Meet Your SMG Parish Council
Kathy Grzybowski, Chair | Mark Shapleigh, Vice Chair | Linda Eckstein, secretary
Ken Brown | Tom Gulley | Jeff Kassing | Frank Peregrine | Tom Young
New - Peter Mortenson
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Peter Mortenson
My wife Brenda and I became SMG parish members in 2007. Prior to joining SMG, we were non-active members of another Madison area parish. Similar to others’ experience, as we “shopped” parishes, nothing felt like home as much as SMG. Attributes such as the welcoming feeling, the friendly parishioners, the uplifting liturgy, and the beautiful church complete with a great school and facilities made us immediately feel connected.
Very little time went by before Brenda and I felt we wanted to become actively involved in the parish. Part of my experience is serving on non-profit organization boards so I wanted to leverage that experience by serving on the parish council. My responsibilities also include serving on the stewardship commission, which focuses on the annual parish pledge drive insuring that SMG has the resources (time/talent/treasure) to keep it performing at its best for the benefit of all of us.
As a convert to Catholicism, my understanding of our faith foundations and administration was thin as I entered the council. I have been blessed with a great deal of knowledge serving on the council for the past six years. Wonderful people with vastly different backgrounds come together once a month to advise and direct Fr Mike and SMG administration on their thoughts and experience. It is an amazing experience every time the council meets.
If any of you in the parish have been discerning a position on the parish council, I encourage you to actively seek out a current member to discuss your thoughts. That is exactly what I did six years ago and I am blessed.
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Kathy Grzybowski, chair
Have you ever experienced a Christ-filled moment that was so powerful and wonderful, it was hard to describe and you wanted to hold onto that feeling forever? That was my reaction to my first encounter with St. Maria Goretti Parish about 10 years ago. I had been searching for a new parish. Someone recommended SMG, so I decided to try the Sunday 11 o’clock Mass. The moment I entered the church I knew I was home. The warm inviting environment, the beautiful sounds of the choir, and the meaningful homily all contributed to a very special, spiritual connection to the Liturgy that day. Since then, I have sought various ways to give something back to this wonderful parish.
A very meaningful experience took place several years ago. Sr. Jean Sonsilla contacted me to ask if I
would consider participating in the RCIA program as a parish community sponsor for one of the
candidates. This is not something I would have ever considered. I couldn’t imagine that I was qualified to
serve in this role. Sr. Jean assured me that it was all about living one’s faith and sharing that faith with
others. I decided to accept Sr. Jean’s invitation and I am so glad that I did. It was a blessing and a great
honor to witness another person’s journey to faith. I was proud to be a sponsor and found myself
reconnecting to my own faith along the way.
During my time on the Council, Fr. Mike’s message of parish evangelization has been on the forefront. In
order to pursue this initiative, the Council formed an ad hoc committee with the purpose of researching
other Catholic parishes similar in size as SMG to learn about their evangelization practices. That
resulted in a leadership workshop for our parish and the implementation of several evangelization
initiatives.
As a member of the Council’s Executive Committee, my duties include a rotation of representing the
Council during the New Parishioner Orientations. These are wonderful faith-filled moments to meet our
newest parishioners face to face, to learn a little about them, and to hear their stories about what
brought them to SMG. They are so happy to be members and to be a part of SMG. These encounters are
like a renewal for me as it takes me back to my beginnings at SMG and reconnects me to the reasons
why I joined the parish.
My term on the Council will expire in June 2011. It has been a pleasure to serve the parish in a
leadership role. The Council members are very talented and amazing. Everyone brings their strengths
and unique perspectives to the table as we collaborate and strategize to provide Fr. Mike with our best
efforts in striving to meet the needs of all parishioners.
What is it that brought you to SMG? Think back on the special faith-filled moments you’ve encountered
as a member of the parish. Let the Council know what we can do to help you stay connected to your
parish family. Also, be sure to listen to the calling to serve. The rewards are great!
