Letters from Father Steve

Dear People of St. Anne’s,

“…as John was completing his course, he would say: ‘Who do you suppose that I am?  I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me:  I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’”  (Acts 13: 25) (Gather# 1149)

“Behold.” The word calls us to be open and lift our gaze to something wonderful we have not yet seen. “Behold… what is coming.”  The secular historians of the day describe John the Baptist’s following as one of the largest social movements of the age.  Yet when his ministry was coming to an end he said to his followers:  “Behold! Lift your eyes to one who is coming.”  As so often happens, the Church calendar provides us with the perfect Feast to encourage and strengthen us given the needs and challenges of our day.  Celebrating the Birth of John The Baptist encourages us to be open and lift our gaze to the wonderful things ahead.  Or, better said, to the one from whom all wonderful things come.

Though not the “largest social movement of our day,” there has been significant “movement” here at St. Anne’s these past 18 years.  If anything it has taught us to always keep our eyes open and lifted to the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. We have learned to always “behold.”

After 30 plus years of Polka Fests, our St. Anne’s annual extravaganza just keeps getting better.  Reflecting its continued evolution we are this year changing the name to “St. Anne’s Fest” reflecting the movement from all Polka music to a variety of music that appeals to families and people of all ages.  One sign that we are moving in the right direction is the ease with which we have gained a new co-chair.  We welcome this weekend John Lang to the overall leadership team.  He will understudy JoAnn Krahn, Randy Kaiser and Delores Clancey this year and then help lead us into the future of St. Anne’s Fests in years to come.  Thank you to all who have come forward to help provide our community a place to recreate — a place to relax and become open again to a new life ahead.

With all of the other excitement we could easily miss another sign of a promising future.  At Mass next weekend the St. Anne’s family will bless the youth heading out on their mission trip to serve our brothers and sisters in Michigan.  The very rough economy has left pockets of poverty in our neighboring state not unlike that found on reservations or long associated with Appalachia. Six months ago a nervous Youth Minister John Schmitt  came to the Finance Council asking for financial backing for the trip.  Raising $22,000 in a few months seemed and overwhelming task.  John and our youth received a round of applause at our last Finance Council meeting for raising all of those funds and then some.  John would be the first, of course, to extend those expressions of gratitude to all in the parish who so generously supported this effort.  In the past, youth who have gone on Mission Trips have come home changed into leaders.  So “Behold!”

This letter was written over a week ago so I don’t have current numbers, but our talks and letters informing people of our unfinished work with the Annual Diocesan Appeal were getting a strong response.  In particular we thank a “senior” couple in our parish who contributed $10,000.  Because all contributions over our target come back to the parish assessment free, I make one last appeal to all who have not yet contributed to do so.

Well, Fr. Burkhardt and Fr. Hennes, I hand over to you the Church of St. Anne;  a community that truly “lives the Gospel with love and courage.”  I confidently say, you have no idea what you are getting into!  So “Behold!”  Open your heart and lift your gaze into the infinite possibilities that lay ahead of you.  Dream big, capture the hopes of this  faith community, and you will release gifts and abilities able to accomplish more than you can ask or imagine!

Thank you to all who had a hand in last weekend’s incredible…. unbelievable…. touching…. inspiring…. fun and filling farewell party. At one point the church erupted into a (secretly planned) flash mob dance! Deb Zakrzewski, Barb Laurent, Jill Warsaw and team — thank you for one of the grandest celebrations we have ever had. And to you, dear people of St. Anne’s, I give thanks for the best years of my life.  I love you with a heart you opened to life and to love.  I urge you now, as I seek to do myself, to… Behold!

-Fr. Steve

Dear People of St. Anne’s,

“… and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how.”  (Mark 4:27) (Gather #1011)

The Kingdom is here among us!  For if,

as Jesus says in today’s Gospel, the Kingdom is where a person scatters seed which then, of its own accord, grows and bears great fruit… then the Kingdom is here among us. For everywhere I look I see life blooming. And I know not how.

