2020 MKE Lifestyle Community Advocate
Sanctuary Spirit Spotlight
In each of the Sanctuary Spirt Spotlights, we will honor an organization or individual who has made a significant difference for those served at the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary.
This edition is shining the Sanctuary Spirit Spotlight on St. Boniface Parish in Germantown, WI.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
This edition is shining the Sanctuary Spirit Spotlight on St. Boniface Parish in Germantown, WI.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
This sentiment truly captures the core essence of the St. Boniface Parish led by Fr. Michael Petrie (Pastor) and the Human Concerns Commission led by Jill Grevenow.
An excerpt from the St. Boniface Mission Statement reads: We strive to bring the Good News of Jesus into every human situation, and seek to transform individuals and society by the Divine power of the Gospel itself. Our desire is to connect with God, connect with others, and connect others with God.
When the retired but “full engaged” Deacon Jim Chrisien – a member of the HC Commission – first heard Sister MacCanon Brown speak at a Just Faith program ---he knew that the work she was doing was in his words “Where a Deacon should be…” to live out this mission.
But he didn’t stop with himself --- he knew he needed to gather the St. Boniface thoughtful, committed parishioners to assist in changing the world for those in need. And age was not a requirement! The St. Boniface involvement has included all parishioners from 1st grade through senior citizens providing sandwiches and cooking/serving dinners at the MacCanon Brown Sanctuary on a monthly basis for the last five (5) years. Hot meals-to-go and whole turkeys have also been provided to share with the guests.
St. Boniface doesn’t stop with food. For the last seven (7) Januarys, the parish has organized an “Undies Sunday” collection to gather warm underclothing for the Sanctuary guests. This past January, seven (7) carloads of insulated and warm underwear – for men and for women – were collected and delivered to MacCanon and Sanctuary team for distribution.
MacCanon once said she pictures Deacon Jim as a bridge. A bridge between those in need and those that want to help --- like the St. Boniface parishioners.
This small group of parishioners really are out to do what they can to change the world! The St. Boniface Parish also supports a sister Parish in Ghana and a local food pantry in the St. Boniface Parish Center.
“The whole parish (St. Boniface) is behind this. The congregation is really enthused about helping and serving through donations, cooking, supplying ingredients, and tons of desserts”!
An excerpt from the St. Boniface Mission Statement reads: We strive to bring the Good News of Jesus into every human situation, and seek to transform individuals and society by the Divine power of the Gospel itself. Our desire is to connect with God, connect with others, and connect others with God.
When the retired but “full engaged” Deacon Jim Chrisien – a member of the HC Commission – first heard Sister MacCanon Brown speak at a Just Faith program ---he knew that the work she was doing was in his words “Where a Deacon should be…” to live out this mission.
But he didn’t stop with himself --- he knew he needed to gather the St. Boniface thoughtful, committed parishioners to assist in changing the world for those in need. And age was not a requirement! The St. Boniface involvement has included all parishioners from 1st grade through senior citizens providing sandwiches and cooking/serving dinners at the MacCanon Brown Sanctuary on a monthly basis for the last five (5) years. Hot meals-to-go and whole turkeys have also been provided to share with the guests.
St. Boniface doesn’t stop with food. For the last seven (7) Januarys, the parish has organized an “Undies Sunday” collection to gather warm underclothing for the Sanctuary guests. This past January, seven (7) carloads of insulated and warm underwear – for men and for women – were collected and delivered to MacCanon and Sanctuary team for distribution.
MacCanon once said she pictures Deacon Jim as a bridge. A bridge between those in need and those that want to help --- like the St. Boniface parishioners.
This small group of parishioners really are out to do what they can to change the world! The St. Boniface Parish also supports a sister Parish in Ghana and a local food pantry in the St. Boniface Parish Center.
“The whole parish (St. Boniface) is behind this. The congregation is really enthused about helping and serving through donations, cooking, supplying ingredients, and tons of desserts”!
Thank YOU St. Boniface Parish for being a truly bright spirit in the lives of those who are served by the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary!
Sanctuary Spotlight on St. Luke Parish Community – Brookfield, WI
Welcome to the first edition of the Sanctuary Spirit Spotlight!
In each of the Sanctuary Spirit Spotlights, we will honor an organization or individual who has made a significant difference for those served at the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary.
Our inaugural edition is shining the Sanctuary Spirit Spotlight on St. Luke Parish Community – Brookfield.
If the coronavirus has accomplished anything good so far, in the wake of its deadly destructiveness, it is that we are reminded of how connected and interdependent we are. Father Kenneth Augustine – Pastor St. Luke Catholic Parish
In each of the Sanctuary Spirit Spotlights, we will honor an organization or individual who has made a significant difference for those served at the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary.
Our inaugural edition is shining the Sanctuary Spirit Spotlight on St. Luke Parish Community – Brookfield.
If the coronavirus has accomplished anything good so far, in the wake of its deadly destructiveness, it is that we are reminded of how connected and interdependent we are. Father Kenneth Augustine – Pastor St. Luke Catholic Parish
In a recent conversation with Lynn Sprangers – Human Concerns Chair-person – it became clear that this portion from Father Augustine’s Easter bulletin message is truly lived and demonstrated by the St. Luke Parish Community of 606 families.
When Fr. Augustine, Cathy Smith – Pastoral Associate, and Lynn Sprangers were introduced to the work of Sister MacCanon Brown and the mission of the MBHS – they were all in! The Parish teams organized and went to work.
In lieu of a procession of palms on Palm Sunday, the Parish decided to hold a procession of cars to collect food and needed items for the Sanctuary’s guests. In fact, enough food and monetary donations were received to also benefit the Mini Vinnie pantry and their sister parish, St. Pius X in Gbagalape – Nigeria. A modern day version of the miracle of loaves and fish.
When Fr. Augustine, Cathy Smith – Pastoral Associate, and Lynn Sprangers were introduced to the work of Sister MacCanon Brown and the mission of the MBHS – they were all in! The Parish teams organized and went to work.
In lieu of a procession of palms on Palm Sunday, the Parish decided to hold a procession of cars to collect food and needed items for the Sanctuary’s guests. In fact, enough food and monetary donations were received to also benefit the Mini Vinnie pantry and their sister parish, St. Pius X in Gbagalape – Nigeria. A modern day version of the miracle of loaves and fish.
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Cheers and clapping for all the cars filled with parishioners echoed through the parking lot! AND a Channel 12 news team was on-site to broadcast the generosity!
Enough food and supplies were collected to fill a cargo van…a van rented by Lynn Spranger’s daughter who lives in Bayview and wanted to help. But the St. Luke Community didn’t stop there… |
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In addition to the Palm Sunday donation, the St. Luke Parish held a special collection of hygiene items for women on Mother’s Day. This time enough items were collected to fill 3 vans for our sisters and families supported by the Sanctuary!
Lynn Sprangers summed it up by saying: “It was so healing and so good to remind ourselves that others have greater needs.” |
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Thank YOU St. Luke Catholic Parish for being a truly bright spirit in the lives of those who are served by the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary!