SAINT DOMINIC CATHOLIC PARISH
An Inspiring View of Parish Life
February 2017 Volume 10
Seeking Christ Through Leadership
By Angela Zuniga-Meyer, Parishioner & Seek Christ Editor
Leadership is a continual growth mindset comprised
of expanding knowledge and experiences. No one
can attest to this more than a scout leader, many of
whom hold dear the ideals of lifelong learning that
scouting provides. The opportunity to be a scout or
a scout leader provides opportunities to grow in
knowledge while utilizing and developing leadership
skills. Leadership that provides an open path to
seek Christ.
Mike Peterman understands that leaders need to be
innovators who welcome the challenges of lifelong
learning. As leaders, one must seek a wide variety
of experiences in order to be able to represent and
serve his or her mission.
He has been involved in scouts at St. Dominic
Catholic Parish for eleven years; five years as a
Cub Scout Den Leader and six years as the Boy
Scout Committee Chair.
Mike participates in leadership roles because he
recognizes that both the Cub Scouts and Boy
Scouts need volunteers to operate. “Without the
volunteers, these organizations simply would not
exist.” He has often felt called to serve in our parish
and finds it is one of the ways in which he can serve
Christ.
Mike is grateful for God’s many blessings and can
bear witness that through volunteer service, “I can
help others and spread God’s word, because He
has given me so much—God has given us what we
need to do his work. We can find the time and
energy, if we go ahead and put our heart into it.
Through Him, all things are possible.”
Service to the St. Dominic faith community through
scouting has allowed Mike the unique experience of
witnessing and assisting boys to grow from
rambunctious first graders to good, young men in
high school-a progression he finds very fulfilling.
Eagle Scout Project of Andrew Kahler: Remove
overgrown Mitchell Park Waterway for canoe/kayak
accessibility.
He explains that “the Cub Scout program is for boys
ages 7-10 years old (1st to 5th grade), and is
designed to encourage learning and friendship. The
boys learn by doing, with the help of their den
leader. The Boy Scout program is for boys
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ages 11-17 years
old (6th grade to
senior), designed
to have the boys
learn on their
own, develop
leadership and
self-sufficiency,
with support from
their leaders and
peers.”
outdoor Mass
logistics. You can
even find Boy
Scouts spreading
wood chips on
the playground or
taking on tasks
where our parish
has needs.
Giving back to a
community that
supports scouts
is second nature
Scout Leaders
to these St.
strive toward
Dominic scouts.
accountability
As Mike humbly
and the highest
admits, “We
standard of
ourselves would
Matthew Johnston Eagle Project: Develop and install greenhouses for Waukesha STEM
development.
not exist without
Academy (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)
That is why in
the support from
order to serve as a scout leader, Mike has
camp locations every few years in order to
St. Dominic and the local community. Our
spent time at training provided by the local
give the boys broader experiences.
church and school provide us the
Potawatomi Scout Council in Waukesha, as
infrastructure both in faith and building. The
Finding the balance between leading and
well as online. He explains, “at the Cub
local community provides learning
Scout level, the training is taken online and allowing scouts to be self-led is one that
experiences and the customers for
at a day course, usually at one of the scout Mike bears witness to: “As a leader, our
Christmas wreaths and popcorn.” Thus, the
role is to show the boys an alternative path,
camps. At the Boy Scout level, training
conscious awareness that you give back in
a new direction to accomplish their goals.
involves a weekend at one of the scout
gratitude for your blessings, is one that
Admittedly, at times this can be difficult
camps and online, as well. All scout
scouting at St. Dominic honors.
without acting like a parent.” Leaders
volunteers must take youth protection
understand that true growth can come from From participation in scouting as a youth
training to be involved”.
a great teacher in life - failure; “If a scout
and now as a leader, Mike Peterman has
For scout leadership, at the core of these
sleeps in a wet sleeping bag, chances are
witnessed the beauty of God’s splendor in
development standards is providing a
they will never pitch their tent in a gully
outdoor hikes around Devil’s Lake, as well
progressive and innovative environment for again when rain is threatening,” Mike
as seeing boys grow into good, upstanding
scouts to thrive in. As the Troop Committee explains.
young men who help our community.
