July 29, 2020


Hello there,

As you have probably heard through any number of means, one of our parish families, the Lucia Schwarten family, lost their home and a beloved dog in a house fire at the end of last week. As Father Phil prayed over the weekend, Lord give Lucia Schwarten the grace and determination to overcome yet another family tragedy and that the people of St. John the Baptist Parish respond to the Schwarten Family in this time of need in ways truly helpful and generous.

We are working with the family and want to share with you how you can support and get involved. In the immediate, you can offer assistance through five different means. Please read through all of the details to ensure that your generosity is best put to use.

Spiritual Support
  • The prayers lifted up have been received. The Schwarten family sees God shining through this tragedy and they are grateful for the support of prayers that have been offered already.
  • No need to stop praying. Keep em’ coming!
Holy One, you are our comfort and strength in times of sudden disaster, crisis, or chaos. Surround us now with your grace and peace through storm or earthquake, fire or flood. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, sustain those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ, our rock and redeemer.

Financial Contributions
  • Online through the GoFundMe page
  • Cash/Check: St John the Baptist parish office OR St Vincent de Paul Society (conference or store)
  • Checks made payable to Lucia Schwarten (or SJB/SVdP, memo: Schwarten Family)

Specific New Item Donations
  • If you would prefer to donate a specific item of need, please reach out to Kristin Strehlow (call or text: 920-917-4420) for conversation about the most up-to-date list of needs and priorities.

**Home Improvement Donated Services**
  • Hot water turned on and tested out (currently winterized): If you are comfortable with all things hot water related, we are seeking your assistance ASAP. We are looking for someone to turn the hot water back on, run things, testing it out to make sure it is good to go after being winterized last fall. This is the first priority - ASAP, no later than this Friday. If this is you, please contact Sarah Schwarten (920-907-3575). 
  • Floor installation (pull up carpet and install laminate flooring in two rooms): If you are skilled with floor installation and are able to donate your time within the next week, the Schwarten family would be much appreciated. They have the materials and are looking for someone to remove carpet and install laminate flooring. This is the second major priority. Ideally, the installation will happen ASAP but definitely by the end of next week! If this is you, please contact Sarah Schwarten (920-907-3575). 

Physical Strength
  • After home improvements have been completed, the move-in will happen. We can use some helpful hands and strong legs and backs to help move the family! Please contact Paige Katzfey, SJB Pastoral Associate, to add your name to the mover list ([email protected] or 920-892-4006). We will reach out to those who sign up once we know the dates/times (probably day of/day before). Ideally, this would happen within the next two weeks?!

The Schwarten family continues to be grateful for all of the love, outreach and support they have received (prayer, financial, and otherwise). A sincere thank you from St John the Baptist Church and School family and specifically the Schwarten family. We are one body through Christ, our Lord.

In Christ’s Peace,
St John the Baptist Church and School Family


“A Church which is family is also able to show the closeness and love of a father ... a Church of children who see themselves as brothers and sisters, will never end up considering anyone simply as a burden, a problem, an expense, a concern or a risk. Other persons are essentially a gift, and always remain so, even when they walk different paths. The Church is an open house, far from outward pomp, hospitable in the simplicity of her members. … This Church can indeed light up the darkness felt by so many men and women. She can credibly point them towards the goal and walk at their side, precisely because she herself first experienced what it is to be endlessly reborn in the merciful heart of the Father.”

-- A quotation from Pope Francis at a Prayer vigil for Synod of Bishops, Oct. 3, 2015