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Parish/Church
St. Mary - Algoma
Date and Mass time
June 6, 2015 – 5:30PM Mass
Celebrant
Fr. Ron Colombo
Deacon Chuck Agnew
The trip there and back
We drove out through Stangleville and Kewaunee and up to Algoma on 42. We were a little early so we drove around a bit and checked out the lakeshore for a possible visit this summer.
The church is located on “The Top of the Hill” and you can see the steeple for miles.
On the drive home we went past Amber and Matt’s but it was pretty dark there so we didn’t stop. We did make a quick stop at the Wayside south of Algoma to check out the view of the lake. Then it was homeward bound. Other than multiple slow vehicles in front of us, it was uneventful.
It was a gorgeous day for a drive!
Weather
The first Saturday of June and it was a beautiful day! Temps in the mid to upper 70’s (in Denmark) and bright sunshine! A GREAT day for a ride. But by the time we reached the lakeshore however, the temps had dropped a good 10 degrees if not more. I was still comfortable in a short sleeve shirt, but JUST barely.
Parish History
Currently St. Mary of Algoma is linked with Holy Rosary parish in Kewaunee and is administered by Deacon Chuck Agnew, but the parish has a long history. Per the brochure we were given by one on the very friendly parishioners, the parish began in 1860 and was assigned their first priest in 1869. The current church was built in 1904. For more details see the brochure below.
I think the brochure is really nice in not only outlining the history, but also gives a really nice explanation of the beautiful stained glass windows. (Click on them for PDF download)
Reflections
The visit to Algoma came about as we were looking for a site within an hour from home on a Saturday night, and to be honest, it was at the top of the list and had a 5:30pm Mass. What a blessing that decision turned out to be.
Last fall we had heard that our previous parish priest, Fr. Ron Colombo was stationed at Algoma and Kewaunee as a Sacramental Minister along with another priest, so we were hoping he would be saying Mass for our visit. We were VERY pleasantly surprised when Fr. Ron appeared vested and he even recognized us as he processed into church! With knowing Fr. Ron for so long, it was just like being at home during Mass!
Mass was for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi and it was a wonderful celebration. There wasn’t a huge crowd, maybe half full, but the music was still wonderful and the organist had a wonderful voice. Deacon Chuck read the Gospel for us and Fr. Ron had a great homily. He talked about a door in a church in Germany with 4 panels depicting the Wedding Feast at Cana, the Feeding of 5 Thousand with 5 Loaves and Two Fish, the Last Supper, and the Meal at the end of the Road in Emmaus. The panels signifying the first miracle of creation of wine from water, the first feeding by Jesus, the Last Supper and inception of the True Mass, and the first celebration of Mass by Jesus. Of course Father’s quaint, common, friendly and welcoming demeanor along with such a great story made for a wonderful Blessing.
Fr. Ron and Deacon Chuck clearly work well together and the parishes there are very lucky to have Deacon Chuck to lead them and wonderful Sacramental Ministers in Fr. Ron as well as Father Jim Dillenburg. Such a lovely community.
The church is traditional style and the stained glass windows are quite beautiful with their depictions of the Sacraments. The Altars, including the main and two side Altars are very intricately carved and ornate. Just amazing the time and effort put into them.
After Mass we had time to look around and take pictures and of course to spend some time with Father Ron catching up. He is doing well, his health is great, and loves his retirement. You can truly see and feel the joy he has in his ministry in retirement. What a blessing.
We look forward to running into him in the future at Kewaunee and Sturgeon Bay where he lives.
Overall I kind of prefer the Sunday Mass trips, but so far the Saturday trips we have taken have been no less wonderful and amazing.
Pictures
Parish/Church
Immaculate Conception - St. Mary - Florence
Date and Mass time
April 19, 2015 – 8:30AM Mass
Celebrant
Rev. Matthew W. Settle
Pastoral Leader: Mrs. Christine Gall
The trip there and back
This was a GREAT trip as we traveled north of Crystal Falls, MI to the Paint River Landing (PRL) to do some wireless networking for my boss BJ and his wife Katie at their new lodge. As we were only 20 minutes north of Florence, it was a great opportunity to visit the northernmost parish in the Diocese of Green Bay.
We went up to the PRL on Saturday and arrive after lunch, had a drink, checked in, took a walk around the grounds and then did some “work”. The work wasn’t going well so we took a drive around the area and then had dinner at the landing. AWESOME prime rib! Too full to do much more than have a drink after that and call it a day.
We were up early on Sunday to make it to the 8:30am Mass and then took a drive around Crystal Falls on the way back. Nice little town! Then we had breakfast back at the PRL (awesome!) and then it was back to work. Most likely it was attending Mass, but work went MUCH better after that and we had the wireless up and running by 3:30pm.
