From the Desk of Father Jason - July 5, 2026

Dear Saint Francis Xavier Parishioners,

Happy Independence Day weekend!

We celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation. This is a great milestone. Part of my daily prayer is thanksgiving. Often, I will thank the Lord God for our nation. We are blessed to be in a nation, while not perfect, that affords us so many freedoms. Not every nation is blessed in this way. I think of nations that are engaged in civil war or where law and order have broken down.

Pray for our nation. Pray for many blessings upon it.

This weekend is also the anniversary of my first weekend at St. Francis Xavier Parish. I have been blessed to be assigned to our parish. Personally, this year has been a happy one for me.

As a parish, good things are happening. We have seen an increase in the average number of people coming to weekend Masses. We have seen an increase in giving to the parish. In November, financially we were in difficult straits, but you came through so well. We have had our first wedding of the year, with the next wedding on July 11. Baptisms seem to be picking up for this coming year. We have been having good attendance at adult faith formation.

I have a lot to be thankful for in the parish. We all have a lot to be thankful for in the parish.

As we come into my second year, I hope that we can press the gas pedal. There are a number of things to look forward to: more adult faith formation opportunities, an exciting change in the religious education program, increased connection with Notre Dame of De Pere School, and other things. Stay tuned.

Please, please pray for me that I might be a holy and good priest and a worthy shepherd of such a good parish.

Sincerely through Jesus,

Fr. Jason