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

  1. To support the formal education of bright students affected by poverty, war, and displacement.
  2. To offer leadership and peacebuilding training to help them grow into responsible, wise, and confident leaders.
  3. To provide personal and spiritual formation, strengthening their values, faith, and compassion.
  4. To mentor and guide students with the help of Church leaders, teachers, and community members.
  5. To empower these youth as agents of change for peace, justice, and development in their own communities. 

 

Our main components of the program

  1. Educational Support: Tuition, school supplies, food, and basic needs for bright and struggling students.
  2. Leadership and Peacebuilding Formation: Training in leadership, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community organizing.
  3. Spiritual and Moral Growth: Retreats, formation days, and value-building sessions to nurture their faith and integrity.
  4. Mentoring and Community Engagement: Personal guidance from Church mentors and chances to serve their communities. 

 

Our expected impacts

  1. Displaced and poor students will have the chance to continue their education.
  2. A new generation of leaders with strong values will rise.
  3. These youth will become beacons of peace and development in broken communities.
  4. The Church will have faithful and capable leaders to serve with love and wisdom.
  5. 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.

 

Pew Refurbishment Will Begin Summer 2026

July 7, 2026
The project to refurbish the church pews will begin this Summer. It is expected to take several weeks to complete and to cost $190,000. This project was announced in 2023 and is funded as part of the Love One Another campaign . After reviewing the results of a survey given to parishioners in May of 2026 and further deliberation among parish leadership teams, alongside our pastor, we have decided that we will not add seat or back cushions to any of the pews at this time. Parish leadership vetted several contractors and hired A&A Finishes (based in Lyons, WI). This contractor came to us highly recommended by St. Mary and St. Charles parishes in Burlington. The contractor will determine the appropriate sequence in which to remove the pews, and will refurbish and reinstall one section of pews at a time. The pews will be transported to the contractor’s workshop to be cleaned, sanded and restained. Areas that are missing the laminate finish will be filled in. The pews will receive a clear coat before being returned and reinstalled. The kneelers will be stripped down and disassembled so that metal parts that are visible can be painted. New foam cushions for the kneelers will be applied and reupholstered. New tilting brackets will be installed and support brackets will be painted and repaired. While pews are out for refurbishment, additional seating will be made available in the Gathering Space. Due to safety considerations we will not be able to put chairs where the pews are normally located. We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of the members of our faith community, without whom this project would not be possible.

Being God’s Hands and Feet: Mission Trip to Knoxville, Tennessee

By Bethanne Maus-Schaefer • July 1, 2026
Our mission trip to Knoxville, Tennessee was an incredible week full of faith, friendship and serving others. Early in the morning of June 21, 2026, 10 adults and 45 teens and young adults headed out from St. Leonard and made the trip to Knoxville Catholic High School. From the moment we arrived we jumped right into the Catholic Heart Workcamp experience: serving others, growing in our faith and praising God together. Throughout the week, we teamed up with teens and adults from Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Connecticut to serve the Knoxville community. Some of us volunteered with Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM), helping in their clothing stores, food pantries and homeless shelters. Others worked with Operation Backyard painting homes, making minor repairs and building wheelchair ramps for people in need. We were also grateful for cooler-than-usual weather, which made the work a little easier. Each day started with Mass and prayer, helping us focus on the work ahead. We saw God's love in so many ways: through our team, the people we served and even the simple conversations we shared. It was a great reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. The week wasn't just about serving others; it was also a time for us to grow in our own faith. We learned to trust God in new ways, spent an evening in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, took part in a moving foot-washing service and shared many meaningful moments of prayer together. We're so thankful to everyone who supported this trip with prayers, donations and encouragement. Your generosity made this mission possible and gave us the opportunity to share Christ's love with the people of Knoxville. As we return home, we're bringing back more than great memories. We have a renewed commitment to keep serving right here in our own community. Mission work doesn't end when the trip is over, it continues every day as we look for ways to love our neighbors and share God's grace wherever we are. Please continue to pray for the ministries in Knoxville, the people we were blessed to serve, and for our youth as they continue living out the lessons God taught us during this unforgettable week.

Understanding the Divine Mercy Chaplet

By Gene Gospodarek • June 23, 2026
As many of you are aware we now pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet after every Mass on the fourth weekend of every month (a ten minute prayer). Are you also aware of why we say the prayer, and where it came from? Like the Our Father, this prayer came directly from Jesus himself in appearances to St. Faustina, who he commissioned to spread the prayer, image and devotion worldwide. Jesus asked St. Faustina to paint an image of himself as he appeared to her. This is the image that appears on the prayer cards and pictures we see today. In this Divine Mercy image the pale ray stands for the water which makes us righteous, and the red ray stands for the blood which is the life of souls. These two rays came from the very depth of his Mercy when his agonized heart was opened by a lance on the cross. He promised that those who venerate this image will not perish. 

