I biked more than 650 miles this summer over a 6-day period!  If you’re even a little curious why, I would love for you to keep reading!

This summer, I participated in an important mission called Biking for Babies. The mission of Biking for Babies is to renew the Culture of Life, one pedal stroke and one pregnancy resource center (PRC) at a time, by increasing PRC awareness, raising financial and spiritual support, and forming young adults, like myself, into pro-birth missionaries.

In a typical year, there would be four routes across America (north/south/east/west) that bike approximately 2700 miles over a six day period (over 600 miles per route!), covering the nation in prayer, and forming a cross with a central meeting point and a Celebration of Life in St. Louis.  I was scheduled to be part of the northern route, biking from Green Bay to St. Louis (doesn’t that seem REALLY far?  I thought so too).   Due to COVID restrictions, we did not ride to St. Louis but instead biked over 650 miles throughout Wisconsin, with our home base being our very own Camp Tekakwitha.  While this could have been a discouraging change, it was truly amazing! In a typical year, we would only see riders from the other routes at the Celebration of Life– but this year, we were all in one place.  This allowed us to form new relationships that otherwise may not have happened, and it also allowed us to spend time in retreat each evening.

This National Ride serves to bring awareness to pregnancy resource centers across the country that help women who find themselves in crisis pregnancies.  A part of our formation includes fundraising for life-affirming pregnancy resource centers to decrease the cost of services to families in crisis pregnancy situations. If you’ve been to a pregnancy resource center before (St. Gianna Clinic in Green Bay is our local PRC), you may have an idea of what material, spiritual, and emotional support is available to the women and families, but if not, here is a list of some of the primary services they offer.

100% FREE

• Pregnancy testing
• Prenatal care, such as vitamins, doctor referrals
• STD testing
• Infant care materials, like formula, cribs, clothes, diapers, etc.
• Educational classes for nutrition and health, childbirth, parenting skills, relationship skills, etc. This goes on well after birth (up to 4 years old at some PRCs).
• Post-abortive counseling
• Ultrasounds

Joining this mission had been on my heart for over two years.  I have experienced loss in pregnancy, as my son MJ (Matthew James) was originally a twin, and the grief associated with the loss of a child is real and powerfully heartbreaking – and mine was not a crisis pregnancy!  The choices that these mothers and families are facing are immeasurably difficult, and I want them to know there is a safe place for them that will provide the support that they need. In my mind, it is one thing to stand for pro-birth, but another to truly give tangible and unconditional support to those who need it.   The training and actual ride, while mentally, spiritually and physically challenging, was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever done.  Each day, I would be so physically exhausted that I thought there was “no way,” I was going to be able to do it again tomorrow.  And each day after that,  I got on my bike and offered up those miles for women and families that are experiencing the fear of the unknown in their own lives, asking God to be in their hearts and guide their “Yes” to life.  I also relinquished control and really let God in.  Without this, I don’t know that I would have made it through the week.   There were many small things like this that happened throughout the week.

If you are called to be a part of this important mission, I would encourage you to visit the site below.   www.bikingforbabies.com/give

Some GO by giving.  Some GIVE by going.   Thank you for supporting God’s work.   Thank you for being part of my faith Community.  We are looking for next year’s missionaries – this includes both cyclists and support crew!  Please reach out to me if you are interested!

Angela Prill, parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

Angela.prill517@gmail.com  or 920-540-5658

God’s disciples can be called to a vocation in many different ways. It often is not how you think. Usually it won’t be too obvious. The calling is most often just a feeling. This desire is placed inside the person by God. He inspires the person to serve Him. The person will usually feel an attraction to the faith. It’s always in their mind. The person just has an inexplicable feeling that he/she needs to be a servant for God and wholeheartedly serve Him. The person knows that their sole purpose is to serve God with all of his/her heart. Vocation nearly literally means to be called. God calls everybody to their vocation.

Sometimes a disciple may try to deny that they should engage in Holy Orders. They constantly think about it and push it down. Sometimes this is God pleading with the person. Because God is calling them so strongly, the person must always deny that they are perfect for the job. It may just be better to accept that it is meant to be. Sometimes God will even give you a plain sign through other people. God is in all of us, so if somebody you know keeps telling you that you should have a vocation, maybe it is God sending you a little message.

