September 20-21, 2021

The International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima made its way through southeastern Wisconsin in September and spent two days at St. Francis Borgia Parish. The statue, sculpted in 1947 by José Thedim, reflects the precise instructions of Sister Lucia regarding her vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima in 1917. The statue arrived at the South Church on Monday morning, Sept.20, and was visited by hundreds throughout the day and night during Eucharistic Adoration. Rosaries were recited at 8:30 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Tuesday Sept. 21, a consecration prayer to the Blessed Mother was recited after Mass at the South Church. The statue was processed out of and around the church to the vehicle in which it travels. The rest of the day was spent at the North Church where the Pilgrim Virgin Statue was visited by 300 school children and parishioners throughout the day. Rosaries were recited at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and the statue departed later that evening. Mr. Larry Maginot, one of the custodians who travels the country with the statue, made presentations about the messages of Fatima to various adult, middle-school, grade-school and pre-school audiences. Click to read more and view gallery.

August 7, 2021
Newly-ordained priest, Fr. Jeff Dorr, S.J., celebrated the 4:30 p.m. Mass at the North Church on Saturday, Aug. 7. Fr. Jeff was ordained a Jesuit priest on June 12 at Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee. The son of long-time parishioners John and Pat Dorr, Fr. Jeff grew up in our parish, attending Mass at the historic stone church and graduating from the parish grade school. With his ordination, he has become a priest-son of St. Francis Borgia Parish. Click to view gallery.

June 6, 2021
Sunday, June 6, was the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ – Corpus Christi. After a special 11:30 a.m. Mass at the historic South Church, more than 150 persons processed on a one-mile prayerful journey from the church to Cedar Creek Park. After prayers, the procession returned to the South Church. The Eucharistic Procession was led by Fr. Patrick Burns, Fr. John Burns and Fr. Timothy Schumaker. Eucharistic processions date back to the thirteenth century. For more information on Corpus Christi, visit this page at Catholic World Report. Click to view gallery.

May 30, 2021
Fr. Michael Malucha, a newly-ordained priest, celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Francis Borgia at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 30. Our pastor Fr. Patrick Burns and former pastor Fr. Tom Eichenberger concelebrated. Parishioners have come to know Fr. Michael, because he participated in Masses here during his time in the seminary. Many joined in congratulating him at a reception immediately following Mass.
Click to view gallery.

May 10, 2021

On Monday, May 10, the San Salvador Council Knights of Columbus hosted a Seminarian Send-off Dinner at the South Church for Deacons Michael Malucha and Tim Schumaker. Both will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, May 15. The Council “adopted” Michael and Tim several years ago, providing scholarships and moral support during their seminary formation. Both men have ties to our parish: St. Francis Borgia was Michael’s “teaching parish” the past few years; Tim is a member of our parish’s San Salvador Council KCs, and his parents attend Mass here. Click to view gallery.

May 8, 2021
Our annual Parish Day of Service was held at the North Church on Saturday, May 8. The day began at 8 a.m. with a prayer in church. There were more than 50 parishioners – school families, Christian Formation families, older parishioners, young parishioners, teens and even a one-year-old – working together to clean up the parish grounds. Of special note were the clean-up of the old foundation and fire pit area, and the garden beds in front of the rectory and around the grounds. It was a beautiful day filled with laughter, conversation and relationship building. Following the morning’s work, there was a pizza lunch on the plaza for fun and fellowship. Click to view gallery.

April 18, 2021
Confirmation 2021 at St. Francis Borgia was held Sunday, April 18, with Bishop James Schuerman presiding. Fr. Patrick Burns concelebrated and Deacon Michael Malucha assisted. Fifty-one young Catholics from our parish were confirmed at this Mass. It was a beautiful celebration and we continue to pray that they deepen their faith and turn to God each and every day! Click to view gallery.

April 11, 2021
A special service was held on Sunday afternoon, April 11, in celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday. Parishioners joined Fr. Patrick at the South Church at 3 p.m. for the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Benediction. A framed image of the Divine Mercy is to the right of the sanctuary. The image is based on a vision of our Lord seen by St. Maria Faustina Kowalska in 1931. Click to view gallery.

April 11, 2021

On April 11, Divine Mercy Sunday, Fr. Shane Johnson presided at the 10 a.m. Mass at the North Church, with Deacon Michael Malucha assisting. Since the beginning of Lent 2021, the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass has been celebrated ad orientem. This means that for parts of the Mass, the priest and the people face the same direction, symbolizing that the words during that time are spoken directly to God. When the priest turns toward the people, he is in dialogue with the people. Fr. Shane is a priest-son of St. Francis Borgia; he attended Mass at the historic stone church and graduated from the parish grade school. He was ordained in 2009 and since 2012 has served parishes in New York City. Fr. Shane’s parents are parishioners Alan and Cheri Johnson. Click to view gallery.

