Vol. 26 | Issue 2 Summer 2017

Postcards from Poland

ilwaukee Catholic Home’s second pilgrimage was a success! Over 40 friends of the organization joined MCH Board MMember Emeritus Fr. Tim Kitzke on a 13-day trip to Poland and Prague, visiting sites of historic and spiritual interest while also having plenty of fun.

Inside this issue, enjoy photos and stories of the pilgrims’ adventures.

Welcome Fr. Dominic Thomas!

Fr. Dominic Thomas with Archbishop Jerome Listecki

As we continue to express our gratitude to Fr. Chuck Keefe for his twenty-five years of service to Milwaukee Catholic Home, we are excited to welcome Fr. Dominic Thomas, the new chaplain who will be joining our community at the end Continue reading on page 4 of October. Please welcome and pray for Fr. Thomas as he prepares for this new opportunity to serve God’s people at Milwaukee Catholic Home. 2462 N. Prospect Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53211 Continue reading on page 3 www.milwaukeecatholichome.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Mr. William E. Hughes

Vice President Mr. David Weiss Secretary from the CEO... Sr. Debra Sciano, SSND In this issue of Focus, we have the Treasurer opportunity to introduce you to our Mr. David Laske new chaplain, Fr. Dominic Thomas, Directors who will be welcomed to our Mr. Patrick Cannon community after Fr. Chuck Keefe’s Mr. John M. Cary retirement at the end of October. As Ms. Bridget Coffey the Archdiocese of Milwaukee faces Mr. Bob DeVita the often daunting task of meeting Ms. Joan Feiereisen, Adjunct Fr. Timothy Kitzke, Emeritus the Church’s varied needs with Mr. Gary D. Mahkorn limited resources, the assignment Ms. Romy McCarthy, Adjunct of Fr. Thomas to full-time service Home friends on a trip that was Ms. Sarah Oberhofer, Adjunct at Milwaukee Catholic Home is a fun and enriching, with a wealth of Mr. Jim Parks validation of the importance of our meaningful moments that helped Mr. Michael Peer ministry and the community of faith Dr. Linda Ward, MD us grow in camraderie and faith. that we have built. We have served Chief Executive Officer the people of God in the Catholic Our ongoing commitment is to Mr. David Fulcher tradition for over 100 years, and continue to support those we it is affirming to have this service serve in every aspect of their Nursing Home Administrator honored with such a commitment Mr. Patrick Shaughnessy well-being, including the spiritual, from the Archbishop. to provide the opportunity for a FOCUS is published by Milwaukee full and connected life. There are Our community of faith and the Catholic Home, a continuing care many ways to feed the soul, and faith-building experiences we offer retirement community and can we want our residents and friends extend beyond our campus at also be viewed online at of all faiths to have access to all of www.milwaukeecatholichome.org 2462 and 2330 North Prospect them! Through the variety of rich Avenue. This can be seen in our experiences we offer at Milwaukee If you would prefer to have your relationships with faith-based name removed from our mailing Catholic Home, we will continue partners such as the Riverwest list, please email us at to extend our community and the Food Pantry and the Franciscan [email protected] reach of our mission. As always, Friars, and is especially evident or call 414.224.9700 thank you for your prayers, support, as we tell the stories of our recent and participation in this work. Editor: Therese Goode pilgrimage to Poland and the [email protected] Czech Republic. Fr. Tim Kitzke led David Fulcher, CEO our group of Milwaukee Catholic

2 | Milwaukee Catholic Home Getting To Know Fr. Dominic Thomas

Fr. Dominic Thomas, MCBS, was born and raised in Kerala, India. He was ordained to the Priesthood on May 7, 1987, as a member of the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

Initially, Fr. Thomas served in India as a procurator, rector, and teacher at the Minor Seminary while earning college Former Wisconsin Governor Martin J. Schreiber degrees in Philosophy, Arts, and Theology and a master’s and with his wife, Elaine licentiate in Indian Philosophy.

