Mission Appeal 2025
Fr. Augustine Shwe • July 10, 2025
Fr. Augustine Shwe is the Mission Coordinator representing the Diocese of Mawlamyine, Myanmar
The Catholic Church in Myanmar (also known as Burma) is part of the worldwide Catholic Church under the spiritual leadership of the Pope in Rome. In 2020, there were approximately 700,000 Catholics in Burma- approximately 1.29% of the total population. The country is divided into sixteen dioceses including three archdioceses. Each of the archdioceses is also a metropolitan. There are over 1,000 priests and 2,000 nuns serving across 460 parishes.
The Mawlamyin Diocese, established in 1993, covers the entire Taninthayi Region and southern Mon State, Myanmar with Bishop Raymond Saw Po Ray becoming its first residential bishop. Geographically, the diocese covers an area of 40,964 square kilometers and is home to a diverse population, including Burmese, Karen, Mon, Mawkin, Indians, Chinese, Siamese and Malays, practicing various religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and traditional beliefs.
Between 1996 and 1998, military operations targeting insurgent groups affected much of the region, displacing many residents. This operation disrupted two-thirds of the villages, and resettlement efforts were slow, with some displaced people unable to return until 2011. After the diocese’s formation, several parishes were established and in 2008, the first diocesan synod was held during which the vision, mission, and planning for the future of the diocese were outlined. The synod focused on three main sectors: God, Social and Personal, emphasizing the importance of the three elements (3W)- the Word, Worship and Witness.
The goal of our specific mission is re-strengthening the lives of our young people by providing integral education to promising students in the diocese. Since the military coup, Myanmar has been walking through darkness. So many lives have been broken, people have lost their homes, their work, their schools, their peace. Many now live as internally displaced persons (IDPs), without the security of a home or the comfort of stability. In this time of great pain, the Church is standing with the people not only praying for them but walking with them. One of the most urgent cries we hear is “Our children want to learn. But they have no way.” Many of our brightest and most gifted students can no longer study as their schools are closed and their families scattered. Their future, once full of promise, is now uncertain.
It is heartbreaking to watch this happen. But we refuse to give up. That is why we are launching this important program. We want to bring education back into their hands and hope back into their hearts. We believe with all our hearts that youth are the hope of tomorrow. And we believe even more deeply that intelligent youth are the key to change. With the right education and formation, these young people can become leaders full of wisdom, courage and compassion, bringing peace where there is conflict, healing where there is pain, and faith where there is fear. They are the future of the Church, and they are the seeds of a new Myanmar. It is both a response to the urgent crisis and a strategic long-term plan to build a generation of strong, faithful and compassionate leaders.
The goal of our program is to bring hope to displaced and conflict-affected youth by providing integral education and leadership formation, so they can rebuild their lives, serve their communities, and become the future leaders of the Church and nation.
Our objectives
- To support the formal education of bright students affected by poverty, war, and displacement.
- To offer leadership and peacebuilding training to help them grow into responsible, wise, and confident leaders.
- To provide personal and spiritual formation, strengthening their values, faith, and compassion.
- To mentor and guide students with the help of Church leaders, teachers, and community members.
- To empower these youth as agents of change for peace, justice, and development in their own communities.
Our main components of the program
- Educational Support: Tuition, school supplies, food, and basic needs for bright and struggling students.
- Leadership and Peacebuilding Formation: Training in leadership, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community organizing.
- Spiritual and Moral Growth: Retreats, formation days, and value-building sessions to nurture their faith and integrity.
- Mentoring and Community Engagement: Personal guidance from Church mentors and chances to serve their communities.
Our expected impacts
- Displaced and poor students will have the chance to continue their education.
- A new generation of leaders with strong values will rise.
- These youth will become beacons of peace and development in broken communities.
- The Church will have faithful and capable leaders to serve with love and wisdom.
- Hope will return to the hearts of families and communities that now live in fear and loss.
The current situation limits Diocesan pastoral works as the country remains in a state of political turmoil following a military coup in February, 2021, which ousted the democratically elected government. In the academic year 2024-2025, the diocese launched the “Good Shepherd” pre-Minor Seminary at the Diocesan Center, aiming to foster the development of local priests for the future of the church. The military regime continues to face widespread resistance from pro-democracy forces known as ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). Violent clashes persist across the country, with the military accused of severe human rights abuses, including mass killings and airstrikes on civilians. The economy is in crisis, and the humanitarian situation has worsened, with millions being displaced. Prospects for a peaceful transition to democracy remain bleak as the conflict escalates. We have great hope in these young people but know they cannot do this alone. This program is not only a response to today’s pain, but a vision for a better tomorrow.
