End of Year Pastor’s Report

Jenny Drzewiecki • January 19, 2024

We said goodbye to the Old and welcomed the New Year with prayer and gratitude three weeks ago. I believe it is a good moment now to look back and reflect on everything that happened in our parish community in the past year. I am convinced that 2023 was a good year for us at St. Martin of Tours. We must say “thank you” to God and to you dear parishioners for making it a successful and rewarding year. We had great plans and expectations, however not everything was possible to complete and achieve. At the end of the year, we are satisfied and grateful to God for the progress and growth.


I wanted to keep you informed with some numbers, new ministries, and explain our victories and challenges we encountered during the past year from my own perspective.


New Members and Ministries

First of all, I wanted to express my gratitude to the parish Staff, members of the Councils, many volunteers and those who minister in our community for their hard work, advice and willingness to serve at St. Martin of Tours. We have new trustees and a few new members on the Councils. Also, we gained two Staff members, Jenny Drzewiecki and Bro. Andy Gancarczyk. Both brought a lot of quality and substantial changes in our administrative work. I hope you noticed some improvement in communication, media ministry, and coordination of various ministries the last few months. Because of them we were able to begin a few new ministries like Family and Youth. Next steps are to strengthen these ministries and find even more ways to reach our young families and youth. We want to listen to them and build a future vision together. These are our priorities for this year.


Our stewardship and hospitality committees have grown and worked very hard by inviting and welcoming new members to our parish community resulting in growing new members and making every effort to be a welcoming church to the entire Franklin area. I learned a few days ago our Food Pantry was able to reach out and help many more people this year.

We are proud of this ministry.


Our first purpose as a religious community is to pray and worship. We had a meaningful and beautiful celebration of Easter, our patron feast St. Martin of Tours and Christmas. I was encouraged by your involvement, help and large participation. I am glad we have more opportunities and occasions to pray and organize social gatherings at St. Martin of Tours. We are committed to continuing these events and celebrations that strengthen us as one community of brothers and sisters in Christ. The social gatherings, hospitality, food and fellowship encourage people to come to church and join our religious community.


I also believe the Vietnamese community feels more at home at St. Martin of Tours and is growing in numbers. We will continue to make an effort to bring both our communities (Vietnamese and English) closer to each other in prayer and worship as well as social events with respect of course to our cultural difference.


The Vision Mission and Our Strategic Plan

I am glad we completed the Vision and Mission statement the end of the past year. This statement will enable us to create a 5-year strategic plan and will lead us in setting goals for our parish. We want to be a vibrant and growing community, listen to each other and reach those in need in the parish as well as in the larger community.

I am grateful to the Building committee for their discernment to maintain and keep in use the school buildings for at least the next five years. This decision gives us hope and possibility to welcome various groups and ministries to our large facilities. We are blessed to have enough space to function and welcome others. If we are serious about growing, we need the school building and space to welcome new ideas, ministries and groups. The 5-year strategic plan must include all of these.


Helpful Numbers

At this moment we are a community of 913 active families (2260 members). We welcomed 31 new families who joined our parish in 2023. We lost 29 of our members who died and 33 families who left or moved away. Sacraments in 2023 were: 24 baptisms (including two adults); 23 children received First Communion and 22 first reconciliation. We had just one sacrament of marriage. We provided catechism classes to 85 elementary children in the English and Vietnamese communities, and 24 in high school. We welcomed Catholic Schoolhouse group with 77 children that use our facilities weekly. In short, we are alive and there are signs of growth. I am grateful to Diane Winkowski for providing this information for us.


Difficulties and Challenges

Not everything was good and some of our initiatives and plans were not completed. Our community is getting older. Thus, inviting and welcoming young families and youth will be always a challenge. It is necessary to keep growing not just in number but also in spirituality. Another challenging mission is to find and train new volunteers to continue our long traditions, ministries and activities. Since we cannot reopen the school in the near future the maintenance of our buildings will be always a burden and matter of discernment. These are challenges we have to face but there are many other reasons to be satisfied and grateful to God as we are entering the New Year 2024.


Our Achievements and Victories

The Love One Another campaign was very successful. We were able to surpass the expectation assigned to us. We collected 105% of our goal and over 30% of our families took part in this campaign. It is a great result. We will receive over $660,000 over five years to invest/improve our facilities and upgrade technology in the parish office, school, and church. Thank you for your generosity.


We are stable financially and we are not carrying a debt. Contrary, the collections were larger in the past year but various fundraising activities gave us additional income which is being managed by our Investment committee. There are many needs and plenty of upkeep developments we have to encounter within the next five years, but I believe we are doing well. We are expecting the annual finance report with many details soon. I am grateful to our Finance Council and Investment committee for being good stewards of our money and for their professional work.


