Community is the center of Sally Christiansen’s life. It’s the focus of her efforts, a rich source of spiritual inspiration and, perhaps most importantly, in an area with significant poverty, a call to action.

“Peace and anxiety are both contagious,” declared Patrice Taft at the conclusion of the pre-Advent mindfulness retreat hosted by the CCW’s Southwest Deanery on Nov. 13 at St. Anne Catholic School in Somerset.

Religious education students pose with 294 Boxes of Joy that are ready to ship to children in need. Boxes were filled and collected from Holy Rosary, Medford; Good Shepherd, Rib Lake; and St. Mary’s, Colby, in the Diocese of La Crosse. (Submitted photo)

Looking for a Christmas gift idea? Loree Nauertz, associate director for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, suggests an adult retreat experience as “an excellent gift idea.”

More than 50 teenagers and adults took part in the first of two discipleship weekends organized by the Office of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship for high school students.

On Oct. 31, 10 students received the sacrament of Confirmation at St. Kunegunda Parish in Sugar Camp.

In September 1971, Ann Stock spoke to the congregation of her plan to start a folk choir with her husband, Bill. Barb Hoag, a 17-year-old junior in high school, decided to go to the initial practice. Now 50 years later, she is still playing her guitar at Sunday Mass.

This year is the 100th anniversary of St. Anthony old church school building in Park Falls.

For His Glory (4HG), started by Superbowl Champion Matt Birk, aims to create a healthy sports culture. St. Joseph Catholic School in Rice Lake recently brought the initiative into its athletic program.