To support Fr. Augustine and his mission, envelopes are available in the kiosk in the Gathering Space or through their Giving Fuel website.
We are pleased to share another update on the construction projects taking place on campus this Summer.
I was born in Milwaukee and raised in New Berlin. My two brothers and one sister live in the area and have six children among them. Those so inclined come to my house on Sunday nights to play ping pong in the garage. Thanks to a propane heater we play all Winter. I graduated from Thomas More High School and spent the next ten years in college and graduate school in Cincinnati, Madison, and Chicago. I entered the seminary in 1994. During my studies I served a parish internship at St. Paul Parish in Genesee Depot and did Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at St. Luke Hospital in Milwaukee. I was the only priest ordained for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 1999. When I served at St. Leonard 18 years ago I lived at Holy Assumption Parish in West Allis. Since 2015 I have lived in the house I grew up in. I got used to the 44-mile round trip between my house and St. Matthew Parish in Oak Creek, but I don’t mind that my new commute to St. Leonard is only 10 miles. I served as pastor of St. Matthew from 2008-2025 and as pastor of St. Mary by the Lake Parish, Racine from 2016-2024. Being responsible for two parishes kept me fairly busy. For five years I had a Saturday night and Sunday morning Mass at each parish every week. I usually got to the second parish with about 15 minutes to spare. I learned that I was coming to St. Leonard when I got a phone call in O’Hare Airport on my way home from Ireland. In the three months since then I have done a lot of packing and said hundreds of goodbyes. I’m getting too old for both. My main hobbies are reading and listening to Irish music. I play my guitars when I get the chance and speak as little as I can get away with. Those are the basics. Let me know if there is more you want to know!
We are excited to update our faith community on projects that will take place at our school this Summer. Construction will take place from June 2, 2025-August 29, 2025. We are grateful to have the sources of funding to make these important projects possible. Thank you to our parishioners who have contributed to our offertory and Love One Another campaign. We are also grateful to have received a Non-Profit Security Grant. As announced in the bulletin on February 16, 2025, St. Leonard was awarded a FEMA Non-Profit Security Grant in the amount of $150,000 for security enhancements at our school. After consultation and planning with Symphony Consultants, Catholic Mutual Group and Local Safety Professionals from within the Muskego Police Department, the following projects will be completed this Summer to upgrade the safety features of our school: Building of a secure, locking vestibule for guest screening Installation of additional surveillance cameras around the school building Utilizing security consulting services to update our Emergency Operating Procedures and related policies Installation of protective window coating/lamination Through parishioner donation and volunteer efforts, we installed a fence along the South property lot line to improve security. We will be completing a full renovation of the school bathrooms courtesy of Love One Another campaign funding and parishioner support. As stated in our Love One Another campaign case, the bathroom fixtures (except for the stall dividers and sinks) are over 60 years old and need complete replacement in order to be 100% ADA compliant. The bathrooms still use the original 1957 plumbing and cause many recurring problems. Also, after a major water leak and temporary repair, we are ready to do a full replacement of the maple wood gym floor . While these projects are underway, we are still here to serve your school needs, including enrollment and virtual tours! You can contact our Principal, Laura Bisher at 262-679-0451 ext. 29, and our school’s Administrative Assistant, Brianne Van Acker at 262-679-0451 ext. 28. Click here to contact us online . They will be working in the Parish Office throughout the Summer until construction is complete and are happy to help you with any questions you may have. July 7, 2025: See progress updates here
Three weekends in May, St. Leonard Catholic Church joyfully celebrates First Holy Communion with 44 young parishioners receiving the Blessed Sacrament for the first time. This marks a significant milestone in the lives of these children and their families, as they take an important step forward in their faith journeys. Months of preparation through school and religious education classes, retreats and family activities have helped the children understand the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the sacredness of this sacrament. The First Communion Masses are filled with reverence, beauty and joy. Family members, friends, catechists and parishioners gather to witness this holy moment. Communicants all have a role in the Masses and Father John Cella helps the children understand receiving the Eucharist is not just a one-time event but a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. His words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing faith at home and in the broader parish community. Behind the scenes, much effort and dedication has gone into preparing for this special day. School teachers, catechists and volunteers worked diligently with the children, helping them grow in understanding and love for the Eucharist. Parents have played a vital role as the primary teachers of the faith, supporting their children through prayer, discussion and example. The entire parish community has contributed through prayer and support, making this event a true celebration of faith and unity. Our St. Leonard community rejoices with these young disciples and their families. These celebrations serve as a reminder of the central role of the Eucharist in Catholic life and the importance of ongoing faith formation. As these 44 children continue their spiritual journeys, the parish remains committed to nurturing their love for Christ and encouraging full participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Congratulations to all of our First Communicants this year!