Our Record-Breaking Turkey Trot in 2025

By Marejo Ramsey • June 23, 2026
As planning begins for the 15th Annual St. Leonard Turkey Trot, we’d like to celebrate the incredible success of last year’s race and thank everyone who made it possible.  A special thank you goes to Allen and Loretta Jorn. Through Allen’s leadership and dedication, the Turkey Trot has grown into one of our parish’s largest community events and most successful fundraisers. We are deeply grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement as race director. We also extend our sincere thanks to the many volunteers whose time and talents make this event safe, welcoming and successful. If you’d like to join our volunteer team, contact the Parish Office. We’re always happy to welcome new helpers. Thanks to your participation and generosity, the 2025 Turkey Trot welcomed a record 1,916 participants and raised nearly $32,000 in net proceeds- more than 30% higher than our previous record. These funds will help support future parish capital projects and continue strengthening our parish community. Mark your calendars for the 15th Annual St. Leonard Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26 at 9 a.m. Watch for registration announcements later this year. Thank you for your continued support, generosity and prayers. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line!

Every Parish Needs Builders

By Brian Weidner • June 4, 2026
Pastoral Council Nomination 2026

St. Leonard In the News: Spring 2026

May 28, 2026
It makes us happy to see our faith community being recognized for the ways our families are living our mission. St. Leonard was featured in two news outlets recently: Members of our Knights of Columbus Dynamic Men’s Group went on a walking pilgrimage from Holy Hill to the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. The Milwaukee Catholic Herald featured them in an article sharing their route and experiences. You can read all about it here .

A Simpler, More Connected Parish Experience

May 27, 2026
Over the last few months we’ve been alluding to a new digital parish system. We are implementing a program called ParishStaq- a parish management platform that will integrate many of our services and communications- making it easier for parishioners and staff to stay connected, informed, and engaged. ParishStaq uses industry-leading security and encryption to keep your personal and financial information secure. With ParishStaq, you will be able to log into your own profile where you can: Stay more connected to your ministry groups Register for events and ministries more easily Access ministry schedules, volunteer opportunities and giving in one place Update family contact information conveniently Receive communications more consistently We are also excited to build our own mobile app for quick access to parish life and resources. This transition will help our parish staff and ministry leaders work more efficiently by reducing duplicate work, improving communication and streamlining administrative tasks. We will be able to focus more time and energy on our mission. As part of this process, our online giving platform has already transitioned to Pushpay (which is part of the ParishStaq system). We are grateful to everyone who has already made that change. As we continue to implement ParishStaq over the next few months, we will provide clear instructions and support. Thank you for your patience and support as we take this important step forward together.

Dcn. Nathan Budde's Priestly Ordination Information

May 11, 2026
Deacon Nathan Budde- one of our former parish seminarians visiting from the Diocese of Green Bay, WI- will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, May 30. You are invited to support Dcn. Nathan through prayer and by following along with the ordination and other celebrations surrounding this blessed occasion. Ordination & Other Masses Ordination | Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay, WI The Ordination Mass is open to the public, with a light reception and opportunity to receive a blessing to follow. This Mass is also livestreamed . First Mass | Sunday, May 31, 2 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, De Pere, WI This Mass is open to the public with a light reception and opportunity to receive a blessing to follow. Masses of Thanksgiving at St. Leonard | Sunday, June 21, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Light refreshments to follow these two Masses only. Our 9 a.m. Mass is also livestreamed . These Masses are also opportunities to receive a Plenary Indulgence. Continue reading below to learn more about indulgences and how to prepare to receive it.

Lenten and Easter Collections 2026

April 9, 2026
The Human Concerns Committee's Lenten and Easter collections were a great success, thanks to the generosity of our faith community. Through the Lenten collections we helped 5 organizations: The HOPE Center , Community Smiles Dental , Kathy's House , The Women’s Center and Street Angels . In addition to the items sent directly to the organizations through their Amazon wish lists, we donated 30-45 packed boxes/bags each week. The organizations themselves also thank you, with comments including the following: “Thank you for coordinating this effort! We are so thankful for everything. It will definitely be put to good use in the house,” (Kathy’s House). “We want to say how grateful (and still surprised) we are! So many children and families will benefit from this. It truly is an amazing thing your congregation does to help the community,” (Community Smiles Dental). Through the Easter Food Collection, we were able to provide a wonderful Easter meal and other necessities to 19 families. We are over-joyed to share that an anonymous parishioner also assembled and donated Easter baskets for all of the children in each family that benefitted from Easter Food Collection. Our elementary Christian Formation students who participated in an enrichment program on "The Plight Of the Working Poor" donated food items for and assembled shelf-stable meal kits to add to the Easter food being donated. The meal kits included a handmade card and recipe instructions for the meals. The assembled recipes were taco soup, chicken parmesan and an Italian spaghetti dinner. Thank you, parishioners, for your incredible generosity! Thank you to the Human Concerns Committee for coordinating these efforts to help us live our mission and carry out the Lenten pillar of almsgiving.

Luck Of the Auction Results

March 30, 2026
On behalf of the Auction Committee, thank you so much for your generosity and support for this year’s auction fundraiser, Luck of the Auction. Due to your support, we have raised more than we ever have before! We have raised over $58,000 for Home & School and the Church to use for our school students to improve their educational experience as well as purchase much-needed playground equipment! This amount is a 25% increase over our proceeds from last year’s auction! We also had our highest auction attendance in recent years with 196 attendees! This fundraiser could not be successful without the support of our school staff, church staff, parishioners, and community supporters! Thank you for your donations, support, and hard work! Make sure you are on the lookout for “The Good, the Bad, and the Lucky,” our Wild West/Country themed auction for 2027!