In 1997, Fr. Thomas came to the United States, serving as MCH Spends an associate pastor in New York and Connecticut, followed by a year-long stint in Ireland. He also earned an additional an Evening degree in Moral Theology from Yale University. Governor Schreiberwith In 2004, Fr. Thomas was called to serve in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, first in West Allis and then Kenosha. In June of In June, MCH hosted a special event 2015, after serving 10 years in the Milwaukee Archdiocese, with former Wisconsin Governor Martin Fr. Thomas was again called to relocate to St. Bernadette J. Schreiber. Governor Schreiber shared mission parish in Butner, North Carolina. After serving as lessons from his more-than 10-year Administrator there for one year, he is now back in Southeastern journey as a caregiver for his wife, Elaine, Wisconsin, at St. Benedict Parish in Fontana, WI. who lives with Alzheimer’s disease. The event was part of the Alzheimer’s Fr. Thomas was asked whether it’s difficult to frequently Association’s “Longest Day” initiative, a relocate and serve in different places, leaving family and fund and awareness raising effort centered good friends. His reply was, “I bloom where I am planted.” around the longest day of the year.

Fr. Thomas looks forward The evening began with a special to helping strengthen fundraising dinner, which grossed over the Milwaukee Catholic $1,000 in support of the Alzheimer’s Home community through Association. Following dinner, Governor sacramental ministries, Schreiber gave a talk, candidly describing one-on-one interactions, the challenges of being an Alzheimer’s and ministering to our caregiver, and how compassion and humor residents and their can provide comfort and strength both to families. ■ the caregiver and the person being cared for. He also signed copies of his book, My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Carevgiver.

To learn more about Governor Schreiber’s Fr. Dominic Thomas work, visit mytwoelaines.com. ■

Milwaukee Catholic Home | 3 Postcards from Poland From May 16th-28th, Fr. Tim Kitzke led a group of Milwaukee Catholic Home friends on a pilgrimage to Poland and Prague. 43 individuals participated in the trip, enjoying good food, beautiful architecture, rich history, spiritual growth, and strong community. On these pages, we share just a few of the many stories of our European adventure.

Warsaw May 16-18 Warsaw, our first stop in Poland was rich with history, architecture and art! We explored the streets of Old Town, visited sites such as the Royal Castle and St. John’s Cathedral, and spent some time among the gardens and monuments of Lazienki Park. A highlight of our time in Warsaw was a visit to the Warsaw Zoo and the Villa Zabinskich, two locations featured in the book The Zookeeper’s Wife, which we read and discussed together in preparation for our trip.

Niepokalanow, Czestochowa, Zakopane May 19-20 This series of stops included many shrines and holy places, where we learned new things about the history of the Catholic Church in Poland. In Czestochowa, we visited the Jasna Gora, the largest Marian Shrine in Poland and the home of the “Black Madonna,” a famous image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the beautiful city of Zakopane, known as Poland’s “winter capital,” we enjoyed the mountain vistas where St. John Paul II enjoyed hiking, skiing, and leading Krakow May 21-22 youth camping trips In Krakow, we visited Wieliczka, the during his early years oldest salt mine in Europe. Wieliczka is an as a priest. A scenic elaborate underground world of chapels, gondola ride took statues and decorations carved entirely us to the top of Mt. from salt. We also continued to follow in Gubalowka! St. John Paul II’s footsteps, visiting the Wawel Cathedral where he celebrated his first Mass and other places where he lived and worked. We also did some shopping at Market Square, one of the largest medieval outdoor markets in Europe.

