GIFT 2025-2026
Activating the Body of Christ
In a world of upheaval, where many long for unity, purpose, and hope, the Church is called to rise as a living, breathing expression of Christ’s love. “Activating the Body of Christ” is designed to awaken, equip, and empower believers of all ages to discover their spiritual gifts, embrace their unique roles, and engage actively in the mission of the Church.
Participants will explore what it truly means to be the Body of Christ—connected, diverse, and summoned to be co-creators of God’s kingdom. Let us help each other move from passive attendance to passionate participation, and inspire one another to step into our calling and contribute meaningfully to the life and mission of the Church.
Join us at GIFT, as we activate the Body of Christ—together, stronger, and fully alive in Him.
New GIFT Households
If you are new to GIFT, use the button below to fill out a registration form for the upcoming GIFT season.
Returning GIFT Households
If you are returning to GIFT, use the button below to fill out a registration form for the upcoming GIFT season.
The Mass, Why Do We Do What We Do? Although we “do it” virtually every week of our lives, there is so much about the Mass that is unknown or misunderstood. In this session, we will try to “demystify” the Mass so that it becomes less of a repetitive ritual and more of a meaningful and even inspirational experience. Deacon Bill Goulding was ordained as a deacon in 2002. His primary ministries have included preaching, baptisms, funerals, weddings and LGBT+ outreach. Secret Superpowers: Unlocking Your God-Given Abilities “Secret Superpowers: Unlocking Your God-Given Abilities” will help participants discover and develop their innate potential and spiritual gifts, through a faith-based lens. We will explore the view that individuals are intentionally created by God with unique talents that have a divine purpose. Together we will examine our talents, skills, and character traits to determine our “superpowers” or spiritual gifts. We will unlock our God-given abilities through self-reflection, sharing and, ultimately, by taking action! The things that make us different; those are our superpowers. – Lena Waithe Jim Wielgosz has been a member of Our Lady of Lourdes since 2005. He studied and graduated from Cardinal Stritch University majoring in Religious Studies, minoring in Philosophy. He studied further at St. Francis De Sales Seminary – his sights set on becoming an ordained archdiocesan priest – but ultimately went another route doing payroll and accounting for over 20 years. Jim has volunteered in several various ministries. He has done everything from cleaning restrooms for the church to being the emcee at our weekend liturgies. Jim is currently the Director of Worship Ministries at OLOL and is thrilled to use his gifts in a full-time capacity to serve a faith community he loves. Part of his role will be to tap into the gifts all of you have to offer. He hopes to begin to do that at the GIFT session on September 28. The Power and Perils of Invitation From the beginning pages of Genesis to closing pages of Revelation, the Bible is filled with invitations. Another word for invitation could be calling. As Adam was called to care for the garden, we are called to be stewards of the Earth. As Abraham was called to go on a great journey to an unknown place, we are called to walk in faith. As the Disciples were sent into the world armed with nothing but faith, we are sent to bring faith to others. The invitation that we receive as Christians requires both a response and responsibilities. Jesus tells his disciples to take up their crosses and follow him. In this session we will examine how the call and cross is a means of suffering which leads us to place of exaltation. Mike Kolz is a Theology Teacher who has been teaching for 40 plus years at the high school level. His passion is to bring the stories of scripture to life for our time. He loves to relate life stories to biblical stories in an effort share timeless truths. He is married to his lovely wife, Lisa for 37 years. He is a proud father of 3 tremendous sons. He is also a sports fanatic and a coach of many sports. There is a Season for Everything….a Time to Be Born; a Time to Die….. Using this biblical wisdom let us explore life as a journey with many seasons that encourage us to take advantage of all that God gives us. Alice Hatzenbeller, mother of three, grandmother of seven, associate of School Sisters of St Francis, parish and pastoral minister for 40+ years, spiritual guide for 20+ years.
House of Peace Holiday Food Boxes—Fall Service Session Our Lady of Lourdes has been part of this wonderful ministry for a number of years. This year, we are again going to pack the food boxes as a community during our November 16 GIFT session. Our goal is to fill 225 boxes, as the need is great in our community. Donating items: There will be tags on a bulletin board in the south hallway with items that are needed for the boxes. We combined them in such a way that we believe each set of groceries costs about the same for each tag. Select however many tags you would like and purchase those items. No glass jars please, and check the use by dates. Dropping items off: Please bring your items to OLOL by Wednesday, November 12, and leave them on the cart in the hallway. Packing the boxes: We appreciate that many people love packing the boxes. If you would like to join us at GIFT to pack the boxes, you are more than welcome to come and be part of this process! Please call the office to let us know if you will be attending. Fr. Alan Jurkus presents on the papacy from Pope Pius XII to Pope Leo XIV. Nonviolence with Active Nonviolence Jesus’ call to a nonviolent lifestyle is a commitment that takes intention, learning, and practice. Join us as we celebrate nonviolent heroes, explore our conflict styles, learn about nonviolent communication, and practice using what we learn. Active Nonviolence is an OLOL group that emerged from a book group in 2023 that read The Risk of the Cross: Living Gospel Nonviolence in the Nuclear Age by Arthur Laffin. Active Nonviolence sponsored last year’s Season For Nonviolence emails and authors the Nonviolence Corner on the OLOL Social Justice webpage. Active Nonviolence welcomes new members. Donut Sunday Join us from 8:45 am- 9:00 pm on February 1 for a donut and fellowship before GIFT. To get your donut, RVSP by January 28 here. If you have dietary restrictions, call the Parish Office by January 28. If you do not regularly attend GIFT and wish to attend, please call the office for details. Immigration: Fiction, Facts & Faith Please join us at GIFT on Sunday, February 1, 2026, for an engaging and thought-provoking presentation and dialogue on the critical issue of immigration. This dynamic session uncovers common myths and realities surrounding immigrants and immigration while examining the six essential principles of immigration reform outlined by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Through informed discussion and meaningful reflection, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between faith, policy, and the human experience of migration. Forward Latino is a nonprofit organization that empowers affiliates to inspire and engage communities, strengthen our democracy, improve the lives of working families, protect the environment, and stand up for equality and civil rights. Br. Jose Maria Vera is a Capuchin friar and the Director of the Capuchin Spiritual Center. He holds a degree in Psychology from St. Xavier University and completed degrees in Philosophy, Preaching, and Theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. His formation reflects a strong commitment to pastoral ministry, preaching, and spiritual accompaniment. After spending a year studying in Assisi, Italy, Br. Jose Maria is happy to be back in his home state of Wisconsin. He now lives in Milwaukee, where he continues his ministry, while remaining closely connected to the city where he grew up and where his family still resides. And, true to Wisconsin form, he remains a loyal Green Bay Packers fan.