Chair, Mike is a key member of the Board
Being self-led, with the experience of good Mike’s faith in his ability to do God’s work
of Directors “which supports the adult and
leaders, Boy Scouts at St. Dominic have
youth leaders in delivering a quality
gives him hope that his scouts will continue
been able to continue God’s work through
program to the troop’s scouts”. As
their own paths of lifelong learning and
continued
community
service.
The
St.
Committee Chair, Mike organizes and is
service—boyhood giving way to adults with
Dominic scouts have extended helping
responsible for many of the administrative
families, steadfast in their faith, who serve
hands to their community through park
aspects of boy scouting at St. Dominic,
others for the good of our community,
cleanup projects, park improvement
which impacts the 36 boys currently
country, and world.
projects, gathering and shipping medical
registered to Troop 119.
The dedication to leadership inspires one to
equipment to foreign countries, building
Mike said, “Troop 119 is a boy-led troop.
become greater and encourage the same
greenhouses for local schools, creating
We encourage the boys to lead the other
of others. Leaders like Mike Peterman lead
welcome baskets with toiletries for
boys, with guidance from the Scout Master incoming immigrants, to making sleep
Scouts to recognize that respect of person,
and his Assistant Scout Masters. We have
ability, skill and faith can carry them
blankets for the homeless.
2-3 meetings per month and camp 6-7
through a lifetime. Ultimately, ushering in
St. Dominic scouts also give time and talent our next generation of leaders that will
times per year. The annual tradition of a
right here at St. Dominic, by providing
week-long camp during the summer is
serve, understand and seek Christ.
festival setup and cleanup each year,
always a great time for the kids.” To stay
building, maintaining and tearing down the
progressive, Troop 119 changes summer
Easter Vigil fire and assisting with the
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SCOUT PROFILES
Name: Henry Woodward
About: Henry is an 11 year-old scout at
St. Dominic. Scouting is a family affair for
Henry, as his brother Thomas, Father and
Grandfather are all scouts.
Leadership role: Patrol leader
Next leadership step: Henry hopes to
work hard and achieve Star Scout.
things that you don’t learn in school and
that I learn things necessary to survive in
the wild.”
What are you looking forward to with
scouts: “I look forward to the rocket
campout that we host every year. This is a
campout where people build and bring
their rockets and we launch them during
the day.”
Name: Tim Schneider
Best Scout memory: “My best scout
memory would probably be in Cub Scouts,
when we would have competitions each
year for best decorated table at the blue
and gold ceremony. We would always win
because we would come up with the ideas,
and the adults would help make them a
reality; such as hanging a Millennium
Falcon from the ceiling of the cafeteria.”
About: 14 year-old Tim is currently a Life
Scout and has been active in scouting
since 1st grade.
What do you want to explore with
scouts?: I want to reach the rank of Eagle
Scout, hopefully by the end of 2017.
What do you like most about scouting?:
If a parishioner wanted to join scouts,
what would you tell him?: “I would tell
him that it is an amazing opportunity that
Favorite scout activity: “Camping, even
the challenges that go along with tent
camping!”
What do you want to explore in
scouts?: “I want to try sailing.”
“My favorite things about scouts are the
fact that I get to learn a bunch of different
shouldn’t be passed up. Even if the person
ends up quitting, they will look back and
wish they continued in scouts.”
Name: Matthew Peterman
About: 17 year-old Matthew is a Life
Scout and has been scouting for 10 years.
Favorite scout activity: Camping with
friends
What are you looking forward to with
scouts?: “Summer camp at L.E. Phillips,
near Eau Claire.”
Best scout memory?: “Canoeing in the
boundary waters in Northern Minnesota.”
What do you want to explore with
scouts?: “The Philmont High Adventure
Camp in New Mexico.”