Father Mike Schmitz is a priest that does a lot of inspirational talks. He has a few things to say about the topic. “God knows you better than you know yourself. … You can trust God.” God wants you to find your vocation. He isn’t making it hard. He will let you know when He wants you to know. People shouldn’t get stressed about trying to discover their vocation. It isn’t about trying to find your vocation. Your vocation will find you. Father Mike also said, “Pray, meditate on God’s Word, and receive the sacraments.”

It is so important that we all keep a healthy connection to God. We need to let Him know that we are here. We listen to Him. We want to know our vocations. We need to know our vocations. God will reward us in the best way possible: eternal life. In the Bible, there are so many great examples of God showing Himself to people in the Bible. We must reflect on the scriptures and realize that God will tell everyone their vocations when He knows that the time is right.

God can call his disciples to a vocation in many different ways. Some are more obvious than others. He can talk to them through dreams and even through other important people in our lives. He is constantly calling the people He created in his own image to come and serve Him. God loves us so much. He doesn’t want to make it hard for people to discover our vocations. He knows things about us that we don’t even know. God wants his disciples to discover how they will serve God.

In Harry Potter, the wand chooses the wizard. In our lives, the vocation chooses the person. People must not try to search for their vocations because God will reveal them when we are ready. We need to reflect on everything that God has told us. It can be through the Bible or just in everyday life. If they keep a strong relationship with God, his disciples will always realize their vocation.

The Serra Club of Green Bay’s 7th Grade Vocation Essay Winner by Ethan Crane.

 

Many people think a vocation is a calling to the priesthood or maybe to be a brother or a sister, but a vocation is actually a calling from God to a Christian lifestyle. Certainly some are called to a vocation as a priest or brother or a sister; however, one could also be called to a vocation of married life, single life, as a teacher or a doctor, as a religious/ordained, or many more. One quote I found from the Bible in the book of Jeremiah says, “Before I formed you in the womb, and before you were born, I consecrated you.” In saying that, God is telling each of us that He knew what our vocation would be from the moment He formed us in our mother’s womb. When children are young, teachers usually ask them what they are going to be when they grow up. Most kids answer with their dream job. What teachers should be asking is: “What do you think God is calling you to be when you grow up?”

How does a disciple of God discover his/her vocation? Many holy men and women pray to God and ask Him to help guide them and direct them along their way through life. Sometimes God will help us through life in a pleasant way that we appreciate. But sometimes we will have to go through struggles, which I think helps to build our faith in God and draw us closer to Him. If we pray to God and ask Him what He would like our vocation to be, He will eventually answer our prayer. Praying is a great way to discover a vocation. When we pray, it builds a strong relationship with God. The more we pray, the more intimate our relationship with God becomes. So, pray to God, ask Him what He wants you to do, and be ready and willing to do it. You also need to make sure that when you pray there is some silent time so you can hear God’s answer.

Sometimes God calls us when we’re least expecting it. For example, I heard a story about a woman who was journeying on the Walk to Mary. While she was walking, she felt God calling her to be a nun. God calls some people to their vocation through unexpected miracles.

God performs many miracles. Maybe you might encounter someone on the side of the road, and God might inspire that person to tell you your vocation. Maybe you have visions or dreams about a future vocation; I know I have visions, but I haven’t figured out what specific vocation God is calling me to yet. God has a plan for each of us and, eventually, in some way, we will all discover our vocations.

A vocation is a great gift from God, but we have to choose to accept it or leave it. “Vocations; your life was made for it, your soul depends on it.” That quote by an unknown author holds deep meaning. We did not design vocation. We receive our vocation from God. Fr. Mike Schmitz states that, “God knows you better than you know yourself.” That’s obviously true. He created you, so He’s going to know you better and know what your vocation should be. He knew who you were going to be from the moment He created you. God also loves you more than anything, and He wants you to discover your vocation, His plans for the rest of your life. You can trust God because He loves you and knows you. He is not trying to fool you. Go to where God is calling you, and you will be very joyful. In 1 Peter 4:10 God declares, “As each has received a gift, serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Ultimately, listen to God speaking to you, and whichever vocation He leads you to, use your gifts and your vocation to help others become better disciples.

