Local
First Rural Life Days Mass held April 1 in Gillett
GILLETT — The family farm is a blessing for society, Bishop David Ricken told nearly 100 people attending the annual Rural Life Days Mass April 1 at St. John Church. “It contains the possibility of living out the Gospel so well and in a sense so perfectly,” he said.
Coming to the Diocese of Green Bay from Cheyenne, Wyo., was a change in many ways, Bishop Ricken told the assembly during his homily. “I come here and there’s all kinds of family farms and there’s gobs of water coming down all of the time,” he said.
GREEN BAY — Sarah Kelly’s music has always served as a snapshot of her life, so expect more praise-filled songs in the future.
“I’ve never been happier,” said the two-time Grammy nominee. “I had gone through a really hard time. I allowed my bitterness to consume my life. My first two albums came out of that. I needed to return in my mind to seeing myself how God sees me. You can stay a victim, but I needed to move on.”
ALLOUEZ — For Christians, there is no bigger day than Easter. It is the central celebration of our faith, rejoicing in new life in Christ. But joy is even greater when shared.
To spread that joy, the following groups invite people to attend free meals on Easter, April 12. All are welcome, no reservations required.
UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Green Bay Bishop David L. Ricken is one of six individuals or organizations being honored by the Catholic Education Foundation. Bishop Ricken will be inducted into CEF’s Hall of Fame during the Catholic High School Teachers Symposium and dinner on April 17.
Bishop Ricken is being honored for his role in promoting Catholic education while serving as bishop of the Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyo. He co-founded the Wyoming Catholic College, a college in Lander based on a “Great Books” program and offering an innovative outdoor education component.
Sense of satisfaction is one reason Crozier Society members give to collection
COMBINED LOCKS — Being generous fills us with joy, Bishop David Ricken told Crozier Society members March 29 at a Mass at St. Paul Church.
“It’s almost like a fountain reaching up inside of you – boiling over almost – to be able to help someone else, to help the church, to help bring Christ to all, to help to go beyond yourself to the world,” Bishop Ricken told the Crozier Society, which is made up of families and individuals who give $500 or more to the Bishop’s Appeal.
Fr. Byekwaso delivers suitcase filled with donated items to Kiwanguzi school
HILBERT – St. Mary Catholic School recently sent a suitcase filled with donated items to the children at St. Mary Primary School in Kiwanguzi, Uganda. Fr. Celestine Byekwaso, administrator of St. Anne Parish in Coleman and formerly associate pastor at St. Mary Parish in Hilbert, delivered the suitcase on a three-week visit to his hometown of Kiwanguzi in February.
‘Local Giving Projects’ booklet is result of parish surveys
ALLOUEZ — Jail ministry in Appleton. A Thanksgiving food drive in Wautoma. A diaper collection in Chilton.
The work of Christ goes on in various grassroots ministries at parishes around the Green Bay Diocese. Exploring all the projects and learning how to set up new ones is the goal of a booklet released last month by the Stewardship and Pastoral Concerns Department of the diocese.
Wilkes discusses parish vitality at Team Days
GREEN BAY — Through his research of Catholic parishes, Paul Wilkes determined that there are two types in the United States – “no” parishes and “yes” parishes.
Wilkes, an author, social activist, speaker and documentarian, said visitors to “no” parish offices are greeted with such questions as “Are you a parishioner?” and “Have you been getting your envelopes?”
Diocese announces plans to repair St. John Shelter
GREEN BAY — Plans are under way to renovate St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter, according to Deacon Tim Reilly, director of administration for the Green Bay Diocese.
During a press conference March 23, Deacon Reilly announced that shelter repairs will address heating and safety concerns. A fund-raising campaign will soon begin to help pay for repairs, he said, adding that costs for the project will run between $500,000 and $700,000.
Van Enkevors are among 19 families that participate in annual Christian drama
APPLETON — The Easter season has a special meaning for the VanEnkevort family, members of St. Mary Parish in Appleton. Suzanne, Bruce and their two children, Emma, 11, and Evan, 10, are involved in The Northeast Wisconsin Passion Play, which will be presented at Xavier High School Palm Sunday weekend, April 2-5.
“This is my third year,” said Suzanne, who got involved because she enjoyed watching Celebrate Easter, which was the Lenten show initially produced at Xavier. “I loved the second act; it was really powerful. When you’re sitting in church and listening to them read the Passion, it’s nice, but to see it acted out in front of you just makes the story that much more real and that much more powerful and inspiring.”