SHAWANO, WI — The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Camp Tekakwitha. An outdoor ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay, the camp’s mission is to invite young people to a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ amidst the beauty of God’s natural creation on the shores of Loon Lake in Shawano County. Camp Tekakwitha serves more than 4,000 young people annually through summer camp and retreat experiences.

Camp Tekakwitha, formerly known as Catholic Girls Camp, kicked off its 100-year celebration with Grandparents Day on April 11, followed by a Father/Son Retreat Day on April 25 and a Family Camp Weekend on the last weekend in May.

The highlight of the summer portion of the year-long celebration was an open house on June 6 that drew hundreds of past, present, and future campers, parents, and former camp counselors. An overflow crowd attended the Mass presided over by Bishop David Ricken in the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel.

“We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm our 100th anniversary has evoked among generations of faithful campers, families, staff, and supporters whose lives in Christ have been shaped by the Camp Tekakwitha experience,” said McKenna Runde, camp director. “We are so thankful to God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon our work here over the past century, and to Bishop Ricken for his passionate and unwavering support of the camp for decades.”

Camp Tekakwitha still has a packed schedule of 100th anniversary-focused events remaining on the calendar this summer and fall, including:

• Family Camp Opportunity on July 25
• Alumni Staff Reunion on August 15
• Mother/Daughter Retreat Day on September 26
• Spirit of Kateri Dinner on November 6

For more information about Camp Tekakwitha and a complete listing of events throughout the year, please visit camptekakwitha.org/welcome/100-year-history.

About Camp Tekakwitha

Founded in 1926 by Catholic leader Rose Van Laanen on Shawano Lake and originally known as Catholic Girls Camp, the camp served as a summer program for girls. With support from the Green Bay Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, her vision created a place where children could grow in faith while experiencing the joy of camp life. In 1932, Catholic Girls Camp moved to its permanent home on Loon Lake, where it remains today.

Renamed Camp Tekakwitha in 1964, the camp honors Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, whose faith and courage continue to inspire its mission. Daily prayer, Mass, and sacramental life are always central to the mission, walking in lockstep alongside swimming, boating, campfires, and creating lifelong friendships. In 1981, Camp Tekakwitha became co-educational and later expanded into a year-round and vibrant diocesan ministry.

100th Anniversary Video

“I can affirm that it has been a blessing to see how much we have in common on the role of the Holy Spirit in our own churches.”

-Bishop David Ricken, Dialog Catholic Co-Chair

ROME, Italy (June 2026) — Members of the International Commission for Dialogue between the Disciples of Christ and the Catholic Church gathered in Rome from June 12–15, 2026, to conclude the Sixth Phase of their dialogue and approve the final report, The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Ministries of the Church. The report represents six years of theological, biblical and liturgical reflection, common prayer, worship, and friendship as the commission explored together the work of the Holy Spirit in relation to the unity of the Church, particularly in connection with lay and ordained ministries.

Inspired by St. Paul’s description of “the ministry of the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:8), the Commission reflected on the Spirit as both giver and gift, the ministry of the Spirit among all the baptized, the distinctive ministry of the ordained, and the gift of the Spirit in ordination. The dialogue affirmed that the same Holy Spirit empowers the Church’s ministry, guides discernment, sustains worship, and calls Christians toward the visible unity for which Christ prayed.

Looking back on six years of study, prayer, and friendship, the Dialogue’s co-chairs reflected on what this journey has meant for both communions and the continuing call to visible unity.

Bishop David Ricken, Catholic co-chair of the Dialogue, said:

“Serving as Catholic co-chair of the Disciples of Christ­–Catholic International Dialogue has been a unique opportunity to learn from and to walk together with brothers and sisters from different countries. At the end of this phase, I can affirm that it has been a blessing to see how much we have in common on the role of the Holy Spirit in our own churches. The Disciples of Christ have great love for the Lord’s Supper, which they celebrate every Sunday. Studying together biblical passages and liturgies, praying and discerning together, allowed us to enjoy the beauty of the Ministry of the Spirit in each other. I hope the fraternal experience we have shared can be replicated locally: Catholics and Disciples discerning and recognizing together the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.”

Read the full release online on the Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry (CUIM) website.

Sunday Mass draws large crowd at Lifest 2026 

OSHKOSH, WI — Oshkosh native Fr. Ben Johnson presided over Mass attended by nearly 250 people on Sunday, July 12, at Lifest 2026. Lifest is an annual Christian music festival held each year at the Sunnyview Expo Center in Oshkosh. It began as a walking and running event in 1990 before being reintroduced as a music festival in 1999.

