Write 2 The Point

In Burlington, Catholic education 'thriving'

2012-01-26T18:48:00.000-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to Parenting

Thursday, 26 January 2012 13:30

When it was time for Michelle and Tom Pederson to send their children to school, neither considered sending them anywhere but St. Mary Grade School in Burlington. The three children are the fifth generation on Michelle’s (Smetana) side to attend St. Mary and Catholic Central High School.
Kindergarten students, left to right, Matthew Schultz, Brody Vos and Dylan Siemers work in a computer lab on Thursday, Jan. 19 at Catholic Central High School in Burlington. (Catholic Herald photos by Allen Fredrickson)“It was never really a choice where I was going to attend school,” said Michelle. “I guess my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents made that choice for me. They taught me to love St. Mary’s, and how important it is to support the church and school. It was an easy decision for me to send my kids here because I had attended both schools and I know how special they were to me. The religious foundation, of course, is the most important reason.”
Academics, extra-curriculars encouraged
With teachers and staff earning less than their public school counterparts, one might assume that SMS or CC is lacking in programs to handle students needing extra assistance. However, with a closer teacher student ratio, students are not only handling the work load, they are thriving.
“Our oldest daughter, Mikayla, is 14 and a freshman at CC. Nothing comes easy to her, and she has to work hard at everything she does,” said Michelle. “We were very concerned that the challenging workload and courses at CC would overwhelm her, but were reassured by other parents that the staff would do everything they could to help her. Now, as we finish the first semester of the year, this was confirmed. The teachers and staff really care about each and every student.”
The school encourages not only academic excellence, but also extra-curricular activities, such as music, sports, theater and forensics.
“Mikayla was on the freshman volleyball team this year and is planning on playing softball this spring – two opportunities I am sure that she may not have even qualified to participate in the public schools,” said Michelle.
For the couple’s younger daughters, Sara, 13, and Anna, 7, St. Mary Grade School prepares them to apply their homework for test preparation, as well as other problem solving tasks they encounter. In addition, the school encourages outreach to the community.
“These things include visits to the nursing home, raising supplies and money for charities, and helping out at Love Inc.,” said Michelle. “What I didn’t realize about both schools, until my daughters came here, was how much the students that wanted to be, or needed to be challenged, were offered such opportunities. This is true from kindergarten through 12th grade.”
Campus features grade, high schools
In a city of approximately 10,000 residents, it is unusual to find two thriving Catholic grade schools – St. Charles Borromeo with an enrollment of 199 students and St. Mary with 343 students -- and one Catholic high school Sixth grade student Stephanie Gregg works on a Spanish lesson at St. Mary Elementary School on Thursday, Jan. 19, at one of two thriving Catholic grade schools in Burlington. The community is also home to St. Charles School. More photos can be viewed at http://photos.chnonline.org. (Catholic Herald photos by Allen Fredrickson)with an enrollment of 150. Even more unusual is the PreK-12 campus, which Immaculate Conception Parish is nestled between St. Mary Grade School and Catholic Central High School.
Michelle and Tom believe that sending their children to a Catholic school is an investment in their children’s future, despite the higher price tag. However, thanks to a generous benefactor, many students are able to utilize the annual Rewald Scholarship program to offset tuition costs.
“They offer a monthly payment program at both SMS and CC,” said Michelle. “Catholic Central also has other scholarships available, especially to incoming freshmen. The two things that really make this tuition affordable are the generosity of our parishes and the dedication of the staff.”
Solid sacramental community evident
Permeating the entire educational structure from age 3 through 18 is a solid sacramental community, one that provides a natural opportunity to reinforce the Catholic faith perspective in school, extra-curricular activities, home or in commercial establishments. Regular prayer, liturgy, faith formation, rosary and theology classes are part of daily school life.
According to SMS principal, Loretta Jackson, the mission to pray, teach and serve is sincere.
“We are part of a proud Catholic community based on family traditions of supporting our faith through education,” she said. “We have great traditions of volunteering, donations, praying and living. The commitment on the parts of those in our community has afforded us many wish list items that include, but are not limited to, various technological advances.”
Each student in the grade school has a buddy in another grade to study, play with and work on service projects. For Catholic Schools Week, the buddies will join for a service project one day and will be together the next day for an all-school “Peace” Bingo to complement this year’s theme, “Be a builder of Peace.”
“The students love developing relationships with older students,” said Jackson. “They high-five each other and stop by to say ‘hi’ during lunch. They also get excited to see them at Mass on Sunday. We love it.”
United campus allows for sharing resources
According to Jackson, one of the greatest benefits is the united campus, combining the pre-school, grade school and high school. Bringing the grades onto one location allows for the sharing of resources, facilities and personnel.
“Some of this is done formally through things like our middle school students going to CC for technology and being taught by the instructor there, a shared band instructor and transportation for some of our students by CC buses,” she said. “Sometimes there are things like high school students helping in our classrooms, our students traveling to watch the CC championships, or the preschoolers attending Mass with the grade school, or the grade school and high school celebrating together. We have a strong administrative team that works together for the good of all our students here on campus.”
The emphasis on a challenging curriculum is evident in that 99 percent of students graduate from CC and of those, 98 percent go on to higher education. According to CC development director Georgean Selburg, students have attended prestigious universities and colleges such as Harvard, Marquette, Princeton, Purdue, UW-Madison, Washington and Yale.
“Our students have also been appointed to West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy,” she said. “Our school is the perfect place to learn and grow with the average class size being 14. Although our tuition is $7,670 or $6,990 for a student belonging to a member parish, the amount of money earned through senior scholarships more than helps finance costs. Over the past three years, 77 percent received nearly $3 million in scholarships.”
Students come from out of state
In fact, the high educational standards are one of several reasons Lake Villa, Ill., residents Terry and Karen Schwenn travel to Burlington each day to ensure their oldest son, Stephen, a sophomore, receives the best in Catholic education.
“Our family chose CC for many reasons,” said Karen. “One that stands out the most for me is the family atmosphere and sense of caring I received from the staff and families. From the moment we took interest in the school, we were led with a smile and a helping hand.”
Choosing CC was an extension to the Catholic life already practiced at home, and the Schwenns said they are confident Stephen is surrounded with people who care for and about him, and will receive an education concurrent with their values.
“We provide Catholic education to our children from preschool to high school,” said Karen. “Catholic education is faith-based with emphasis on how we want our sons and daughters to treat others, as well as to know how others should treat them.”
An overall sense of fairness in the disciplining of students attracted Kathy and Scot Ferguson to St. Mary Grade School after a disappointing few years in the public school system. As the parents of 12-year-old Makenzie and 8-year-old Audra, the couple was disenchanted with the popular concept of disciplining an entire class for the problems of a few.
“We felt our daughters were losing valuable instruction time because of all the time wasted on discipline,” said Kathy. “At St. Mary’s, we found the staff has a professional and firm approach to discipline, where bullying is not tolerated and all of the students are not serving the consequences for the misbehavior of one or two students. The students respect the staff and the staff respects the students.”
When their daughters attended public school, topics such as faith and God were taboo, but they said attending St. Mary has allowed both to grow closer to God at home and church because they are encouraged in their faith.
“St. Mary’s is such a nurturing environment for Makenzie and Audra because you can feel the love of God in those classrooms and in that school,” said Kathy. “The staff uses their experiences and faith to guide the students and nurture them. This makes them feel accepted, loved and safe at school.”
Parents wanted ‘faith-filled education’
As long time members of Immaculate Conception Parish, Drs. Sharon and Timothy Smith, both dentists, wanted their four daughters to enjoy the same benefits of Catholic education as they had while growing up.
“We wanted their education to be faith-filled like ours and to pass that gift on to our children,” said Sharon. “They have so many opportunities here such as student government, clubs, musicals and sports and that is one of the many things that is so nice about this school.”
The couple’s daughter, Maggie, is a junior, while the older three attend college, one on a volleyball scholarship to Colorado State. Despite the small school atmosphere, CC seems to prepare its students for life on larger campuses and living in bigger cities.
“One of our daughters went through four years at Madison and is now at Marquette Dental School. We thought going from this small school to Madison would be intimidating, but on the contrary, it seemed almost empowering to her,” said Sharon. “She learned all sorts of time management skills and was pretty well prepared for life. I was just amazed and our other daughters have had similar experiences.”
Topper athletics is tops
Greg Groth, principal of Catholic Central, is also a parent, proud of the school’s award winning sports department. His son participated in the 2001 basketball state championship team.
“Since 2001, we have had 14 state titles in five different sports,” he said. “Our coaches are strong in their faith and the kids want to come here because of our success.”
Athletic director Eric Henderson is proud of the number of state championships that the school has won since joining the WIAA in 2000, but is equally proud of how the school accomplished those achievements the past 12 years.
“We have tremendous student athletes, coaches and families who care about the values that their children leave CC with,” said Henderson. “I believe the commitment and dedication to excellence by our student athletes and their families are second to none. It is amazing the amount of students I see working in the weight room, working on their footwork, and shooting baskets when I get to school at 6:30 every morning. There is a sense of pride in Topper athletics that has provided a tremendous example of what it takes to be successful from generation to generation.”
As principal, Groth is credited with bringing CC to a higher standard of education, but he is quick to point to his staff and their visions for the school’s success.
“I have not done anything special,” he said. “We have put together a staff that believes in our vision to be a great Catholic high school with outstanding athletic teams. Our vision has no boundaries and knows no limits. This is a special place. It is a privilege to work here with these kids and our staff. Our member parish priests and principals have also done an awesome job promoting the advantages of kids staying in the Catholic schools system.”

Husband and wife take team approach to art and design

2012-01-26T18:45:00.000-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to Parenting

Thursday, 26 January 2012 16:34

After years of teaching in the Burlington public school system, Susan and Mark Sheldon take a team approach to the art department at Catholic Central High School, Burlington. (Catholic Herald photo by Allen Fredrickson)New Catholic Central students taking art class might be initially confused that classes are taught by Mrs. Sheldon in the morning, and Mr. Sheldon in the afternoon. But, it doesn’t take long to realize that the husband and wife team work seamlessly to bring the art department to new and exciting levels.
Mark Sheldon remembers meeting his future wife, Susan, at a design class at Illinois State University in 1966 and jokes about how she convinced him to become an art teacher. After graduation, the couple began teaching art and design in the public school system for about 20 years until Mark left to become principal of the Burlington Middle School for the next 12 years.
“Susan kept teaching art and design at the Burlington High School while I served as administrator at the middle school,” Mark explained. “When I retired I was fortunate enough to become employed at CC when an art position became open. I have had a great time teaching here, and after a time, became the part-time dean of students, too.”
Through Mark’s many stories to Susan about the quality of education, staff and students, she was eager to join the CC art staff after retiring from the public high school last June. Since the fall semester, Susan teaches art and design in the mornings, while Mark serves his role as dean. In the afternoon, Mark resumes his position as art and design teacher.
The couple, both 64, brings experience and talent to the CCHS art department. Susan has twice received Teacher of the Year Awards, and as a team at Burlington High School, they were part of the department that received the prestigious Schwalbach Award, Art Department of the Year for the state of Wisconsin. In addition, Mark received the Administrator of the Year Award when he served as principal.
“Susan has much teaching experience in K-12, and in recent years has become quite skilled in media arts,” said Mark. “She teaches the media courses such as digital photography, video-art and yearbook. But she is a versatile educator and also teaches drawing and painting.”
Both enjoy teaching and seeing the success of their students. Between Susan and Mark, they hold several degrees and certificates, and have participated in numerous workshops and conferences over the years, gaining knowledge of the best practices in teaching.
“We use a constructive approach, empowering the students to use creative and critical thinking skills as they develop their problem solving skills using the design process,” said Mark.
While both could earn more by returning to the public school system, both appreciate the small, family oriented school where education and faith are stressed.
“We love it here and cherish the close interactions with students and staff,” said Mark, adding, “This is a very special place. The most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school is relating to the Seven Key Themes of Catholic School teaching. This really has an impact on student motivation and behavior. Students are so very involved in every activity of the school, and because of this, they have so much more opportunity to practice leadership than in many schools. We enjoy seeing many of the students we have taught over the past 40 years who have become successful adults, several in the art and design area.”

Empathy and Compassion

2012-01-22T16:22:00.000-06:00

Mother Teresa said:
Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other - it doesn't matter who it is - and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other.

It seems that we as a people, have lost empathy and compassion for one another. We have become detached, uncaring and often apathetic. When I grew up, when we asked how someone was doing, we stuck around for the answer. If it was great news, we rejoiced with that person. If the news were more dire, we absorbed that person's pain and offered a shoulder, a loving comment, some reassurance, a casserole or earnest prayers. In short, we cared.

Lately, I've noticed when observing others in conversation or in the midst of my own, that people are distant, distracted, or basically uncaring. How sad this is and how sad we have become if we would rather tweet, email, facebook or instant message someone in lieu of speaking in person or on the phone. Somehow, when a voice or a face are not connected to the person--we are not connected and that person is placed neatly on a shelf, next to last year's bestseller.

When we say, 'we will pray for you' how often do we really mean it? Do we spend time speaking with our Lord and asking for the intentions of that person? Have we sent a note, made a phone call, or stopped by to see how we could help? Or, are we more concerned with our own agendas, our own lives and struggles that we cannot see the suffering in front of us---especially when they are in our own families?

For me, one of my goals this year is to concentrate on the person speaking to me as if that person is the most important person in the world. For regardless of the callousness of this world, I do not want to become callous. I want to ooze Christ's love and let people know that I truly do care-because, I really do.

If we lost compassion for the hurting, for the sick, the dying, the suffering and lonely--we have lost the message of Christ, who said

" For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
    “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
    “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
   “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (Matthew 25:41-46)

Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution. --Kahlil Gibran

Time for Catholics to 'reclaim the joy'

2012-01-19T12:29:00.000-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 19 January 2012 10:49

Fr. Domenic Roscioli is a storyteller. Whether presenting a mission or delivering a homily, he pulls the heartstrings or tickles the funnybones of his audience with his tales. Fr. Domenic Roscioli, senior priest of the Milwaukee Archdiocese, holds the two CDs he recently added to his Fr. Dom product line in this photo taken Jan. 7. The CDs, “Guns and Ice Cream” and “Smashing Potato Chips,” are stories from his many life experiences. (Catholic Herald photo by Ernie Mastroianni)
After presenting a parish mission last year in Florida, participants wondered if his many stories were available on CD.
They are now – two CDs recorded by the enterprising priest and filled with tales from his many life experiences. For example, he recalls the story of chaperoning a group of seriously ill children to Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ireland one year. Two busloads of kids and camp counselors traveled to a former English military base to swim in their Olympic-sized pool, when jeeps filled with armed soldiers suddenly surrounded the bus. After a rather rude order to the bus driver by a curt soldier, the bus driver left for the military office, while the campers remained on the bus.
A senior priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Fr. Roscioli, one of the camp counselors, was apprehensive about what might transpire. Turns out there had been a bomb threat. Finally, the campers were allowed to swim and get back on the bus, with a quick stop at the commissary for ice cream on a stick.
“The bus driver took a liking to this little frail kid from England – they whispered, and suddenly the kid, with a strong British accent reached his arm out to that redheaded soldier and offered him an ice cream,” explained Fr. Roscioli, who remembers craning his head out the bus window to see if an Irish soldier would receive ice cream from an English kid.
The soldier moved close to the boy’s outstretched arm, moved his gun to the back of his body and accepted the ice cream.
“We all live somewhere between guns and ice cream,” explained 63-year-old Fr. Roscioli, a Kenosha resident. “We have hurt experiences and nurturing experiences like ice cream, and what is most important is to remain on the ice cream side and go from there.”
Reminder that all life is precious
This story and many others are a compilation of personal experiences that the priest shares in parish missions. From growing up Italian Catholic and attending an Irish Catholic school to his work with Newman’s camps, the stories were so popular that he has released his first two CDs in a series designed to reclaim Catholic joy. The first CD is titled “Guns and Ice Cream” and the second is “Smashing Potato Chips.”

Interested?

“Guns and Ice Cream,” or “Smashing Potato Chips” are available for $15 each through
www.holyspiritsgifts.com

Andreas Gift Shop
2401-60th St.
Kenosha, WI

St. Gregory School office
3160 S. 63rd St.
Milwaukee, WI

For other Fr. Dom products
www.holyspiritswine.com

“I got the idea after doing a parish mission in Florida last year,” said Fr. Roscioli. “What I do is to run the missions by telling stories. I talk about camp, about growing up Catholic in the ‘50s and growing up Italian Catholic. Some of the stories are funny, some make you laugh and some make you cry. But the premise of the stories is to remind people that all life is precious from womb to tomb and all in between.”
Fr. Roscioli is a familiar name in the Milwaukee Archdiocese and around the country for his charitable efforts to support Next Step, a camp for those over 16, and run similar to Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camps.
Next Step camps are free for teens and young adults suffering from cancer and include weekend retreats and longer adventures such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking and other road trips.
The CDs are a companion fundraising effort to Fr. Dom’s Duck Doo, Holy Spirits Wine, food products, apparel, books, saint cards and gift baskets.
Time to ‘reclaim the joy’
As a separate mission, which Fr. Roscioli calls a parish mission within a mission, a needy family is identified and is the recipient of product sales and raffles after the mission concludes.
“The parish gives us the name of a family struggling with a life-threatening illness and we try to have that part of the mission focus on action, rather than just prayer,” he explained. “Faith calls us to action and we do a giveaway, raffle and offer part of the proceeds from our CD sales to the family. Then we set up all the food items and wines and have people order them, and that becomes more fundraising for that family. My business partner, Jody Becker, came up with this idea and it has been very well received.”
With the sexual abuse crisis plaguing Catholic dioceses world wide, Fr. Roscioli admits that Catholics have been scarred over the past decade. It’s time, he said, to reclaim the joy of the Catholic faith again.
“I try to, in the stories, show people that oftentimes what appears to be the roughest of times leads to the best of times in where the Spirit leads you,” he said. “I often quote the poet Hilaire Belloc, who said, ‘Wherever the Catholic Son doth shine, there’s always laughter and good red wine.’”
People can make a difference
He tells the story of Richard who had a brain tumor and loved to tell jokes, but his jokes didn’t always have the right ending to them, due to his illness, and if you didn’t already know the ending to the joke, you wouldn’t know to laugh. Richard wanted to take part in the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp talent show, but Fr. Roscioli was nervous that Richard wouldn’t receive the appropriate responses to his jokes.
“So we painted on butcher paper a big sign that said, ‘Please laugh at Richard’s jokes and stood behind him with the sign as he was telling his jokes,’” he explained. “And if you are forcing laughter with 250 people laughing their heads off at jokes that don’t make sense, it is contagious. And then, I tell people to be thankful for the Richards in their lives. I just try to connect each story with those in my audience and try to help them to see that they can each make such a difference in the world.”
Personal stories of faith
The CDs include personal aspects of Fr. Roscioli’s diagnosis of sarcoidosis and cancer, which he explains was a blessing, as it changed the way he preached and prayed.
“When someone comes up to you and asks what you did that God gave you cancer, or wants to know what they did that their child has cancer, we can say it is God’s will, but really, God didn’t do this,” he explained. “Look at the air we are breathing, and what we are drinking. He allowed it to happen, and I believe it is so God’s glory can shine through. When we are threatened, we are at our best. When someone is sick, we worry about them, and their care is focused, and when we get pushed against the wall, our hearts explode with love. When a crowd hears a priest say that it isn’t your fault, the whole thing takes on a sense of freedom.”

Crowning Moment

2012-01-19T12:23:00.000-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 19 January 2012 11:24

All smiles, Susan Kaeppeler, fourth grade teacher at Kenosha’s St. Joseph Academy’s lower campus, was greeted with red carpet treatment when she arrived to class Monday after a whirlwind weekend where she saw her oldest daughter, Laura, crowned Miss America.Laura Kaeppeler is applauded on the first night of the Miss America competition in Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy the Miss America Organization)
The 23-year-old brunette won the Miss America title at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Jan. 14.
“Some of the parents decorated her classroom, and made some posters and put them up in the gym as the school day began,” Pauline McTernan, St. Joseph development director, told your Catholic Herald in a telephone interview. “We rolled out a red carpet, presented her with a crown, bouquet of flowers, and balloons and led her to the gym as the school day began. The teachers all wore T-shirts that said, ‘I teach with Miss America’s Mom.’ It was so exciting!”
Particularly touching to McTernan was Susan’s impromptu speech as she reminded students what her daughter had said to them when she visited the school a couple of months ago.
“She asked if the students remembered Laura’s message and no matter who she pointed to, the kids remembered what Laura had said to them,” she said. “I will never forget it either, as it knocked my socks off. She told the students to put God first, to believe in yourself, and to never give up. And the students got it; it just shows what type of girl Laura is. Her whole family is wonderful and has strong convictions and good character.”
For mom, win is ‘unbelievable’
Three days after the win, Susan, in a telephone interview with your Catholic Herald, said it hadn’t sunk in yet. Explaining that her daughter entered the pageant only hoping to make it to the top 10, she said, “I still don’t think it has really sunk in that she has won, even after a couple of days already. I wake up in the morning and say, ‘Boy, did that really happen?’ It was kind of a surreal moment and it still seems unbelievable.”
She and Laura were extremely nervous the day before the pageant, admitted Susan, but she said on Saturday a sense of calm came over them as they knew the result was in God’s hands.
“We just felt him taking over and had a sense of peace about it,” said Susan, a member of St. Therese Parish, Kenosha.
On the night of the contest, too, Susan said God’s presence was felt.
“Interestingly, before the five girls who were the last contestants went on stage, they gathered in a circle and prayed together,” said Susan. “They all agreed that whoever God thought should be continuing on this journey would be the one selected and they would all be so excited, love and support the winner. There was no sense of upset or anything when the others didn’t win; it was all very cohesive, and they were so supportive of Laura. It was a great experience.”
Susan Kaeppeler, fourth grade teacher at St. Joseph Academy, Kenosha, is greeted by students at the school, following the weekend when her eldest daughter, Laura Kaeppeler, was crowned Miss America 2012. (Submitted photo courtesy St. Joseph Academy)Following the crowning, a winner’s reception was held in a private suite with Miss America directors, pageant officials, friends and family. However, just an hour of private time was allowed after the pageant, and Laura was whisked to New York where she has been making the talk show circuit.
“She was on ‘Good Morning America’ and several other shows (Monday) and (Tuesday),” said Susan. “We have no idea where she will be off to and don’t have her schedule. But she will be traveling, that’s for sure. She will only be home two to three weeks out of the year.”
Weeks before official Wisconsin homecoming
An official Wisconsin homecoming will be scheduled within the next four to eight weeks, but other than that, most of Laura’s time will be spent traveling.
Susan is looking forward to her daughter’s year.
“It is an awesome opportunity for her,” said Susan, adding. “Laura’s sincerity, willingness and ability to reach out as positive mentor to young people will be powerful. She hopes to bring many things to the children whose platform she is supporting and it will be a great year of service as mentor to young people.”
She said her daughter is grounded and will not allow fame to change her personality.
“We are all very grounded in our faith, and, of course, she will change but that will be in her self-growth,” said Susan. “She will be able to experience things she has never experienced but will always stay true to herself. For Laura it has never been about the outward beauty, as she knows her talent and gifts are from God and this is a great opportunity from him. I don’t anticipate her as being anything but humble, sincere and true to herself.
Family, friends witness event
Susan and McTernan were among a contingent of at least 100 friends and family in Las Vegas to witness the special moment for Laura.
The Miss Wisconsin delegation hosted a standing room only party at one of the hotels for Kaeppeler’s supporters the evening before the pageant.
“It was incredible to see how many people were there for Laura,” said McTernan. “You just couldn’t help but feel the love for this beautiful young lady.”
Kaeppeler was crowned the new Miss America by a panel of seven judges during a live telecast on ABC. The event was a culmination of a week of preliminary competitions and months of preparations for the titleholders from 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
As Miss America, Kaeppeler will spend the next year touring the country to speak to a variety of groups and raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network, the Miss America Organization’s official charity. She won a $50,000 college scholarship and retains her title for one year. She also earned a $2,000 scholarship for her opera performance of “Il Bacio” in the talent portion of the competition.
She holds a bachelor of arts degree in music and vocal performance from Carthage College, Kenosha. She told pageant officials that she intends to use the scholarship money to pursue a law degree and become a family attorney who specializes in helping children of incarcerated adults.
According to McTernan, the pageant experience was surreal and it will be a while before the excitement wanes.
“There were so many who came to support her from Kenosha – long-time friends and family who knew her since she attended St. Therese Grade School. I was there with a group of 14 and watched the whole thing,” she said. “It was phenomenal to see this young girl that I knew as a youngster grow up to such maturity and grace.”
‘Generous, loving character’ evident
While the experience was dreamlike to McTernan, after hearing Kaeppeler sing, she remembers turning around and telling her (Kaeppeler’s) sisters, Sarah, a senior at St. Joseph Academy, and Rachel, a 2009 graduate of the school, now in college, that she was going to win.
“No one could sing better than Laura, and when I saw the finalists go from 15 to 10 to 5, I just shouted, ‘She is going to win!’”, said McTernan. “She couldn’t help winning the title; she is gorgeous, charismatic and an inspiration to young people.”
Just before the crowning, McTernan was moved to tears as she witnessed a joyful Kaeppeler crying, and with her mascara running, grasp the hands and speak a private message to the first runner up, Miss Oklahoma, Betty Thompson.
“She said, ‘No matter who wins, I am just thrilled that I got this far and I won’t feel anything but happiness for you.’ Then she said, ‘We are all winners,’” added McTernan. “To me this showed the genuine and loving character of Laura.”
Laura is remembered fondly by residents of Kenosha.
“She is a very sweet and lovely young lady,” said Linda Brown, St. Joseph Academy administrative assistant, where Kaeppeler graduated in 2006. “I know her and her family quite well. She is a very humble young woman.”
Fans in Milwaukee, too
Although she watched the pageant from her armchair, Carol Degan, principal of Blessed Sacrament School, Milwaukee, couldn’t help but reflect on the young woman who once graced her sixth grade classroom at St. Therese School in Kenosha.
“When I saw her win, I screamed,” she confessed. “It was so exciting! She deserved it, as she was always one of those kids who was pleasant, well liked, a good student, well rounded, involved, creative and always concerned about others. She is a product of her upbringing. Her family is a group of wonderful people; and her mom is a lot like her. They are caring, willing to help others and do for others. And they all have a very strong faith.”
Because Kaeppeler visited Blessed Sacrament School and spoke to students in October, students returned to school brimming with enthusiasm Monday morning.
“It was as if she were part of this school because she came here to visit,” said Degan. “When Father (Robert Turner) asked the children at Mass who had watched the pageant, most of the kids raised their hands. They felt a proud connection to her. Father was excited, too, although he had not gotten to meet her when she was here because he was gone that day. She will be a wonderful Miss America and will represent Wisconsin and Kenosha very well.”

Angels in unsuspecting places

2012-01-17T20:06:00.000-06:00

Contending with not knowing whether I am going to live or die from one moment to the next has been extremely unsettling to me the past 6 weeks. The ongoing, profound effects of a routine round of the antibiotic Levaquin has formed me into someone I no longer recognize.

Gone is the stalwart, unwavering wife and mother who, given the chance would work herself into the ground because things had to be just that perfect around the house. I worked longer, harder and was tougher than anyone. But, as they say, 'life can change on a dime.' No longer am I the strong one--and dealing with a disabled husband, that situation puts our household at a huge disadvantage.

I have become weak, weepy, weary and worn out--yes, it is a 'w' sort of day today.

Not a minute goes by when I am not in severe pain due to this drug. I have lost weight, lost hair, muscle strength, suffered nerve and tendon damage and much more. Frankly, there are more nights than not, that I believe I will not make it to see the next sunrise.

However, in the abyss of this murky mire of pain, there are bright spots-and many of them. If I hadn't known it before, and I think I always did--there are plenty of angels masquerading as people roaming this earth. How amazing they are!

Whether it is a call from a sister or sister-in-law, a smile from a stranger in the store, or learning that others are praying for me--I know that God is sending His angels to blanket me with His love. Out of the blue, those who don't know me personally have offered heartfelt assistance, advice and listening ears with hopes that I recover--how blessed I am to experience this loving kindness.

Unlike many who leave this earth suddenly, I am also blessed with the opportunity to make amends with those I may have hurt, discounted, or was less than charitable towards. It matters little that a few of them are not interested in reconciling, what matters is that I forgive them for the pain they have caused me and that I have asked for forgiveness from them......what they choose to do with that, rests upon their shoulders and resides in their souls. I love them all, nonetheless.

Each morning, I am offered the privilege to say 'Thank you' to God for another glorious day of being alive. Pain or not, each day is a gift and another opportunity to gaze into my sweet husband's eyes, love my children, grandchildren and yes, my little dog too!

Yes, sometimes, the whole toxicity feels like a sucker punch to the gut and leaves me feeling angry and wondering why, but all in all, I am still grateful. Grateful to my parents who chose to have me, grateful to live in a country that is free, grateful for clean water, heat, and a roof over my head, grateful for a wonderful husband, five children and soon to be seven grandchildren. The legacy will continue long after I am but dust in the wind.

Mostly, I am grateful to God for opening my heart and soul to true happiness, forgiveness and the ability to accept His unconditional love and the gift of Faith.........and thank you for your angels--both earthly and ethereal.