Active Christianity: Faith is the Driving Force Christianity is a faith that requires action. The word came to Isaiah: “Whom I shall I send?” Moses was sent into the wilderness and then back to Egypt with a momentous task. Jesus’ actions are often more remembered than his words. He ate with tax collectors and sinners. He healed the sick. He calmed the storms and walked across the water. He prayed. He wept. He challenged the authorities of his time. As we try to walk in the footsteps of our Lord, it is expected that we do as he did. Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved You.” To love as a Christian, we are called to actively serve. In this session we will discuss the ways we can emulate the path and actions of Jesus in our effort to bring about the Kingdom here on Earth. Mike Kolz is a Theology Teacher who has been teaching for 40 plus years at the high school level. His passion is to bring the stories of scripture to life for our time. He loves to relate life stories to biblical stories in an effort share timeless truths. He is married to his lovely wife, Lisa for 37 years. He is a proud father of 3 tremendous sons. He is also a sports fanatic and a coach of many sports. Tanya Gross, Director of Formation Ministries here at Our Lady of Lourdes will be presenting on our GIFT theme this year – “Activating the Body of Christ.” For more about Tanya, you can check out her staff bio. Saturday Session from 9:00 am-12:00 pm Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Clean Up—Spring Service Event In honor of Earth Day, GIFT is joining with the Social Justice Committee, and Milwaukee Riverkeeper, in urging OLOL members to join in the annual spring clean on Saturday morning, April 25. Milwaukee Riverkeeper provides the gloves, trash bags, and amazing free t-shirts. You provide the people power to pick up the trash that finds its way into our beautiful river system. Together, we can help restore our waterways. After beginning at Jackson Park for cleaning up, we will return to OLOL for a pizza lunch. Please RSVP and Register for the GIFT Spring Service Event by Monday, April 20. We will gather at the Jackson Park Pavilion at 9:00 am, so please dress appropriately for the weather. We will end with a pizza lunch from 11:30 am-12:00 pm at the Parish Hall. After you register using the link above, you will be directed to the Milwaukee Riverkeeper Jackson Park sign-up, as there are waivers to complete, and you will need to choose your t-shirt sizes. Christ Jesus: The Way, The Truth & The Life Today’s Gospel is about Jesus saying he is the way, truth, and life. In thinking of Activating the Body of Christ we become not only active followers of Christ, but we become his body and embody the way, truth, and life of Jesus. Join us as Nancie Chmielewski explores our call and duty as disciples. Nancie Chmielewski is a retired professional lay minister in the Catholic Church after serving most of her life in both paid/unpaid ministerial positions in liturgy, music, Adult, child and intergenerational faith formation, sacramental prep, RCIA, and as Parish Director of this beloved community. She also taught in various capacities at Mount Mary, Cardinal Stritch, and in Archdiocesan programs. She holds a BA in Fashion Design from MMU, and a MAPS from St. Francis Seminary. She continues ministry as a Spiritual Director in the Madison area where she and her husband Tom of 46 years now reside.
GIFT FAQs
Our gatherings include: Season Pass (Good for all 12 Sessions plus snacks and supplies! ) The GIFT Core Team assists, plans, and evaluates each monthly GIFT session. Some experience in planning processes and our Catholic teachings is helpful. A sincere desire to explore and plan for the whole community is necessary. This team meets every other month. Contact: Steve Szymanski………………………………………..(414) 545-4316, Ext. 127 Tanya Gross………………………………………..(414) 545-4316, Ext. 115 Adults (21 and older) are needed to teach our faith for K4-K5 yr. olds, Gr. 1-2, Gr. 3-4, Gr. 5-6, Gr. 7-8, Gr. 9-10, and Confirmation. Guide plans and materials for each session are provided. Catechists are asked to work together to implement and evaluate each session. In-service training, safe environment training and continuing education are needed. The catechist should be a person of faith actively involved in the liturgy and life of the parish. If you enjoy working with children and youth and desire to share your faith, you are invited to call our faith formation directors for more details. Contact: Steve Szymanski…………………………. Grade K4-Grade 6 Tanya Gross………………………………………..Grade 7-Grade 11 Teens and adult helpers are needed to assist the catechists with the activities and needs of the children and youth. Teens and adult helpers are needed to assist the catechists with the activities and needs of the children and youth. Contact: Steve Szymanski………………………………………..(414) 545-4316, Ext. 127 Tanya Gross………………………………………..(414) 545-4316, Ext. 115
(from 9:05 am-10:20 am).
GIFT Core Team
GIFT Catechists
GIFT Aides