JUNE 2022
Antigo Area Meet First-Grade Teacher Courtney Johnson
“ASCS Is Special for So Many Reasons”
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o say All Saints Catholic School Courtney Johnson with her fiancé, Brian Lee — (ASCS) is a big part of Courtney the couple met here at ASCS. Johnson’s life would be an understatement. It’s where she attended school until eighth grade and where she was first inspired to become a teacher. And she works as a firstgrade teacher now! “I have so many amazing memories from going here, and it is so surreal to be teaching alongside the people who inspired me to become a teacher,” Ms. Johnson says. Ms. Johnson just wrapped up her third year of teaching. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Principal Paul Galuska, along with several current teachers, taught Ms. Johnson during her years as an ASCS student. Ms. Johnson enjoys seeing the children of students she knew at ASCS go through school now. “ASCS is special for so many reasons,” Ms. Johnson says. “It is not only special to me because it is where I spent a big part of my childhood, but it is where I grew the most in my faith.” Ms. Johnson loves that all students can learn the faith alongside other subjects. They have the chance to grow in their faith just like she did. She also feels valued in her role continued on page 5
Stewardship
Keeping Our Stewardship Commitments in the Summertime
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he kids are out of school and our fast-paced lives centered on school and youth sports activities have slowed down. Our own internal clocks are now on summer time. We’re ready for a break from our hectic lives. And while we take vacations and enjoy the leisurely pace of the season, we need to remember that summer is not the time to take a vacation from God. In fact, summer can serve as the perfect opportunity to grow in our relationship with God, especially since most of us have considerably more free time. So, instead of neglecting our faith due to busy days and late nights, try these simple steps to embrace God during the quieter summer months and during your vacation.
Get More Active in a Parish Ministry
The summer is actually a perfect time to get more involved in a parish ministry because our schedules are a bit less cluttered. Summer is indeed a perfect time to fill some downtime with service to God through ministry and giving of your talents. Take a look through the parish ministries to find something that suits your particular interest or talent.
Faith-filled Programs for Our Youth
This June, our youth have opportunities to grow in knowing, loving and serving our Lord. Totus Tuus is a week-long program led by young Catholic adults to bring our youth closer to Jesus through Mary. Students learn about the rich Catholic faith through prayer, skits, songs, games and Sacraments. Love Begins Here is a local mission program inspired by Blessed Mother Teresa’s call to begin love in one’s own community. Students encounter the Lord through service work and compassion.
Give Thanks for the Sun
Praise God for the sun, time off from school and easygoing days by visiting the adoration chapel to say a quick prayer. Bring a journal or rosary along to help stay focused. Little children can even bring a religious coloring book to give thanks to God on their terms. Or, before heading to the pool, why not attend daily Mass with the kids? It’s a perfect way to start the day and set the tone that — vacation or not — God is still an important part of your family life.
Don’t Take a Vacation from Mass
Often while on a vacation away from our parish family, we are not familiar with where to attend Mass. Don’t let that be an obstacle for you. Check out masstimes.org in order to find out where and when to go to Mass. In addition, if you are lodging at a hotel, the concierge will assist you with directions to the nearest Catholic Church.
Summertime Stewardship of Treasure
The prime reason for keeping up our pledge all summer is that God doesn’t go on vacation. He continues to sustain us throughout the summer months. He persists in pouring out blessings on us, even during the hottest weather. He keeps on meeting us in His sacramental presence when we go to Mass wherever we travel. As God remains faithful to us during the summer, we are called to be faithful in our commitments to Him and our parish family, even during our vacation time. So, enjoy the warmer temperatures and the relaxed atmosphere. Just don’t forget Who provides the sun and the sand! And most importantly, remember to take God with you wherever you go on vacation!
Totus Tuus — June 19-24 at SS. Mary & Hyacinth
Children entering 1st-6th grades, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Children entering 7th-12th grades, Sunday to Thursday, 7-9 p.m.
Love Begins Here
Currently enrolled 9th-12th grades, June 26-30 at SS. Mary & Hyacinth 2
Please contact Kristen Rolling at krolling@antigoareacatholicchurches.com or 715-623-5255 for more information on either of these programs.