Thank you for putting up with the disorder in Church last week as contractors stripped the old wallpaper off, added two inches of insulation, and then retextured the church interior walls. They not only removed the unsightly, peeling wallpaper, but they also solved the moisture problem from the un-insulated cinderblock walls that caused it. For this wonderful enhancement of our home we thank those who made personal contributions and our endlessly creative Hospitality Ministry and its fun fundraiser. Truth be told, however, the far greatest portion of this project was made possible by the frugality of our maintenance department and the light winter we had. This project was largely done out of savings in the maintenance budget during the year. Soon the men’s bathroom in the south entrance area will receive new tiling and dividers as well. Thank you, Timm Hollis and team, for your wonderful care of our faith family home.

And have you noticed the grass is greener around our buildings?  The watering system is finally complete. Our beautiful flower gardens will be lush for all of our visitors next weekend. This so-very-helpful addition to our facilities was also made possible by the donations of most generous people. Yet here too, there was one driving force behind it all:  Ed Burish. For five years he has been planning, advocating, collecting, and motivating us to finally get this done. And it looks like it is just in time for what appears to be a dry summer. We are very, very grateful, Ed!

I am a little nervous about this afternoon’s farewell party. There have been lots of meetings in the office conference room these past weeks, but all I hear coming out of the packed room is laughter!  I hope it is because they are enjoying one another’s company and not… because they are laughing at what they have planned! Seriously, I have already been overwhelmed with all of the love and affection showered on me these past weeks. And I am most grateful to all who have worked on today’s festivities. These days of parting are filled with such sweet sorrow.

With THE party coming next weekend, Tuesday and Wednesday will be the days for final packing and moving my belongings to Loyal. Fr. Burkhardt will also be bringing some things here. Since my last official day, June 25th, is a Monday and a day off,  Polka Fest Sunday will really be the grand finale. Don’t you think winning the Big Raffle would be a fitting conclusion?!?

With or without winning the Raffle, St. Anne’s Fest 2012 is going to be a great party. And yes, we are deliberately leaving out the word “Polka” when we talk about it. We are consciously moving from an all Polka music festival to one with music we believe will reach more people. Thus the mix this year of Polka bands, a Country Western Band and the variety of music played by Copper Box. Our outstanding chairpersons, JoAnn Krahn, Randy Kaiser, and Delores Clancey, are positioning us for a very successful future. Thank you for the hours and hours of labor on our behalf.

After arriving in Loyal, I will get settled in, then take some time. I will be leaving for vacation July 16 and returning the 29th. We are hiking the Cascades in Washington State this year. Then I will go on retreat July 29th through Aug. 5th. And after that I will attend my annual family reunion until the 9th. I feel the need to step apart for a good spell to grieve before being able to become open to a new future. St. Anthony’s mailing address is: P.O. Box 69, Loyal, WI 54446.

If the Kingdom is like a farmer who scatters a few ideas and suggestions around a field, then goes about his own business, only to discover the whole field rising up and bearing great fruit… while the farmer doesn’t even know how it happened… then this — this beautiful wonderful family of faith — is the Kingdom of God.

-Fr. Steve

Dear People of St. Anne’s,

“This cup is my blood, the blood of the new covenant.”  (Mark 14:24) (Gather # 978)

Christ’s offering on the cross was unique.  No one else could offer the sacrifice he did.  Only he could bind humanity back to God in love.  His was the blood of the new covenant between God and humankind. Still, the spiritual principles apply to us all. When someone offers blood, sweat and tears out of love for someone else, it binds those two people together.  The deep sense of community we share here at St. Anne’s doesn’t come from good advertising or beautiful facilities.  It comes from all of the blood, sweat and tears people have offered here.  I don’t know how else to explain the feelings of these past few weeks.

It has been one celebration after another.  First was the Faith Formation final classes, then the ecumenical farewell luncheon with area pastors from various churches, the school farewell, the school staff party, the parish staff party, and numerous meals with individual families. Today the Hmong youth have a special gathering in my honor and then next Sunday is the parish wide celebration beginning with the 2 p.m. liturgy.  Our chairpersons have even been putting a “Farewell to Fr. Steve” spin on the Parish Fest this year.

Each of them have been very touching, but the school farewell was just overwhelming.  A DVD was prepared with each class — and each student in each class — saying goodbye in unbelievably zany and endearing ways. There were no dry eyes in the gym when it was over, including mine.  Then, after a picnic and kickball game, I was led around to the front of the school where the whole school circled around me on the grass.  There is no flower garden more beautiful than those children on the deep green grass in the beautiful warm sunlight.

On some cue they all pulled out soap bubble bottles and rings and started sending bubbles up into the blue sky, sparkling like jewels as they caught the sunlight. As these hundreds of prayers and well wishes surrounded me, the whole assembly began to sing “Abba Father” (my favorite song).  It was too beautiful.  It was a symphony of love. It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life, and one I shall always treasure. The symphony’s final movement began with the whole student body lining up for last hugs.  The day left me with sore knees but heart in flight.

Such love and affection does not grow between strangers or casual acquaintances.  It grows where there has been blood shed — blood, sweat and tears.  Thank you, students.  Thank you, parents and teachers.  Thank you to all who have planned and participated in these wonderful celebrations. And in advance, thank you to all involved in those yet to come.  But even more, thank you for all the life you have poured into St. Anne’s these past eighteen years.

It is the sacrifices we have made that have formed this community. Or, in the language of the Church, Christ’s altar has been the center of our community life.  And as long as the altar stays at the center, the vitality of this community is assured.  The future of this faith community rests securely on the continued offering of blood, sweat and tears of each of our members here.

One particular form of sacrifice I think of at this time is your financial support.  Our Finance Council is studying this, but it looks like a very encouraging rise in weekly contributions suddenly reversed with the announcement of pastors being changed.  Our average weekly contributions dropped by about $3,000 from April to May.  Again we are trying to determine what the cause of this change is.  I have long believed the measure of our work, especially a pastor’s, is what happens after he is gone.  So, regardless of whatever caused the decrease in contributions, I and the Finance Council are seeking your help with making sure that this fiscal year, which ends in June, is successful financially and puts the parish on solid footing for the next stages.

This feast of Corpus Christi holds up to us the truth that Christ’s Body here on earth is sustained by blood shed.  In literal and spiritual ways these past few weeks, I have been feasting on the fruit of many years of hard work by this wonderful community.  The greatest honor you could give the Lord, and me, is to make this parish even more vital and fruitful in the years to come.

-Fr. Steve

Dear People of St. Anne’s,

“You did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’”   (Romans 8:15) (Gather #975)

Summer vacation is here!  Some schools are still making up a few snow days this week, but by week’s end summer begins for everyone!  After a thorough investigation among our school children, I have found there is unanimous agreement that it is better to move on into the unknown than to stay too long where you are.  All Kindergarteners were anxious to move on to reading and printing and all the challenges of First Grade.  And so all the other grades, as much as they loved their teachers and classmates, all were looking forward to even greater things ahead.  No cowardly or fearful spirit in these children.  They go with the confidence that comes from knowing they are God’s beloved; that the God of their past is the God of their future, too.  Congratulations students, teachers and parents on all of your accomplishments this past year!

This Monday all the clergy of the Diocese head to La Crosse for our annual Priest Unity Days.  This year’s topic is:  The Pastoral Plan of the Diocese.  Fr. David Kunz, the Vicar for Clergy (head of personnel) will be walking us through where we have come and where we have yet to go in the process of adjusting our number of parishes to the number of priests we have.  This will all be very pertinent information for me as the Diocesan Pastoral Plan has Loyal combining with two other parishes in the future.  One of the strongest indicators of Bishop Callahan’s wisdom in my book is the good people he has entrusted with significant responsibility in the Diocese.  High on that list is Fr. David Kunz and his personnel committee.  No cowardly or fearful spirit in these men.  They are leading us into the future with the confidence that comes from knowing God’s goodness.

Thus I will be watching the June 5^th election results from La Crosse.  And maybe that’s a good thing!  It has felt sometimes like Wausau was going to explode, the tension has been so great.  Never in my lifetime has an election tore so deeply at the fabric of community as this one has.  That no doubt is because there are so many heartfelt issues at stake.  And it is no doubt because I have never been so personally involved in an election before.

As many of you know, this Tuesday the village of Weston will vote on whether there should be an ordinance requiring the village to provide a minimum of public transportation.  Although the vast majority of people who speak to me about this express how proud they are that St. Anne’s people, including myself, have been a part of the effort to assure everyone has the basic necessities of life, there are parish members who feel that as a pastor I should not be involved in such political matters.  And some have concerns about the ethics of the larger organization our local NAOMI group is connected to.