He's a rugby player, a bagpiper and a priest!

2012-01-12T13:20:00.000-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney, Special to your Catholic Herald Wednesday, 11 January 2012 21:00

Fr. Cliff Ermatinger puts on a short performance on the bagpipes for parishioners after the 10 a.m. Mass at St. Anthony Church in Milwaukee on Sunday, Jan. 8. He is playing a set of Great Highland Bagpipes, made by Atherton Pipes in Naperville, Ill. The pipes are made from holly and African blackwood. More photos of Fr. Ermatinger playing the bagpipes can be viewed at http://photos.chnonline.org. (Catholic Herald photo by Ernie Mastroianni)Fr. Cliff Ermatinger is a Catholic priest, but don’t be surprised to find him on the rugby pitch, participating in a bagpipe competition or in the woods training a hunting dog.
Chicago native Fr. Ermatinger not only dispels the myths that a priest’s life is all prayer, he may well have rearranged the idea of what it means to be a Catholic priest, and few young people could argue that his life is lacking excitement.
Not only is Fr. Ermatinger fluent in five languages, he is the author of five books, and a world traveler, giving courses in spiritual theology, spiritual direction, apologetics and youth formation. He has served as media spokesman for the funeral of Pope John Paul II and the election of Benedict XVI on Good Morning America, the BBC, CBS, Vatican and international television stations. If that is not enough, he is training a Gordon Setter Scottish hunting dog; and has a passion for rugby, hunting, fishing and is an accomplished bagpiper.
The 47-year-old former member of the Legionaries of Christ felt God’s first call to the priesthood when he was 5, and while he never intellectually veered from that calling, he decided to stray from the plan after attending Archbishop Quigley High School. Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki was the school’s Dean of Discipline when the future priest attended the high school. After graduation, he put God on the back burner and joined the Marines.
“I figured I’d be a reservist in college, put my time in as an officer and then get back to God,” said Fr. Ermatinger. “Even though it was a good thing I was trying to do, it was not easy on my conscience. I knew God wanted me to become a priest, and I deviated from that plan.”
During a routine training exercise at Camp Pendleton, he suffered a serious injury, lost a lot of blood and for the first time was confronted with his own mortality.
“I was thinking about what I can offer God after he had given me everything,” said Fr. Ermatinger. “It felt like I had emptied him.”
After the injury, he was processed out of the Marines, and as a senior at Gonzaga University, in Spokane, Wash., came upon the book, the “Ascent of Mount Carmel” by St. John of the Cross.
“It was instrumental in my understanding of my need for ongoing conversion and the need for spiritual life formation,” said Fr. Ermatinger. “My encounter with St. John of the Cross was defining for me. I began looking for (religious) orders after that.”
A consultation with the Carmelite nuns in Des Plaines, Ill., helped him to discern the Legionaries of Christ, as he felt called to a strict religious order. He joined in 1987, but due to the many internal issues with the order, left in 2009, returned to Chicago and served two Hispanic parishes there.
“When I was with the LC, the revelations of the crimes of the founder coupled with a lack of strong will in reforming, led me to leave. I knew I wasn’t going to change things,” he said. “The moment I said it wasn’t for me, I had tremendous peace. I had migraines and insomnia the whole time I was with them and once I decided to leave, they came to an end.”
While he enjoyed serving the church in his hometown, his father and sister lived in the Milwaukee area, and Fr. Ermatinger wanted to be closer to them, so he reconnected with Archbishop Listecki about being incardinated into the Milwaukee Archdiocese.
“He was also the pastor at my home parish and I had great respect for him,” said Fr. Ermatinger. “Leaving Chicago was difficult, but it was a beautiful transition and I’ve been blessed with serving St. Anthony Parish and School (Milwaukee), and happy to be near my family.”
At 18 months into the three-year incardination process, Fr. Ermatinger has rekindled his college love of rugby with students at the primarily Hispanic school. A self-described “nitty gritty” rugby player, he implemented a St. Anthony High School Rugby club.
“I’m trying to get some coaches to help out because my participation has been sporadic due to parish and school responsibilities. I would be doing a great disservice to the coaches who are so constant by calling myself a coach, but I can put my two cents in and my hand in it,” he said, laughing. “Before seminary, I played a lot in college and for the Chicago Lions. In Chicago, I started a middle school rugby club – I love it, the kids play with such heart, passion and seriousness and it is beautiful to see that.”
Those passing by the St. Anthony rectory between 10 p.m. and midnight might hear the lonesome sound of bagpipes emanating through the walls. Though his Germanic last name is misleading, Fr. Ermatinger has Scottish ancestry. Since he was 12 years old, the bagpipes captivated his attention, and now, he competes around the country in the Highland Games.
“In fact, I took my vacation time last year to go to Scotland for some individual training and had a great time,” he said. “Playing bagpipes is a good channeling of my creative energy and mental attention. It requires being so focused that you kind of forget everything else to dedicate yourself to play the tune and execute it with perfection – which can be taxing at times, but it’s very therapeutic.”
Over the years, he has won numerous awards for his ability to learn the various idioms and expression of performing the music in the Scottish tradition. Not one to brag about his accomplishments, Fr. Ermatinger tosses his many awards in a drawer as he focuses more on the cultural and musical aspects.
“It is a beautiful cultural world that I grew up in, and I enjoy having it part of my life,” he said. “There have been times I played for my parishioners, and even had a bagpiper at my installation Mass at St. Anthony. It is such a rich part of my heritage.”

What does resentment do?

2012-01-09T08:25:00.000-06:00

When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge — or embrace forgiveness and move forward.

Pretty much everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. Perhaps your mother criticized your parenting skills, a family member ridiculed you, your co-worker sabotaged a project or your spouse had an affair. Perhaps you suffered untoward abuse by family members. These wounds, while often devasting can leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness or even vengeance — but if you don't practice forgiveness, you might be the one who pays most dearly. By embracing forgiveness, you can also embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy. Consider how forgiveness can lead you down the path of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

What is forgiveness?

Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you. Forgiveness can let God in and allow His healing balm to wash away the pain and open your heart for more love.

Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace and calm that helps you go on with life.

What are the benefits of forgiving someone?

Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace and love. Forgiveness can lead to:

Healthier relationships
Happier outlook
Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
Less anxiety, stress and hostility
Lower blood pressure
Fewer symptoms of depression
Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse

Why is it so easy to hold a grudge?

When you're hurt by someone you love and trust, you might become angry, sad, bitter or confused. If you dwell on hurtful events or situations, grudges filled with resentment, vengeance and hostility can take root. If you allow negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice.

What are the effects of holding a grudge?

If you're unforgiving, you might pay the price repeatedly by bringing anger and bitterness into every relationship and new experience. Your life might become so wrapped up in the wrong that you can't enjoy the present. You might become depressed or anxious. You might feel that your life lacks meaning or purpose, or that you're at odds with your spiritual beliefs. You might lose valuable and enriching connectedness with others.

How do I find forgiveness?

Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change. To begin, you might:

Consider the value of forgiveness and its importance in your life at a given time
Ponder the facts of the situation, your culpability, and how this combination has affected your life, health and well-being
When you're ready, actively choose to forgive the person who's offended you
Move away from your role as victim and release the control and power the offending person and situation have had in your life

As you let go of grudges, you'll no longer define your life by how you've been hurt. You might even find compassion and understanding for others going through a similar situation.

Forgivness releases you from bondage and makes room for reconciliation, blesses the morning with new sunrises and new opportunities for happiness. Give it a try!

Forgive us our debts just as we have forgiven those who are in debt to us. (Matthew6:12)

If you forgive others their wrongs, your Father in heaven will also forgive yours. If you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive you either. (Matthew6:14-15)

Live Nativity ministry for St. Robert parishioners

2012-01-06T15:12:00.000-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 05 January 2012 09:32

Taking part in the annual live Nativity scene at St. Robert Church in Shorewood on Christmas Eve, 2011, are, from left, shepherd Dave Rowley, Wyatt Lambrecht, 5 months, as the baby Jesus sitting on the lap of Joseph, portrayed by the boy’s father, Brad Lambrecht, Shana Rowley, Wyatt’s mother, who plays the role of Mary, and Julie Gallo, a shepherd. Dave Rowley is Wyatt’s grandfather. More photos can be viewed and purchased at http://photos.chnonline.org. (Catholic Herald photo by Ernie Mastroianni)All eyes were on the camel during the Christmas Eve, live Nativity at St. Robert Catholic Church in Shorewood – not because the 600-pound dromedary was impressive, but because everyone wondered whether he would be allowed a reprise of last year’s performance when he processed down the center aisle of the church prior to Christmas Eve Mass. In 2010, with the permission of St. Robert pastor, Fr. Dennis Dirkx, the 12-foot camel clopped up the marble stairs and down the aisle to a standing ovation from the congregation.
This year, due to insurance issues, the camel remained outdoors; the 2010 exception was made only because last year was supposed to be the swansong of the annual live Nativity; that is, until 16-year-old Joseph Gallo decided to keep the tradition going as a confirmation service project.
“I was bummed out when I heard the news that it wasn’t going to continue, because I have done this live Nativity almost my entire life with my family and friends who were with me from second grade on,” said Joe, a junior at Pius XI High School. “I also wanted to take on this project because it started with Fr. John Pulice who started this live Nativity with my mom. Fr John baptized me and I just wanted to honor him and do it as a service to my community and have fun with my friends. It is a fun thing that not many people get to do.”
When he was 2 years old, Joe served as the littlest angel in the years before the Nativity was taken outdoors. Since that time, he has participated in nearly every capacity, as larger angels, Wise Men, and shepherds. He said the event is a major part of his Christmas celebration and the life of his family.
As a fourth grader, Joe remembers his role as a shepherd because he was caring for a pot bellied pig during the performance when one visitor surprised him with the comment that the Jews never had pigs and therefore there should be no ham on the set.
“Father came out and said that this was an inn and that we were the Gentiles and had people who ate pork in there,” laughed Joe. “The guy didn’t say much after that.”Paul Gallo, his brother Joseph, and their parents Don and Mary Jane Gallo pose with live Nativity scene animals, including the camel Dooley, outside St. Robert Church in Shorewood on Christmas Eve, 2011. Holding the camel in the foreground is George Strobl, owner of the animals. More photos can be viewed and purchased at http://photos.chnonline.org. (Catholic Herald photo by Ernie Mastroianni)
“It is really a ministry for us,” he said. “We have three shifts that begin after the 4:30 p.m. Mass and various members of our family are in this every year.”
The live Nativity, featuring animals from George Strobl’s farm, is important to Joe’s parents, Don and Mary Jane Gallo, who encouraged their children Paul, Julie and Joe to participate each year when the Nativity was included during Mass as part of the Gospel reading.
“Later we moved it outside as the kids got bigger and they wanted to bring in some sheep,” said Mary Jane. “My husband and another family got it going by building the stable in sections. They were involved for many years and decided to step away after their children graduated high school, so they needed people to carry the torch and organize it. I try to keep it going with pictures, and am hoping that someone else will take it on so it doesn’t end.”
In its 12th year on the corner of Capitol Drive and Marilyn Avenue, the live Nativity has featured children in various roles, such as 8-year-old Katie Loughrin, who began her role as the baby Jesus when she was just a month old, and this year, as one of the angels. According to her mother, Laura, that first year was quite different than the balmy weather experienced this Christmas Eve.
“It was very cold that year and we had her all bundled up, but it was a fun experience,” said Laura. “Katie has been part of the angel procession into church, but this year was able to do both – in church and in the live Nativity.”
Over the years, Shana Rowley had various roles in the live Nativity, from holding the flashlight outside, to leading children down the aisle in church, holding the ox and playing the part of the Blessed Mother. This year, her role as Mary took on new meaning as her 5-month-old baby, Wyatt, played the part of baby Jesus.
“He loves the attention, and since he is a miracle baby, I couldn’t be happier to know that I am passing on this tradition to him and spending his first year being part of the Live Nativity,” she said.
Rowley has Crohn’s Disease and not only is pregnancy difficult to obtain, there are serious side affects that accompany it, but young Wyatt was born healthy.
Participating in the live Nativity each year is a boost for her faith, and Rowley looks forward to the connectedness she feels to the Holy Family and to all who come.
“It is a magical night and makes me feel part of something,” she said. “We are all there for one purpose – to share the story of the Christ child – and you can just feel the energy all around.”
While most of the onlookers are excited and surprised to see the menagerie along the busy Shorewood streets, Rowley expects that there will be at least one who isn’t so taken with the scene.
“The kids don’t see a lot of these animals and I can pretty much guarantee that there will be at least one little girl in a red velvet dress and white boots that will start wailing each year because she is frightened of the animals,” laughed Rowley. “But most of the kids are smiling and happy to see the animals – I enjoy seeing their little faces.”
While the live Nativity is intended to bless those who might not have exposure to the true meaning of Christmas, for the Gallo family, the blessing comes back to them in abundance.
“It brings to the experience the true meaning of the holiday and reminds us why we are celebrating and goes back to that day,” said Mary Jane. “It is like we are walking in the feet of Christ when we come into church with the animals and the little ones that are angels, then the shepherds and Jesus, Mary and Joseph and it makes you think about what really happened. It really has become our ministry.”

Thinking positive about recovery

2012-01-05T07:01:00.000-06:00

After total knee replacement in October and then dealing with Levaquin toxicity in December, my body has taken a beating. No longer do I take simple things for granted, such as walking, sleeping, digesting food, or living without constant pain. Rather, I'm focusing on small steps--an hour or two of uninterrupted sleep, the blessings of having a job that I can work from home, children who are grown and don't need my constant attention, spending time with grandchildren, and a loving and sympathetic husband and teenage son who are helping me through this.

While I am unsure as to my longevity, or future mobility, I'm grateful for each moment, each kindness, and each day to wake up and see the sunshine.

There are many unanswered prayers, but I trust that the same God that allowed this illness to happen will see me through the vicissitudes of life that far out-shadow the physical pain.

Life is short, sometimes shorter than we ever imagined, but one aspect of coming face to face with your mortality is the appreciation of all the gifts we have taken for granted.

I look back at my five children and am in awe of who they have become. My eldest daughter and her husband are living an amazing, God-filled life and are expecting their first baby, my eldest son finished four years in the Navy and will be graduating college this spring. He somehow manages to juggle school, work and raising our beautiful granddaughter-and does it well. My second son completed 6 years with the Marine reserves, and is employed as a prison guard--he and his lovely wife are the proud parents of a gorgeous daughter and are expecting their second baby in the fall. My second daughter and her husband are the proud parents of two wonderful boys, the newest born just after Christmas; and my youngest son is a junior in a minor seminary and has become such a holy, reverent and honorable young man.

How blessed I am and how can I complain to God if my life is cut short by this illness? -He has already given me so much.

James 5: 7-11
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Who needs New Year's Resolutions?

2012-01-02T12:18:00.000-06:00

Magazine articles, television segments, and surveys all asking the proverbial question: "What is your New Year's resolution?" Marketing schemes galore encourage those to shape up, lose weight, get more sleep, get organized, get out of debt, and find more personal happiness. Unfortunately, by month's end, most of the well-intentioned resolutions have gone by the wayside--as much remembered as dear Aunt Edna's fruitcake that was tossed in the trash a few days ago.

For me, like others, resolutions don't work and instead of a grandiose plan, I am trying the "One day at a time" approach for changing my life. 2011 was a very difficult year for our family--there was great loss, heartache, major medical problems and financial catastrophe, culminating with putting our beloved "forever" home on the selling block. It would be easy to fall prey to feeling sorry for ourselves and not focus on the positive....after all, what positive can be found with a list like that, you ask? Plenty.

First and foremost--we are and continue to be blessed by God to endure all that has happened. If it were not for our strong Catholic faith and the Communion of Saints praying with us, we would not be here to even complain about our heartaches--for surely despair would have propelled us to an entirely different outcome. We have not gone hungry and have not had to endure living without heat and running water--we are blessed.

Secondly, we have family members and dear friends who have walked the craggy path with us, held our hands, bound our wounds as we have bled, and offered us shoulder upon shoulder to cry until the tears refused to fall.

Third, we are blessed to see our children become fruitful--with grandchild number seven making his or her appearance in September. How wonderful to know, that long after we have returned to the dust of the earth, our generation will continue to fill the vast areas of the earth.

While I am battling the health issue of my life, I continue to be grateful for each day that God has allowed me to be here with my wonderful husband and continue to remain hopeful that we can still grow old together.

So each day is a day to say 'Thank you" to God for a new and glorious day. For a day to be allowed to laugh, to cry, to weep and to mourn---and to feel loved.

Thank you for this day and all the majesty that accompanies it.

Happy New Year!

A wee babe brings new hope

2011-12-24T06:59:00.000-06:00

Wrapped in swaddling clothes, the wee babe lies still in the manger. Who could imagine that the God of the universe could come to this earth as a tiny baby who would one day save the world?

While this year, has brought with it, many struggles, heartaches and disappointments, the King of Kings has never disappointed. He has pierced the darkness in our lives and offered us ray upon ray of hope made apparent in His mercy and the kindness of strangers.

Whether it be a kind word, a prayer, a visit, an uplifting card or letter, a meal, or an unexpected financial blessing--God lives in all those who have blessed our lives. It is my prayer that we also allow Christ's light to shine through us to bless the lives of others.

Merry Christmas to all my friends, family, and those who faithfully read my stories. God bless each of you and May the King of Kings bless your every breath.

Spirit of Christmas

2011-12-22T17:08:00.000-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney, Special to your Catholic Herald Thursday, 22 December 2011 12:27

Ken and Pat Tushaus, members of St. Isidore Parish, Mount Calvary, and volunteers for Catholic Financial Life, share the spirit of Christmas at a celebration at St. Rose and St. Leo School in Milwaukee on Friday, Dec. 9. (Catholic Herald photo by Ernie Mastroianni)Anyone who doubts the magic of Santa Claus might want to spend a few minutes with Ken and Patricia Tushaus, a St. Cloud couple who share the spirit of Christmas with children and others year round.
The Tushauses, St. Isidore, Mount Calvary parishioners, are long-time members of Catholic Financial Life Branch 318, and believe in giving back whenever possible. For the past seven years, they have spearheaded efforts to share an early Christmas in Milwaukee at St. Rose and St. Leo Catholic School and Messmer Preparatory Catholic School to worship and bring holiday joy to Messmer’s urban students. This year, 940 students, most who come from low-income homes, received gifts, cookies and milk.
“We became involved with Messmer because we have been so impressed with the way (Capuchin) Br. Bob Smith has led the schools,” said Pat. “He does such a great job with the kids. We kind of adopted Br. Bob when he attended St. Lawrence Seminary High School with our oldest son. He has really become part of our family.”
Married 55 years, Pat, 76, and Ken, 78, have four sons, all of whom attended St. Lawrence High School Seminary, and nine grandchildren. Pat began helping out on her own at Messmer when Br. Bob took over as principal and CEO because she wanted to help the children feel important and have a good start in life.
“I started reading to the children at both schools quite a while ago and really enjoy it,” Pat said. “Since we have moved near Fond du Lac, I am only able to come up about once or twice a month to help them learn to read, but it’s really neat because they all get so excited when they see me. I always get a hug, even from the big boys and girls!”
According to Jeffrey Robb, development director of Messmer Catholic Schools, Pat’s reading efforts have made a substantial difference in the lives of the students.
With encouragement from teacher, Katherine Damanskis, St. Rose and St. Leo first grader, Jeremiah Whitney, reads part of a prayer with his class during a Christmas program at the Milwaukee school on Friday, Dec. 9. Volunteers from Catholic Financial Life participated in the program by giving out Christmas ornaments, rosaries and cookies. More photos can be viewed and purchased. (Catholic Herald photo by Ernie Mastroianni)“She does so much for Messmer; in addition to the Christmas celebration, she volunteers. Every month, ‘Mrs. Pat,’ as the students call her, is right here reading, spending time with the kids, helping them to know and understand that God loves them and has a place for them.”
Bringing the backing of Catholic Financial Life to the school was another way the couple could reach out to ensure that students had a memorable Christmas.
“About eight years ago, the branch wanted to help out in other communities and not just where the branch was located,” said Ken. “Pat and I suggested Messmer because Br. Bob does so much for the community, and he gives the kids a fabulous opportunity by helping them with their schooling. Attendance is in the high 90s (percent) each day, and they get discipline and a lot of love and attention. He looks at the students as a whole person and not just the academics.”
Pat agreed, and added that the schools help students in all aspects of their life.
“They are growing spiritually, nutritionally and forming a great personality,” she said. “They also learn charity and to respect each other and themselves. It shows in the enrollment, too, as there is a waiting list to get in.”
Each year, in early December, the Tushauses and members of Catholic Financial Life Branch 318 visit the schools and offer a themed spiritual reflection. This year the reflection was on St. Benedict the Moor.
“We wanted to do St. Benedict the Moor because he was a black saint who was persecuted because he was black,” said Ken, adding they wanted the students, many of whom are black, to know they can make a difference like St. Benedict the Moor did.
Following the reflection, students received cookies in the cafeteria, as well as rosaries, ornaments and the opportunity to visit with Catholic Financial Life volunteers.
“Our volunteers really enjoyed talking to the kids, listening to them and finding out what they do in school,” said Ken. “We wanted them to feel that they are special and important, so we try to make sure we communicate with them and help them to have a really nice day.”
Their continued presence in the school has inspired and touched the heart of Br. Bob, who considers the Tushauses to be “parents” in many ways.
“For as long as I have known them, they have truly lived their faith and set a positive example as good parents do,” he said. “For eight years, both Pat and Ken have sacrificed, volunteered and taken it upon themselves to recruit, organize and staff the Catholic Financial Life Christmas event. Months ahead of time, students, staff and community members eagerly await the Christmas prayer service. Students experience first hand what it means to give, not only financially, but of one’s time, to serve and truly demonstrate commitment.”
Almost as much as the students do, Robb enjoys the annual Christmas event and the devotion of the entire day to celebrating the faith lived.
“In working with Pat and Ken, I can see that sharing our faith and helping students to understand what it means to be Catholic is a critical part of the celebration,” said Robb. “What I love is that sharing and understanding (doesn’t) stop with explaining theories or concepts to students. It continues and includes actually providing an example of serving, literally. Pat and Ken and the many volunteers from Catholic Financial Life literally serve every student at both elementary schools, stopping into individual class rooms to provide cookies, milk and good cheer.”
Irma Esparaza, director of administration, believes that Ken and Pat are setting an example to students on stewardship and living the Catholic faith.
“Everyone gets so excited as soon as December starts approaching; the students all know what they have to look forward to during the Catholic Financial Life prayer service,” she said. “The Tushaus family understands what it means to live your faith. Not only do Mrs. Pat and Ken volunteer, the next generation is also preparing to serve. Lauren, Pat and Ken’s granddaughter, joined in the celebration this year as a helper elf.”
Giving back to others is part of the life of Ken and Pat, and in addition to the Christmas program, both help with Messmer’s book fairs. Ken also volunteers at a Fond du Lac hospice program and Pat works with a historical site organization.
“We just enjoy helping out, especially with the children,” said Pat.
“We get a lot of satisfaction too,” added Ken. “And just seeing them have a good time and talking to them is very beneficial and makes us feel good on the inside.”

Order of Malta collects medical supplies for needy

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney, Special to your Catholic Herald Thursday, 15 December 2011 11:56

Michael R. Cesarz, left, and John Miller prepare to load some of the wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and other medical equipment into a semi truck on Tuesday, Nov. 15. The collected items were in storage at a Jones Island shipping container in Milwaukee. The Order of Malta, to which they belong, collects the items, for the Springfield, Ill., based Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach for distribution around the world. (Catholic Herald photo by Ernie Mastroianni)John Miller needs a wheelchair. He also needs walkers, canes, crutches and shower chairs.
Miller is not sick. Rather, he and other members of the Federal Association of the Order of Malta are collecting those and other items for the Springfield, Ill., based Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach to distribute to hospitals and clinics serving the poor throughout the world. Last month, a Mission Outreach truck picked up a truckload of medical supplies that the order collected and stored in a container at Jones Island in the Milwaukee Intermodal Terminal.
The Eagle resident and member of St. Therese in Eagle and Old Saint Mary’s in Milwaukee conceived the idea two years ago, after a bit of prodding from his wife to de-clutter the house.
“My mother-in-law died and we had her wheelchairs, canes and other supplies and my wife was after me to get rid of these things,” he explained. “The thought occurred to me that this situation must be repeated hundreds of times throughout the archdiocese. So I contacted the archbishop and put a notice in the chancery newsletter so pastors would know that the archbishop was behind this and supported it.”
Since the efforts began, the Federal Association of the Order of Malta has collected more than 400 pieces of medical equipment and supplies to benefit hospitals in Guatemala, Cuba, Honduras, El Salvador, Ecuador and others.

More information

To organize a parish drive or donate individually, contact John Miller at (414) 431-3787.

The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, known more commonly as the Order of Malta, is a lay religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. Founded in 1099 AD, it is the fourth oldest order of the Catholic Church. The founder of the order, Br. Gerard, opened a hospital in Jerusalem to care for the pilgrims who had been attacked while making pilgrimage to the Holy City.
No longer sword-wielding knights, the motto of the Order of Malta continues as it began during the Crusades: “to defend the faith and serve the poor.”
Worldwide, the membership exceeds 12,000; the Milwaukee-based group is part of the Federal Association consisting of approximately 600 members.
“We have five active members and two in formation,” said Miller. “I enjoy being part of this group as it gives me an opportunity to serve the church through our primary mission to help the poor and needy throughout the world.”
Since the efforts began two years ago, the Federal Association donated $30,000 to purchase the truck used by the Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, enabling the sisters to ship more than 250 40-foot containers with $110,000-$140,000 worth of medical supplies.
“The sisters also use the truck to pick up surplus supplies from hospitals and bring them to their center where they inventory everything,” said Miller. “This way, when a country requests certain supplies, the sisters know immediately if they are able to provide what they need.”
According to Fr. Tim Kitzke, pastor of Old St. Mary Parish, the Knights of Malta, who host monthly meetings at the parish, are a small, but enthusiastic group who simply want to help others in need.
“It is such an extraordinary, simple project,” he said, “We put the notice in the bulletin and people bring in medical stuff that is clogging their basements and attics to Mass; the order picks up the supplies and once they collect enough equipment, the mission picks everything up to be used again around the world.”
The last drive netted wheelchairs, canes, crutches, walkers, commodes, stabilizer boots, bed pans, elevated toilet seats, shower chairs, tray tables and even a hospital bed.
“This is a very simple formula and all parishes can help,” said Fr. Kitzke. “John and the guys are just men wanting to do good things for others in an easy, convenient way and they make it their mission to help others. I support them and it would be easy for any church to become involved as the men come to the churches and pick everything up. I have seven churches and they will come and pick up supplies at all locations. They are a reputable group who does wonderful things with a simple mission – and that is, to help others.”
The most difficult aspect of the order’s efforts is convincing parishes that the medical drives are a worthwhile venture.
“It really requires no effort on their part aside from finding a place to store the items until we can pick them up,” said Miller. “This is an easy way for people to help without having to give any money. Even better, each person who donates an item can get a tax deduction because we are a charitable organization.”
Founded by the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in 2002, the Hospital Sisters Outreach has worked to address unmet medical needs of people in developing countries through their medical recovery and redistribution program.
To date, more than $24 million in medical equipment and supplies have been distributed. More than 4 million pounds of surplus medical equipment and supplies destined for landfills have been recovered, inventoried and transported to needy countries.
“It really makes us feel good to help out like this and it is such a boost for our faith,” explained Miller. “When we pick up these wheelchairs and canes and other medical stuff, we realize that most of the stuff belonged to someone who is now deceased. The supplies were no longer doing anybody any good and now they will do some good.”

Medtronics Neurostimulator Trial Disaster

2011-12-14T13:12:00.000-06:00

Because I cannot find much information on this topic, I thought it might be beneficial for me to share my experience with others with the hope that no one else feels alone after adverse results following a neurostimulator trial.

For the past 25 years, I have dealt with low back pain. The pain began after I fell when I was pregnant with my third child. I chipped my tailbone and really had a difficult time during the remainder of the pregnancy with low back and sciatica pain. The pain ebbed and flowed over the years and to deal with it, I had physical therapy, chiropractic, inversion therapy, and medication treatment.

About a year ago, the pain became much more intense and an MRI showed dessication of the vertebra, bulging discs, stenosis of the lower back, and scoliosis. Because I have not witnessed a successful back surgery from anyone I know, I opted for P.T and other treatments with a Pain Management Office. I've had denervations of L4 and L5 which seemed to help, but when they wanted to do one on the SI joint, our insurance company said no. The only other alternative was to go for a neurostimulator trial, a procedure that implants electrodes into the spinal space and sends electrical impulses to various areas of the spinal cord with hopes to distract the pain sensors. This is similar to a TENS unit, only on the inside and placed in the intrathecal spinal space. This procedure, by the way, is exponentially more expensive than the SI denervation--so not sure why the insurance company won't allow the less invasive procedure.

The procedure begins with extensive psychological testing to ensure that the patient is mentally able to handle an implanted device inside their body. After passing the 1200 question exam and the psychological evaluation, we set up the trial. I went in this past Friday for the trial. I was sedated for the procedure which amounted to implanting 3 ten inch leads into my spinal space. Each of the leads is wrapped in several metal bands which the Medtronics technician can use to program the external battery worn like a fanny pack for the one week trial.