4 | Milwaukee Catholic Home Our pilgrimage to Poland was not so much a trip as a true spiritual journey and fun adventure! As we progressed we grew in our fascination with the beauty, history, culture, and people of the new places we were seeing. And we grew in our love for God and those with whom we were traveling. Many thanks and blessings to the Catholic Home for sponsoring the trip. You were always in our hearts and prayers! --Fr. Tim Kitzke

The Saints of Poland May 23-24 From our home base in Krakow, we took a number of day trips and learned about the holy Polish men and women who have inspired the Church and the world. We celebrated Mass at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy and visited the original burial site of St. Faustina. In Wadowice, St. John Paul II’s hometown, we visited his childhood home and the church where he was baptized. We also spent time at Auschwitz, which gave us the opportunity to reflect both on the horrors of the Holocaust and the courage and self-sacrifice of saints such as St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Theresa Benedicta.

Prague May 25-28 Our time in the historic and picturesque city of Prague included stops at notable sites such as the statue- lined Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square, and the Jewish Quarter. We also enjoyed a cruise on the Vltava River. We brought our time together to a close with a gala dinner at famed Czech restaurant Velika Klasterny, including delicious traditional fare and a program of folk song and dance.

Milwaukee Catholic Home | 5 Gifts from the heart Milwaukee Catholic Home gratefully acknowledges our generous benefactors. Gifts of cash, property, securities, bequests, and other gifts assist us in providing outstanding retirement and health care services for our residents. We encourage gifts in memory or honor of a loved one. We will be happy to notify the individual or family member of your generosity. To learn more about giving opportunities, please contact Caitlin Elftman at 414-220-3213.

The following gifts were received between February 1, 2017 and June 30, 2017

♦ Indicates a donor who is deceased Mrs. Anita Heimsch • Miss Marie C. Hasenoehrl at the time of publication. • Ms. Moira A. Desch • Mr. and Mrs. Steve Helfer • Georgetown Association Inc. • Mrs. Jean Jermain IN MEMORY OF… • Mr. and Mrs. Tony Haska • Mr. William M. Jermain III • Mr. and Mrs. Gregory G. Herrick • Mr. Jim Wudi Mrs. Kay Anderson • Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kilmartin • Mrs. Janet K. Zoltan • Mr. Thomas C. Anderson • Ms. Catherine Miller • Ms. Stacey Williams Mrs. Mary O’Neil Mrs. Theresa Anderson • Mr. Edward F. Kelly • Bank Mutual Ms. Oza Holmes • Mr. Richard T. Block • Komen Wisconsin Affiliate Mrs. Adrienne Parsons • Community Financial Bank • Mr. and Mrs. Philip T. Saunders • The Buckley School • Mr. B.J. Krenzke and Mr. Ken • Ms. Audrey A. Mann Krenzke Mr. William M. Jermain Jr. • Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. • Mr. William M. Jermain III Mrs. Irene Pavlik Lampshire • Ms. Joanne C. Cupery • Ms. Joyce L. Martin Mrs. Lorraine Kleczka • Ms. Michelle Dambeck • Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore Natoli • Mr. Raymond L. Larson • Mr. Charles Donohoe • Mr. John R. Silbernagel • Ms. Helen Gilles • Ms. Ann M. Thomas Mr. Jim Laing • Mr. and Mrs. Charles Guenette • Mrs. Joan K. Brenk • Mr. Thomas Guenette Mrs. Marge Biller • Ms. Donna Graebel • Mr. Martin J. Biller Mr. Gordon Lindemann • Ms. MaryAnn Groebner • Mr. Walter E. Dyer • Ms. Mary Beth Holloway Mrs. Delphine M. Cannon • Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Maclay • Mr. Jeffrey R. Javorek • Mr. and Mrs. Patrick M. Cannon • Mr. Raymond L. Pfarr • Ms. Nancy Johannsen • Mr. Edward Kaminsky Mr. Brian Cinesi Ms. Gertrude Mulaney and Mrs. • Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. • Mrs. Regina Cinesi Bernice McLaughlin Lacourciere • Ms. Kathleen Mulaney • Mr. Chris Lambach Mrs. Isabel D. Gill • Ms. Charlene Lettrari • Mr. and Mrs. David D. Gill Mrs. Jeanne Normoyle • Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Matic • Mr. Thomas C. Anderson • Mr. James Reesman Mrs. Victoria Greif • Mrs. Joan K. Brenk • Ms. Mary Ann Schoenwetter • Mrs. Carol Greif-Schuele • Ms. Joan Gucciardi • Mr. J.R. Thielen