The Serra Club of Green Bay’s 6th Grade Vocation Essay Winner by Hannah Greisen.

 

Bibliography

Bible Verses Concerning Vocations

St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center

We are blessed to have a beautiful place to worship our Lord and Savior.  Our wooded, scenic property is welcoming and peaceful.  Our parish is also blessed with many talented and generous parishioners who minister to our parish family and grow as Disciples themselves by volunteering and providing support with needed building and grounds projects.

We do not have the expense of contracting out the work of lawn care because we are fortunate to have parishioners who take care of our property. This year, we’ve lost some of those who have been loyal and dedicated lawn crew ministry members, so we’re looking for replacement members.  Three lawn crews rotate and take turns mowing and trimming our grounds all lawn-mowing season.  We’re in need of four or more volunteers.  The more who are able to help, the less work it will be overall for everyone.

Can you help in this ministry?  If you would like more information or are interested in joining one of the crews, email John Gillis at the parish office or call (920) 499-1546 ext. 113.

 

 

I wish I could go back to days gone by
When Christmas was really Christmas to me
Everyone making a gift of some kind
Made from materials that were free.

Popcorn was popped, sewn on long strings
Or shaped into balls so round
Some cracker jacks made in pans so square
Peanuts added when they could be found.

Ornaments were cut in all sizes and shapes
Painted or colored they had to be right
Or down in the basement working so hard
In the pale light we worked half the night.

Donning thick clothes to the woods we’d head
Walking through snow to our knees
Searching for one that was just right
Through the hundreds of snow-covered trees.

No tree was trimmed until Christmas Eve
Somehow Santa seemed to do it in stride
We could scarcely sleep, the excitement built up
Listening for sounds in the cold outside.

Stockings we hung wherever we could
No fireplace did we have back then
The wood stove was red with burning sticks
Sending out heat until way after ten.

Sometimes we could go to midnight Mass
At our church fifteen miles away
With bright shining stars in the heavens above
We would shiver for most of the way.

So early in the morn we’d wake and run down
The stairs to see what was there
The beautiful tree all trimmed so bright
With boxes and gifts everywhere.

We’d wake mom and dad from peaceful sleep
That I know now was so short that night
How hard they must have worked while we slept
So in the morning all would be just right.

With restraint we held back until all were there
Then each gift handed out with a name
Each one taking their turn to open their gift
Some clothes, always a toy and a game.

Then setting aside these joyful things
There were chores that had to be done
While mother got breakfast to the barn we went
Feeding the chickens, pigs, and cows was fun.

Back to the house washing up to eat
Fried potatoes, bacon, eggs, and toast
How thankful we were for what we had
No matter what, it seemed like the most.

Visiting a must at this time of year
To see uncle and aunt or grandpa
They would come back to see our tree
And look at gifts they never saw.

Each day was filled with so much fun
As we skated or slid with our sled
Down the hills or on the ice
We would play ‘till our hands were red.

It seemed back then there was always time
For a visit to family and friend
But now there’s no time to do these things
Where I wonder will this rat race end?

Gathered together at the table at night
With some cards or a fresh new game
Our family was one instead of each by himself
Things today cannot be the same.

What beautiful peace we had back then
We could relax and throw worry away
But now it seems the race is on
We are afraid to face the following day.

I could go on and on about Christmas past
But would that help me forget what’s today?
Our life has sped up to an amazing pace
How long on this earth can we stay?

By: Parishioner Ray Walters, 11/21/1989

Growing up watching movies like Jesus of Nazareth would always make me feel at home.  When Jesus was speaking on the Sermon on the Mount of the Eight Beatitudes he would make it seem like a personal invitation to follow these traits.  As life’s journey is more complicated and busy we tend to fall away from the simple stuff that makes us tick.  These beatitudes are a good way to get back to our base and back on the track when we get derailed.  So let us focus on these following beatitudes to see what joy tomorrow will bring us and our neighbors and into the after life.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
~Matthew 5:3-12

John Gillis, parishioner

 

Our Annual Raffle was on June 5, 2016.  Thank you to all who supported it.  We appreciate your support.