Fr. Johnson is the current priest/parish administrator of St. Anne Parish, where he serves the communities of Coleman, Lena, Klondike, Pound and Spruce.

Zachary Zeckser appointed president of Lourdes Academy 

OSHKOSH, WI —Zachary Zeckser has been named the next president of Lourdes Academy in Oshkosh, effective July 1, 2026. Zeckser most recently served as the principal at Xavier Catholic Schools in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He brings over two decades of experience to the position and is a servant leader deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. Zeckser refers to Catholic schools as “Jesus immersion schools,”  highlighting his belief in the transformative nature of faith-driven education. 

To view the full press release, go to ecatholic.com.

Sunday Readings for July 18-19, Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time   

By Fr. Edward Looney | For On Mission

In one of my previous assignments, each Sunday as I distributed holy Communion, I would notice a lady approaching with a button on her lapel that read, “Be Kind.” This was at the beginning of the kindness movement that has since taken off. Doesn’t it seem odd that we need reminders to be kind? Shouldn’t that simply be how we live our lives, striving to follow Jesus’ commandment to love one another as he has loved us?

Yet almost every day, we witness situations that remind us how much kindness is needed. I was horrified last November when a priest classmate from another diocese died at the young age of 39. He was an activist for immigrants, and some of the comments on social media were less than kind. The one that solidified the daily reminder to be kind was from someone who commented that he deserved to die because of his political advocacy. When I read that comment, my heart was moved with pity for the person who wrote it, and I prayed they would heed Jesus’ commandment to love. 

In the recently released Netflix reboot of “Little House on the Prairie,” one scene caught my attention. Two twin girls spread false information about a boy Mary Ingalls had a crush on. Even Laura fell under their influence for a time until a later episode, when she answered their question, “Why haven’t you hung out with us lately?” with, “You were mean to Caleb.” Like these characters, we sometimes lack kindness in our speech, whether directly or indirectly. 

CCM artist Jason Gray often shares a quote at his concerts from a Protestant preacher named Ian Maclaren: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” That’s a good reminder, too! The kindness we show another person, friend or stranger, might be exactly what they need in that moment to get them through the day. Your kindness matters. 

None of these examples should surprise us. Human nature has always struggled with kindness. That’s why this weekend’s readings speak so clearly. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom tells us, “Those who are just must be kind” (Wis 12:19). The Psalmist reminds us that the Lord is abounding in kindness. Is there any better reason to be kind than to act more like God and be called just? We should desire kindness and make it a way of life. 

This week, before we post a comment, speak a criticism, or repeat a rumor, may we first ask ourselves: “Is this kind?” Those who are just must be kind. Be just. Choose kindness. 

The readings for Sunday, July 19, are available at Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB.

By Michael J. Cooney | For On Mission

GREEN BAY, WI — Kneeling before the side altar dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Bishop David Ricken entrusted the Diocese of Green Bay to Christ’s love and mercy in a solemn act of consecration during the diocese’s Independence Day Mass on July 4.

Coming just weeks after the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops consecrated the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the ceremony placed the Diocese of Green Bay alongside other dioceses across the country that have recently made similar acts of consecration.

The national consecration followed the Church’s annual celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and came after Pope Francis encouraged renewed devotion to the Sacred Heart in his 2024 encyclical Dilexit Nos. The devotion itself reaches back more than 350 years to the visions of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in France. Pope Leo XIII consecrated the entire world to the Sacred Heart in 1899.

Because the consecration took place on Independence Day, Bishop Ricken began his homily by reflecting on the blessings of the United States and the faith that shaped many of its earliest leaders.

“At this Mass, we’re giving thanks to God for his many blessings on this country,” he said.

The bishop recalled recently watching a film about the early life of George Washington and quoted from Washington’s first inaugural address: “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits and humbly to implore his protection and favor.” Washington’s words, Bishop Ricken said, remind Americans that freedom flourishes when a nation recognizes its dependence on God.

Turning to the day’s Gospel, Bishop Ricken focused on Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).

He said those words speak directly to people living in a culture marked by constant activity, distraction and anxiety. As one practical response, he announced that the Diocese of Green Bay will spend the next several years encouraging Catholics to “Reclaim Sunday.”

