On April 19, men, women and children across the Superior diocese will receive the Sacraments of Initiation during Easter Vigil services. In anticipation of their welcome into the church, candidates and the elect were asked to respond to the following question: Why have you decided to seek entry into the Catholic Church?
Karen Hoffman
Holy Assumption Parish, Superior
Attending a Catholic church for many years and raising our children in the Catholic faith has given me so much in life. As our children learned, understood and grew, so did I. Nevertheless, I realized throughout the years, that the Eucharist was missing in my life. When our parish chose to have the RCIA program with St. William I knew I needed to do this. I could take classes in a place I was familiar with and in a setting that made me feel comfortable. Our instructor is awesome, very knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. I have really enjoyed the classes and am happy with the decision that I am making.
Melynda Motschman, 30
Holy Assumption Parish, Superior
I decided to become Catholic when I decided to marry. My soon-to-be husband is Catholic, and I felt it was time to take a faith on and have more understanding of the Lord and his words.
Ron Krause, 47
Holy Assumption Parish, Superior
My wife is Catholic and our two children are being raised Catholic; I want to be part of their faith.
Cindy Wnuk, 55
Holy Assumption Parish, Superior
I decided I needed to be back with God. My husband is Catholic, and I would go once in a while with him to Mass and realized that I enjoyed the Mass and the ritual that I could understand. I feel very secure in my decision to become a Catholic and welcome it with open arms.
Elizabeth Becker, 27
St. William Parish, Superior
I grew up in the Lutheran church. My husband, Steve, is Catholic. We moved to Foxboro, Wis., nine years ago and had attended St. William off and on. After our daughter Allison came into our lives, we baptized her in the Catholic faith. Knowing I wanted us to go to church as a family and raise Allison in a religious structure, I made the decision to cross religious grounds and join the Catholic faith.
Patrick VanErt, 41
St. Williams Parish, Superior
My family and I have been attending St. William for some time, as my wife is Catholic and my two boys are being raised Catholic. One day Fr. Gabriel (Baltes) asked us why I didn't take communion. We told him that I wasn't Catholic and I had never been baptized. That's when he told us about the RCIA program. Since that time my wife and I have been attending the classes with great joy and better understanding of the Catholic Church and our Lord Jesus.
Scott J. Hoffman, 37
St. John Baptist Parish, Bloomville
I chose to join the Catholic Church at this time because my wife and three children are Catholic. I wanted to worship with them wholly, by having the right to participate in the Eucharist and to learn more about the Catholic way of life.
Chad Brown, 29
St. John Baptist Parish, Bloomville
I am coming into the Catholic Church to join my family at Mass.
Robert "John" Johnson, 59
St. John Baptist Parish, Bloomville
I am coming into the Catholic Church to keep faith and become involved in the church.
Janet Crotteau, 61
St. Joseph Parish, Rice Lake
When I was born my father, for some reason, did not believe in baptism. When I married, my husband was Catholic and we raised the children in the Catholic faith. We had discussed my joining the church several times but the years just seemed to slide by. When my husband passed away May 1 of last year, it seemed to give me the final push I needed. With the help and support of a great group of people I hope to become closer to God.
Jewel Hoffman, 20
St. Augustine Parish, Harrison
I always felt in the back of my mind that this was something I needed to complete. With this church at this time in my life, I feel the comfort and love to complete this journey.
Cheryl Trimmel, 55
St. Augustine Parish, Harrison
I felt a sense of belonging the first time I attended St. Augustine, and I wanted to complete the process by converting and becoming a member.
Kathryn A. Krear, 56
St. Bridget Parish, River Falls
I am a firm believer that a family should belong to the same church. My husband is a Catholic. In attending RCIA my faith in God has grown stronger.
Tammy Vendl, 43
St. Anthony Parish, Lac du Flambeau
I felt that it was the right time to complete the RCIA program -- my family is all Catholic, and I wanted to participate with my family at Sunday Mass and other spiritual events. This is something I have wanted to do for over a year and I am glad to have made it this far. I plan on continuing to the Easter Vigil.
Scott Perry, 30
St. Patrick Parish, Hudson
I began the RCIA to shore up something with my fiance that is very important in her life. It has grown to be a part of my life as well and I can say I am happy again, in love and with God.
Tanya Feyereisen, 31
St. Patrick Parish, Hudson
... to create more family unity with my husband, son and daughter-to-be.
Mark Tully, 12
St. Patrick Parish, Hudson
Because I was never baptized as a baby. I want to be free from original sin and be a member of the Catholic church like my papa.
Dana Tully, 45
St. Patrick Parish, Hudson
My 12-year-old son has chosen to be baptized a Catholic. I am returning to the church to support him and for my own desire to recommit myself to the faith of my birth.
Jesse Timmerman, 23
St. Patrick Parish, Hudson
It is something I wanted to do for a long time. I think we all need some help in life, and this is a great place to get help from other people in the parish and from God himself.