I believe this is a misunderstanding due to a confusion between “political involvement” and “partisan politics.”  The Church cannot, nor can any non-profit organization like NAOMI, be involved in partisan politics.  That is, they cannot promote individual parties or candidates.  This is well defined and enforced by the IRS.  But at the same time, the Church must be involved in the public debate that forms budgets and laws in our state and country.  That is, we must be involved in the political process.  If we do not speak and act in support of our values, people with different values will form our society.  In fact the US Bishops are asking all Catholics to take action to protect our freedom of religion  from encroachment by changes in health care law, immigration law, and marriage law.  They wrote in their recent statement, Our First, Most Cherished Freedom:

“We see the need for an engaged, articulate and well-formed Catholic laity endowed with a strong critical sense vis-à-vis the dominant culture and with the courage to counter a reductive secularism which would delegitimize the Church’s participation in public debate about the issues which are determining the future of American society.” (pg. 2)

I must leave it to Fr. Al and our Outreach Commission to work things out here at St. Anne’s regarding NAOMI.  But clearly the Bishops—and the Gospel—say, it is no cowardly or fearful spirit that we have been given, but one that moves us to act in confidence as God’s beloved Children!

-Fr. Steve

Dear People of St. Anne’s,

“Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them.”  (John 20-23) (Gather #972)

The first Pentecost was pretty chaotic, too.  Those who had been locked in an upper room in fear all of a sudden are out in the streets preaching with such enthusiasm people thought they were drunk!  There was no clear plan.  No one had a clue where this was all going.  They stepped out with just a simple message in their heart:  receive the Spirit and forgive.  Receive God’s love (that you yourself are forgiven) and give that forgiveness in return.

Pentecost 2012 seems quite chaotic as well.  It is Memorial Day weekend, there are promotions and graduations, school is ending and summer is beginning, loved ones are dying and pastors are changing.  To make our way through these spring days we, too, need to keep focused on that simple message: Receive the Spirit and forgive.

Much of this Memorial Day I will spend here at Church with the Thao family.  John Thao, 25 years old, died, leaving behind a beloved wife and month old child.  John is the son of St. Anne staff member Ga Xue Thao and his beloved wife, Blhai.  In addition to the tremendous upheaval of losing a son in the prime of his life, the Thao family and Catholic Hmong community are in upheaval culturally as well.

That the visitation for John is taking place here at St. Anne’s — and will be only one full day in length — is a dramatic departure from the three-day wakes that have been the unchanging tradition among Hmong people for many generations.  In a very deliberate and bold way, Ga Xue and Blhai are breaking from that tradition for several reasons.  First of all, they want to demonstrate their faith in the resurrection.  Their son is not in the grasp of an evil spirit that has to be placated for days.  He has received the Holy Spirit and rests in God’s forgiveness.

Secondly they want to free Hmong families from the tremendous burden of the three-day ritual.  It is common for a Hmong family to have to purchase and butcher seven or eight cows to feed the people who come to the three day wake. Families go in debt for years.  And third, Ga Xue and Blhai have a tremendous love for their parish home and want their precious son to be held here in God’s house.  Ga Xue and Blhai are making their way through this very tumultuous time in their life by receiving the Holy Spirit and forgiving, letting go of a past.

Our parish staff is experiencing another form of upheaval these days, though one that is far more joyous.  After seventeen years as a paid parish staff member, and many more years of unpaid but dedicated service, Ginny Dimeo is retiring.  If passing through change with a peaceful heart is evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s soul, there is no doubt that Ginny is filled with that Holy Spirit. I don’t know if she has had the same job description for more than a couple of years in a row.  From youth Minister, to pool secretary, to building scheduler and volunteer coordinator, Ginny’s passion for St. Anne’s and sensitivity to people has brought the personal and human touch to many ministries in this parish.  Through it all Ginny has graciously accepted and let go of ministries she has poured her heart into.  We are so grateful that she will continue many of her volunteer involvements in the parish.

Because her last day won’t be until June 30th, we will let the pastor farewell party on June 17th and the St. Anne’s Fest on the weekend of the 24th pass first before giving Ginny proper expressions of gratitude.

This Thursday I make my first trip over to St. Anthony in Loyal to meet the children on their last day of school.  Then Friday I will spend much of the last day of school here with our children.  Fr. Burkhardt and I are in almost daily communication now.  He seems very excited about becoming the pastor of St. Anne’s parish.  He is an experienced and thoughtful man.  That puts my heart at ease.

Like the Thao family, like Ginny, I pray to remain open to the Spirit and to letting go.

-Fr. Steve

Dear People of St. Anne’s,

“So then the Lord Jesus… was taken up into heaven… But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them.”    (Mark 15:20) (Gather# 967)

Coming and going.  Beginning and ending.  Ascending and sending. Spring is such a tumultuous time of life.  We have arrived at the season of promotions and graduations.  This Wednesday Newman Catholic High School will be holding Baccalaureate here at St. Anne’s at 7 p.m.  Graduation is this Friday at 7 p.m.  Next week on Wednesday NCS at St. Anne’s will celebrate the promotion of our 5th graders at the morning Mass.  That evening East High has its Graduation ceremony.  On Thursday evening, May 31st, both NCS Middle School and West High Public High School will hold their graduation exercises.

From parents tearing up over their last child leaving 5th grade here at St. Anne’s to those saying good-bye to sons or daughters leaving college and home for their first job, the mixture of joy and sorrow, hope and fear, holding on and letting go… is… tumultuous.  How appropriate that we would celebrate the Feast of the Ascension at this time in our lives with its comforting message: “While the Lord worked with them.”

Though Christ was physically absent from the disciples after the Ascension, he continued to work with them, and in them and through them.  In fact, the disciples would never have discovered him at work within them if they always had him with them outwardly.  The Feast of the Ascension teaches us that during times of transition and change we need to look within to find the spirit and wisdom of our loved one.  For many, it is not until they move on to another school or away from home that they really begin to hear and appreciate what a teacher or parent shared with them.

Congratulations to all graduates, all parents and all teachers and staff.  And do not let that which is changing blind you to that which remains and grows deeper and richer.

I feel a bit like a soon-to-graduate student myself.  It feels like its “cram for finals” time.  There is so much that needs to get done before the “coming and going” of pastors takes place June 26th.  Fr. Al Burkhardt is going to step into a pastor’s dream of a parish:  many, literally thousands, of faithful, committed, gifted people; an outstanding parish staff to work with; the best of Catholic Schools, and beautiful facilities and grounds.  There are, however, a few things I sure would like to get in order before turning over the keys.

Top on my list is completing the Annual Diocesan Appeal.  The last thing I want to greet Fr. Al with is new debt.  Last year we went over our $98,000 goal by more than $3,000.  474 families participated.  At present we have 379 families participating and we are $44,000 short of our $95,000 goal.  It is understood that we are still in a major recession.

I am, though, aware of some people who have issues with the Bishop or the Church hierarchy and are trying to send them a message by not supporting the Annual Appeal.  Please write them a letter or call instead!  Withholding support from the Annual Diocesan Appeal doesn’t affect the Diocese in the least.  It just forces us as a parish to take funds away from our ministries to make up the shortfall.  And as has been said many times past, we as a parish benefit tremendously from the Appeal: from funding for our Hmong staff person, to the Services of Catholic Charities, to support for our Catholic School system.  And the Appeal does great good for many beyond our parish and Diocesan borders.

Another high priority project to finish is calling forth people to take on the next term of leadership in some areas.   I would match St. Anne’s to any parish anywhere in terms of the number of deeply involved people we have serving in the parish.  Still, maintaining a healthy team takes constant attention.  High on my list of leaders to identify would be a couple of parents to assist in leading the preparation program for First Reconciliation and First Communion next year.   It would also be wonderful to have a couple shadowing our St. Anne’s Fest chairpersons to relieve one of them next year.

Still, I guess one should remember that when Christ ascended, there was a great deal yet needing to be done.  Like the first disciples, we trust the Spirit will continue to be at work in all with open hearts.

-Fr. Steve

Dear People of St. Anne’s,

“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain….”  (John 15:16)  (Gather# 996)

Blessing to all mothers today!  Without your readiness to surrender your own comfort and freedom, none of us would be here.  Thank you for accepting God’s call to bring life into the world.  No one chooses this on their own.  Anyone who has experienced the birth of a child knows it is from start to finish a miracle, a power at work in us that comes from beyond us.  Motherhood is the perfect example of today’s Gospel truth:  We do not choose what we want of God.  Rather God chooses for us. And if we embrace his call we find lasting fruit.  I know from parents who have been given special needs children to raise, that were God to give us only what we ask for, we would never be stretched into whole and holy souls capable of real life and love.  We would never know the fruit that remains…. for all eternity.

This week celebrates God’s wisdom and loving providence in several other ways as well.  This Tuesday the RCIA community gathers for a last time to share an Agape Supper.  After this last Eucharist and meal together they enter fully into their life as members of  the parish community.  At the Agape Supper the newly baptized and team reflect on the calling from God they have experienced and the wonderful, enduring, love it has led them to.

Our parish women’s organization, the Fatima Council, is also celebrating God’s work in their midst.  At their end of year pot-luck Wednesday they will be thanking their outgoing officers and welcoming their new.  The whole parish owes a profound thank you to outgoing president Deb Marten, vice-president Barb Knauf, secretary Mary Gilles and treasurer Jeanne Cline.  And we welcome incoming president Hannah Huryk, vice-president Kay Voigt, secretary April Weis and treasurer Sandy Gilge. What a tremendous sign that God continues to “choose” and people of good faith continue to accept being “appointed to go.”

A third example of today’s Gospel truth, that we find fruit that will remain when we embrace God’s choices for us, is the changing of pastors announced throughout the diocese last weekend.  As was announced here at St. Anne’s last Sunday, Fr. Al Burkhardt will be the seventh pastor of The Church of St. Anne.  The Burkhardt name is very familiar to us.  Fr. Al’s brother, Erv Burkhardt is a parish member who will be ordained a Deacon this coming October.  Fr. Al and Erv’s mother Mary, in the last year, has become a member of the parish as well.  Fr. Al was ordained in 1986 which puts him a little over 50 years of age.  For this past year he has been pastor at St. Agnes in Callon and St. Florian in Hatley.  Prior to that he was pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Stevens Point.

What is equally exciting is that after 13 years of having only one priest on staff, St. Anne’s has been assigned an assistant pastor as well.  Fr. Jeffery Hennes will be ordained July 23^rd and begin his service shortly thereafter.  We will be sharing Fr. Jeffery with Newman High School where he will be Chaplain.  Fr. Jeffery is originally from Colby.

My next place of service will be at St. Anthony Parish in Loyal.  When the diocese asked me where I would be interested in going I listed four options:  staying at St. Anne’s, being assigned somewhere close so I could continue taking the Hmong Mass, being assigned a smaller parish that would allow me to take up ecumenical work again, or go to Eau Claire or La Crosse where there are groups like NAOMI with which I could continue the work for justice.  Loyal is close to an ecumenical retreat center that I was once very involved in just after being ordained.  Also, I have been informed that in a year or two, it is very likely that St. Anthony’s will be combined with two other parishes in that area. A process I will need to facilitate.

I feel Fr. Burkhardt is a good choice for St. Anne’s.  He is filled with the spirit of the Second Vatican Council.  He is a team player.  And he likes people!  As for myself, I haven’t really begun to think about the “next chapter” yet.  But this I do know.  The future happiness of this parish, as well as my own future happiness, rests not on who is pastor or which parish I am in.  It rests solely in the heart of God.  I sincerely believe, if we remain in him, we will know fruit that endures.

-Fr. Steve

Dear People of St. Anne’s,

“Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, but without me you can do nothing.”  (John 15:5) (Gather #962)

Can you believe we are into May and the fullness of spring; the season when everything is fresh and new?  This is the time when seeds that have remained patiently in the ground finally get the light and warmth to begin to grow and make their way to great fruit.  And as it is in the physical world so it is in the spiritual world.  We as a parish are in a season of new and fresh things.

I wish everyone could have been at our New Parishioner Brunch April 22nd.  The rectory was filled with warm greetings and family story telling.  It was a good thing not everyone could make it.  We would not have had nearly enough room!  Since the first of this year we have had 31 households join the parish.  In those households there are a total of 73 people, so a nice blend of families and individuals.  Ten households a month is a record pace for us which would put us at 120 new families in the year!

In part this wonderful news is due to our new New Parishioner Welcome Ministry that has redesigned the process by which people become a part of our family.  Another example of when you entrust great people with leadership roles, wonderful things happen!  Thank you Jill Warsaw, Jennifer Gabriel, Helen Luce, Jean Laber, Shaun and Melissa Eades, Scott and Debb Feldbruegge,  and Dan and Theresa O’Brien for remaining steadfast through all of the planning and preparation so that we could reap this great fruit!