The initiative calls families to make Sunday once again the Lord’s Day by centering it on the Eucharist, embracing genuine Sabbath rest, sharing meals with family and friends, limiting unnecessary work and activities whenever possible, and intentionally reaching out in charity to those who are lonely or in need. Bishop Ricken said reclaiming Sunday is rooted in the biblical understanding of the Sabbath as God’s gift — a day to deepen our relationship with the Lord, strengthen family life and renew our concern for one another.

The bishop then turned to the meaning of devotion to the Sacred Heart.

“It is important for us to go to the Sacred Heart — that divine font of love — and return there often,” he said.

Rather than viewing devotion to the Sacred Heart as simply a private prayer, Bishop Ricken said it has the power to renew families, communities and even nations by first transforming individual hearts. Quoting British statesman William Wilberforce, he observed that lasting social renewal begins with personal conversion.

The consecration of the diocese, he emphasized, is intended to be far more than a ceremonial act.

“My hope and prayer is that many people will be given the grace to understand what life is all about, what their unique role and vocation is in life; not try to go it all alone and prove themselves, but submit themselves to the love of Christ.”

Following Communion, Bishop Ricken and the concelebrating priests processed to the Cathedral’s side altar dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Kneeling before the image of the Sacred Heart, they led the congregation in the Prayer of Consecration, formally entrusting the Diocese of Green Bay, its parishes, schools, ministries and faithful to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The prayer acknowledged Christ’s desire “that we enjoy friendship with you” and proclaimed that from his pierced side “you have poured out the wellspring of life for which we thirst.” It gave thanks for the blessings bestowed upon the United States, founded on the “self-evident” truths of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” while also asking forgiveness “for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.”

The prayer asked that hearts be united to Christ’s Sacred Heart so that families and communities might enjoy peace and happiness, broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired and “the wounds of our land be healed.” It concluded by asking that the Catholic Church continue to point all people to Christ’s infinite love and invoked God’s blessing upon the United States.

For Catholics, the act of consecration is more than symbolic. It is a public expression of trust, placing individuals and communities under Christ’s loving care while renewing their commitment to follow him more faithfully.

For those gathered in the cathedral, the consecration became a meaningful part of their Fourth of July observance. Their prayers for the nation and for the Diocese of Green Bay were deeply heartfelt, joining gratitude for the blessings of the United States with a renewed trust in the love and mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Watch the video recording of the consecration Mass on YouTube here: July 4th, 2026 | Mass with Bishop Ricken from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral 

Sunday Readings for July 25-26, Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time  

By Lyn Zahorik | For On Mission 

I love going to thrift stores — not just from an economic standpoint, but because I’m convinced that — somewhere between the mismatched mugs and 1997 bread machine — a treasure with my name on it lies there. I’ve had moments when something on a shelf seems to call out to me like the Holy Spirit whispering, “Lyn … this is the one.”

Except it’s not when it is a porcelain cat. A porcelain cat wearing a bonnet and holding a basket of strawberries. The Holy Spirit still maintains this was a questionable purchase. I, on the other hand, remain confident that, when this cat eventually makes its way to my next rummage sale, someone will stop by who has been praying — truly praying — for a bonnet-wearing, strawberry-holding cat.

Honestly, that’s exactly the kind of energy Jesus is tapping into in the parables we hear this Sunday.

Jesus says the Kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field — something ordinary, dusty, and easily overlooked. A field — the kind of place you might walk past without a second thought. Then he compares that treasure to a pearl; not just any pearl, but one that can be recognized only if you’ve trained your eyes to see value where others see nothing special.

In other words, Jesus is describing a God who hides glory in plain sight — not to trick us, but to shape our hearts. The Kingdom isn’t flashy or obvious. It doesn’t sit on a pedestal with a spotlight and velvet rope. Instead, it’s tucked into the everyday: the kindness you didn’t expect; the forgiveness you didn’t think you could give; the quiet moment of peace that finds you; the person who shows up just when you’re falling apart; the grace that grows slowly — until one day you realize you’re not the same person you used to be.

The treasure is always there — but only the seekers find it. If you walk into a thrift store, convinced everything is junk, you’ll probably leave empty-handed. But if you enter with curiosity, hope, and a willingness to dig, you might discover something worth far more than you expected.

The Kingdom works the same way. Jesus isn’t praising the wealthy or the lucky — he’s praising the attentive. The ones who keep their hearts open. The ones who believe God hides holiness in the ordinary. The ones willing to “sell everything” — to let go of cynicism, fear, pride, or the need to control — to receive the deeper joy waiting underneath.

The Kingdom isn’t for the perfect; it’s for the persistent. It’s for people who keep showing up, keep looking, and keep believing that God is still at work — even when life feels like a clearance rack of disappointments.

