"Growing Together in Faith"
- St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish
838 Fremont Street Stevens Point, WI 54481
Following are some thoughts from Jerry Willkom about the recent transition in the Faith
Formation department: The first half appeared in the October parish newsletter, and his article
appears here in it's entirety.
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord…” [Jeremiah 29:11]
Since retiring from St. Stan’s as Director of Faith Formation in 2001, I have found the Holy Spirit directing me along
some really interesting, difficult, and sometimes rewarding new paths. I hadn’t, in fact, given much thought to
undertaking any particular role in the parish Faith Formation Program. That changed rapidly on a beautiful morning
in early July when I received a phone call from Bob Rogers, president of the Parish Pastoral Council. Somehow I got
the feeling this wasn’t a purely social call. Boy, was I right! Bob explained that Father George was looking for
someone to fill in as temporary D.F.F. until a permanent director could be found. “Would you be interested in the
temporary position?” Bob asked.
After discussing the matter with my live-in consultant (wife, Kathy), I called Bob back and told him I would be happy to
speak with Father George. In no time at all I found myself in very familiar surroundings: the Faith Formation Office.
WOW – déjà vu!
I have spent the past several weeks sorting and organizing materials, contacting teachers, registering students…and
hopefully laying the groundwork for a successful new Faith Formation year.
I believe St. Stan’s Parish is truly fortunate to be welcoming Deb Spang as our new Director of Faith Formation. In
the short time I’ve worked with Deb, I have found her to be well-grounded spiritually, and extremely competent, wise,
and compassionate – a real “people person.” Deb may feel slightly overwhelmed by the task before her, but I am
confident that she is not only willing but able to do whatever it takes to develop a top-notch Faith Formation Program
at St. Stan’s.
One area that Deb and I have been focusing on is Confirmation. Many aren’t aware of it, but there is a tremendous
amount of time and effort involved in preparing for the sacrament. For example, during the months of September
and October, the candidates (i.e., students) will have participated in two classes, chosen a Confirmation name,
written a letter to the Bishop, completed and turned in their service hours, experienced a day-long retreat at St.
Anthony’s, and had an interview with the pastor. On the morning of October 31st, the candidates will practice for the
big event later in the day. They will receive the sacrament of Confirmation along with the candidates from Newman
University Parish at the 5:00 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph Convent Chapel.
Preparation for the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and First Reconciliation will demand an equal amount of
time and energy, as will RCIA and the general responsibility for supervising the Faith Formation Program. I am
confident that Deb will do an amazing job with all of them.
I want to thank Father George and Bob Rogers for offering me this challenging opportunity. It has indeed been a
privilege to play a small part in cultivating the faith life of the Christian community here at St. Stanislaus. I will retire
once again, but be assured I will not fade into the sunset. I know the Lord has more plans for me…
~By Jerry Willkom
Formation department: The first half appeared in the October parish newsletter, and his article
appears here in it's entirety.
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord…” [Jeremiah 29:11]
Since retiring from St. Stan’s as Director of Faith Formation in 2001, I have found the Holy Spirit directing me along
some really interesting, difficult, and sometimes rewarding new paths. I hadn’t, in fact, given much thought to
undertaking any particular role in the parish Faith Formation Program. That changed rapidly on a beautiful morning
in early July when I received a phone call from Bob Rogers, president of the Parish Pastoral Council. Somehow I got
the feeling this wasn’t a purely social call. Boy, was I right! Bob explained that Father George was looking for
someone to fill in as temporary D.F.F. until a permanent director could be found. “Would you be interested in the
temporary position?” Bob asked.
After discussing the matter with my live-in consultant (wife, Kathy), I called Bob back and told him I would be happy to
speak with Father George. In no time at all I found myself in very familiar surroundings: the Faith Formation Office.
WOW – déjà vu!
I have spent the past several weeks sorting and organizing materials, contacting teachers, registering students…and
hopefully laying the groundwork for a successful new Faith Formation year.
I believe St. Stan’s Parish is truly fortunate to be welcoming Deb Spang as our new Director of Faith Formation. In
the short time I’ve worked with Deb, I have found her to be well-grounded spiritually, and extremely competent, wise,
and compassionate – a real “people person.” Deb may feel slightly overwhelmed by the task before her, but I am
confident that she is not only willing but able to do whatever it takes to develop a top-notch Faith Formation Program
at St. Stan’s.
One area that Deb and I have been focusing on is Confirmation. Many aren’t aware of it, but there is a tremendous
amount of time and effort involved in preparing for the sacrament. For example, during the months of September
and October, the candidates (i.e., students) will have participated in two classes, chosen a Confirmation name,
written a letter to the Bishop, completed and turned in their service hours, experienced a day-long retreat at St.
Anthony’s, and had an interview with the pastor. On the morning of October 31st, the candidates will practice for the
big event later in the day. They will receive the sacrament of Confirmation along with the candidates from Newman
University Parish at the 5:00 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph Convent Chapel.
Preparation for the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and First Reconciliation will demand an equal amount of
time and energy, as will RCIA and the general responsibility for supervising the Faith Formation Program. I am
confident that Deb will do an amazing job with all of them.
I want to thank Father George and Bob Rogers for offering me this challenging opportunity. It has indeed been a
privilege to play a small part in cultivating the faith life of the Christian community here at St. Stanislaus. I will retire
once again, but be assured I will not fade into the sunset. I know the Lord has more plans for me…
~By Jerry Willkom