Hiking Devil’s Lake State Park
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Entering
By Julia Hansch, Parishioner and Seek Christ Editor
Casting a ballot, earning a license to drive
and ordering an alcoholic drink are all
societal milestones associated with
becoming an adult. Confirmation is our
faith’s equivalent and signifies ‘the
individual’s mature and personal affirmation
of the gift of faith, which seals the word of
the Spirit, begun in baptism.”
Similar to the way teens study traffic laws
and practice y-turns in preparation for their
driving test, our parish teens study God’s
word and participate in a weekend
confirmation retreat to prepare for this
important sacrament and official beginning of
their adulthood in the church.
The St. Dominic confirmation retreat
program is strong, as evidenced by its
leaders – most who are parish retreat
alumni, so moved by their experience that
they want to give back and guide others to
experience the same.
“When I was a junior and went to my
confirmation retreat, I took the view that I
would have rather done something else with
Enter, Amanda Hodgson: current Marquette my time,” Amanda said. “I think most juniors
University sophomore and track team
come in with those thoughts. But when they
member studying criminology; St. Dominic
go through retreat, they really grow deeper
Catholic School alumni; lifelong parish
in their faith. During reconciliation, they get
member and confirmation retreat aficionado, to truly look closer at themselves and figure
who was one of the leaders at the recent
out that God is with them even when they
St. Dominic confirmation retreat held in
don’t think about it. This brings them closer
January.
to God.”
Though today, she is an enthusiastic
advocate for confirmation retreats, when she
went through the confirmation process, she
didn’t feel quite the same. She admits the
idea of a weekend-long confirmation retreat
didn’t exactly appeal to her busy high school
schedule, packed with many other
commitments and activities.
Reflecting on her experience in the retreat,
Amanda gives witness to a powerful change
that took place in her faith journey.
“At that time, I didn’t really feel like I had God
in my life because I was dealing with some
medical issues and I didn’t know if it was
going to affect my athletics and dreams,”
Amanda said. “Once I went through the
confirmation retreat, I learned He was
actually there to help challenge me and help
me get better.”
A weekend filled with faith-focused activities,
from deep discussions to team-building
interaction, Amanda said her moment of
enlightenment happened during
reconciliation.
“I felt it during reconciliation,” Amanda said.
“I opened up and felt the full force of God in
my life, even though I didn’t realize He was.”
At that moment, Amanda knew she wanted
to help others reach that point in their faith,
too. That turning point is what drives her
commitment to youth ministry today.
Amanda’s experience is not uncommon,
according to St. Dominic Director of Youth
Formation, Debbie Olla. Debbie coordinates
the retreats and echoed that many
confirmandi share Amanda’s thoughts.
“She doesn’t shy away from witnessing her faith and relying on God, knowing God’s
grace is with her,” Debbie said of Amanda, shown here giving her witness talk during
January’s retreat.
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“The heart of our retreat is Saturday night
reconciliation, which is a time of prayer and
letting go,” Debbie said. “We work up to that
evening, and hopefully they take advantage
of that time with the priest, getting things off
their chest and talking over things. Adoration
and prayer stations are also available to the
confirmandi. It’s a good time to sort some
things out and pray with the Lord and it’s a
meaningful time for them.”
wanted to share their faith with other teens. “This year’s retreat was phenomenal – it was
Some have come back as college-aged and amazing!” Amanda said. “I kind of grew up
with these kids, so I knew some of them, but
older young adults.”
at this retreat I learned more about them. It’s
Debbie points to Amanda, who has been a inspirational to see how far they’ve come.”
Much like Amanda, Debbie also experienced confirmation retreat leader for three years,
something extraordinary during her
as an exceptional young woman who puts
confirmation retreat when she was in high
faith at the center of her life.
