (Ex Officio) Oakley Moser Wanda Thorson (Ex Officio) Parish Finance Council The Parish Pastoral Council meets on the third Tuesday of the even months to assist the pastor in forming good policies for the administration of the parish’s financial resources and buildings and grounds. The kind of assistance offered by the finance council requires that its members have both dedication to the Church’s mission and skill in dealing with financial matters. Cindy Bailey Nancy Patterson Brian Eirschele Deacon Bob Riedl Jackie Johnson David Schreier Oak Moser Deb Welch David Nick Social Concerns Committee The Social Concerns Committee assists the Parish Pastoral Council in fostering pastoral concern and action for justice in the world, especially in all areas of parish life. Its concerns include promotion of the respect for all human life; the pastoral care of the afflicted, the needy, and the imprisoned; the pastoral care of migrants and refugees; just structures in the parish; stewardship; and the greater understanding of the Church’s teaching on social justice. Some examples of the endeavors of the SCC at St. Mary’s: “Helping Hands”: This board, located in the entrance of the Church, encourages parishioners to seek help from other parishioners with anything they may need by filling out a card and posting it on the board, whether it be a ride to Mass or help mowing their lawn. Others can then peruse the board and if they’re able, give aid to those who need it. Baby Bottle Drive: This fundraiser, held throughout the month of October, raises money for a home or center that dedicates its mission to supporting the dignity of all human life. By handing out baby bottles and asking parishioners to fill it with spare change, this year’s drive was able to raise over $3000 that was then donated to the Hannah Center in Marshfield! “Early Milestones” Poster: The SCC places a poster that details each month of pregnancy and charts a baby’s growth. The first month is posted on the Feast of the Annunciation and goes to Christmas, so parishioners are able to “follow” Jesus’ development in his Blessed Mother’s womb and learn about the intricacies and the beauty of all babies even before they are born. Beth Arity Oakley Moser Steve Arttus Julia Palmer Fred LeSavage Jenny Parker Mary MacLaren Mary Radl Mike MacLaren Lorraine Riedl Dale Maternoski, Chair Building and Grounds Committee This committee provides advice in areas related to capital expenditures, maintenance and repair of the parish, buildings and grounds. Members assist the pastor and finance council using personal knowledge in the fields of architecture, electrical systems, mechanical systems, landscaping, lighting, interior and exterior finishes, masonry and more. Steve Arttus Mike Linzmeier Jeff Atteln Oak Moser Brian Eirschele, Chair Terry Winchel Family Life Committee The Family Life Committee assists the Parish Pastoral Council in fostering Christian family life in the parish. Among its concerns is the central place of the family in all parish pastoral activities. The FLC heads up special parish events such as: Parish Picnic: Remembering that all of our individual families make up our one big parish family, the FLC has organized a Parish Picnic, held at Winnebago Park after 10:30am Mass, to make an effort to spend time with one another in a fun setting. Grilling, games and fellowship make this event one to remember. Memorial Mass: A special Memorial Mass is held on All Souls’ Day to remember those in our parish family that have gone to be with the Lord over the course of the year. Families are invited to come to the Mass, light a candle for their loved ones, and place a picture in a display at the front of the church. Mardi Gras: The Saturday before Ash Wednesday marks our parish’s celebration of an old tradition. We come together to celebrate as a parish family with a band, games, and a potluck dinner after Saturday Mass. In this celebration, we also take the time to honor selected members of our parish for their volunteer efforts. Jamie Cram Jeff Cram Nicole Cram Paul Dwyer, Chair Colleen Grovesteen Greg Grovesteen Maureen Juracich Brian Katzenberg Sandi Katzenberg Mary Ann Komiskey Judy Kreuzer Glenn Pampuch Kim Pampuch Heather Ravenscroft Bryan Richmond Kay Richmond Phil Schreiner Gloria Spyrison Susan Vos Cemetery This committee provides a vehicle that enhances the ability of the parish to administer the parish cemetery facility. The Cemetery Committee is advisory in nature. It advises the Pastor on cemetery operational matters and makes policy suggestions regarding the cemetery operation. The committee allows safeguards to be put in place that will insure the on-going, long term viability of the cemetery even in the face of changing pastors, committee personnel and changing parish demographics. Mary Baggot Cindy Bailey Lamont Dechant Jenny Parker Chuck Pollard Jerry Zuhlsdorf Sacred Worship Committee The Sacred Worship Committee is to assist the Parish Pastoral Council in fostering, first and foremost, the liturgical life of the parish as celebrated in the Sacraments and other rites of the Church, with special attention to the sick and isolated in the parish. The SWC, in consultation with Msgr. Gilles, is in charge of decorating the church, coordinating the music played at Mass, and organizing schedules of lectors, Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion (at Mass and for the Homebound), ushers and servers. Marge Diehl Tess Saunders Tony Felber Barb Sullivan Joanie McNamar Wanda Thorson Lisa Mueller Joanne Westpfahl Deacon Bob Riedl Barb Zupancich Catholic Formation and Education Committee The purpose of the Catholic Formation Committee is to give leadership to the parish, Parish Pastoral Council and Christian Formation staff in the areas of Catholic Formation/Religious Education for children, youth, young adults, adults, families and many specialized groups. Their concerns include religious instruction, sacramental preparation, evangelization, family