Parish News
Staff Departure:
Savannah Siegler has decided to conclude her time working at the Newman Parish on July 3, 2025, please read the message from her below about her decision. She has served at Newman as the Director of Campus Ministry since July 1, 2016. Campus ministry activity and involvement among the college students has grown over these years thanks in part to her investment. She worked in many different areas: leading small groups, forming student leaders, planning retreats and events, bringing students to The Community Table, leading mission trips and pilgrimages, teaching OCIA, social media, and many hours preparing snacks and food for events. I wish the college students were still around to show their appreciation and it will be different when they return without her presence. I’m very grateful for her dedicated efforts over these past 9 years and wish her the best in her future endeavors. The Director of Campus Ministry position is now posted.
To My Newman Parish Family-
It’s bittersweet to announce that I will be wrapping up my time as Director of Campus Ministry at Newman. These past nine years have been an incredible experience for me, one that I will always treasure.
I wanted to offer a short explanation because I’m sure this seems abrupt. I had a feeling that this would be my last year as Director of Campus Ministry but did not make a formal decision at that time. This spring as I got closer to taking steps forward, I was slowed by the great love that I have for this parish and for the students. So much so that I wasn’t sure I was ready to let go of it after all. But I believe that God has something new for me to do and in order for that to take shape, he’s asked me to let go of this job that I have loved so much. While I don’t have plans that are set in stone yet, I have several promising opportunities and I felt uncomfortable delaying my departure knowing that the longer I wait the less time there would be to hire a new Director of Campus Ministry. I’d like to ask for your prayers during this time when things are still uncertain—while I have confidence in God’s call and work in my life, it is always hard to not know what’s coming next. I feel very blessed to have supportive family and friends that I can lean on during this season.
I wanted to thank you all for the love that you have shown me these past nine years. I have been truly inspired by your generosity in supporting the college students in their faith during their time here in Eau Claire. Throughout my time here, God has shown me the love that he has for this community and it’s led me to love it more too. Newman will always be in my heart! I’ve been taking comfort in one of our parish’s favorite hymns written by our patron, St. John Henry Newman:
Lead, Kindly Light, amidst the encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me
May God continue to bless our ministry abundantly (I know He will!)
Savannah Siegler
Summer Bible Study Opportunity
How about enriching your Sunday worship? On Thursday mornings 9am, a group of fellow parishioners discuss the gospel for the upcoming Sunday. It has given us a better insight into our liturgy. We’d love for you to join us. We will meet on zoom for the summer. Contact Sue Ripp, 715-829-3822 or suerippht@charter.net
to join in this Bible Study.
2025 Eucharistic Rally
On Saturday, August 9, 2025, we have another incredible opportunity to pause, reflect and be renewed in His presence. The 2025 Eucharistic Rally will take place at the Pablo Center in Eau Claire, WI, bringing together Catholics from across the Diocese for a day of faith, fellowship and encounter like no other.
Event Time - 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Event Cost - $20 purchase tickets here
What to Expect:
-A river walk eucharistic procession through the streets of Eau Claire, bringing Christ into the heart of the city
-Mass with Bishop Battersby, uniting us in worship and thanksgiving
-Dynamic speakers who will inspire and challenge you to grow deeper in your faith
-Live music from Luke Spehar to uplift and energize your spirit
-Eucharistic adoration—a sacred time to rest in the Real Presence of Jesus
Hospital/Homebound/Nursing Home Visit and/or Anointing of the Sick
If you desire the sacrament of anointing and/or a homebound/hospital/nursing home visit, please contact Fr. Dan Oudenhoven(fr.dan@newmanec.com or 715-834-3399) and he will work out an arrangement with you to make it possible.