By Sallie Bachar
Catholic Herald

Merrill parish celebrates two jubilees

MERRILL -- St. Francis Xavier Parish in Merrill was privileged to celebrate not one, but two golden jubilees of religious life on Sunday, May 23. Fr. Joseph Kleinheinz and Sr. Dolores Lilla, FSPA, together were honored for 50 years each of dedicated service in the religious life.

The celebration began with a 2 p.m. liturgy with Kleinheinz presiding and Fr. James Horath, pastor of St. Francis, as concelebrant. After the homily, Lilla renewed her vows in the presence of the congregation and several members of her community. Following Mass, the parish hosted a reception and dinner for the two jubilarians and their families and friends.

Kleinheinz, who is 75 years old, was ordained by the Apostolic Delegate from Rome May 8, 1954, at the Pontifical College Josephinumin Columbus, Ohio. He was born in Wausau, Wis., into a large family of 12 children. Two of his sisters were also called into the religious life.

Kleinheinz entered the seminary after graduating from 8th grade. His family life had a big influence upon his decision to become a priest, but "more than anything," he said, "was the good example given by the priests at St. Mary's. ... They seemed so wonderful to me," he added, that he decided to follow in their footsteps.

Looking back at his 50 years in the priesthood, he summed it all up in one word, "Wonderful!"

"There were times, of course, when things didn't seem to go right and I wondered, like everyone else does, if I did the right thing, but my vocation has been very happy and fulfilling."

The Superior diocese has been home to Kleinheinz since his ordination. His first assignment was at St. Patrick in Minocqua. From there he served at River Falls, Rhinelander, Iron River, Land O'Lakes, Cable, Mellon, Stetsonville and Mercer, before retiring.

He remains very active, however, and is a familiar presence at St. Francis. For the past seven years he has regularly celebrated the Sunday liturgies and has helped out in the parish wherever needed, officiating at weddings and funerals, visiting the sick and administering the sacraments. He always has a story to tell, and his lively sense of humor has brightened many parishioners' lives.

Kleinheinz also ministers at the Wausau Catholic churches from time to time, and celebrates weekly Mass with the elderly residents of a nursing home in Wausau.

Despite his busy schedule, he enjoys retirement. "These are wonderful years because I can do what I love doing best and don't have to deal with any problems or the administrative aspects of running a parish. It's the best of both worlds," he said.

Lilla also grew up in Wausau and made her profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1954, at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. She is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

Lilla has devoted 42 years of her religious life to elementary education, 30 of which have been spent teaching in the Superior diocese. Her first assignments took her to Iowa and Washington. On returning to Wisconsin she taught at schools in La Crosse, Loyal, Superior, and Ashland. Lille also served as principal at Ashland for five years. The last 12 years of her teaching ministry were at St. Francis Xavier School in Merrill.

Reflecting on her many years as an educator, she said, "Every class was unique, and I feel so privileged to have been able to share my gifts with others. I have had great faculties to work with, and the people were a blessing wherever I went." Her only regret, she said, is that she did not keep the names of each of her students through the years, but she still prays for all of them.

After Lilla retired from teaching she began a new ministry of pastoral outreach and evangelization at St. Francis. For the past seven years she has visited the homebound, the sick, the elderly and the imprisoned, as well as coordinating and conducting RCIA classes. "As long as I have good health and the passion for what I am doing," she said, "I will continue to minister."

She credits her family with inspiring her vocation to the religious life. "We always prayed together," she said, "and often recited the rosary." Her grandmother, however, had the most influence. Lilla spent many summers with her and together they prayed that one of her five grandchildren would become a nun or a priest. "She got both," she said, "me, and my first cousin who is a Jesuit."

Lilla is proud to be a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Her community, which is over 150 years old, has always been a close and loving presence in her life. "It has been a good 50 years," she added. "There have been ups and downs as in all things, but God's grace has always been with me."

Said Horath in his homily, "It is a joy to celebrate two very special people in my life and the life of this parish. It is an honor for me to work with them." In expressing his gratitude, he added, " I don't know what we would do without them. They do so much for the parish and touch so many people's lives. St. Francis would certainly be poorer without them.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2004