life, vocation, spirituality and ecumenical and interfaith activities. Periodically ad hoc subcommittees will be formed. Anna Boyko Megan Reisinger Yvette DeSanctis Stephany Schroeder Melanie Frei Brittany Simon Lynn Furlano Jack Sulik Cathy Gorius Kathy Teclaw Jessica Groth Wanda Thorson, Chair Amber Hoheisel Jodi Villacrez Irma Keller Candace Weber Elizabeth Kenworthy Kathy Wolf Josh Larson Parish Groups Men’s Group -- That Man Is You That Man is You is an interactive, multimedia men’s program focused upon the development of authentic male leadership. Over the course of three years, TMIY successively considers men in their relationship to God, to their spouse and to their children. That Man is You honestly addresses the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers. The program harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive. In its first year here at St. Mary’s, 40-50 men met on Wednesday mornings at 5:00am, successfully employing the agenda and directives set before them. Youth Group -- Audax Domino (Bold for the Lord) St. Mary and St. Andrew have started to really put forth the effort to maintain a fruitful youth group. This year, kids from both parishes enjoyed many activities, including a twice-monthly addition to the Wednesday night CCD program termed “AD Night” which began with a catechesis lesson followed by a group activity. Examples of the group activities included a “Fear Factor” game night, bowling nights, and trips to the movie theater. A trip to Plover was made to see Jason Evert, a nationally renowned author and speaker who founded the Chastity Project, which promotes chastity and modesty in our youth. Students also worked hard to fundraise for two major events, the Steubenville Youth Conference and the March for Life in Washington, DC. Steubenville North Youth Conference – Held in St. Paul, MN in July, the conference presented 13 students with the opportunity to accept an invitation to spiritual growth. The conference weekend is about developing the gifts given at Baptism and sealed at Confirmation. It’s about hearing dynamic speakers instruct and challenge teens in: prayer, chastity, service, and the power of the sacraments. You will discover that Christianity is not for the weak and timid; it is not a crutch; and it is not boring! It is about meeting hundreds of people on fire for the Lord: laughing, crying, talking, singing, praying, dancing and being encouraged to take a stand for Christ. The students had a wonderful time and are anxiously looking forward to the next conference. March for Life – In January, 21 students made the journey from Tomah to Washington, DC for the 41st Annual March for Life. Snow and cold temperatures that wouldn’t merit a snow day in Wisconsin shut down the city, but the group made the most of their trip and were able to march alongside hundreds of thousands of pro-lifers whose aim was to bring attention to the fact that for 41 years, over 56 million babies have been made victims due to the legalization of abortion. This trip was an eye-opener for the students, who came back from this personal encounter with a new attitude toward the horrors that abortions bring about. Evangelical Catholic (Disciples of Christ) Evangelic Catholic, a ministry based in Madison that helps parishes establish ways to form intentional disciples, has been helping us implement our "Disciples of Christ" small groups. These groups have been formed to enable parishioners with an environment that encourages us to have a closer, better relationship with Jesus and teaches us the importance of evangelizing our beautiful faith to those around us. Small groups provide fellowship, loving and non-judgmental support, discussion, spiritual growth and the opportunity to experience deeper faith-based relationships. When you surround yourself with good people who have the same goals, it’s amazing what can happen. We need each other. Other people depend upon our willingness to grow in personal holiness. We are being called by God to share, love and grow in our faith. Discipleship is a call to go beyond attendance and involvement (as good as that can be); rather it is the surrender of our whole heart and soul to Jesus with trust. This is what you really take with you to heaven, which is the soul’s expansion to touch God. Bible Studies Over the course of this year, many people have been participating in various bible and prayer studies, including First Corinthians, Walking Toward Eternity, and Oremus. Descriptions of each are as follows: First Corinthians: The conflicts of the early Christians in Corinth are in many ways similar to our struggles today as Christians. With divisions, immorality, persecution, and other trials of the faithful, the message of St. Paul to the Corinthians is a much-needed message for our own times. First Corinthians: The Church and the Christian Community explores the key elements that the apostle Paul introduced to a new and growing Church. St. Paul taught the Corinthians about the nature of grace and the Church as the Body of Christ. In addition, he introduced the Corinthian Christians to the most powerful gift of all, the Eucharist. Epic: A Journey Through Church History: this study focused on the 2000 years of history that the Catholic Church has experienced. Discovering the major people, places and events of the first 500 years, recognizing that the early Christian church was truly the Catholic Church, discovering that many of the challenges facing the Church today are the same ones boldly confronted by the early Church fathers and learning how the heroic stories of the saints can challenge and affirm our own walks of faith are just some of the highlights of this program. Walking Toward Eternity: Walking Toward Eternity, a women’s study group, is a series of studies designed to help make real and lasting changes in lives. Through a prayerful reading of Scripture, personal reflection, and a commitment to action, you will grow