Good Seeds — August 2018 1

August 2018 — Volume 25, Issue 4

By Robert Rogers

Father Fernando Lara Hernandez arrived in Stevens Point in July to serve as associate pastor of St. Joseph and St. Stephen parishes. He comes to us from Holy Family Parish in Arcadia and Most Sacred Heart Parish in Pine Creek where he was the associate pastor.

No doubt you have seen him concelebrating Mass and perhaps have had a chance to introduce yourself and chat with him. If not, take an opportunity to do so because he enjoys meeting and talking with people and always seems to have an infectious smile that puts you at ease.

Fr. Fernando is the 16th of 17 children (seven brothers and 10 sisters) who was born and raised on his family farm that is coincidentally named after Saint Joseph – San José de la Pila, which

lies within the municipality of Poncitlán in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. When asked, when did you think about being a priest, Fr. Fernando said, “My mother prayed with the family – my brothers and sisters – but I fell asleep (I was

Senior Trips: A St. Joseph Parish Tradition ContinuesBy Robert Rogers

Ron and Aggie Kobishop have been arranging and leading the St. Joseph Parish Senior Trips program for 24 years. This year they handed the reins over to a very capable couple, Steve and Jean Brazzale, who will continue this popular program for seniors.

What you may not know is that a program for seniors has been in existence at St. Joe’s since 1971, a span of 47 years. Early leaders, pioneers if you will, included John and Margeret Simonis and the Jerry Breitenbachs, followed by Estelle Roseth and Florence Sankey.

Father Fernando Lara Hernandez

Getting to Know Fr. Fernando Lara Hernandez

Seniors from St. Joseph Parish took in a Milwaukee Brewers game vs. Kansas City this summer. (See Seniors page 2)

(See Fr. Fernando page 3)

Good Seeds — August 20182

Ron and Aggie decided to try their hand as organizers when Estelle and Florence decided to retire. Mike and Betty Wondzell and Marge Cera helped the Kobishops as they began shepherding the program.

How did this program come about? Aggie recalls, “there was a desire ‘among those of us of a certain age’, who have retired, to have something to do… an activity that we would enjoy participating in. After daily Mass people would socialize. That often led to friendship and fellowship over a meal.”

The Senior Citizens Group was born.

Initially, programming for the Senior Citizens Group, as it was known, consisted of local events, such as meals prepared in the Family Center by Agnes and her helpers, Christmas and Valentine’s Day parties, and trips to Minocqua and to Waupaca for a boat ride, to mention a few.

Over the years, Ron and Aggie expanded the program to include more day trips. Examples include trips to Miller Park, Al Capone’s Hideaway, the Cathedral in La Crosse, Milwaukee Museum, Fireside Theater, Rotary Gardens (Janesville), Old World Wisconsin (Eagle), Broadway in the Dells, and the La Crosse River Queen Cruise.

This year under the leadership of the Brazzales, the day trips include Miller Park (vs. Kansas City Royals), Fireside Dinner/Theater (“A Second Helping – The Church Basement Ladies Sequel”), a dinner and cruise on board the La Crosse River Queen, and Christmas at the Palace in Wisconsin Dells.

Steve was quick to give credit to Ron and Aggie, “for already having the first two trips planned.” The trips include transportation, a meal and entrance fees, so you just need to show up at St. Joe’s to board the comfortable, air-conditioned coach bus. Trips are popular, so it is best to make reservations early.

Asked, what is the most challenging aspect of being coordinators, Ron responded, echoed almost immediately by Aggie – “keeping track of everyone.”

Ron recalled a trip to Miller Park when two people were missing after the game ended, “Val (Omernick) and I circled Miller Park twice before we found the two people, a mother and daughter, furthest away from the entrance. I went up to them and asked them if they were with the St. Joe’s group (they were not parishioners). Yes. After the game ended they went the wrong way and the mother did not have enough energy to return to where they started.” Ron added, “we have never left anyone behind.”

Another challenge, according to Aggie is, “managing money and last-minute cancellations … making arrangements is the easy part.”

