Stewardship 2024: Saints of Good Shepherd—Remembering Our Saints
In a personal reflection on contemplating the small “S” saints of Good Shepherd, my focus was on those parishioners who have passed away in the last year and are listed on the remembrance board on the south side of the church. There were a few names I did not recognize, and there were many names who were familiar, but I did not know personally. There are also names of people I knew and helped shape me and the parish in our growth. I would like to give my personal story how these individuals contributed to the parish.
I first remember John Gibbs as a pioneer in the parish as he went through the lay ministry program in the 80’s. Many followed in his footsteps, giving Good Shepherd strong leadership from within the parish. Later, I would stand next to John in the funeral choir, and though he didn’t care one bit the difference between an eighth note and a sixteenth note, he sang with gusto. He also made several beautiful wooden oak stands that are used on the altar.
Lolita Schneiders was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly for 16 years. Her late husband Don was a past trustee of Good Shepherd, and Lolita continued to take active role in monitoring the parish’s finances, in particular her passion for the Eschweiler New Century Fund. Not only did she give many years of service to the Menomonee Falls community, she shared a loved for the Good Shepherd community.
George Koleas was a member of both the Pastoral Council and Finance Council the last several years. I was blessed to serve with him on the FC and gained from the knowledge he shared of the business world. He led a committee to oversee the updating of the personnel handbook and in the hiring process of several employees. He was a stickler for detail, and made sure that all commission meetings were well documented.
John Lietzau was a charter member of Good Shepherd and for years was an active communion minister. I am thankful for the commitment all charter members made with their vision of Good Shepherd as we celebrate the mission of our parish – to be a welcoming, caring community that is nourished by joyful, spirit filled liturgies, as we accept and love all people and reach out with active concern to those in need.
I remember these individuals with fond memories, and I’m grateful for their contributions to the Good Shepherd community and to me individually. I invite you to read all the names on the remembrance board and thank the saints who impacted the lives of so many – family, friends, co-workers, and fellow parishioners. Maybe you didn’t know them personally, but we as a parish have been blessed because of them. O Holy saints of God, pray for us.
Jane Goesch – Stewardship Commission