And maybe that’s the real treasure: discovering God already present in the places we least expect — quietly waiting for us to notice.

P.S. For sale: one porcelain cat wearing a bonnet and holding a basket of strawberries. Purchased for $2.99 — now available for the bargain price of $10. 

The readings for Sunday, July 26, 2026, are available at Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB.

Local

By William Van de Planque | On Mission

OSHKOSH, WI – Fr. William J. Hower, a retired priest of the Diocese of Madison, died peacefully on July 3, 2026, at Aurora Medical Center–Oshkosh. He was born on March 30, 1939, to Elmer and Julia (Devereux) Hower. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Marguerite Hower. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, James and Rosemary Hower, as well as several nieces and nephews and their families, who cherish many fond memories of “Fur”.

Fr. Bill was raised in Chicago, where he graduated from Resurrection Parish School and Saint Ignatius College Prep. Following high school, he attended Saint Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee and was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1964, by the Most Rev. William P. O’Connor at the Cathedral of Saint Raphael in Madison.

He began his priestly ministry as associate pastor at Holy Mother of Consolation in Oregon (1964–1966), Saint Mary Parish in Janesville (1966–1968), Saint Bernard Parish in Madison (1968–1969), Saint Mary Parish in Platteville (1969–1973), Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Beloit (1973–1975), and Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in Madison (1975–1978). In 1978, he was appointed pastor of Saint Francis de Sales Parish in Hazel Green, his first pastorate, where he faithfully served until 1982. He later served as pastor of Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Berlin (1982–1990), Saint Jerome Parish in Columbus (1990–2000), and Saint Joseph Parish in Edgerton (2000–2007), retiring from active parish ministry in 2007.

Retirement did not diminish Fr. Bill’s dedication to the priesthood. From 2007 to 2017, he served as an Outreach Preacher with Cross Catholic Outreach, accepting preaching assignments in parishes from New England to the Hawaiian Islands. He also continued to assist parishes throughout the Dioceses of Madison and Green Bay whenever needed, celebrating Mass and providing sacramental ministry up until his last days. He especially looked forward to celebrating Mass with the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother in Oshkosh, who selected him to serve as their regular confessor.

Always a priest first, Fr. Bill remained active in the communities he served throughout his life. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus in 1964 and went on to serve as Fourth Degree Chaplain and Wisconsin State Chaplain. In 1971, while serving in Platteville, he also joined the Elks. For 15 years (2009-2024), Fr. Bill volunteered to celebrate Sunday Mass for the aviation enthusiasts at the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Convention.

In addition to his priestly ministry, Fr. Bill proudly served in the Wisconsin Air National Guard from 1976 to 1999, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military assignments took him to bases throughout the continental United States as well as England, the Azores, Spain, Italy, France, and Cuba.

His sense of humor and his love of music and people were integral to who he was. He will be missed by many.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Edgerton on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The Most Reverend Father Donald J. Hying, Bishop of Madison, will celebrate the Holy Mass with the Reverend Father David Carrano as homilist.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service to conclude the visitation, and again on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.

Burial will follow the Mass in St. Joseph Cemetery, Edgerton. Apfel Ehlert Funeral Home, Edgerton is assisting the family. For on-line condolences: www.apfelfuneral.com.PPLETON, WI — Fr. John Kleinschmidt, who has served at Sacred Heart Parish in Appleton as administrator since 2024, was installed as pastor of the parish by Bishop David Ricken on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

In a letter given to the parish when he first arrived, Fr. Kleinschmidt wrote, “The Sacred Heart of Jesus has infinite treasures of graces that he yearns to pour into trusting, open hearts, and I am excited to journey with all of you to discover how our Lord Jesus wants to continue to reveal the Father’s love to each of us.”

In his homily, Bishop Ricken spoke about the importance of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially during the month of June, celebrated in the Church as the month of the Sacred Heart. 

This June, the bishops of the United States also gathered together to consecrate the entire nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, ahead of its 250th anniversary celebrations.

Fr. Kleinschmidt grew up in Oneida and Onalaska, and after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, he answered God’s call to attend seminary. 

He was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota, in 2002 and spent the first 12 years of his priestly ministry serving at a parish of the same name as the one of which he is now pastor.

Fr. Kleinschmidt served at Sacred Heart Parish in Minto, North Dakota, and at St. Stanislaus Parish in Warsaw, North Dakota, until 2016, after which he was assigned to Most Precious Blood Parish in New London and St. Patrick Parish in Lebanon.