Steve and Jean Brazzale

Aggie and Ron Kobishop

Seniors(Continued from page 1)

(See Seniors page 8)

Good Seeds — August 2018 3

young). She said, ‘Fernando open your eyes, do not sleep’. Then one time, when I was seven years old, I was concentrating and looking at the priest at Mass in the chapel and that was the moment I knew I wanted to become a priest. Then every Sunday when I went to Mass I thought about that.”

When Fr. Fernando was 11 years old he attended a seminary in Guadalajara (about a two-hour drive from his home) for one year and then transferred to another seminary about seven hours distance to attend three years of high school.

He said he enjoyed studying about, “Mary the Mother of God.” Following high school, he attended seminaries/universities in several cities including Mexico City in preparation for the diaconate and priesthood.

Fr. Fernando was ordained a deacon in early 2011at San José de la Pila, where he made all the arrangements for the ceremony and celebration. He did this out of respect for his mother. Later that year he was ordained a priest at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in La Crosse.

So, you might be wondering, how did Fr. Fernando wind up in La Crosse and now, Stevens Point? In 2005, he traveled from Mexico to visit relatives in Gays Mills who were working picking apples (Gays Mills is located in southwestern Wisconsin and is home to the Twinning apple-growing family).

Even though he did not understand English, Fr. Fernando attended Mass at St. Mary’s Church and was welcomed by the pastor there at the time.

The absence at Mass by others in the Hispanic community because of the language barrier was then realized and noted by the pastor. This concern subsequently prompted the Diocese of La Crosse to provide for the spiritual needs of this under-served community.

Eventually, Father Fernando was introduced

to Father Joe Hirsch and Mary Stirling who encouraged Fr. Fernando to think about ministering to the Hispanic community in the diocese.

And so, it came to pass, on the invitation of Bishop (now Archbishop) Listecki, that following his ordination in 2011 he be assigned to Arcadia as associate pastor to minister to the large Hispanic population there.

As the years went by, Fr. Fernando ministered successfully to the Hispanic community in Arcadia but found himself missing out on learning about American culture and the English language. Bishop Callahan - recognizing Fr. Fernando’s situation and desiring Fr. Fernando to eventually assume a pastor’s post in the diocese - suggested a transfer to a parish that would support Fr. Fernando in improving his English language skills and familiarity with our American way of life and customs.

That parish turned out to be two: St. Joseph and St. Stephen, not only because of our welcoming attitude, but also because we are a part of an academic community that could provide the resources Father would need to improve his language skills.

Father Fernando talked about several persons who provide inspiration for him: “Of course, our Lord Jesus and the Holy Family, Mary and Joseph; St. John Bosco (for his work with poor ‘street’ children); Saint Therese of Lisieux (Little

Father Fernando stands next to the statue of Saint Joseph and baby Jesus.

Fr. Fernando(Continued from page 1)

(See Fr. Fernando page 7)

Good Seeds — August 20184

Yes, Children Can Like Mass“I don’t want to go to church.”

“Mass is boring.”

“How long is it going to take?”

Parents often hear such comments on Sunday morning as they try to get their family ready for church. After a while, the hassle can seem to be just too much to deal with on your one day off. Perhaps that’s why we don’t’ see as many children at Mass on the weekends.

St. Joseph Parish offers a way to engage your children more deeply in the Mass. Bring them to the 10:30 Sunday liturgy for Wee Worship or Children’s Liturgy of the Word.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is designed for children ages 6-10. Children sit in church with their families and are called forward by the priest or deacon just before the readings.

They are dismissed to the Family Center where a volunteer leader helps them explore God’s message through age-appropriate discussion and a brief activity. They rejoin their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Wee Worship is “church time” for the younger children, ages 3-6. Children must be potty-trained to participate.

Children meet their volunteer leaders in Ehr Hall (the church basement) before Mass and remain there for the entire service. They get to listen to the Gospel, and to examine God’s message

through games, songs, crafts and other activities. Even the snacks usually center on the Gospel theme.

No registration is required for either program. Just drop off the younger children downstairs, or send the older children up when they are called.

Two little ears to hear God’s Word, Two little eyes to see God’s love, Two little hands to work each day, Alleluia, hear me pray. A-a-a-a-men!

Workshop on the Mass Would you like to make the Mass a life-changing experience? Want to know how to foster authentic Mass participation in your children, grandchildren, or students?