I say part of this wonderful news is due to our New Parishioner Welcome Ministry.  But a larger portion of the credit goes to … you!  I recently sat with a couple who are living out of town but wanted to have their wedding here.  One of them owns property in the area and “when we retire” she said, “we are moving here.”  She went on to say that every time she comes to Mass at St. Anne’s she cries.  I asked her why that was.  She said she had been thinking about it a long time.  And as she gathered her thoughts, I too was gathering up possible reasons from their stories.  Both had been through very difficult lives with previous marriages, mental illness in their families, and periods of unemployment.  My thoughts were interrupted when she spoke.  “I have finally figured it out,” she said.  “It is because this is the first place in my life where I truly feel safe.  It’s in the music, it’s in the preaching, and it is in the people.  I don’t feel judged here.”  It is the  genuine warmth and love of this faith family that is drawing 10 households a month to this parish.

Other signs of spring are popping up around us as well.  After months of remaining steadfast through the recruiting and organizing, two brave men are ready to launch a monthly pancake breakfast in the parish.  Jeff Beever and Sparky Bacon will be flipping cakes and sausage on the second Sunday of the month beginning next weekend.  A great way to start a Mother’s Day!  There are also a few brave souls working on the community garden plot raising food for area food pantries, a new initiative of our Outreach Ministry which would welcome many more hands.

Newness, however, is not always welcome.  I am expecting the Diocese to publish on their website the new assignments for priests this weekend or early this week.  We should find out who will be the next pastor of St. Anne’s and where I will next be pastured!  It will also be published in the next Catholic Times newspaper. And as soon as I know I will send out a letter to all parish members with as much information as is available.  For me this very difficult time of change has been made bearable by the tremendous outpouring of love and support of many good people in our parish and community.  Thank you!

What gives me the greatest comfort is knowing that we are securely rooted in Christ.  This parish remains in him.  I will remain in him.  All the good fruit we have enjoyed over eighteen years has come to us because we are rooted in him.  So we can be confident that there will be years of good fruit ahead.  It’s his promise:  “Whoever remains in me and I in them will bear much fruit.”

-Fr. Steve

Dear People of St. Anne’s,

“A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  (John 10:11)  (Gather# 959)

First Communion Sunday is one of the highlights of our parish family’s year.  God truly works through this Blessed Sacrament to call forth the very best in our children and in all of us.  Pictures of a child on their First Communion day often catch them at one of the most innocent and pure moments of their life.  Let us praise God today for entrusting us with such beautiful children, pieces of Himself!  And we congratulate all parents for keeping the promise they made to share their faith with their child on their child’s baptism day.  And most of all congratulations to you children on this day your relationship with Christ takes on new depth and richness.

I say a First Communion picture catches us at one of our most “innocent” and “pure” moments in life.  But I wouldn’t say it is necessarily the “Holiest” moment of our life.  For “Holiness,” or wholeness of soul, only comes with much life experience and many dyings and risings.  Or in the words of today’s Gospel, until one has laid down their life for another, they have not yet experienced the fullness of life and love.

Herein lies the possible hidden blessing in such difficult news being shared on Confirmation and First Communion weekends.  It calls us to move beyond innocence into holiness.

Just in case you haven’t heard, last weekend at all of the Masses except the Confirmation liturgy, I made the announcement that I will be moving to another parish June 26^th.  All of the clergy moves for this summer will be announced May 6^th.  I wanted you to hear it from me before you heard it on the news or read it in a paper.  And not wanting the announcement to be made this First Communion weekend, I shared the news at liturgies last weekend.

Three years ago, under Bishop Listecki, the Diocese completed a Pastoral Plan that laid out how parishes would be configured to accommodate the decreasing numbers of priests.  When finished, Bishop Listecki announced that it was now time to start aligning our personnel with the plan:  any priest in their parish over twelve years should expect to move the coming summer. Then Bishop Listecki got moved and the implementation of the plan was delayed.

After a year of getting settled in, Bishop Callahan picked up the work begun by Bishop Listecki.  At the end of June last year he moved 45 priests and reconfigured a number of parishes in accord with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan.  In early June of last year at our annual Priest Unity Days, Bishop Callahan shared with me that he was not moving me that summer only because he did not want it to appear that he disapproved of my involvement in NAOMI.  However hat certainly put me on notice for this year.

