Meet Jerry and Julie Wildhaber:
Giving Back in Stewardship to the Parish Community
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As a couple, they volunteer for hen asked to share their the Welcome Committee. They call favorite part of being people who are new at St. Mark’s involved at St. Mark’s, Jerry and to welcome them and answer Julie Wildhaber don’t hesitate to any questions. Each month, they give a heartfelt answer. also help with the Bread of Life “We love our parish and everyone Ministry by picking up excess in it,” Julie says. “It’s one big family.” food from local grocery stores and It’s because of their love for our delivering it to organizations that Lord and our parish that the couple help those in need. The couple is involved in several ministries at had also been involved with the St. Mark’s. Religious Education program in “You feel good being involved,” prior years, and hope to volunteer Julie says. “You are helping, and again in the future. that’s what we are here for.” Both Jerry and Julie are so Jerry and Julie were both raised thankful for the opportunity to be as cradle Catholics, and they have involved in all these ministries. practiced the Catholic faith all through They admit, when they were both their lives. working, it was hard to find the The couple moved to Denton time to volunteer. in 2011 to be near their twin Jerry and Julie Wildhaber “After the twins went to grandchildren. They initially began kindergarten, we said, ‘Now we attending St. Mark’s for the 7 a.m. Sunday Mass and they loved the community they found have the time — let’s give back,’” Julie says. For the couple, there are so many beautiful and impactful here. Both Jerry and Julie have really enjoyed getting to know Fr. George. They feel blessed to have him as our aspects of the Catholic faith. But they each have something Pastor, and they appreciate his caring and considerate that is personally meaningful to their faith journeys. “I just really care about little people, both the born and personality. Jerry and Julie spent many years helping care for their unborn,” Jerry says. “I really love St. John Paul II,” Julie says. “I’m Polish young grandchildren. However, when the twins went to kindergarten, Jerry and Julie knew it was time to get more and he reminds me of my grandpa.” As Julie notes, she loves St. John Paul II’s message, “Be involved at St. Mark’s. For the past five years, Jerry has led not afraid.” the Catholic Way Bible Study. As they continue to share their gifts with St. Mark’s, “I am a cradle Catholic, but I have really learned a lot Jerry and Julie feel blessed by everyone around them. in Bible study,” he says. “We have never belonged to a church that is so “Jerry is the teacher, and I’m more like the clean-up welcoming,” Jerry says. crew,” Julie adds. Jerry is also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus through the various churches has attended over the years, including here at St. Mark’s. “You feel good being involved. You For Julie, one ministry she really enjoys is counting the collection on Monday mornings with a group. She also are helping, and that’s what we helps with washing the altar linens. are here for.” — Julie Wildhaber “I enjoy that ministry because I really like to iron,” she says with a laugh.
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