Care Ministry Spotlight
This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce to you two sisters who do many things together.  I am talking about Joyce Mislinski and Jo Ann Piotrowski.
Joyce and Jo Ann have a very creative side to them.  Together they have beautifully wrapped all the baskets for Fall Fest.  For many years the two of them have come up with unique ways to display and tag the over 70 baskets that are normally received.  They have spent hour after hour meticulously tending to each basket listing the contents and numbering them.
They work together when there is a funeral lunch served in our cafeteria.  They put lots of miles on making sure that those who are eating a meal feel cared for and special.  Often times in the past they have served more than one meal in a week.
Joyce has helped decorate the church and helps with the watering of the plants when needed.  She is also a cheerful volunteer to answer phones in the office when Karen is away.  If there are any special projects to be done she is always willing to volunteer.
With a smile Joyce helps with hospitality at Mass and enjoys greeting those who are coming to worship.
Thank you both Joyce and Jo Ann for volunteering your time with the parish.  Your dependability and hearts of gold are truly visible when you are at church.
Kelly Koszalinski
 

Care Ministry Spotlight
This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to Linda Muench.
Linda enjoys being immersed in her parish family and the staff has the privilege of seeing her often in and around the building. 
First of all she is our go to person when Karen is out of the office.  Having someone in the office to cover for the secretary is not as simple as it may seem.  This person has to be able to multi-task and be the welcoming, smiling face of the parish for those that enter.  Most of the circumstances that occur during the day you cannot predict so you need to be flexible.  Linda is a seamless transition when Karen is away. The office has many projects that go on throughout the week and Linda enjoys taking those on and seeing them to completion. She recently delivered pumpkins for the Faith Formation program.
She is also the master scheduler for all parts of the liturgy.  She took on this volunteer role after she retired from her fulltime job.  Scheduling may seem like an easy task but it is far from that as she works with multiple families in multiple ministries.
She is a wonderful hospitality minister for weekend Masses.  She has so much knowledge of our parishioners that she can refer to most by name.  Linda is always available to fill in on the weekends or the special Masses we have going on.
When we began our Care Calls in April and again in November Linda did her part in making personal phone calls to our parish members.  Cold calling can be difficult and not everyone’s gift, but Linda handles it with ease.  She continues to develop relationships with those she has called by keeping in contact with them.
With her outgoing personality she is a perfect fit to assist in the Sacred Heart Room during funeral visitations or helping to serve the family meal after Mass.
Even though we were unable to have our annual Parish Fest this year Linda has been on the committee that planned the event.  She was also instrumental in the preparation of completion of our parish directory in 2018.
Thank you Linda for the many ways to share your time with Sacred Heart.  We are grateful for your dedication to serve Jesus and the people of the parish.
Kelly Koszalinski
 

Care Ministry Spotlight
This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to Sally Frank.
Sally is one of our volunteers who works diligently behind the scenes. For example, did you ever stop and wonder “hum…who unlocks the church on Sunday mornings?”  Well that would be Sally.  She arrives early, unlocks the Sacred Heart doors, and turns on all the lights. She ready’s the building for those who will soon be arriving.  It is a role most of us just take for granted unless we come on a Sunday and the doors are locked and the building is dark.  After she completes those tasks she grabs the thermometer and gets ready to welcome you at the door to take temperatures.
Sally is also a go to person in the kitchen for funeral luncheons.  She has volunteered in that role for years as she warmly greets families that are coming to share a meal after the death of a loved one. You have probably also seen her at other parish events where food is being served.  She has been in the food tent at parish fest joyfully smiling to all those who would like a burger or a brat. She enjoys helping and serving others and it is very evident when you see her doing what she loves.
On Monday mornings you will find her at church with the entire cleaning crew dusting, sweeping and helping to ensure our church is in tip top shape.  She has even been known to offer transportation for those she cleans with who need a ride.
Thank you Sally for being a beautiful servant of God. Your dedication to helping others and serving your parish are a constant example of living out your faith.
Kelly Koszalinski
Pastoral Ministry
 

Care Ministry Spotlight
This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to Michael & Ruth Schmelzer.
When I think of them I immediately think of the word “welcoming.”  They go above and beyond to say hello a face both familiar and unfamiliar to them.  In fact, when a parish member who lives alone needed a place to recover from surgery Michael and Ruth opened up their home to offer a comfortable place of respite.
They share their deep love of Christ with so many people and in so many ways.  Last year they took their camper and visited various diocesan offices throughout the country sharing their passion for Proclaim, God’s Plan for Sexual Health.  While on their tour they educated other dioceses about the importance of knowledge.  Ruth is involved in the Elizabeth Ministry, offering hope and healing for women and their families on issues related to childbearing, sexuality and relationships. Together they are also members of People of Praise in Appleton.
When they are not out and about Michael lectors and is currently on the finance council. Ruth cantors for daily Mass and is also part of the music selection committee, choosing the music for weekend Masses.   Together they sing with the Hearts of Praise choir, which we miss so much at Mass.  They have attended APLHA and continue to spread the good news to everyone.
They bring their warm hearts and welcoming outreach to those in the hospital by checking on our parish members of Tuesday’s.   With no visitation going on now, they are the friendly voice at the end of the phone.
Thank you Michael and Ruth for being a beautiful extension of your faith.  Your example of living out Matthew 25 is evident in all that you do. 
Kelly Koszalinski
 