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Mark Shapleigh, co-chair
Our family joined the parish in 2000. It’s such a blessing to be a member of SMG – the vibrant energy and warmth are unmistakable. Personally, I’ve had two spells on the Parish Council, dating back to 2003. I’ve always enjoyed contributing in some way to whatever parish I've belonged to over the years. It also helps fulfill my sense of gratitude, of giving something in return for all the blessings I’ve received. The invitation to join the Parish Council came at a time when I was seeking an avenue to participating further, so I accepted it.
The Council serves as an advisory body to the pastor, and it's a great group of which to be a part. We openly discuss issues, share our points of view and strive to reach consensus. We share with Fr. Mike what we observe and feel, but never have to vote on anything! This spirit of cooperation for the good of the whole is a rewarding aspect of Council work. It's also been fascinating to learn how the parish functions. There are so many wonderful people involved in so many important ministries and activities! The Council, too, has developed its own sense of community. When we work together, we naturally bond to a degree. And, in a very large parish like ours, that sense of community and belonging can be elusive. Working for the Council also helps keep my faith front and center in my life, too – we all know we must try to lead by example.
In addition, I’m a member of the Vocations Commission. There are six commissions in total, each with its own ministry and purpose. They tend to consist more of “do-ers” – working in the trenches, planning and guiding activities on which they then report to the Parish Council.
Involvement is a great thing. I would encourage you to contemplate how you might become more engaged in parish life. Contact a Parish Council member or the parish office and get started ... today!
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Linda Eckstein, secretary
My involvement with the parish council started with a simple question. “Will you consider serving on the parish council”? I remember Father Mike stating to me “We have to get you connected.” This question of whether to serve on parish council caused me to pause and ponder on how I contribute to the parish. I have been a member of St Maria Goretti for more than 12 years and joined when I moved to Madison for my job as a nurse practitioner at the University of Wisconsin. I have always struggled with my connection to the parish being a single young professional with no children. I have always considered the Catholic Church to be my home even if I was not at my home parish. I have believed that my faith and participating in the Mass with a community of parishioners who share my Catholic values is something that nourishes my soul. My faith and its core values is what give me the strength to deal with the day-to-day experiences of life. After prayerful consideration, I knew that I had to be involved and I answered the question, “Yes, I will serve.”
I have been on the council for the past two years and joined the Worship and Prayer Commission. I chose to serve on this commission as it is the foundation of the spiritual life of the church. It all starts with the celebration of the Mass and the transformation of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ and how we participate in this process. I have been very lucky that I have had a family who has nurtured my faith by making sure that religion was an important part of my life. My life has been truly blessed and I have seen and participated in so many faith-filled journeys within my personal and professional life. One of the most powerful has been working with cancer patients and their families who are facing challenges of life and death.
Parish Council has given me the opportunity to understand the how the parish works to serve the needs of our parish community. I have seen firsthand the dedication and leadership of our parish staff on many levels. On the council, I have the ability to share ideas and thoughts on how to keep the Catholic faith alive and growing in our community. I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people and serve in an advisory role to the leadership of St. Maria Goretti. I have had the opportunity to help develop goals for the future of the parish. I have also broadened my involvement and volunteered in other activities such as Lighting the Way and decorating the Christmas trees.
One of the most rewarding experiences was participating in the workshop addressing evangelization and discussing the ways that we all can be active in this process. It has strengthened my belief that we must share our faith with each other; reach out within our community of our parish, city and world to live our lives of faith. I recognize that we have our family of birth but also our family of faith. I encourage everyone to find some way to serve and grow in your faith. Contact one of the council members or search the web site on how you can contribute and volunteer. Participate in a program like the men’s group or the young professional’s group. Be an usher, a reader or a member of the choir. Share your ideas with a member of the council or share your story of faith on the parish web site.
One of my faith-filled moments was simple and started with a question. So I ask this question to you, “How will you serve and grow in your faith today?” Answering this question and acting on it can change and enrich your life.