The drive home, as it always is with the drive home after a great weekend, was quiet, but we sure did have a great weekend!
Weather
Saturday driving up and at the PRL was great with sunshine and temps in the 70’s. Sunday was cooler, cloudy, and we had some spotty rain. They need rain up there as much as we do back home, but it did not amount to much. The area was greening up, but we were a little surprised to see some remaining snow in sheltered areas.
Parish History
The website and Facebook pages have no histories listed, but I would have to think this is a parish with a very rich history. I hope someday they write it down so it is not lost.
The little I know about the parish now is that Fr. Matt is known as the priest of the “northwoods” and serves this parish as well as St. Anthony in Niagara, St. Margaret in Pembine, and Sacred Heart in Aurora. I’m not sure of the merger/linkage status of the parishes, but Saturday/Sunday snowstorms in January must make Fr. Matt’s travels quite a challenge!!! But I am sure they are all very used to it in the “northwoods” and take it all in stride!
Reflections
This is a pretty small parish, and from the outside as we drove by on Saturday (to make sure we knew where it was) it didn’t look like much. But as soon as we arrived on Sunday we felt a sense of welcome. The decorations were simple but very beautiful and just so very fitting. The building isn’t a typical "church" style with a steeple or brick or stained glass, and you could guess that maybe budgets aren’t big here, but it was so clean and well-kept you could tell it was a very Holy place of God. As we sat down, I whispered to Kay that “I like it here”. She whispered back “So do I”.
Fr. Matt is now sporting a very large bushy beard to go with his short hair, so that was a bit of a shock, but it fits him well. He is a very reverent and devoted priest and it showed in the Mass and especially in his homily in which he asked us to consider what God’s plan was for each of us.
During part of his homily he mentioned that in times of prayer he would have a fleeting moment of a sense of “great understanding” and having "all" the answers bestowed on him. I think he noticed that I smiled at his description in that I have also felt that, and its sense of loss when it fades away.
During Mass we also welcomed Nathan, a young man in the parish, on his path toward baptism and full communion into the church. That is something you don’t always get to see, so that was special.
Mrs. Gall, the pastoral leader, was also very much a part of the Mass and quite wonderful in her joy and love. We assume she was a Sister but the website has her listed as “Mrs” so we were wrong, but I think the parish is very lucky to have her and Fr. Matt in their midst.
A wonderful opportunity to worship and pray with this parish!
Pictures
Parish/Church
St. Therese – Pilsen Site
http://www.stthereseonline.org/
Date and Mass time
March, 07, 2015 – 4:00PM Mass
Celebrant
Rev. Dennis G. Drury
Deacon, Robert J. Pribek
Weather
Today was like the first day of spring. Sunny and beautiful and in the lower 30’s! What a nice day for a trip anywhere, but a great day for a ride out to Pilsen!
The trip there and back
Nothing special on the way out other than it being such a gorgeous day. We arrive and took a look around the grounds and it was nice enough to take pictures.
After we headed to town to do some grocery shopping at Costco and then had a nice little “date-night” dinner together at Tucson’s. I had to bring my laptop because I was on-call and had work to do, but it worked out just fine.
We even stopped at Kay’s mom’s apartment on the way home to change her clocks.
Parish History
These parishes have a rich Bohemian/Czech history, so I must say we felt very much at home!
The parish history is a bit complex now due to the merger and linkages of various parishes. From what I can figure out, as of 2000 this is now St. Therese Parish which is compromised of the original parishes of St. Hedwigs, St. Joseph-St. John and St. Lawrence. These original parishes were in East Krok, Pilsen, Norman, and Stangleville respectively. I think… Quite honestly, I can’t quite figure it out… Check out the website for more info, but here are the histories for St. John and St. Joseph sites.
HISTORY OF ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE
1860s-First mass said in area on the farm of J. Weiner by Father Daems who walked from Bay Settlement. Father Maly also said mass on farm of Mr. Melke.
1863-St. John Church built by and on the land of Leo Keppler. Church put under the patronage of St. John Nepomucene, the patron saint of Bohemia. Fathers Maly, Long, and Brunner visited the parish very infrequently.
1873-Father Adalbert Cipin, St. Joseph Parish, Norman, visited the parish on Holy Days.
1875-Sacristy added onto church. Sacristy and bell dedicated in 1876. Mass said every third Sunday. Father Videnka served parish for a short time in 1878.
1880-St. John administered to by the priests of the neighboring parishes: Rev. J. Maly (1880-82); Rev. A. Cipin and Rev. G. Brunner (1883); Rev. J. Kirpal (1884-88); Rev. A. Vychodil (1888-92); Rev. E. Kabat (1892-94); Rev. F. Till (1894-97); Rev. J. Verlicek (1898-1900); and Rev. J. Kirpal (1900-04).
