Local
Information sessions planned for prayer renewal process
Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series.
ALLOUEZ — Have you ever wanted to have more brothers? Or sisters? How about 12 of them, or maybe 30?
That is what participants gain from CRHP – a new family in faith. Pronounced “Chirp” and standing for Christ Renews His Parish, CRHP is a parish and prayer renewal process that began in Ohio in 1969 and may be coming to your parish soon.
Catholic high school takes Wisconsin state title
APPLETON — History was made for Xavier High School on March 16 when their mock trial team won the Wisconsin state championship. The team is advancing to the national competition, which will be held in Atlanta from May 5 to 10.
Dan Brellenthin is an alumnus of Xavier’s mock trial team and now coaches the varsity team with his wife Kristin, a fellow 2001 XHS classmate and mock trial participant, plus attorney Kevin Lonergan and Xavier teacher Kelli McGreevey.
Brellenthin explained the premise of mock trial.
HOWARD — The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women convention took place April 25 at St. John the Baptist Church. The convention theme, “Women of Faith, Women of Action,” describes the DCCW membership, according to Bishop David Ricken, who celebrated Mass at the convention.
About 140 women attended the day-long event. It included informational sessions, display booths, an address by motivational speaker Janie Jasin from Victoria, Minn., and installation of new officers.
St. Jude Parish prepares meals for inmates who clean church; see opportunity to evangelize
OSHKOSH — In meeting the practical needs of each other, participants in a program at St. Jude Parish, Oregon Street site, are finding spiritual peace and fulfillment for themselves.
Once a month, several inmates from the Drug Abuse Correctional Center, Department of Corrections, arrive to clean the church from the choir loft all the way through to the basement as part of their service to the community. Work includes repairs, shampooing the rugs, scrubbing the floors and wiping down the pews.
Editor’s note: This is the third in a four-part series profiling newly initiated members of the Catholic faith.
ASHWAUBENON — Bonny Piontek said that she is “big on new starts,” and joining the Catholic Church definitely qualifies as a new start.
“It’s been a huge change,” she said. “I never thought I would end up where I am now. I wasn’t raised in any faith at all. Looking back, I believe that I always wanted (a faith life). I fought it. I never thought I would be able to do it.”
ALLOUEZ — The Diocese of Green Bay has developed materials for parishes to help Catholics who have been affected by the recession. Staff from four departments collaborated to produce “The Parish Responds to the Economic Downturn.” The resource includes a letter from Bishop David Ricken, a prayer by Bishop Robert Morneau, a description of relevant services available through Catholic Charities, notes on formation of support groups, prayer and worship texts and a bibliography of print and Web resources.
The bishop’s letter is a strong mandate, said Norbertine Br. Steve Herro, social concerns director.
GREEN BAY — The Diocese of Green Bay’s Department of Education announced five winners of the 2009 “Faith in Our Future” award on April 23. The cash awards are presented in recognition of innovative, effective and intentional efforts that foster adult faith formation at the parish level.
Thirty-one applications were received representing 38 parishes. The five successful proposals addressed ways in which parish communities can enhance adult faith formation throughout the diocese in the areas of technology/resources, leadership, committee development and programming.
Green Bay bishop to receive John XXIII Award
LA CROSSE — Herb Heili, a health care industry veteran, leadership mentor, and strong proponent on behalf of organ donation programs, and Green Bay Auxiliary Bishop Robert Morneau, nationally known for his inspirational writings, poetry and stewardship, are the recipients of the 2009 Pope John XXIII Award for Distinguished Service.
The Pope John XXIII Award is the highest non-academic award bestowed by Viterbo University.
APPLETON — The Catholic Daughters of the Americas held their 43rd biennial state convention April 17-19 at the Holiday Inn Select. The weekend gathering was hosted by Appleton’s Court Ave Maria.
Election of new officers took place at the gathering, with a member of the Green Bay Diocese chosen for the top position.
Theresa Reince of Sturgeon Bay was elected state regent. Joining Reince are Ruth Busch of Cuba City (Madison Diocese), first vice regent; Theresa La Flamme of Superior (Superior Diocese), second vice regent; Carol Radtke of Wausau (La Crosse Diocese), secretary; and Tracey Van Stippen of Appleton, treasurer.
‘I was preparing to go to a funeral’ after nephew was shot in head, says Kewaunee Catholic
KEWAUNEE — Rich Aebly suspected that something was wrong on Sunday, Feb. 22. His parents usually do not call during the afternoon.
Something was tragically wrong. Aebly’s 26-year-old nephew, Jory Aebly, had been shot in the head during a mugging in the early hours of Feb. 22 in Cleveland. Jory and co-worker Jeremy Pechanec were leaving a birthday gathering when they were both shot. Pechanec, 28, did not survive. Four suspects have been charged in the case. The shooter, 17, will be tried as an adult.
