Category: General

Originally published by On Mission

By Jeff Kurowski | On Mission
APPLETON — Imagine having the opportunity to live and learn in a country at the top of your list, but to do so, you need to leave your family and homeland amidst a war.

Annychka Pasichnyk of Lviv, Ukraine, attended Xavier High School in Appleton this past school year through the Global Outreach Catholic Exchange Program. She will return to Xavier in August for her senior year. That was the situation for Annychka Pasichnyk of Lviv, Ukraine. She ultimately decided to come to the United States as part of the Global Outreach Catholic Exchange Program, arriving last August to attend Xavier High School in Appleton.

Participating in a Catholic Exchange Program

Since 1991, the Global Outreach Catholic Exchange Program has brought more than 630 Catholic high school students to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Nebraska. With the assistance of host families, this past school year the program welcomed 23 students from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine who are committed to Global Outreach’s mission and vision “to build a civilization of love as young, dynamic Catholic servant leaders.” Pasichnyk, who attended Xavier as a junior this past school year, first learned about Global Outreach through a Ukrainian friend who is an alum of the program.

“She told me that I can go to summer camp to experience what it’s like,” said Pasichnyk. “I went to Hungary with my mom. I really didn’t know what I was doing, but I said, ‘Mom, I have to do this.’ I felt like I was meant to do it. I went there and I loved the people right away.”

“The spirit (at the summer camp) was so beautiful,” she added. “It was important that it’s a Catholic program because I’m from a Catholic school. I was kind of lost in my faith in Ukraine. I wanted to go to the U.S. to experience that through this program. I applied after the summer camp and I was accepted.”

Traveling 6,000 Miles From Home

Pasichnyk, the youngest of four daughters in her family, said she knew it would be difficult on her mother, Olsya, for her to be 6,000 miles away from home.

“I lived with my mom. My dad (Anatoliy) is in the military with Ukraine,” she said. “It was hard for her because she’s used to having me there. I would go everywhere with her. She prayed for a good host family for me.”

Pasichnyk recalls receiving a letter from her host family, Dan and Rebecca Barfknecht of St. Thomas More Parish in Appleton. When they met in person, she said it was an immediate connection.

“I was so happy. I loved them right away,” said Pasichnyk. “When I saw (Rebecca) in real life, we hugged. My host dad said that it was going to be fine and we were meant for each other.”
Pasichnyk said that she initially struggled with her new surroundings and was also concerned about the safety of her family.

Watching television news reports and then hearing the air alarms and sirens due to the Russian invasion in her homeland brought a sense of fear, she said. Pasichnyk explained that even though Lviv is “far from the front of the war,” the city has taken military hits by Russia in its attempt to cut off energy sources.

Adjusting to Xavier High School, Appleton

Developing friendships was difficult in the first couple months at school, said Pasichnyk.

“Going to another continent without knowing anybody to build a life is hard,” she said. “English was hard. I got better, but I was struggling a lot. God was there for me. I prayed and prayed and prayed. I wanted friends right away, but it’s not like that. Friendship is a process. I needed to accept that and go forward with God. When you feel lonely, he’s always there.”

Pasichnyk, who participated in cross country and basketball at Xavier, credits her teachers for guiding her during her experience at Xavier.

“The teachers are so nice. You can basically talk to them like a friend,” she said. “In Europe, students are scared of teachers sometimes. Teachers here are glad to help you. I struggled with essays. I didn’t really know how to do that. Teachers helped me a lot.”

As far as some of her cultural experiences in the United States., Pasichnyk said that she doesn’t like American restaurant food, so she’s grateful that her host family cooked meals.
She said she was also surprised that high school students drive cars.

“You cannot get to another place without a car. People at age 16 drive a car. In Ukraine, you have to be 18,” she said. “I used to walk a lot. I would go to my school and to town. My city is super old. It’s super different from Appleton. There’s like one million people. I’m a big city girl.”

Growing in Faith at TEC 282, Green Bay

Attending Mass each Sunday at St. Thomas More Parish with her host family was important, said Pasichnyk, who belongs to a Greek Catholic Church in Lviv. She said that she also grew in her faith through a Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) retreat experience at St. Joseph Parish in Green Bay. Several Global Outreach students participated in the retreat.

“TEC was one of the best experiences of my entire life,” she said. “I got the opportunity to meet people from different places. It was like a deeper faith experience.” Pasichnyk said that she received her first English Bible at the TEC retreat.

Advocating for the People of Ukraine

Throughout all her school and life experiences here, her family and the people of Ukraine were on her mind and in her heart, she said. She made a video about her life in her home city, which included photos, for Xavier students, staff and faculty. Cookie sales were also held at the school to raise money for Ukraine.