1904-St. John becomes a mission of St. Joseph, Norman and is served by the following priests: Rev. W. Kubale (1904-08); Rev. V. Herback (1908-16); Rev. J. Decker (1916-17); Rev. R. Reindl (1917-19); Rev. J. Vondracek (1919); and Rev.Schimel (1919-20).
1920-St. John becomes a mission of St. Joseph, Pilsen and is served by the following priests: Rev. W. Koutnik (1920-23); and Rev. J. Kalisek (1923-28). 1928-St. John becomes a mission of St. Joseph, Norman and is served by the following priests: Rev. R. Hodik (_1923-28); Rev. W. Koutnik (1928-33); Rev. F. Svatek (1933-40); Rev. C. Kabat (1940-43); Rev. R. Kerch 1943-46); and Rev. W. Hemauer (1946-48).
1948-St. John becomes a mission of St. Hedwig, West Kewaunee and is served by Father Thaddeus Koczarek.
1949-St. John becomes a mission of St. Joseph, Pilsen and is served by Father John Johanek.
1962-On May 6, Norbertine Fathers from St. Norbert College began helping with Sunday masses at both St. Joseph and St. John until May of 1991.
1989-A 125th anniversary of St. John Nepomucene Parish was celebrated with Bishop Adam Maida as the celebrant.
1995-Father John Johanek retired after 46 years of dedicated service to St. John Parish. Father Mike Ingold becomes administrator on September 11.
1996-Merger of St. John and St. Joseph into St. Joseph-St. John Parish on July 1, Linked with St. Lawrence, Stangelville, on September 14.
1997-Closing liturgy of St. John, Krok was held on November 22 with Bishop Banks as the celebrant. St. Joseph-St. John Parish linked with St. Hedwig, West Kewaunee.
1998-Father C. Terry LaCombe becomes administrator of St. Joseph-St. John Parish on June 15.
2000- July 1st - St. Hedwigs, St. Joseph-St. John and St. Lawrence merged to become St Therese De Lisieux Parish.
2005- May 14-Deacon Bob Pribek was ordained. Deacon Bob is the first Deacon for the parishes and only the second Deacon in Kewaunee County.
2006- Reverend Dennis Drury named administrator of St. Therese Parish.
2008- May 25- St. John’s Monument dedication mass celebrated with Father C. Terry Lacombe as the celebrant. Deacon Bob Pribek assisted with the dedication.
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH PARISH
1863-First Czech settlers arrived in the town of Montpelier from the area of Pilzen in Bohemia. They named this place Pilsen and met for prayers at the Lawrence Kadletz farm. Settlers attended masses when held at Stangelville.
1874-St. Wenceslaus Church built 1.5 miles north of Pilsen on land deeded by Mathias Mleziva and Joseph Wessely.
1876-St. Mary Church built in Pilsen on present site on land given by Andrew Mahlik.
1892-St. Anna Church built 1.5 miles south of Pilsen on the land of Thomas Cherney. All mission churches served by priests that resided in neighboring parishes such as Kewaunee, Stangelville, Norman, West Kewaunee and Eaton.
1900-On August 15, Sister Mary Francis (Mary Cisler) and Sister Mary Rose (Ann Wavrunek) received the Benedictine Habit.
1910-Father John Rous sent to Pilsen to unite St. Wenceslaus, St. Mary, and St. Anna. On January 1, 1911 voted to unite into 1 parish under the patronage of St. Joseph. By October 1911 the rectory was finished. Father Rous was the pastor until 1917.
1917-Father James Decker became pastor on December 9 until 1920.
1920-Father William Koutnik became pastor until 1922.
1922-Father B. Chudacek became pastor until June 1923.
1923-Father Joseph Kalishek became pastor until February 1928.
1925-In June, Sister Hermana (Mary Paider) was received into the Sisters of St. Francis.
1928-Father James Decker became pastor until 1933.
1930-Father Edward Radey was administrator from November 1930 until September 1931, during a leave of absence for Father Decker.
1932-In June, Sister Germaine (Agnes Paider) was received into the Sisters of St. Francis.
1933-Father John Vorlicek became pastor on July 1 until his retirement in March 1946.
1939-On August 12, Father Roger (Wencil) Paider was ordained at St. Norbert Abbey and served the Norbertine Community.
1946-Father John Johanek was appointed pastor on March 28.
1958-A front and side entrance was added and the church hall was fixed with lavatories and a kitchen to better serve the parish.
1962-On May 6, Norbertrine Fathers from St. Norbert College began helping with Sunday masses at both St. Joseph and St. John, Krok, until May 1991. A 50th anniversary was celebrated with Bishop S. V. Bona presiding and Father Roger Paider, O. Praem, a priest son of the parish as the celebrant.
