Meet Parishioner Mitch Fisher: In The Face Of Crisis, Serving The Parish With A Faithful Heart

When in-person classes ended at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for parishioner Mitch Fisher in mid-March, he moved back home and stepped up at his spiritual home to help during the pandemic.

“One of the first things I did when I came back was to stop at St. Leo’s and meet with Fr. Don and Jodi Stauffer, Director of Children’s and Family Ministry,” Mitch says.

After they talked about ideas to keep parishioners connected with the parish and each other during quarantine, the idea was developed for Fr. Don to video a “Friday Chat Check-In” that could be posted on Facebook. Mitch helped put the idea online.

Once in-person Masses were discontinued, Mitch helped set up the Facebook Mass livestream. The weekend Masses were pre-recorded on Thursday and Friday to give Mitch time to edit and add information graphics. The Masses then were posted on Saturday night.

He also set up a YouTube channel for the parish to enable those who cannot access Facebook to watch the Masses on livestream.

Besides offering his natural talents, Mitch has been able to use material and skills he has learned during his studies in advertising and public relations management at the university. He returned to campus in August and expects to graduate in May 2021.

Helping out at St. Leo’s is nothing new to Mitch. He not only has been an altar server, but he also volunteered in his high school years at Vacation Bible School, as well as at Empower Youth.

During his work with the parish, Mitch found he has been able to develop a close bond with many in the parish staff, as well as Fr. Don.

“It’s a good place to call home when I come back to Grand Island,” he says.

He especially appreciates being able to work with Fr. Don as the pandemic has continued, and to grow that friendship. Mitch also has come to appreciate being able to serve our parish community. Now that he has been able to once again attend in-person Mass, he has also developed a deeper appreciation for the sacraments.

Mitch knows that his work with the parish is his way of living in stewardship.

“It’s kind of an important thing for me as a college student,” he says, acknowledging it is easy to get caught up in classwork and other activities. However, he stays close to his faith at school and is involved in the Newman Center on campus.

“It’s all about finding God’s will for our lives, finding our purpose,” he says. “This is one of the ways to give back and live in stewardship that God wants us to do, as well. I’m very thankful for St. Leo’s. I’m blessed to be able to help.”

Mitch Fisher knows that his work with the parish is his way of living