The lucky winners were:

Grand Prize:        Katherine Larson

2nd Prize:            Julie Yelle

3rd Prize:            Janet Botz

4th Prize:             Diana Ball

5th Prize:             Robert Vanden Langenberg

6th Prize:             Ron Weyers

7th Prize:             Jean Otradovec

8th Prize:             Kelly Spaulding

9th Prize:             Chris Greisen

Door prizes and gift baskets were also awarded from the June 4 & 5 Ministry Fair “It Takes a Village to Make a Parish.”   Those lucky winners were:

Ministry Fair Door Prize Winners

Compass Subscription: Mary Ann Timmers

Skating Party: Dianne Winkel

Mackinaw’s Gift Certificate: Marv Bertrand

Heritage Hill Pass: Marv Bertrand

Road America: Dave Mather

T-Shirt: Linda Barrette

Sports Bobble Head: Kathleen Barnes

Sports Bobble Head: Beth Lachat

Ministry Fair Basket Prize Winners

Annette Weyers

Maxine Cleven

Ethan Otto

Dorothy Bertrand

Stephanie Nielsen

Gabby Otto

Joan Steffel

Dave Mather

Phillip Heyrman

Bob Thut

Melanie Beyer

Mary Hermsen

Bridget McFinnis

Dianne Winkel

Maurey Steffel

 

We are all proud of our beautiful church and surrounding property. Many people work hard to take care of all aspects of the parish. The Building and Grounds Committee does its part too – mostly behind the scenes.

I had the opportunity to be on the first Buildings and Grounds Committee that was organized in the late 1970s. We were challenged to turn a former laundry room into a worship space. We’ve come a long way since then, and today our challenges are more in line with typical facilities management. Every two years, the committee thoroughly inspects the buildings – the church, garage, and rectory – looking for any signs of wear and tear, needed repairs, or improvements. Major repairs are projected on a spreadsheet to plan for projects such as new carpeting, furnaces, parking lot sealing, etc., in order for a capital budget to be appropriated. In the last two years, we’ve tackled such things as installing a new window over the sacristy, repositioning of the sound and video control board, and the new LED lighting in the church.

Our committee members include engineers, architects, facilities managers, and contractors so we have the expertise to handle just about anything that comes our way. We are always looking for volunteers to help with smaller projects such as painting and landscaping. We also welcome parish volunteers who would like to help in the summer caring for our grounds and cutting the grass. If you’re interested in lending your talents to the Building and Grounds Committee, just give the parish office (seas@seasgb.org or 920-499-1546) your contact information and we’ll be in touch. Thank you.

Jim Botz, founding member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

It’s time to get excited for our next fundraiser here at SEAS! Mark your calendar and plan to join us for the “LUAU on SEAS Island” party April 30! We are looking for empty baskets to use for Silent Auction items. If you have any medium to large baskets at home you no longer need, please bring them in to the parish office. Also any new LUAU themed items you would like to donate towards gift baskets would be greatly appreciated!

Have you ever had a pedicure or foot massage? If you have, you know how wonderful it feels to sit back and relax while you are being pampered. It is a feeling we would all like to experience – it would be great to have someone make us feel special by treating us well and taking care of us.

Holy Thursday will soon be approaching. We will read about how Jesus washed the feet of his apostles as an example of how we should be treating each other. We are called to not only love each other but to serve one another. We do this because Jesus asked it of us and also because He knew how much our fellow man needs to be welcomed, valued and enriched by Christ. We may be the way God has chosen to show himself to our brothers and sisters. Jesus showed by example and did His Father’s will. Now it is our turn to step up and to do our Father’s will by treating our brothers and sisters well and taking care of their needs.

Worship Committee

During this season of Lent, we sometimes pause to consider, “What is the Lord calling me to do?”  The 3 pillars of Lent are…
• Prayer
• Fasting
• Giving

In an effort to have a more meaningful and enriching Lenten experience and improve your relationships with God and others, here are some contemporary Lenten pillar practices to consider.