We were able to accomplish a few maintenance projects in 2023, which you probably noticed: Columbarium in the cemetery ($98,251); repair of the school roof ($25,000); replacement of the school doors ($10,700); landscaping around the church and office building ($3,000); playground for children ($15,000); patching asphalt on the road behind the school and parking lot near the cemetery ($18,540); replacement of bathroom stalls ($6,070); tuck-point work in a few places on our buildings ($4,630). We also began replacement of the heating and cooling units on the church and gym buildings. The five new units will cost us $137,180 and hopefully will last more than twenty years. Additionally, we must upgrade the internet and technology at the office, school, and church ($32,000). Both of the latter projects will be paid with money from Love One Another Campaign. Another major project we have to undertake this coming year is the road between the school and cemetery. We have many leaks in the kitchen and parish hall, and we have to fix the problem and improve the road as soon as weather permits. (Thank you to Denise Groniger for providing these numbers for us).

Thus, I am confident, this year will be another busy and successful year. I believe we will continue to grow in number but also in spirit. We will become an even more vibrant and growing community reaching out to those in need in the parish and larger community.



Lastly, thank you for your prayers and support. I appreciate your comments and encouraging words but also your suggestions for improvements. Please do not hesitate to give me your feedback and thoughts not just about this report but also about our parish life. Our effort as parish Staff and administration makes only sense with your willingness to collaborate and your care. I am blessed and proud to be your pastor.

Fr. Andrzej

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

By Jenny Drzewiecki • June 29, 2025
It is unusual to have a feast of saints celebrated on Sunday. Sunday, the Lord’s Day, is more important than any feast of saints in the Liturgical Calendar. This year the feast of Saints Peter and Paul falls on Sunday and takes precedence over Sunday liturgy. It is another proof for the fact both Saints, Peter and Paul, were extremely important in the history of the Church. Indeed, there were like two pillars of the first Christian community and the Church grew up on the foundation of these two great Apostles. Although they were both great sinners, Peter traitor and Paul murder, both converted to Christ. Although they had completely different visions of the Church and different missions entrusted to them by the Risen Lord, they preached the same Gospel. Peter preached the Gospel to the Jews and Paul to the Pagans. Finally, they both died for Christ. Today’s feast of Peter and Paul, two very different saints who are celebrated together on the same day, encourages us to believe that everyone has a place in the Church. Despite our differences, diversity of cultures, worldviews, talents and charisms, we are all invited to take part in the mission of the Lord. Today’s readings have one common characteristic, which is kind of haste and rush. In the first reading, an angel wakes up Peter in a prison with rush, saying “get up fast” (Acts 12:7). In the second reading, Paul writes to his friend Timothy and compares his life to one big run and race. Then, he invites Timothy to visit him quickly (2 Timothy 4:9). Both Apostles, Peter and Paul, did not have many common things, and they never worked together but it seems that haste and rush were common to them. Both were in constant haste to continue their mission entrusted to them by the Risen Lord. Today’s feast reminds us to admire and honor these two saints who always rushed to preach the Gospel and never compromised their zeal for the mission of Christ. This feast encourages us to have a personal reflection and perhaps ask ourselves a few essential questions. In which aspect of my life am I too slow regarding God’s work and will? Where and when am I too lazy to answer God’s call and invitation to his mission? Do I need another call to wake up like Peter from a prison of my comfort zone to make an effort for God and people in need? Hopefully one day we can repeat after the Apostle Peter, “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day… and to all who have longed for his appearance” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Saints Peter and Paul pray for us. Fr. Andrzej

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ – Corpus Christi

By Jenny Drzewiecki • June 22, 2025
Today we honor and worship the Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist was instituted and given to us by Jesus Christ. It was on Holy Thursday, during the Last Supper, when Jesus celebrated his first Holy Mass and asked the Apostles to continue to do it in memory of him. The Eucharist is one of the most beautiful gifts we received from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Every time we celebrate Holy Mass we receive Eucharistic Jesus. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him” (John 6:54-56). The Eucharist nourishes and strengthens our spiritual life every time we receive it with true faith. Today’s gospel does not speak about the Eucharist directly but underlines one essential element which includes the Eucharist. We read in the gospel about the miracle of multiplication of bread and fish (Luke 9:11b-17). The story tells us about Jesus feeding a large crowd of people with only a few loaves of bread and a small number of fish. Jesus miraculously multiplied the food, providing enough to feed everyone and leaving leftovers. According to Luke, “they all ate and were satisfied.” At the end, there were twelve wicker baskets full of leftovers. We must notice the fact in the story Jesus was very generous. Jesus was always helping and giving to people in need more than enough. If we take just one thing from today’s feast of Corpus Christi, let’s remember that God is loving and very generous to us. Thus, God gave us the Eucharist to nourish and save us. Hungry people could take as much as they wanted in today’s gospel. “They all ate and were satisfied.” When we come to Holy Mass, God gives us grace in abundance. And it is up to us to take as much as we want and be satisfied. And there is more grace than we could ever take. Let be grateful to God for his generosity and the gift of the Eucharist for us. Fr. Andrzej