in faith and be given the means to put it into practice in your daily life. Walking Toward Eternity combines devotional reading of Scripture (lectio divina), personal journaling, group discussion, video commentary, personal witness, and prayer. All of these components serve to illustrate what it means to be a Christian. You will discover how to live out your faith by turning to Scripture and the teachings of the Church, learning practical steps for living a life of holiness and virtue. Oremus: The Oremus study program teaches you the essentials of an effective and fruitful prayer life. Over the course of eight weeks you will discover how God speaks to you, even in the smallest encounters. Following the Tradition of the Catholic Church and the wisdom of the saints, you will learn how to express yourself to God in prayer, and how to hear his voice. Parish Events This year was filled with different events and happenings at St. Mary’s. The year seemed to speed by, but St. Mary’s provided many opportunities to help parishioners continue on their own personal spiritual journeys, or just occasions to enjoy their parish family. Fall Fest: Held on the third weekend in September, our parishioners and community gathered at St. Mary’s to enjoy a delicious chicken dinner, a farmer’s market and bake sale, and fellowship. Reiny Popp was the big raffle winner, winning the grand prize of $5000! Mark Lind, Monsignor Gilles, Jenny Kreuzer, Lambert Hemmersbach, Chuck Pollard and Shelly Betthauser also took home raffle winnings, and Mike Linehan won the coveted 4 Badger Football tickets! During the fest, Steve and Mary Paul provided entertainment with a karaoke machine, and everyone enjoyed watching the Packers dominate the Detroit Lions on the big screen. A good time was had by all! Pet Blessing: On October 4, the feast day of St. Francis, the school kids and parishioners brought their pets to the school playground to be blessed by Monsignor Gilles, an avid dog lover. A horse, chickens, cats, dogs, and rabbits were among the chaos. Hungry Souls: October was spent reading the book “Hungry Souls”, a book about purgatory and how some souls are permitted to journey back into this life in order to request our prayers for them. This book poignantly underscores two things: 1) the absolute holiness of God, and 2) that absolutely no sin or effects of sin may enter into the presence of God. This book solidifies the church’s teaching of the Mystical Body of Christ being those in heaven, on earth, and in purgatory, and we can’t forget about anyone! We also viewed “Purgatory: the Forgotten Church”, dedicated to uncovering the mystery, meaning and hope of purgatory. Both the book and documentary made for enlightening discussions and knowledge of an often-rejected church teaching. Rome Pilgrimage: Monsignor Gilles led a group from our parish on a pilgrimage to Rome at the end of October. The group spent time taking in the sights of Rome and Vatican City, Orvieto, Assisi, Florence and Venice. They came back with many stories and pictures of a wonderful trip. Tajci in Concert: On October 22, St. Mary’s welcomed world famous singer Tajci to our church where she put on an amazing and inspiring show. Her music told the story of her spiritual journey, beginning as a pop star in Croatia, and then leaving fame and fortune to find her unique identity out of the spotlight. Over 300 people came to the concert! 33 Days to Morning Glory: Parishioners were invited to consecrate themselves to Mary in self-retreat style by reading 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley. The book focuses on how St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximillian Kolbe, Blessed Mother Teresa and Pope St. John Paul II all sought to bring their hearts closer to Jesus through Mary, and it encourages all of us to do the same. St. Louis de Montfort remarked that Marian Consecration is “a smooth, short, perfect and sure way of attaining union with our Lord.” Volunteer Appreciation: On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, our parish’s patronal feast day, we held our annual “Volunteer Appreciation Night” for all our parish’s volunteers, which numbers into the 200s. Our parish thrives on all the wonderful and generous people that are able and willing to help out at any moment’s notice, and a good number of people attended the get-together after the Mass, though the temperature was well below zero! The Bells of St. Mary’s: In December, a third bell was added to the bell tower. Now, a new sound can be heard when the bells peal! Lights were also added to the steeple, so now St. Mary’s can be seen from miles away, even at night. Youth Stock Sale: Throughout December and January, “stock” was sold in our youth. The Youth Stock Sale was a unique way of raising money to promote our youth activities. The money from the sale went to help fund events like the Steubenville Youth Conference, March for Life, and diocesan youth rallies. The stockholders were then invited to a dinner in February to hear about the different experiences of the students. Fr. Dave to EKW: On January 1st, Fr. Dave took over duties at the Tri-Parish Community of Elroy, Kendall and Wilton after Fr. Dickman left for the Mary Knoll Missions. Fr. Dave was still able to make it back to St. Mary’s once a week to say Mass, but his main duties were with the Tri-Parishes. We said goodbye for good to Fr. Dave at the end of June when he was transferred to St. Michael and Resurrection Parishes in Wausau. Lenten Thursdays: Lent brought about Lenten Thursdays, where Adoration was held, followed by the Stations of the Cross, and then a Soup and Sandwich dinner. These days were good for the body and soul! Parish Mission: Also during Lent, we held our parish mission with Father Chris Crotty. Fr. Crotty is a dynamic personality who frequently uses the phrase “Let me tell you a story…”. A member of the Fathers of Mercy, Father Crotty founded the Institute of the Holy Spirit which