Dear Parishioners,

Our Campaign Readiness Assessment is officially underway as of Sunday, October 16, 2022. Two vibrant Vison Groups have already met and shared valuable insights with Lorraine Klemz, the director of our fundraising project. In addition, a good number of families also participated in personal interviews. The final round of Vision Groups was conducted on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. I would like to thank all those who joined in this important process and who, by their participation, helped to create the wonderful enthusiasm that is evident.

Dear Parishioners,

Years ago, while I was serving as the Director of Worship in the Diocese of Superior, WI, I was offering a presentation for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. As I consistently do, I emphasized the importance of reverence, especially when handling the Blessed Sacrament, because a lack of reverence or too casual an approach with toward the sacred elements can weaken or even destroy people’s faith in the Eucharist. An elderly woman at the workshop then made this observation, It was easier, she said, to believe in the Real Presence years ago in the “old days.” Her statement was without guile and was in no way a criticism of the liturgical reforms from the Second Vatican Council.

Dear Parishioners,

Who doesn’t love October? The temperatures are moderate. The trees are in colorful splendor. The earth is yielding its autumnal harvest of grapes, apples, squash and pumpkins. Excitement is peaked among people of all ages, but especially our youth, because of football games, homecomings, tailgate parties and the many preparations for Halloween. The sights and sounds of Christmas are beginning to emerge along with its prelude celebration of Thanksgiving. October is simply a month of abundant beauty and promise that delights the human heart.

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church will celebrate 100 years as a parish in 2024. In anticipation of this significant milestone, there is an opportunity to update the worship space which hasn’t been renovated in over 15 years. The projects being considered include refurbishing the pews, painting the church and replacing the carpet and tile with terrazzo flooring. In order to continue to plan with prudence, we have retained the services of Lorraine Klemz Consulting, Inc. to assist us over the next three months with a Campaign Readiness Assessment.