PRAYER:

• Incorporate more prayer in your day by saying a little prayer when someone irritates you
• Spend 10 to 20 minutes in daily meditation or spiritual reading
• Say the Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Stations of the Cross or Lectio Divina
• Consider attending Mass more often
• Rejoice in God’s creation
• Emulate a Saint or strive to become more virtuous

FASTING:

Maybe it is time to “fast” from . . .

• Worrying and anxiety
• Complaining and negative attitudes
• Gossiping or judging others
• Being lazy, angry, envious, jealous, or arguing
• Addictions and over indulging in alcohol, food, or tobacco

We could also “fast” as a sacrifice from something that tends to take up much of our time or something that we love to do that is not necessary, such as . . .

• Hours given to television, gaming, or social media
• Shopping for things we don’t need
• Driving when we could walk
• Something that we enjoy, but is not a necessity

GIVING:

You could sacrifice a luxury and give those funds to charity.  If you are not able to give a great deal financially to others, you may want to give in other ways such as . . .

• Spending quality time with family or friends
• Encouraging the doubting
• Smiling more
• Visiting someone in a nursing home or who is home bound
• Sharing your time and talents with charities and those in need
• Lifting someone’s spirits

And so with these things in mind, our prayer for this Lent could be . . .

Dear Lord,
Without you I can do nothing. Through your Spirit, help me to know what is right and to find ways to be eager to do your will.
Send your Holy Spirit to make me strong and able to do good works in your name.
Guide me in your gentle ways.  Amen.

Compiled from various sources by parishioner Claudia N.

Seniors united in Christ,
a name we decided when we formed.
Gathering together, to honor God,
where our souls and hearts were warmed.

Monthly we meet to discuss the problems,
that face the world day by day.
A time to honor the world of God,
and try to follow His way.

Maybe visit some senior homes,
and brighten their spirit and heart.
To converse with many who live there,
and give their souls a brand new start.

Saying the Rosary, Stations are part
of what our meetings involve.
Talking over the problems of every day.
Sometimes there are some that we may solve.

We do not meet on summer months
when vacations and trips take place.
But in our hearts we pray each day
to help solve the problems we all must face.

By: Ray Walters, 11/4/2014

Research tells us that 80% of New Year’s resolutions are given up by Valentine’s Day. My guess is we are not surprised by this figure. The most frequently heard resolutions seem to be about giving up a bad habit, paying attention to our weight and health, and improving some part of our physical or emotional well-being. All good things to do.

As we continue to unfold our mission to Grow as Disciples and Grow Disciples, what might our Christian resolutions look like this year? The following could be some we might consider…

▪ Pray. Ask for direction often. Is there something God is asking you to do? Seek strength and guidance for the ability to go where God wants you to go. Not sure about the answer? The will of God is not always explicit. Be persistent. If prayer is your last resort, try to make it your first.

▪ Trust. Know that you are not alone, that the Holy Spirit resides within you always, offering you courage and guidance. Call on assistance from the Spirit and believe it will come. Believe in the unexpected.

▪ Avoid discouragement. If you fail at something, do not become discouraged, but instead, seek to learn from mistakes and failures. They are often our greatest teachers.

▪ Serve those in need. Be the face and hands of Christ to those around you. Let approval for your deeds come from Christ and not from public acclaim.

▪ Seek the lost. Look for ways to welcome and invite others into faith. Let your own life be an example of what it means to be a disciple of Christ by the way you live. Be humble enough to realize that sometimes you are “the lost.” Let others be Christ for you.

▪ Be Merciful. Forgive those who have wronged you. Reconcile with those who have hurt you. Accept that it will not be easy to do. Do it anyway.

▪ Promote Peace. Look for ways to alleviate dissension. Listen more, speak less, love always, and remember…

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” ~Paulo Coelho

May the love of Christ, the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and the power of God be with you always in the year ahead and in all your years!