Anita Marie Sabot, 24
St. Patrick Parish, Hudson
I was recently married (about two years ago). I want to join the Catholic Church with my husband and do something for my son. I just want to raise my son in the right way. This is a big step for me and a big change that will benefit my family. Becoming part of the St. Patrick Parish will complete who I am.
Linda Janse, 36
St. Patrick Parish, Hudson
While my infant son was being baptized this past fall, I made the decision. In order to help him follow the ways of the Catholic Church I needed to do something to learn more about Catholicism. I feel like I may have had some divine intervention to the baptism of my son. I was then informed the following week about RCIA and to my surprise I jumped at the chance. I have really enjoyed this experience and I hope to continue my learning about Catholicism for a long time.
Patricia Phillips, 64
St. Patrick Parish, Hudson
I decided to join the RCIA because I want to participate in a family where we all believe in the same God, our Father in heaven; where prayers are important and we accept the will of God; where our acceptance, belief, baptism and obedience makes us one with Christ.
Darlene Olson, 54
St. Patrick Parish, Hudson
I decided to participate in the RCIA because Sr. Bernadette Kalscheur came to my house to welcome me to St. Patrick Parish. At that time she advised me to attend the RCIA program. I'm absorbing more knowledge of God and his word though Scripture in this program than if I were to learn it on my own. I was baptized and confirmed Catholic, but I was spiritually immature and inactive in my Catholic faith for thirty years. I'm seeking re-entry into the Catholic Church because I feel God is calling me to be a part of his church. I want to give back to his church the blessings he has given me.
Chad Monson, 32
St. Patrick Parish, Hudson
My wife belongs to the Catholic Church and I wanted us to grow closertogether through our faith. God's plan for me was made clear when he brought me a gift so precious -- my wife.
Elizabeth Zyhowski, 8; Eddie Zyhowski, 8; Veronica Tekus, 10
St. Peter the Fisherman, Eagle River
We wanted our children to have a good grounding to give them a faith that would show them the way to live their lives. We wanted them to have an active role in making the choice and they are now at the ages where they can better understand what they are choosing.
Fred Verdi, 33
St. Peter the Fisherman, Eagle River
I chose to be part of the RCIA process to reach a better understanding of my faith. I had been baptized as a Catholic as an infant but never learned my faith or received any sacraments. Through this process I can feel Jesus touching my life to the point that I now want to encourage others to go to church and have Jesus be part of their lives too.
Lynell Chambers-Gritt, 46
St. Peter the Fisherman, Eagle River
My children were being raised Catholic and initially my inquiry was to find out more information about the Catholic faith so I could help them grow in their religion. At the same time, I realized that I was searching for something, that I needed help not only with my children but personally and in relationships. The RCIA process has been one of finding what I was searching for, of opening my heart to who Jesus us in my life.
Pam Gebhardt, 39
St. Peter the Fisherman, Eagle River
My husband, who's Catholic, and I (Protestant - UCC), decided to attend a little UCC church just down the road from our home, out of convenience. As our family grew and our lives changed, our spiritual life wasn't growing at the church we attended. We started looking elsewhere, and when our son started attending St. Peter's School, we started attending Mass at St. Peter's. We felt welcomed the moment we walked in the doors. And we as a family grew together spiritually. The first time I was approached to join RCIA a year earlier, I passed. This past fall I decided it was time to learn more about the faith that my husband and sons were growing in. Over the past year, I too have grown more in my faith and with the faith of my family, I feel I am ready to take the next step to be fully initiated into the church.
Bryan Gaffny, 21
St. Peter the Fisherman, Eagle River
My fiance is Catholic and, not being raised in any faith tradition, I wasn't sure what to expect. The RCIA process has been about letting Jesus into my life. I feel comfortable at St. Peter's and I feel that I have really grown as a person during the past months.
Lisa Becker, 51
St. Peter the Fisherman, Eagle River
My decision to seek entry into the Catholic Church didn't happen overnight. I experienced a dear friend's faith that got her through the hard times. It impressed me, so I began to investigate what I later discovered to be my "God-hunger." I really appreciate the sacraments and ritual that the church has to offer. They give me great comfort.
Kelley Kepler, 23
Cathedral of Christ the King, Superior
I was baptized as a baby but not raised in any faith tradition, and I have always felt that lack in my life. Perhaps it was for this lack that I chose to attend a Catholic college and then accepted a position at the Catholic Herald after graduating. In Superior I became active at the Newman Center and met many people deeply rooted in their Catholic faith who influenced my decision to learn more about the church. The RCIA instructors and classes have been wonderful, and I believe I am ready to take that next step toward becoming part of a Catholic community and strengthening my relationship with God.
Dale Neubauer, 25
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Medford
I want to learn more about our faith and to feel more comfortable in our church
Stacey Doriot, 28
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Medford
My husband is Catholic and we would like our family to be of one religion.
John Fechhelm, 29
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Medford
I would like to complete my instruction for confirmation.
Clinton Kraemer, 27
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Medford
I am participating in the RCIA program to receive confirmation.
