A Response to Systemic Injustice
We believe our Catholic faith challenges us to recognize and address systemic injustices.
We love because God first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And He has given us this command: anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:19-21.
As a parish where all are welcome, we commit to live this love with compassion and justice.
Role of a Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council is a vehicle for the parish to fulfill the pastoral mission of Jesus and the Church at Our Lady of Lourdes. It does this by developing Catholic identity, promoting evangelization, and fostering stewardship. The Council strives to build a community of disciples who recognize their baptismal calls to lives of holiness, witness, and service. The Council engages in a continuous process of pastoral planning, which takes into account the needs and priorities of its parishioners, the archdiocese, the broader community, and the world. The Council is the consultative and planning body regarding pastoral activity.
The Council is comprised of ex officio and at-large members, all of whom must be baptized, practicing Catholics, registered members of the parish, participants in the parish worship life, especially Mass and the sacraments, and at least 18 years of age.
The Council meets 10 times each year on the third Wednesday of the month. Meetings last one hour and a half.
Pastoral Council and Reporting Committees Minutes
Pastoral Council Members
Mary Alston Mass I usually attend: Saturday 5:00 pm but others depending on the Choir’s responsibilities. Why I joined the Parish Council: To become more involved and help where I can. Ministries I am passionate about: Choir and the Grief Group. Fun Facts: I am the youngest of five and I have four older brothers.
Cory Anshus Mass I usually attend: Sunday 10:30 am Why I joined the Parish Council: I have gratefully received the hospitality, grace and wisdom from this parish for years and recently felt a nudging from the Holy Spirit to give back to the community that has served me so well. Ministries I am passionate about: I was drawn to OLOL by our vibrant liturgies and commitment to social justice, so I am passionate about the ministries of prayer/worship and social justice/human concerns. I am also passionate about ministering to the sick and home bound. Fun Facts: I love winter!
Paula Dahlman Mass I usually attend: Saturday 5:00 pm Why I joined the Parish Council: Spiritual nudging. Ministries I am passionate about: Groups I am compassionate about: Art Guild, Resurrection Choir, Garden Committee, Newcomers Ministry. Fun Facts: I was an arts and crafts counselor at a summer camp for boys.
Mass I usually attend: Usually Saturday 5:00 pm Why I joined the Parish Council: Someone suggested years ago I join the Council. Eventually I decided to join. I have been on the Council now at least six years. Ministries I am passionate about: Giving back to the community, I received much from contributing in the many ministries OLOL has to offer, like Pastoral Council and the Discipleship Institute. Fun Facts: I had the opportunity to travel internationally and within U.S. One particular memorably trip was to Bangladesh with a colleague to direct a retreat to the native Sisters ministering to the poor and disadvantaged. I traveled within the country and saw the extreme poverty and the resilience of the people, very similar to what I witnessed when travelling in Haiti. Jacqueline Dombrowski – Formation Liaison
Mass I usually attend: Saturday 5:00 pm Why I joined the Pastoral Council: I’ve received much from Lourdes over many years, so when the invitation came, I felt I could give back. Ministries I am passionate about: Education, especially higher education for women. I believe in being present where I am, and with the people I am with. Fun Fact: I’ve spent hours poring over German baptism records from the 1700’s and 1800’s looking for Eikens ancestors. That high school Latin has come in handy.Anita Eikens
Mass I usually attend: Saturday 5:00 pm Why I joined the Pastoral Council: A call from Fr. Bill in an “announcement” after mass, was the impetus. I had been sitting in the pews too long, and realized I had to try to “give back.” Ministries I am passionate about: Ministries that include everyone, giving all a voice. Fun Fact: I enjoy being in the kitchen, not really cooking or baking, just trying to make good food to eat. I love to make Schaum Torte (so easy) and rouladen (pretty hands on, but the results are so tasty – my favorite is the gravy).Dave Hansen
Mass I usually attend: Sunday 10:30 am Why I joined the Pastoral Council: We came to OLOL searching for a place where our family felt like we truly belonged and we could be our full selves. In 2022, I felt a calling to join the OLOL Parish Council to make sure the voices of all minority groups are heard, to ensure everyone who walks through the doors at OLOL feels as welcomed as my family. Ministries I am passionate about: Ministries that allow people to be their authentic self are of utmost importance to me. Fun Fact: I am an avid polka dancer! I started dancing at four years old with my mom and travelled to many places to go polka dancing and be in competitions! Denise Haussy
Mass I usually attend: Sunday 8:00 am Why I joined the Pastoral Council: Father Bill had made an announcement about the need for additional members on the Council. Council membership seemed like a good way to become more active in the parish. Ministries I am passionate about: Trying to encourage people to recognize/understand the Church’s teachings in regard to social justice and to act accordingly. Fun Fact: Canasta is my favorite card game. I also enjoy playing my piano, though I have a long way to go before I can give a concert!Pat McKay – Social Justice Liaison
Mass I usually attend: Saturday 5:00 pm but hope to get back to the 10:30 am Mass. We love the music at both Masses. Why I joined the Pastoral Council: I joined the Parish Council because I want to be part of the future. So many churches have closed. We joined Our Lady of Lourdes 30 years ago because of the liturgies. Fun Fact: My wife Elaine and I met as Catholic missionaries.Tom McKean