This past October, at our annual Fall Clergy Conference the director of the Personnel Board informed me that I would be moved this summer and began a conversation about where I would go and who would come to St. Anne’s after me.  A number of parishes and a number of priests have been brought up in the conversation but at the time of this writing I do not know where I will be going or who will be coming to St. Anne’s. The personnel board has a number of people and places to align and at present cannot make commitments until all the parts fit together.

I am very sorry that time has not allowed me to bring this news to you in a more personal way.  There are many, many people here whom I love.  I have been grieving this whole year and will continue to for a long time to come.  But as deep as this decision cuts, it is what I signed up for when I took the vows to be a priest.  And I do believe those vows keep me and you on the spiritual path.

We are blessed to have a couple of months to process this change.  There is much more I’d like to share in the coming weeks about where we have been, where we are, and where I hope St. Anne’s will go.  But for the moment I am trying to stay open to the graces of this experience and the possibility that through this dying there is greater life ahead for us all.  I pray to be a good shepherd, even one who will lay down his life for his sheep.

-Fr. Steve

Dear People of St. Anne’s,

“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures….Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations….”   (Luke 24:45-47) (Gather # 956)

It is with pride and joy we welcome Bishop Callahan to St. Anne’s this afternoon for the Sacrament of Confirmation.   Along with other staff members I had the pleasure of interviewing some of our forty seven candidates a few weeks ago.  We were all genuinely impressed with the sincerity and competency of these young men and women.  Perhaps you know in this year of final preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation we look for four “Vital Signs” that assure us faith has taken solid root in their heart.  Those four signs are: they pray, they serve, they are woven into a community of faith, and they understand their faith enough to share it.  Over the years they keep a journal of their involvements in each of these areas.  It is really inspiring to listen to them witness—to speak from experience–about their faith in these concrete ways.

Congratulations to you parents and thank you for keeping the promise you made at the baptism of your son or daughter to do all within your power to share your faith in Christ with them.  Your pride… and gratitude… are well founded this day.  And thank you, too, to parish Confirmation Coordinator John Schmitt and to all who assisted him in the formation of these souls.  I am sure both parents and catechists have a sense of what Christ wanted to share with his disciples.  That questioning and struggle are an essential part of the process in coming to strong and mature faith.  Like Christ, parents too suffer before they know resurrection.

Jesus encouraged the disciples to look beyond the struggle and suffering to the joy and peace it would give birth to.  I am sure we will have many challenges in the months ahead but I see so much beauty and joy ahead, it draws me into the future with a hopeful heart.

Next weekend we will celebrate First Holy Communions at each of the liturgies.  What a message it writes on the hearts of these children to see not only their grandparents celebrate with them, but their whole parish family.  I realize Mass may take a little longer, but isn’t that exactly the message we want to communicate to these children?  That they are the most important thing in the world to us?  And does not their innocence and purity of faith call us back to purity and sincerity of heart as well?  Come and remember there is life above and beyond our day to day struggles.

Our parish Leadership Night April 12 was most enthusiastic, both because of the fourteen new commission members who joined our ranks after our March Gathering of Ministers, and because of the great things our ministries are involved in planning.  October marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council.  This four year long gathering of all of the Bishops of the world in Rome was a tremendous watershed in the history of the Church.  It has special significance for us here at St. Anne’s in that our parish Vision Statement begins:  “The Church of St. Anne embodies the vision of the Second Vatican Council which affirmed that creation is sacred and the Holy Spirit is at work in all people.”  (See your Parish Directory for the whole Vision Statement.).

On October 25th Bishop Sklba of Milwaukee, an international leader in the work of ecumenism, will be speaking in our deanery on “The gift the Second Vatican Council is to the Church and to the World.”  The following week Fr. Dick Mauthe will speak here at St. Anne’s on “The Experience of the Second Vatican Council.”  Perhaps you remember him.  He spoke at St. Anne’s in January on behalf of sponsoring children oversees. And the following week Jackie Witter will speak on “The person of the Second Vatican Council:  Pope John XXIII.”  These three events will kick off a year long series  culminating with Bishop Callahan coming to speak on “The role of the laity in the Church” next October.

“Why are you troubled?  And why do questions arise in your hearts?” Jesus asks in today’s Gospel.  “Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures… the Christ must suffer and then rise from the dead…”

-Fr. Steve