By Mary Greico
Catholic Herald Correspondent
Trail honors parish secretary who died this year
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Among the first to check out the fitness trail at St. Peter the Fisherman Church in Eagle River were, from left, Glenn and Sophia Svetnicka, Marie Yuling and Gary Milanowski. (Catholic Herald photo by Mary Grieco) |
Eagle River -- Although it was a chilly, misty morning, all who attended Sunday morning Mass at St. Peter the Fisherman Church on Sept. 28 were invited to go for a refreshing walk before heading home. The occasion was the blessing of the Path of Pray and Play, a one-mile walking trail on the perimeter of church property.
Dedicated in memory of Sue Brackett, the parish secretary who died unexpectedly early this year, the trail welcomes not only parishioners but also the entire Eagle River community. Leading the inaugural walk was Brackett's husband, George, and several other family members. "She would have loved this," he said.
The location of the new St. Peter Church in a rural setting with open spaces lends itself perfectly for such an endeavor, according to Sr. Jeanne Wiest, OP, pastoral associate. "We had to do something with this area rather than just looking at it," she said.
With a background in health and fitness education, Wiest sees the importance of "integrating mind, body and spirit, rather than addressing them as separate entities."
Recalling her years of formation for religious life, she noted, "Some of my holiest times occurred during my 'prayer on the run' as I ran the local county roads. With my mind totally cleared of other thoughts, concerns and ideas, I found myself one with all creation Ñ one with the Creator of all."
The grassy, eight-foot-wide path is a welcoming route for hikers. While most goes through an open area, there is also a wooded segment offering a show of fall colors. Weather permitting, cross-country skiers will also be using the trail this winter.
In addition to encouraging parish members to spend time on the Path of Pray and Play, Wiest is promoting its use through her involvement with the Vilas County Health Improvement Plan for 2003-08. She is co-chairwoman of the sub-committee on physical inactivity and obesity, which are among primary health concerns in the area, she said.
Several volunteers from the parish stepped forward to develop the trail, and although it already serves its purpose well it is still a work in progress. Future plans include the addition of exercise and prayer/reflection stations and identification of some of the natural habitat.
In giving a blessing prior to the official ribbon cutting at the trailhead, Fr. Robert Koszarek, the pastor, prayed, "May all who walk here experience the wonders of your nature and find your presence in their journey."
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2003