April 2, 2021
The Easter Triduum continued with the service on Good Friday afternoon, celebrating Jesus’ saving death on the wood of the cross. This included the Passion narrative from St. John’s Gospel and veneration of the cross -- with the congregation coming forward to gaze at the cross and offer a gesture of respect to all that it represents. Click to view gallery.

March 23, 2021
In honor of St. Joseph -- the patron of fathers, families and the universal Church -- the second of the two-part "Encountering God as Men" series for men was held Tuesday evening, Mar. 23, at the North Church. The event included reflections on St. Joseph by parishioner Joe Bassindale. Participants also heard inspiring talks and personal stories of encountering God in suffering and in love, by guest speaker Bruce A. Lanser. Click to view gallery.

June 14, 2020
On June 14, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), our
pastor Father Patrick Burns, preceded by servers and Fr. John Burns, led parishioners in a Eucharistic Procession at the end of the 10 a.m. Mass. Many participated on this beautiful day, following Fr. Patrick with the monstrance from the church across and around our parish grounds. They paused to kneel and pray in a grassy area along Hwy NN. The procession continued back into the church where the Eucharist was then reposed. Having a Eucharistic Procession is a beautiful tradition of the Catholic Church, which deepens our devotion to the Eucharist and is a public witness to our faith in the Real Presence.
Click to view gallery.

February 7-9, 2020

Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament and there are miracles to prove it. From February 7-9, San Salvador Council Knights of Columbus hosted the Vatican International Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit at St. Francis Borgia. Over 100 miracles were highlighted where Eucharistic hosts miraculously turned into visible flesh and blood. Hundreds of parishioners and others from the area came to see the display and were amazed and edified.  Click to view gallery. (Note: extensive information, including links to individual displays, can be viewed online at http://therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/engl_mir.htm.)

February 5, 2020
The Knights of Columbus held the 2020 Clergy and Leadership Appreciation Banquet on Wednesday, February 5 at The Hub on Cedar Creek. Over 100 parishioners turned out to celebrate the sacramental gift of holy orders and to honor those serving in ministry at St. Francis Borgia and St. Joseph parishes. Attendees enjoyed fellowship, a delicious meal, and an inspirational talk by Anne Haines, Respect Life Director of Urban Ministry for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Honorees in attendance included Fr. Patrick Burns, Fr. Steve Lampe, deacons Scott Wiese and Al Lazaga, and seminarians Tim Schumaker and Kevin Tanel. Other honorees unable to attend were St. Joseph parish director Brenda Cline, deacons Dick Govek and Don Kabara, and several help-out priests. In honor of our guests, the San Salvador Council presented checks to our priests totaling $2,500 to support Catholic education at St. Francis Borgia and St. Joseph parishes; seminarian scholarships totaling $2,500 to Tim and Kevin; and other individual gifts of appreciation. Click to view gallery.

October 12-13, 2019
Six members of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Mukono arrived here in October 2019, marking the tenth time our two faith communities have exchanged visitors since 2001. They joined us for various activities including two Sunday Masses. The first was on October 6 to help us celebrate our 175th Anniversary Mass and celebratory brunch. The following Sunday, October 13, St. Paul’s pastor Fr. Paul Ssebitoogo delivered a mission appeal at weekend Masses. The purpose was to raise awareness and financial support for the mission work done in the Lugazi Diocese, in which St. Paul Parish is located. Afterwards, our parishioners and visitors enjoyed hospitality in the North Church gathering space. Click to view gallery.

October 6, 2019

Following the 10 a.m. 175th Anniversary Mass on October 6, our school hosted a celebratory brunch and history gallery. The celebration included a complimentary continental breakfast and gallery exhibits prepared by grade level, telling the history of St. Francis Borgia Parish through our students’ eyes. Students worked on these exhibits throughout the 2018-2019 school year. This event celebrated 175 years and the children’s hard work. Click to view gallery.

October 6, 2019
On Sunday, Oct. 6, Archbishop Jerome Listecki joined us at the 10 a.m. Mass at the North Church to help us celebrate the 175th Anniversary of St. Francis Borgia Parish. Other honored guests were Fr. John Burns (speaker at our parish mission nights and brother of Fr. Patrick); former pastors Fr. Ed Wawrzyniakowski and Fr. Tom Eichenberger; and Fr. Paul Ssebitoogo, pastor of our twin parish in Uganda. Other visitors from Uganda, along with seminary intern Kevin Tanel, were also in attendance. The archbishop presided at the Mass, with Fr. Patrick, Fr. John, Fr. Tom and Fr. Paul concelebrating. Click to view gallery.