St. Joseph and St. Stephen parishes are hosting a workshop on the Mass, on Saturday, Oct. 20. Christopher Carstens, the director of the Office of Sacred Worship, will present this workshop.

Chris is a dynamic and inspirational speaker. He will help bring the Mass alive for you and

engage you in the Mass.

“A Devotional Journey into the Mass” will offer the Church’s wisdom on how to listen to Jesus in the readings, offer oneself to the Father during the Eucharistic prayer, and be impelled by the Holy Spirit at the dismissal go out into the world to change and animate our culture.

Watch the bulletin, website and Facebook for more info coming soon.

Good Seeds — August 2018 5

St. Anne’s Fall Activities StartingWith summer coming to an end, St. Anne’s PCCW is looking ahead to its fall start-up.

All ladies of the parish are invited to become active participants in this organization as we strive to help with the needs of St. Joseph Parish.

Our officers and chairs meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room. Our first group meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 6:30 in the Family Center.

The famous bake sale is scheduled for the weekend of the Sept. 22-23. You don’t want to miss our October potluck meal on Monday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.. There will be great food and time for socializing.

Please contact Kathy Tetzloff at 715-344-7150, if you have any questions regarding the St. Anne’s organization or are interested in joining. We’re hoping to see some new members join us !

Taste of St. Joe’s IVTaste of St. Joe’s is a highly anticipated and popular event. It takes a lot of help and coordination to bring it all together. You can be part of the next event.

A planning meeting for Taste of St. Joe’s IV will be held on Monday, Aug. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Center.

We are looking for interested parishioners to join in and make this another successful fundraiser for our parish.

If you’re unable to make the meeting, please contact Jean or Steve Brazzale at 715-341-3256, or Kathy or Dale Tetzloff at 715-344-7150, to let them know of your interest in helping out.

We hope you can join us in this fun activity, tentatively scheduled for Nov. 10.

A Gift to St. Joseph ParishHave you noticed the music at the 4 p.m. Saturday Mass has been a bit different lately? The melodies aren’t the same familiar tunes. The tone of the Mass is a bit different.

You’re right! The choir is using a new Mass composed by none other than our very own Bill Weinmann, musician extraordinaire, the organist for the Mass.

Bill wrote the Mass as an Easter gift to the parish. The Mass is entitled “The Mass for St. Joseph.” It’s based on Scottish folk melodies and is very uplifting.

The choir has been excited to present it and very

impressed with how well people have taken to this Mass. The congregation’s participation gets stronger every week as people become more

comfortable with the music.

If you see Bill, take a moment to thank him for the time and talent it took to compose this gift to our parish.

Bill Weinmann

Good Seeds — August 20186

Religious Education Registration in Full SwingAugust is registration month for Religious Education. Registration packets were sent out at the beginning of the month and forms are due back by Aug. 31.

Programs include:

● CCD for grades 1-6 public school children

● TYME for grades 7-8 public school students

● Family Study for public school families who wish to teach their children at home

● Sacrament Prep for First Reconciliation and First Communion (grade 2 typically)

● Sacrament Prep for Confirmation

Please note that both Catholic and public school families must register for sacrament prep with the parish.

For more information, or to receive a registration packet, contact the Religious Education office or download from the parish website at <www.stjoespoint.org>.

Contact persons are: ● Lynn Meyer, director of children’s ministries, 715-341-1617 x114 <lmeyer@stjoespoint.org> ● Marie Von Rueden, director of youth ministries, 715-314-1617 x113 <youthminister@stjoespoint.org>

Helpful DonationsThe Religious Education programs are always in need of supplies for the children to use. If you are willing to donate items to the programs, please contact Lynn Meyer, or drop them off at the parish office.

School Supplies

● Washable markers, regular and thin

● School glue sticks

● Eraser caps

● Pocket folders – plain colors in sets of 10-12

Paper Products

● Paper plates, large and small

● Paper bowls

● Plastic glasses, 5-8 oz.

● Paper toweling

● Napkins

● Kleenex©

Good Seeds — August 2018 7

Flower), (a French Carmelite who lived a hidden, simple life of prayer and was gifted with great intimacy with God); and Saint Matthew, whom Jesus called and said ‘follow me’, even though Matthew was a tax collector and a sinner.”

