Altar/Reconciliation

Mersmann assembles community altar

BY WILL BASKA

STAFF WRITER

The gym falls silent in reverence as the Archbishop walks down the middle aisle, approaching the grand, white-clothed edifice waiting for him. This is no ordinary table, but a fruit of labor, a divine workshop that will serve as the base of all Masses — an altar handcrafted by Father Anthony Mersmann.

Although a new altar had become a need for the Miege community, Fr. Mersmann said he was more than glad to bring the task into his own hands.

“We needed a bigger, more sturdy altar,” Fr. Mersmann said. “The old one was very wobbly, and I knew I liked building things, so the idea came to build one.”

While it could seem like a daunting task, Fr. Mersmann willingly spent his summer days completing the project, expressing the joy it was to combine his penchant for building with his pastoral duties.

“I love hobbies that offer immediate results, going from nothing to something,” Fr. Mersmann said. “Being able to see that type of work truly benefit my call to priesthood is really cool.”

Not only did the job suffice as a way to fulfill his vocation, but it also served as a creative outlet for Fr. Mersmann to add his own personal touches.

“I spent six hours woodburning the AlphaOmega symbol onto the front,” Fr. Mersmann said. “It really just means the beginning and the end. I wanted to communicate on the altar that this is everything — God is everything.”

Though constructing an altar may seem like a heavy load, Fr. Mersmann said it has only inspired him to continue his mission to better all parts of his ministry.

“I always want to improve, move, create, solve,” Fr. Mersmann said. “We have been doing work in the chapel, and pretty soon we are going to incorporate some awesome images of the Sacred Heart. I love seeing those types of results.”

On Aug. 31, Fr. Mersmann witnessed his labor come to fruition at the first all-school Mass of the year, led by one of his greatest role models, Archbishop Joseph Naumann.

“I was just so glad I got to offer up this gift to the Archbishop,” Fr. Mersmann said. “I definitely felt edified and grateful that he was here to celebrate Mass.”

As the school year is well underway, Fr. Mersmann said he hopes to see this creative sentiment spark inspiration across the school.

“We all have God-given gifts that we can use to benefit the community,” Fr. Mersmann said. “I know I’m not stopping. It’s who I am.”

Miege introduces lunch Reconciliation

BY WILL BASKA

STAFF WRITER

You feel a little guilty about that extra cookie you snagged in the lunch line, or perhaps the table you left filthy and littered with crumbs.

Now there is an immediate solution, as Father Anthony Mersmann has introduced lunch Reconciliation.

Though this opportunity will not be available during lunch every day, Fr. Mersmann said he is excited to see it fully instated in the school community.

“The sacraments are the most incredible tool in terms of potential for growth,” Fr. Mersmann said. “By having them more available to students, we grow so much closer with God.”

Students, teachers and administrators alike will be able to receive the sacrament on Fridays, where Fr. Mersmann will be happily fulfilling his pastoral duties in the chapel.

“We have many people in this building who rarely go to Confession who can come for an incredible opportunity,” Fr. Mersmann said.

For those who struggle with the dynamic of confessing their sins, Fr. Mersmann has a simple, but important piece of advice.

“I think a lot of it is just getting used to it,” Fr. Mersmann said. “I know it can be scary, but once you put yourself out there just a little bit, I think people will find it’s a wonderful tool.”

Fr. Mersmann said that the establishment of lunch Reconciliation will have an immediate impact, but also one that starts a spiritual snowball effect.

“When we go to Confession, we receive God’s love, then we can learn to incorporate that in our own lives,” Fr. Mersmann said. “The more we receive the love of God and the more we live it out into life, the more we will end up receiving the sacraments.”

With this opportunity becoming a new staple at Miege, the spiritual environment the school attempts to instill becomes completely evident. Fr. Mersmann said he was more than happy to build on that sentiment.

“When you give the opportunity, more people will go,” Fr. Mersmann said. “I feel like I am doing what I was supposed to do as a priest.”

A BLESSED CREATION a

Archbishop Joseph Naumann celebrates the Eucharist on altar created by Father Anthony Mersmann. | ANA GAJEWSKI FAITH | 23