When the procedure was finished, the technician began to program the device, which, when it was operating, felt like a buzzing sensation from my low back to my legs. Because of the physical nature of my spine, the sensation affected only my left side and both legs. I was sent home with a couple of programs to adjust, with instructions not to lift more than 5 pounds, bend or stretch my arms above my shoulders. I complied completely.

By the next day, I noticed a couple of things: I felt like I was very cold and had shivering feet, my right calf muscle was very painful and felt as if it was spasming, the sensations were not reaching my right side (the worst side), and it felt as if electricity was bursting from my toes and heels. I called the office first thing Monday morning and told them that I felt the trial wasn't working because of my symptoms. They had me come in and meet with the Medtronics tech who reprogrammed the unit to reach my right side. I felt so good when it had adjusted it, and was hopeful that this would lead to a permanent implant.

My enthusiasm was short-lived. By Monday evening, I was having trouble walking because both legs were hurting, I was continuing to feel cold sensations in my feet, my legs were swelling and I began to feel intense pain in my arms. I shut the unit off.

After a fitful night of only sleeping about an hour or two, I called the Pain Clinic Tuesday morning and told them to take the leads out and stop the trial. I could barely dress myself to get to the clinic because my muscles hurt so badly. When I got to the clinic and explained everything (while sobbing uncontrollably) to the PA, she said that my symptoms were not from the stimulator trial and that I either had fibromyalgia or the flu. I have neither. The leads were removed and I was sent on my way with pain medication and told to come back in a month.

Left on my own, I began scouring the internet, chronic pain messages boards and information on spinal cord stimulators and saw something called overstimulation as one of the possible adverse effects of the procedure, but could find nothing about what this meant.

After spending most of the sleeping hours last night researching this condition, I learned that overstimulation of the spinal cord can cause all of my symptoms--but why didn't the Pain Clinic admit this could happen? Meanwhile, I still can barely walk, barely move my arms and still have the low back pain. To say I am frustrated would be a gross understatement. While I am glad to know that this condition is directly related to the spinal cord stimulator, I don't know whether these symptoms are permanent or not. I am praying that this pain will dissipate soon, but after extensive reading on this, I am concerned that this unit has caused irreparable damage to my body.

Now, I don't fault the stimulator or the doctor because I know that many people have had great success with these units. But where I do have a problem is that my symptoms were so easily and carelessly tossed off to fibromyalgia or the flu--rather than to the neurostimulator trial. And today, no follow up from the clinic or Medtronics about my problems with this unit. It just seems so wrong to me and makes me believe that the only thing that matters to them is making money.

Charities plead for more help this Christmas

2011-12-08T13:41:00.000-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney, Special to your Catholic Herald Thursday, 08 December 2011 12:15

Charities such as the House of Peace are getting record numbers of requests for assistance this holiday season, according to Gerri Sheets-Howard, House of Peace executive director. In the photo above, taken outside the House of Peace on Nov. 22, people leave the charity with boxes and bags of food. (Catholic Herald photo by Allen Fredrickson)She dressed in unfamiliar clothes and shrouded her head, so as not to be recognized. The woman, a recently unemployed Milwaukee Public School staff member, hesitantly forged her way into the House of Peace looking for a bit of help. She broke down in tears when she asked executive director, Gerri Sheets-Howard, for some food to feed her family.
“This was a new experience for her,” said Sheets-Howard. “She didn’t want anyone to recognize that she was coming here seeking help. We helped her out with some food and a few words of encouragement. This was the best we could do at the time.”
Not long after this request, Sheets-Howard received a referral from another agency regarding an individual behind on his mortgage due to a work-related injury that did not allow him to work for several months.
“The mortgage arrears were such that we were not able to assist to the extent that would satisfy the mortgage holder,” said Sheets-Howard. “I also received a referral from another agency requesting Christmas toys for a mother of four. Even though we have reached the total amount of families that we can reasonably assist, this situation warranted that we include these children as well. As Br. Booker (Ashe) would always say, ‘It’s amazing what the Lord can do!’”

If you want to help:

Catholic Charities
Sharon Brumer
3501 S. Lake Drive
P.O. Box 070912
Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912
(414) 769-3543

Donors who would like to help
with the Christmas Giving Program
to adopt families or donate gifts
can visit the website www.ccmke.org
for more information. You may
also fill out forms online to participate. Alternatively, call
Catholic Charities to set up
donation opportunities.

House of Peace
Province of St. Joseph
- House of Peace
1702 W. Walnut
Milwaukee, WI 53205
(414) 933-1300

Christmas Clearing House of Waukesha County
P.O. Box 34
Waukesha WI 53187-0034
(262) 549-6635

Unfortunately, this Christmas season looks to be bleak for many families throughout the archdiocese unless some generous elves step forward to help. Similar to other organizations, the House of Peace is getting record numbers of requests for holiday assistance this year. Each year, the organization holds a food and toy drive, providing food for 1,000 families and gifts for more than 2,000 children. This year, the need is greater.
“I am sure that the economy, layoffs, downsizing, the unemployment rate and lack of adequate job training opportunities are playing a role in the increase in demand this year,” said Sheets-Howard. “We are doing the best we can at this time; we are asking donors to increase their holiday support so that we can meet the needs of the poor during the holidays.”
For Catholic Charities, the need for Christmas gift assistance has increased by a third. Last year, the agency provided gifts for 2,000 of Milwaukee’s poorest and most vulnerable individuals, and this year, the requests have topped 3,000.
In addition to job loss and underemployment, many struggle with increasing costs of everyday living expenses, explained Sandy Leske, Catholic Charities advancement director.
“Prices for basic items have gone up, such as gas, food and energy, which places additional financial burdens on those already struggling to make ends meet,” she said. “Paying extra for basic items leaves less money for Christmas presents and cold weather gear for children and families.”
These increased prices, along with a struggling employment market and stagnant economy, have created much smaller pay increases for the employed, as opposed to big increases in the cost of living, placing more financial stress on working families.
As with the House of Peace, Catholic Charities is seeing new clients who, until recently, were earning good salaries, but who were either laid off or let go. Now, many are employed again, but at half the salary; the other half continue to look for work, while their unemployment benefits are running out.
“This has brought us additional clients throughout the year, people who make too much annually to qualify for any benefits, but who definitely are struggling like those who are losing their homes,” said Leske. “We receive most of our clients from word of mouth or through their parishes. Some even were previous donors and are now struggling and need our services.”
In order to meet the growing needs, Catholic Charities is pleading for additional help from parishes, individuals, families, companies or groups to provide gift items for needy families.
“We definitely are in need of people to donate gift items,” said Leske. “At this time, we have enough gifts to provide for about half the individuals who are seeking help. We have a long way to go to meet the needs of the other 1,500 individuals.”
At the Christmas Clearing Council in Waukesha County, the theme is similar to Catholic Charities and House of Peace in that the need for help has dramatically increased. For more than 60 years, the Christmas Clearing Council has been helping children initially through its Empty Stocking Club. Last year the program coordinated giving to more than 4,500 children in the county.
The Waukesha community as a whole is struggling due to unexpected job loss, death of wage earners, divorce, abandonment, illness, disability or other crises.
Without the help of volunteers and outside help, the children might not experience the joy of Christmas. Those interested in helping can select their desired level of involvement by choosing to sponsor a family, donate new toys or money, organize community service projects or volunteer in the center.
Backed by numerous churches, including St. Joseph Parish, Waukesha, schools, businesses and other organizations, the CCC needs additional volunteers to provide a Merry Christmas for Waukesha County’s littlest residents. According to long-time volunteer Peggy Troestler, this year’s needs are greater than last year.
“It seems like each year the needs have increased,” she said. “We are asking for extra donations from our regular volunteers, but could really use help from new donors. We are always in need of gifts and financial help. There are several toy sites throughout Waukesha County that people can drop their gifts, and if people want to give money, they can call us and set it up. We need gifts for anyone from birth through high school.”

Prepare ye the Way of the Lord

2011-12-04T06:19:00.000-06:00

Hope-the Second week of Advent

Think about it, what can one candle do in a dark room?

"Prepare the way of the Lord" serves as the focus of this season. As we prepare our hearts and homes for Christmas, we should not forget to prepare our lives for Jesus, who came as "the light of the world." His light penetrated a dark world, which allowed all to see their Messiah, and the hope of their future.

Today, with darkness often feeling as an overwhelming cloak, we need to be mindful of the coming of Christ.We need to be as the bride readying for her bridegroom--we know not the day or the hour of his return.
Be ready and watchful, for the light of the world has come and will surely come again.

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT: HOPE
We light a second purple or blue candle on the second Sunday of Advent to represent the hope of Christ coming to the world.

God's plan for humanity was revealed in the town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of the wee babe, The Messiah, joyously fulfilling a long-awaited promise. Today we confidently wait for the Messiah's triumphant return.

DAY ONE: HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

"But you, Bethlehem, only a small village in Judah, yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from a distant past ... And He will stand to lead His flock with the Lord's strength ... Then His people will live undisturbed, for He will be highly honored all around the world. And He will be the source of our peace." (Micah 5:2, 4-5)

Written 750 years before Christ, Micah speaks of the honor which will belong to Bethlehem. Christ's deity and humanity are shown here -- He is a shepherd, leading with the strength of God, bringing peace to His people.

God's promises proclaimed and fulfilled inspire us continually to hope, watch and wait in God. The hope of Christians is not wishful thinking, but based on the historical facts of Christ's birth, death and resurrection, and in the confidence of His eagerly anticipated return.

Teach us dear Lord to hope only in you and to prepare our hearts and minds for your triumphant return. Thank you for lighting our path in a world often mired in darkness

The 12 months of giving

2011-11-30T05:07:00.001-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney

Special to your Catholic Herald

Monday, 28 November 2011 08:39

All the presents have been opened.
So now what?
The pre-Christmas retail season is largely about planning and anticipation. You spend a month or more fighting your way through the maze of shoppers at the malls; risking life and limb to string brightly colored lights on your house; and trying in vain to get a good night’s sleep despite the clamoring of sugar-crazed youngsters awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
Then, in a frenzy of torn wrapping paper, shredded ribbons and bows that are tossed away faster than Great Aunt Edna’s fruitcake, it’s over.
We are with loved ones; we attend Mass and give praise to God for the birth of Jesus. We often put aside our differences, hug, kiss, laugh, sing, tell jokes and love a lot more than we do on most other days of the year.
For a while, when everyone is gathered around the Christmas tree, we all, regardless of circumstances, celebrate the joy of giving and receiving. We stretch our wallets to help those in need to have a holiday dinner on their table and gifts under the tree. The world seems to stop its hectic pace during this unique, 24-hour period, and for a while, everyone seems to care.
Perhaps it isn’t practical to leave the Christmas tree in the living room, but how about leaving a little more joy and fellowship in our hearts and homes during the rest of the year?
What if we were kind year round? What if we carried the spirit of Christmas and charity throughout each month, and what if families carry the idea of giving to others as an ongoing and spiritual experience? The spirit of giving doesn’t have to end with Christmas; with our example, we might encourage our children to keep the practice of charity in their hearts.
Margaret Sadoski, director of religious education at Sacred Heart Parish, Horicon, believes it is important to instill in children at an early age the practice of giving.

House of Peace,
1702 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee, WI 53205; phone: (414) 933-1300,
www.houseofpeacemilwaukee.org Gerri Sheets-Howard,
executive director; email:
ghoward@capuchins.org.

Her parish is involved in the local food pantry, “Clothes for Kids” in Beaver Dam, and the local St. Vincent de Paul.
“We also have a Bethesda Thrift Store just down the road where families can drop off used items,” she said. “I feel children need to learn giving at an early age and then it will continue as they grow older, especially if they see their parents doing it.”
At St. Francis Borgia Parish, Cedarburg, Christine Crom integrates volunteer opportunities into her Christian formation programs. As the director of child ministry K4-Grade 5, she encourages volunteers for the summer Vacation Bible School (VBS), using it as a weeklong service project for the children, as well as middle school and high school volunteers.
“Volunteers were encouraged to do chores or work at home to earn money, and the children and youth were encouraged to donate all of their earnings to our service project,” she said. “This year our project was the House of Peace Christmas brunch. The children and youth learned about the HOP (a charitable program in honor of the late Booker T. Ashe) after volunteers did a presentation about it.”
Last year, the VBS project collected books, games and toys for the Cathedral Center, an emergency shelter for women and families. The year before, the VBS program collected funds to purchase playground equipment for the children in their sister parish in Uganda.
“We have also done the Souper Bowl of Caring last Super Bowl weekend after the children learned about the social justice principles of the Catholic church,” explained Crom. “They made posters and families collected loose change into soup pots. All monies were donated to local agencies to feed the hungry, with the largest donation of $1,000 going to Ozaukee Family Sharing.”
Integrating giving with the religious education program makes sense, according to Crom.
“If we remember that, I think that there are some benefits that just happen,” she said. “We usually see how truly blessed we are and how blessed our families are. We usually feel good about tackling a big issue like hunger – but together we can do it.”
Following are some suggestions for carrying your giving and family outreach efforts throughout the year.
December
The Christ Child Society

Since 1948, the Christ Child Society has provided assistance, support and encouragement to children, regardless of race or creed. One of the initial projects that continues today is the Layette Program, providing new mothers with a handmade quilt or blanket, sweater set, sleep and playwear, undershirts, storybook, a handmade toy and parenting information. According to president Marianne Armour, the Christ Child Society always needs volunteers to join the organization, donate items and funds for the layettes or the My Stuff Bag Program.
“These are bags given to children when they are taken out of a home due to domestic abuse and taken to a shelter,” she said. “The bags are filled with pajamas, toothbrush, comb and a little stuffed animal to comfort these children and help them to know that someone cares. This is a great project for school children or for families who want to help donate money or items for these layettes.”
The society also provides scholarships for high school students, runs the Second Saturday Program for mothers and new babies, provides volunteers for the Ronald McDonald House, and runs the Christ Child Society Resale Shop and Boutique in the Merrick Center, former convent of Our Lady of Good Hope Parish, 4033 W. Good Hope Road. Volunteers are needed to staff the store or to provide donated items.

Store hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the first and third Saturdays of the month, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information on how to help, call (414) 540-0489.
January
Hope Now Inc.

For those in the Elkhorn community suddenly faced with illness, reduced hours or loss of employment, there is help. The ecumenical, non-profit group, Hope Now Inc., provides emergency help for people suffering loss of income by providing assistance for housing, utilities, transportation, medical needs and holiday baskets.
The program began in 2002, after a group of concerned people from various churches, service groups, schools and county social services met to find a combined method to help those in need in the Elkhorn area.
Representatives of Hope Now Inc. meet with applicants for assistance at St. Patrick School, Elkhorn, every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. to assess options to best serve those in need.
Three times a year the organization works with schools, churches, service groups and Elkhorn food pantry to provide food baskets to qualified families.
Donations are welcome any time of the year and can be made to Hope Now Inc., Rev. Joyce Rich, Bethel United Methodist Church, W5110 County Road A, Elkhorn, WI 53121.

To find out how to volunteer, contact Rev. Scott McLeod (262) 723-3246, Eleanor Montano (262) 723-4711, or Rev. Rich (262) 742-3507.
February
St. Vincent de Paul

When it comes to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Fond du Lac, the ability to give is solely dependant on the generosity of others.
According to Jean White, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Holy Family Conference, consisting of members who worship at Sacred Heart, St. Mary, St. Peter, Holy Family sites in Fond du Lac and Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Parish, North Fond du Lac, the need for donations is great after the holidays.
“There are just so many people in need, and we do try to have fundraisers to keep up the funds to fill our pantries and help those who need a hand,” she said. “We have a spring fundraiser, and often the fraternal insurance groups will match our funds and that really helps.”
With the end of the year tax deductions, Thanksgiving and Christmas, people tend to donate toward the end of the year, but food supplies are quickly depleted by spring.
“We would love to see families, schools and churches hold a Lenten offering to help us help others,” said White. “There are different organizations in Fond du Lac that often are recipients of help, but St. Vincent de Paul could really use some help. Nearly every dollar collected goes to help others as we have very low administrative costs because we are run by volunteers.”

To help financially, or through donations, contact: St. Vincent de Paul Society Contributing Member Campaign, 573 W. Rolling Meadows Dr., Fond du Lac, WI 54937, (920) 322-9505.
March

Operation Rice Bowl (Lent: Feb. 22-April 8, 2012)

Operation Rice Bowl is Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten program that began in 1975 in the Diocese of Allentown, Pa., as an ecumenical response to the drought in the African Sahel. For more than 35 years, CRS’ Operation Rice Bowl has offered Catholics in the United States a way to connect others in need around the world through the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to help families create a quiet space each day where they can be grateful for their blessings and focus on making a difference in the lives of others.
Using the collection of recipes, prayers and stories from countries around the world, families can connect with the idea of fighting hunger by eating a simple, meatless meal once a week.
Placing CRS’ cardboard “rice bowl” on the dinner table helps families think about their brothers and sisters in need.

To help: educationprograms@crs.org
By phone:
(866) 608-5978
By mail:
Catholic Relief Services
Operation Rice Bowl
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, MD 21203-7090
April
Love Inc.

Located in Burlington, Love, Inc. is a non-profit organization with more than 40 programs to help families and individuals live better, more productive lives. That dedication takes an active and sustained commitment from the community. Each year, Love Inc. provides more than a half a million dollars in goods and services to those in need.
Founded in 1983 by various community members, Love Inc. is a network of churches and individuals working to identify, assess, and provide for the needs of families and individuals, and to direct them to the appropriate resources.
Volunteers are needed for office work and to help in one of the five thrift stores and warehouse. Donations of clothing, medical supplies, furnishings and furniture are also welcome.
Regular fundraisers include Friday Night Lights to support the food pantry, tree sales, toy runs, post office food drive, Boy Scout food drive, and meals for the needy provided by local churches. As with most organizations, the greatest need is for cash donations not assigned to a particular program.

To help: contact Love Inc., 480 South Pine St., Burlington, WI, 53105. Phone (262) 763-6266.
May
Women’s Care Center Foundation

An unexpected pregnancy can be a hard thing to face alone. Women’s Care Center can help. Their mission is a simple one – to help pregnant young women choose life for their developing babies, deliver healthy babies, develop parenting skills and take the first steps to self-sufficiency.
Founded by a professor from the University of Notre Dame, Women’s Care Center has grown to become the nation’s largest pregnancy resource center serving more than 100,000 women since its inception. There are 17 locations in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Women’s Care Center Milwaukee opened its doors on June 21, 2010, at 1441 N. Farwell Ave. This is the only pregnancy center in the city of Milwaukee where a pregnant woman can receive a free ultrasound 40 hours a week. Hundreds of women have already come to the site for pregnancy testing, counseling, ultrasounds, prenatal vitamins and other pregnancy support. In addition, new mothers coming to the center can earn cribs, car seats, diapers and new baby clothing by participating in education.

To learn how to help, call (414) 223-2610, or (414) 645-4050, or visit www.wccfoundation.com
June
Agape Community Meal

During any month that contains a fifth Wednesday, St. William Parish, Waukesha, hosts the Agape Community Meal in Milwaukee. The Agape Center serves those who are poor in the Berryland housing area and its neighborhood. Involvement is easy and includes either going to Agape to help prepare the meal in the afternoon or by serving the meal in the early evening. This service opportunity is ideal for families and youth.
Coordinators for this meal are Jerry and Shirley Stanke and Lonnie Rubis. If you are interested in volunteering for this meal program, call one of the coordinators one week before meal date.

They can be reached: Lonnie Rubis (262) 542-9626 or Jerry and Shirley Stanke (262) 544-0436.
July
St. Boniface/St. Gabriel Food Pantry Germantown

The St. Boniface/St. Gabriel Food Pantry serves five communities: Germantown, Richfield, Hubertus, Jackson and Colgate. Referrals to the food pantry are made through the Washington County Social Services. The food pantry is located in the St. Boniface Parish Center.
The food pantry appreciates support year round, but is especially in need of assistance during the summer months when children are home from school. The pantry can always use nonperishable goods as well as household and personal items, e.g., laundry detergent, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
Bring your nonperishable foods and household/personal items to the food pantry within the St. Boniface Parish Center. Items can be placed on the tables outside the door. From Nov. 1 through Jan. 5, items can also be dropped off at the barrels in Pick ‘n Save and Piggly Wiggly.

For more information on how to use the food pantry or to volunteer, contact: Charlene at (262) 628-0420 or email: c.j.mal7@gmail.com.
August
Sacred Heart Food Pantry, Horicon

The Sacred Heart Food Pantry, located within the parish facility, is in need of nonperishable food, toiletries and personal items. The pantry serves about 53 families from the Iron Ridge, Horicon, Juneau and Burnett communities each month with nonperishable foods. Additionally, each Thanksgiving and Easter, about 40 families receive a special basket of food, and children of these families qualify for Tree of Life gifts at Christmas and Easter gift baskets.
To donate to this ministry, nonperishable foods that are not expired and do not have damaged packaging, can be delivered to the table near the kitchen during parish office hours at 950 Washington St., Horicon.

Volunteers are urgently needed for this ministry. If interested, call (920) 485-0694 for more details.
September
Elizabeth’s Closet

Elizabeth’s Closet, located on the campus of St. Mary Catholic Church, 7307-40th Ave., Kenosha, is organized by a group of volunteers dedicated to helping families obtain items for their babies and toddlers. Items provided include diapers, wipes, baby wash, clothing, blankets and baby furniture when available. According to organizer Rosa Herman, the group is always in need of items, including baby and toddler clothing.
“There are no requirements for people to come in and pick up items and we generally serve about 20 families per month,” she said. “We always need items, any time of year.”

Those wishing to donate can call the parish (262) 694-6018.
October
Our Lady of the Lakes, Random Lake

Teresa Mahler, director of religious education at Our Lady of the Lakes, 306 Butler St., Random Lake, understands that families are busy, and while most would like to volunteer, it isn’t easy to set aside the time, so her answer is to include volunteer activities within the religious education program.
“We have a family religious education program that meets at the same time. In October, we all went to the community, raked leaves, washed windows, trimmed trees and picked up garbage,” she said. “It was very popular and all of our families loved it. Families got to know each other and got to know the people they served and felt really good about it. They want to do it again.”

Following the service, Mahler held a prayer service and reflection where families had the opportunity to talk about what it means to be a servant and how it felt to serve other people.
November
Thanksgiving baskets

St. Francis Borgia Parish, 1375 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg, offers service projects through its regular Christian formation programs on Monday evenings and its regular Wednesday night classes. Each November, each class on Wednesday night in grades one through five at the 4:30 and 6:15 session fill Thanksgiving food boxes for the House of Peace. Each child in a family is asked to bring an item or two to fill the box. Children also make cards or draw pictures and these are put into the box. They decorate the outside of the box with words of encouragement such as: May the Lord bless you on Thanksgiving Day. The Christian formation program has provided this ministry for about three years.

Artist captures ordinary in extraordinary way

2011-11-29T05:06:00.000-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Monday, 28 November 2011 09:18

Artist Barbara Beier poses with some of her work in her Mukwonago home. Beier, former director of music and liturgy at St. Margaret Mary Parish, Milwaukee, says she romances the past through her paintings. Her work is on display at Landmarks Gallery & Restoration Studio, Milwaukee, through the end of the month. (Catholic Herald photo by Allen Fredrickson)
In ancient Damascus, roads wind across the barren landscape, one leading to the foot of a staircase and a gate welcoming visitors to the marketplace. Some opt to climb to the buildings above, seemingly growing out of the rock face.
As they climb, others might join in the journey, leading to the synagogues where they will pay their respects and join other Jewish scholars discussing the Holy Books.
This scene and many others live in the heart of Mukwonago resident Barbara Beier, who captures the past in her large scale and often life-size movable murals. Her art is painted on Masonite in sections that can be refitted or recombined to suit a setting in another location. She captures the ordinary fulfilling their ordinary lives, but in an extraordinary manner.
Throughout November, Beier’s reflections of the Holy Land and Israel are being displayed at Landmarks Gallery & Restoration Studio in Milwaukee.
“I obviously romance the past in my paintings,” she said. “I think back 2,000 years and research what archaeologists found on walls, streets, lintels on gates and add back what the scenery looked like back then.”
Beier’s inspiration stemmed from an invitation to teach music ministry in Israel for three years in the mid-1990s. The trips, history and culture permeated her soul, and her Via Dolorosa mural was the first to emerge from her brush.
A visit to Cornwall, England, offered images for ancient towns and villages populated with characters of her imagination. Trips to Ireland, Scotland and Wales expanded her creativity while she learned of their early culture.
“My work is realistic, but stylized. I want to create the ambiance of the era,” she said. “I paint large and people often say that they feel as if they can walk into my paintings. My style is bold and very free. Sometimes even I don’t know where my art is going. I inhale the scenes and exhale the art.”
Her most profound worked stemmed from a prayer and ended up as her interpretation of the Transfiguration, a grandiose 8-foot by 8-foot movable mural, that Beier considers her signature piece. In order to portray it as realistically as possible, she used live models to create the characters of Jesus, Elijah and Moses.
“I have done this before and sometimes people just appear at my door and will pose for me when they know I am working on a painting,” she said. “I have a friend who is a seamstress who designed the clothing for me to fit the period and has made the clothing in all sizes with many different headpieces.”
The inspiration to paint the Transfiguration happened more than a year ago, and Beier was unable to shake the vision, nor the reason why she continued to think about it nearly every day.
“I had this picture in my mind of three figures in a circle and a year went by; I had done other exhibits, but hadn’t tackled the Transfiguration. One day, I just couldn’t control it and found myself painting it – and I didn’t know why,” she said. “I feel as if the Holy Spirit just took over. It wasn’t an easy thing to do spiritually, and it was scary to draw a 4-foot Jesus facing out. Each time I look at the painting now, I see the man who posed for the painting, except for the face and head, and that’s where the vision of Jesus took over.”
Beier’s formal art education began at age 8 as a student at the Notre Dame motherhouse in Milwaukee. She excelled quickly, and in high school won Journal/Sentinel calendar competition awards and scholarships to the Milwaukee Art Institute. She minored in art and majored in liturgical music, Scripture and theology at Alverno College, and earned her master’s degree in composition at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
Until 2005, Beier served St. Margaret Mary Parish as the director of music and liturgy. While she is a full-time artist, she continues to play the organ for Mass, rotating among three or four parishes in the Milwaukee Archdiocese.
“Since I was a little girl, music and art affected me so deeply that when other kids were doing foolish things, I was into my music and art,” she explained. “It is who I am – it’s my identity and I can’t even separate it.”
While Beier paints nearly every day, she finds that she is unable to paint for long stretches of time, as spiritually and emotionally the work is exhausting. Most projects take six weeks to two months to complete.
“I compare it somewhat to the story of where Jesus was in a crowd of people and when someone touched him, he felt the energy go out of him,” she said. “It is like that when I paint. I feel my energy going into the painting at a fast pace. There was a time a few years ago when the Village of Mukwonago asked me to do a major painting for the fall harvest. It was a big size and I managed to finish it in two days. It was a major painting and I was pretty happy about the results, but then I felt very depressed and nervous afterwards. It took me a while to realize that this work – physically, emotionally and spiritually – drains me. I was blowing part of myself out into the work.”
Beier’s Landmark Gallery showing, titled “Antiquities,” features the ecumenical paintings of The Transfiguration, The Damascus Gate, Kidron Valley, Descendants of Ishmael, and Fishing Boats at the Sea of Galilee.
“This is a biblical showing, but is not specifically Catholic or any other religion as I did not want to eliminate anybody,” she said. “I would like this art to be available to any denomination, including Muslims, because of our commonality. I am careful not to make anyone feel out of place. For example, in some of my work, the Christian will see Jesus, but a non-Christian might see him as a shepherd. I hope people will be interested in seeing my work, my life’s passion. I get so much joy out of what I do; I am a very enthusiastic person and it is uncontainable.”