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Ken Brown
I am the Parish Life Commission liaison and was previously the Education Commission liaison for the four years that I have been on the council. I was honored being asked to be a part of the Parish Council by a former member. I had been involved in multiple smaller volunteer opportunities for the years my family has been a member of SMG, but this was an opportunity to expand my service to the parish and the church.
The first year of my service on the Pastoral Council was mostly getting familiar with the inner workings of the parish and the continual efforts of the SMG staff to serve and guide parishioners and marveling at the strength of character and true dedication SMG has for the faith. In my later years of service I found that I was actually beginning to be a small part of that dedication, that realization is a blessing and a benefit of being on the council.
My connection to SMG has been a great strength that I have been able to draw from not only in my time at SMG but in my life as a whole. Whether it is helping to guide my children as they discuss what they are learning in the SMG School, or being with my family at weekend Mass, or working with friends and other parish members on SMG activities.
I have been involved on many levels with multiple SMG Parish Activities. I enjoy working with new people and building camaraderie with those I meet as we achieve a common goal to serve others here at SMG. Many are people I see over and over at events as we share our enjoyment to serve. A few have even become life-long friends who to this day share their lives with me outside of the SMG setting. But that bond of SMG will always be what brought them into my life. And if I had not been giving to the parish, the parish would not have given me that friendship!
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Tom Gulley
Our family joined the parish in 2000 after visiting a number of parishes in the greater Madison area. I have always found SMG a home where I can connect to GOD most easily. Shortly after joining the parish my daughter Melissa was married by Father Mike.
I have always questioned my ability to Give Back in some way and this is how I decided to work with the Stewardship committee. I have been on the Stewardship Committee for about seven years. I truly enjoy the New Parishioner Orientation opportunity to meet and tell our new parishioners about SMG and all of the ministries they can consider to become more fully engaged. And I have also enjoyed the opportunity to briefly speak after Mass during our Annual Fund Drives in the Fall.
With the Blessings GOD has given to each of us, I felt I needed to do more as there are so many issues facing all of us and our Parish. I asked if I could serve on the Parish Council to learn more about SMG and be a part of the group that serves the overall Parish and makes recommendations to Father Mike. When advised I was approved to be on the Council, I felt very privileged to be able to contribute in this way.
One of the experiences in my life I believe had a major impact on bringing me to this point was being part of a major downsizing from Miller Brewing Company. I did not know what to do or where to turn. Our family belonged to St. James Parish in Mequon at the time. I decided to join a session named “LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR” and have always looked at my journey differently from that point in time.
I greatly enjoy being a serving member of the SMG Parish Council and look forward to each meeting and the work we are blessed to do.
Jeff Kassing
I am in my first year with the parish council on a one-year appointment from Fr. Mike. I am also newly involved as a liaison to the council for the Worship and Prayer Commission. This is an exciting time to be with this commission, considering where the Church finds itself with the introduction of the new Roman Missal.
I made the decision to join the council as a way to serve St. Maria Goretti Parish in a leadership role. Being an active parish member has been something that was instilled in me at a very early age by my parents and grandparents. It is a way to ensure that I stay involved with the needs of St. Maria Goretti. My wife Monica I have two daughters, Malia and Keeli. Malia is currently attending St. Maria Goretti School and Keeli will be attending next year. My involvement with the parish council hopefully allows them to see the work that goes into making a parish a success and also the great relationships that can be developed while staying involved in the parish.
St. Maria Goretti Parish is an incredible parish to be involved with. Our family feels so blessed to have met so many great families and working with Fr. Mike, Fr. Chad and the rest of the parish council has only solidified these feelings. The parish families and the school environment create such a unique and wonderful place to be, that new members joining or people visiting cannot help but feel a great sense of community. Fr. Mike often jokes that the size of St. Maria Goretti Parish is bigger than a great deal of cities in Wisconsin. This fact is true, but from the experiences that I have had with the people of SMG, it feels very much like a close-knit family.