A Letter From Our Pastor
Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here
Dear Parish Family,
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hat do you know about the Holy Spirit? You probably know that Pentecost is a feast that celebrates the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles while they were gathered for prayer in Jerusalem. Coming 10 days after Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, the descent of the Holy Spirit turned the apostles from a collection of dazed and confused, fearful disciples into a band of courageous witnesses ready to declare their faith in Christ to the whole world. That day marked the beginning of the Church’s public mission, which continues to the present. But the Holy Spirit’s actions in the Church were not limited to the apostles in an ancient time. He remains active down to the present, guiding the pope and the bishops as they go about their work of sanctifying, teaching and ruling in the Church. The Holy Spirit acts in the sacraments to make them effective signs of grace. We see the Holy Spirit’s work in the witness of the saints through whom He continues the work of salvation. The Spirit, moreover, acts not only in the Church as a corporate body, but also in the lives of individual Christians. We become temples of the Holy Spirit at our Baptism. Then at Confirmation, which is our own personal Pentecost, we receive the seal of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit unites us more closely to Christ, increases the spiritual gifts we have been given, and strengthens us to spread and defend the faith. Ultimately, Pentecost is more than simply a feast celebrating something
that happened a long time ago. Of course, the coming of the Spirit we read about in Acts 2 took place just once. But the Holy Spirit remains active today, guiding the Church as a whole, but also working in the life of each individual Christian to make us holy. Recently, Kristen Rolling and I attended an Entrust retreat put on by Julianne Stanz and her team at the Diocese of Green Bay. This retreat is designed to help equip disciples to be missionary disciples. The most important thing they told us is that the Holy Spirit is the one who does the work of evangelization. We often think of missionaries as people who go out and convince people to be Christian; they “win souls for Christ.” The truth is that Christianity flows from an encounter with the Risen Lord. It is the Holy Spirit that facilitates the encounter. So how do I get my children to come back to church? How do I convince my buddy that the Catholic
Church is true? How can I make my spouse realize the importance of actually living his or her faith? You don’t. All that is the work of the Holy Spirit. So what do we have to do? Our job, quite simply, is to listen to the Holy Spirit and do what he tells us. The Holy Spirit is not, in fact, some kind of force. The Holy Spirit is a person. This person is gently moving in your life. Remember how we told you to prayerfully consider how you were going to fill out your Stewardship commitment card? We wanted you to practice listening to the Holy Spirit. St. Bonaventure says, “The Holy Spirit comes where He is loved, wanted, and expected.” Do we love, want and expect God’s Spirit? Join me in praying this prayer: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in them the fire of your love. Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Joel Sember Pastor
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aula Pregler has discovered that the secret to living a joy-filled life is living a love-filled life. Over the years, she has found that by doing things for others and making them happy, she experiences a unique sense of happiness as well. “My mother and my grandmother were really great cooks, and they loved to entertain at the drop of a hat,” Paula says. “They would say, ‘Give us 20 minutes and we will have a party!’ That is the kind of hospitality I grew up with. It is something I have enjoyed forever! I offer hospitality to others because I really want to, not because I have to.” These days, Paula continues to bring stewardship to life through hospitality, especially by cooking for our parish — as well as for other parishes on occasion — and being very involved with the Activities Committee. “We have such a great group of men and women on the committee,” Paula says. “We help out in many different ways, such as by handling work for parish committees that can’t do it all themselves. For example, we make kolache (a Bohemian/Polish fruit-filled pastry) for the Rosary Society’s bake sale each December. Last year we made 1,000 of them, in 12 different flavors. It gave them a big boost!” In addition, Paula loves to help the
Paula Pregler has discovered that the secret to living a joy-filled life is living a love-filled life. Over the years, she has found that by doing things for others and making them happy, she experiences a unique sense of happiness as well.
