A Letter From Our Pastor: Introducing Our New Parish Newsletter

Dear Parishioners,

August 3 marks my first anniversary as your pastor. I am blessed to celebrate Mass in three beautiful, sturdy, and unique church buildings that witness to the legacy of Rev. Bemowski, Rev. Hubert, and Rev. Binder. We have a waiting list at our vibrant Catholic school. The faith formation program offers great materials and wonderful catechists. Talented musicians enliven our weekend Masses. Even our cemeteries are beautiful and well cared for. It seems like every week I notice yet another gift or blessing.

We often fail to notice the blessings that are right in front of us. That is why we are introducing our new parish newsletter. Every month you will read stories that highlight the blessings we have as Catholic Christians and members of God’s family. The upcoming issues will feature people, ministries, and events within our Antigo Area Catholic Churches. As we see Christ at work within us and our community, we will be inspired to more boldly live our own lives as stewards of faith and participants and contributors to a vibrant faith community.

Our parishes have been engaged in stewardship for 25 years. You will be familiar, for example, with the Annual Stewardship Renewal that will happen this Fall. The Renewal is our chance to ask ourselves how we prioritize the way we use God’s gifts in the Church. We will make written commitments to ourselves and to God concerning how we will be more devoted with our use of time, talent, and treasure. While the words may be familiar, I encourage you to listen with fresh ears. You will find the focus has shifted away from the gifts you can make to the community and more on the gift that is you. Through stewardship, you will come to know yourself as a beloved child of God, a precious temple of the Holy Spirit, and a uniquely gifted member of the Body of Christ.

Our ultimate goal is to help you grow in faith, hope, and love. We want you to find more peace and joy in your life. We believe that stewardship is the path that leads to a fuller life. As we strive to develop stewardship as a way of life in our Antigo Area Catholic Churches, I hope I can count on your involvement. You have a place here, and you play an important role in helping us all live as disciples of Christ.

We also value your thoughts and input. In March 2022, we will be conducting a comprehensive parish survey. Your feedback will help me and parish leadership to better understand how the parishes can respond to your needs and those in our community.

I know you get a lot of mail. We certainly don’t want to add to your recycle bin. If you prefer electronic format, or not to receive the newsletter at all, let the parish office know. I just ask that you take time to read this one newsletter. I promise you will find some nuggets of encouragement and inspiration. And perhaps you will be as excited as I am for next month’s edition.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Joel Sember, Pastor

Fr. Joel Sember, Pastor