“I want to do more,” said Pasichnyk. “I heard about some Ukrainians here in Appleton, so I would like to get involved.” She will have that opportunity this next school year because, due to the war in Ukraine, Pasichnyk will spend her senior year at Xavier through Global Outreach. She said that she plans to go to college in the United States.

Pasichnyk returned to Ukraine on June 15 and will travel to Krzeszowic, Poland, to attend the Global Outreach summer camp July 7-13. Giving back to the program is important, she said. Pasichnyk will serve as a mentor for a 2024-2025 Global Outreach exchange student from the Czech Republic.

She said that she doesn’t know what the future holds for her home country and hopes that people around the world keep Ukrainians in their thoughts and prayers.
“It means so much, not just for me, but for everyone,” she said. “Prayers are so important for Ukrainians. It’s something special.”

For more information about the Global Outreach Catholic Exchange Program, visit Global Outreach Catholic Exchange Program | Oshkosh, WI (globaloutreachprogram.com).

Originally Published in Green Bay Parish Neighbors West, published by Decided Excellence Catholic Media

As a caregiver working three jobs, Brittany Dulak spends long hours helping others. She has been a personal care worker for a boy with multiple disabilities for the past 13 years. Additionally, she has worked as a certified nursing assistant in the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Unit at Woodside Lutheran Home for 10 years. Then, two years ago, she started working as a support staff member at Bridge the Gap, a daily living skills center for people with disabilities.

Healthcare is Her Ministry

But instead of viewing these caregiving roles as jobs, she sees them as her ministry. Through her long days and nights of caregiving, Brittany tries to emulate St. Teresa of Calcutta. Sometimes, Brittany feels St. Teresa’s presence guiding her as a caregiver, so it’s no surprise that St. Teresa is Brittany’s favorite saint. Brittany grew up Catholic, and Faith is a central part of her life.

“It has allowed me to discover my calling into being a caregiver and led me to my three jobs,” she said.

Active at Nativity Parish & TEC

Brittany has been a member of Nativity of Our Lord Parish for two years, and she sings in the parish choir, cantors, and serves as an aide for the Catechesis of the Good Shepard religious education classes. The parish is like another family to Brittany, and she has met many amazing people at the parish. She cherishes the relationships she has built at Nativity and also at Anchor of Hope TEC (Together Encountering Christ). TEC is a Catholic spiritual movement that flows from a dynamic retreat weekend into an intergenerational community of faith. While Brittany was in college at UW-Green Bay, she was struggling to get along with her roommate and was looking for a group of friends where she could just be herself. The music minister on campus introduced Brittany to Anchor of Hope TEC.

Feeling Christ’s Love in th TEC Community

“I was able to meet people who were learning to grow in their faith, both from the U.S. and around the world, who have become my faith family and support crew in my life journey,” Brittany said. “I can message any of them at any time, and they will stop-drop-and-pray with me.”

She feels Christ’s love through the TEC community’s prayers and relationships, and she found the strength she needed to handle the problems she was having with her roommate and other trials in life.

“I am now able to work the retreats and help others grow in their relationship with God, which is the best gift that I can give,” she said.

Volunteering for TEC & Camp Daniel

In addition to volunteering at TEC retreats, Brittany serves on the TEC Board of Directors. She also volunteers as a camp counselor at Camp Daniel, in Athelstane, Wisconsin. Camp Daniel provides people with disabilities opportunities for safe and fun Northwoods camping experiences. Brittany loves the outdoors and enjoys spending time at the family cabin in Three Lakes. She also enjoys singing, playing volleyball, reading, traveling, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. She has two cats, Cole and Riggs.

Kenosha Native Now Living in Green Bay

Brittany is a Kenosha native who graduated from Kenosha Tremper High School and UW-Green Bay with a major in Spanish and minors in Human Development and Mathematics. Her parents are Jeff and Elizabeth Dulak, and she has a brother, Matt, a sister, Stefanie (Nigel) Beknall, and two nieces, Amina and Hartley. Like St. Teresa of Calcutta, Brittany found her purpose in life by loving and caring for others. One of Brittany’s favorite quotes is this famous saying of St. Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.”

God is so good! We welcomed 33 to the TEC community at TEC 282 on Feb. 23-25, 2024. The retreat was held at St. Joseph Church & School, Quad Parishes, in Green Bay. After two postponements due to a lack of volunteers, TEC 282 gathered a full team. They put together a phenomenal retreat experience. Here are some of the highlights.