 This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to Lil Huebner.  She embraces her parish family with such zeal and passion it is hard to put into words her enthusiasm. Lil lives the life of humble servant.  All the various areas where she is involved have a common theme…..giving of herself for the benefit of others.  Around the office she tends to the sweet tooth of all of us.  She regularly brings in home baked goods to share not only with staff, but with those who she cleans the church with on Monday’s.  It’s the best part of the morning for the Monday cleaning crew. They gather after to share some homemade treats.  Aside from her       dedication to cleaning where you will see her diligently washing windows, Lil helps with funeral lunches.  With our temporary halt on those lunches I am sure she is itching to get back into her parish kitchen.  She loves to give back by sewing all the masks you see available in the hallway.  Lil made liturgical colored masks for Fr. John and the deacons to match their albs. She has made cloths to cover the tables in the hall and takes home the laundry from the kitchen after an event. Lil quietly goes about serving God and her parish by all the ways she gives of herself. Always with a smile and a humble approach. Thank you Lil for modeling in the footsteps of Jesus.          Kelly Koszalinski
 
 

This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to Ron Keberlein and Dianne Diedrich.  Normally the spotlight is on
“a” person, but you can hardly talk about Ron and not Dianne, and Dianne and not talk about Ron. If you know them you know that you rarely see one of them without the other nearby.  They truly live out their faith by the many ways they give of themselves.  Most visibly you will see them at daily Mass, often times serving.  Aside from serving at daily Mass they also volunteer to serve at funeral Masses.  They also love to host/hostess in the Sacred Heart Room during a funeral visitation offering hospitality to the family and those who come to pay their respects.  They are a wonderful representation of our parish. Ron also sings in the Men’s Choir while Dianne has been on the Cursillo team for many years sharing her faith with other women on the four day retreat. She has also been a prayer partner for a 1st Communicant every year for 20 years.
 
One word that comes to mind when I think of them is dedicated.  When they are called upon to help out in any area they always respond with such joy and enthusiasm.  Recently while serving Mass they saw how much the server albs needed to be laundered and ironed.  They took them home and returned them the next day white as snow and perfectly ironed.  No one asked them to take care of this, they just saw the need.
 
As you can see being a faithful servant takes on many roles.  They both can also be seen in the kitchen serving for the fish fries, and helped cook for the monthly Faith Formation meals.  I even have firsthand knowledge of them bringing a meal to a parishioner who recently had surgery.
 
Ron and Dianne thank you for being a beautiful example to all of us on ways you live out the faith. May your
inspiration help all of us to see ways to give from the heart and be Jesus to everyone.
 
Kelly Koszalinski
 
 

This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to Mary Low. Mary has so many ways she volunteers within
the Care Ministry.  She is a true example of selfless giving as a faithful disciple of Jesus. Some of her time is spent behind the scenes and most parishioners wouldn’t even know all she does for Sacred Heart.  When we were able to visit our homebound, she brought Holy
Communion to them.  She also helped at Manor Care on Wednesday afternoons when they did a weekly communion service.  Mary also is on our hospital rotation team where she visits with those who are there.  Now with COVID visits, we have stopped and replaced the visit with a phone call.
 
She is a longtime member of the quilt group and makes the baptismal gowns for our babies.  Following a baptism Mary mails each family newsletters until the age of three. She and Gil together lead liturgy of the word on Sunday mornings and Mary is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. After Mass she is busy selling scrip in the hallway.
 
When it’s flower time she is outside in the Rosary Garden planting, weeding and tending to the beautiful array of flowers.
 
The parish is very blessed with members like Mary who care so deeply for others and make such a difference in many ways. Her love of Jesus and love for her parish are easy to see when you talk with her.  Thank you Mary for all you share with Sacred Heart.  You are appreciated.
 
                   Kelly Koszalinski
 
 

This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to John Rath.
John’s big heart and warm smile are a welcome sight to everyone.  His deep faith and the love of his parish are evident in the many ways he shares of himself.  He loves to lector for Mass on weekdays and stays to pray the rosary after.  The next thing you know he is visiting with parishioners in the hall and sharing his produce on the “table of plenty.”  He recently brought in some delicious corn on the cob for the staff to enjoy.  John shares his abundant blessings with everyone.
 