Dear Fr. Dan, On behalf of the entire St. Leonard parish community, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your 13 years of faithful, joyful, and inspiring leadership as our pastor. Your strong and steady presence, combined with your warm personality and deep faith, has truly transformed our parish. Under your guidance, St. Leonard has become not only a more vibrant and welcoming faith community, but one that is stronger in every way- physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Physically, just look around- St. Leonard looks like a church now! The remodeled worship area, beautiful new gathering space, completely new chapel, and peaceful meditation garden have brought new life to our parish grounds. Add to that the numerous updates throughout the school, the new columbarium, and the additional major projects that are already in progress- and fully paid for- and it’s clear we are thriving. These changes reflect the health and vitality of our community under your leadership. Financially, we are strong and on our way to tithing as a parish, truly living out our mission to give generously and faithfully. Spiritually, we’ve grown in incredible ways. St. Leonard is drawing new families, and young parents feel welcome bringing their children into a nurturing, active faith community. More and more parishioners are engaging with Bible studies, the men’s group, community outreach, and opportunities to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith. Since you arrived, daily Mass attendance has risen, Eucharistic Adoration is now held twice weekly, and Holy Hours have become a regular and meaningful part of our parish life. You’ve helped us embrace the grace of the sacrament of Reconciliation with deeper understanding, and above all, you've reminded us that the Holy Spirit is alive and working in Muskego. Fr. Dan, you have been a true conduit of that Spirit- bringing the message of Christ’s love, mercy, and joy to our parish. Your leadership has changed lives. Our lives are better because of you. With our deepest gratitude and many prayers for the journey ahead, The St. Leonard Catholic Church Community Muskego, WI
Pope Francis' death on Easter Monday (April 21, 2025) sets in motion a weeks-long series of events, from a period of mourning to the process of selecting his successor. The Vatican has an intricate set of rules governing the papal transition, a process the world does not get to watch unfold very often. Several Vatican officials’ step into designated roles to certify the pope’s death, organize a public viewing and a funeral, and to initiate the process for selecting a successor. Immediately after a pope’s death is confirmed by the head of the Vatican’s health department and the body dressed in a white cassock and brought to the pope’s private chapel, the cardinal chamberlain (camerlengo) becomes the Vatican’s de facto administrator for day-to-day affairs. The prefect of the papal household tells the camerlengo who must verify the pope's death in the presence of the papal master of ceremonies, the cleric prelates of the Apostolic Camera and the secretary of the Apostolic Camera, who draws up a death certificate. Then the camerlengo and prefect of the papal household pass the news to various officials in the Vatican, who relay it to the people of Rome and the heads of nations. The camerlengo locks and seals the pope's apartment. While looting was a concern in the past, modern popes are more concerned that their private papers stay out of the wrong hands. The camerlengo destroys the pope's fisherman's ring and seal- traditionally with a special hammer, to symbolize the end of his reign and prevent misuse, like forging documents. The pope’s passing marks the beginning of nine days of mourning called the novemdiales. The College of Cardinals decides on the day and hour that the pope’s body will be brought to St. Peter’s Basilica in a procession led by the camerlengo. His body is dressed in papal vestments and placed in state for public viewing where hundreds of thousands of people line up to pay their respects. The date for the funeral and burial is set by the College of Cardinals, but the apostolic constitution states it is to "take place, except for special reasons, between the fourth and sixth day after death." Previous popes have been buried in three coffins, cypress, lead and elm, placed one inside the other. However, Francis asked to be buried in one coffin made of wood and zinc. Popes are traditionally buried in the Vatican Grottoes on the lower level of Saint Peter’s Basilica. However, Francis requested that he be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome’s Esquilino. Only seven popes have been buried there, the last one being Clement IX in 1669. The camerlengo is the acting head of the Vatican until the next pope is chosen and he organizes the election process, which is called the conclave. After the death of a pope, the Vatican enters a transitional period called the sede vacante or interregnum, where power is handed over to the College of Cardinals, but no major decisions are made until the papacy is filled. About 15-20 days after the pope’s death, cardinals under the age of 80 convene at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, which is sealed off, to elect the new pontiff through a secret ballot. Multiple rounds of voting over several days takes place until a candidate wins two-thirds of the vote. If there is no decision after 33 rounds of voting, the top two candidates face off in a run-off vote. Ballots are burned– the public can watch the chimney for progress of the vote. Black smoke means the cardinals will need to vote again; white smoke means a new pope has been chosen. After the vote, the winning candidate is asked two questions: Do they accept their election, and what name will they chose? Then official documents are filled out, the new pope is fitted with papal attire. There are typically three sets of garments at the ready. Then the news is announced to the public. The senior cardinal deacon appears on the balcony over St. Peter's Square and announces " Habemus Papam! " "We have a pope!" ▪