Mass I usually attend: Sunday 8:00 am and occasionally Saturday 5:00 pm Why I joined the Pastoral Council: We have been a part of this parish community for over 25 years and this is home. We love the people, the worship, the openness, and the deep expressions of faith that we see everywhere. All are welcome and that is so unique and meaningful to me and my family. What we have at OLOL is special and I want to work with all those who call OLOL home to help ensure we thrive well into the future. Ministries I am passionate about: In addition to loving OLOL and wanting to contribute to help us continue to survive and thrive well into the future, I have the opportunity on the Finance Council to bring my experience as a CPA to help guide the financial decisions of the Parish. I feel privileged to be a part of this great group of people who are working to do the same. Fun Fact: I grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.Rebecca Porter – Trustee Treasurer
Mass I usually attend: Saturday 5:00 pm Why I joined the Pastoral Council: In announcing the Pastoral Council’s initiation, Fr. Bill challenged parish members to become involved. I thought, “Why not? I love OLOL and can contribute to this good work.” The rest is history. Ministries I am passionate about: Education, especially of women and about nursing (I teach at Alverno); conserving the environment, especially water; contributing to School Sister of St. Francis committees (I am a SSSF); and being an active member of Lourdes and several civic organizations. Fun Fact: I love to travel and have been fortunate to travel to several North American, Central American, Asian, and European countries as well as “down under.” Being able to meet people of other cultures, see where they live, what they eat, what they cherish enhances my life in so many ways. My bucket list for travel is endless – as are the number of photos I’ve taken!Sr. Judeen Schulte
Mass I usually attend: Sunday 10:30 am Why I joined the Pastoral Council: Interest in being involved in the future direction of the parish. Ministries I am passionate about: Music & Environment Fun Fact: I like doing crafts and DIY projects.Nancy Short – Trustee Secretary
Why joined? I was on the RCIA team and was looking to become more of the whole. And looking for a way to bring more of OLOL to the RCIA candidates! And I found it and much more! Ministries I’m passionate about: I love all the ministries! I’m part of the Prayer ministry and that provides perspective and has improved my prayer life! Fun Fact: I love Mint Chip ice cream, classic rock, and Summerfest! I can still get up on the benches & dance! And love the energy I get from spending time with my grandkids!Lorie Skeff
Mass I usually attend: Sunday 10:30 am
Why joined? My family and I came to OLOL from another church in the Milwaukee area in December of 2022 because we weren’t being inspired there. My faith life, and that of my family, have been rejuvenated by OLOL and we want to collectively contribute to the Parish to help ensure that it will be similarly inspiring for other newcomers. I, personally, wanted to join OLOL’s Pastoral Council because I want to take an active role in working with my fellow parishioners to chart a course for our community that will keep it vibrant for years to to come. Ministries I’m passionate about: My wife and I are both interested in becoming involved with the LGBTQ Group at OLOL. My wife is a former art therapist and I am a high school counselor. We’ve both seen how the “othering” of members of this community (especially by the Catholic Church) has left them marginalized in so many ways. Our own children have questioned their sexuality and we are giving them the space and support they need to ask questions and find their paths. We want to provide support for our fellow parishioners who identify as queer and brainstorm ways to work with them to promote OLOL as a welcoming community for queer Catholics seeking a caring and inclusive home. Fun Fact: I’m a former Milwaukee radio personality! While attending Marquette, I began my on-air career doing post-Brewers game traffic reports for WTMJ (AM 620). I began working for WLZR-FM (Lazer 103) during the summer between my junior and senior years and became a DJ for Lazer 103 at the start of my senior year. I continued to do traffic reporting for a number of different radio stations in Milwaukee until December 2001. In 2004, I began hosting part-time on WLUM-FM (Rock 102.1) and was very nearly part of the station’s new morning show when the station became FM-102.1! Jim Stamatakos
Mass I usually attend: Saturday 5:00 pm
Why I joined the Pastoral Council: I joined because of Lucy B. ‘s nudging and God’s calling and a great desire to return to OLOL a small part of what OLOL has given me. Ministries I am passionate about: Hospitality, education and health care, and planet sustainability. Fun Fact: I am a retired researcher/educator who loves smooth jazz, puzzles, Mexican train, and quilting.Donna Van Wynsberghe – Chairperson
Mass I usually attend: Saturday 5:00 pm
Why I joined the Pastoral Council: Pastoral Council is a vehicle for the Holy Spirit to move through our catholic church. I felt the call to serve our community at this time. Ministries I am passionate about: I am passionate about ministries that promote an inclusive and healthy community for all generations such as Oktoberfest. I am also in awe of the power of music to reach hearts. Fun Fact: Tom and I are singer-songwriters, performing for over 30 years. I enjoy mystery novels and British Mystery programs.Barb Webber
Mass I usually attend: You can find me at the 10:30 liturgy with my husband Tom.
Why I joined the Pastoral Council: I am grateful the Council discerned to choose me. I followed an impulse to apply to the Council. I’m inspired to more fully join in a community of faith to maintain and continue the unique community at Our Lady of Lourdes to serve the greater community and be part of growing God’s church on earth. Ministries I am passionate about: I’m passionate about what I consider to by my personal ministry, teaching elementary age students in Milwaukee. I’m most passionate about the many ministries carried out in OLOL’s Oktoberfest. There are so many ways to easily get involved at a variety of different levels. It’s a great community builder, and it’s fun! Fun Fact: I have visited over 50 National Parks, shores, and monuments, and my children earned Junior Ranger Badges at each site. I love to hike, bike, and camp in the great outdoors.Christine Yatchak
Mass I usually attend: I usually attend the 8:00 am Sunday mass, but can be found at 10:30 am.