committee by coordinating a soup sale that runs every January through March. They make two soups per month and sell them to raise money for their committee’s endeavors, such as keeping up the parish kitchen and its supplies. “Initially, our mission was to make soup for the elderly who weren’t eating as well during the winter, so they could buy some and freeze it, but now we are
sometimes getting 131 orders from various people in one weekend,” Paula says. “That’s a pretty good number! We work together. Some of the men help us lift heavy kettles and do dishes, while others really enjoy cooking. The ladies are interested in cooking as well as in sharing each other’s lives.” Furthermore, she likes to help the Activities Committee cook for parish continued on page 5
“It is something I have enjoyed forever! I offer hospitality to others because I really want to, not because I have to.” — Paula Pregler 4
breakfasts, as well as the Mother’s Day Banquet each May. “The banquet is a really neat way to appreciate mothers,” Paula says. “The moms can just attend and enjoy it without necessarily having to help. The men do most of the cooking. I love working with families this way and allowing them to have successful gatherings. I enjoy helping with the grocery shopping and all of the details that go into putting on a big event.” Paula also shows her love for Christ by serving on the Parish Council and being a dedicated daughter to her mother, Joan, who lives with her, and mother to Maria. “I love my parish,” she says. “It is small, just like a family!” She also owns and manages half of a title company.
First-Grade Teacher Courtney Johnson at ASCS, just as she did as a student. She describes the school as a place of love and acceptance. Ms. Johnson loves teaching first grade, especially reading. If her students can learn the foundations for reading, Ms. Johnson feels she has done her job. She appreciates seeing the students’ reading comprehension improve throughout the year. She also enjoys the personalities of the students. “They are constantly making me laugh and are just so sweet,” she says. “I get countless hugs every day, and you can feel how much they love school and each other every time you walk in the room.” As for Ms. Johnson’s best memories from her time as a student, they are from Catholic Schools Week, celebrated each winter. She loved the lip sync contest held each year to raise money for children in need. Ms. Johnson is getting married this summer to Brian Lee — the couple met right here at ASCS! In her free time, Ms. Johnson enjoys reading, hiking, playing with her dog, and spending time with friends and family.
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“ASCS is special for so many reasons. It is not only special to me because it is where I spent a big part of my childhood, but it is where I grew the most in my faith.” — Courtney Johnson
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Comfort Cards Sharing Christ’s Compassion with Those in Need
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s Jeanne Jensen says, losing a loved one is one of the most difficult parts of life. “You never stop missing that person, but that first year of birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays without them is really hard,” says Jeanne, head of the Comfort Card Ministry. “The hope is that by receiving a card on those special days and knowing their loved one is being remembered and that they are being thought of may bring some comfort.” The Comfort Card Ministry is a small ministry that strives to bring some comfort to those in the parish who have lost a loved one. Jeanne reviews obituaries for funerals that are held at St. John’s Catholic Church. She then collects information such as the mailing address of a family member, the first anniversary of the death, birthday, and wedding anniversary. She keeps this information in a calendar for the committee so that they know each month what cards need to be prepared and sent out. “Hopefully, this ministry brings some comfort and prompts remembering special treasured memories from the past, and a smile remembering their loved ones,” Jeanne says. “When each card is prepared and mailed, I say a
prayer for the deceased for their surviving loved ones.” Several new volunteers have signed up to help Jeanne in 2022 and they are hoping to have their first meeting soon! Members will be asked to gather quarterly to prepare the cards for mailing. Jeanne believes that by participating in this ministry, you are participating in a life of stewardship.
“Stewardship helps the church accomplish a variety of events/ministries that otherwise wouldn’t be done,” Jeanne says. “It is an extra extension of our faith. All it takes is some time to prepare the cards to let fellow parishioners know their loved one and they are being thought about as they adjust to the change in their lives from their loss.”
If you are interested in joining the Comfort Card Committee at St. John, please reach out to Jeanne Jensen at (715) 623-6600, or at St. Wenceslaus call Judy Boyle (715) 623-6523.