Young adults who would like to learn more
school, which drives her work in the
“She is a very energetic, outgoing person
about becoming involved leading
program, also.
whose faith is important to her,” Debbie said. the St. Dominic confirmation retreats should
“I just love retreat – it’s my passion,” Debbie She is involved in an athletic faith group at
email Debbie Olla at
said. “I think it’s because that’s where I had Marquette and incorporates her faith into her [email protected].
a conversion experience as a youth. People whole life. That’s an important part of who
are sharing their heart of faith … they really she is and she doesn’t shy away from
open up to what this is all about: that God
witnessing her faith and relying on God,
really does love us and have a plan for our knowing God’s grace is with her.”
lives. That’s how I got involved in prayer
Amanda has formed strong friendships with
ministry. I have seen kids change, by
other confirmation retreat leaders and is
opening up to the Holy Spirit.”
energized at each retreat, which reinforces
In brief, these off-site confirmation retreats
her commitment to the program.
comprise the following: three days and two
nights of getting to know your group
members; team-building games; listening to
a witness talk from a confirmation retreat
leader, who has experienced a major
change in his or her life in which God played
a role; all with an overarching goal of
growing closer to God.
Amanda is quick to point out that there is
plenty of fun incorporated into the weekend,
too. ‘It’s not all touchy feely!” Amanda joked.
“We also play games – and the retreat
leaders are very competitive, so it’s fun!’
One of these games is “Roaming
Pictionary,” an activity in which participants
search out clues and draw images
throughout the retreat facility that all relate
back to religion. It’s a fun approach to
learning more about the faith.
“I sit in the background and help lead from there – they are the upfront people,” said
Debbie of the confirmation retreat leaders, shown here.
Perhaps one of the reasons these retreats
have such an impact on attendees, is
because it is young adults who lead them –
people just a few years older than the retreat
participants themselves. Debbie attends
these retreats and is quick to give credit to
the young adult leaders for their efforts.
“I sit in the background and help lead from
there – they are the upfront people,” said
Debbie. “Most of these leaders have gone
through our confirmation program at
St. Dominic as juniors. They saw the value
and worth in the program and afterward,
The weekend also comprises a variety of team-building games and activities. One of these
games is “Roaming Pictionary” (shown here), an activity in which participants search out
clues and draw images throughout the retreat facility and all relates back to religion.
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ONE & TWO
Trivia Knight participants enjoyed an evening of fun and
excitement. Thanks to the chairs, volunteers and attendees
for making this night possible!
THREE
2nd grade students at St. Dominic Catholic School made
rosaries as a service project. The rosaries were blessed by
Father John before being donated.
SIX & SEVEN
FOUR
St. Dominic students peformed in this year’s Winterlude concert.
FIVE
The first annual St. Dominic Holiday Fair was held in the Parish Arts
& Activities Center. Thanks to everyone who participated, especially
our youth volunteers who were on hand to bring a bit of cheer as
Santa’s helpers!.
During Catholic Schools weeks students dressed for career day.
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EIGHT
The Advent experience offered a live re-telling of the
scriptural journey of the Annunciation to the birth of
Jesus.
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NINE
Prayers and blessings were offered at all Masses for
the gifts collected from The Giving Tree.
TEN
Women came together to prepare their hearts and minds for
Advent, during Advent by Candlelight .
ELEVEN
The Holy Dusters enjoyed a thank you luncheon and a special
recogntion for Marlene D’Agostini.
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What is
By Claire Swinarski, Parishioner and Seek Christ Newseltter edtior
Just have faith, and everything will work
out.
and she’s trying to make breakfast without
moving? So she squints super hard at the
bowl, and focuses with all her might, and
We hear that a lot in our culture. Whether
that box of Cheerios quivers a bit before
we’re unemployed and applying for a new
finally pouring her cereal? To be honest,
job, struggling through an illness, or
that’s how I pictured faith. If I just tried hard
watching racial tensions rise in our
enough, by zeroing in all my energy, I could
community, we’re constantly being told to
move mountains! I could save the world! If
just have faith that God will handle it and to any creeping doubts slid into my head, like
calm down. “Pray, hope, and don’t worry”— What if I don’t have a great career one day?
that Padre Pio was a genius, man! Jesus
or What if I never get married? it was like,
says in Matthew that if we have faith the size NO. STOP THINKING. MUST. HAVE.
of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. FAITH.