We are pleased to announce that St. Leonard School has been the recipient of two grants gifted within The Catholic Community Foundation: A general grant in the amount of $17,000 for tuition assistance, and a grant from the Robert T. and Randi L. Bautch Fund in the amount of $12,591 for general support. We are grateful for the thoughtful and generous investments helping us continue to provide an excellent Catholic education. The Catholic Community Foundation helps donors with estate planning and other philanthropic initiatives that benefit causes that further the mission of the Church. Learn more at legaciesoffaith.org ▪
Each year we pick a charity to receive all the profits from our annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K run & walk. The charity that we chose this year is Family Promise of Waukesha County , which helps low-income families and families experiencing homelessness to achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response. I’m happy to announce that we raised a grand total of $23,421.56 from the net profits of the event. This will all benefit the great work of Family Promise of Waukesha County. This year our Turkey Trot had a grand total of 1,872 runners and walkers, the largest turnout in the 13 years that we’ve been hosting this event! We had 900 male participants and 972 females. There were 1,032 runners and 840 walkers. The largest age group was 18 and under with 418 participants. Interestingly, the second largest age group was 50-64 with 385 participants. Teams are popular as 942 participants were on teams, while 930 signed up as individuals. At least 980 have participated in past St. Leonard Turkey Trots. We had 10 different states represented: Wisconsin, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas each had one participant listed. After the run/walk, we served 450 pints of chocolate milk, over 800 cookies, 150 apples, and 2 cases of bananas! Our participants were generous as an additional $3,095.72 was given on the optional donation page for Family Promise of Waukesha County. We owe a big THANK YOU to our Turkey Trot race director Allen Jorn and our roughly 100 volunteers who helped make the event a wonderful success. Thank you to all the people who worked so hard to coordinate the countless details of such a huge event! Thank you to all the bakers who made dozens and dozens of cookies for our walkers and runners! Thank you to our corporate sponsors whose names are on the back of the Turkey Trot t-shirts. Thank you to the Muskego Police Department and the Tess Corners Fire Department for ensuring that we had a safe racecourse! I’ve already started training for the 2025 Turkey Trot and look forward to another great event! ▪
Our conference of St. Vincent dePaul has been very involved in improving the lives of our neighbors and we send a sincere and grateful thank you to you, our fellow parishioners. It is because of your constant support through prayers, reflection, monetary and item donations that allow us to reach those in our community who are struggling to pay rent, utilities, etc. and to have enough food and necessities. Between October 2024 and December 2024 we have paid $7275.70 toward rent, energy, car repair for a homeless neighbor and other necessities. During this time we also provided $950 in gift cards to assist those in need. We are also thankful for all the donations in the blue bin by the Youth Center. We are feeding the hungry, housing the poor and working to help our neighbors achieve independence in their daily living. We look forward to your continued support of those in most need in our community. "Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God," (Proverbs 14:31)
One might think of the word catechesis as interchangeable with religious education, but knowledge is just one of the tasks of catechesis. These six tasks are prayer, knowledge, liturgical formation, community, morality and mission ( General Directory for Catechesis, ##85-86). Our Christian Formation programs keep this in the forefront, making sure our children and youth are formed not only in knowledge of our faith, but also in the practice of it so that- in partnership with their families- they can be prepared to live a life of discipleship. For example, this past week our fourth and seventh grade Christian Formation students, along with our Vine and Branches Special Ed. group, decorated and assembled hygiene bags. Students teamed up in multi-age pairings and decorated canvas bags with cheery, upbeat drawings and then filled a zipper bag with various self-care items. The bags were assembled and the recipients were prayed for. The intent is for these sets to be donated to Street Angels Mobile Outreach Program and distributed to some of their youngest clients, especially during this cold winter. Hands-on experiences like these help our children be more engaged with the content of a lesson and demonstrate how what we learn is applicable to our lives. Other activity-based lessons, such as games, crafts, multi-modal presentations and discussions help our children learn more effectively and reach different kinds of learners. We appreciate your continued support of our Christian Formation program and the efforts of some of our youngest parishioners in supporting those in need. To learn more about our Christian Formation programs, please call our Christian Formation Office at 262-679-0880 or visit our webpage . ▪
