Why We Give to the Bishop’s Appeal

Sharing the Light of Christ

Many of us wonder where our faith journey may take us. For Julianne Donlon-Stanz her faith journey took her from a little mountainous village in Ireland to Northeastern Wisconsin. Her role as Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese allows her to share our Catholic faith with people of all ages through the programs and seminars offered through the diocesan Department of Education.  It is clear that Julianne’s love of the Church and for the people of the Diocese of Green Bay infuses her work with passion.

“This work is tremendously important to me because it’s impacted my own life on such a personal level. I’ve seen the effects when people are energized in their faith, they live their faith and are really on fire for Christ and His teachings,” said Julianne.

Her work has impacted more than 6,000 people and without the support of the Bishop’s Appeal Julianne would not be able to bringing Christ’s message to them. Julianne’s classes are always offered to adults throughout the Diocese at no cost because of your generosity to the Bishop’s Appeal.

To make a gift today contact the SMM Parish Office.

Reaching Out to the Homebound

Imagine being homebound. You are unable to attend Sunday Mass. For some people within the Catholic Diocese, this is a reality. The Bishop’s Appeal makes it possible for the homebound to celebrate God’s Good News with thousands of Catholics across the airwaves. TV Mass provides them with the opportunity to participate in Sunday Liturgy while bringing comfort and joy to people in need. It is a sort of peace that one can only achieve through their relationship with God. Making a gift makes a difference in the life of someone else and is one way we are called to serve the Lord. Please give generously to Bishop’s Appeal 2012.

Faith Direction from The Compass

Over 20,000 Catholics are practicing their faith with the aid of The Compass. The diocesan newspaper helps guide them on their faith journey. The inspirational stories from The Compass are bringing Christ to thousands throughout the Diocese.

“With help from the Bishop’s Appeal, The Compass exists to serve the Catholic community as a reliable source of news, information and inspiration. Each week, stories and columns help inform and educate our readers about the Catholic faith,” said Sam Lucero, Editor of The Compass. These stories provide more than just news; they challenge readers to think about their Christian values in the world today.

The Compass is made possible by the Bishop’s Appeal. If you have not made a gift to the Bishop’s Appeal, please prayerfully consider the impact it has on our parishes, Catholic schools and communities.

Easter People

We have just experienced the sacred Triduum and celebrated the Resurrection. Over this last week, we were reminded of how Jesus calls us all to be His disciples. Through the good works of the Bishop’s Appeal, we are able to follow Jesus by sharing our faith.

Giving a gift to the Bishop’s Appeal during this Easter season would be a wonderful way to continue to follow in the footsteps of our risen Christ. If you have not yet made your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal, please consider the joy you could bring to the lives of others during this Easter season.

Bishop’s Appeal Provides Guiding Light

The loss of a loved one is an experience that many of us can understand. For grieving families throughout our Diocese, Catholic Charities is a guiding light. Perhaps families are dealing with the loss of a son or daughter, or maybe a mother or father. In many tragic situations it is difficult to begin the grieving process without help. This is where you can make a difference.

By giving to the Bishop’s Appeal you are helping Catholic Charities do the compassionate work of Jesus. Counselors are able to reach out and help people in the community cope with loss when they do not know where else to turn. Please consider giving generously to the Bishop’s Appeal 2012.

Bringing Christ to All

Working with parishes and communities, our deacons are sharing the Gospel everyday! Through their time and talent they are able to assist with the needs of our parishes to bring Christ into our day-to-day world.

Individuals who are called to serve in the diaconate commit themselves to a five-year formation program. This program supports and challenges them on their way to becoming ordained servants of God.

The Bishop’s Appeal assists with their journey by providing continued education and support needed for their ongoing ministry. “Without the Bishop’s Appeal, it would be difficult to have a quality formation process or to provide the support services needed for the diaconate program,” said Deacon Paul Grimm, Director of the Diaconate Department.

Through the diaconate, the Church is able to reach out and serve the needs of all persons who come to live and worship in the Diocese of Green Bay.

Encouraging Growth in Future Leaders

Have you ever wondered how deacons, pastoral associates and directors of religious education learn about our Church and share their faith with others? Many of these leaders have grown in their faith with help from Tony Pichler, Lay Ministry Formation Director.

Tony works with current and future leaders. “When the students come to me, they are like flowers beginning to bud. As time passes, it is like watching the flower grow in a film that has been sped up. The change is remarkable,” says Pichler.

