CORE TEAM. Please turn in team applications for Rhinelander Retreat as soon as possible to RaeAnne Mueller forms at end of newsletter

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1 CORE TEAM Chairperson Bluette Puchner or cell: Vice Chair Lynn Neeck Secretary Debbie Schutte Treasurer Margie Novak Spiritual Director Deacon Craig Voldberg Registrar Rae Anne Mueller Newsletter Editor Lynn Neeck Coordinator Marge McCardle Web Developer Mike McCardle Dear Koinonia Sisters & Brothers, John12:26: Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me. Christ s directive was truly fulfilled as we traveled to uncharted waters in our desire to bring the gift of N.E.W. Koinonia to parish communities in the far corners of our Diocese in Thank you to the people of St. Xavier in Merrill and St. Anne in Somerset for opening your parishes and your hearts to Koinonia. Faith is not belief. Belief is passive. Faith is active. This quote from Edith Hamilton resonates deeply with me as it reflects the kind of true faith in action experienced in our retreats! As we all know, there is an enormous amount of work that precedes retreat weekends - our gratitude to the Local Coordinators who provided outstanding support in the preparatory work. I am in of awe of the number of individuals who served to provide the Koinonia experience to 20 candidates in Merrill and 24 in Somerset. My heart is filled with thankfulness for the 29 Community Room team members who shared powerful meditations and to the 50 Wheat team members who worked so diligently and so selflessly gave of themselves and their unique gifts in the background during these retreats. We ask God to bless our efforts as we look forward to the 2013 retreats. You are a very important member of this organization. If you haven t attended a retreat lately, please accept this invitation to join the team at one (or all) of the following events: St. Joseph in Rhinelander, March 15-17, Holy Family in Woodruff, September 13-15, and St. Patrick in Hudson, November May God bless you! I look forward to sharing a retreat with you soon. Your sister in Christ, Bluette Inventory Coordinators Mike Novak Howard Neeck Outreach Coordinator Laverne Vinzant March 1517, 2013 Rhinelander #39 St. Joseph s Catholic Church September 2013 Holy Family Catholic Church Woodruff #40 November 2013 St. Patrick s Catholic Church Hudson #41 Check at for updates & more info Please turn in team applications for Rhinelander Retreat as soon as possible to RaeAnne Mueller forms at end of newsletter

2 Page 2 From #37 Wheat Spiritual Directors KOINONIA #37 WHEAT TEAM LAY DIRECTORS Friends were found and new friends came to be at Koinonia #37. No Mad Doctor could foil the Prophes-eye-ing Wheaties as we put aside our Pride and Anger and avoided Lust and Greed to serve our Lord and our fellow Koinonian s. Gluttony was harder to avoid since the food was spectacular, but there was no Sloth or Envy among any of our team. We served with Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge; sought Counsel through the Sacrament of Reconciliation; prayed in our chapel with Piety and Awe of the Lord and carried that with us throughout the weekend. Although we grew weary from our toils, Fortitude kept us going. We were truly gathered together in unity; shining in the light of Christ. Thank you, Prophes-eye-ing Wheaties, for serving with love as bright as silver and pure as gold! Deb Schutte and Sue Pfeffer Wheat Team Lay Directors Koinonia #37 KOINONIA #37 COMMUNITY ROOM SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS Earlier this Fall the parish of St. Francis Xavier in Merrill, WI hosted Koinonia #37. As the Spiritual Director and Pastor of the parish it was an extremely fulfilling opportunity for me to see the Holy Spirit at work among God's sons and daughters. Perhaps because my personal mantra is 'Food & Rela onships' I saw a faithful interac on of the par cipants as they explored a new level of love, trust and awareness of God's presence: Emmanuel (God among us). Lives were changed as believers celebrated the Sacraments and renewed their bap smal promises, found Christ in one another and le Merrill to Go, and proclaim the Good News by their lives. The Koinonian team members work hard, have fun, are exhausted and fulfilled as they see God s presence in the par cipants and one another. What a blessing it is to be a part of this holy gathering. When...not if...but when you have the opportunity to join in a Koinonia weekend retreat, please make the commitment. It will change your life. Fr. Mike McLain As Jesus laughed in delight, the #37 Prophes-EYE-ing Wheaties were hands on in their service. Under the able leadership of Debbie and Sue, tasks were accomplished in short order and the special joy of dedicated Koinonians was shared by all. The rituals of the chapel experience and the opportunity for private prayer in the presence of our Lord gave us the opportunity to follow Psalm 46 and to Be still, and know that I am God. A special thanks to Father Mike McLain for his gracious hospitality, keen wit, and expansive loving heart. There s certainly no doubt in our minds that the Holy Spirit was deeply involved in the founding of the Koinonia retreat program. How else to explain the profound satisfaction and sense of belonging experienced in service shared with our brothers and sisters for the benefit of our newest family members? Friends that are found, and friends to be are both the treasures of our lives, and are present in abundance at every Koinonia celebration. Mike & Marge McCardle Wheat Team Spiritual Directors KOINONIA #37 COMMUNITY ROOM LAY DIRECTORS Our first retreat in the South Eastern corner of the Diocese of Superior at St. Francis Xavier in Merrill was a wonderful opportunity to welcome 20 new Koinonia sisters and brothers to our family. As always the days were full; inspirational meditations provided us with new insights into our faith; Andrea, our wonderful music leader, stirred us to raise our voices in songs of love and praise. The candidates, led by their Tables Leaders, shared their stories, laughter and tears and grew into a true Koinonia. Blessings to Margie, Missy, Craig, Barb, Lynn, and John for their loving guidance. Gophers Mike and Sharon provided all that was needed with smiles and deep commitment despite the usual last minute requests and schedule changes hugs and smiles to them! Long before the Wheat Team announced themselves, their love, prayers and behind the scene activities were strongly felt. Head Cook Howie and his fabulous assistants kept us well fed throughout the entire weekend and the Reunion committee and musicians made that event very special. Our everlasting gratitude and love to Fr. McLain for his wisdom and inspiring spiritual leadership and to Betty Tubbin for her efforts in executing all the details that made our Merrill retreat so successful. How blessed we are to have shared this weekend with all. Our praise and thanks to God for the gift of each of you in our lives. LaVerne Vinzant & Bluette Puchner Lay Directors, Koinonia #37