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ave you been wondering what to read during vacation this year? Why not give spiritual reading a try? There are thousands of titles out there — too many for any one person — just waiting to make a positive impact on your faith life. Reading is a fantastic opportunity for general spiritual direction and good practice for every searching soul. Choose a title from “you can’t go wrong” authors such as Louis de Wohl, G.K. Chesterton, Peter Kreeft, Francis de Sales, C.S. Lewis, and Scott Hahn. Their works alone should take you well into the summer, and possibly through to the next decade. Or, choose from this list of great Christian books, in no particular order: The Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux In this autobiography and all-time favorite Catholic book, St. Therese teaches her “little way” of spiritual childhood. Millions of copies have been sold worldwide. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis One of the most popular introductions to the Christian faith ever published, this series of broadcast talks has been collected into book fashion. Mere Christianity sets out to “explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times.” Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism by Scott and Kimberly Hahn This offers a conversion story of a brilliant, anti-Catholic Scripture scholar and his wife to the Catholic faith. Now wellknown speakers and Catholic apologists, Scott and Kimberly recount their story with simplicity and love.
of the Church’s teaching on sex and marriage. What Catholics Really Believe by Karl Keating Addressing 52 of the greatest misconceptions of the Catholic faith, Keating draws upon Scripture and Tradition to dispel errors and explain the rationale behind Church teaching. No Greater Love by Mother Teresa This anthology collects the teachings and sayings of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Founder of the Missionaries of Charity and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, St. Teresa of Calcutta speaks joyfully about her work with the poor and God’s call in our lives. Surprised by Truth edited by Patrick Madrid Eleven converts give their Biblical and historical reasons for becoming Catholic. These unique personal testimonies continue to transform hearts throughout the world in an insightful read for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Something For Young Catholics As for the little ones at home, nothing settles them into bed better than a good book. Seek wholesome children’s literature that communicates Christian messages. Be sure they are positive, healthy stories with characters they can emulate that inspire virtues such as courage, justice, charity, patience, generosity and prudence. To name a few: continued on back cover
The Good News about Sex & Marriage: Answers to Your Honest Questions about Catholic Teaching by Christopher West This down-to-earth application of Pope St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body is an easy-to-read, yet insightful account 7
Saint John the Evangelist 415 6th Ave. Antigo, WI 54409 (715) 623-2024 stjohn@antigoareacatholicchurches.com Saints Mary & Hyacinth 819 3rd Ave. Antigo, WI 54409 (715) 623-4938 ssmh@antigoareacatholicchurches.com Saint Wenceslaus N5340 Church Rd. Deerbrook, WI 54424 (715) 627-2126 stwencel@antigoareacatholicchurches.com
A Catholic’s Guide to Good Summer Reading Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis This series of seven fantasy novels is considered a classic in children’s literature. Chronicles of Narnia alludes to traditional Christian ideas within the framework of an exciting tale of adventure. Little Acts of Grace by Rosemarie Gortler, Mimi Sternhagen (Illustrator) and Donna Piscitelli This beginning-level book is a fantastic way to introduce 2 to 4-year-olds to Catholic customs. It is written in an ageappropriate, beautifully explained way. All (or just one) of the 20 books of the Mary Fabyan Windeatt saint biographies This unbeatable collection of saint stories, appropriate
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for children of all ages, is perfect to read aloud with the whole family. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: Missionary of Charity by Sr. Mary Kathleen Glavich There is no better way to introduce children to St. Teresa of Calcutta! This book highlights her work with the poor and includes a special prayer for children. The Story of Easter by Aileen Fisher Tells the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and explores how different cultures celebrate Easter. This is recommended for children in first through third grades. Happy summer! Happy reading!
MASS & CONFESSION TIMES SAINT JOHN: Masses: Monday, 8:15 a.m., Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, 8:15 a.m., Thursday, 8:15 a.m., Saturday, 6 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. Confession: Tuesday, 5:30-6:15 p.m. & Sunday, 8-8:45 a.m. SAINTS MARY & HYACINTH: Masses: Wednesday, 7:15 a.m., Thursday, 7:15 a.m., Friday, 7:15 a.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. & 4 p.m., Sunday, 7 a.m. Confession: Saturday following the 8 a.m. Mass & 3-3:45 p.m. SAINT WENCESLAUS: Masses: Tuesday, 8 a.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. Confession: Sunday, 10-10:45 a.m.