‘Legion of angels’ helping Racine family

2011-11-28T17:06:00.000-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Monday, 28 November 2011 11:24

RACINE — It is difficult to imagine that anything good could come from being beaten into a coma.
But for Heraclio (José) Torres, a 42-year-old family man, a legion of living angels stepped into his life since he was nearly beaten to death by two men on June 19, 2009.
Maria Torres poses for a family photo last December with her husband, Heraclio, and ther children Alexander, 2, and Litzy, 5. Shortly after Heraclio returned home from the hospital after two men nearly beat him to death in 2009, Litzy was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma and Maria had to quit her part-time job to care for family. (Mark Hertzberg, copyright the Journal Times)As he left his home to go to work, the men savagely beat and kicked him repeatedly, and stole his car. Despite his near fatal injuries, José walked into the Racine County Offender Correctional Facility on Albert Street for help.
A rescue squad took him to Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints hospital, but due to his severe head injury, was transported to Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Wauwatosa.
Unable to communicate clearly, the Racine police listed him as a John Doe for two days, until his wife, Maria, filed a missing person report. After police showed her photographs, she identified the badly beaten man as her husband.
For three months, Maria, 40, traveled to Froedtert with their son, Alexander, who was just 1 at the time, while 4-year-old Litzy attended school. She spent every morning at José’s bedside, praying for a miracle. Each afternoon, she went to work at her part-time job, while her brother cared for the children.
Family dealt another blow
When José finally came home to their one-bedroom Racine apartment, he was unable to walk, talk or sit up on his own. With no medical insurance, the family was unable to get any in-home rehabilitation services for José.
Not long after José came home, the family was dealt another blow – young Litzy was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. Maria quit her job so she could take Litzy to Children’s Hospital for treatment, sometimes for three days at a time.
As Maria’s world crashed around her, the angels stepped in to help.
According to Fr. Esteban Redolad, pastor of St. Patrick and Cristo Rey parishes, he learned of the plight of his parishioners about a year ago after Litzy’s diagnosis.
“Here the otherwise average life of the Torres family was dramatically put to the test: José was bedridden, Litzy, his only daughter, was sick, Alexander, the 2-year-old, was needing all the attention 2-year-olds need, and Maria, José’s wife, was in the middle of it all,” he explained. “It was difficult when Maria had to quit her job, but she knew she couldn’t take care of her husband and daughter. It was especially difficult since José would not qualify for any social service that would allow him to have some home care while alone in the house.”
Parishes create roster of volunteers
Once word spread about Litzy’s condition, St. Patrick and Cristo Rey parishes created a roster of volunteers that included parishioners as well as others who knew of the devastating situation.
“This generous group of people took care of José during the hours, at times 12 hours a day, so Maria could go to the hospital with her daughter,” said Fr. Redolad.
Normally, private and self-sufficient, Maria learned to allow others into her home to care for her husband’s personal needs while she kept watch over Litzy in the hospital.
“Some volunteers would care for her husband, others would do chores for her, and some stayed at the hospital overnight with her daughter so she could go back to visit her family,” said Fr. Redolad. “She was strong enough to somehow realize she had to trust others because it was impossible for her to cope with everything on her own. She accepted the fact that she had to have faith in a group of basically unknown people.”
Angels at work behind the scenes
Behind the scenes, other angels were at work. When Joe Hanneman, member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Racine, learned of the Torres’ situation at a Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids last February, he ached for them.
“My fellow Knight, Bill Fayer, and I were discussing how the free coats would help the families during these tough times. Dr. Shirley Heck, director of the Blessed Pope John XXIII?Educational Center in Racine, mentioned one family that was having a very hard time,” said Hanneman. “I sat in stunned silence as Dr. Heck described the family’s situation and found it hard to imagine one family having to shoulder so much pain. I immediately told Dr. Heck that the Knights of Columbus would help this family.”
After learning that parishioners of Cristo Rey and St. Patrick were helping care for the family, provide meals, and funds for medical supplies and rent, the Knights were determined to build on the efforts to lighten the family’s burdens.
“Our Racine Knights of Columbus council cut a check for $250 to help with immediate needs,” said Hanneman. “I drafted a grant request to the Wisconsin Knights of Columbus charity fund and was grateful it was approved for $2,500. But we were just getting started. As the Torres’ story was told to our membership, Knights stepped forward to organize a fund drive to help.”
Parishes take ‘bucket brigade’ collections
After Knights’ officer, Matt Nelson, approached St. Lucy pastor, Fr. Mark Jonas, the priest approved a “bucket brigade” collection after all Masses.
“As Father read the story of the Torres family at the end of the Masses, you could see tears in the eyes of parishioners,” said Hanneman. “The response was very humbling. One older woman came up to one of the Knights and dropped a few coins in the bucket. With great emotion, she said, ‘I wish it could be more.’ We thanked her for such a heartfelt gift. We had children collecting and children donating. At the end of that weekend, we had raised just over $6,000.”
A similar collection at St. Edward Parish raised $2,000. So far, the Knights have raised approximately $10,500 to assist the family, but they are not finished.
After meeting with Fr. Redolad and parish staff to learn what more could be done, Hanneman contacted Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Institute in Milwaukee and they agreed to evaluate José to map out a therapy strategy.
“We stand ready to work with some of our other Racine parishes to raise more money once we know the potential costs of therapy to help Heraclio gain back some of his life, and assured Fr. Esteban that we would see this through to make sure he gets the help he needs,” said Hanneman. “This story has touched everyone’s hearts and giving was made from the depths of the heart, whether the donation was the handful of change or a large check. Our Catholic community responds with great generosity when made aware of a family that is hurting.”
Faith has grown despite challenges
In spite of the challenges, Maria said her faith has grown the past couple of years. Though she only gets about four hours a sleep each night, she finds blessings on every level. Litzy completed chemotherapy and José’s health has leveled.
“He doesn’t have his bad cough any more,” she said. “He stays the same, but at least he isn’t worse.”
Recently, thanks to the Make-a-Wish foundation, Maria and Litzy traveled to Walt Disney World where they forgot their trials for a short time.
“She said to me, ‘Mom, can we take a couple more days?’ laughed Maria. “It was hard to return to real life.”
Back to work again, Maria hopes to qualify for medical insurance soon in order to get José ongoing medical treatment. Despite outside efforts to obtain physical therapy, because her husband isn’t a resident of the United States, and they have no insurance, José is left with no treatment to get him back on his feet again.
“I am hoping that in three months I might get insurance and then I can get him some PT, but right now, there is nothing,” said Maria. “All the people who have come to help us have been wonderful, but I worry that people might get tired of helping me.”
‘God gave her angels’
Though tired, Maria insists she has never asked God why this happened to her family, because she knows that he has never left their side.
“He has never let me alone all the time we have been going through this,” she explained. “He gave me angels to do things for my husband and me and he gave me patience and everything I need to take care of my family. I don’t feel bad or depressed, but just tired – all the time he helps me. Every day I am thankful to God because he has given us these angels and made me stronger and closer in my relationship with God.”
Her strength is encouraging to Fr. Redolad, who has witnessed Maria’s vulnerability and total dependence on others – yet, a strong faith and purpose for her life.
“I am sure many times she felt lonely and wondering,” he said. “I am sure, too, that her faith in God, her love for her husband and daughter and her capacity to struggle has been and still is even stronger than her fears and doubts. Maria is no quitter. She won’t stop thinking about what is the next step to take, or the next plan to discuss. She is a sharp thinker, but she knows her limits. She has grown the courage to act, but also the courage to ask for help.”
Through the trials and the loss of what was once normal, a community of strangers banded together to pray, donate money, provide food, and volunteer time to care for the most personal aspects of the Torres family.
“People were compassionate; they prayed for the family and tried to help as much as they could,” said Fr. Redolad. “I can confidently say that it was the help of many individuals that made it possible for the Torres family to move forward. We hope there will be even more people ready to assist in giving faith to a struggling family.”
“To me, what I admired the most was, and still is – Maria’s strength and Litzy’s smile,” said Fr. Redolad. “They are both contagious.”

Angels among us

2011-11-22T18:18:00.000-06:00

Today was another of those days--the St John of the Cross, "Dark night of the soul" days. As I was unable to sleep at 2 a.m. I got up and began to pray for everyone that God placed on my heart. I prayed for all those estranged from us, prayed for all those who chose to forget us in our time of trial, prayed for those who hurt us and asked for forgiveness for those whom I have wronged. I also prayed for certain spiritual leaders in our life who have acted as anything but spiritual leaders and then, asked our Lord for one small miracle today to show me that He had heard my prayers.

I can honestly say that I did not get one, but three: Heard from a friend who is also struggling with serious issues, but, for some reason, he decided today to send me an encouraging note. God bless you Joe. My son, Erin came home from boarding school and filled my heart with joy, and then later, I heard from another dear friend whom I have known for about 20 years. She wanted to see how I was doing after my surgery. Blessings abound, and despite it all, they are all living proof that God does hear my prayers. He knew what I needed today and blessed me with that.

As we weave into Thanksgiving this week, the following words of encouragement helped me through the day and perhaps they will help you as well. Thank you for sending them to me, Maureen! I love you.

Scripture: John 14:27

"I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid " NLT

A young man whose life is in severe turmoil has a dream. In his dream he has a discussion with the Lord. As they are talking the young man asks the Lord a question, "What type of changes would be appropriate for my life? The Lord responds, "Are you sure you want to know." The young man thinks for a moment and says, "yes, this is heavy on my heart."

Jesus accommodates the young man as follows:

1. Stop Worrying: I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you

2. Put it on MY list: I can't help you until you turn your burdens over to Me.

3. Talk to ME: I want to be your best friend and hear all about your day.

4. Leave it alone: Place your burdens with ME and forget about them.

5. Trust ME: Know that when you ask I will answer --- yes, no or wait.

6. Love Yourself: You are very precious to ME just the way you are.

7. Have Faith: That I will do the best for you in all circumstances.

8. Share: Giving is not a money problem --- it's a faith problem.

9. Be Patient: MY timing is in your best interest and perfect.

10. Be Kind: To yourself and to all others.

Then the young man awoke with a peace he had never felt before.

Prayer: Father help me implement these 10 guidelines to bring the peace of Jesus into my life and stick with 'em. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Spiritual quest leads woman to Catholic church

2011-11-18T08:01:00.002-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 17 November 2011 08:12

Kristine Siegrest finds it hard to explain what drew her to Catholicism, but she knows how she feels when she steps into her new church.
Fr. Charles Zabler, pastor of Our Lady of Good Hope baptizes 32-year-old Kristine Siegrest in the baptismal font at Our Lady of Good Hope Church, Milwaukee, at the Easter Vigil in April, where she also celebrated the sacraments of Communion and confirmation. (Catholic Herald photo by Juan C. Medina)At home. Welcomed. Part of a community.
“The congregation has accepted me into the fold with open arms,” said Siegrest.
Becoming a Catholic was the culmination of a spiritual quest for the 32-year-old who became a member of Our Lady of Good Hope Parish at the Easter Vigil. Siegrest was not raised in any faith, but had occasionally attended Mass with her Catholic grandparents while she was growing up.
“I had moved to the neighborhood about two years ago. Last spring, as I was seriously considering the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process, I began to attend Mass to check it out,” she said. “I instantly felt a great respect for Fr. Charlie (Charles Zabler) and, after having several discussions with him, I decided to join.”
For years, something was missing, and often Siegrest felt her heart leading her to the Catholic Church. She attended Mass on Christmas Eve and Easter with her aunt, Deborah Wierzbinski, and her family.
“It was around this point that I had felt that there was something missing from my life,” she admitted. “After I began attending Mass at Our Lady of Good Hope, I realized what it was – God. I had not allowed him completely into my life.”
Fr. Zabler was touched to see Kristine’s spiritual life develop through attending various liturgies, such as weddings, funerals, and Easter..
“Over the past year, Kristine began to attend our 5:30 evening Masses on Tuesday and Thursday, and then entered the ‘period of inquiry’ and attended RCIA sessions,” he said. “She began to realize that she had found a faith tradition and felt called.”
With her aunt serving as sponsor, Siegrest participated in RCIA in addition to working full time as a patient care assistant, and attending MATC full time as a nursing student. According to Barbara Krieger, pastoral assistant and RCIA coordinator at the parish, despite her long hours, Siegrest was energetic and joyful for all of the classes and parish activities.
“Her faith journey was a true priority. People just seemed drawn to her, and part of her exposure to the parish involved helping out at our St. Pat’s Fest. Even though she was coming off a 14-hour shift at the hospital, she still maintained her magnetic smile, worked an extra shift, and said at the end, ‘That was really fun, everyone here is so friendly and nice,’” said Krieger. “I always say that I get more out of their journey than I put into it. Walking with the catechumens and candidates is one of the best parts about my ministry. Kristine reminds me that really being present to others is far more important than whatever chapter we have read; that Jesus did marvelous things without a written agenda and committees; that childlike wonder and awe at the mystery we call faith is not reserved for children.”
Going through the RCIA gave Siegrest a connection to OLGH parishioners and helped her understand the Catholic faith.
“It was just an amazing experience; Barb and Mary (Dunn, RCIA team member) are wonderful!” she said. “We were able to have very open and frank conversations about the topics we were discussing. These women have made me feel so accepted into the church and I could not have gone through this journey without them.”
Despite the Catholic family background on her mother’s side, Siegrest has no regrets about her mother’s decisions to raise her without religious roots. On the contrary, her call to the faith as an adult has made her more appreciative of being in full communion with the Catholic Church.
“My family is very proud of my decision,” she said. “My mother chose to not raise me within the church because she felt that it should be my decision as to whether I wanted to be Catholic or not. Because of this, I feel an even closer connection with the church. I am a member by my choice and not just because I was raised within it.”
During the Easter Vigil, Siegrest celebrated the sacraments of baptism, Communion and confirmation in the ancient rituals of the church. While the celebration was lengthy, Siegrest said she was moved deep within her soul and felt a stronger connection to the parishioners.
“I can’t even put into words some of the things I was feeling; all I can say is that I feel I have a certain glow that I didn’t have before,” she said. “I feel closer to our Lord due to everything that occurred during the Easter Vigil and I was overwhelmed at the time with all the other events that were going on.”
Siegrest’s enthusiastic spirit captivated the parish as well, according to Fr. Zabler.
“She was welcomed at the Lord’s Table to great applause, tears of rejoicing and ovation,” he said.
For Krieger, it was a moment that reminded her why she chose to become involved in the RCIA ministry.
“She was a delight to get to know, and I was privileged to have journeyed with her,” she said. “She is truly a blessing to this parish and especially to me.”

Finding God in the midst of change and suffering

2011-11-13T09:17:00.000-06:00

Proverbs tells us that "The more things change, the more they stay the same"

Sometimes that passage makes my brain hurt. We all know that nothing stays the same. We all know that life is constantly changing. However, I think that we all under-estimate this fact in many ways. What I mean is, when things are going great in our lives, we don’t think about the times that they weren’t so great and with it, we often forget to thank God for the innumerable blessings that are gift to us.

And, when things are going badly and we are feeling down, it is sometimes hard to remember that we were ever happy and that somehow, in God's eyes--perhaps we have failed or done something wrong.

In both these cases, it is important for us to not only remember, but to also reflect that God is with us through the difficult as well as the abundant times--and there are lessons for us on both sides.

If we take some time to reflect on the bad days, on days that are going well for us, we can get a better perspective on our lives. Seeing a bad day from the perspective of a good day, allows us to become “aware” of the notion that time heals. Something, that on our bad days, we may not be able to fully appreciate.

On our bad days, the notion that “time heals”, may seem like a small consolation. That brings me to the reason that on a bad day, taking some time to reflect on the happier times, can be helpful in not allowing ourselves to spiral into those hopeless feelings.

Our perceptions of the changes in our lives, both good and bad, are what will determine our reactions to those changes. So, if we can react with the “awareness” that nothing stays the same, and that nothing is meant to stay the same, then we are creating a more comfortable reality for ourselves.

A lesson for me is not not take my highs, so high, that when something brings me down, I crash. And, not to let my lows, bring me so low, that when something comes around that could pick me up, I am so deep in despair that I can’t even realize it. This may seem easier said than done with all that has been stripped from our lives lately, but, as with everything else, the more I practice it, the easier it will become.

For today, the sun rose this morning, the dog woke me with an abundance of kisses, my husband read the paper we me and we talked. We enjoyed our home brewed coffee and spent an hour talking with my sister from Arizona. Free, non-stressful and a gift from our Lord.

Veterans Find Healing in Assisi

2011-11-11T06:27:00.000-06:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 10 November 2011 09:39

Day after day, Thomas Sears became one with the jungles of Vietnam, rifle perched on his shoulder, hypervigilant and anticipating sounds of incoming fire. Day after day, he maneuvered through the odor of death, climbed over bodies and watched his fellow Marines die during combat. Then, just as suddenly as he was plucked from the comforts of modern society to wielding a weapon in the war-ravaged country, the call came that he was to return home to New Jersey. It was 1968 and the end of his tour, but the war would rage within for more than 40 years.
Pilgrims on the September 2011 pilgrimage to Assisi for former military personnel pose for a photo with Archbishop of Assisi Domenico Sorrentino. The pilgrimages for military veterans are offered through Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, headquartered in Franklin. (Submitted photo courtesy Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs)“I remember getting off the plane literally 48 hours out of the jungle and standing in the middle of the airport not knowing how to get home,” he said. “I was 19 years old and just stood there trying to figure out what to do. I had been on duty 24-7 and suddenly couldn’t figure out what to do in this airport where all I saw around me were people giving me dirty looks because they thought I was a baby killer or a drug addict.”
Finally, a police officer approached the disoriented young soldier and asked what was wrong. After explaining that he couldn’t remember how to get home, the officer called Sears’ father who came and took him home.
“The initial days were stressful,” he confessed. “I wasn’t able to sleep because I was still in combat mode. I was up at night, heard noises all the time and wasn’t even able to get used to home cooking. It was odd; I just couldn’t comprehend eating a full meal or the fact that I was sitting in my mother’s kitchen and she was making me food.”
After a year and a half, Sears returned to some sense of normalcy, but without any counseling for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the road was never easy. He felt as if his life was in constant turmoil, and to this day struggles with the dark, strange noises, hypervigilance and nightmares.
Faith, personal life fall apart
Although Sears, 64, was a lifelong Catholic, he struggled to make sense of God’s presence in Vietnam, and why so much suffering occurred.
“I couldn’t understand why God allowed this to happen, why we had to kill and do horrible things and had to live constantly in this battle,” he said. “You begin to lose your faith and start to believe that you can do anything you want because there are no consequences or afterlife, and for me, my faith began to mean nothing.”
His personal life took a toll as well – a failed marriage and difficult relationships with his children and grandchildren. While he has held a good job for 39 years, his life lacked purpose and meaning.
When Sears learned this past September about a Franciscan pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome for former military personnel, he wasn’t sure it was for him. After all, he felt so far removed from God that surely there wouldn’t be anything of benefit.
“But there was one person at our Veteran’s Center who told me that I might get something out of it, and maybe find peace, so I signed up. Until the evening before he was to leave on the nine-day journey to Assisi and Rome, he nearly backed out – but something inside his soul urged him to complete this tour.
St. Francis was former soldier
According to Franciscan Fr. John Cella, director of the Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, the idea for the military pilgrimage developed following a conversation with a friar who was retiring as a military chaplain after serving in Iraq. The experience deeply affected his life and he planned to go on retreat following his tour of duty.
“It came up that St. Francis was a soldier in battle who probably killed people before ending up as a POW for about a year,” said Fr. Cella. “When he was out of prison, he was a lost soul, suffered depression and PTSD, but was able to find God through it all. Fr. Conrad Targonski, who was a Marine chaplain in Iraq, and I were talking about starting a new program for the military to help those with post-war issues and we thought it might be helpful to take veterans on a pilgrimage to walk around with St. Francis.”
Three tours a year are planned and each can accommodate up to 20. Because the Franciscans want to reach out to veterans of all ages, having a religious faith is not a pre-requisite. The pilgrimage includes trained staff, meals, visits to sacred Christian and Franciscan places, historical background, free time, sightseeing, spiritual conferences and daily prayer and Eucharist at holy places.
For Sears, the tours and historical landmarks were interesting, but nothing seemed to crack the shell surrounding his heart until they visited The Portiuncula, the smallest church in Assisi. It was Francis’ new home where his new band of brothers gathered and where Francis provided “The Pardon” as an alternative to the Crusades.

If you want to go:
Tours run $1,250 per person from the United States and include airfare, all expenses and most meals. The next tours will be held March 5-13 and Sept. 29-Oct. 7, 2012.
Scholarships are available on request for those who may need financial help. The terrain in Assisi and Rome is uneven, making it difficult for handicapped mobility. “Barrier free” is not a description of Italy. People with physical handicaps will find the pilgrimage too difficult because of lack of accessibility. For more information or to register, visit
www.franciscanpilgrimages.com.

“I touched those walls and listened to the story of St. Francis and felt so much peace,” he said, sobbing. “When I crossed the threshold of the little church it was like breathing that last breath and realizing that ‘My God, this is all real.’ Touching those walls weakened my knees and I felt that I could understand that God was there; he had been all along and it touched my heart in a way that I cannot explain – but everywhere we went after that seemed to bring more life into me.”
Trip brings understanding for veteran, mom
When Navy veteran Patricia Murray, 66, learned about the pilgrimage through her work as parish receptionist at the Shrine of St. Stanislaus in Cleveland, Ohio, she wasn’t sure if the trip was meant for her. While she did not serve in Vietnam, she served in the 1960s – a time when it was not popular for women to join the military.
“I was a little concerned that there wouldn’t be any women veterans going on the trip, but then after speaking with (Franciscan) Sr. Anne (Bremmer), who was on the pilgrimage staff, I decided to go,” she said. “It was a spiritual and enlightening experience for me, as well as for all the other vets who went. It gave me the opportunity to realize how many men came back from my era who harbored a lot of feelings from back then.”
With a daughter who has served two tours in Iraq, Murray admitted she attended this pilgrimage as much for herself as to understand her daughter, who has not been the same since she has returned.
“Through listening to the others, I was able to feel her hurt and wonder now, how much of her story that I don’t know,” said Murray. “After the pilgrimage I was so full of energy and realized what a gift we have to be Catholics, and to have the Mass. When Fr. Conrad said Mass in Assisi, he said it in such a way that the consecration seemed more real than I ever experienced it before. Now, every time I go to Communion, my eyes tear up and I have such a God moment. I cannot wait to go to Mass each day and am so fortunate to work in the rectory so I can bop in there anytime, say a prayer or light a candle. Without this pilgrimage, I would not have realized what a gift we have in our faith.”
Foot washing no sign of weakness
The pivotal moment for Sears happened one evening as the group celebrated the ceremonial washing of the feet in La Maddalena, where St. Francis worked with the lepers. As a proud Marine, accustomed to self-sufficiency, the idea of someone washing his feet was a sign of weakness to Sears.
“Nobody washes my feet – if I can’t do it myself, they don’t need to be washed,” he said, “but I had to do it, as I made a commitment to this pilgrimage and I wanted to see a change in my life.”
After one of the men washed his feet, Sr. Anne asked everybody about their experience, and after a while, Sears was ready to share and to allow God to heal his brokenness.
“I told her that we are soldiers and warriors and are trained to travel a road that requires us to either kill or hurt a person. Our training as a Marine is to win at any cost,” he said. “I was able to see this washing of the feet as being able to step off of that old path and onto a new and different path and it is a road of life and peace.”
Since his journey, Sears has grown in his faith and attends Mass regularly. He is already planning to go on another pilgrimage and hopes that more veterans take advantage of the opportunity.
“I found the peace I needed and I found faith inside myself,” he said. “I know I have to go back because God has yet not shown me all that I need to see.”

Sufficient

2011-11-09T18:55:00.000-06:00

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

So easily flipped from my tongue
......the passage flowed to others struggling with loss of health, wealth, relationships, jobs, marriages, and lives.
Often, I was the pinnacle of strength--strong shoulders, the right words, box of tissues, a helping hand and what I felt was empathy towards those who were suffering.

Despite personal difficulties faced along the way, somehow God gave me the strength--the grace which was sufficient to rise above my weakened state.

Through his strength, I survived inexplicable horrors, trials and abuse and managed to rise, battle-weary and scarred, but still, His grace was sufficient.

This latest battle has robbed us of nearly a decade of health, relationships, finances and for a long time, I have no longer been able to feel the grace, to see the blessings, to feel His comforting arms and gentle reminders that He has not forgotten us.

The darkness looming around me has been oily, drawing me into a mire of self-loathing and to a place, no one can understand. I'm on the sidelines, as if a member in an audience in a Colosseum watching our lives wracked, bloodied and robbed of everything. I weeped for these people I know longer seem to know.

Yet, today as more belongings leave our precious home, and the For Sale sign is hammered between the nearly frozen brown blades of grass--I am feeling something new.

Peace.

Has the well of tears run dry? Have I given up? Have I succumbed to the voice of the evil one whose horrible mantra of my failures runs like a tape loop in my mind?

Surprisingly, no. Instead, I hear the gentle words again--words I longed to hear but could not. Perhaps they would not penetrate through the din of my own internal screaming. Or perhaps I am now in such a weakened state to finally listen.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

And, somehow--through His mighty hand--we will be just fine

Soul Freeze

2011-11-08T21:37:00.000-06:00

My friend Gale told me months ago that I would learn much about myself during the recovery of my total knee replacement---I had only a slight understanding of what she meant.

Surely I would suffer pain--yes, quite a bit
I would feel frustrated--even more so
Perhaps a bit depressed at my lack of independence--incredibly so.

Far beyond the external pain and personal frustration is a parallel internal struggle of trust. Specifically, trust in Church leadership, trust in my vocational hierarchy, trust in relationships that I expected would withstand the tests of time. The erosion of trust is injurious to institutions and untrustworthy leadership leads to venality, cupidity, and faulty leadership and decision making.

How do we regain trust when trust has been fractured? Whether it be in the large design of an organization or on personal level...breakdown of trust can be reprehensible and heart breaking.

Whom do I trust? Since my early childhood, this is one of my lifelong quests...trust has been shattered and restored, ripped and rebuilt, and then desecrated once more. I trust God. But I am an unsure if I can trust myself now...as it feels that I have suffered irreparable damage to my soul. I am unable to trust the establishments right now, but I will think more about what motivation stems from poor decision making from this point forward to gain some interpretation.

And I will continue to pray for additional comprehension of this journey

Healing from insincerity

2011-11-06T11:28:00.002-06:00

"Feel Better"

"Praying for you"

"Thinking of you"

All are comments people tend to hear when faced with grief, illness, surgery or whatever trials come their way. The words seem to flow so easily--as if when greeting a stranger with "how are you?"

Honestly, how much sincerity is behind those 'oh so easy to fall from our tongue' phrases?

In the past when friends or relatives were faced with tremendous trials, I would drop to my knees and earnestly pray for healing or relief to end their suffering. Now, I am more apt to offer a rosary, include them in my morning or evening offerings or send up an urgent prayer to the Divine physician, as well as include them on my prayer chains. While I was often powerless to do something physical, due to distance or other situations, I knew that my prayers went right to our Lord above and that He truly heard me.

When friends or relatives suffered with surgeries or sicknesses, I'd try to send a card, make a phone call, visit, send a gift or flowers or make a meal--it wasn't a lot, but it was part of me, reaching out and showing that I cared.

My recent surgery has taught me so very much about myself, my value to those I thought cared, and the apparent lack of compassion there seems to be.

Where I thought there would be empathy, there was none. Where I least expected it, it was abundant-such as the unexpected bouquet of flowers from a friend in North Carolina, a couple of cards from some online friends, meaningful email encouragement from friends, a meal from a dear friend from my parish. And yesterday, the sweet old man who grasped my hand at Mass and promised me that I would soon feel better-he had the face and sweet aroma of Jesus.

But others were strangely silent--the ones I work for--nothing, not even a card or note on my paycheck. My pastors--not even a phone call. Most of my family--so absorbed in their own lives to focus on their mother or sister's health. I thought of the years I sacrificed for them and suddenly felt it all for naught.

When I nearly reached my bottom and felt a despair I had not known for a long time, an email from a man I interviewed for the newspaper a few times shone like a star in my inbox and became my lifeline, sent by God.

He explained a much more painful situation and the utter and total abandonment he felt by others in his parish, his family, and circle of friends. His feelings of insignificance shocked him to the core as like me, he always tried to be there for his family, his parish, and his friends--but when he was down, he was not only ignored, but kicked and left seemingly unwanted. He compared his feelings to those of Jesus suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, and on the cross, only without Divine Consolation. I could relate!

He then spoke of grace that would come from unexpected places in the faces of others, through the compassion and kindness of strangers--all who assisted him in carrying his Cross.

He spoke of a book, by Jeff Cavins, called "Amazing Grace for those who Suffer." The book is a collection of personal stories of how Catholics have overcome terrible tragedies with strengthened faith. In one story, about a lawyer unjustly convicted of a crime who spent 3 years in prison, it quotes St. Paul saying that in our total weakness is found perfect strength. That really made me think. That strength is from God when we abandon ourselves to His will. He was so kind as to make that his prayer for us both. He promised to send the book to me when he is finished, and I can't wait to read it.

He wanted me to know, that when we feel most alone, we are being silently embraced--and I know that it is Our dear Lord who is embracing me now as I struggle to put one foot in front of the other and learn to walk again.

Missing the Souls in my life

2011-11-02T12:23:00.000-05:00

Each year the Feast of All Souls brings with it, the familiar and personal--tangible, yet spiritual remembrances of those dear to me who have passed on. It is both a lonely feeling as well as a comforting one to remember those who influenced me since my early youth.

I think often of my parents--home life could be tumultuous and yet, warm and loving. When I was young and stupid, I focused on their faults and how they caused me great pain. Thankfully, now as I age, I see the sacrifices they made to feed, clothe and love their five children the best they could. Each could be my confident, my best friend and yet make me so angry that I wanted to explode. Imperfect yes, but we all are imperfect and they were the best parents they knew how to be.

How I miss them.

Despite the tragic loss of their passing at such young ages, the only advantage to this, is that I no longer have to call them to catch up on the day, to ask for advice or seek their companionship--they are with me always and I feel their comfort and sorrow as I mourn my own disappointments and hardships. They are also with me as I celebrate our joyful moments. I try to thank them often for all they have done for me, but today in particular, I remember and know how much I am blessed.