The Holy Trinity – a Community of Perfect Harmony, Unity and Love

By Jenny Drzewiecki • June 15, 2025
Feast of the Most Holy Trinity is celebrated in honor of one God in three persons. The word “Trinity” come from “Trinitas,” a Latin abstract noun that literally means “three-ness” or simply put, “three are one.” Trinity refers to three persons in one God, the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity was revealed to us by Jesus Christ. Jesus often prayed to the Father and spoke about his love and kindness. The Father reveled his Son during Jesus’ baptism upon the river Jordan and during the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit and together with the Father sent the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and other disciples on Pentecost. This mystery of the divine Trinity, as a perfect harmony and unity, is a frequent topic during catechetical classes and homilies in parishes and schools. It is one of the most difficult articles of faith to understand and explain pastorally. Pastors and catechists are very creative in describing the mystery in a practical way. For example, there is a simple story about St. Augustine and a boy on the beach, who tried to pour the entire ocean into a little hole. Similar to the boy who could not complete his job, St. Augustine could not understand the mystery of the Holy Trinity. This story is frequently utilized to explain the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Another example of this holy harmony and unity could be seen in the three leaves but one stem of a shamrock, as St. Patrick proposed, as a good visual image of the Holy Trinity.  During my ministry in India, I learned the Holy Trinity as the harmony of three persons but one God, is often compared to the trinity of Hinduism in Indian mythology and other religions. In Hinduism there is Brahma, who is the creator of the universe; Vishnu, the preserver; and Shiva, who is the god of war and distraction. There is also Krishna, the good god, who came to the earth like Jesus Christ to save people. Initially, it seems that this comparison is correct. But in fact, it must be noticed, there is one significant difference in the relationship within the two trinities. While the Hindu gods are in constant competition and war, the three persons in the Holy Trinity are in harmony and perfect love. Thus, the Christian understanding of the Holy Trinity, as a community of perfect harmony, unity and love, is an excellent model for families and communities. The Trinity is dynamic, not static. It is perfect communion and communication. It is a reality in which unity and diversity exist together and at the same time. The Trinity is a great model and encouragement for us, but in terms of human relationship, we will never reach such perfection. We are called for openness and readiness to listen, understand and minister to each other after the example of the triune God. It is a long-life commitment. When we are hospitable and become kind to each we are at the beginning of the journey with the Holy Trinity. Let’s remember that even the “Sign of the Cross,” which we make with awareness at the beginning of a day, meal, travel or important decision, becomes a beautiful prayer of praise of the Holy Trinity. In this simple but powerful sign of our faith, we renew our commitment to follow the example given to us by the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, community of three persons but one God. Fr. Andrzej

Stained Glass Windows

By Jenny Drzewiecki • June 1, 2025
The stained-glass windows project was recommended when we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the new church last year. There were many suggestions to enhance our church with a slightly new vision as we continue to grow both with the traditional look as well as a new fresh look. The suggestions some of our parishioners brought up was a proposal of stained-glass windows. The Pastoral Team and several groups of our parish community suggested that this project would very worthy addition to our beautiful church. A committee was created to find two artists who could design the stained-glass windows in harmony with the style and architecture of our church. After a few months of work and consultations with priests and volunteers who built the church, Pastoral and Finance Council, Staff and you, dear parishioners, the committee chose the theme, style and artist of the stained-glass windows. The theme “Corporal Works of Mercy,” honors St. Martin of Tours, the patron saint of our parish. We believe, St. Martin was an apostle of Works of Mercy and practiced the Works of Mercy in his life. As followers of St. Martin, we wanted to learn and witness his example. We must welcome people who are in need, especially homeless, hungry and thirsty. We are encouraged to cloth the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned. Finally, we are obliged to bury the dead with faith in resurrection. The Corporal Works of Mercy is a clear invitation to practice our faith and become true Christians. Each window of the project will have a symbol of the Works of Mercy included in its design. The chosen style of stained-glass windows relates well to the modern architecture of our church and will bring up a sacred atmosphere for our prayer and worship. The shape of the windows as well as the small circled symbols on the top of the windows link us to the old church (narthex). The artist, Slovic Miskow, who designed the windows, in collaboration with Kim Kostuch, placed meaningful elements of our faith in the pattern and layout of the windows. There are stars and rays of light, vines with branches, and landscaped creation as background. I believe everyone will see different elements in each stained-glass window and will relate to them. The stained-glass windows will help us to pray and encounter God’s living presence in our church. Each stained-glass window costs us $10,000 and the total cost of the first phase of the project is $60,000. The second phase will include the Rose window which is located above the baptismal font. The second phase has not yet been designed nor the cost estimated. I am grateful to those who brought up the idea of the stained-glass windows project, the committee, artists, those who shared their suggestions and criticism to us, and above all, to those who will sponsor portions of it. Thank you very much. On behalf of the project committee,  Fr. Andrzej