Gloria Nolan
Pastoral Associate

Life is busy and hectic.  Using online giving will take one thing off your to-do list.  Even when you’re out of town, using Faith Direct is a great way to ensure your gifts of treasure to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton are received in a timely fashion.  If you’re interested, pick up an enrollment form from the parish office or enroll online at www.faithdirect.net.  Our Church Code is WI571.  Thank you to those already using Faith Direct.  352 parish households give electronically, which is a 10% increase from last year!  Sign up to be one of the 48% of families who give electronically.  Signing up is easy to do.  If you have questions or would like some assistance, feel free to call me or email me, Karin Sands, at 499-1546 ext 102 for help.

The season has crept around once more,
it slowly took over the reins.
Steering us down the road of joy,
with evergreens and candy canes.

Yards and houses glow so bright,
myriads of different lights now shine,
sparkling in the evening dark,
artwork now displayed so fine.

People rushing through each store,
looking hard for a special gift,
to wrap so neatly and add a name,
while through the ribbons they sift.

So many smiles and glowing eyes,
what magic is woven these days.
Something inside is making a change,
so much joy in many ways.

Inside each house a change takes place,
each nook and corner new things appear,
snowmen, Santa, elves and dolls,
stables and angels with star shining clear.

Each child in great expectation
grows more excited as time goes by,
waiting patiently for that special day
when “Merry Christmas” becomes the cry.

Everyone looking out their window,
waiting for green lawns to turn to white,
hoping the clouds moving in,
will bring the snow tonight.

Every heart now seems much lighter,
in man a change slowly takes place.
With thoughts of love and peace in mind,
a glow appears on every face.

What magic causes all of this
to change the hearts on earth?
God’s special child that came to us,
by the miracle of His birth.

Merry Christmas everyone, we say,
while we go on our merry way.
I wish it could last forever,
not just on this single day.

Ray Walters, Dec. 5, 1998
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parishioner

“In the last few days the world has once again been given the horrifying and painful reminder that barbarism still exists today. France, Lebanon, and Nigeria have all been attacked by radical Islamists in recent days and over two hundred people have been murdered. In the last month, the number is well over a thousand. These attacks remind us of the global scourge of terrorism and that evil still dwells in men’s hearts, but they do not serve as any indication that they have won anything. The Devil knows he has lost and so he wastes away, taking human souls with him, on his pointless reign of terror on this side of the veil. It is important as we mourn the deaths of so many, that we remember this is first a spiritual war. We must engage in spiritual warfare in order for this war to be won. We must pray for the dead, hurt, mourning, and for our enemies. We must pray fervently for the conversion of souls. More than anything we must strive to live holy lives and to cling to Our Lord who dwells among us in the Holy Eucharist and Who unites us as one body.”

 

To read the rest of the story, click God is with Us in the Face of Terrorism.

By: Constance T. Hull, Catholic Exchange

I asked myself when did I start becoming interested or knowing how to pray the Rosary. I remember as a child, after my grandfather passed away, we were at my grandmother’s house in Kansas City. She had an altar in her home, and we were kneeling down praying what I believe was the Rosary. Why wasn’t I sure? Because they were mumbling in Spanish.  I heard certain words that sounded like Jesus and the Virgin Mary. My mother always prayed in Spanish, but I prayed in English.

I joined a Rosary group when I lived in New Orleans, and I started a weekly Rosary group in Green Bay, but I didn’t pray the Rosary every day.
The 54 Day Rosary Novena started on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15th. I was hooked after day 7 and knew our students in Faith Formation had to learn and hopefully embrace praying the Rosary.

Every Monday evening at 6 p.m., we meet in the worship area.  The students grab their plastic Rosary beads and special Rosary books. We sit by class, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th. Before we start, we silently reflect on our personal intentions. Each class prays a decade.  Together we all say the other prayers.

This year starts my 5th year as a catechist at SEAS. I pray that we never stop our weekly Rosary, and that our students catch the fever as I did.

The sound on this video is very low.  Faith Formation Students-The Rosary

Submitted by: Diana Ball, 2nd Grade Catechist

Most of us are aware that it can be daunting in our current culture to raise children with a strong faith. Because of the trappings of our society – materialism, self-absorption, excelling in all manner of sports, academics, music, and the like –many families feel torn between finding time for their children’s activities and finding time to share their faith. We are also up against some pretty bleak odds that our children will practice their faith beyond their high school years. Why is this a concern? What is happening in the family setting that causes a lapse in teaching our children about faith?