International Retreat & Prayers for Ukraine

TEC 282 had a distinct international feel to it. Not only did we have 15 Global Outreach students, we also had about 10 Hispanic teens from St. Peter and Paul, Weyauwega. One of the Global Outreach TECites was from the Ukraine. We marked the second anniversary since the start of the war with Russia. Listening to her talk about her dad in the military and her country in peril made a far-away, global problem much more personal. May God hear and answer our TEC 282 prayers for Ukraine. We continue to pray for a peaceful resolution and healing for this hurting nation.

Seminarians & Vocation Awareness

TEC 282 also had a vocational feel to it. The three seminarians in their Kairos year joined the team for supper and prayer on Thursday night. And as an added bonus, seminarian Matthew Schumacher was home from St. John Vianny College Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He presented a talk on Saturday night. What fun it was to hear him speak about the sock races during his TEC. On a more serious note, he talked about peace in the midst of suffering as he introduced the song “It is Well with My Soul.” He also shared memorable stories of his spring break trip and the peaceful spirit of St. Pope John Paul II.

Mountain Top & Lenten Journey

Making TEC 282 during Lent added a deeper religious meaning to the weekend. We prayed the Stations of the Cross and celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation – two Lenten practices. On Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguration. Our Spiritual Director, Fr. Kevin Ripley, compared our TEC weekend to the journey of Jesus, Peter, James, and John to the mountain top. The TEC teams and retreatants encountered our own mountain top experience. They left their daily lives behind to spend time with the Lord. Fr. Kevin reminded us that Jesus accompanied the apostles down the mountain top, just like Jesus accompanied us when we left TEC 282 to return home.

Retreat Led by Priests & Deacon

We were blessed to welcome Fr. Matt Colle to the TEC community as part-time Assistant Spiritual Director. Also, we were blessed to have Deacon John Bundra return to TEC as part-time Assistant Spiritual Director.

Families on Retreat & Back at Home

Several of our team left little kids at home to work TEC, and we are so grateful they answered the call to serve. Additionally, we’re grateful for the caregivers who cared for the kiddos during TEC 282. Special shout-out to Craig Majeski (TEC 282 Director), Amanda Gerrits, Danielle Taylor, and Alex and Isabelle Carroll. TEC is a family affair for many. It was a blessing to see several second-generation TECites making a retreat. What a blessing to see family members volunteering – husband and wife, mother and daughter, brother and sister, and parents and son. TEC 282 attracted volunteers from as far away as Madison, Rosholt, and Sturgeon Bay.

A Catholic Retreat to Remember

The final highlights of TEC 282 were the delicious shepherd’s pie made from the lovingly peeled 50 pounds of donated potatoes and a rousing rendition of “The Papayas” song. After two delays, TEC 282 occurred – in God’s time. May God continue to bless the TEC 282 team and TECites, walking with them down the mountain and wherever life takes them.

We welcome Mary Mondloch, Joan Koehne and Amanda Gerrits to TEC Board for 2023-25 and thank outgoing board members Jody Engebos and Ashley Prokash. The 3 newbies join Bruce McEwing, Katie Wanek, Carol McEwing, Brittany Dulak, and Kevin Smits. Rev. Kevin Ripley is Anchor of TEC’s spiritual director. Thank you all for your service and God bless you!

Meet the New TEC Board Members

Mary Mondloch

Parish: Our Lady of Lourdes, De Pere

Parish involvement: I am a young adult ministry coordinator at my church. I’ve chaperoned multiple mission trips through my parish. I also help out with Faith Formation on Wednesdays.

TEC involvement: I’ve been involved with TEC since I made my first one a few years ago. I’ve worked every TEC since and am now happy to help by being on the board.

Favorite scripture passage: Psalm 46:10; Be still and know that I am God.

For fun: I like to hang out with friends and family, spend time at church, go hiking, and just relaxing!

Amanda Gerrits

Parish: Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Green Bay

Current parish involvement: working on starting a busy bag ministry
TEC involvement: TEC board and secretary, working TEC 282

Favorite scripture: passage: Phil 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

For fun: crafts (tie rosaries, crocheting, hand knitting, etc), hiking, camping, traveling, playing with my kids and attempting to beat my husband at any game I can!