But what does it mean, exactly, to have
faith?
When I used to think about faith, I’d think of
the movie Matilda. You know the scene
where she’s just realized she has powers,
Father Mike Schmitz’s homilies are so
popular that every week, he records them
and puts them on iTunes. If you haven’t
listened yet, I highly recommend tuning in on
your drive to work or while you cook dinner.
In one of his episodes, he
discusses the idea of faith,
and defines it as “a living,
abiding relationship with a
God you know you can trust.”
This ties in nicely with the
Catechism of the Catholic
Church, which states that
“Faith is first of all a personal
adherence of man to God. At
the same time, and
inseparably, it is a free
assent to the whole truth that
God has revealed.”
Life isn’t a Roald Dahl book,
and faith isn’t something you
can give yourself. Faith
comes directly from God. It
isn’t using all of your might or
willpower; in fact, it’s the
exact opposite—it’s looking
in the mirror, admitting you’re
a mess, and knowing that
God loves you
unconditionally anyway. Faith
consists of being in a
relationship with God where
Benjamin Swinarski (left) takes part in a mock baptism with
we adhere to His will over our
Deacon Greg, for students in lifelong faith formation who
own.
are preparing for 1st Communion. Here they are signing the
cross on his forehead.
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www.stdominic.net
My current season requires quite a bit of
faith. My husband, Krzysztof, works full-time
and goes to grad school part-time. I stay
home with our son, Benjamin, while also
running a small copywriting business and
writing part-time for a few different
magazines. There have been plenty of late
nights when the baby is crying, my husband
has to work late and then go to class and do
homework, and all I want to do is curl up in a
ball and sleep for the next 12 hours. When I
say faith gets me through those times, it isn’t
that I know God will make Benjamin fall
asleep, or that God will help Krzysztof get
through school and graduate. Those things
could both very well be true, and if they are,
praise God.
But my faith isn’t tied to a particular
outcome. It’s about knowing I can trust God.
Knowing that he’ll provide me with the virtue
necessary for any situation, and that He
desires my good and that of my family.
Knowing that He’s not shaking his head at
my smallness, wondering how on earth a 25
-year-old college educated woman can’t
seem to get baby food stains out of a carpet.
Faith helps me get out of bed on mornings
where I have three articles to write, a
teething baby, and a husband I won’t see for
20 more hours. This is faith, not magical
Matilda powers.
FAITH
“a living, abiding
relationship with a God
you know you can trust.”
Father Mike Schmitz
We also never want to fall into the trap that
our earthly desires are necessarily the best
things for us. I know very, very faithful
people that have endured terrible tragedies
and had ridiculously hard lives. There are
people all over the world who love God
The Swinarski Family: Claire, Benjamin and Krzysztof.
much more than we do, and practice their
faith much more authentically—yet they’re
starving to death in war-torn countries.
Some might look at them and say their faith
hasn’t quite saved them. But having faith in
God that he’ll lead us to riches and utter
happiness and zero suffering isn’t real faith
in God at all. It makes me think of
missionaries that bravely go to places like
Syria and Libya, evangelizing and
preaching the Good News. They have a
relationship with a God they know they can
trust. They may not evangelize an entire
country, or sleep under a roof every night,
or even live. But their faith in God is getting
them closer to Heaven each day, and that’s
the promise we can trust. Having the
certainty that someone will be miraculously
healed or that you’ll get a huge raise at
work is an attempt at fortune telling—
having the certainty that you can trust God
to help you get to Heaven is faith.
So faith isn’t knowing that everything is
going to “work out” eventually. It isn’t
squeezing your eyes and tensing your
muscles, attempting to magically move a
mountain or pull out a Harry Potter spell.
It’s being in a relationship with a God you
know you can trust.