It may be rooted in a somewhat narrow understanding of what it looks like to pass on our faith. It does not require reciting standard Catholic prayers on every single car trip. (However, this may be a good idea for some car trips.) There are many ways to share our faith with our children in the everyday routine of life (as crazy as it might be at times). Acting on our faith is the best example we can offer our children of what it means to be a person of faith. How we deal with conflict, hurt, sorrow, and the joyful times in life – this is what our children will take with them into their own lives. Ask your child about his/her day and bring God into the picture. Ask them how they lived out the two great commandments – how did they love God with their whole being that day and how did they show love to their neighbor? And be prepared to answer the same questions about your day!

Written by:  Judy B., parishioner
Edited & Approved by: SEAS Pastoral Staff

August 15th’s Feast Day is The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since it falls on a Saturday this year, in the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, it is not a holy day of obligation. However, since it is still a solemnity, its joyful celebration is encouraged.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is St. Mary’s Day. The day is the greatest of all church festivals celebrated in her honor. This is the consummation of all mysteries by which her life was made wonderful. It is the birthday of her greatness, glory, and crowning of the virtues of her life. Mary’s virtues of charity, humility, purity, patience, meekness, and paying attention to God is the most perfect homage of worship. She provided love, praise, and thanksgiving to our God.

The dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950. The proclamation stated that when Immaculate Mother of God, Mary ever virgin’s life was finished, her body and soul were taken up to heaven right away. Her body and soul would not lie in a grave. Mary’s body and soul did not undergo the death of a sinner. She was not born with original sin. Mary’s life was filled with light which purified her body from all defilement. Both Mary and Jesus passed through the gate of death into heaven. Mary’s place in heaven abides visibly with us for our refuge, comfort, and hope. She became Queen of the Communion of Saints.

Here is some background information about Mary. She was a Jewish maiden of the House of David and of Judah. Her parents were St. Joachim and St. Anne. They were childless for many years. Mary was probably born on September 8 in Nazareth. Mary met a carpenter Joseph; they were married and through a miracle conceived Jesus. We celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem in a stable on December 25.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the fourth glorious mystery when we say the rosary.

Prayer Taken from Lives of Saints
Almighty, ever-living God, You raised to eternal glory the body and soul of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of Your Son.
Grant that our minds may always be directed heavenward and that we may deserve to share in her glory. Amen.

Written by:  Parishioner Linda B.
Edited & Approved by: SEAS Pastoral Staff

In spring, we had Catechist Awareness Weekend here at our parish. The main focus was the following question, “What and who is a catechist?” First, a catechist is someone who helps to teach and pass on the faith. As for who are catechists, they are anyone raising a child in the faith – whether as a parent, guardian, grandparent, or other influential adult in a child’s life. Ultimately, parent(s) and guardians are responsible for teaching their child(ren) about God and our faith. The Church does offer tools such as Faith Formation classes (formerly known as CCD) to assist parents, guardians, etc. with this task. It has been said that if a child is surrounded by at least five positive adult role models of faith, that child will be more successful in every aspect of life.

So, how do we, as adults, come to feel equipped to pass on our faith? First and foremost we must engage in practicing our faith, and going to Mass every weekend is a good place to start. Whether at home, work, volunteering at our child’s school, socializing with friends – the way in which we treat others (and ourselves for that matter) will directly influence our children. If we consistently consider the two great commandments in every dealing we have with others, we will be well on our way to practicing our faith well. In what ways do we strive to love God with our entire being? In what ways do we do our best to love our neighbor whether he/she is difficult or easy to love?

Striving to truly love – erasing judgment, accepting others and ourselves despite their/our faults, openness to the goodness of others whether it’s on the surface or hidden – is what our children will learn from us. It is how we act (and react) that our children will take with them into their own lives. Let them see and experience love and they will reflect the same.

For more information about our Faith Formation classes, or if you would like to help pass on our faith to the next generation, please email us at seas@seasgb.org or call us at (920) 499-1546.

Written by:  Judy B., parishioner
Edited & Approved by: SEAS Pastoral Staff