6 | Milwaukee Catholic Home • Mrs. Diane R. Thompson • Mr. Robert L. Connors PASTORAL CARE FUND • Ms. Sheila J. VanderSanden • Ms. Marie Dupuis • Mrs. Janet M. Carter • Mr. Robert Windler • Mr. Guy Engelhardt • Mrs. Lorraine Salamun • Mr. John W. Ewart • Mr. Jim Wudi Dr. Robert R. Rice and Miss Evelyn • Mrs. Margaret J. Fennig M. Rice • Mr. Bernard A. Flatley RECOMMITMENT TO THE • Mrs. Patricia Rice • Mr. Edmund S. Fleming COMMUNITY • Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Fromm • Ms. Marie L. Tandy THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION • Ms. Joan Gucciardi • Mrs. Linda Cardinale • Mrs. Ann F. Helfer UNRESTRICTED • Mr. and Mrs. David Fulcher • Mrs. Winnie R. Huebsch • Anonymous • Mrs. Trudy Klapperich • Mrs. Jean D. Huyler • Mr. Marc Anderson • Mrs. Anne Mayock • Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Kliesmet • BMO Harris Bank • Mrs. Elaine N. Peterson • Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Kloehn • Mrs. Joan K. Brenk • Ms. Pamela Knackert • Mr. John P. Gargulak BENEVOLENT CARE ENDOWMENT • Mrs. Patricia Laing • Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Hanley • Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Regner • Mr. and Mrs. Raymond M. • IBM International Foundation Lauerman • Mrs. Carolyn M. Jahn BENEVOLENT CARE FUND • Mrs. Mary Mahler • Ms. Sharyn D. Johnson • Anonymous • Mrs. William Moser • Mrs. Trudy Klapperich • Mrs. Lorraine Salamun • Mrs. Therese Ninneman • Mr. James R. McCulloch • Ms. Sheila O’Connor • Mr. and Mrs. James Papin CORPORATE DUES 2017 • Mr. and Mrs. James Parks • Mr. A. Darrell Schwoch • Mrs. Therese Ninneman • The Frank and Mary Prochazka • Mr. Jim Wudi Trust • Mrs. Janet Zoltan FINE ARTS FUND • Mrs. Rosemary Roessler • Mr. Thomas J. Bliffert • Mrs. Loretta Schomisch Milwaukee Catholic Home sincerely • Dr. Michael S. DeWan, DDS • Mr. A. Darrell Schwoch appreciates your gifts. Every effort • Fr. James Gannon, OFM • Mrs. Frank J. Schwoegler is made to acknowledge all donors • Groth Design Group • Mr. William J. Shaw correctly. If you name was omitted or • Marsh & McLennan Agency • Mrs. Barbara Spalda listed incorrectly, please accept our • Spectrum Wealth Advisors • Mrs. Marjorie Steinmetz apologies and call Caitlin Elftman at • Vitas Hospice Services, LLC • Mrs. Susan Stinson 414.220.3213 so we can correct our • Mr. Jim Wudi • Dr. and Mrs. Gilbert Walter records. • Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Wichert FITNESS CENTER FUND • Mr. Jim Wudi Resident Sue Armstrong and daughters • Miss Marie H. Hasenoehrl Margaret Schueller and Ellen Vebber.

FRANCISCAN FRIARS FUND • Ray and Kay Eckstein Charitable Trust

THE FR. CHARLES R. KEEFE CHAPLAINCY ENDOWMENT FUND • Dr. and Mrs. James L. Algiers • Mrs. Mary Kay Bertha • Mr. Martin J. Biller • Mrs. Rosemary Cole ♦ • Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Collins

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