3 Candidates of #37 Jim Arndt, Merrill, WI Lisa Becker, Conover, WI Patricia Day, Rib Lake, WI Mary Beth Erickson, Hamburg, WI Mary Hackel, Hamburg, WI Vicki Huber, Mellen, WI Barb McConnell, Merrill, WI Rose Neeck, Park Falls, WI Luz Ortiz, Menomonie, WI Mary Rivard, Osceola, WI Jane Russell, Park Falls, WI Mary Jo & Tom Sazama, Merrill, WI Bill & Pat Scowcroft, Phillips, WI Ron Stine, Bruce, WI Betty & Harry Tubbin, Merrill, WI Mary & Phil Ziesemer, Merrill, WI Front: RaeAnne Mueller, LaVerne Vinzant, Fr. Mike McClain, Bluette Puchner, Fr Dean Buttrick, Andrea Bleck 2nd row: Pat Day, Mary Ziesemer, Mary Jo Sazama, Barb Grzywacz, Pat Scowcroft, Barb McConnell, Marge Novak, Pat Stine, Lucille Brandner, Mary Beth Erickson, Lisa Becker, Luz Maria Ortiz, Mary Hackel, Betty Anne Tubbin, Rose Neeck, Jane Russell 3rd row: Missy Wiener, Mike Novak, Harry Tubbin, Jim Arndt, Bill Scowcroft, Vicki Huber, Mary Rivard, Tom Sazama, Deacon Craig Voldberg, Ron Stine, Tom Henke, Sharon Voldberg, Phil Ziesemer Sitting: Mike McCardle, Susan Pfeffer, Deb Schutte, Marge McCardle Standing: Mary Henke, Theresa Uher, Diane Morey, Kathy Johnson, Elizabeth Lipske, Mary Bartol, Kay Walsh, Leon Brandner, Michelle Socha, Pete Bartol, Jane Schiszik, Maureen Brunner, John Brunner Back: Pat Socha, Howie Neeck, Katie Zenner, John Henke, Toots Runnheim, Ron Runnheim

