Lakeshore Region Clergy Gather
First Fellowship and Shared Vision
On Tuesday, December 10th, the clergy of the Lakeshore Mission Region gathered for the first time at St. Boniface in Mequon, marking a significant moment of fellowship and collaboration. Hosted by Fr. Rob Davis, the day began with a warm and welcoming tour of the historic St. Boniface church, a chance for the group to admire the beauty of their shared sacred space. Afterward, they gathered together for Noon-Day Prayer, offering a brief but meaningful pause in the day to center themselves in the spirit of worship.
As the group settled into their meal, Regional Missioner for the Lakeshore Region, Jana Troutman-MIller, invited them to introduce themselves. With some new faces in the group, the gathering represented areas from both the historical dioceses of Milwaukee and Fond du Lac, bringing together clergy from a broad geographic range. It was clear that the bonds between them were already strong as they shared their stories and experiences with one another.
Each clergy member was asked to share what they were most proud of in their parishes, and the conversation quickly blossomed into a celebration of the many ways their communities are making a difference. The list of accomplishments was as diverse as the parishes themselves but centered around the theme of outreach. From food pantries to clothing drives and tutoring programs to support for local shelters, the clergy spoke with pride about the tangible ways their congregations are living out their faith in the community. Many also highlighted the deep relationships being built within their congregations—whether through small groups, shared worship experiences, or one-on-one pastoral care. These connections were a source of great pride, as the clergy acknowledged how essential they were to the vitality of their ministries.
As the conversation turned toward hopes for growth, a number of common themes emerged. Several clergy members expressed a desire to deepen the engagement of their parishioners, specifically in relation to outreach. While their congregations were generous in supporting these efforts financially, they wanted to find ways to encourage more hands-on participation, allowing parishioners to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with direct involvement. Others spoke of the need to expand leadership opportunities within existing ministries, providing a path for laypeople to grow in their leadership skills and take on more active roles in the life of the church. There was also a strong sense that today's church is being called to discover its role in a rapidly changing world. How can local parishes become places of authentic transformation and witness while remaining deeply connected to the unique needs of their communities? These questions sparked much thoughtful discussion, with many nodding in agreement as each point was raised.
The clergy also expressed a desire to continue building on this newfound sense of unity and collaboration. They hope to meet in person at least quarterly throughout the year, using these gatherings as opportunities for further fellowship, learning, and growth. By meeting regularly, they can support one another, share resources, and build a stronger network of clergy within the Lakeshore Mission Region. In between these in-person meetings, they plan to stay connected through ongoing communication, sharing insights and challenges, and offering one another encouragement and guidance as they continue their work.
In many ways, this first gathering was just the beginning. It set the stage for deeper connections, both among the clergy and within their parishes, as they continue to journey together, seeking to live out their calling to serve and grow in faith. The hope for the Lakeshore Mission Region, as with all our Regions, is for clergy is to build a community of support and learning that will not only strengthen them individually but also strengthen the ministry they offer to their communities.
Jana Troutman Miller during the conversation captured a lovely selfie!