Living far away from his native home, Fr. Fernando admits that, “I miss the community, people, and many activities associated with my home parish.”

On the other hand, he says, “I enjoy the same faith expression here (at St. Joseph and St. Stephen), but it is just different because of the culture. One thing I notice is that everything is so well organized (viewed positively). The people are so welcoming.”

Fr. Fernando likes sports, especially volleyball. However, he has to be careful when he plays because of injury to his knees suffered when he was on a mission in 2013-14.

He tells the story that “I hiked on foot, up and down mountains, for three weeks carrying

everything on my back including sleeping gear and all items used to celebrate Mass. This affected my knees.”

He also enjoys swimming, running, and walking. In his spare time, he likes visiting with families and groups and having conversations and also visiting with family in California, Colorado, and Virginia.

Asked about what he would like to say to the people of St. Joseph and St. Stephen parishes, he said this: “listen to the voice of Jesus in the scripture readings and follow Jesus and listen, especially when you have difficulties, to the voice of the Holy Spirit to help make your decision.

“The Holy Spirit gives to the faithful the power of faith, love, and service to the church because the Holy Spirit forms the church. The Holy Spirit can provide the fire (impetus) for the people of St. Joseph and St. Stephen.

“I have a devotion to St. Joseph – it is (because of) my farm (where I grew up), it is (because of) Guadalajara, and (because of) the Cathedral of St. Joseph in La Crosse. St. Joseph listened to the voice of the angel telling Joseph who the baby was in Mary’s womb and accepted what was difficult for him to understand because he was faithful to God.”

It seems that the Holy Spirit is alive in our community and has brought to us the gift of Fr. Fernando Lara Hernandez. Welcome.

A welcoming reception was held for Fr. Fernando at St. Joseph Parish, which included a cake.

Fr. Fernando(Continued from page 3)

Fr. Fernando visits with parishioners at a welcoming reception for him in the Family Center.

Good Seeds — August 20188

A waiting list is maintained for trips. Every effort is made to make the cost of trips as low as possible. When cancellations go unfilled it increases cost to remaining participants.

When Ron and Aggie were asked what kept them interested and willing to coordinate the program for seniors they both responded in the same way, “when they get off the bus returning from a trip and say how much they enjoyed themselves and then thank us. People said they really enjoyed it. Especially when you are retired.”

Even though Ron and Aggie have handed over the senior program to Steve and Jean they will be there to help Steve and Jean by answering any questions they might have.

So, if you see Ron, Aggie, Steve and Jean after Mass or on a trip be sure to thank them for their service. They provide quality programs for seniors while keeping costs down.

Ron said, “When we arrange a larger tour we do

receive discounted ticket prices as a thank you to us as tour organizers for bringing a large group.

“We use these discounts to lower the price for everyone, as Aggie and I have always paid full price and Steve and Jeanie have continued this practice to keep our prices as low as possible. Clergy, if available are always our guests.

“We leave this volunteer program in excellent hands with Steve and Jeanie.”

Seniors from St. Joseph Parish took in a play at the Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson this summer.

Seniors(Continued from page 2)

St. Joseph and St. Stephen Offer RCIA ProgramAre you restless? Is something missing? Do you hunger for more meaning in your life? Are you interested entering the Catholic faith from another Christian faith tradition?

St. Joseph and St. Stephen parishes are jointly offering the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults this fall. The RCIA program leads to deeper understanding of the Catholic faith.

The RCIA is a process of conversion and study in the Catholic faith for catechumens and candidates coming into full communion with the Church.

Anyone is eligible to participate in the program, including adult Catholics who never completed the initiation process by being confirmed, and adults who have not been baptized.

Both parishes also welcome young people

into sacramental life through a special RCIA process for children and teens.

Meetings are held Tuesday evenings, beginning Oct. 16, at 6:30 p.m.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining the RCIA process, please call Kris Hansen at the Religious Ed office, 715-341-1617, x112, or leave a message at 715-340-7751.

The message should contain the name and address of the person who is interested. The parish will contact the interested persons by letter, with the details about this process.

If you wish to have an older child baptized, or know one that needs to “catch-up” on other sacraments, contact the Lynn Meyer at the Religious Education office, 715-341-1617 x114.