This year’s Lenten luncheon on Wednesday, March 18 promises to be exceptional! We will be honoring Fr. James Kurzynski and the Roncalli Newman Parish with the “In My Name Award”. For many years, Fr. Kurzynski has been an advocate of social justice issues based on the Gospel’s principle of “Love Your Neighbor”. In Eau Claire, Fr. Kurzynski and Regis High School students provided help to flood victims in Gays Mills. This gave the students an opportunity to experience acts of charity and incorporate them into their daily lives. Similarly, along with the parishioners at Roncalli Newman Parish, he has been instrumental in supporting the La Crosse Warming Center by volunteering regularly and giving our guests the assistance they need. Parishioners also participate in the community through other social charity work at the Causeway, Jail Ministry, Place of Grace, St. Clare Health Mission and the Diocesan Orphanage in Peru ─ Casa Hogar.

The Bill Medland Faithful Servant Award will be presented to Deacon Richard Sage for his outstanding service to the community, his compassion for those in need and his outstanding ability to inspire others to act and participate in those endeavors that require sacrifice and self-giving. Deacon Sage was responsible for the new Warming Center in downtown La Crosse in 2014, which to date has provided a warm place, food and many other services to approximately 40 people every night. He was also responsible for establishing shelters in Eau Claire and Wausau that together serve over 50 people a night.

The Lenten Luncheon is a celebration and a way to honor Fr. James Kurzynski, the Roncalli Newman Parish and Deacon Richard Sage with the good work they have done in our community. If you would like to attend this wonderful event, please visit our website at www.cclse.org and RSVP by March 12!

Roberto Partarrieu
Executive Director