My mind wanders to my wonderful grandparents who treated me as if I was the most special little girl in the world. From treats in Grandpa's lunchbox after a hard day working in the automobile factory, to Grandma baking cookies for me, taking walks together to see the latest travelogue at the area high school, to helping me make doll clothes for my Barbie look-alike--I remember and treasure each day with them, with great fondness. I often pray to them that they give me the ability to be as wonderful to my grandchildren as they were to me.

I remember my friend Jeanne who I was blessed to care for as she died of cancer--how much she taught me about life, faith, forgiveness and compassion. She suffered greatly throughout her life, but was always cheerful and filled with God's grace. Though she has been gone about 15 years, we remain close in spirit-for a part of her lives within me.

Then there was Ruth-the mother of my best friend. When my own mother was unable to be a mother to me, she stepped in and filled the void. I cry when I think of her and her selflessness. How she scooped me up with her daughter and treated me as if I were a member of the family. Always welcoming, always supportive--she too suffered greatly with chronic pain, but was there for me. Thank you Ruth.

There are so many souls from my past who have passed on, but yet their passing gives hope of new life in our next world. For if they were all so wonderful in this world, I can only imagine what they are like in our heavenly one. I pray for each of them and know they pray for me--thank you all.

Finding Compassion in an uncompassionate world

2011-10-29T22:09:00.000-05:00

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. ~George Washington Carver

It isn't where you would expect it to come from. Some of it might be there, but most often compassion seems to stem from where you least expect it: small children, acquaintances from your church, close friends, and even strangers along your path. As I struggle with my recovery, I have also struggled with feelings of loneliness and abandonment from those whom I least expected it. The feelings have been nearly as excruciating as learning to walk again, dealing with sleepless nights and pain beyond the 10 point scale designed by the medical professionals.

Weaving through the wall of agony and laced with my feelings of a lack of compassion was the over riding sense that God had also abandoned me. Perhaps it was the pain medications, the unrelenting agony, or side affects of anesthesia, but it almost felt as if I mattered to no one. After all, few cards lined the mantle, the phone rarely rang and visitors were sparse--surely God had also forgotten me. As the tears flowed, I thought about how it must be for those confined to a nursing home--adult children, relatives and friends too busy to call except at the appointed and expected holidays. I remembered the past six months as we served as ministers of care to the nursing home for our monthly visits. I saw how anxious the residents were to see us, give us hugs, and a welcoming smile--and I realized that I was feeling how they must feel every day.

How sad it is, that we reach out only to those we don't know, donate to causes without a personal attachment, and yet forget the ones who are supposed to be dear to us. In a fleeting moment we may be gone and there will be no second chances. This journey has given me a new gratitude for the role we have as ministers of care--if only for a couple of hours a month, I am grateful to be available to ease some of the loneliness-share a smile, and a bit of compassion.

I am realizing through His revelation, that I do matter to Him and He is, after all, the one who really matters.

A field full of stewardship

2011-10-23T15:50:00.000-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,
Special to your Catholic Herald
Thursday, 20 October 2011 07:25

It was an unloved patch of farmland with little apparent use – until 71-year-old, Robert (Bob) and 59-year-old Randi Bautch gave it a new and whimsical purpose. In 2003, the couple refurbished the buildings on the 22-acre parcel, purchased a couple of horses and began cultivating apple trees in Big Bend when they tried raising pumpkins to sell. Bob Bautch takes visitors to his R&R Ranch in Big Bend on a hayride through his pumpkin field on a windy Saturday, Oct. 15. Bautch and his wife Randi offer tractor rides, cut-your-own pumpkins and more during the fall season with the proceeds going to their parish, St. Joseph, Big Bend. “We started picking the pumpkins and putting them on the side of the road but that didn’t work too well as people began ripping us off,” said Bob. “The thing is, we weren’t selling the pumpkins for our own profit, we were giving everything to St. Joseph Parish and School in Big Bend.”
The couple married in the parish in 2001 and immediately felt at home among the close-knit members. After participating in a course at their parish by Crown Ministries, a nonprofit, nondenominational financial planning group, they began to think differently about their own financial situation and realized that God was calling them to be good stewards of all that they had. The course turned the couple’s thinking upside down and while they thought they had good values, both realized that they were putting their personal needs before God’s. Following the 12-week course, they realized some things needed to change in the way they lived their lives.
“We began to think about how prudent it would be to share the blessings in our life and all the things God put us in charge of,” said Bob, who runs the farm as a hobby as he owns a printing business, Randi is an executive assistant for an assisted living center, Brookdale Place, Brookfield.
“We began taking any of the proceeds and giving them to the church for the past four to five years and didn’t make it known to anyone. But recently, since we are set up to handle more people, we thought we could generate some additional business to make our efforts more personal and generate more profits to the church.
“Whatever we have belongs to God, we are just stewards and why not share it, than just give God what we have leftover?” he said.
From those 22 acres of apple trees have grown a cross between a pumpkin patch and fall playground, where visits by families and grade-school classes have become a custom. The R & R Ranch began its six-week pumpkin-selling season at the end of September and will continue through Oct. 31.
For $7, visitors can enjoy a tractor driven hayride through winding horse trails to choose a free pumpkin from the great pumpkin patch, or pick apples from the orchards. In addition, corn stalks, ready picked pumpkins and hale bales are available for those wanting to forgo the hayride.
“The apple crop is down a bit this year, and usually we like to give everyone an apple on the hayride,” said Bob. “So this year, I had to be a bit more creative and now am giving everyone an ear of field corn. I thought it wouldn’t go over very well, but the kids really seem to love it.”
Each weekend, depending on the weather, more than 100 to 200 visitors a day opt to take the hayride. Visitors enjoy lingering near the pond, swinging on a wooden swing, visiting the gazebo,
warming their feet by the fire pit or relaxing at a picnic table to soak in the sounds of nature, catching glimpses of deer and wild turkeys roaming the land.
Angie Schieffer inspects a pair of pumpkins with her daughter, Kaydence, 3 during a visit to the R&R Ranch in Big Bend on Saturday, Oct. 15. The Schieffers are from Waukesha, but Angie is a former member of St. Joseph Parish, Big Bend. More photos from the R&R Ranch can be viewed and purchased at http://photos.chnonline.org. (Catholic Herald photos by Ernie Mastroianni)Ranch hands Greg and Sharon Wuerger, parishioners and close friends of the Bautches, are available to help after they are finished working their regular full-time jobs.
“I’ve been involved with my wife for the past four to five years,” said Greg, “I like the hayrides and the kids running all over the place, and it is a good time.”
The couple helps with hay baling, general farm work, caring for the horses throughout the year or whenever needed.
“We aren’t here every day, and less often in the winter, but it feels good to know that we are helping our parish and school,” Greg said. “I feel that Randi and Bob are a true witness to our faith in that they never really made it known what we do, but donate all the proceeds in faith that we are helping.”
Through their efforts, word has spread among the 975-family parish and they count on the repeat business for ongoing parish support.

If you want to go: R & R Ranch
W226 S8025 Guthrie Road, Big Bend Directions: Highway 43 North to Exit 50 (Big Bend) South 1 mile to Guthrie Road left on Guthrie (Highway U) to top of hill)
Open Saturday and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekdays 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All purchases are cash only. Families, friends and group outings are all welcome. Contact R&R Ranch to make group arrangements or if you have any questions, call (262) 662-4920 or (414) 254-8726 or rbautch1@wi.rr.com.
Proceeds from all sales will benefit
St. Joseph Catholic Church and School, Big Bend.

“We have met some good friends through church and they come back year after year,” said Greg. “I always wear a cowboy hat with a feather in it, and one kid this year said he remembered my hat and noticed that I changed the feather in it – that was quite observant.”
Since Bob is in his 70s, it is hard to know how much longer he will be physically able to run the ranch, but Greg and Sharon will be there to help as long as possible.
“I just want to help; Bob treats me like one of the family, and we like being around each other,” said Greg. “We get so many people coming up here who had planned to go to the Elegant Farmer in East Troy, but they don’t want to wait so long to get in. So they come here and stop and are thrilled to walk from the upper paddock to the hayride. Most people stay here anywhere from 15 minutes to a couple of hours.”
As business manager of St. Joseph Church, Karen Schuh said she’s impressed by the couple’s faithfulness as well as their generosity to the diocese, the parish and its ministries.
“Randi chaired our human concerns ministry for three years and helped with our children’s summer vacation Bible study, and Bob served two terms on the parish council and is an active member of the Knights of Columbus.”
In addition to the couple guiding parishioners on stewardship by facilitating the Crown Ministry Program, they also facilitate the adult Bible study programs.
“As you can see, they are very involved here at St. Joe’s and we feel so blessed to have them as part of our St. Joseph Parish family,” said Schuh. “I have had the pleasure of going to the R & R pumpkin farm with my family and the time was filled with fun, laughter and pumpkin picking. I would recommend a day at the Bautch’s farm for all to enjoy.”

Bionic knee on the way

2011-10-17T13:42:00.000-05:00

In just two days I will be sporting a new and improved knee--my 'bionic knee' as my friends so lovingly chide me. In the beginning, it will most likely feel a nuisance, but I am told that give it a few months and I will be grateful for the switch. One thing I promise, I will be sure to take notes and let you know my own personal assessment of the whole thing.

After all, it wasn't that long ago I gave birth and was told that it was a mild discomfort followed by total amnesia on the pain aspect after laying eyes on my new and precious bundle.

Granted laying my eyes on the precious bundle was an incredible and indelible experience, however, the total pain amnesia? What where they smoking when they told me that pack of lies? I still remember what it felt like and while the memories have faded, they are there, and believe me and that is one reason I have total compassion for any woman going through labor. While I would go through them again to have these five beauties, don't tell me that it didn't hurt--it did. I think being prepared for anything far surpasses some sugar coated explanation --because you know what you are dealing with.

So, to the best of my ability, I will share the good, the bad, the ugly, but probably no visuals of this experience of my life as a no longer limping 51-year-old. I am, however, expecting to leap tall buildings with a single bound.

We'll see---- Stay tuned

Work of longtime ‘starving artist’ is fair favorite

2011-10-16T08:46:00.001-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 13 October 2011 08:12

Barbara F. Hughes’ work is colorful and whimsical. Pictured above, clockwise beginning at upper left, are “Aunt-em-Knits,” “Selecting-Sunday-Dinner,” “Youngster-Learning-to-Multiply”and “Big-Sale- at-Land’s-End.” (Submitted images courtesy Barbara F. Hughes)The Mount Mary grounds were filled with more than 200 young artisans hoping to capture the interest of more than 8,500 visitors shopping for jewelry, paintings, pottery or a variety of other media. Then there was Barbara Frenekes Hughes. Her hair was chalk white, but clothing bright and effervescent. Her animated and enthusiastic movements displayed a demeanor that sifted the line between the young and the seasoned.
Art likes to contradict itself. Its rules are made to be broken. Because those rules favor the young, older artists who come on strong are particularly appreciated. Their example derails careerist thinking and restores a sense of possibility.
Few artists come on stronger in Milwaukee than 77-year-old Hughes who was one of the older artists at the 43rd annual Mount Mary Starving Artist Fair last month. Known for her woodcuts and serigraphs, she concentrates on animals, people and insects, portraying them in a colorful, whimsical way.
According to Barbara Muth, one of the founders of the alumni-run show, Hughes is a talented artist whose consistent work has allowed automatic acceptance to the show for many years.
“Being automatically accepted means that the artist does not have to send samples of their work when the jurying takes place,” she said. “Those artists have had their work reviewed the previous year and their work is acceptable. Many artists feel that it is a compliment.”
Due to her popularity and accomplishments, Hughes was named featured artist for the 2011 Starving Artist Fair.
In 1969, she began her Mount Mary stint alongside her parents, well known former Milwaukee-area artists, Max and Ava Fernekes.
“Her father, Max, was a graphic artist, and her mother, Ava, was a potter,” said Muth. And now Barbara has become so popular over the years that she has second and third generation fans who collect her artwork. She exhibits matted and framed limited edition prints of original woodcuts/serigraphs as well as some acrylic paintings at our show. She also exhibits at other shows in southeast Wisconsin and has received many purchase awards and has a nice collection of honorable mentions and even a few cash awards in her 50 years of exhibiting.”
Following in her parents’ footsteps isn’t something Hughes planned. She attended UW-Madison intent on majoring in home economics, which, according to her, became a bit of a joke.
“It was funny to think that I would be suited for home economics,” she said, laughing. “I could sew, but I hadn’t cooked more than three or four things, and I only did that to win a ribbon and a cash prize in the county fair. But I did not, and still have not and nor will I ever, catch on to cleaning. No, thank you. I am not an organizational person. I am typical artist and sew, paint and do a lot of other things. I have bits of ‘schnibble’ everywhere.”
While discerning her college career, Hughes couldn’t deny her passion for art; it had been there all along – in grade school when she excelled in art class, in high school helping her mother decorate for proms and parties, watching her father create exquisite prints, and later, creating her own jewelry and print making designs. She graduated from UW in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in art after studying printmaking with the late Alfred Sessier and Dean Meeker.
Since graduating college, Hughes has sold her work at art fairs, galleries and exclusive shows across the country. Her creations seem to emerge with ease as she finds beauty and art in her everyday life.
“I think things are always floating around in my mind from things that I either see or perhaps miss-see and they often suggest something to me,” she explained. “It works pretty easily and I am often several subject matters ahead of actually creating something.”
As a nationally recognized artist, Hughes has received several awards, but the greatest was about 15 years ago, when she received Best of Show in Oshkosh.
“I got $200 for my graphic work and it was very nice and made me feel so good about what I do,” she said. “I never expected it, but I sure enjoyed the attention.”
In addition to her art, Hughes continues to work in her husband David’s law office full time, and when possible, visits her two sons and two grandchildren.
“I don’t work as much as I used to on my art because I have slowed down my showings to just two fairs, but I am always doing something art-wise all the time it seems,” she said “If it isn’t making pictures or prints to sell, it is something to amuse myself. I like to play with beads, make jewelry and do sewing and mending. I still hem my husband’s pants, and make stuff for my grandkids. They are 9 and 11 now and are no longer too crazy about Grandma making them clothes, but I can get away with making some warm, cuddly and wild pajamas and they don’t complain too much! It is just fun to keep busy.”

Age is just a number for 96-year-old fitness instructor

2011-10-15T08:43:00.002-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 13 October 2011 08:21

Hildegard Gigl, 96, leads an exercise class at Hawthorne Terrace independent retirement center in Wauwatosa on Thursday, Sept. 29. She uses soup cans for weights during an arm workout. More photos of Gigl and the exercise session can be viewed and purchased at http://photos.chnonline.org. (Catholic Herald photo by Ernie Mastroianni)What kind of shape do you expect to be in at the age of 90? Most of us would probably be happy just to get there, but with a name like Hildegard Gigl (pronounced giggle), she has learned to laugh at her limitations while managing to lead a life more active than many half her age. This super-fit great grandmother has run the exercise classes at Hawthorne Terrace independent retirement center for five years, managing to work up a sweat twice a week even after undergoing hip surgery followed by a serious infection two years ago.
Gigl is proving age is definitely just a number. Most might wonder how a 96-year-old woman could teach a fitness class. Well, Gigl began taking the classes when she moved to Hawthorne 14 years ago and just never stopped.
“When I first moved here, this professional gal from the YMCA did the classes and then she moved because her husband got another job,” said Gigl. “The ‘Y’ gave our assistant secretary the exercises and she did them with us, but then one time she had to leave so she asked me to take over for a bit. It happened again a little while later and finally it came to me full time. No one else seemed to mind, so I kept on doing it.”
Mary Jo Flanagan who is just 82, has taken her class since moving to Hawthorne Terrace with her husband, Gerald, five years ago, and says that 96 is just a number.
“She doesn’t act like a 96-year-old person, and wow, she keeps everyone going and counts and exercises along with us,” she said. “This gal is quite an example of how to age with grace and a lot of stamina.”
The twice-a-week classes garner the greatest attendance on Tuesday mornings where it is not uncommon to have 20 women of various ages sweating, stretching and moving. To make sure that no one is feeling left out due to physical limitations, Gigl makes sure that the exercises are appropriate for everyone.
“We do some exercises where we stand behind a chair, or stand against the wall, or even sit in a chair,” she explained. “But we don’t get on the floor because most of us couldn’t get up again. We have some who come who have had hip, shoulder or knee surgeries and they do what they can – I don’t want anything real strenuous for them.”
A monthly senior newsletter highlights an exercise of the month, which Gigl often brings to the class to try.
“However, we don’t do anything that involves rolling around on a big ball,” laughed Gigl. “That is not something that is right for our people. But, if I find anything that might be nice, we try it. Our classes are very informal and it seems to be helping all of us become more limber. Some people tell me that they didn’t want to get up and come to classes in the morning, but that if ‘Hildegard can do it, I can, too.’ Who knows? Maybe I am doing some good.”
However, don’t be fooled; while the 30-minute classes are not strenuous, Flanagan admitted that Gigl is no pushover.
“Everyone is amazed and impressed, and, of course, a little jealous of what she does,” she said. “We have a hard time keeping up with her. But she makes everything fun – she is really the sweetest and most fun person you would ever want to meet, and she has such a great sense of humor.”
Since she was a young girl, Gigl was involved in gymnastics and appreciated the value of keeping physically fit. After graduating high school, she attended the former Spencerian Business College and worked for several lawyers before meeting and marrying her husband, Clarence.
“After we got married, I stayed home and took care of my children – after all 1933 wasn’t a good time for a job anyway,” she explained. “I didn’t do any formal exercising then, but I took care of myself because I always had the children to think about.”
The couple belonged to the former Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Milwaukee, before becoming members at St. Pius X, Wauwatosa, after moving to another residence. Clarence died May 13, 1996. Gigl credits her faith and good sense of humor for getting her through all of the difficult times in her life.
“I think I had a good sense of humor even before marrying someone with a name that sounds like giggle,” she said. “But we always went to Mass on a regular basis and when Clarence retired, we would have breakfast every morning and then say the rosary afterward. Then he would go his way and I would go my way. If we took a drive that lasted more than an hour, we would say the rosary on the way there, too. I tried to instill this in my children – but it didn’t really work with them.”
In 1990, Gigl took water aerobics at Mount Mary College until her doctor insisted she stop due to severe arthritis. She remained active with the gentler movements of the Hawthorne Terrace classes that were not so taxing on her joints. Ideally, she admitted she should exercise each day, but only exercises with the class.
“I do keep busy and walk around and do stuff here,” she said, laughing. “So I am not totally lazy.”
A self-described chocoholic, Gigl has few other vices and is not obsessed with anything, save a Shirley Temple at Hawthorne Terrace’s twice weekly cocktail hour. She watches her diet, socializes often, prays a daily rosary, leads the rosary in the chapel each Saturday before Mass, leads the creative craft classes, and keeps busy with needlepoint and jigsaw puzzles.
“At Christmas my kids and grandkids always give me jigsaw puzzles, because, really, at my age, what do I need for gifts?” she said. “But I enjoy putting them together – some I keep and some I throw away. I keep the ones with pictures that I really like.”

Cross is labor of love for parish custodian

2011-10-14T09:40:00.001-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 13 October 2011 08:27

The 14-foot crucifix, constructed by Bill Jecevicus of barn beams, hangs in St. Anne Church, Pleasant Prairie. The corpus, standing approximately seven feet tall, was created by Demetz Studios in Ortisei, Italy. (Catholic Herald photos by Allen Fredrickson)When St. Anne Catholic Church in Pleasant Prairie wanted to encourage parishioners to focus on the ordinary, yet powerful symbol of the crucifix, they asked for assistance from one of their most dedicated servants, Bill Jecevicus. A retired sheet metal worker, the 66-year-old parishioner works as the parish custodian and all-around handyman. A member of the parish since its inception 13 years ago, the unassuming man works behind the scenes, content to quietly live his faith in service to others. When St. Anne pastor, Legion of Christ Fr. Robert Weighner needed help building and installing a mammoth crucifix, Jecevicus was the natural choice.
“We were blessed with a generous and anonymous donation to fund this crucifix,” explained Fr. Weighner. “Thanks be to God! The cross was handcrafted out of barn beams by Bill, and we are grateful for his skill in crafting the cross and his efforts in precisely planning the hanging of the crucifix.”
Upon receiving the donation, Fr. Weighner commissioned Demetz Studios in Ortisei, Italy, to carve the corpus for the crucifix. The sizes of the corpus and the cross were determined based on conversations with the architect who designed St. Anne Church. The corpus stands approximately seven feet tall, with the wooden cross approximately 14 feet tall.
The request to construct the cross was viewed not as work, but as an incredible honor for Jecevicus who began discussions about the design with Fr. Weighner six months ago.
“Three months later, he ordered the corpus and asked if I was still interested in and had the materials to construct a cross for the church,” he explained. “I said yes, and the cross hanging above the altar is the result.”
While he has constructed various pieces of furniture out of old barn beams and boards for himself and his wife, Janice, family and friends, this was his first cross. The project cost Jecevicus approximately $60 for materials and took about a week for construction.
“I cleaned, sanded, fit and varnished the barn beams, and welded the chains to the proper length (for hanging),” he explained. “The wood and chains that I used were from salvaged material.”
As he neared the day to place the corpus and hang the crucifix, Jecevicus was startled to dream eight separate nights about the procedure.
“In my dreams, I loaded the two pieces of the cross and chain, took them to church and arrived there with no damage. After the cross was at church in the two pieces, the first thing I did, was to hang the chains,” he said. “We took the nine-foot cross member up to test for position, levelness, etc., and then we took the member down, bolted the cross together and mounted the corpus on the cross. With help, we put the crucifix on the lift, took it up, connected the chains, slowly lowered the lift and the crucifix was installed. My dreams were surprisingly pretty much as it happened. I believe that I went over and over it so often in my mind that my subconscious took over in my sleep.”
Parish communications volunteer Margie Mandli remembered the first day she met Jecevicus, and admitted she was surprised by the man behind the beard.
“He was sort of intimidating,” she confessed. “He reminds me of a ‘mountain man,’ and Fr. Bob calls him ‘Man Mountain.’ But right after I met him, I knew he was just a big teddy bear with a huge heart and love for the Lord.”
Mandli said watching Jecevicus think through and direct the installation of the crucifix at church was a powerful experience. She said she was very moved to hear of his recurring dreams.

Reporting to the office at 98

2011-10-13T20:40:00.000-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 13 October 2011 08:06

At 98, Bernard O. Gruenke lives alone in the same home he shared with his late wife, Mary Anne. He has a caregiver to help with cooking, cleaning and driving since losing a portion of his leg due to infection a few years ago, but dresses up each Tuesday to report to work. “I probably should retire; I think I need it very soon,” laughed Gruenke. “But I like the idea that they keep my office for me and maintain it steadily. I enjoy coming into work and having them show me sketches and drawings. I still share my ideas and together we come through with the thoughts of the future and what churches can do in creating something beautiful.”
As president emeritus of the New Berlin-based Conrad Schmitt Studios Inc., Gruenke no longer sits at the helm of the day-to-day operations of the award-winning interior decorating, restoration and stained glass company, but he retains a significant and positive presence.
Founded in 1889 by Conrad Schmitt, the son of Bavarian immigrants, the firm remained in the Schmitt family until 1953, when it was purchased by Gruenke. Today, three generations of the Gruenke family are involved in the company – his son Bernard E. serves as CEO; grandson Bernard Gunar as president; and granddaughter Heidi Emery as vice president.
Getting started at Conrad Schmitt in 1935 was not as easy as Gruenke had expected. After graduating from Corcoran College of Art in Washington, D.C., he apprenticed under artist Caesar Riccardi and early on had his heart set on becoming part of the Conrad Schmitt team.
“I showed up at the company and told them that I wanted to work there, but they told me that I should come back in six months or a year because they didn’t need me or want me,” explained Gruenke.
Not easily dissuaded, he returned the next day, sat on the doorstep and waited patiently until the business opened.
“I told them that whether they liked it or not, I was going to work there, whether they paid me or not,” said Gruenke. “Well, they paid me! It wasn’t a great deal, just $7 a week, but it was so much fun and it still is fun today.”
In the beginning, the work was rather menial. Gruenke’s initiation consisted of scrubbing floors, washing cars and moving wine casks for Mrs. Schmitt. Later, he learned the art of stained glass, including hours stick-lining borders on stained glass windows. By 1940, he worked with Munich, Germany native, Conrad Pickel, and learned to design stained glass and murals.
In 1953, Gruenke purchased the firm and continued its international presence in ecclesiastical and decorative art, stained glass and interior design. The firm has conserved stained glass windows designed by famous artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany, Thomas O’Shaughnessy, John LaFarge, F.X. Zettler, and Mayor of Munich; and restored theatres designed by architects Rapp & Rapp, John Eberson, C. Howard Crane and Thomas Lamb, and religious and secular buildings designed by Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright and others.
On the forefront of similar businesses, Gruenke is proud of developing a variety of glass techniques, especially etched and faceted glass.
“We did a wonderful project at the Waldorf Astoria in New York and many other places, and developed techniques that weren’t even available in Europe,” he said. “It was all so worthwhile – especially when I think back on the art aspects of it all.”
Since beginning at Conrad Schmitt 76 years ago, Gruenke has also traveled throughout the United States and the world designing and creating art glass and interiors for basilicas, cathedrals, churches, synagogues, theatres, train stations, hotels, universities, state capitols and government buildings.
“I have enjoyed every part of my work, but if I had to tell you that I have a favorite aspect, it would be working with churches, cathedrals and basilicas,” he said. “The work is my life and I am most proud of doing new things in etched glass and faceted glass and working with priests all over the world in representing the spirit of the people and being obedient to the spirit of the Catholic faith.”
One of the more memorable restorations took place in 1966 when Holy Cross Fr. Theodore Hesburgh, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Notre Dame, Ind., commissioned Conrad Schmitt to bring the church into accord with the liturgical norms of the Second Vatican Council.
“Fr. Hesburgh gave me the go ahead to decorate and while I was decorating I told him that I didn’t like that he had his back to the people and asked if I could bring the altar out further so he could face the people,” said Gruenke. “He agreed to try it for one Sunday and continued to do it that way.”
As a member of St. John Vianney Parish in Brookfield, Gruenke was instrumental in decorating the original church, now the school cafeteria. In the 1970s, when building began for the new church, Gruenke designed the risen Christ in the sanctuary, interior artwork and stained glass, and moved the tabernacle to a side chapel in order to allow parishioners to linger and socialize in the nave of the church following Mass.
According to Emery, Gruenke continues to work in the studio which now employs 45 people, because the promotion and creation of ecclesiastical art has been his life’s passion.
“He is an absolute inspiration to the other staff as they know he so loved what he did and has so much experience and stories to share,” she said. “His strong work ethic emanates from his parents and growing up in the (Great) Depression. He is a strong practicing Catholic and is still a member of St. John Vianney Parish, but due to his health issues, receives holy Communion in his home most of the time.”
In addition to his passion for ecclesiastical art, Gruenke has a penchant for his eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, as well as playing Sheepshead. He has regular games in his home, or at the Brookfield Senior Center.
“I get a kick out of him playing with ‘the boys,’ who are all over 80,” said Emery. “I have often come by to deliver stuff when they play – they put their hands up to greet me, but continue to go on playing because they are so into the game.”

Squirrel wanted

2011-10-05T22:42:00.000-05:00

The romantic side of me has always adored Autumn.

Trees of crimson, gold, chocolate and iridescent emeralds contrast the azure sky, sunbeams busting forth between branches leaving magical designs on the grassy carpet below.

Grasping the hand of a loved one while walking through the woods and listening to the crisp sounds of dessicated leaves as they give way beneath our feet.

Warm temperatures losing their humidity seem to offer new desire for the outdoors, encouraging us to bask in the remaining rays before the brash winter makes hermits of us all.

With over an acre of wooded property, I long to breathe in the fragrant air and gaze at the colorful artwork created by God's hand. While I am aware of the enormous number of dreary-leaved Black Walnut trees in our yard, the lack of their splendor was lost on me until this year. For reasons not known to us, we have experienced an abundance of two things: weeds and walnuts.

For days, I have raked, plucked, tossed, pitched, kicked and shoveled thousands of walnuts--dragging them by tarploads into the unmanicured woods on our property. As an added insult, my efforts were rewarded by dozens of putrid green balls escaping their hold from the branches in unison, often onto my head as I carried the captured ones away.

Today, as I continued my quest, I looked around at the piles and one thing came to mind: where are the darn squirrels, and why aren't they doing their jobs?

We have food for them, and lots of it! Walnuts used to be considered a delicacy for them, something akin to truffles for us. When I was young, I watched the little fuzzy creatures scurry through my yard, peeling the husks and burying the nuts for a winter's bounty. We never had to collect the nuts before we could mow the lawn because the squirrels knew their role. Now, we are lucky to find one or two and most would rather climb into the bird feeders than bother to gather the nuts.

Have the squirrels run off to greener pastures? Have they outsourced their food supply or cut a deal with the farmers for the dregs in their fields? All I know is that I want them back! Perhaps if I put an ad on Craig's list we could get some business here and lighten the load, or perhaps a welcome sign in the front yard might help?

Until they return, I am forced to hard labor -and if you are looking for me, I'll be in the yard, doing squirrel's work. If you happen to have a few emaciated squirrels in your area, please, send them here; they can work for food.