An area that John has taken to a new level is his deep love of bringing communion to an area nursing home, The Gardens of Fountain Way.  What started out as seeing the Sacred Heart parishioners once a month has turned into a weekly affair seeing ALL Catholics that reside there.  When he comes through the door everyone knows to gather by the fireplace, John is here with Holy Communion. They are all so appreciative. This is another testament to his welcoming approach to all.  With COVID now he is unable to visit at this time.  He looks forward to returning when it is safe to do so.
 
John has served a term as chair on the Finance Council offering his extensive background of knowledge to the parish.  His experience on the council will play an important part in his newly elected role as parish trustee.  When the property committee needed his help he was right there to offer himself.
Thank you John for the many ways that you are an extension of Jesus to all of us.  Your dedication to God’s people is a light to the world.                                        Kelly Koszalinski
 
 

This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to Dottie Borowski.  Dottie is fairly new to Sacred Heart but that didn’t stop her from immersing herself in the parish as she hit the floor running.

Dottie is one of our prayer warriors and has been part of the “Widows of Prayer” for many years.  She recently spoke at Mass about the Seven Sisters Apostolate,    encouraging others to join her in praying for Fr. John, our priests and for vocations. Dottie was a catechist last year and took on the job of redecorating the 2nd grade classroom with emphasis on the Eucharist as those little one’s prepared for their First Holy Communion.  She painted, made and framed artwork and really brought her gifts of decorating to the classroom.
 
Dottie’s love of the Eucharist runs deep.  She is part of the team of volunteers that bring communion to our homebound parishioners on First Friday’s. She brings her passion while she prays and visits with those she sees.  While we have been unable to visit those parishioners since March, Dottie could not sit still.  She has been sending cards and notes to everyone on the list to let them know that she and Sacred Heart are praying for them.  She is anxious to get back to visiting.
 
Dottie was recently welcomed aboard to serve on the Parish Council.  Her insights and experience will be a perfect for the council.  Say hi to her when you see her before Mass volunteering to take temperatures.
We are happy she chose Sacred Heart when she was looking for a parish to join.  We are glad she is here!
 
Kelly Koszalinski
 
 

Care Ministry Spotlight
This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to Maurine Overesch. 
Maurine lives out her baptismal call in many faith filled ways.  You may remember her from her many years as the coordinator of Faith Formation here.  Her love of learning and teaching made her a perfect fit for companioning our youth and the catechists.  She loved to direct retreats, especially with the Confirmation students where she led them on a two day encounter at Camp Tekawitha. When she stepped down from that role she volunteered her time teaching 6^th grade Faith Formation walking alongside her students. She loves learning so much that she was on the ground floor of bringing “Live Lent” to the parish in February.  Unfortunately those sessions ended before all the classes could be held due to the parish shutdown.  When things went virtual, she worked with another parish member on launching zoom sessions for a spiritual journey on line. When the Care Ministry took on a project in March of calling all our parishioners for a care call, she immediately volunteered. Maurine brings her deep devotion of the Eucharist to our dear parish members that are homebound.  She listens and encourages with great enthusiasm and compassion.  You may have even seen Maurine as a lector at Mass.  She is a prayer warrior at heart and enjoys sharing her love of Jesus with all.
Thank you Maurine for making a difference in the lives of your parish family. 
Kelly Koszalinski
 

    This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to Pat Marx. She is full of      energy and lives out her faith through her words and actions. She was part of the Care Ministry call team when we reached out to all our parish members in March after the church was shut down. She also does bereavement follow-up calls with families after they experience the loss of a loved one.  Her words of comfort bring peace to a grieving heart. Pat is  also part of our prayer team, money counting team and is also a Eucharistic Minister at Mass.
        You may have even received a call from her      personally when she worked on the parish pictorial or saw her when she went to the nursing homes or   private homes to take your picture because you could not get to the parish to have it done.  Pat puts on lots of miles both in her car and on her feet when she brings Holy Communion to our parish members.
         Continuing with her love of conversation, she has been on the Cursillo team many times sharing her faith story with ladies on the four day retreat.  Pat continues bringing others to Christ with her leadership on the ALPHA team where her natural extension of hospitality made all those who attended feel   welcome. Thank you Pat for being you!  You share so much of yourself with others making the world a better place.  Your love of Sacred Heart shows in all you do and the ways you represent yourself to     others on behalf of the parish.       Kelly Koszalinski
 
 

This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to
introduce you to Bonny Meacham.
 
