Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

One of the beauties of our connection as an LOA (Love One Another) community is the outreach through charity that we have accomplished over the years. There was the collection of bicycles for transportation for the underserved population; the baby shower for Mary which produced diapers, car seats, baby clothes and monetary provisions for our women’s care centers; latrines (almost 200) for the various areas of La Sagrada Familia, our sister parish in the Dominican Republic; and water well projects for assistance to Ghana.

This past Lent, we established a charitable collection for mission parishes in Montana serving our native American brothers and sisters. The parishes are directed by Fr. Rod Ermatinger who is the brother of Judge Beth Hanan (former Chair of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee) and Fr. Cliff Ermatinger, Archdiocese of Milwaukee Spiritual Advisor. Being very blessed to have the parishes that serve us in the archdiocese, we can only imagine the challenges facing Fr. Rod's community – the financial, physical, chemical and alcohol addictions, social pressures, etc.

I am pleased to report that we collectively as an LOA community sent Fr. Rod a check for over $50,000. I received the following letter that I’d like to share with you:

“Dear Archbishop Listecki:

Our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude because you chose to include us in your Lenten Campaign. The unexpected generous gift of over $50,000 speaks to the generous hearts of the good people of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and their prayers for us. Together, we join all of you in embracing the infinite mercy of God who is love and who is all around us! 

Early on, I let our people know about your efforts, and then the results. When I let the people know of your generosity and that of the people of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, people smiled, and some made a gasping sound because we are in awe that people so far from us geographically would care so much about us.

We have major repairs and upgrades to address in several of our churches, and your generous gift is a big help.

I am grateful to Beth for reaching out to you and that you took this to prayer and all that has resulted for your benefit and the good people of your archdiocese, and for us as well.

Be assured of my prayers and those of the people of the Blackfeet Reservation.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Rod Ermatinger

Pastor of Little Flower Parish and St. Anne’s along with our mission churches.”

In the future, I will be sharing with you pictures of Fr. Rod and the work accomplished through the good efforts of the LOA community. I was touched by the sentiment expressed that people so far away from them should care so much. It is the true Christian spirit that allows us to be connected through the love of Christ and support charitable needs — whenever and wherever we find them.

These, our native American brothers and sisters in Christ, in some small way, are reminded that we are one in our Catholic faith, and they are not forgotten. It is a reminder to us that the little we do in the name of charity is multiplied in many ways and reflects our gratitude for the generous love God has for us — and it also demonstrates our willingness to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  

Note: This blog originally appeared as the June 27, 2023, "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.