If you aren’t sure how to get more faith into
your life—begin by asking for it. It’s as
simple and profound as that. Faith comes
directly from God, and it’s His great joy to
give it to us. In my own life, one of the most
powerful prayers I have on all-Hell-isbreaking-loose days is just “God, give me
faith.” Asking to deepen your relationship
with your Father will bring you a great
sense of peace.
pray every day? Do you feed yourself with
Scripture? Do you go to Mass each week?
Do you try and love the people around you
who need love? When you fail, do you go
to Reconciliation? If yes, you have faith. If
not, now is the moment to begin. Start by
praying at this very instant. Don’t wait.
Don’t hesitate. Don’t put it off. Begin now.”
Check out the insert in this Seek Christ
newsletter mailing on opportunities for
going deeper in faith through our 1%
challenge, parish mission nights,
Eucharistic Adoration, Vespers and
Stations of the Cross.
To be honest, Father Mike says this much
better than I ever will, so I’ll leave you with
a quote from him:
“If you don’t feel like you have faith, don’t
worry. Be practical. Look at your life. Are
you striving to be obedient to God? Do you
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Expressing the
By Peter Murray, Parishioner & Seek Christ Editor
The English writer, Aldous Huxley, said
"After silence, that which comes nearest to
expressing the inexpressible is music."
Therein lies the challenge of our Director of
Music and Liturgy, Paul Burzynski, who
joined the St. Dominic staff in the summer of
2012. The Winter 2014 issue of our Seek
Christ newsletter included a brief
introduction of Paul's background, training,
and professional experience. It's now been
almost five years since this talented
musician accepted the responsibility to work
with our priests, other staff members, and
volunteers to energize our worship services.
A recent chat with Paul asked him what
planning is involved as he prepares us for
our musical journey throughout the Lenten
season.
Paul relies on numerous parishioners to
prepare for the highlights of Lenten services.

The choir begins work on Lenten music
about a month in advance, and works

weekly toward the celebration of Triduum
and the Easter Season. He said that

rehearsals are often times challenging and
difficult, with instrumentalists rehearsing on
their own, taking time not only for personal
but for group rehearsals, as well. The
rewards of that hard work come with great

blessings for all when presented. Such
results probably are because he works with

our volunteers in the choir, men and women
from high school age and beyond, and

musicians, e.g. on occasion guitar, clarinet,
flute, and drum, to be sure that the group
"buys into it." He doesn't simply dictate to
others what's only on his mind, but is open
He said that his main focus is studying the
At this point, the faithful are focused on the to suggestions others might have to fine
Scripture readings, particularly the Gospels. summit of the Liturgical Year during the
tune the music being prepared. Comparing
He keeps in mind that during Lent, the word Easter Triduum.
Advent with Lent, Paul mentioned that both
"Alleluia" is not used in prayer or song. So,  April 13 - Holy Thursday: John 13: 1- seasons are preparing for something. The
he listens to all types of music, and searches
15 (Jesus washes the disciples’ feet at emphasis of Advent is one of expectation
for melodies and lyrics that parishioners will
the Last Supper)
leading to the birth of our Savior. Whereas
feel comfortable with. His 30 years of
 April 14 - Good Friday: John 18:1-9:42 during the Lenten season, the focus is on all
experience included being in charge of
(The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ) of us growing internally by being more
music at several Milwaukee area parishes,
Paul encourages us to also come to the conscious and mindful of the mysteries of
as well as St. Josaphat Basilica, before
separate Tenebrae service held in the our redemption.
coming to us. That range of exposure has
evening. That Latin word means
given him confidence in sensing the
"shadows" or "darkness." The liturgy
As humans, we struggle to grasp the
dynamics of a parish. For example, at the
uses music and readings as a
essence of our Creator through paintings,
Basilica, the average age of parishioners led
passionate expression of grief or
sculptures, words, etc. One need only look
him to use more classical music than he's
sorrow. The purpose is to recreate the at a starry sky to know that understanding
inclined to include here, because our
betrayal, abandonment, and agony of
such a divine architect is far beyond the
approx. 2,100+ families are younger, by
the events of the passion of Jesus.