1963-On June 1, Father Milton Suess was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop S Bona. Said his first mass at St. Joseph on June 2.
1987-A 75th anniversary of St. Joseph parish was celebrated with Bishop Adam Maida as the celebrant. A monument dedicated to the priests that served the parish, donated in memory of Eva Schleis Mleziva, was blessed by Bishop Maida.
1995-On July 8 Father Joseph E. Dorner was ordained by Bishop Robert Banks and said his first mass at St. Joseph on July 9. On August 30, Father John Johanek retired after 49 years of dedicated service. Father Mike Ingold becomes administrator until 1998.
1996-Total renovation of rectory at St. Joseph. Merger of St. Joseph and St. John into St. Joseph-St. John Parish on July 1. Linked with St. Lawrence, Stangelville on September 14.
1997-Renovation of Father John Johanek Hall, Pilsen. Linked with St. Hedwig, West Kewaunee.
1998-Father Terry LaCombe becomes administrator on June 15. In addition he also serves as administrator of St. Hedwig, West Kewaunee and St. Lawrence, Stangelville.
2000- July 1st - St. Hedwigs, St. Josephs-St. John and St. Lawrence merged to become St Therese De Lisieux Parish.
2005- May 14-Deacon Bob Pribek was ordained. Deacon Bob is the first Deacon for the parishes and only the second Deacon in Kewaunee County.
2006- Reverend Dennis Drury named administrator of St. Therese Parish.
Reflections
What a beautiful parish! When we were deciding what parish to visit this month we knew it had to be close as I was on-call for work. So when we saw “St. Therese”, who is Kay’s favorite Saint, had a 4pm Mass on Saturday, the decision was made. The fact that the parishes are rich in Bohemian heritage just adds to the whole trip.
The look and feel of the church are quite wonderful. The art on the walls and ceilings are awesome as are the stained glass. It is an old style church, which we favor. The Rosary was being prayed when we entered, which is always a great way to come into Mass.
Father Dennis and Deacon Bob had a great Mass. Father’s homily really tied the first readings outline of the 10 commandments, the Gospel’s story of Jesus driving the money changers from the Temple, and the theme of Lent and our sinfulness together so well. The idea that almost all sin ties back to the first commandment and that our biggest folly is worshiping the idol of ourselves (selfishness) was not only deep and theology based, but so well tied back to our simple everyday life. Kay was especially drawn to it.
Mass was quite reverent and Holy and caught the theme of Lent so well. We both noted that we tired and especially noted that during Mass, but despite that there was an internal energy that superseded that. It was great.
We had a brief chance to talk to and thank both Deacon Bob and Father Dennis after Mass and that is always nice.
This weekend is between my CEW retreat last weekend and Kay’s CEW retreat next weekend, so we are both really on the spiritual “high” so to speak, so this was a rally great and wonderful experience.
Pictures
Parish/Church
St. Willebrord, Green Bay
Date and Mass time
February, 22, 2015 – 9:00AM Mass
Celebrant
Father Andy Cribben
Weather
Cold February! One Below Zero, but sunny and beautiful!
The trip there and back
Kay’s mom Joanne was with us today and it was a cold One Below zero today but clear sunny. A very beautiful winter Sunday morning! A really nice morning for a drive!
It was a bit cold out so even though we arrived early enough, we didn’t spend any time outside for pictures.
We stopped for breakfast on the way home at the Allouez Café and then did a little shopping. A great day!
Parish History
St. Willebrord’s is an old parish and was founded in 1864. I believe it was a “Belgian” church from back in the days of immigrant groups each having their own parish. This is the parish that legendary coach Vince Lombardi attended daily Mass and often was an altar server. Although I am sure it has a rich history, its not alluded to on the parish website…
Reflections
St. Willebrord’s is one of the older churches in Green Bay, and today I learned how to spell it correctly. It is a beautiful church with spectacular stained glass windows. They were particularly impressive with the bright sunshine this morning. Even though it is old, you can tell they really keep it up.
They have a large Hispanic population and even a few “Spanish language” Masses. We attended an English Mass, but there was a pretty diverse group there. Lots of young adults and kids which was quite wonderful.
Fr. Cribben, who is a Norbertine priest, had a really great Mass. He has a neat mix of flair and reverence that I really liked. His homily on setting our priorities right (The kingdom of God is at hand) from the Gospel was at a nice level but had some really deep insights. Great stuff.
The music was nice but being a stone church the acoustics weren’t great, but sometimes that subdued note really hits a holy tone.
The parishioners were very friendly and nice, but I got a few odd looks while I was taking pictures. Kinda funny.
Great trip, and I would not be surprised if I find time in summer to go there for a daily Mass. They have a 7:15am and a 12:05pm Mass, so it’s a little more accommodating to a work schedule.
Pictures