By participating in classes, workshops, retreats and seminars, these students use their love and skills to become the face of Christ to others. The opportunity these students are given is made possible in part by the Bishop’s Appeal. “Without the Church and the Bishop’s Appeal, we would not be able to help like we do,” says Pichler.

Sharing Our Faith Around the World

With little water, minimal electricity and no money, the people of our Elias Piña mission in the Dominican Republic have abundant faith. In this land of poverty, many people do not have the resources to find a job or the ability to attend Mass. The mission in Elias Piña helps provide necessary resources by attending to the physical and spiritual needs of these communities.

Although you may not be able to physically travel to the Dominican Republic to help these communities, your support of the Bishop’s Appeal can share our faith with them from across the globe. Think about sharing the abundance of your gifts with others by giving a gift to the Bishop’s Appeal.

Bishop’s Appeal by the Numbers

The Bishop’s Appeal reaches out and impacts the lives of thousands of people every year. Here are some interesting facts that illustrate how the Diocese is alive and growing and how the Bishop’s Appeal is making a difference in the lives of young and old.

• 60 Catholic schools shared our faith
• 157 Parishes celebrated together
• 1,080 Couples were joined in marriage
• 2,989 Members of our Diocese passed away
• 3,007 Adults and young people were confirmed in their faith
• 3,555 Adults and children received Jesus through
• First Communion
• 3,543 Infants and adults joined our community through Baptism
• 10,664 Students participated in Catholic Schools
• 20,484 Students attended Religious Education classes
• 332,200 Catholics worshiped together

Helping Those in Need

Seeing a smiling face during a time of need is a blessing from God. Jesus calls us to reach out to others in service, to offer hope and healing to all God’s people. This is a key part of our Church and the mission of Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities offers over 22 different programs and is committed to bringing vital social services to persons of all faiths and ethnicities. Last year over 41,000 individuals and families in all 16 counties of our Diocese were assisted with the help from Catholic Charities.

Of these 41,000 individuals and families, the majority had little or no health insurance. In communities where living expenses and health service costs are rising, the Bishop’s Appeal provides funds to help Catholic Charities offer a variety of services at minimal cost. Jill Kahovec, Supervisor of Support Services, says, “I see the impact the Bishop’s Appeal has on families who come to us for services. Without it, they would have no place else to go. ”

Welcoming Home

The Easter season is a wonderful time to celebrate our faith and the Resurrection of our Lord. For those newly initiated into the Catholic Church, this spring also marks a milestone on their faith journey.

With help from parish Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) programs, candidates were given the resources, support, and knowledge they needed to take the next step in their journey of faith. Clare Sturm, Director of Worship for the Diocese of Green Bay, helps parishes enhance their RCIA programs by providing them with new ways to create a warm and welcoming place to find God. With a gift to the Bishop’s Appeal you can join Clare in helping parishes enhance their RCIA program and welcome home future Catholics.

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem among teens. These are often abused with alcohol and other drugs. Tom Ritchie’s expertise will help parents know the signs of such substance abuse and know that there is support. The presentation will be held at SMM. Call lauri VandenBoom at 715-258-3962 with any questions.

Regular business hours are:

Tuesday – Friday from 10am t0 6pm

Saturday from 10am to 2pm

Please consider getting involved in this very relevant ministry by volunteering a few hours a week or bringing in your gently used items for re-sale. The only things they cannot accept are used electronics and mattresses.

Questions? Call Francine or Pam at 715-823-9161

Lenten Fridays 4pm – 5pm (Feb. 24, march 2, 9, 16, 23, 30)

Monday, March 19, 10:45am – noon

Saturday, March 25 & 31 – Following 4:30pm Mass

Thursday, April 5 – Following 12:30pm Good Friday Liturgy

Lenten Saturdays – 3:30-4:00pm

NO CONFESSIONS ON HOLY SATURDAY

Confessions at Ss. Peter & Paul

Lenten Sundays – Following 11:00 am Mass (March 11, 18, 25)

Monday, March 26 – 10:45am – noon

Confessions at Sacred Heart in Manawa

Lenten Wednesdays – 5pm – 6pm (March 7, 21, April 4)

SMM – 12:10pm and 7:00pm

Sacred Heart in Manawa – 10:00am and 5:15pm

Ss Peter & Paul in Weyauwega – 8:00am and 6:00pm