6-Month Pastor's Report

As we begin the New Year with prayer and gratitude, this is a good moment to reflect on the life of our parish during the past six months. I am convinced that the second half of 2025 was a good and grace-filled period for us at St. Martin of Tours. For this, we thank God – and you, dear parishioners – for your faith, generosity, and commitment.

While not every plan could be completed, we are grateful for the progress made and the growth experienced in our community. I would like to share a brief overview of our parish life, ministries, and challenges from the past six months.

Who We Are and Our Purpose

“A diverse and vibrant, growing community of disciples of Jesus Christ that aspires to be a beacon of the Word to all.” This opening line of our Vision and Mission Statement reminds us of who we are and why we exist as the parish community of St. Martin of Tours.

We continually strive to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God’s Word through our faith, our actions, and our love, so that others may come to know him. We are called not to follow Christ individually, but as a community – continuing His mission here and now, in our own context and in this part of the world.

Worship and Parish Life

Prayer and worship remain at the heart of our parish. Our Christmas celebrations were joyful and meaningful, with strong participation from children, choirs, and many parish groups. I am deeply grateful to the Liturgy and Worship Committee, as well as to our lectors, servers, sacristans, Eucharistic ministers, and ushers for their dedication. I am especially grateful that we were able to invite, welcome, and train new sacristans, ushers, and Eucharistic ministers. Additionally, my appreciation goes to the Stewardship Committee for welcoming new members and serving our parishioners.

We continue to strengthen our community through prayer opportunities and social gatherings. Our commitment to youth and children remains strong in both the English- and Vietnamese-speaking communities, with monthly Youth Masses and Children’s Masses.

Parish Staff and Leadership

I extend my sincere thanks to our parish staff, pastoral team, and Pastoral and Finance Council members for their service and guidance. We were blessed to welcome two new staff members – Maria Rodriguez as Bookkeeper and Deneen Waddell as Director of Religious Education – as well as two trustees, Ken Keefer and David Vanness (second term). All have brought fresh energy, professionalism, and meaningful improvements to our administrative and pastoral work.

Parish by the Numbers

At present, our parish consists of 1,042 active families, representing 2,466 active members. During the second half of 2025, we welcomed 14 new families into our parish.

We mourned the loss of 9 parishioners who passed away, and 19 funerals were celebrated in our Church. One family moved away from the parish. We baptized 19 children, and 6 couples received the Sacrament of Marriage.

This year, 117 students are enrolled in our Religious Education programs:

• English-speaking Religious Education (Youth and High School): 69 students
• OCIA Program: 3 participants
• Vietnamese Community: 45 students

In addition, we welcomed back two Catholic homeschool groups, serving 125 children, who now use our facilities

on a weekly basis.

Ministry Highlights

Our Food Pantry remains one of the most visible and impactful ministries of our parish, serving not only our parishioners but also the wider Franklin community. This ministry continues to grow thanks to your generosity and commitment.

Total number of people served:

July: 431; August: 403; September: 492; October: 544;

November: 455; December: 302.

In addition, 47 Thanksgiving dinners were distributed.

We continue to minister to residents at Tudor Oaks Senior Living Community and Elizabeth Residence, where some of our parishioners live. Another session of the Grief Ministry has come to an end, and we will begin a new session when there is a need.

Other significant ministries and events included: the Scally Brothers Concert (July 13); Safe Environment Training (August 17); Rummage Sale, which raised $14,765 (August 21-24); Labor Day parish activities; the formation of a new team and the launch of OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults); a School Supply Drive for Notre Dame School of Milwaukee (September); Ministry Fair (September 13-14); a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Champion and the National Shrine of St. Joseph (October 2); Fall Harvest Gala with 160 participants and $11,509 raised (November 15); Breakfast with Santa and Craft Fair (December 7); the St. John Paul II Foundation’s “Together in Holiness” marriage ministry for newlyweds and young families; and continued monthly parish dinners. We are also preparing to begin a St. Vincent de Paul chapter at our parish.

Facilities and Future Plans

Several capital and facility projects were completed or advanced, including replacement of the school windows ($69,000); the LED outdoor sign (final payment: $12,756); the 2025 Parish Photo Directory ($4,550); the Sacred Heart Shrine; Stained-glass windows (Phase 1); new chairs in the narthex; a new gym door ($12,485); cemetery bush and tree removal; kitchen pantry repairs; and trimming trees and completing fall cleanup around the church and parish facilities.

Some of these projects were made possible through the generosity of parishioners who donated materials, labor, or funds and preferred to remain anonymous. We are deeply grateful for their kindness and generosity. Overall, the parish continues to benefit from responsible financial stewardship and the strong support of our community.



In the coming months, we plan additional improvements, including the cemetery parking lot and school roof replacement; installation of a church listening system; stained-glass windows (Phases 2 and 3); finalizing and introducing a five-year strategic plan; and full implementation of the ParishStaq system.

Difficulties and Challenges

Not everything unfolded as planned, and some initiatives could not be completed. While we are welcoming new families and experiencing growth, we must also acknowledge that our parish community is aging. Inviting young families and youth into active participation remains an ongoing challenge.

Another important task is recruiting and forming new volunteers to sustain our long-standing ministries and traditions. Additionally, the maintenance of our aging facilities continues to require careful discernment and planning.

We are also a parish made up of two primary communities – English- and Vietnamese-speaking. This diversity is a great blessing, yet it also calls us to continual effort in worshiping, discerning, and making decisions together as one parish community.

Gratitude and Closing

Finally, thank you for your prayers, support, and faithfulness. I deeply appreciate your encouraging words, your honest feedback, and your suggestions for growth. Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts – not only about this report, but about parish life as a whole.

Our work as parish staff and leadership is meaningful only through your collaboration, trust, and care. I am truly blessed and grateful to serve as your pastor.

Fr. Andrzej