Bonny is a breath of fresh air with all her energy and passion.  She has been a member of the Care Ministry for a few years now bringing Holy Communion to our parish members on 1st Friday.  When you talk with Bonny one thing that stands out is her bright positive outlook. You can see her love of Jesus and her desire to share it with others.  In fact that love of Jesus goes beyond bringing Holy Communion.  She was instrumental in getting the Alpha program running here at Sacred Heart.  She recruited others to help lead, came early and set the room and made sure the meals were in place.  She coordinated her material with other parishes in the area that were doing Alpha as well.  When the Alpha retreat was in the planning stages there was Bonny working side by side with others.  She also loves to lector at the 4:30 Mass and will help out wherever she is needed.
 
When you spend a few minutes talking with her you can’t help but feel uplifted.  That is why she is a perfect fit to visit our parish members and lead groups. 
 
Thank you Bonny for embracing your parish and the shining example of faith you are to others.
Kelly Koszalinski
 
 

Care Ministry Spotlight
This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to Pat Jankowski. Pat volunteers her time to Sacred Heart is so many ways.  She has been an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion for many years on Saturday’s at the 4:30 Mass.  She also takes her volunteering off site as she brings the Eucharist to our members who cannot be with us at Mass.   She is always positive and upbeat as she brings her compassion and listening ear to others.  Before Mass she has been taking temperatures and after Mass you will see her selling scrip.  She was been a hostess for donut Sunday and is a money counter on Monday mornings. You can also see Pat stuffing the bulletin and helping out with mailings.  If we host a funeral luncheon she is right there is the kitchen helping to serve and clean up.  You may even see her volunteering at other parish sponsored events. When Pat isn’t putting the miles on her feet she rests in Jesus’ love and keeps her hour of adoration at the parish.
Thank you Pat for your dedication to the parish and the many ways you share your talents and gifts with the parish.  Today we say an extra “thank you” to you for all that you do.
Kelly Koszalinski
 

Care Ministry Spotlight
Each week I will be sharing an insight on someone who is part of the “Care Ministry Team.”  There are many different areas of volunteering in Care Ministry. In showcasing some of these areas it is my hope to bring more awareness to all the ways our volunteers from Sacred Heart make a difference and bring Jesus to others.
This week I would like to introduce you to Joy Parizek.  Joy is so passionate about caring for our parish members in the hospital. While we have a different volunteer cover each day of the week Monday through Friday, Joy also covers the weekends in addition to her scheduled day of Wednesday.  She visits, prays and offers support to those she sees and also to any family members that may be in the room.  Her deep devotion to caring for God’s children is very evident when she encourages and affirms those she visits.  Joy also does bereavement calls to families after they have suffered the loss of a loved one.  While not tending in those two roles, she sings on Tuesday nights at Mass and is also on the music selection committee for the weekend Masses.  She loved helping out in youth ministry and being a positive role model for the students.
Thank you Joy for all the ways you volunteer at the parish.  You are appreciated.
Kelly Koszalinski
 

Care Ministry Spotlight
This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to JoAnn Smolcich.
JoAnn loves to volunteer and help out at the parish whenever she can.  She has been a lector or a long time and also serves for Mass on the weekends.  You can see her dedication when she serves for daily Mass on Wednesday mornings.  When there is a funeral that needs a server she enthusiastically offers to help out. She is so dependable and is so committed to her
ministry.
 
When she isn’t lecturing or serving Mass, you can see her singing in the Hearts of Praise choir.  Oh how we miss not having them sing for us.  An extension of her desire to volunteer shows when she would greet and  offer hospitality to families in the Sacred Heart Room during a visitation.
 
Thank you JoAnn for always being willing to help out.  Your commitment to being an active member of Sacred Heart is appreciated.
Kelly Koszalinski
 
 

Care Ministry Spotlight
This week in the Care Ministry spotlight I would like to introduce you to Sue Siebers.
On any given day that you are in the building you may run into Sue doing a variety of things for the parish.  After retiring from her day job, she brought her years of experience in accounts payable to Sacred Heart and helps in the business office as a right hand support for Laura.  Sue manages our vendor list and enters invoices for payment into our accounting software. 
On Monday mornings she heads to the bank where she leads the counting team of volunteers opening and counting weekly envelope giving.

Back in the building Sue co-manages the script program and can also be seen selling script after Masses. She also helps with taking temperatures before Mass on Saturdays. Her passion for serving takes on many faces as she has served on the finance council and continues to be a part of the HR committee. 

All the business aspects aside, Sue brings her energy and warmth to families when she helps to serve the meal for a funeral luncheon.  Her outgoing personality and desire to serve others is very evident as she is the face of the parish for those she tends to during the lunch.
What a truly beautiful example of selfless giving and dedication not only to Sacred Heart, but to all those that enter through our doors.
Thank you Sue for putting so much enthusiasm into all that you do.  Your passion for volunteering is what sets you apart.
Kelly Koszalinski