The Compass

Weekly Bible study program held to observe Year of Faith

GREEN BAY — It was a simple question placed in the bulletins of St. Matthew Parish in Green Bay and St. Francis Xavier Parish in De Pere. "Do you have a plan to strengthen your faith during this Year of Faith, as proclaimed by the Holy Father?"

That question served as an invitation and introduction to a Bible study program called "A Quick Journey Through the Bible" that began Monday, March 4, at St. Matthew Church and continues through Monday, April 29. When Roseann and Bill Dichraff of St. Matthew Parish proposed doing the eight-part Bible overview, Mike Westenberg, director of religious education at St. Matthew Parish, was gracious, the couple says, in helping them plan and organize the series.

NEENAH — What girl doesn't love to dress up?

And who doesn't like tea? St. Margaret Mary Parish in Neenah combined the two, along with a craft sale weekend, to offer a "Tea and Saris" event April 13.

April 13 ceremony features one of largest groups in years

APPLETON — Patriotism is part of the life blood of Vietnam War veteran Mike Bushman of Neenah.

But Bushman, 65, a devout Catholic, more than 30 years ago laid aside the fighting sword of the U.S. Marine Corps to help needy Neenah and Menasha residents fight their own battles and life challenges with hunger and to help the church as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

NEENAH — Shawn Van Linn held the World War II-era Sunbeam Mixmaster stand mixer in his hand like a father protecting a child as he gazed nearby store shelves searching for other vintage kitchen machines.

A veteran thrift store shopper, Van Linn joined hundreds of other shoppers who braved cold winds mixed with freezing rain to be among the first to visit the new St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Neenah.