Showing Respect for Life this month

2011-10-02T22:01:00.000-05:00

When we think of October being Respect life month, we often focus on saving babies from abortion. Of course, as a mother of five and grandmother to four, the little ones do captivate my attention. However, respecting life means all life at all stages of being. Whether it is the wee babe, the teen with Downs syndrome, the cancer patient, death row prisoner, or the elderly relative unable to grasp daily memories--all are important and all have value.

As a Catholic Christian, it often amazes me that others who celebrate their Christianity, often feel compelled to play God with the lives of others who are not living up to their acceptable expectations of the beauty of life. None of us knows the value or purpose of any heartbeat--those mysteries will be unveiled in God's time; but each precious soul has a beautiful and unique personality and squelching any life eliminates the possibility for that special trait to be revealed.

Sitting in Mass this morning while our priest was speaking on Respect Life month, I was in awe of my gorgeous granddaughter asleep in my lap, platinum tendrils framing her round face and long eyelashes concealing azure eyes--if circumstances had been different, she may not be here to infuse so many lives with joy. Each moment with her is a celebration of God's infinite goodness and despite any moments of stress or sorrow in our lives, her presence bridges all of that, surrounding us with His love.

Today she and I unveiled the mystery of a caterpillar and after investigating all of his parts and playing with him for a bit-sent him back to the wild to find his family. A tiny lesson on the importance of life, perhaps--but hopefully the beginning of her lifelong enthusiasm for God's heart.

Change is on the way

2011-10-01T06:36:00.001-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to Parenting

Thursday, 29 September 2011 11:08

(Green Bay Compass photo by Sam M. Lucero)English-speaking Catholics around the world will begin using a new translation for some of the familiar prayers at Masses beginning Sunday, Nov. 27, the first Sunday of Advent.
A new English-language translation of the Roman Missal, the book of texts and prayers used in the Mass, will be available this October and marks the first significant changes to the Mass since it changed from Latin to English more than 40 years ago.
Many parishes are offering adult study sessions to provide not only the mechanics of the changes, but the meaning behind them. While adults may quickly grasp the changes, young people may not understand the reasons behind the profound meaning and beauty of the Mass and the new translation.
Catholic schools and numerous Catholic publications such as Pauline Books and Media, Magnifikid! and Ligouri Publications have created detailed booklets to prepare children and teens with the tools they need to participate in the sacred liturgy.
As Pope Benedict XVI stated, “The opportunity for catechesis that this new translation presents will need to be firmly grasped. I pray that the change will serve as a springboard for a renewal and a deepening of eucharistic devotion all over the English-speaking world.” (Address to Vox Clara, April 28, 2010)
DSHA offers Mass 101 sessions
Milwaukee’s Divine Savior Holy Angels High School offered Mass 101 sessions for all students to learn the deeper meaning of each aspect of the Mass, including new music Mass settings. According to Stephanie Monson, assistant director of campus ministry, the sessions were designed to inspire participation, reverence and renewed respect for the Eucharist, while fostering an appreciation for the significance behind the postures involved in Mass.
“The new Mass translation is a perfect opportunity for Catholic high schools to reach out to students through the Mass,” she said. “So often, we just go through the motions of Mass “The Mass Explained for Kids,” is a booklet, published by Pauline Kids, to help children transition smoothly into the new Mass translation. This booklet explains upcoming changes and enables children ages 7–11 to understand what we do and say at Mass and why.and forget to really participate with our own prayers and responses. Although change is always hard, the new Mass wording will make us focus on what we are saying again and why – and there lies the opportunity. Catholic education is all about reaching students through knowledge and experiences of God.”
It isn’t enough, Monson explained, to instruct young adults in the rote responses or prayers of the Mass; students need and want to know why the church is making the changes and the meaning behind the new words of the Mass.
“The new Mass translation gives DSHA the opportunity to re-educate students about what is really going on, so we began the year with an assembly called ‘Mass 101,’” Monson said. “This presentation was about the meaning of Mass and was created just for DSHA by (Salvatorian) Fr. Jeff Wocken, director of formation for the U.S. Province of Salvatorian priests, to catechize the students about what the Mass is and, most importantly, why we do what we do.”
‘Teenagers want to experience God through Mass’
The “Mass 101” sessions offered the opportunity for students to talk about the meaning of the Mass. The day following the session, 80 students attended the first optional Mass of the school year.
“It is just proof that teenagers want to experience God through the Mass, but they just need to be given the tools to do so,” Monson said. “Our choir director, Becky Wickert, is also using the new words as an opportunity to get students more interested in the Mass. Having new music Mass settings allows us to take time out to teach the students the new music and hopefully get them excited to sing.”
Throughout October and November, Monson will teach the new words of the Mass during theology classes, and meet with teenagers in small groups to discuss the Mass more thoroughly.

New Mass prayer guide available

     MILWAUKEE — With some changes in the wording used at Mass set to begin this Advent, a new “Prayer & Worship Guide” will help Catholics to participate fully in weekly liturgy. Free copies of the large-print guide are available from the Heart of the Nation Sunday TV Mass ministry. In addition to large-print text for Sunday Mass, the premier issue will contain seasonal prayers, traditional Christmas carols and the daily Mass propers.
“Our first issue takes us from Christmas to mid-February,” said Bruno John, president of Heart of the Nation. “We are asking for orders now so that we can be sure to print enough copies for anyone interested in the ‘Prayer & Worship Guide.’” Although Heart of the Nation has launched its publication primarily to serve viewers of the TV Mass, many of whom are visually or hearing impaired, the organization offers its large-print “Prayer & Worship Guide” free to anyone who would find it helpful.
     The TV Mass uniquely serves the needs of Catholics unable to participate in weekend liturgy at a parish. The sick, homebound, imprisoned or Catholics caring for loved ones who cannot be left alone depend on the televised Mass.
     Heart of the Nation’s Sunday TV Mass takes place in a chapel consecrated in 1861 at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary, the oldest continually operating seminary in the country. Using four cameras, at least 10 microphones and advanced production techniques, Heart of the Nation produces the Mass.
For more information and a channel guide on where to watch the Heart of the Nation Sunday TV Mass, log on to
www.HeartoftheNation.org, or call (855) 855-MASS (6277).

“The new translation is wonderful to teach because it always has a link to Scripture or how Catholics have been worshipping for centuries,” she said. “The new response, ‘And with your spirit,’ is also what Mary said to the angel at the Annunciation and how Paul greets his beloved faith communities. There is power in the knowledge that 650 teenage girls will start each Mass with the same words that Mary, another teenage girl, used to start her new vocation as the mother of all Christians.”
Monson said it’s meaningful to have the conversation about the manner in which they respond to prayers during Mass with anyone, regardless of age.
“How often do we respond to the priest when he says, ‘Let us give thanks to the Lord our God,’ with a mumbled and ignored, ‘It is right to give him thanks and praise’ and soon will be ‘It is right and just,’” she said. “Having to introduce the new words gives teachers the opportunity to point out to teenagers and ourselves that we have so much to be grateful for and encourage them to participate with a heartfelt response.”
Magnifikid! to update prayers for children
Magnifikid!, a monthly spiritual guide for children ages 6 to 12, based on the adult version, Magnificat, will update its Sunday Mass prayers in the December editions.
According to Paul Snatchko, manager of marketing and communications, Magnificat Magazine, the Magnifikid! Advent issue (www.magnificat.com) will contain all the new prayers of the Mass, as well as a letter outlining the changes.
“The parents may want to talk to their children ahead of time about the changes, as well as practice some of the new prayers and the responses,” he said. “Magnifikid! will have all the new translations and the children can follow along at Mass.”
Ligouri Publications (www.ligouri.org) offers several bulletin inserts designed for teens and adults as well as primary age children. Adults can read about the changes through “Conversations about the Roman Missal,” by Jesuit Fr. Joseph Weiss, which combines academic study and pastoral experience to help teens and adults transition into the Mass in an easy-to-understand and meaningful way.
According to Ligouri Publications parish sales consultant, Elizabeth Tallis, the children’s version, “Going to Mass with the Roman Missal,” also by Fr. Weiss, has been popular among parishes.
“It is a great little four-page bulletin insert that explains the Roman Missal and the Mass changes that are coming in easy to understand language for children,” Tallis said. “Fr. Weiss did a wonderful job highlighting the changes, as well as adding a short explanation about the Mass.”
Ligouri offers booklet on changes
In addition, Ligouri offers a 48-page booklet, “The Living Mass” that outlines the changes to the Roman Missal and how Catholics worship. The booklet, by Helidoro Lucatero, outlines the reasons for the translations, why changes were made, who makes the changes and what the changes will be.
“We also carry this wonderful 45-minute DVD called ‘Feeding Hungry Hearts’ by Fr. Joe Kempf that has been extremely popular among parishes all over the country,” said Tallis. “He isn’t focused on the new Mass translation, but really explains the Mass and why we do what we do as Catholics, and explains what a great gift the Holy Eucharist is to us.”
In an easy-to-understand and colorful format, Pauline Kids (www.Pauline.org) has released a 40-page booklet for children ages 7-11 to understand the new translation of the Mass as well as the reasons behind all the Mass prayers.
While the reasons for the changes are not included in the booklet, the prayers are arranged by linking liturgical texts on the left side of the booklet with corresponding colorful explanations on the right. Despite gearing the text to children, adults will likely find the booklet helpful in answering their own questions.
Translation is ‘teachable moment’ for Pauline Books and Media
Pauline Books and Media associate editor, children’s books, Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, co-authored “The Mass Explained for Kids,” and is not only excited about the new publication on a professional level, but personally, as well.
“I have eight kids ranging from 11 to 27, and was a bit surprised when our law school student asked if I would send her a few copies of ‘The Mass Explained for Kids,’” she said. “I believe this booklet has the potential to reach families with children of various ages, and have seen much interest from adults looking for what this resource offers: A visually clean, brief catechesis on the whole Mass, and not just the things that will change with the new English translation of the Roman Missal.”
The booklet doesn’t explore why the changes occurred, or that the language of the Mass is changing, because Wolfe wanted to focus on an overall understanding of what happens at Mass and why.
“Most kids and adults would love to know what the Mass really means,” she said. “We have taken the teachable moment of the new translation as an opportunity to do that. We believe that families and children can learn to pray the Mass.”
In preparing children for the new Roman Missal, Wolfe emphasized there is much parents can do to help their children understand what will be going on, but it all begins with a relaxed state of mind, a positive attitude and a deep breath.
Learn about Mass with your children
“Expect to be a little ‘book bound’ for a while and realize that you don’t have to know the answer to every question your kids may ask,” she said. “You can learn a lot more than just what the words say.
Why not learn about the Mass together with your children?”
Secondly, parents can utilize online resources or attend parish informational sessions to learn about the changes, and discuss specific words or concepts they might find challenging.
“Just remember, ‘consubstantial’ may sound a lot more daunting than ‘one in being’ does, but the concept is the same,” explained Wolfe. “Once you realize that we’ve all coasted through Mass on autopilot at least sometimes, you’ll see what a great opportunity these changes present … for deepening our knowledge and practice of the faith.”
Once the new language is fully implemented, Wolfe encourages parents to discuss with their children the words and concepts they like and what might sound strange to the ear, and even what might make them feel uncomfortable.
“You might consider having a kind of family liturgical ‘scavenger hunt,’” she suggested. “Look for something specific in the Mass each week: like how many times the priest says, ‘The Lord be with you,’ or whether you heard words that reminded you of a Bible story or just an unfamiliar word.”
Another suggestion would be to focus on one part of the Mass together, as a family, such as the Penitential Rite. It might be surprising to many Catholics that the words Kyrie eleison are Greek and not Latin. More than anything, Wolfe encourages parents to discuss the personal meaning of the Mass to them, and how their faith in Jesus Christ, present in the Eucharist, can be part of everyday family life.
“This little 40-page booklet has involved countless hours and the collaboration of many, many people over the past year,” said Wolfe. “Once we realized that there was a need and opportunity to teach kids, not just about the changes in the missal, but about the Mass as a whole, we got down to work. It has been a joy and privilege to produce something aimed at helping kids understand the great gift Jesus gave us in the Eucharist, his real presence and saving sacrifice, as well as true communion with him and one another. All of this comes to us through the celebration of Mass.”

After 30 years, 'Jack of all trades' says goodbye to St. Andrew School

2011-09-30T13:33:00.001-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 29 September 2011 11:46

She considered herself a “Jack of all trades.” To the kids, a nurse who fixed up their bruises and grabbed an ice pack when they bumped their heads. She provided a listening ear to students, parents and staff needing some spur-of-the-moment counseling. As an administrative assistant, she was the friendly voice on the other end of the phone, typed letters, memos and filed paperwork.
After 30 years of service at St. Andrew Parish School, 74-year-old Nancy Flood retired in May. The school honored her with a Nancy Flood Appreciation Day, on Thursday, May 26 with a Mass, followed by a presentation and social in the school cafeteria. School staff knows she left a void.
“She will be greatly missed by myself and everyone here at St. Andrew Parish School,” explained principal Julie Kadrich, in an interview with your Catholic Herald last spring. “Nancy is the very first person people see when they come up the steps into the school and she always meets them with a smile and friendly hello.”

Nancy Flood

Parish: St. Andrew Church, Delavan

Occupation: Retired administrative assistant, St. Andrew School, Delavan

Age: 74
Favorite movie: “Gone with the Wind,” “Sound of Music”

Book recently read: “The Last Convertible,” by Anton Myrer

Favorite quotation: “Love everyone, forgive everyone, share with everyone, and judge no one,” by Fr. Don Zerkel, senior priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
(Submitted photo courtesy St. Andrew School, Delavan)

When Kadrich began as a new principal a year ago, Flood was there to support, help and serve as her personal cheerleader.
“She commended me when I felt on certain days that I couldn’t do anything right,” Kadrich said. “She always came back with a compliment. She not only was my administrative assistant, but in the very short time I have been here, she has become my friend. I will miss seeing her every day and talking with her about all kinds of things.”
After Flood announced her retirement, Kadrich listened to the stories and shouldered disappointment from staff, parents and students.
“Nancy is St. Andrew School,” said Kadrich. “So many people have come to her for everything from Band-Aids, to snacks when they forgot theirs, to advice and for her constant ability to make others happy and to make others feel good about themselves. I could go on and on about Nancy. She is our school and a major piece of our school community and she will be greatly missed.”
It was difficult for Beth Muehlenkamp Nateghi to see Flood leave after developing a close relationship with her the past seven years.
“My daughter goes to school there and I’ve worked with her in the Parent Association and in promotion for the school,” said Nateghi. “She loves the kids, is a wealth of knowledge and a great person. She always has the answers to your questions, and if she doesn’t know them, she finds the answers for you. I will miss her a lot.”
She never intended on becoming the administrative assistant. Flood was a volunteer 45 years ago when her children attended St. Andrew, and joked that they wouldn’t let her leave.
“I just started working as a way to help out,” she said. “And I have met so many wonderful children and their families who are so generous to the school and willing to share their children with us. Many people thought I would leave after our last granddaughter left here, but I stayed on five more years. I am ready to leave, but it will be strange not to walk through those doors each day.”
Through the years, Flood has seen her four children and three of her six grandchildren graduate from St. Andrew. She has seen other children graduate and enroll their children at the school. She has worked for five principals and many pastors. Yet, her greatest challenge was always defining her position as a job.
“I consider what I do a ministry, and always try to help reinforce our Catholic faith and being welcoming and caring to all who entrust their children to us,” she said. “It has increased my faith to work here. You watch how faith works for children and it is gratifying. You are happy to see those families here on Sundays and while you wish to see more of them, it is rewarding to see them. We have one Mass per month done by the school children and tons of families come, it’s so gratifying to see their eagerness to take part. Fr. Jim Schuerman, our pastor, has a good relationship with them and is a wonderful man who is supportive of the school and all the parish ministries.”
The devotion to the Delavan school began with her husband of 52 years, Neill, who was baptized at the parish, attended the parish school and was in the third graduating class.
“His dad assisted the pastor in building the school,” explained Flood, “so it is a long history for our family.”
While she plans to take a year off to walk, read, tend to her geraniums and simplify her house, Flood won’t stay away from St. Andrew forever. She hopes to come back occasionally to volunteer where needed.
“I just need a break now and want to give them a break from me,” she said, laughing. “I don’t have any major plans to travel or anything like that. Neill still works full time in outside sales for Dunn Lumber in Lake Geneva and is the fire chief here and he shows no signs of retiring soon.”

New steeple marks 110th anniversary for Caledonia church

2011-09-30T06:33:00.000-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 29 September 2011 11:50

CALEDONIA — After a severe windstorm damaged the cross and copper base atop their steeple, St. Louis parishioners rang in a hearty welcome to their new copper shingled steeple, finished in time to celebrate the parish’s 110th anniversary after all Masses on Aug. 27 and 28.ABOVE: The old steeple is removed after an Oct. 25, 2010, storm cracked the support beam of the cross, loosened the cross and caused it to sway in the wind.

BELOW: A new steeple is placed atop St. Louis Church, Caledonia, in late July. Parishioners celebrated the new steeple, along with the parish's 110th anniversary, Aug. 27-28. (Submitted photos courtesy St. Louis Church, Caledonia)
Parishioners brought bells from home, and rang them during a dedication ceremony outside the church while the bells in the tower rang to mark the celebration.
According to business administrator Mary Ann Schroeder, the Oct. 25, 2010, storm cracked the support beam of the cross, loosening the cross and causing it to sway dangerously in the wind.
“There were some concerns that it would topple over and hurt someone,” she explained. “In the process of investigating this event, we had to crawl through the steeple and it was at this point, we discovered how decrepit it was.”
After members of the Milwaukee-based KOMP Engineering Firm assessed the safety and structural soundness of the steeple, they described the spire in their report as “a rather rickety collection of loose boards.” The insurance company recommended replacement of the steeple as the extent of damage to the structure posed a significant liability.
Overall damage to the cross and cupola was $12,245 and determined by the insurance company as related to the building’s 110 years, rather than from the storm.
Fundraising efforts began to build a new steeple for the 1901 Cream City brick church. While the current building reached its 110-year milestone, the parish dates to 1843 when Fr. Martin Kundig, a German priest, reached out to area Catholics to build a log church in 1844-45. The parish was formally organized in 1857 and in a newly built frame church, but it was destroyed in a fire in 1930.
“The excavation and foundation of our current church was done entirely by volunteer parishioners,” said Schroeder.
The second frame building was used as the parish hall until it was razed in 1954 to build the parish school. The school closed in 2005 due to low enrollment.
With hopes for another 100 years to add to its history, members of St. Louis Parish chose building materials for the new steeple. Under the advice of church restoration and construction experts, Krause Konstruction Inc. of Coon Valley, the parish chose copper shingles for their longevity and ability to withstand high winds over traditional asphalt roofing shingles expected to last just 50 years.
As a unique means to preserve the names of those who participated in raising funds for the new steeple, parishioners signed their names on the backside of the shingles. Signing on the reverse side ensured that the names would be safe from the elements.
“It was the contractor’s idea to have the parishioners sign the shingles as a fundraising event,” said Schroeder. “We had done some fundraising already, so we didn’t want to require our people to give yet again for the right to sign a shingle. We just invited all parishioners to join us for hospitality, refreshments and a shingle. We had a wonderful response, although I am not sure the exact number of people who signed the them.”
St. Louis Church, Caledonia, after the new steeple replaces the old one in late July. (Submitted photo courtesy St. Louis Church, Caledonia)While planning and fundraising for the steeple took 10 months, the structural work began July 25 and attracted the interest of parishioners eager to see the demolition of the old steeple and rebuilding of the new.
“The old steeple was so decrepit, there was nothing to salvage,” said Schroeder. “However, we still have the original cross and are discussing possible uses or ways to display it.”
After a large crane removed the remainder of the damaged steeple, construction began to erect the 25-foot high steeple mounted with a six foot cross.
While there were no construction surprises along the way, three funerals during the month of construction brought work to a halt until the mourners vacated the church.
“The crew was extremely diligent and they quickly got back to work after the funerals,” explained Schroeder. “As an aside, Fr. Mark (Danczyk), our pastor, treated the workers to ice cream in honor of the St. Louis feast day, (Aug. 25). But, the guys would not even eat their treat on the ground. So there were four men hanging from the top of the steeple in harnesses eating their Reese’s Peanut Butter Blizzards.”

Thorn appointed to Pontifical Academy for Life

2011-09-22T18:28:00.000-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney, Special to your Catholic Herald Thursday, 22 September 2011 10:27

MILWAUKEE — When Vicki Thorn, Project Rachel founder and executive director of the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing, flipped through her mail one day in May, she was stunned to see that intermingled among bills, catalogs and other correspondence, was a letter from Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the late Vatican nuncio to the United States who died in July. Vicki Thorn, founder of the post-abortion ministry Project Rachel and executive director of the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation & Healing, addresses participants during a conference on abortion in Oak Brook, Ill., Sept. 8, 2008. Thorn, a frequent presenter worldwide on respect life and healing after abortion issues, was named to the Pontifical Academy for Life in May. (CNS file photo by Karen Callaway)Upon opening the letter, she learned that she was appointed a “Corresponding Member” of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Admittedly, she wasn’t quite certain what this title meant for her, but quickly made a few phone calls and did some research on this prestigious five-year, renewable appointment. “I didn’t even know about this; it isn’t something you apply for, it just comes from the Vatican as an appointment,” said the Milwaukee native. “I was, and still am, shocked and very, very honored by this. These are people who really bring to the Vatican, their expertise and knowledge and keep the church apprised of things going on in the country. My first thought when I read the letter was, ‘Oh my gosh, what am I doing and what am I going to bring to this?’”
Priests for Life founder, Fr. Frank Pavone, is also a “Corresponding Member” of the Pontifical Academy for Life and was appointed in May 2010. According to Leslie Palma-Simoncek, communications director, Priests for Life, Thorn joins approximately 160 members from around the world who are charged with studying ethical and moral issues surrounding the sanctity of life from an interdisciplinary perspective and informing the church, the scientific and health care communities, the media and society at large of its findings and conclusions.
“The members of the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life form an impressive who’s who of international advocates for life,” she said in a May 2010 Priests for Life press release.
Founded in 1994 by Pope John Paul II, the Pontifical Academy is composed of 70 “ordinary” members and a similar number of “corresponding” members. Members become “honorary” when they reach the age of 80.
“I don’t really know all of what this appointment requires yet,” explained Thorn. “The Pontifical Academy for Life is a consultative body for the Holy Father. We work with others, and I know that the whole group comes together in February and we work on subcommittees. It is an incredible honor to be able to have this kind of input into life issues. I will be able to work with people who are movers and shakers in terms of the world’s pro-life and natural family planning issues.”
In 1977, Thorn became the first respect life director for the archdiocese, and on Sept. 18, 1984, Project Rachel was formed as the Catholic Church’s healing ministry to those who have been involved in abortion.
“Thanks to a lead story in the Milwaukee Sentinel, this story went around the world, and I only learned two years ago that Sept. 18 is the Feast of Our Lady of LaSallette, Consolation of Sinners,” she said. “The bishops of the U.S. had called for post-abortion ministry as part of their Pastoral Plan for Pro-life Activities that was issued in 1975. They called for education on the sanctity of all life, from womb to tomb. They called for pastoral care for those facing an unplanned pregnancy and post-abortion care, but no one knew what that looked like in 1975.”
The bishops’ call bled into Thorn’s heart as she grappled with the ongoing despondency of a close friend forced by her mother to have an abortion while in high school.
“There was abuse in the house and her brother was the father of the second baby, and I am guessing of the first one, too,” she said. “It was her pain that sensitized me to the need for this. It was clear that as church we had what was needed – confessors and mental health professionals and others who could provide one-on-one care. When I asked the priests about it, they had all heard the confessions, but didn’t think they knew enough.”
With the support of Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, Thorn received the financial resources to begin Project Rachel.
“He was, in fact, at the first training day and I believe he was the one who told the reporter that there was a ministry coming,” she said. “I had only invited the press to cover the training day, the first of its kind in the world.”
The National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing began in 1990, and when there was need for ministry space, Archbishop Weakland provided an office.
“A local Project Rachel priest found a donor to allow me to begin and a man that a Project Rachel priest had connected me to arrived from New Jersey with a truckload of furniture, files, Xerox machine, etc.” she said. “He also purchased our phone system and our 800 number, 1-800-5WE-CARE and we were in business. Our office remains in the Cousins Center with the blessing of Archbishop Jerome Listecki.”
Thorn has traveled worldwide presenting her recent research on the biochemistry of sex and the biology of bonding and attachment and the biology of the Theology of the Body. She has written and spoken about the sociological changes in society since 1960 and the spiritual and psychological wounds carried by Generation X and Generation Y because of those changes.
She has also authored a book on Project Rachel, titled “Progetto Rachele: Il Volto Della Compassione,” published by the Vatican Publishing House, Libreria Editrice Vaticana and currently available in Italian, Spanish and French.
“This book on Project Rachel means that there will be accessibility to information on the ministry all over the world, such as ‘here’s what it is and how to help.’ This isn’t a healing book,” she explained.
Vicki ThornThorn, 62, holds a degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota, as well as a certificate in trauma counseling from UW-Milwaukee. She is a longtime member of the Association of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health and a frequent workshop presenter. She is also a trained bereavement facilitator through the American Academy of Bereavement and was certified through Resolve Through Sharing Prenatal Loss as a prenatal loss facilitator.
She and her husband, Marquette professor William Thorn, have six children and two grandchildren. As a couple, they were inducted into the Pontifical Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre in October 2008, as Knight and Lady. In August 2009, she received the People of Life Award from the Pro-Life Secretariat of the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops for her pro-life service to the church.
“We are blessed to be members of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre as this has given us the opportunity to get to know people from other countries, especially with Bill’s role in the International Catholic Press,” she said. “If I had a woman (dealing with abortion issues) in a another country I could probably find her a priest because of my connection to the international press. The aftermath of abortion is not unique to the United States or to Catholics, and I am blessed that Project Rachel is spreading around the world and not just addressing women, but the men who are suffering parental loss.”
The appointment serves as a boost to Thorn’s tireless work in the aftermath of abortion, pro-life advocacy and Natural Family Planning, and while this service to the Catholic Church is voluntary, she is excited to play a role in furthering education and healing in the world.
“I hope to be able to make a difference, and work with others to facilitate the movement of Project Rachel,” she said.
Archbishop Listecki is pleased and proud that Thorn will be serving the worldwide Catholic Church in her new role.
“For more than 25 years, Vicki Thorn has been devoted to defending the sanctity of life and providing support to those who bear the scars of abortion,” he said. “We are proud of her connection to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and confident that her good work will continue as a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. I am proud to be her archbishop and friend.”

Sometimes it is just the little things

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

When we are wrapped up in church politics, family discourse, financial and health woes that literally suck the life out of us--there are days that we tend to look for some sort of sign that we are still written in God's book of life. Perhaps I can be accused of doubting God's plan more than others, but face it--who hasn't doubted their purpose, significance or reason for being on this earth, when faced with years of countless battles?

While I try to remain stoic and convincing in sharing my faith with others, a little voice inside me frequently whispers, "failure, loser, and insignificant." I hate that voice--for it is too familiar and has lived within me since my earliest memories.

That voice is often apparent in the 'well-meaning' voices on the outside who find reasons to criticize or assume they know the workings of my heart--those are often the most difficult to ignore.

But a simple, yet memorable moment squelched all of those doubts the other night at our Lay Eccelesial Ministry Class as I witnessed the most beautiful and resonant outcome of the total love of one man for Jesus Christ.

The priest who was lecturing us that night on early Catholicism, began witnessing to us on the benefits of reading daily scripture. "It is important," he said. "To read scripture every day, so that after you breathe your last and open your eyes, you will know where you are."

His eyes sparkled with a heavenly countenance as he then explained that in ancient times, an annual celebration culminated with dancing with the Torah. Grabbing his bible and clutching it to his chest, he danced around the room and challenged us, "When was the last time you danced with your bibles?"