limits of our intellectual capacity. We're
There's a gradual extension of candles indeed fortunate to have Paul Burzynski
comparison.
accompanied by Scripture readings and direct and lead our sincere attempts to
Here's a quick review of the highlights of
music.
express the inexpressible, with music as we
Lent 2017 and what Scriptures Paul will be  April 15 - Holy Saturday: Matthew 28: worship our Father, the Son, and the Holy
studying to musically optimize our Lenten
1-10 (The Resurrection)
Spirit.
journey:
 April 16 - Easter Sunday: John 20: 1-9
(The Resurrection)
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
March 1 - Ash Wednesday: Matthew
6 (almsgiving, prayer & fasting)
March 5 - First Sunday: Matthew 4:
11 (the temptation in the desert)
March 12 - Second Sunday: Matthew
17: 1-9 (the Transfiguration)
March 19 - Third Sunday: John 4: 5 42 (the Samaritan woman at the well)
A song that would be relevant to this
Gospel message would be, "The God of
Second Chances," by David Haas.
March 26 - Fourth Sunday: John 9: 141 (the man born blind)
April 2 - Fifth Sunday: John 11: 1-45
(Lazarus)
April 9 - Palm Sunday: Matthew 26: 14
-27:66 (The Passion of our Lord Jesus
Christ)
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By: Mary Lestina, Pastoral Associate
In early September, I received a call from
the Parish Office front desk that a young
woman wanted to see me. I will never forget
that day. I am so grateful I was in the office,
because from that day forward, this woman’s
life has changed.
a Path to Conversion
The funeral seemed so surreal and she felt a
tremendous void in her life. She hit rock
bottom. Her mom was gone. Amidst the pain
and suffering, she felt lost and abandoned.
wanted. I didn't get to talk to my mom at all
in the hospital. She was admitted late in the
evening. Right away, they started doing
chest x-rays to see why she was having
trouble breathing. She was told she had fluid
in her lungs and was taken to get the fluid
pumped out. I didn't get to say goodbye, I
love you, or even tell her that she was going
to be alright. I walked past the room where
the medical team was working on her. I
paused and smiled at her for a moment,
then left to wait in the waiting room. When
the doctors were done, she was already
unconscious. She never woke up again and
died a couple days later. Regrettably, I never
was able to tell her I loved her”.
Brianna’s mother-in-law, a member of
St. Dominic Catholic Parish, took on a
This is the witness story of one of our
“motherly role,” in some ways. She carried
Catechumens, Brianna Wechter, who
Brianna in prayer, for healing and strength
expressed the desire to be baptized. Her
during that difficult time. Brianna came to
story is very inspiring. You never know when realize she needed something greater,
and where conversion will take place, that
deeper and tangible that would change her
moment when the Spirit moves us to find
life. It was then that Brianna received the
epiphany of grace. “I realized I wanted
faith.
to become Catholic and be baptized. I
Brianna was born in Menomonee Falls and inquired about the process. I just decided it
raised in Milwaukee. Her parents were
was time for me to change myself, my
Lutheran, but worshipped only on occasion. attitude, my life and become a better person It was a very dark time in Brianna’s life
At one point, her mother wanted to have
for Justin and her son, Oliver.”
following the death of her mom.
Brianna baptized, but it never happened due
to a series of complications. Brianna
“I continued to carry the guilt of not spending Did she cause the stress resulting in her
attended a friend’s church a few times. The enough time with my mom. Rather than
death?
worship was more about being with a friend going out with friends, I wished I would have
Where would she turn?
stayed in with my mom and dad like they
than finding God.
How could she handle being a
wife and mother without the
support and guidance of her
mom?
Brianna was very close to her
mother, but in her teenage
years, she found herself
drifting away from that
relationship and seeking
company with friends. She
wanted to be independent. In
2016, she married the love of
her life, her friend and
companion, Justin.
Her mother was her friend,
her confidante, and her
strength in many ways. Like
many, she took for granted
that her mom was going to be
there when she needed her.