Pope Leo XIV

By Jenny Drzewiecki • May 18, 2025
Robert Francis Prevost, the new Bishop of Rome was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent. He has two brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph. He entered the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers and then at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where in 1977 he earned a Degree in Mathematics and also studied Philosophy. On August 29, 1981, he made his solemn vows. The future Pontiff received his theological education at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. At the age of 27, he was sent by his superiors to Rome to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). In Rome, he was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, at the Augustinian College of Saint Monica. Prevost obtained his licentiate in 1984 and the following year, while preparing his doctoral thesis, was sent to the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Piura, Peru (1985–1986). In 1987, he defended his doctoral thesis on "The Role of the Local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine." Then, he returned to Peru and was assigned in various ministries, formation director and professor of Canon Law, Patristics, and Moral Theology at the Major Seminary “San Carlos y San Marcelo.” At the same time, he was also entrusted with the pastoral care in a local parish. In 1999, Prevost returned to his Augustinian Province in Chicago where he was elected Provincial Prior and then Prior General. Pope Francis appointed him on November 3, 2014, as Apostolic Administrator of the Peruvian Diocese of Chiclayo, elevating him to the episcopal dignity as Titular Bishop of Sufar. On September 26, 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo. In March 2018, he was elected second vice-president of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, where he also served as a member of the Economic Council and president of the Commission for Culture and Education. In 2019, Pope Francis appointed him a member of the Congregation for the Clergy (July 13, 2019), and in 2020, a member of the Congregation for Bishops (November 21). Meanwhile, on April 15, 2020, he was also appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Peruvian Diocese of Callao. On January 30, 2023, the Pope called him to Rome as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, promoting him to the rank of Archbishop. Pope Francis created him a Cardinal and assigned him the Diaconate of Saint Monica. He officially took possession of this role on January 28, 2024. On February 6 of this year, Pope Francis promoted him to the Order of Bishops, granting him the title of the Suburbicarian Church of Albano. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope on May 8, 2025 in Rome. He received name Leo XIV following the great Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) who was well known for publishing the encyclical "Rerum Novarum" on worker's rights and is remembered for his social teaching.  Leo XIV is the 267th Bishop of Rome. He is the first Augustinian and U.S. American Pope. We will pray he will become a great and holy Pope who leads God’s people through this difficult and challenging time of the Church and World. Fr. Andrzej

Good Shepherd Sunday

By Jenny Drzewiecki • May 7, 2025
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally called Good Shepherd Sunday. We always read the stories of a good shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep and searches and finds the lost one. There is a grater joy with the one lost sheep that was found than with the ninety-nine which are safe at home. The image of Jesus who is compared to the good shepherd from the gospel today, significantly impacted the first Christian community in the first century. The catacombs, where the first Christians regularly gathered and celebrated Eucharist, have many images of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, pained on the walls. In fact, one of the first symbols and images of Christian faith, was not the Cross or Sacred Heart, but the image of Jesus who is carrying the lost sheep on his shoulders. The story of the good shepherd today encouraging us to follow Jesus closely. The sheep are lost and vulnerable without a shepherd. The shepherd must guide and protect them always. John in his gospel stated today, the sheep hear and recognize the voice of the shepherd. Thus, they know him and follow him closely (John 10:27). There is very practical truth in this statement of John. An essential condition of knowing someone closely is to be with that person on a regular basis and listen to him. Good Shepherd Sunday encourages us to reflect on our relationship with God. Praying and listening to the Word of God makes us aware of God in our life and enables us to follow God closely. Fr. Andrzej
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