specializes in giving healing missions and retreats. At St. Mary’s, Father Crotty gave four different talks Sunday-Wednesday, focusing on spiritual and inner healing, and he prayed over the congregation. Divine Mercy Sunday: The week after Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Francis canonized two popes, John Paul II and John XXIII. At St. Mary’s, a Divine Mercy service was held, with a talk given by Deacon Bob while confessions were heard. Pastoral Planning: Beginning in June, steps to begin the process to merge St. Mary and St. Andrew parishes started to go into effect. If everything goes to plan, we will have a new parish as of July 1, 2015. Corpus Christi Procession: The Corpus Christi procession took place after 10:30am Mass on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Blessed Sacrament is processed down the street, around the Tomah Middle School and then back around to St. Mary’s. In this year’s procession, the parish sang hymns and said prayers, the second graders dressed formally in their First Communion attire, the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard walked alongside the priest, servers carried incense, bells, and the cross, and four men carried a canopy to honor Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist at the head of the procession. The procession stopped at three altars along the route: one sponsored by the students who received Sacraments this year, another by the men’s group, and the last by the women’s group. New Members People experience the presence of Christ in the world through the ministry of the Church and her members. Christian hospitality is the visible expression of Christian love, drawing people together, opening them to participation in the life of the Church, and setting the tone for the way we pray at Mass. More than just performing functions, the goal of the ministry of hospitality is to make the love of Jesus more visible and tangible to everyone who comes to Sunday Mass. St. Mary’s welcomed 26 new families to our parish this year: George and Barbara Amendolare Melissa Antone and Family Jennifer and Brian Bailey and Family Theresa Bauer and Family Johanna Deane and Family Jean Felber Patricia Hart James and Ashely Jilek and Family Alisa Johnson and Family Tim and Michelle Jorgensen and Family Donna Kelley Jay and Marsy Koca and Family Jennifer Kreuzer Michelle Losby Tom and Tammy Malone and Family James and Talia McCabe and Family Oakley and Jenna Moser Robert and Stephanie Munoz Lee and Andrea Peterson and Family Chad and Nicki Pope and Family Pam Rixie Thomas and Krista Tardiff and Family Martin and Mary Waltemath Ron Whelan and Family Rebecca and Daniel Williams and Family Tara and Doug Wright Liturgical Ministries We have a large amount of wonderful volunteers who assist at each Mass in different capacities: Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, Ushers and Servers. These groups are full of dedicated parishioners serving week in and week out. Lectors From the very beginning, Christians have gathered together to hear the word of God, and, from the very beginning, there have been individuals entrusted with the task of reading the word. The lector carries out his or her primary function during the Liturgy of the Word. Here they proclaim God's Word to His people so that, strengthened by the words of Holy Scripture, they might come to a deeper love of God and a fuller Christian life. Beth Arity Tom Baumgarten Kayla Bernhardt Penny Berry Susanne Betthauser Mary Conway Dave Dechant Larry Dechant Natalie Divyak Bill Fleming Tom Frei Phil Haun Tom Hillman Kelly Honish Steve Honish Al Janeczko Sandy Janeczko Deb Keene Mike Kelly Jan Koranda Dennis Koranda Al Laylan Fred LeSavage Oakley Moser Mary Paul Tracey Pierce Marilyn Ratliff Lorraine Riedl Tess Saunders Larry Scheckel Phil Schreiner Mike Schroeder Don Tralmer Dan Wall Stan Zdrojowy Helen Zdrojowy Mary Zuhlsdorf EMHC (Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion) Extraordinary Ministers for the distribution of Holy Communion are properly formed, instructed and commissioned lay persons. These ministers are appointed for a given parish community to aid in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and to the sick and homebound when ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are unavailable. EMHCs are not to function apart from their parish community. Ordinarily, EMHCs do not perform any other liturgical ministry at the Mass at which they serve as an EMHC. In order for a person to be appointed as an EMHC, the following conditions must be met: • Be a Catholic living in harmony with the teachings of the Church and be able to receive the Eucharist • Be of sufficient age and maturity, and be confirmed to perform the duties of an EMHC • Be chosen and appointed by the pastor, and approved by the Bishop for the parish entrusted to them Steve Arttus Lynn Baumgarten Tom Baumgarten Peter Blum Doug Brieske Fay Brieske Jeanine Brieske Deb Cleven Andrea Dalton Larry Dechant Sara Dechant Eileen DiBenedetto Marge Diehl Donna Eirschele Greg Eirschele Nancy Felber Tony Felber Bill Fleming Lynn Furlano Jim Glaser Kitty Gnewikow Barb Grygleski Phil Haun Kelly Honish Richard Honish Steve Honish Al Janeczko Sandy Janeczko Deb Keene Dan Klema Dennis Koranda Jan Koranda Jaime Kuhn Michelle Kuhn Al Laylan Fred LeSavage Teresa Linzmeier Dale Maternoski LuAnn Maternoski Joanie McNamar Oak Moser Deb Murphy Shirley Neurohr Dorothy Nicol Scott Nicol Glenn Pampuch Kim Pampuch Teresa Pierce Tracey Pierce Marilyn Ratliff Marie Rice Pat Rice Bryan Richmond Kay Richmond Karen Riggs Tess Saunders Larry Scheckel Ruth Ann Schober Phil Schreiner Deb Stott Paul Stott Wanda Thorson Mary Thompson Don Tralmer Philip Vanderbloemen Emily Wall Tom Wolf Alice Zastoupil Stan Zdrojowy Helen Zdrojowy Mary Zuhlsdorf Ushers An Usher is the first official representative of the congregation seen when entering the church. Ushers play many roles before, during, and after