One of the first parish council meetings this year covered the fact that the parish had made its last payment on the mortgage, which led up to the mortgage-burning ceremony. This was certainly a testament to the generosity of the parish, the smart decisions made from a financial stand point and the determination of SMG to accomplish this goal. It would have been impossible not to notice the pride that was generated from the council when Fr. Mike made the announcement. I very quickly realized that I was a part of a great organization, one committed to the betterment of the parish and to our faith.
My membership to the parish council has been a source of faith building and certainly has created an educational experience. The members of the parish council are special people, committed to making SMG the best parish that it can possibly be.
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Frank Peregrine
About two years ago, I applied for a seat on the Council primarily because I wanted to be more engaged in our parish. Back when our boys were attending school here, we participated in many more activities at SMG as parents and volunteers. I was interested in becoming more involved once again, and saw the Council as a way to do so. During my first year, I served as Council secretary, and am the interim secretary for the remainder of this year. I also have been the liaison for the Parish Life commission, and have participated in some activities with the Vocations and Stewardship commissions.
The greatest thing about being a member of SMG and the Council is the people. Our parishioners are caring, generous and warm. In testimony of this, our parish continues to enroll families, expand its programs and meet its financial obligations handily, even during these hard economic times. Our Council members are the epitome of this caring attitude. When I joined the Council, I only knew a few of the members. Today, I count the fellowship of all members as being among the blessings of serving on the Council.
One of my most moving experiences was having my feet washed on Holy Thursday last year. As my feet were being washed, I could not help but think, “Why me? What have I done to have the Lord be my servant?” The answer is “nothing.” Even though we do not deserve it, the Lord gives of Himself to us anyway. Washing of the feet is a lesson in humility and servitude.
The Vocations commission sponsored a pizza dinner for high school boys prior to the ordination ceremony held at SMG last December. Fr. David Carrano and Joe Rausch were in charge of inviting the boys and encouraging their attendance. They did an awesome job of getting about 12 young men to attend. It was inspiring to see these many young people interested in vocations, and for them to be able to experience the night of ordination. As an added bonus, one of the priests ordained that evening was Fr. Chad, who now is a part of our parish.
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Tom Young
I am honored and feel blessed to serve our parish on our Pastoral Council. Our family joined St. Maria Goretti Parish when we moved here from Waukesha some 13 years ago. My in-laws, Terri and Jim Wiedenbeck, have been parishioners for years. When we first joined SMG, I could not wait to get involved in this parish!
We have three wonderful children. Camila graduated from Edgewood High School and now attends UW. Bennett and Claire graduated from SMG and attend Edgewood. We are blessed to be part of such a vibrant parish community and we all enjoy sharing our time and talents wherever and whenever we can. Cami taught high school youth ministry and helped coach sports teams while in high school and still serves as a Eucharistic Minister. When Ben is not on some sports field, he continues to be an altar server, has been an usher since he was 6, and has also taught youth ministry. Claire was a cantor at school masses, helps coach school teams, and has been a frequent volunteer at various school and parish functions.
I have been involved in Catholic education and parish life all my life. My parents were very active members of our parish in Waukesha and my in-laws have been very active here at SMG. I have been in Catholic education all my life, having attended Catholic schools, I was a Spanish teacher and coach at my alma mater, and have been a Catholic school administrator for 13 years. I am the principal at St. Francis Xavier in Cross Plains. Here at SMG, I help out in any way I can: ushering, teaching youth ministry, helping organize and helping out at parish functions … wherever needed.
There are many reasons I wish to serve our parish. The most important is to honor my mother, Dianne Young, and father-in-law, Jim Wiedenbeck, by continuing to serve as they did so faithfully during their lives. This is what we do. Our Lord is good to us, cares for and protects us. We, as Catholics, serve our parish and our God in any way we can and in any way he wants us to.