Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serving in the Diocese of Green Bay are often called upon to share their expertise.
Sister Pam Biehl, pastoral leader at St. Mary Omro and St. Mary Winneconne was the keynote speaker at a spring leadership luncheon. She encouraged parish-leaders not to get too preoccupied with numbers; that is, with how many or how few people are attending Mass or their parish programs. True, we desire as many people gathered around the altar as possible. However, the faith continues to be best passed on from one individual to another. No program, flyer or announcement can take the place of investing that needed one-on-one time with a person who is seeking God. This is why, both parish-leaders and parishioners have to take advantage of opportunities such as weddings, funerals and other religious ceremonies that attract people who are on the margins of parish life.
Sister Jacqueline Spaniola, a breakout session speaker at this same leadership luncheon, emphasized the importance of discipling one person at a time through spiritual direction. To benefit from spiritual guidance other than ourselves is an invaluable practice for spiritual growth; not just for parish-leaders but for parishioners.