Mass. The primary role of an Usher is to help people to feel welcome and comfortable when they come to church. Ushers are an outward sign of our parish’s hospitality and commitment to Christian service. Ushers also play an important role in ensuring that various parts of the Mass flow smoothly and in an organized manner. They gather the weekly offering, direct the gift bearers, and attend to the needs of the parishioners as necessary. Kirk Arity Jeff Atteln Noah Blum Peter Blum Doug Brieske Duke Brieske Jeanine Brieske Frank DiBenedetto Bob Dippen Gene Fisher Bill Fleming Gary Friedl Ann Grygleski Ed Grygeski Jr. Ed Grygleski Dan Grygleski Phil Haun Monica Haun Bob Hemmersbach Karen Hollingsworth Richard Honish Mike Linzmeier Tom Mangene Mike Mullenberg Glenn Pampuch Chuck Pollard Reinhart Popp Pat Rice Larry Scheckel Mike Schroeder Roger Schreier Paul Skofronick Pam Steinmetz Tim Strahm Terry Winchel Vernie Vandervort Jim Weinzatl Rick Welch Pete White Paul Wolf Jerry Zuhlsdorf Mary Zuhlsdorf Servers Beginning in the fourth grade, children of our parish are invited to sign up to be an altar server. Altar servers serve the congregation, the priests and one another in celebrating the Mass. By learning to be an altar server, young people provide vital assistance to the church and help lead the congregation in prayer. They learn to respect God’s church but also learn to respect themselves. It also is a fulfilling way to start a lifetime of service to God, his church and his people. Regular attendance at church, an ability to make a commitment and a family that values worshipping together in the community are all required elements of a successful server. Altar serving is an important and necessary job. It builds character and requires making a commitment. At the same time it teaches many of the principles we try to teach our children. Daniel Amberg Allyson Amberg Cahil Arity Jesse Arity Austin Arttus Jesse Arttus Katelynn Bailey Blaine Baribeau Ryan Bernhardt Abbi Gale Borden Andrew Boulden Rachel Boulden Zach Boulden Sam Burbach Cheyenne Check Carisa Cleven Cymon Cleven Natalie Fleming Justin Guthrie Allison Grygleski Nathan Grygleski Luke Grygleski Cody Hall Jacob Hall Mitchel Hemmersbach Joseph Hesse Aaron Honish Noah Johnson Isaac Klema John Klouda Jeremy Kuhn Madeline Kuhn Brett Larkin Devin Leary Zachary Mountain Marc Mutka Noah Nick Lane Rowley Jared Rubenzer Amelia Schanhofer Ty Schanhofer Alexis Spiers Samantha Storkel Nicole Sweeney John Tahtinen Nolan Tessman Sacraments Baptism “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word” (CCC, 1213). From July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014, the following listed represent the 23 infant baptisms and one adult baptism from the parish, and an additional seven infant baptisms from outside the parish. Samaya Renaye Suber Olivia Isabella Gutierrez Kyleen Sue Bloomingdale Julianna Rose Pyke McKenna Nicole Tardiff Melanie Kaelyn Shannon Ava Lynn Jilek Dylan James Cram Madison Mae Davis Connor Richard Treu Benjamin Lee Bradley Mathew Thomas Munoz Luvenia Marileigh Avila Alyssia Avila Porfirio Julian Avila Quinn Cecilia Haldeman Oliver Jeffery Cram Clare Terese Burbach Ernest Albert Renkert IV Dalton Wayne Johnson Evan Kelly Johnson Grace Mae Laylan Nora Grace Hirschfield Maddox James Fawcett Anthony Paul Williams MaKenley Marie Von Haden Elly Mae Kristina Vlasek Gabrielle Therese Peterson Michaelee Michelle Koca First Holy Communion The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch. The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being. It is the culmination both of God's action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship men offer to Christ and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit. Finally, by the Eucharistic celebration we already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal life, when God will be all in all (CCC, 1324-1326). Six adults in RCIA received their First Holy Communion on the Easter Vigil, and in May, 28 second graders from St. Mary’s School and St. Mary’s Religious Education program received for the first time: Bobbi Jo Handy Florence Marguerite Leefeldt Kevin Lee Ravenscroft Ernest Albert Renkert Katie Anne Sauter Savanna Jo Wilder Kate Elizabeth Berry Anthony Allen Ignatius Bogaczyk Jayden Victor Brieske Charles Lathan Cottrill Darwin Michael Giallombardo Avery Marcel Hagen Morgan Raye Jensen Dalton Wayne Johnson Gabriel Alexander Knutson Makenzie Renee Kohn Aidan Jameson Koll Joseph James Kube Emmalyn Mae Larson Jonah Thomas Nick Rylie Kathleen Olson Kendall Leigh Peterson Preston William Peterson Isaac Samuel Ravenscroft Brin Marie Rewey Rylee Ann Rubenzer Nathan James Sankey Kirstin Kay Schmidt Chloe May Schroeder Jacob William Spiers Ashton James Steele Ryan Joseph Thorson Angelina Marie Tomko Olivia Jean Wall Confirmation Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off "the aroma of Christ. By this anointing the confirmand receives the "mark," the seal of the Holy Spirit. A seal is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object (CCC, 1285, 1294-95). During the Easter Vigil, Monsignor Gilles confirmed eight adults, and in May Bishop Callahan confirmed 25 from St. Mary and St. Andrew. Jesse Raye Arttus Kayla Marie Bernhardt Mary Ellen Conway Hunter Jameson Dawley Jordyn Emily Dechant Christina Marie Diehl Shaina Ann Ducklow Sophie Mae Eckelberg Zachary Farver Kaylee Rose Grovesteen Nathan Edward Grygleski Matracia Lynn Hemmersbach Michael Allen Kelley Alex Arnold Knoepker Alison Rose Krultz Christopher Michael Larkin Matthew Hal Larkin Jacob Allen Parker Courtney Ann Sankey Eric Mitchell Stoikes Samantha Lynn Storkel Nicole Paige Sweeney Elle Carmichael Tahtinen Alicia Maureen Vlasek Rebecca Jean Wolf Marriage The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. The vocation to marriage is written in the very nature of man and woman as they came from the hand of the Creator. Marriage is not a purely human institution despite the many variations it may have undergone through the centuries in different cultures, social structures, and spiritual attitudes. These differences should not cause us to forget its common and permanent characteristics. Although the dignity of this institution is not transparent everywhere with the same clarity, some sense of the greatness of the matrimonial union exists in all cultures. The well-being of the individual person and of both human and Christian society is closely bound up with the healthy state of conjugal and family life (CCC, 1601, 1603). Six marriages were celebrated at St. Mary’s from July 1, 2013 – June 20, 2014. Robert John Phares and Daelynn Marie Butzler Trenton Logan Wilder and Savanna Jo Westbrook Gerald Herbert Ewert and Linda Marie Greenwell Thomas Edward Boulden and Jill Elizabeth Hendrickson Lawrence Mathias Dechant and Shirley Lavonne Erickson David Allen Turner and Erin Elizabeth Welch Deaths Prayer for the dead is one of the greatest acts of charity we can perform to help them in their state of purification so that they can enter more quickly into the fullness of heaven. Remember in your prayers the following who were called to their eternal reward and received a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014: Arthur Thompson Carol Parish Geraldine Giacento Carol Farmer Theresa Betthauser Jean Fishbune Patricia Kozarek Vernon Evans Raymond Giertych John Schumann Melvin Westpfahl LaVern Betthauser Marvelyn Pedersen Mary Westpfahl Jeanette Johnson Jane Mashin Marlene Betthauser Andrew Tetzlaff Dale Scott Margaret Zastoupil James Murray Sylvia Ebert Rae Huber Kyla Gould Neoma Goodenough Eternal rest grant unto them, o Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Religious Education As children we are taught the basics by our parents, as they are the first teachers of the faith. Next, we put those teachings together in our Catholic Schools or Religious Education programs. We are taught prayers, learn about the teachings of Jesus, and how to live a moral life. And finally, we put these teachings into action. And if we do it for God, others will look to us and see grace, beauty, and most of all, happiness. Around 90 students were enrolled in this year’s Religious Education program from grades K10. Classes for the younger students (Grades K-4) were held on Sunday mornings from 9:00am-10:15am, with class Mass once a month. The older students (Grades 5-10) attended class on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm-7:45pm. This year, AD Nights (Youth Group) were held twice a month for grades 9 and 10, and those class times were extended by 45 minutes. Students spend the year learning about different facets of our faith, from creation until now. Confessions and Masses are scheduled throughout the year to aid the students on their own spiritual journeys. Catechists Effective Catechesis involves 8 “Be-C’s: Be Christ-centered Be Clear Be Consistent Be Concrete Be Creative Be Compassionate Be Charitable Be Catechetical To be Christ-centered is to reflect our own personal love for Christ and to reflect God’s love for the children. To be clear is to be simple and concise in our teaching. Simplicity comes from being prepared. We need to be direct and to know our subject matter. To be consistent, develop a general pattern for teaching so that most of the time children know what to expect. Variety is important too, but so is repetition. In fact, repetition is essential to learning. So don’t be afraid to repeat. To be concrete is to use lots of examples, to relate whatever one is teaching to the world the child knows. To be creative is to use one’s imagination and other personal gifts in one’s teaching and to draw on the imagination and personal gifts of the children. To be compassionate is to care about each child, to allow for individual differences as well as class needs, to be patient. To be charitable is to be kind, to anticipate children’s needs, to give them the opportunity to grow in charity themselves by cultivating in them thoughtfulness of others. To be catechetical is to be evangelistic. To catechize or evangelize is to reach out not only to the children, but through them to their families. Every lesson should incorporate prayer, Bible, liturgy, and doctrine. Grades K-1: Trish Skofronick Grade 2: Wanda Thorson Grade 3: Tammy Nick Grade 4: Joni Hinz Grade 5: Katie Pierce Grade 6: Kitty Gnewikow Grade7: Karen Riggs Grade 8: Fr. Dave Bruener, Stephanie Kazmierczak, Tom and Melanie Frei Grade 9: Jon Burbach Grade 10: Msgr. Gilles, Wanda Thorson, and Greg Zingler RCIA The RCIA, (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), is a process through which non-baptized men and women enter the Catholic Church. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass. Participants in the RCIA are known as catechumens. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Also included in the RCIA process are those coming into full communion with the Catholic Church describes the process for entrance into the Catholic Church for men and women who are baptized Christians but not Roman Catholics. These individuals make a profession of faith, celebrate Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist, but they are not baptized again. To prepare for this reception, the people, who are called “candidates,” usually participate in the RCIA formation program to help them understand and experience the specific teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. Candidates, however, have already been baptized and committed to Jesus Christ, and many of them have also been active members of other Christian communities. Bobbi Jo Handy Florence Marguerite Leefeldt Anastasha Randorf Kevin Lee Ravenscroft Pamela Marie Rixie Ernest Albert Renkert Katie Anne Sauter Savanna Jo Wilder St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School St. Mary’s Grade School enrolled almost 200 students for the 2013-2014 school year, making it the largest Catholic