Meet the Hoelschers: Making Parish Involvement a Family Affair

For parishioners Bill and Jennifer Hoelscher and their children, parish involvement is truly a family affair! Both the Hoelschers were raised in the Catholic Church by parents who modeled an active faith life. Jennifer — whose maiden name is Brett — was raised and received all of her sacraments right here at St. Vincent de Paul. Her parents and two of her brothers are also still members of our parish. Bill grew up in San Antonio, where his father served the archdiocese as a deacon. While it was never a question for the couple that they would raise their own children in the Church, they have found here at St. Vincent de Paul more than a place of worship — they have discovered a true extension of family.

“There is such a strong community here, and whether it’s going to Mass or a parish activity or taking your kids to Religious Ed, there is a strong community of people you know and recognize,” Jennifer says.

The Hoelschers have nurtured a lot of connections and friendships in the parish by participating in various organizations and ministries. Bill joined the Men’s Club over 15 years ago and has thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of the group, along with its fundraising and charitable works. Bill is also an acolyte. Jennifer helps with the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, and she and Bill have taught Religious Education classes for many years. Helping with faith formation has allowed them to get to know other parents and share the faith with some of our youngest parishioners.

Following their parents’ examples of active discipleship, all three of the Hoelscher kids — Brett, 15; Caroline, 13; and Molly, 13 — have been altar servers. At some Masses, Bill, the three children, and Jennifer’s parents and brothers would all be serving on the altar at the same time! Those Sundays were a poignant reminder of the blessings to be found in participating fully in parish life.

“When we were all up there — when the kids were up there serving and I would be an acolyte — Jennifer would be the only one sitting in the pew,” Bill says. “It was such a wonderful feeling that we were all up there. At Baptisms, they say the parents are the first teachers in the faith, and that helped show our kids that it’s not just about going to church each week, but also doing things with your church community to grow in the faith.”

Thankful for the strong foundation in the faith they both received from their own parents, Bill and Jennifer have continued to keep their Catholic faith at the center of family life together.

“I think it is so important,” Jennifer says. “You can’t just take your kids to church and expect them to be God-loving, faithful people — you have to get involved and show them the way. When I was growing up, family and faith were so important. There are so many times — and now more than ever — when sometimes faith is all you have. So we want our children to have that, so they realize God is always with them and they are never alone. No matter how hard things might get, we just want them to always have that.”

The Hoelschers know from experience that it takes a village to keep living and growing in the faith. As Bill and Jennifer continue to seek a closer walk with Christ, they are thankful for the examples of their parents, the support of their faith family here at St. Vincent de Paul, and the inspiring and loving presence of Fr. Philip Brembah.

“Fr. Philip is just phenomenal,” Jennifer says. “You would not even know he has a parish full of people — he knows and cares about you. The Holy Spirit shines through him like you wouldn’t believe.”

“He makes you feel like you’re the only one there is,” Bill agrees.

Knowing firsthand the abundant blessings that come with being a part of our faith family here at St. Vincent de Paul, Bill and Jennifer hope that all parishioners will continue to stay connected to our faith community in any way they can!

Bill and Jennifer Hoelscher with their children, Brett, Molly and Caroline