Suddenly, it all made sense----And I wept

911 Widows Turn Tragedy to Outreach

2011-09-16T12:17:00.000-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 15 September 2011 15:42

Duo directs grief to helping Afghan women
Susan Retik had every reason to hate. Seven months pregnant with her third child, Susan Retik’s husband David was killed on Sept. 11, 2001. He was aboard American Airlines Flight 11 to Los Angeles, the flight that hijackers crashed into the World Trade Center.
Susan RetikShe had every reason to hate and desire vengeance as retribution for the death of her husband as well as the death of all killed and injured from the attack on the U.S. However, Retik, of Needham, Mass., is no ordinary victim. Instead, she has devoted her life to helping women in the same country where the hijackers had trained.
She and Patti Quigley, also widowed on Sept. 11, and eight months pregnant with her second child when her husband Patrick was killed while traveling on United Airlines Flight 175, directed their grief toward helping Afghan widows, who were also suffering.
“We basically became aware of Afghanistan and the plight of the women through the news media,” said Retik. “We were struck by how terrible it was to be a woman and couldn’t imagine what it was like. I felt a kinship toward them, and remembered about all the people that helped me when I lost David, and knew that they had no one to help them.”
Decades of fighting in Afghanistan had left tens of thousands of women widowed. Their faces haunted Retik and Quigley, who realized the Afghan widows were also victims of violence. However, unlike the Afghan widows, grief-stricken individuals around their neighborhoods and country instantly embraced the women, and sent cards, money, stuffed animals, gifts and quilts.
“We had people making dinner for us, helping with our laundry, and sending us letters,” said Retik, who is Jewish. “And we had assistance from our husbands’ employers, the Red Cross and Salvation Army. These Muslim women have no support.”
Initially, Retik thought about helping one widowed Afghan woman financially so she no longer had to struggle. However, as she thought about it, she realized it would be beneficial to help many more. With Quigley’s help, the women began the non-profit organization, Beyond the 11th. The organization aids Afghan widows whose lives have been touched by terrorism and war, such as the ones whose faces they saw on the evening news after U.S. forces went in to remove the Taliban and Al Qaeda, which was responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks.
After raising thousands of dollars through bike rides, and various fundraisers, Quigley and Retik traveled to Afghanistan in 2006 to see the challenges burqa-clad widows face in a country that grants women few rights. Under the Taliban regime, women were unable to work or leave the house without a male escort. They have more freedom today, but still, widowed or not, are primarily illiterate and at the mercy of men and the government.
“But we have seen progress through out efforts, and it was good to travel to Kabul to see progress in the women we were trying to help,” said Retik. “The challenge, though, involves not only getting men to value the women more, but getting the women to value themselves more. Because they have never experienced true freedom or equality, they don’t think they are worth as much as a man.”
In 2005, Quigley, a Catholic, resigned from Beyond the 11th to shift her focus to Afghan Girls. She is now part of Razia’s Ray of Hope and helps pioneering activist Razia Jan fulfill her dream of educating the next generation of Afghan people in order to end the cycle of poverty, despair and terrorism.
A documentary chronicling the women’s six-day visit to Kabul and their work, called, “Beyond Belief,” a film by Beth Murphy, will be shown Friday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. in the Gerhardinger Center, Room 109 on the Mount Mary College campus, 2900 N. Menomonee River Pkwy. Milwaukee.
Retik will be the featured speaker at a luncheon, hosted by Mount Mary College, at the Pfister Hotel on Thursday, Sept. 22.
Through the documentary, Retik hopes that others will understand the importance of the mission to help the Afghan women.
“I hope it gives people a much better understanding of why we do what we do, and the need we had to meet different women in Afghanistan,” said Retik. “It is important to see their struggles and how we all can make a difference in their lives. I think the documentary humanizes the women. I mean we hear it in the news, but they are real mothers, daughters, and sisters just like us, living uneducated and difficult lives.”
Retik is assisted in her work by her children, Ben, Molly and Dina, who help in fundraising when they can. In 2006, she married Donald Ger, and the couple has a 3-year-old daughter, Rebecca.
Last year, President Barack Obama presented Retik with the Citizens Medal in recognition of her efforts.
“It was incredible and not something I ever expected to happen,” admitted Retik. “I had never been to the White House and it was so amazing to meet the president and be surrounded by others receiving this same award. It makes me feel good that the president of the United States is aware of the work of Beyond the 11th, and by choosing me as a representative, it says to me that he understands the important role that widows play.”

Program helps maintain Wisconsin farmland

2011-09-10T13:35:00.001-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney \| For The Compass
Monday, 29 August 2011 10:43

Catholic farmers, rural life officials support agricultural conservation

Wisconsin farmers have been growing healthy, local food since before James Polk signed the statehood bill in 1848.
With rich fertile soils, flat terrain, ample water and an adequate growing season, Wisconsin is an ideal region for growing food and raising dairy cows and other farm animals. Local farms provide communities with extraordinary dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as jobs, open space and a sense of history.
However, the very qualities that make Wisconsin a farming mecca also make it attractive for suburban development.

Cows graze near a silo in 2009 on a farm at sunset just outside Postville, Iowa. Protecting Wisconsin farmland is the goal of Wisconsin Working Lands Initiative. (CNS photo | Bob Roller)

Many areas in the state are close to cities and jobs, the land is flat and easy to build on, and the seasons are enticing to those wishing to shelve the grind of city life. But for farming families like Doug and Mary Behnke, who operate a third-generation dairy farm in Waupaca County, they are deeply concerned about entrusting their land as a permanent legacy to their three grown daughters.
"We currently milk 250 cows and grow 800 acres of alfalfa, corn and soybeans to feed to our animals," said Mary, a member of St. Mary Parish in Bear Creek. "Additionally, we raise our own heifers for a total of 500 animals on the farm. It is our goal to produce high quality, nutritious and wholesome milk for cheese production. All three of our daughters have remained in agriculture with hopes that one will take over the family farm after college." The family also employs three full-time and three part-time workers.
When Doug, who serves as the Town of Bear Creek chairman, and other community members were involved in the Comprehensive Land Use Planning Program, also known as Smart Growth, a few years ago, they learned about the importance of preserving farm land while allowing future residential development in designated areas.
Together the township worked with the Wisconsin Working Lands Initiative, a statewide plan to retain as much agricultural land as possible.
Working lands initiative
The Working Lands Initiative established a new program to provide 50 percent of the cost of purchasing agricultural conservation easements, including transaction costs. Through the Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements (PACE) program, the state was to provide funding to cooperating local governments or non-profit organizations to purchase easements from willing landowners. Land with an agricultural conservation easement cannot be developed for any purpose that would prevent its use for agriculture.
As one of the 16 farms in the state chosen for the PACE program, the Behnke's were excited to know that their farmland would never be developed or utilized for any other purpose other than farm land. However, in trying to balance the state budget, Gov. Scott Walker's plan called for eliminating PACE and the bonding authority to fund those first 16 projects.
With an already downward spiral of family-owned Wisconsin dairy farms, legislators from both parties were outraged and voted 16-0 in May to keep PACE on the state statutes and to honor the state's commitment to the 16 PACE projects approved during the first-ever statewide selection process. The $5.2 million funding will come from the state's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund.
"Keeping the PACE program in the budget was a testament to how vital the $59 billion agricultural industry is to Wisconsin," said Behnke. "It shows that lawmakers understand the impact agriculture has on rural communities and the jobs the industry creates. .... Keeping farmland in production will be a fundamental component of the future of agriculture in Wisconsin for generations to come."
The Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance modified the governor's plan and will permit farmers to sell the development rights on their farms and agree to keep the property in agricultural use for perpetuity. The compromise plan calls for a yearlong PACE study to consider how to strengthen the program. Beyond the first 16 applicants, there is no money in the budget for future PACE purchases, but the program is still on the books, according to William Berry of American Farmland Trust/Protecting Wisconsin's Farm and Forest Lands.
"Just a few years ago, we were losing up to 30,000 acres of farmland a year in Wisconsin," he said. "In that regard, we were one of the top states in the nation for farmland loss. That acre of farmland is actually the loss of much more. Talk to any farmer and they will tell you their ability to do their jobs is hindered by rural residential development. A house here and another one there on five-acre plots spell trouble for farmers who suddenly encounter complaints about noise and odors and other realities associated with farming."
The Legislature did concede to the governor's plan to eliminate conversion fees when land is rezoned out of farmland preservation zoning districts for development.
"These fees were intended to discourage the conversion of farmland to other uses," explained Berry. "Realtors and developers opposed the conversion fees."
The other components of the 2009 Working Lands Initiative remained, and includes requirements for counties to update their farmland preservation plans and grant funding to make it happen.
"This is important, because local people are asked to identify their priority farming areas, which then can be protected through local zoning and other tools," said Berry. "When plans are updated, farmers who choose to can receive enhanced farmland preservation tax credits."
However, losing any of the requested state backing to protect Wisconsin farmland supports an overall downward trend of the American Dairy business, according to Thomas Nelson, coordinator of the Rural Life Office of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Madison.
"Back in 1960 there were 95,000 dairy farms in Wisconsin, and today, we have just 12,000," he said. "We are rapidly consolidating, and big farms are eating up the small dairy farms," he said. "Then we have these big 4,000-head dairy farms that are upsetting small community politics and causing a number of environmental issues."
While exact numbers of Catholic farmers in the state are unknown, Nelson admitted that it is far less than it was just a year ago. Historically, Catholics comprised a large percentage of the overall farming community.
"Now we have farmers taking multiple roles, such as farming and in other businesses to make ends meet," he said. "I am hoping that people will take back the power from the states and the federal government. In fact, the Holy Father just wrote a wonderful article on the family farms for the Vatican Information Service in July for the United Nations' Committee on Agriculture's 37th annual conference."
Pope supports farm families
In Pope Benedict XVI's July 1 letter, he stressed the importance of family-owned farms, encouraging their growth to rebuild and to re-grow a healthy food system that would go a long way towards eliminating poverty, underdevelopment and hunger in the world.
The pope also addressed food security as an authentically human requirement and it should be guaranteed for present and future generations. He encouraged solidarity as essential among all political and strategic actions and called upon international institutions to support work that strengthens human dignity, especially among the world's children.
According to American Farmland Trust's Berry, while PACE was not completely eliminated by recent state budget cuts, most in the farming community are disappointed that conversion fees were eliminated.
"The purpose was to strengthen farmland preservation," he said. "Without the fees, it's sort of like another government giveaway program."
However, the effort to save key components of the Working Lands Initiative were interesting and encouraging to Berry, who attended numerous public hearings with members of all political parties.
"It showed deep commitment to and high interest in farmland protection in Wisconsin," he said. "All of our legislators were united about the need to protect the best of our farmland. Agriculture has a $59 billion-a-year economic impact on Wisconsin. Preserving farmland and helping farms stay viable supports rural communities, schools, churches, businesses and all the other pieces of the pie."
Keeping PACE in the state budget was very important to Town of Windsor resident Vern Treinen, a third generation farmer, whose land was selected as the first PACE farm in the state.
Farming on his own since 1978, Treinen, a member of St. Olaf Parish in DeForest, grew up working the land and raising Holsteins with his father, and now his father helps him with caring for the cattle and planting crops. While not an easy life, it is one he enjoys and has allowed him to provide for his wife Vicki and two daughters.
All in the family
While he could easily have cashed in on millions to sell his land to developers, Treinen insists that there are more important things than money.
"How much money is enough? Some things have no price tags," he said. "We have enough money. We work hard, but we live pretty comfortable and now I will rest a lot easier someday when the dirt is kicked on me, that this land will never be developed."
Treinen's roots grow deep, and his principles were planted into his soul as a young boy when he promised his grandfather that the farmland would remain as it was intended.
"When people asked me why I wanted to preserve this land, I told them that when I bought this farm from my dad, who bought it from my grandfather, that I would always keep this as farmland," he explained. "Now I know this will be forever. I can rest more comfortably and I know my grandfather is resting comfortably too. It was kind of neat, when the PACE funding went through, I got all kind of congratulations from other farmers—they treated me like I saved the world, because I protected my farmland."
Pride in farming
Doug and Mary Behnke also feel that serving the earth in farming means much more than the money they could earn by selling their cherished farmland.
"Being a farmer is more than a profession, it is a lifestyle," said Mary. "We are proud to take care of the land with the same passion for farming our fathers instilled in us. Maintaining the fields of corn, pastures of cows, and a rural community of farmers means more to us than the dollar value of commercial development. We have been blessed with fertile soils and want to keep it in production."
According to Jim Ennis, director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, the effort to save the key parts of the PACE program is good for the entire state and provides an option for willing farmers to sell their land through the PACE program, rather than succumb to developmental pressure.
"If this program had been eliminated, then the 16 projects representing nearly 5,800 acres would not be dedicated to agricultural production in perpetuity and farmers would have fewer options," he said. "Rural communities could lose out if more and more farmers have to sell their land to developers and/or speculators."
The church affirms farmers and all those involved in agricultural and food production, added Ennis.
"The church views agricultural workers in high esteem," said Ennis. "The vocation to farm is a high and noble calling and the church strongly supports family farms and the need to keep the farmers on the land, growing food for communities and for the world."

Slow Love by Dominique Browning is captivating

2011-09-08T07:08:00.000-05:00

In many ways, this book “Slow Love” hit home. Like me, Dominique Browning was a writer who went through a reinvention process. For more than a decade, she was the editor of Home & Garden magazine and was accustomed to the exclusive lifestyle attributed to life in New York City. She managed a large staff, raised her two boys as a single mother and managed to have dinner with them nearly every night. All that she did was driven by her fast paced and often frenzied lifestyle—and she thrived on that.

Suddenly Browning’s life changed in 2007 after losing the job that defined her as a worthy human being. In almost diary form, she exquisitely describes her feelings being suddenly without purpose and frantically trying to learn who she was, to a depression that, at its low point finds her visiting the farmer’s market in her pajamas, forgetting it was Friday, and eating vast amounts of homemade chocolate chip cookies, while hidden in the confines of her home.

After about six months of random activity, she sells the house she expected to leave as a legacy to her children, to a simpler home and lifestyle. She becomes more introspective and contemplative in her mannerisms and slowly becomes to love herself and live in peace.

Her move to her second home in Rhode Island, which she has knocked down and rebuilt seemed to be a necessary process to become the spiritual being that God intended her to be.

For more: Slow Love Discussion

Brother Beekeeper creates buzz at retreat center

2011-09-02T06:00:00.002-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 01 September 2011 11:58

Redemptorist Br. Gerry Patin, affectionately known as Brother Beekeeper, looks over a honeycomb from one of the 14 hives he tends on the Oconomowoc property of the Redemptorist Retreat Center. Br. Patin, director of the center, raises funds for the center by selling honey, lip balm and soaps made from products from the hives. (Submitted photo courtesy Redemptorist Br. Gerry Patin)
While roaming the Redemptorist Retreat Center’s 20 acres of natural woodlands, the only sounds injecting themselves into the silence are those of nature. Listen closely, and the hum of honeybees busy at work may draw even the most unnerved a bit closer.
Several hives in a corner of this Oconomowoc haven contain thousands of bees. They fly out; they fly in, collecting pollen from the sweet smelling flowers on columbine, lilies and other wild flowers that line the property.
Affectionately known as Brother Beekeeper, 62-year-old Redemptorist Br. Gerry Patin, director of the Redemptorist Retreat Center, lovingly tends his bees.
Each of his 14 hives contains between 50,000 to 60,000 bees during the honey flow season, and can weigh more than 100 pounds by the end of summer. Each colony has a queen, tens of thousands of workers who make the honey and hundreds of drones who mate with the queen, then die; to that, add the weight of the comb with eggs, brood and larvae, pollen stores and honey. In general, beekeeping is easy and fun, according to Br. Gerry, and while considered a hobby, it was one he entered into unexpectedly early in his religious life.
“It was 1969 when stationed at our high school seminary in Edgerton, Wis.,” he explained. “The brother taking care of the bees was transferred and I was asked if I would be interested in taking over the 10 bee hives that were at that facility. I responded, ‘absolutely.’”
After a crash course in learning about beekeeping, the brother gave him an instruction book on the subject. Quickly reading anything he could get his hands on, he found the beekeeping to be not only calming and enjoyable, but a great success.
“Eventually, we closed our high school seminary and I sold all of the bee equipment, along with the hives,” Br. Gerry said. “I was transferred to Holy Redeemer Parish in Detroit for the next 17 years.”
In 2003, Br. Gerry was transferred back to Wisconsin to direct the Oconomowoc facility. Jim Molnar, who assists Redemptorist Br. Gerry Patin in tending the bees, looks over a honeycomb at the Redemportist Retreat Center in the Town of Oconomowoc, on Monday, Aug. 29. Molnar also assists Br. Gerry in making soaps which are sold at the center. (Catholic Herald photo by Allen Fredrickson)To his surprise and delight, his love for beekeeping would once again become part of his life.
“In 2005, with the encouragement from a man that attended our retreats, and was also a beekeeper, I once again began the project of beekeeping,” he said. “I started out small with three hives, and gradually increased them to the 14 I now tend.”
Br. Gerry began selling the honey to help support the center, and as he witnessed the great interest in purchasing the golden syrup from those coming on retreat, he began thinking of other ways to utilize the honey and beeswax for additional revenue.
“I receive a monthly beekeeping magazine and in it there have been frequent articles on using the products from the hives for soap making and also making lip balm,” he said. “I began that hobby, and the all natural soap and lip balm I make are also in great demand in our gift shop at the retreat center. People love the natural soap with the natural glycerin in each bar. People with skin problems using store-bought soap tell me that their skin responds beautifully to my soap. People coming to the Redemptorist Retreat Center are so happy to be able to buy these products as gifts that are really made right at the retreat house by Brother Beekeeper.”
Honeybees are lumped in with other stinging creatures that invade late summer picnics and other outdoor activities, but they have been given a bad rap insists Br. Gerry.
“I enjoy the beekeeping because the honeybee is often overlooked in today’s busy world. The amount of good that the honeybees do is more far reaching than just the honey they provide,” he said. “Many fruits and vegetables require the pollination that only the honeybees can provide. The bees work in perfect communal harmony. It is rather spiritual to work with them throughout the spring and summer months – they actually teach me a lot.”
One of the more commonly asked questions surrounds the honeybee stinger and how often Br. Gerry irritates his brood enough to warrant a sting.
“I do get stung, but usually it is my own fault,” he explained. “I’m sometimes in a hurry to vest in my beekeeping suit and have left open a zipper or snap and in come the bees to remind me that I left an opening for them in my carelessness. The stings hurt, but soon the pain leaves and I forget that I was even stung.”For more information on Brother Beekeeper's products, including honey, soap and lip balm, visit the website. Orders may also be placed by phone: (262) 269-6125. (Catholic Herald photo by Allen Fredrickson)
While the hobby might seem to be a full-time job to those unaccustomed to the process, the bees do most of the work. For Br. Gerry, one day a week is usually sufficient to keep track of his hives and the health of his bees, and to tend their needs during all seasons.
As a Redemptorist brother for 43 years, Br. Gerry finds it interesting that he got into beekeeping early in his religious life and now later in his religious life.
“The bees treat me well, even though I am a more senior presence with them at this time in my life,” he said, adding. “People who have made retreats and friends of the retreat center sometimes come out and I suit them up and show them the inside workings of a beehive. It is an opportunity that doesn’t come along too often in today’s busy world.”
As a retreat director, Br. Gerry is often asked whether he will ever provide a retreat on the life of the honeybees and the spiritual connection they seem to share with us in this vast world.
“I just reply, ‘Stay tuned,’” he said.

My inner pilgrim began with ten pounds of green beans

2011-09-01T21:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, my elderly neighbor was having a little trouble with her back and asked me to pick her green beans yesterday. She is 86, and aside from the remarkable fact that she still tends a substantial garden, I was happy to help. We are often the recipient of her garden goodies and I have been wanting to find a way to repay her.

After spending about 40 minutes plucking beans in the noonday sun, I not only developed a greater appreciation for all that she does, but filled a bucket with about 10 pounds of plump string beans and carried them into her home.

She promptly took a pound or two out and insisted I take the remainder, including a dozen tomatoes and a few cucumbers. If they had not been a gift from her, I may have simply tossed the beans into the refrigerator and forgotten them, but this gift held great responsibility for me. This is her ministry--she lives with the knowledge that she is blessed by God by blessing others. So, I blanched all the beans, sliced the tomatoes and threw them all into the dehydrator overnight. This morning, they were all bagged and stored in the basement for the winter.

Something about dragging out the dehydrator and preserving the produce ignited my inner pilgrim. Walking to get the mail, I noticed the neighbor's pear and apple trees. All are dropping fruit each day and he never uses any of it. Then, for some unknown reason, the chokeberry bushes in our yard captured my attention. Until yesterday, I thought they were poisonous. Thankfully, I did a little research and found that chokeberries, otherwise known as aronia berries--are extremely healthy. In fact, they are one of the newest Superberries.

This little black gems are packed with

Antioxidants
Polyphenols
Anthocyanins
Quinic Acid
Vitamins
Minerals
Flavonols

Studies have found that they help to prevent colon cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, circulatory problems, influenza and urinary tract infections.

Who would have guessed those little gems would be flourishing in our yard? I did my research, snipped the berries, popped them in the freezer so they would be easier to pull off the stems, picked up a hot water bath canner, some jars, pectin, sugar and found some recipes.

Because these berries are rather tart and on the bitter side, it's best to mix them with other ingredients.
Bright and early, I popped on a colonial style apron to get in the mood and got busy.

With the advice of friends and relatives who know more about these berries than I do, a few concoctions were created in the confines of my own non-pilgrim kitchen:

Chokeberry-black raspberry jam
Chokeberry -strawberry jam
Chokeberry-grape-apple-pear sauce
and Chokeberry-apple juice

All in all, I canned about 6 quarts of juice and another 25 pints of the other mixtures. It was a very fulfilling day--and addictive. I find myself thinking about what else to can or dehydrate. Perhaps next on the list is to conquer my fear of the pressure canner. A little accident in 1980, in the Food Science building at UW Madison with an exploding pressure canner might be the reason for my hesitancy......and that's all I'm sayin'

'Best kept secret in Oconomowoc

2011-09-01T19:00:00.001-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 01 September 2011 11:43

The Redemptorist Retreat Center is located near Crooked Lake on 20 acres of land that was part of the estate of Gen. Otto H. Falk. On July 17, the Redemptorists commemorated 87 years of preaching lay retreats in Oconomowoc and the 50th anniversary of the retreat center. (Catholic Herald photo by Allen Fredrickson)
Ever feel frazzled and pulled in many directions? Looking for a place to be still and reflect on God’s purpose for your life? For a half century, the Redemptorist Retreat Center has offered that to those needing respite from daily routines, stress and frustration.
The Redemptorist retreat movement began in 1927 when emerging technology began distracting people from God’s purpose in their lives. Whether it was Charles Lindbergh flying over the Atlantic or Admiral Byrd soaring over the North Pole, talking movies or overseas telephone calls, people began focusing on the world’s progress, rather than spiritual growth.
Seeing a need to focus on inner healing, the Redemptorists began their retreat movement at their Immaculate Conception Seminary on Lac LaBelle in Oconomowoc.
The Beaver Dam Knights of Columbus initiated the first retreat at the seminary with 41 men in attendance, led by a missionary, Redemptorist Fr. Walter L. Polk. The retreat was so successful that the movement grew with the support of the Redemptorists and Catholic laity throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
By 1960, interest in religious life grew, enrollment was up and 116 seminarians were due in the fall, leaving no room for the retreat program in the seminary. To accommodate the thriving retreats, the Redemptorists purchased a portion of the Gen. Otto H. Falk estate on Crooked Lake. Retreats resumed in 1961 after the estate was remodeled and later, a 58-room building was erected to house retreatants.
On Oct. 12, 1963, the first retreat in the newly constructed building was offered to 91 retreatants. The center was dedicated in honor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.A retreatant walks the labybrinth behind the Redemptorist Retreat Center in Oconomowoc, Aug. 29. The center opened in 1961, and the 58-room building (above) was constructed in 1963. (Catholic Herald photo by Allen Fredrickson)
Located on 20 acres of lush, rolling hills in the Kettle Moraine, the center is fully air-conditioned and handicapped accessible. There are 58 private rooms, each with its own bathroom facilities, a large conference room, four meeting rooms and chapel. Individuals desiring more seclusion can spend private time in the Poustinia, a furnished, but modest hermitage designed as an isolated place to live for a short time as a hermit to encounter God in solitude, silence and prayer.
To commemorate the 87 years of preaching lay retreats in Oconomowoc and the 50-year anniversary of the founding of the retreat center, Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki presided at an afternoon Mass to a standing room only crowd on Sunday, July 17.
According to business manager, Susan Ristow, the overflow crowd followed the eucharistic celebration on a monitor from the library, dining room and hallway.
“The archbishop praised the good work of the Redemptorists in reaching out to the most abandoned, helping them be closer to God, and offering solid spiritual nourishment as St. Alphonsus Ligouri had done,” she explained. “He spoke of the message of Alphonsus, who preached of a God ‘crazy with love’ for all persons.”
According to Ristow, the retreat center is a popular destination for church groups and individuals.

If you want to go:

Redemptorist Retreat Center
1800 N. Timber Trail Lane
Oconomowoc, WI 53066-4897
(262) 567-6900

Preached retreat: 2 nights,
$180/individual
Preached retreat: 2 nights,
$300/couple

Directed retreat: 7 nights,
$465/individual
Women religious: 5 nights, $290
Women religious: 7 nights, $395

Retreat fees include room, board, and materials

“We have lay men and women, men and women religious, high school Kairos groups, religious groups and organizations of all denominations who come here,” she said. “We offer a variety of themes to meet the many needs of the individuals’ spirituality. It is a time to be renewed and celebrate the beauty and wonder of God’s love and the gift of peace God desires us to possess. Many retreatants tell us of the peace, renewal and powerful healing that takes place within. They return home and tell others of their great experience.”
In residence at the center are three retired priests, two priests who frequently preach at the retreats and Redemptorist Br. Gerry Patin, director of the retreat center.
Some of the retreats offered include weekend men’s silent retreats, women’s weekend silent retreats, weekend retreats for married couples, and recent offerings for fathers and sons, and another for mothers and daughters.
Four retreats in the summer are designated for women religious. Additionally, retreats are available for active priests and retired priests. Other offerings are contemplative retreats, Holy Week retreats, days of prayer throughout the year, private retreats for men and women, Celtic spirituality, directed retreats, Kairos retreats, as well as retreats for post-abortive healing, and members of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon.
Upon completion of the retreats, a usual response is, “’I wish I had known about this retreat center before in my life and how wonderful it is to have a retreat in this busy and hectic world,’” explained Br. Gerry who leads the retreat team with Fr. Jim White, Fr. Ed Vella and Franciscan Sr. Susan Fischer.
“Once people attend one of our retreats, they are hooked and return year after year,” said Br. Gerry. “I always say that miracles always happen on a retreat. When someone gives themselves time away to renew their love for God, then change will take place in their souls and lives. A person really deserves a retreat. Some of the people coming on retreat have been attending from the beginning of our center, 50 years ago. It is a shame that we sometimes feel that the retreat center is the best kept secret in the Oconomowoc area and the archdiocese area.”

Mount Mary alumna devotes post 9/11 days to helping others

2011-09-01T14:58:00.000-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 01 September 2011 13:15

Suzanne Carlton
It’s the little things she remembers – each one still reducing her to tears.
The general who gave up his seat on the U.S. Army Human Resource Council for another candidate.
The colleague who drove her home the evening before.
The early morning conference call at the Pentagon.
The young officer coming into the room, passing her a 3 x 5 note card, and the world coming to a screeching halt as she read of the plane slamming into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
“We were on this 6:30 a.m. conference call and my boss was in Singapore at the time when the plane hit. We brought in a TV to see what was happening on CNN and then we called him to find a TV as well,’ said Suzanne Carlton, 68, who worked in Army Recruiting Outreach Connections. “He asked me if I thought it was an accident, so I looked on the TV at the blue skies and told him that I didn’t think so, and it was then that I saw the second plane and knew it wasn’t.”
The stunned staff continued the meeting after Carlton led them in prayer for the safety of those involved, and just 20 minutes later, a loud thud shook the building, sending the group scrambling for an exit.
Due to recent terrorism threats, the Pentagon was reinforced with bombproof glass doors that would lock when the threat was high to prevent terrorists from entering the building. But those same doors kept the Pentagon employees locked inside.
“The security guards were on the other side and they couldn’t hear us, and if they could, they didn’t know how to open the doors,” Carlton said. “Finally, someone called to us and we ran down a stairwell and were able to get out through the exit near the Arlington Cemetery.”
As they walked to the corner, a large, black fireball of smoke billowed, a stark contrast against the vivid azure sky. At the time, Carlton assumed they had been bombed, for the enormous flames concealed the plane underneath.
“It was very surreal; I couldn’t imagine that this was happening,” she said. “None of our cell phones worked, and I was afraid to take the Metro back home for fear that it would be another target for terrorists. So I flagged down another officer who drove me to Falls Church where I found a payphone and called my husband Charlie to pick me up.”

Free documentary showings of 'Beyond Belief'

Mount Mary College will be holding three free public showings of “Beyond Belief,” a documentary about two 9/11 widows who established “Beyond 9/11,” a non-profit group to help Afghan widows. The showings will be Friday, Sept. 9 at noon; Monday, Sept. 12 at 3 p.m.; and Friday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. at Gerhardinger Center, Room 109 at the college, 2900 N. Menomonee River Parkway, Milwaukee. The documentary will also be shown Friday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at Notre Dame of Elm Grove, 13105 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove.

On Thursday, Sept. 22, the college is sponsoring a luncheon with Susan Retik who is featured in the documentary, at 11:30 a.m. at the Pfister Hotel. Tickets are $50 each and are available by calling: (414) 256-1210 online.

