Fr. John has served as the pastor of Saint Patrick Parish since 2012. He previously served parishes in Superior and Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Along with serving our parish, Fr. John serves as supervising pastor of twelve additional parishes in our Diocese. In this role and by serving on a variety of diocesan committees, he is strongly committed to helping the Church in Northern Wisconsin move to being missionary focused. He has always served at a parish with a Catholic School and continues to enjoy being a part of the life of our students and staff at Saint Patrick Catholic School. Leading discipleship groups of seventh grade and tenth grade boys helps him to stay young.
"Do not pray for easy lives, pray to be stronger people." - Blessed Father Solanus Casey
For the past ten months, Father John has been struggling with recurring hives, despite seeing multiple doctors, trying different medications, and making lifestyle changes; though recently he has felt better, He is unsure if it's the medication or just a temporary cycle. This struggle resonates with the theme of "rescued" in baptism, as just like illness, sin can capture us, but through baptism and Jesus' sacrifice, we are always offered the chance to be rescued and restored to the life we were created for.
Read PostLast weekend, we began a four-week homily series on the Sacrament of Baptism, focusing on creation and our purpose to love God through relationships. This weekend, we address the reality of evil and Satan within the context of baptism, emphasizing that while evil is strong, God is far greater, and through baptism and Jesus’ sacrifice, we have the grace and hope to overcome evil.
Read PostSeveral renovation projects are underway at the church, including painting exterior doors, upgrading door control software for improved security, installing cameras, and expanding office space using staff and volunteer help. Additionally, the upcoming October homily series will focus on the Sacrament of Baptism and how God continually works to restore and renew us through discipleship, drawing inspiration from Bishop’s Pastoral letter and Father John Ricardo’s book Rescued.
Read PostThe Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) was presented last weekend, highlighting it as an investment in the future of our Diocese rather than just a required tax. The programs supported by the CSA, including seminarian education and youth faith camps like Totus Tuus and Extreme Faith Camp, help form future priests and strong Catholic families, ensuring the continuity of our faith.
Read PostFather Samuel Schneider, a former seminarian at Saint Patrick’s and now a military chaplain, will be visiting this weekend while back in the Diocese for the annual priest retreat. This visit also coincides with the launch of our annual Catholic Services Appeal, which supports the education and formation of future priests and other diocesan ministries, with this year's parish goal set at $124,463.
Read PostOur annual Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) begins the weekend of September 14/15, providing essential financial support for our Diocese, including the education and formation of future priests, parish programs, and faith-building activities like Totus Tuus and Extreme Faith Camp.
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