grade school in the La Crosse Diocese outside of the unified systems. With the parents, parish, and extended community, St. Mary’s School offers the opportunity for each child to develop moral values and life skills that are necessary for reaching his/her full potential. St. Mary’s School is guided by the teachings of Jesus and his Church and is committed to the formation of responsible Christians who are prepared for their future responsibilities to church, family, and community. Faculty and Staff Principal: Mr. Jack Sulik Secretary: Ms. Teresa Schoos 4 Year Old Kindergarten: Mrs. Jennifer Spencer Aide: Mrs. Melissa Hesse 5 Year Old Kindergarten: Mrs. Mary Maclaren Aide: Mrs. Kathy Lesavage Grade 1: Mrs. Maureen Pike Grade 2: Ms. Patty Bauer Grade 3: Ms. Elizabeth Kenworthy Grade 4: Mrs. Sue Farmer Grade 5: Ms. Amber Hoheisel Grade 6: Mr. Jerry Prusinski Grade 7: Ms. Megan Reisinger Grade 8: Ms. Ruth Ann Schober Phy Ed/Computers: Mr. Tyler Nelson Music: Mrs. Barb Zupancich Librarian: Mrs. Therese Conway Maintenance: Mr. Jeff Atteln Food Service Director: Mrs. Deb Keene Cook: Mrs. Jackie Dwyer St. Mary’s said goodbye to four wonderful members of the staff who are retiring. Thanks Ms. Schober, Mrs. Keene, Mrs. MacLaren and Mrs. LeSavage - we will be eternally grateful for all you have given to us. Congratulations on your retirement! A social was held on June 1st after the 10:30am Mass so that the parish and community could celebrate in their retirement. All have been involved at St. Mary’s for many, many years, and their service did not go unnoticed at our parish. School Events St. Mary’s provides many opportunities for the students to grow in their spiritual lives, as well as learn in a positive atmosphere with small class sizes. Prayer services are held each month, and each of the upper grades attend Eucharistic Adoration on First and Third Fridays. Students are encouraged to participate in different sports and clubs, and in different activities and events put on at St. Mary’s. Once a month, the student council sponsors a ‘Jorge Day’, where students are allowed to break dress code to dress up according to the theme of the day (examples include Career Day and Favorite Athlete Day) for one dollar. Several pep rallies were held this year to support the basketball and volleyball teams, and a talent show was held to showcase the various gifts of all the students. Other main events held over the last school year include: Living Rosary: Two students represented a bead of the rosary and were in charge of leading the prayer designated to that bead (Our Father, Hail Mary, etc.) Eucharistic Procession: In October, students had a mini Corpus Christi procession, where, due to the weather, the students processed behind the Blessed Sacrament from the church to an altar in the gym and back to church. Grandparents Day: Grandparents of all the students were invited to come in to school and sit in the classroom with their grandchild. Special activities were planned, and after an All-School Mass, the school had a big lunch to celebrate their special time with their grandparents. Saint Party: On All Saints Day, students in the younger grades each picked a saint to dress up as and an afternoon filled with games and fun was held to display their costumes. Viterbo Plays: All students take a field trip to Viterbo College in La Crosse to see different plays throughout the year. This year, some plays seen included “Jamestown”, “Ahmal and the Night Visitor”, “The Civil War”, and “Henry and Mudge.” Christmas Program: An annual treat for parents and students is the Christmas Program, directed by Barb Zupancich. All the students spent their music classes preparing for the two plays (one by the younger students and one by the older students). The pre-school kids charmed the audience with their sweet singing, and the staff performed two hastily-rehearsed numbers. Diaper Drive: The school holds a Christmas Diaper Drive each year in order to pack the food pantry full of diapers for families who can’t afford them. This year’s drive, “When I’m Dry, I Don’t Cry” was very successful, with thousands of diapers donated in addition to hundreds of dollars to go toward the food pantry. Catholic Schools Week: Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. All week, different events are held for students, staff and parishioners. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation. This year, the staff and students separated into “countries” and held an Olympics-style competition, though a few days were cancelled due to snow days. Events included roller-skating, brains competition, Living Rosary, Battle of the Books, teacher swaps, an Academic Fair followed by a family dinner, a cake walk, and all-school team building activities. An All-School Mass and vocations talks were also held throughout the week. St. Pat’s Carnival: Held on the Sunday closest to March 17 (this year, March 16), the St. Mary’s PTA put on this major fundraiser. The day included carnival games, a cake walk, lunch, raffles, and lots of family fun. Volunteer Appreciation: Every spring, the school hosts a social to appreciate all of their volunteers who give their time to make this school run a little smoother. Tutors, room parents, recess volunteers and office helpers are among this great group of people. An All-School Mass was held beforehand and then the students joined the volunteers in the parish hall for milk and cookies. The school continues to be so thankful for all these wonderful people who help out! Last Day of School: On the last day of school (pushed back one day due to all the snow days), the students went down to the park to participate in a bunch of activities headed by the faculty. After each group of students had a chance to do every game, they had free time at the park before eating brats and hotdogs and then were dismissed for the summer! Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) The PTA is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to: Establish and maintain a partnership between parents and teachers in providing for the educational needs of St. Mary’s students Work with the school in supporting extra-curricular activities for school children Support school projects through fund-raising events Annual Dues: Each family is asked to pay $10 each year to help cover annual costs. Some examples of what the monies are used for on an annual basis include the following: 8th grade graduation gifts, teacher classroom supplies - $150.00 per each teacher for the purchase of classroom materials, playground maintenance, and First Communion celebratory breakfast, In addition to annual costs, special requests are made by the school and its teachers as needs arise. Last school year the PTA purchased new televisions and mounts for all classrooms, paid for the busing to the Festival of Nations, paid for the Chamber of Commerce membership and made a donation to St. Mary’s Parish. St. Mary’s School 2013-2014 PTA Board Co-Presidents: Shana Steele and Kate Schanhofer Co-Vice Presidents: Emily Wall and Kate Mathison Secretary: Amy King Treasurer: Trish Skofronick Advisors: Annie Fleming and Michelle Kuhn Through the leadership of the board, parents and students were able to enjoy several different activities and fundraisers such as the open house Bouncy House, family movie nights, a Scrapbooking Day, tailgating party, and of course, the St. Pat’s Carnival. Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW) The PCCW is made up of all the women in Saint Mary Parish and is comprised of twelve guilds. The PCCW’s purpose is to: Bring us together through religious, educational, and social activities Assist the Pastor in parish needs Foster a respect for life and a concern for the sick, the elderly, and homebound Provide service to the parish community Support the missions Participate in the local, diocesan and national councils The PCCW meets once a month to discuss issues pertaining to the council, the parish and the community. Members of the PCCW generously donate their time and talents to providing for the parish as a whole. Some things that the PCCW takes care of over the course of the year are as follows: Hold receptions for Reconciliation, First Communion, etc. Make quilts to give as gifts for Baptisms Furnish altar breads, wine, and altar supplies Give Seminarians and Religious spiritual and monetary support Keep the sacristy and church clean Donate to the parish fund They are also involved in sponsoring and participating in events that bring together families and better our community: Support the 'Right to Life' cause Assist at Masses at the Care Center and Liberty Village Pray the rosary at funeral visitations Prepare and serve funeral luncheons Sponsor Coffee Socials Engage in Fall Festival activities Support Saint Mary School functions Sponsor Rummage and Bake sales Visit the sick and shut-ins Assemble and deliver Christmas gift bags for shut-ins Donate to the missions and needy causes PCCW Officers Co-Presidents: Donna Carpenter and Lorraine Riedl Vice President: Kathy Flatoff Secretary: Natalie Divyak Treasurer: Kerry Murphy-Eirschele Martha’s Group: Barb Grygleski and Anna Mae Rudolph Guild Chairpersons St. Bernadette: Florence Popp and Karen Rapp St. Catherine: Pat Taylor and Sandy Janeczko St. Cecilia: Karen Riggs and Mary Jane Coleman St. Clare: Doris Hall and Sandy Baumgarten/ Deb Stott and Becky Arttus St. Dorothy: Natalie Divyak and Sheila Brand St. Francis: Susanne Betthauser and Lorraine Riedl St. Joan: Sue Murphy and Jeanne Rice St. Loretta: Rose Vanderbloemen and Cindy Berg St. Monica: Shirley Neurohr and Julia Palmer St. Rose: Jan Koranda and Donna Carpenter St. Theresa: Roberta Allen and Maureen Juracich St. Veronica: Anna Mae Rudolph and Rosalie Ducklow St. Mary’s Finances Operational Financial Report July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013 INCOME Adult envelopes (includes Holy Days): Student envelopes: Offertory: Memorial Donations: Diocesan Annual Appeal Refund: School/ Religious Ed Tuitions, Grants and Other: Tuition paid through Guardian Angel Fund: Fall Fest, Carnival: SCRIP, Credit Card Rebates: Endowment Interest: Other: (Candles, Catholic Times, User Fees, Misc. Interest) Total Income: $1,189,801 EXPENSES School Expenses (Salaries, Instructional Costs, Computers): Religious Ed - Adult and Student (Salaries and Instructional Costs): Liturgy, Music, Clergy: Parish Administration: Payroll Taxes, Group Insurance, and Retirement: Building and Grounds Upkeep, Repairs, Janitorial Supplies: Utilities: Property Insurance: Diocesan Operational Assessment: Total Expenses Operational Surplus for the Year: General Checking and Savings, July 1, 2013: General Checking and Savings, June 30, 2014: $692,790 161 30,628 45,225 26,692 313,963 16,687 31,794 7,062 8,690 16,109 $504,034 73,379 89,539 74,516 169,757 135,067 63,604 14,411 8,800 $1,178,332 $11,469.00 $56,052 $67,544 The above includes only operational costs. It does not reflect building fund receipts or expenses. More detailed financial information is available at the Parish Office. Your questions and comments are always welcome. St. Mary Immaculate Conception Building Fund Investment balance July 1, 2013 Receipts for the year: Building Maintenance Donations (Purple Envelope): Donations toward Rectory Updates: Interests Total Receipts $355,904 26,013 31,000 2,835 59,848 Purchases and Expenses for the year: New Rectory: Updates to New Rectory: Total Purchases: 223,583 31,000 254, 583 Investment Balance June 30, 2014: $161,169 Investment Recap Building Fund Major Maintenance Fund 95,239 64,930 St. Mary Immaculate Conception Cemetery Report Year Ending June 30, 2014 Assets Cash Balance Investments w/Diocese Investments w/others Kress Memorial Other/Equipment Total Assets Liabilities and Equity Opening Balance Retained Earnings Net Income Total Liabilities and Equity $16,238 83,514 116,389 21,154 11,892 $249,187 $6,439 239,885 2,863 $249,187