The days that followed brought confusion, loss and disbelief to Carlton, who learned her close friend, Lt. Gen. Timothy Maude, the U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, was killed when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into his office on the west side of the Pentagon.
Also in Maude’s office was the colleague who drove her home the night before, Gerald Fisher, affectionately known as “Geep” to his friends.
“It was so very hard to lose these good men and dear friends,” said Carlton. “For the next few days, I wandered around the Pentagon hugging people, trying to see who was there and who wasn’t. I was afraid to call anyone on the phone for fear that they weren’t here any longer.”
Transfixed in a cloud of disbelief, Carlton didn’t know how to overcome the anguish that robbed the country of so many lives and the loss of the sense of security. The turning point for Carlton came a month later on the site of the Pentagon, when President and Mrs. George W. Bush, and Secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld spoke at a memorial service. “We were all given flags and sang hymns and songs, and the day was crystal clear, just like the day of the attacks,” explained Carlton. “Everyone was crying – the president, Mrs. Bush, everyone – but throughout the service, they gave us hope and it purged the sadness. We all left there that day feeling good about our country, and what they have done for our people and the Pentagon. It was a real turning point.”
Carlton continued on with military life, picking up the pieces and working for another 18 months before retiring on her birthday in January 2003. She and her husband moved to Pinehurst, N.C. to enjoy retirement and spend time with their three children and growing cluster of grandchildren.
While retirement was in the plan, Carlton, a 1964 graduate of Mount Mary College, quickly realized that she was not the type to play golf all day. As the wife of a retired career Army officer, she understood the difficulties the transient lifestyle had on the children, and after the Iraq and Afghanistan wars began, wanted to help children in her community adjust to living a military life.
“We saw the problem when our middle child, Dawn, had to move with us when my husband was transferred to another location,” she said. “Here Dawn was trying to get into good colleges, but her transcripts were not consistent from school to school. Some schools didn’t accept accelerated classes, some required state history classes in each state, and because of this, Dawn’s GPA appeared lower and her class ranking dropped just because we moved. Finally, the schools agreed to write a letter to put in with her college applications to explain this unique situation.”
With so many children in the school system in Moore County, where they live, Carlton wanted to find a way to help them to adapt to the changes involved with frequent relocation, separation anxiety associated with the frequent deployment of parents to war torn areas of the world, and parents returning home injured or deceased.
“These issues escalated after 9/11 and this lifestyle became the new normal for these kids,” she said. “I wanted to find a way to help build understanding and support in these communities so the kids know there are people who care about them and want to help.”
A longtime member of Kiwanis International, Carlton knew that Kiwanis was all about helping children. She approached her club to sponsor a membership to Military Child Education Coalition for the Moore County Schools, a group she had learned that was active in Texas. Through their sponsorship, a training seminar hosted by the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) http://www.militarychild.org/ offered seminars to the school at no cost, to train staff in supporting the transitioning military student.
The group works to develop communication and networking with the students and school districts across the country, develop procedures to support students who are dealing with frustration and anxieties, and to support children in their frequent moves.
“We have several thousand children in our school districts and there wasn’t much help for them – in fact, there was nothing on the agenda to accommodate or provide support for them,” she said. “But the training symposiums were wonderful in teaching the schools how to counsel students, detect signs of problems and positively handle situations and deal with the fear of the unknown for them.”
The programs are growing as they teach children how to be resilient in difficult situations. Because of her work in Kiwanis and in the MCEC, Carlton has traveled to several states to promote the support of the program.
“This training dealt with why resilience is important in this world, and not just with children of the military,” said Carlton. “We have many stresses in the world, such as economic, hurricanes, and many other stresses in the world. It is good training for anyone.”
In addition to her work with MCEC, Carlton, a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Pinehurst, and her husband are involved in tutoring Hispanic children and bringing medical and nutritional supplies to some of the poorest areas in Moore County. While much of their free time is devoted to helping others, neither would have it any other way.
“I think giving back is just the essence of who I am and how I was raised,” said Carlton, choking back tears. “I was brought up in Catholic schools and this mission of social justice and taking care of people comes natural to being Catholic and following Jesus’ example to look out for the poor and meek. I have always had an inclination to do this and really enjoy helping other people.”

The most delectable Farmer's Market Purchase ever

2011-08-28T21:21:00.000-05:00

We almost didn't go
after all, it was Saturday, we had gotten up later, and were feeling a mite lazy
But after a bit of gentle prodding, I got Blaise to get ready- we grabbed the dog, hopped in the car and headed to the Farmer's Market at the Kenosha lakefront.

We have our regular stops--the sweet southern transplant who grows the most tender collard greens I have ever tasted. Each time we stopped at his booth he would give me a new recipe to use the collards, or a method to make gluten free cornbread taste amazing.

Then there is the egg guy who has the best organic brown eggs and wears the coolest shoes, they are the Vibram FiveFinger shoes and I can't help but wish those were on my feet!

We usually stop by the Amish for a loaf of bread for Blaise, the guy who makes jalapeno jam, the kettle corn guy, and then wander around loading my market bag with tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, lettuce and sweet corn.

Until yesterday, I figured that all sweet corn was alike, that is, until the folks from Twin Garden farms offered me a sample of their RAW Mirai corn. Yes, I said raw! At first I hesitated and then thought it might be good for me to step out of my shell and do something new. Was I in for a shock--that raw corn was mouthwatering, succulent, and juicy. It was more like eating a tasty fruit than an ear of uncooked corn. Needless to say, we were sold and bought a dozen. Just 2 or 3 minutes in boiling water, slathered with butter and salt and we were in heaven.

We should have purchased more as it is gone already. Imagine, two people eating a dozen ears of corn in two days. It was that good and I know that we will be at the market earlier on Saturday to grab what we can and freeze some for the long, cold days of winter.

Admittedly most sweet corn is good, but I rarely eat it as it isn't worth the corn stuck between my teeth, but truly, this stuff is worth the 40 yards of dental floss I had to use after dinner! If you get the chance, check this stuff out, you will not be disappointed!

Behind his lens

2011-08-20T22:25:00.002-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney, Special to your Catholic Herald Friday, 19 August 2011 09:07

Veteran photographer James Pearson, at his Milwaukee home, holds one of his favorite cameras, a vintage Leica M2, a film camera favored by many top photojournalists in the pre-digital era. (Catholic Herald photo by Ernie Mastroianni)Jim Pearson remembers his one and only encounter with Cesar Chavez.
The famed civil rights pioneer and labor leader had agreed to an interview with the photojournalist, and after Chavez initiated an abbreviated session, the two had a chance to talk.
“He saw my Leica camera sitting on the table in the hotel room while I was doing the interview and he stopped the interview because he wanted to talk about my camera,” said Pearson, laughing, “He had the German-made Leica camera, too, really liked it and wanted to talk about this for a while – so, we did. It was a very interesting experience and one I would not have expected to happen.”
Photographing high-profile people has never intimidated Pearson, 80, who has been a photojournalist since the early 1960s. Early on, he discovered that people are pretty much the same, no matter their societal status, which often made for fascinating assignments.
“Everyone really has some of the same enjoyments as anyone else has, and for me, I have had an enjoyable career,” he said. “Of course, sometimes you get a person who is a bit snooty, but most of the time, everyone is nice.”
He recalled a time when actor Bill Cosby was in town, dressed as an animal with a hood over his head. Pearson was photographing the event, but thought Cosby appeared a bit intimidating to surrounding children.
“I saw this lady who wanted her child to get his picture taken next to Bill as he was dressed as an animal, but the kid was pretty scared,” he explained. After taking a deep breath to calm his anxiety, Pearson looked at the actor/comedian and made an unusual request.
“I got enough nerve to ask him to take the hood off and surprisingly, he did so. He was very nice despite all of the time pressure he was under – just a very thoughtful guy.”
After serving four years in the U.S. Army, Pearson, went to Marquette University to major in journalism. His first job was with an advertising agency. Although he considered it a good job, it was not something he could himself see doing for the rest of his life.
“I was working for someone other than myself and it wasn’t a great experience,” he said. “I learned a lot, but it isn’t an honest type of photography like journalism is. I took lots of pictures of pretty girls holding packages of noodles, but those are not scenes you come across every day.”
After leaving the advertising agency, Pearson worked for Wisconsin Architect Magazine, taking pictures of buildings and photographing the conventions. While the job was interesting, it didn’t capture his interest as news photography did.Pearson took this photo of Mother Teresa during a visit to Marquette University in Milwaukee in 1981.
Gradually, Pearson began working solely as a freelance photographer, taking photos of famous faces for the Milwaukee Press Club’s famous signature wall, and later for your Catholic Herald.
“I began working as a freelance photographer for the Catholic Herald in 1973 or so,” he said. “William Cousins was the archbishop at the time, and I remember taking pictures of him through my association at the Milwaukee Press Club. At that time, (the late) Ethel Gintoft was the manager of the Catholic Herald. She saw me doing this and asked me if I would like to take pictures for the Herald. So I began doing all kinds of stuff for them, such as traveling to the Dominican Republic and sitting in on all types of wonderful events happening through the church.”
The opportunity to earn a living in a field that continually captivated his interest and enthusiasm is something Pearson does not take lightly.
“I have always considered myself fortunate to earn a living at something I enjoy as much as photography,” said Pearson, who also taught photography classes at Marquette University. “One of my first assignments at the Milwaukee Press Club was when I was to photograph Don Ameche when he was in town. He made an early movie about Alexander Graham Bell – so they set up a bunch of antique phones around him and I got to take his picture, balding head and all, while he was signing his plaque.”
He has traveled the world taking photos of religious events, poverty stricken missions, and locally, captured anti-abortion rallies, church and school events. Each person has left an imprint on his heart, but some of the more notable figures Pearson photographed were Bette Davis, Mark Harmon, most of the bishops of the Milwaukee Archdiocese, Blessed Mother Teresa and Blessed Pope John Paul II.
“The photo of Mother Teresa was an unexpected surprise for me,” he explained. “She had just gotten her honorary degree from Marquette and left the stage. I walked to the back of the arenaPearson took this photo of Pope John Paul II during the pope’s visit to Chicago in 1979. and saw her sitting in the back of a car near the window. A woman came up to her and pressed her hand against the glass and Mother placed her hand there, too. The picture was just so good, and unfortunately, I have not been able to find it. But it has left an impression on me to this day.” (Editor’ note: After the interview, your Catholic Herald found the photo in its files.)
When Pope John Paul II traveled to Chicago in 1979, Pearson and Catholic Herald reporter Eugene Horn were among what seemed like a million people gathering in Grant Park. Nearly swept away by the merging crowds leaving the train station, Pearson and Horn were jammed in behind a fence with reporters, Catholics and onlookers.
“I sneaked way up the fenced in area, close to the helicopter landing pad and ended up being only 5 or 6 feet away from him,” he said. “I snapped his picture as he walked past and, believe me, it was my only chance to get his picture. It was interesting, though, as I looked back, I saw hundreds of photographers, including nuns in habits taking his picture. There was probably thousands of the same picture taken that day. But, as we were leaving, there were many people who came up and offered to buy our film – but, of course, we didn’t do that.”
Some of the more emotionally grueling assignments entailed traveling to areas of immense poverty, running into starving children in the Dominican Republic or Haiti.
“You just want to hug them all, but you have to move on,” he said. “I was basically assigned to do mission study photography. We would be in one area where there were the very rich and then another we would see destitute kids in grubby clothes trying to make a few bucks selling bottles of soda in a bucket of water with chunks of ice floating in there. You just can’t help but have it affect you. When I would get home, I would always do more research on the area and keep up on what was going on there.”
Although the never-married Pearson continues to take pictures for himself with his non-digital Leica camera, his freelance jobs are rare these days, as he has decided to slow down, enjoy the home he has lived in since childhood, and perhaps become more involved in his parish, St. Sebastian, Milwaukee.
“Sometimes I get called on to take pictures at church, but they don’t seem to need me as much now with all the digital cameras. I’m not against digital cameras, but for me, I appreciate the qualities and nuances of film,” he said. “I also enjoy getting together with some of the old codgers that used to be photographers with the Milwaukee Journal and the Milwaukee Sentinel. We like to sit around and reminisce when we can.”

Mom to 6, a college grad at 56

2011-08-20T22:24:00.000-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Friday, 19 August 2011 09:20

Christa Voss Katz, a Mount Mary graduate in 1981 at age 56 volunteers for an art auction at the Firefly Art Fair at the Kneeland Walker house in Wauwatosa on Saturday, Aug. 6. Katz also regularly volunteers at her Parish, Christ King, Wauwatosa, and with Irish Fest. (Catholic Herald photo by Ernie Mastroianni)For most Americans, college stirs up images of post-pubescent high school graduates living in an overcrowded dorm room, munching cafeteria food and experiencing life free from mom and dad for the first time, all while whittling away at classes meant to earn the final trophy: A bachelor’s degree.
When Christa Voss Katz graduated from Mount Mary College in 1981, she prepared her own meals, and studied for exams alongside her six children, all of whom were in high school or college while she attended.
“I had learned about the Mount Mary Encore program for women with interrupted college education, such as those like me who postponed their education to raise a family,” she explained. “It was a 10-year program, but I went for nine years, taking one class at a time until I graduated.”
Katz earned her bachelor’s degree in English and library science when she was 56, and while it wasn’t easy accomplishing this feat after so many years away from academia, she felt compelled to set a good example for her children.
“My late husband, Lawrence, had a goal for each of our children to have a college education. It was what he lived for and he hung on until everyone had a degree,” said Katz. “He died of cancer in 1988 and felt that this was his purpose in life and an important legacy that he could leave. They are all doing very well, too. The oldest is 60 and the youngest is 40 and teaches special education in Massachusetts.”
After graduating, Katz worked at the Medical College of Wisconsin Library for 23 years in the acquisitions department.
“It was nice and close to home,” she said. “I did a lot of cataloguing and ordering.”
After children-raising and a long career, Katz, 86, is not staying home to rest and enjoy the solitude. Until it was closed this year, she regularly swam in the Mount Mary College pool, taking water aerobics classes to stay in shape. It was a great way for her to rebuild her muscles while recovering from a broken arm and hip surgery last year.
“I really miss this because I used to swim all the time and it made me feel great,” she said. “I would go back in a minute if the pool was open again. There aren’t a lot of places like that around that have individual changing rooms, because, face it – how many people my age feel comfortable changing in front of a bunch of young people? The locker room at Mount Mary just was perfect for me and for the other older people who wanted to get out and swim.”
According to Susan Nieberle, alumnae relations director, Katz is an avid supporter of Mount Mary College and a regular volunteer for fundraising efforts.
“Every year she volunteers at the Starving Artists Show that we host here on the Mount Mary campus,” said Nieberle. “She takes the same job every year selling drinks in the alumni refreshment booth. Everyone knows her and is always willing to help. She also helped each year with the fashion design department’s annual spring fashion show and is a very popular volunteer with her co-workers.”
As a member of Christ King Parish in Wauwatosa, Katz serves on the parish library committee, reading books and writing reviews for the bulletin.
“I don’t really do anything special, but I like reading books and writing up little blurbs about them,” she said. “I also belong to the Friends of Elm Grove Library and am a member of a couple of book groups there. I guess if you are an English major, you just like to read.”
It’s hard to imagine that Katz finds a second for herself as she also volunteers each year for Irish Fest, helping to rent out wheelchairs to benefit the Hibernian group and enjoys participating in several social groups in her neighborhood.
“I live in what they call the ‘friendliest neighborhood in Tosa,’” she said. “We have an endless number of groups here to join and keep adding more of them as people develop different interests. I think it all keeps me young.”

Bittersweet

2011-08-18T21:18:00.000-05:00

Wasn't it just yesterday that despite torrential rains, we loaded all of Erin's things into the car
........sophomore year wrapped and the summer beckoning?
Wasn't it just yesterday, he began his first job and we worked to calm his jittery nerves?
Wasn't it just yesterday he drove on his own for the very first time?
Wasn't it just yesterday he began to walk.......
yesterday

Where did it go?

Tomorrow begins Junior year
new dorms, new experiences, new challenges.....
the car is loaded, supplies purchased, clothing ready....
Tomorrow
I am not ready--but no one asked me!

Will it go as fast as yesterday?

Incredibly Awesome Dill Pickles without canning!

2011-08-16T19:09:00.000-05:00

Bless their hearts, our neighbors gave me a ton of cucumbers yesterday-it must have been a bumper crop this year because after making relish, salsa, salad, and just eating them with salt, we still had a half dozen rolling around in my vegetable drawer.

Don't get me wrong, I love cukes, unfortunately, I am the only one in this house who will eat them, and really, how many gas-producing cucumbers can one person eat without ending up alienating the household?

I thought about Dill pickles--everyone loves them. But long ago, I gave away my canning gear--no pots, no jars, no pressure cookers, nada. So I began my quest of searching for a recipe to make pickles without canning and incredibly, I found a way to make giant cukes turn into luscious kosher dills!

Here is the recipe if you want to give them a try:

No Canning style Dill Pickles

Ingredients:
6 cucumbers
3 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
3 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds
6 tablespoons Kosher salt
3 tablespoon dried dill
6 large fronds fresh dill
3 large clove garlic, sliced paper thin
9 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4 1/2 cups water

Directions:
Cut the cucumber into spears, approximately 5 - 6" in length. Place the peppercorns, coriander and mustard into a mortar and pestle and grind into a coarse mixture, just breaking open the pods and releasing their oils and aromas.

Place the cucumber spears into a shallow baking dish or container, large enough for the cucumbers to lay flat, but small enough for them to be submerged in the liquid. Sprinkle the salt over the cucumbers, add the ground spices, dill and garlic. Toss to coat the cucumbers. Add the vinegar and water, and set aside for 30 minutes.

To serve, remove the pickles from the brine and remove any excess dill or spices before plating. Reserve the liquid for storing leftover pickles in the refrigerator. Store in the refrigerator, in a covered container with brine, for up to 7 days.

I have heard that you can also freeze them, so I will give that a try with any that we don't use up in the next week. If anyone has tried freezing them, please let me know how it works!

Taking a break

2011-08-13T08:20:00.000-05:00

Every now and again, we all need a respite
Whether it is for an extended three month holiday
a weekend getaway
or a few hours to do nothing.....if we don't, we can become stagnant, sullen, and overwrought

Last week after a long and extremely stressful summer, the three of us and the canine, took a drive to Galena, Il and had a little fun.

The scenery was gorgeous, weather sunny and balmy, and while it was an inexpensive getaway--was just what we needed to reconnect before Erin goes back to school.

First stop was the New Mellerary Abbey near Dubuque--a cloistered Trappist Monastery known for their beautiful handmade wooden caskets, wonderful jams and jellies, and other wood carved items. Stepping onto the forested acreage nestled among the rolling hills, my soul felt comforted, my wrinkles faded and for the first time all summer, I felt that I could breathe.

Argyle and I wandered around near the stone walls, hoping to catch a glimpse of a monk or two, but only succeeded in seeing beautiful statuary of Our Lady of Fatima, Stations of the Cross, and the Blessed Mother. That's OK, I felt their prayers in the silence.

Next stop was Our Lady of Mississippi Abbey to visit the Trappestine sisters--famous for their delectable and creamy caramels. Again, walking along the path to the small chapel, listening to water bubbling from the fountain, birds chirping calmed our souls and minds. And again, the sisters were not physically present to us, but we did catch a glimpse of them praying in the chapel. As with the Abbey, we wandered through the gift shop and placed the money for our purchases in a small 'honesty' box.

The immense trust in humanity offered by both the monks and the nuns gave me great hope in a society where rioting, lewding, and all sorts of evil captures the daily headlines. How my heart longs for sweeter, more blessed national and international news.

We visited the usual tourist areas in Galena, enjoyed gluten free pizza, threw a few coins in the slot machines in Dubuque, and came home to new perspectives. The getaway was not filled with lavish dining, expensive waterparks, or river cruises--but it was enough to render our hearts prepared for another year, sending Erin off to school at St. Lawrence.

The whole world is out there for you Erin!

A Knee replacement? Are you kidding me?

2011-08-06T16:00:00.000-05:00

Since my brother proudly kicked out my right patella when I was a little kid, my knee has betrayed me on nearly every level throughout my 51 years of life.

For years I wore special shoes, knee braces, worked the muscles, played tennis and did all the things the doctor recommended. At 40, things began going decidedly wrong and at 43, had arthroscopic surgery to repair damage to the meniscus and tighten the muscles around my patella. That worked well for about six months, until it seemed like my femur was popping away from my tibia. Because I remembered so clearly the pain of that surgery, the one that kept me in a full leg brace for six weeks, I ignored the pain......until this year.

With swelling the size of a cantaloupe and a knee joint that refused to stay in place--quite dangerous while driving mind you, I called the doctor, who recommended physical therapy. Six weeks of that, and the pain and swelling were worse, so I had an MRI and they learned my knee was deteriorating rapidly with meniscal tears and extreme arthritis. I had another arthroscopic surgery with the warning that this would be my last one.

"OK," I thought to myself. "That's fine, I don't want another one of these anyway--they hurt."

However, after the surgery, there was more physical therapy until they determined there was little to be done other than cortisone injections and then a series of three synthetic joint injections. Those joint injections were a dream for the three weeks they lasted--unfortunately, they can only be given every six months, so I went in for a cortisone booster on Thursday.

Imagine my surprise when I was told that after this injection, there would be no more. No more joint injections, no more cortisone--nothing.

Instead, I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon who will be performing total knee replacement on me in the fall.

Words can not express the terror that was coursing through my veins as I recalled the number of my friends who have gone through this surgery, the pain, the physical therapy and the long road to recovery.

On top of that, stupid me decided to watch the surgery on You Tube. After nearly vomiting into the keyboard of my computer upon seeing drills and saws chewing away at the bone, I called a friend. Both he and his wife had the surgery and both tell me that they would do it all over tomorrow if they needed it. Yes, the pain was awful, they said. Yes, the physical therapy left them crying like babies for a few weeks, but after that, the rewards of greater flexibility, and a pain free life was a gift that they never expected.

So, I am trying to put on my brave face and will ready this mind, spirit and body for the surgery. I know that throughout it all, God is with me, along with my husband, family, and fantastic friends.

One more journey on the path...................

Chorus founded by Thomas Stemper

2011-08-04T17:08:00.000-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney,

Special to your Catholic Herald

Thursday, 04 August 2011 11:38

The Festival Singers of Milwaukee, founded in 1931 by Thomas Stemper, pose for a photo outside St. Sebastian Parish, Milwaukee, in this undated photo. The choir was a predecessor to the Bel Canto Chorus, one of the oldest autonomous choir organizations in the world, according to director Richard Hynson. (Submitted photo courtesy the Stemper family)On the heels of a two-week whirlwind tour to sold-out crowds in Argentina, Bel Canto Chorus director Richard Hynson joked, “We are working our way around the world, country by country.”

Previous tours include trips to Western Europe, Central Europe and Canada. In its 81st year, the Bel Canto Chorus continues to grow in voices and musicianship, and Hynson is proud to be only the choir’s fourth director, following James Keeley, Fr. Francis Drabinowicz, and its founder, Thomas Stemper.

Established in 1931 as the Festival Singers of Milwaukee, the group began with four women and four men, who performed Hans Gruber’s Festival Mass in the chapel of St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee. According to choir member and Bel Canto historian, Jim Hill, no one can determine how many people attended its first concert, or even the date on which it was performed.

“There was very little documentation from this period of the chorus’ history on which to base any extensive narrative, and there are no surviving members to interview,” he said, adding, “But we do know that sometime during 1931, a local music teacher named Thomas Stemper assembled a very small choral ensemble to perform the Gruber Festival Mass. It was this work that inspired the group’s original name.”

The a cappella ensemble included Stemper’s wife, Elsa Van Asche Stemper, and his nephew, William Hargarten.

If you want to go

United We Stand
Sunday, Sept. 11 at 3 p.m.
Cathedral Square Park,
825 N. Jefferson St.,
Milwaukee.

Rain site: Cathedral of
St. John the Evangelist,
812 N. Jackson St, Milwaukee.
Bel Canto Chorus with
the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra, featuring soloists Rebecca Whitney, Nicole Warner, Gregory Schmidt
and Gerard Sundberg.

Members came from all occupations
According to Hill, just 14 years later, with Elsa still at the podium, the singers numbered 72. Their members came from all occupations and social statuses in the Milwaukee area, such as students, housewives, police officers, chemists and insurance agents, but not one was a professional musician. Their performances seemed to be as eclectic as their membership.

“They performed before Catholic Holy Name groups, conventions, dedications, memorial services, holy hours, and radio programs,” said Hill. “One of their more interesting, unusual and attentive audiences was the prisoners at the Milwaukee County House of Correction.”
Performing to rave reviews at venues such as the Pabst Theatre, the Milwaukee Journal and Milwaukee Sentinel praised the Festival Singers in 1945 for singing with “spirit and confidence” and “disciplined modulation and balance.”

Priest becomes director of choir in 1947
By 1947, Stemper resigned his position due to poor health, and a few months later, the choir was reorganized under Fr. Francis Drabinowicz, pastor of St. James Parish, Oak Creek, and a former music professor at Saint Francis Seminary, St. Francis.

Renamed the Bel Canto Choir, Fr. Drabinowicz and the 50-member group performed its first concert at the Pabst Theatre in April 1948. The program included a mix of sacred music, such as Grieg’s “Ave Maria,” and popular music that included Jerome Kern’s “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” A local critic described the performance as an “auspicious beginning” for the new group.

Fr. Drabinowicz continued to lead the Bel Canto Choir until his retirement in 1956. In addition to many smaller performances, the group also performed one a cappella or piano accompanied concert per year at the Pabst Theatre.

From Oak Park, Ill., James Keeley had aspirations for the priesthood, and moved to Milwaukee in 1948 to attend Saint Francis Seminary. He later received a degree from Milwaukee State Teachers College, and taught Latin and Greek at Marquette University High School before pursuing a music career.

Prior to directing the Bel Canto Choir, he served as organist and choir director at St. Patrick and St. Hedwig parishes in Milwaukee, and Christ King Parish, Wauwatosa.

A musical prodigy, Keeley memorized Gilbert and Sullivan librettos as a boy, and helped to start the Skylight Theatre in 1960. He was one of the stars of the theatre’s first performances. He also worked to coordinate the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s television appearances, conducted the 1965 Lakeshore Arts Festival Orchestra, guest conducted other orchestras, and taught organ and harpsichord as a member of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music staff.

Boys Choir, Senior Choir also perform

The most recent development of the Bel Canto Chorus is the Boys Choir directed by Eileen Shuler. The performing choir is targeted to grade four and up, and is the result of Hynson’s long time dream.

“We wanted to get the boys and young men to get to a high level of musical experience in a safe, social environment – one where they don’t have to worry about girls giggling and teasing them about singing,” he said. “We are still in the building stages, but it is very successful and we have had some great performances.”

The Boys Choir recently hosted the Chorknaben Uetersen Boy Choir from Germany and both performed in Mequon on July 9.

“We also have a senior singers program designed to offer the therapeutic benefit of singing to our older adults,” said Hynson. “It is really a cradle to grave community of arts and we cover basically every stage of music making.”

More complicated scores as Bel Canto Chorus
His first performance of the Bel Canto was Nov. 18, 1956, with 39 volunteer singers. The choir’s popularity and membership grew, and in 1964 became known as the Bel Canto Chorus, performing more complicated scores, such as Verdi’s “Requiem,” Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9,” Puccini’s “Turandot,” and Handel’s “Messiah.”
The 150-member chorus performed two major concerts per year at the Milwaukee Auditorium and, after 1968, in the Performing Arts Center’s Uihlein Hall with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and frequently with nationally recognized soloists.

A frightening event occurred as the choir was due to perform Verdi’s “Requiem” at the Oriental Theater in March 1961. Just before the curtain was to rise, a section of bleachers collapsed, leaving four singers hospitalized with injuries. The next day, a Milwaukee Journal front-page headline announced, “Phantom of the Opera Strikes Bel Canto.”

Despite their shock, the performers insisted that the show must continue, and gave a full performance.

In the mid-1970s, the chorus commissioned Gian-Carlo Menotti to write “Landscapes and Remembrances” for the United States Bicentennial. The piece was recorded and broadcast on PBS, and later, at Menotti’s invitation, the choir performed at his Spoleto Festival in Italy. While in Italy, the Bel Canto Chorus performed a Mass for Pope Paul VI at St. Peter’s Basilica on July 4, 1976. Over the next few years, the chorus performed “Carmina Burana” in Mexico City, and Menotti’s “Missa O Pulchritudo” at Spoleto and the Vatican.

Hynson is 4th director of chorus
After Keeley retired, Hynson became the director of the Bel Canto Chorus and worked to increase musicianship. He is in his 24th season with the chorus.

“We have a four-concert season and an annual Christmas concert,” he said. “Some of our concerts are repeated in different venues and with smaller programs. All in all, we perform about 12 to 14 times per year.”

The all-volunteer chorus is comprised of 100 singers who audition for a position in the ensemble.

“We like to call them diagnostic auditions and it is really an opportunity to get to know the singers, their strengths and weakness and use tools for improvement in certain areas,” said Hynson. “It also gives us a sense as where to place a singer in the chorus. They are all dedicated and extremely skilled amateurs. I also have a ‘pro’ core of singers that help me in the sections and in the teaching of music.”

As one of the oldest autonomous choir organizations in the world, Hynson said he could count on one hand the number of choruses that are older than the Bel Canto.

“There are some astonishing ones in Europe, but anything in the United States that is older than 25 years is very rare,” he said. “And we have 85 to 90 percent of our members active at any time. We draw from a 75 mile radius of musicians from a variety of counties in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois … and they show up for practice every single week!”

In the past, the chorus was comprised of many priests and nuns, but that has changed to include primarily lay singers.

“The Catholic connection to Bel Canto has been a strong one,” Hynson said. “We make great attempts to become deeply involved in events that surround our Catholic diocese. In fact, we are performing a 9/11 United We Stand Concert in front of the cathedral in honor of the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. We are hoping for some strong participation from the Catholic Church as well as an overall ecumenical presence.”