Amy Stillman, 26
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Medford
Something was missing in my life ... a hole. I am choosing to fill it with Jesus.
Kimberly Williams, 26
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Medford
I am getting married to a Catholic and we would like to raise our children Catholic.
Andrea Neubauer, 26
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Medford
I have decided to participate in RCIA to become part of the Catholic faith. I would like my family to belong to a church.
Autumn Kolar, 23
St. Francis Xavier Parish, Merrill
My fiance is a Catholic and he would like us to be married in his religion. His family is also very Catholic and feels very good about their religion. I didn't belong to a church, but had very strong beliefs in God. I have always been able to draw from my faith when I've needed it, and I have also been able to thank the Lord for all I've gotten.
Sharon Schneider, 49
St. Francis Xavier Parish, Merrill
I've been coming to church for the past 25 years, since I married in a Catholic church. I already felt Catholic and practiced Catholicism, and so with this in mind, it just gave me a feeling of peace with myself and feeling of a whole Christian.
Frank Van Alstine, 40
St. Francis Xavier Parish, Merrill
I was invited to church by my girlfriend on Easter of last year, and have been attending Mass and other church functions ever since. I have grown as a person and a Christian and decided the time was right to seek entry into the church.
Melanie Williams, 28
St. Francis Xavier Parish, Merrill
I was interested in growing closer to God. My fiance is Catholic and attends church regularly. I believe that faith in God should be a vital part of a marriage and I wish to be able to share that with him.
Wendy Schulz, 31
St. Anthony Parish, Superior
Attending church on a regular basis has brought me closer to Christ and by seeking full entry I feel it can only bring me closer.
The names of the remaining candidates and elect are shown below:
Immaculate Conception, Rhinelander
Mary Kay Arbuckle
Betty Behrndt
Lori Birginal
Kay Flanagan
David Freeland
Erin Vangrinsven
Grace Benda
St. Joseph, Rhinelander
Sheila Krueger
Tracy Ridderbusch
A.J. Samz
Al Schaller
Daniel Tvedten
St. Augustine, Harrison
Sonja Catania
St. Anthony of Padua, Lac du Flambeau
Jodi Chapman
Stephanie Kitchenakow
Our Lady of Sorrows, Ladysmith
Cheryl Bratina
Brian Conklin
Jennifer Polnaszch
Scott Seifert
Jeffrey Woods
Michael Bratina
St. Boniface, Chetek
Carol Anderson
Sharaea Chon
Nikki Larson
Catherine A.Gesler
Debra McFaul
Shari Olson
Sheri Steinmetz
Our Lady of the North, Phillips
Wanda Fonk
Brian Roush
Scott Upson
John Vlach
St. John the Baptist, Rib Lake
Crystal Rae Klosterman
St. Anthony de Padua, Tony
Linda Schuyler
St. Joseph, Barron
Michelle Banks
Beatrice Valdez
Most Precious Blood, Glidden
Jamie Marie Bay
Jenna Rebecca Lynn Bay
Ruth Pankratz
St. Bridget, River Falls
Emily Elsenpeter
Erik Mattson
James Staiger
Michelle Abrahamson
Dave Borchart
Jean Bot
Bob DeLeo
Casey Micale
Jennifer Thoen
Tara Willmarth
Immaculate Conception, New Richmond
Neil Phillips
Jennifer Thurber
Jessica Cripe
Christine Hines
Ryan Plaski
Dana Schoepke
Holy Rosary, Mellen
Jon Dupee, III
Megan Dupee
Shayli Kalmon
Brittany Poppe
Charissa Poppe
St. Joseph, Osceola
Craig Friedel
Rachel Nieman
Brian Abrahamson
JoAnne Linder
Richard Makinen
Cathedral of Christ the King, Superior
Jessie Phillips
Allison Bergren
Casey Brock
Kasey Brock
Gail Hall
Marianne Magdzas
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Almena
Jeff Jackson
Jenny Wurtinger
St. Dominic, Frederic
Rachel Mary Foster
Janice Lee Grest
Carissa Joy Johnson
St. Patrick, Hudson
Donald Anderson
Kimberly Johnson
Dale Mielke
Ruth Pankratz
Joseph Merchak
Joseph Peter Merchak
Peggy Merchak
Thomas Merchak
Mollie Smith
Kenneth Tennant
St. Joseph, Rice Lake
Jeff Kahl
Jessica Downey
Kris Fetkenheuer
Sam Krebs
Keith Hoff
St. Anthony, Superior
Alyson Helenius
Holy Assumption, Superior
Christina Dalbec
St. Ann, Turtle Lake
Jenny Bergmann
Jeff Mortel
Ss. Peter and Paul, Weyerhaeuser
Sharon Fuhrmann
St. Paul the Apostle, Catawba
Jill Arndt
Micael Jablonsky
St. John the Baptist, Prentice
Larry Hettler
St. Patrick, Erin Prairie
Judy Gillis
Rosemary Hancock
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2003