St. Denis Catholic Parish - Shiocton, WI

Over the last 6 1/2 years I've been at St. Denis & St. Patrick I have had some challenges along the way. One area that has consistently not gone as well as I would have hoped is hiring and retaining staff members. While each person and each circumstance is different, I've been taking a look at how I have contributed to when past relationships haven't worked out for our parishes. It is an area I still want to grow in. As it stands right now, our staff is doing well, and I’m appreciative of all of those who I work closely with. Yet, I don’t want to get stuck in any negative cycles again. As I am coming up
on 10 years as a priest, I have many decades to continue to serve.
Beginning after Christmas, I'm going to take 10 to 11 weeks away from St. Denis & St. Patrick to work on growth in my pastoring skills, personal renewal, and continuing formation. It is an opportunity for me to engage in professional development in both a class and retreat setting. I'll be away from Monday, January 5 through Saturday, March 21. I’m grateful for this time to grow, so that I can return stronger, and ready to continue to serve.
During this time away, Fr. Andrew Kurz, a priest of our diocese who is wrapping up a special assignment as a Jubilee Year confessor, will be taking over the priest's schedule. He will be living here in the rectory.
I’m grateful to have Father Kurz here, especially because he is a faithful priest with a reverence for the sacraments who is a good teacher as well.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
- Fr. Michael

Christmas Eve  |  Wednesday, December 24th
4 PM St. Denis  |  6:30 PM St. Patrick

Christmas  |  December 25th
12 AM Midnight St. Patrick  |  10 AM St. Denis

Mary Mother of God Holy Day of Obligation  |  January 1st
10 AM St. Denis  |  12 PM Noon St. Patrick