Unfortunately, Brianna’s
mother had a heart attack and
died three years ago. It was
the hardest event in her life.
There are so many feelings
and emotions that came with
the loss of her mom. Brianna
felt guilt from not spending
ample time with her mom.
How could she ever forgive
herself for not taking time with
her mom?
Her mother-in-law and
sponsor, Dolores Wechter,
was an example of genuine
faith and courage for Brianna.
“Dolores seems so happy and
rooted in her faith community.
There is something about her
that makes me want what she
has. Looking back at my
mother’s funeral, I believe
God was slowly answering my
prayer to find the depth and
strength in my life that I
craved. I was negative and
depressed and so unhappy
with life. Where was the God
who so many people talk
Brianna’s mom
stdominic.net
11
about and feel close to? I felt alone and
abandoned and realized the first step, was
to talk with someone of faith who would
hopefully answer some of what I was
searching for.”
watching a video about the Catholic Faith
and the ability to discuss what I heard and
questions that arose. I am finding the voice I
didn’t have before by sharing questions
about something I never knew was there. I
feel the support of the RCIA team. I am
excited and hopeful that my faith will
-Love. Listening to Christian music is really
helping me find inner calm and joy. I am also
finding a little community with the RCIA
members who are on the same journey. I am
excited to be baptized in the Church,
together with my 2-year old son. Above all, I
am longing to have God bring healing and
strength into my life.
Maybe my mom is
now an angel
present in another
way, leading me
where she was
unable to take me.”
Yearning for the spiritual life of Dolores,
Brianna came to
understand that Dolores
is able to forgive. She is
positive and hopeful.
She has a supporting
husband. What would it
take for Brianna to help
her husband, a
Catholic, to grow in his
own faith and for them
as a couple to grow
spiritually? Brianna
decided to start the
journey into the
Catholic Church. She
expressed her desire to
become Catholic and to
be baptized to her
husband. To her great
surprise, he promised
Dolores Wechter, Brianna’s mother-in-law (left) and Brianna Wechter (right)
to support her and is
proud that she taking this journey. Little may strengthen our marriage and my role as wife If you are interested in learning about the
he know, Brianna will make sure their faith and mother. I am feeling at home with God RCIA process at St .Dominic Catholic
grows together as a family.
Parish, please contact Pastoral Associate,
and that I am where God needs me to be.
Mary Lestina, 262.781.3480, Ext. 225 or
There
are
things
changing
inside
of
me.
I
Brianna began the RCIA process, together,
am
learning
about
forgiveness
and
how
to
[email protected].
with two others. “The RCIA process is going
be closer to God. I even started to listen to K
really well. I like the opening prayer,
Parish Membership
St. Dominic Catholic Parish has grown to 2100+ families and over 7200 members. All are welcome and encouraged to register as
members of the parish. Young adults age 23 and over should register as adult members, even if living at home. Parish membership is
required for baptism, first reconciliation, first Eucharist, confirmation and marriage. We meet personally with all new members to
answer questions, acquire necessary registration data, and provide information based on specific needs and concerns. We ask all
members to live their faith by participating in Mass regularly and by sharing the gifts God has given them through prayer, service and
the sharing of financial resources.
St. Dominic Catholic Parish believes we
have been called to spread the “Good
News” of Jesus Christ. As part of this
mission, we publish a variety of
communications which highlight the people,
ministries, programs and events of our
parish.
Photos of individuals will not include
personal identifiable information without
consent.
is published by
St. Dominic Catholic Parish
18255 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield WI 53045
Phone: 262.781.3480
[email protected]
stdominic.net
Seek
Please notify Molly Schmidt in the Parish
Center with any change of address.
Share your faith story in our next issue! Contact Meg Picciolo at 262.781.3480 or [email protected].
12
stdominic.net
Editors: Dan Herda, Julia Hansch, Peter
Murray, Meg Picciolo, Amy Stueckroth,
Claire Swinarski, Angela Zuniga-Meyer