Parishioners make living as tree growers, donate trees to churches, needy families

	A CHRISTMAS TRADITION: Dan Burroughs, left, a junior at Menasha High School, and Sebastan Paul, 7, who attends Franklin Grade School in Oshkosh, carry a Christmas tree Nov. 23 from St. Patrick Church in Menasha. The church annually sells about 500 Christmas trees as a fund-raiser. (Dick Meyer photo)

By Jaye Alderson
Compass Correspondent

OSHKOSH -- Evergreens have enhanced the Christmas season for hundreds of years. They offer the fresh scent of nature indoors in the midst of winter, and they offer a symbolic correlation of evergreen boughs with the promise of eternal life.

For Wisconsin Christmas tree growers, the season provides not only the bulk of their livelihood, but also the chance to share their faith.

"It's historical to have a fresh Christmas tree," said Dick Wojcik, who co-owns Wojcik's Christmas Tree Farm in Pulaski with his son, David. "There is nothing like the fresh odor of a new Christmas tree in our living room."

After teaching biology for 36 years, Wojcik started planting Christmas trees in 1988 as a retirement activity.   Full story ...

	• Wanted: photos of family Advent activities (Oct. 31 issue)

 • Norbertines set to launch volunteer community
    Program will bring volunteers living, serving together
    as community

 • Collection for retired religious is Dec. 13-14
    This year's diocesan collection will be dedicated to Sr. Mary Jo Kirt
    Sidebar: Retirement fund facts

 • Bishop Morneau's homilies are online
    Resurrection Parish is latest church in diocese to post homilies

 • Teen Parent Program seeks local mentors
    Catholic Charities program teams up with Big Brothers Big Sisters to pair
    teen moms with area mothers

 • Making home buying, college more affordable
    Catholic Charities program offers match savings program to local residents

 • Help wanted ads

 • Bishop's Corner by Bishop David Ricken -- Celebrating the Year of St. Paul

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    for December 7, 2008: Advent is no time for distractions (Advent)

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Michael Stubbs --
    for December 7, 2008: Gospel serves as opening act (Advent)

 • Editorial -- A tasteless gift
    Planned Parenthood of Indiana's holiday gift certificates take holiness
    out of season

 • During Advent, find God in little things (Advent)

 • Sites of Tour -- Compass tour stop: Benedictine abbey

 • Your Catholic Neighbor -- Student promotes life issues
    Kristin Lynch helps launch Students for Life at St. Norbert College

 • Calendar of events

Sharing Our Faith Articles on 2008 Bishop's Appeal

• Project focuses on family (Apr. 4) • Ready for summer relaxation? (Mar. 21) • Diocese eyes adult education (Mar. 14) • Diocesan youth conference will be held March 30     (Mar. 7) • Program works to end domestic violence (Feb. 29) • Workshop helps parishes manage business affairs     (Feb. 22) • She's keeping the faith (Feb. 15) • Bishops' Appeal helps Catholic Charities respond to crises (Feb. 8)    Sidebar: Bishop's Appeal at a glance • Bishop's Appeal kicks off (Feb. 1)    Pie chart of Bishop's Appeal use    Sidebar: 2008 Bishop's Appeal facts