Joan Koehne

Joan Koehne
Parish: St. Pius, Little Suamico
Current parish involvement: Music ministry, church cleaning, fundraising and decorating
TEC involvement: After 20-year hiatus, I worked Main team for TEC 281 and had such an amazing experience, I’m joined the board and will work TEC 282 in February.
Favorite Scripture Passage: Proverbs 31 – When one finds a worthy wife her value is far beyond pearls
For fun: Hiking, gardening, biking, playing piano, family time, cheering for the Brewers

About the TEC Board of Directors

According to the Anchor of Hope TEC Constitution, TEC Board members are elected in August and start serving in September. Board members serve two-year terms and are eligible to serve 2 consecutive terms before a one-year absence. The board meets at 6:30pm on the first Thursday of the month at St. Joseph School of the Quad Parishes, Green Bay. Up to 12 people can serve on the TEC board.

TEC is a dynamic Catholic retreat experience, and now Anchor of Hope TEC has a website to show just that! Green Bay-based TEC (Together Encountering Christ) took a giant leap forward in technology and vibrancy with a redesigned website.

Why Redesign the TEC Website?

Anchor of Hope TEC’s first website launched in 2015, so it was overdue for a website update. TEC representatives wanted to add more color and vibrancy to the website. Instead of old website’s bland- wheat fields, fish, and sand images, the new website features bright colors and communities of young people. TEC is about building relationships with Christ and journeying together in faith, and the new website depicts TEC’s community focus.

What Changed in the Website Home Page?

• On the Home page of the redesigned websites, headings and subheadings capture the essence of Together Encountering Christ. The titles also connect the nautical themes of an anchor and ship with faith: Searching for a Rock-Solid Anchor in Your Life? Center Yourself on Christ. Anchor of Hope TEC will help you steady your ship.
• Brightly colored buttons near the top of website’s Home page make it easy for visitors to register for a weekend retreat. They click a separate button to register as a retreatant or a volunteer worker.
• Text on the Home webpage slides into place as a visitor scrolls, adding energy, movement, and interest to the page. The headlines and paragraph blocks are short and easy-to-read, yet they contain helpful information and searchable keywords.
• In the footer (bottom section) of the webpage, visitors can quickly navigate to inside webpages via the Quick Links list or click a colorful button to register for a retreat. The website is mobile-friendly and resizes for cellphones, tablets, and other devices.
• To engage with its audience, TEC redesigned its newsletter to mimic the website and began publishing a monthly newsletter. The newsletter is formatted with the same brand colors, images, links, and messaging as the website. Visitors can quickly sign up for the TEC newsletter at the Home page. The sign-up form integrates with the email marketing platform Constant Contact.

What Changed on the Redesigned Inside Pages?

About

The two tabs under About go to Testimonials and About Anchor of Hope TEC. Visitors can read authentic first-hand accounts on the Testimonials page, whereas the About page contains TEC history and background information. Catholic teens (and their parents) and young adults interested in making a retreat can learn about the weekend before registering.

Applications

The four tabs under Applications explain how to apply and provide online registration forms and payment portals for retreatants and worker volunteers.

News and Events

The two tabs under News and Events show the upcoming retreat weekend dates and stories about the TEC community.

Location

The location page shows an image of St. Joseph Catholic School where the TEC retreats are held, along with a Google map to show the exact location.

FAQs

The FAQs page provides answers to common questions. Visitors click or tap the question to reveal the answer. Not only do the FAQs provide helpful information to human visitors, the FAQ pages also are rich in keywords. Keywords enhance Google searchability and ranking on search engine result pages. So, Google will suggest Anchor of Hope TEC to people searching for a Catholic retreat for teens or young adults in Green Bay.

Contact Page

The Contact page offers a quick way to ask a question or make a comment. A website visitor fills in their contact information and a message, then clicks Submit. The message goes directly to the TEC email. Spam blockers on the page prohibit junk emails from getting through.

Payments

The e-commerce payments page is a welcome alternative to collecting cash or checks at meetings or retreats. Retreatants and volunteer workers pay their retreat fee or donation at a secure e-commerce portal. Administrators can easily track payments and not worry about handling money. Additionally, TEC can add more merchandise or donation portals to the page.

Members Only

Members of the TEC organization have password-protected, members-only access to outlines, lists, and other information. This easy-access resource saves the organization money on paper and printing. Members have digital information available 24/7 wherever they are, as long as they have WIFI.

Redesigned Website Launched for Nonprofit

Thanks to Bill Koehne and Alexa Haverkorn, of Packerland Websites, and Joan Koehne, of Writer to the Rescue, for giving their time and professional talents to rebuild the TEC website. Also, thanks to Bruce McEwing, president of the TEC board, and Amanda Gerrits, secretary, for their input and guidance. The redesigned website truly represents how Together Encountering Christ can awaken spiritual growth and create disciples who strengthen the Catholic church.

Contact Packerland Websites to learn how a website redesign can breathe new life into your nonprofit or business website.