4 KOINONIA #38 COMMUNITY ROOM LAY DIRECTORS As we continue our efforts to reach out to all corners of the Diocese with the opportunity to experience a Koinonia retreat, we found ourselves in the beautiful town of Somerset for #38 and in the presence of spirit-filled people. We sang, we laughed, we danced, we cried, we shared our stories and became a Koinonia as we joyously welcomed 24 new members to our Community. We hold each member of the team in prayer and thanks for giving so freely of their gifts as our Spiritual Director, Fr. Mike Tupa s love of our Lord was clearly seen through his wisdom and gentle guidance; as Father s assistant, Pat Socha brought us closer to Christ by his prayerful and humble example. Thank you to Maureen for sharing her precious gift of music and to Table Leaders whose Meditation sharing touched us deeply Hugs to Joy, John, LaVerne, Jordan, Doris and Michelle. We couldn t have done without our incredible Gophers Curt and Ronnie who responded so graciously to our requests. Pat Stine and her assistants fed us with enormous amounts of lovingly prepared food and the Wheat Team s prayers and dedication to providing for our every need was clearly felt by all. For the enormous pre-retreat efforts we offer our love & gratitude to Kay Walsh the Somerset Local Coordinator and to her assistant Mary Rivard without out your diligence we would have been lost! Koinonia #38 ignited a fire of camaraderie, compassion, faith and love under each and every one of those in the Community Room. N.E.W. Koinonia is so blessed to have so many NEW members welcomed into our Koinonia family and we look forward to each of you using your gifts as first time Wheat in the retreats to come! We ask God to continually bless and protect each of you. You have enriched our lives by your presence. Lynn Neeck & Bluette Puchner Lay Directors, Koinonia #38 KOINONIA #38 WHEAT LAY DIRECTORS Koinonia #38 Trusting Wheaties, and we were trusting...in God and one another to make the weekend run smoothly. We want to thank Pat Stine a/k/a Head Cook and her trusting assistants Johnny & Eva Schmidt; Jerry Maske for providing the most excellent meals. Adele Archambeault (little devil) & John Brunner for their spiritual guidance and prayers, Ron Stine for being a gopher, in particular, getting the head cook and her supplies to the retreat. Roman Zins for making the beautiful rosaries that went into the gift bags. James Mitchell for engraving names onto the crosses. There were many First Time Wheaties who really stepped up to the plate to make the retreat weekend run flawlessly. We would like to express our gratitude to these 1st time Wheaties including Mary Rivard for writing and directing the Wheat Players skit, Lori Hoogland for helping out as gopher and looking so angelic all weekend, Sandra Pease, Mary Hackel, Pauline Klatt, Gail Gillus, Dianne Germain, Kay Walsh, Kaylene Kickhafer & Cleo Wenzel, along with our experienced Wheaties Nancy Cassellius, Diane KOINONIA #38 COMMUNITY ROOM SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS An Irish blessing came to me today that goes: Don t walk in front of me. I may not follow. Don t walk behind me. I may not lead. Walk beside me and just be my friend. At Koinonia #38 we walked together to make new friendships and strengthened current friendships. May we always remember that we have an eternal friendship in Jesus Christ. Continue to grow in His love and our love of others. May God bless all of you. Fr. Mike Tupa KOINONIA #38 WHEAT SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS Dear TRUSTING WHEATIES of #38 Thank you for your trus ng spirit as you worked and PRAYED during our days at Somerset. I was edified by how many answered the call to pray before the Blessed Sacrament There were many things to be done in a short period of me, but you never forgot that the source of our strength came from prayer. Special thanks to our men who kept chapel guard, Roman, Jerry, Ron & Jim...You were great! Let us con nue to pray for each other and for the new Koinonians who entered our N.E.W. family. Adele Archambeault, Co Spiritual Director Wheat Team John Brunner, Co Spiritual Director Wheat Team Weber, Shirley Higgins & Pete Prusak for diligently working on the gift bags, making the banner, decorating for the Agape meal, helping in the kitchen and anywhere else needed. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to each and every one of the Wheat team, without the generous giving of your talents the retreat would not have been the success it was! A BIG thank you to Kay Walsh for being the hometown coordinator and Kaylene Kickhafer for typing up the roster, making copies and everything else that I haven t mentioned. Thank you also to our Reunionites (apparently 18 WOW) for attending and sharing in fellowship with the new candidates. Your presence had a huge impact on the candidates. We look forward to working with all of you again in 2013! Howard Neeck & Missy (Misty) Wiener Wheat Team Lay Directors #38

5 Candidates of #38 Rochelle Adams, Somerset, WI Michele Bauer, Houlton, WI Ellie Brantner, River Falls, WI Liliann & Charlie Bryse, Somerset, WI Renee Carufel, Somerset, WI Ed & Angie Colosky, Somerset, WI Pam Haukeness, New Richmond, WI Ulrika Hintz, New Richmond, WI Sherrie Hoogland, Catawba, WI Rita Langer, Osceola, WI Rachel & Sean McGurran, Somerset, WI Joyce McKevett, Hayward, WI Ragna Raasch, New Richmond, WI Bryan Rivard, Osceola, WI Eloris Rivard, Somerset, WI Ed & Therese Schachtner, Somerset, WI Becky Schmidt, New Richmond, WI Terri Stubbs, Britt, MN Nancy Vanasse, Somerset, WI Wanda Viellieux, New Richmond, WI Kneeling: Lynn Neeck & Bluette Puchner Front: Jordan Neeck, Terri Stubbs, Doris Mitchell, Michelle Socha, Charlie Bryse, Eloris Rivard, Renee Carufel, Becky Schmidt, Pat Socha 2nd row: Roni Willand, Rita Langer, Maureen Brunner, Ulla Hintz, Nancy Vanasse, Joy Hoffmann, Ellie Brantner, Angie Colosky, LaVerne Vinzant, Ragna Raasch, Wanda Viellieux Back Row: Bryan Rivard, Ed Colosky, Joyce McKevett, Rochelle Adams, Eileen Young, John Williams, Liliann Bryse, Sherrie Hoogland, Rachel McGurran, Ed Schachtner, Michele Bauer, Fr. Mike Tupa, Therese Schachtner, Pam Haukeness, Sean McGurran, Curt Mitchell Front Row: Eva Schmidt, Pat Stine, Kay Walsh, Cleo Wenzel, Nancy Cassellius, Mary Rivard, Missy Wiener, Mary Hackel 2nd Row: Adele Archambeault, Roman Zins, Shirley Higgins, Gail Gillis, Dianne Germain, Back row: Johnny Schmidt, Kaylene Kickhafer, Pete Prusak, Ron Stine, Jim Mitchell, John Brunner, Jerry Maske, Sandra Pease, Lori Hoogland, Howie Neeck