By William Van de Planque | On Mission

APPLETON, WI — Fr. John Kleinschmidt, who has served at Sacred Heart Parish in Appleton as administrator since 2024, was installed as pastor of the parish by Bishop David Ricken on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

In a letter given to the parish when he first arrived, Fr. Kleinschmidt wrote, “The Sacred Heart of Jesus has infinite treasures of graces that he yearns to pour into trusting, open hearts, and I am excited to journey with all of you to discover how our Lord Jesus wants to continue to reveal the Father’s love to each of us.”

In his homily, Bishop Ricken spoke about the importance of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially during the month of June, celebrated in the Church as the month of the Sacred Heart. 

This June, the bishops of the United States also gathered together to consecrate the entire nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, ahead of its 250th anniversary celebrations.

Fr. Kleinschmidt grew up in Oneida and Onalaska, and after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, he answered God’s call to attend seminary. 

He was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota, in 2002 and spent the first 12 years of his priestly ministry serving at a parish of the same name as the one of which he is now pastor.

Fr. Kleinschmidt served at Sacred Heart Parish in Minto, North Dakota, and at St. Stanislaus Parish in Warsaw, North Dakota, until 2016, after which he was assigned to Most Precious Blood Parish in New London and St. Patrick Parish in Lebanon.

By Madalaine Elhabbal

Local parishes and Catholic nonprofits have mobilized across Venezuela to support earthquake victims, working alongside the U.S. government as it continues to expand disaster assistance. Read more at EWTN News.

A deeper look at Pope Leo’s encyclical: Catholic social teaching’s purpose in AI age

By Fr. Thomas Reese

This is the first of a series of columns by Jesuit Fr. Thomas Reese on Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. This piece focuses on the introduction and Chapter 1.

In his new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), Pope Leo XIV says that humanity faces a choice: Will it “construct a new Tower of Babel” or “build the city in which God and humanity dwell together”? Will it create a “place where the dignity of every person is safeguarded, justice is promoted and fraternity is made possible” or will it create “an inhumane and more unjust world”? Read more at the National Catholic Register.

By Lyn Zahorik | For on Mission

Some days—if we’re honest—it feels like misery surrounds us. We can be tempted to seek out the prophet Jonah and sit under a broom tree, waiting for things to get better. Life can feel deeply unfair.

A family barely holding things together suddenly loses everything in a house fire—the clothes, photos, the memories of a lifetime. A woman who has spent her life serving others—the one who brings casseroles, checks on neighbors, and remembers every birthday—is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Meanwhile, someone who already has more wealth than they could spend in ten lifetimes finds a way to gain even more… using methods that wouldn’t exactly pass a Ten Commandments ethics test.

In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus, seems to ensure misery by saying: “To anyone who has, more will be given… and from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

At first glance, that doesn’t sound like the kind of message you would expect from someone whose life inspired “WWJD” bracelets. It might seem harsh, almost unfair. But Jesus is speaking about something deeper—about the inner life, about the heart’s capacity to receive and respond to grace.

We actually understand this in everyday, often unconscious, terms. Muscles grow when we use them; they weaken when we don’t. Skills sharpen with practice and fade with neglect. Jesus is pointing to this same truth, only within the soul.

If there is even a small openness—a mustard seed of willingness—God can work with that. A spark of compassion can grow into real generosity. A flicker of faith can become courage in the face of fear. A small desire to love can stretch the heart beyond anything we thought possible.

But the opposite is also true. If we cling to fear, bitterness, or cynicism—if we close ourselves off or refuse to risk love, even the little joy we have begins to fade. Not because God takes it away, but because we have closed the door of our own hearts to the grace that would help it grow.

Jesus’ invitation, then, is simple and deeply practical: use the grace you’ve been given. Don’t bury it. Don’t hide it. Let it breathe and grow through the choices you make each day, however small they may seem.

And here is deeper hope: Jesus never says we need to have (offer?) a lot. He simply asks that we have (offer?) something. Even the smallest “yes” is enough for God to begin working. Even the most fragile openness can become the starting point for transformation.

So, when life feels unfair—when the good suffer, when kindness goes unrewarded, when injustice seems to win—this is not the end of the story.

God’s work is not measured by who has the most, but by who remains open. And a heart that stays open, however wounded, however limited in its space—is a place where grace can take root, grow, and quietly begin to change the world.

The readings for Sunday, July 5th, 2026, can be found at Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary TIme | USCCB.