October 5, 2019
As part of our 175th anniversary celebration, Deacon Scott Wiese (from St. Joseph Parish in Grafton) offered a blessing of pets and animals. This was held on Saturday morning, Oct. 5 on the plaza at the North Church. The sky was overcast but the rain stayed away– with the sun peaking out just after the blessing. The date was chosen because it was the weekend closest to the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. We thank Deacon Scott for offering this blessing for the special “members” of our families. Click to view gallery.

October 2-3, 2019
As part of our 175th anniversary celebration, St. Francis Borgia hosted a well-attended parish mission called “Life to the Full: The Transformation of Suffering into Glory.” It was held the evenings of Wednesday, Oct. 2 and Thursday, Oct.3 at the North Church. The focus of this two-night mission was to explore what it means to be human, God’s incredible plan for our humanity, and how Jesus comes into our lives to heal us and free us from all that keeps us hiding in sin, shame, and sorrow. The speakers were Father John Burns and Sister Miriam James Heidland, SOLT. Click to view gallery.

September 27, 2019
To help celebrate the 175th anniversary of our parish, the Knights of Columbus sponsored a fish fry followed by bingo. This was held Friday evening, Sept. 27 in the St. Francis Borgia School gym. Desserts were provided by the Women’s Guild. It was an enjoyable evening, with good food, good conversations, and fun. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the event. Click to view gallery.

September 14, 2019
On Saturday morning, September 14, the St. Francis Borgia cemetery was the setting for a solemn gathering to commemorate the more than 60 million children lost to legal abortion since Roe v Wade in 1973. In addition, the newly installed infants' memorial was dedicated. Recent research using ground-penetrating radar at the cemetery revealed 197 unmarked graves, including 46 graves of stillborn and very young infants, born to poor parents unable to afford proper burial. Those graves are marked by crosses. The infants’ memorial and crosses are thanks to the generosity of our parish members and the Knights of Columbus. The service and dedication were led by Fr. Patrick Burns. The event was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and our Respect Life Committee. Click to view gallery.

June 15, 2019
On Saturday, June 15, Fr. Patrick Burns was formally installed as the pastor of St. Francis Borgia Parish. The ceremony was held during the 4:30 p.m. Mass at the North Church, with Archbishop Jerome Listecki presiding. On this special occasion, the Knights of Columbus served as an honor guard during the entrance procession. Fr. Patrick concelebrated the Mass along with former pastor Fr. Tom Eichenberger and several other priests. During the installation, the archbishop spoke about the importance and role of the pastor in the life of the parish. Then he "introduced" Fr. Patrick to his parish staff, the members of the finance and pastoral councils, and the trustees, as if they were meeting for the first time. Upon their introduction, each one proceeded to the altar and shook Fr. Patrick's hand. After Mass, parishioners congratulated Fr. Patrick in the gathering space and in the church hall where a reception was held in his honor.  Click to view gallery.

April 21, 2019

On Easter Sunday morning, April 21, parishioners were greeted in a beautiful setting, with the altar and sanctuary adorned by bountiful Easter lilies and spring flowers. The Easter Sunday Masses brought back joyful singing and many alleluias to celebrate that Jesus Christ is risen! Catholics everywhere were reminded of their baptismal faith in Christ, and all were sprinkled with new water from the font. These photos were taken at the 9 a.m. Mass at the North Church, with Fr. Patrick Burns presiding; and at the 10 a.m. Mass at the South Church, with Fr. Steven Avella presiding. Click to view gallery.

April 20, 2019
On Holy Saturday evening, the blessing of the Easter fire and the lighting of the Easter candle marked the beginning of the Easter Vigil. During the services of Light, Word, Water and Eucharist we heard stories of our salvation history and welcomed new members to our faith community. The Easter Vigil brought back many joyous alleluias to celebrate that Jesus Christ is risen! Click to view gallery.

April 18, 2019

Holy Thursday is the day that Catholics commemorate the three pillars of their faith: the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the priesthood, and the Mass. Father Patrick Burns presided at the Holy Thursday Mass of the Last Supper, held at 7 p.m. This was the beginning of the Easter Triduum celebration. The washing of the feet, symbolic of Jesus washing the feet of the apostles, is an important element of Holy Thursday. At the conclusion of the liturgy, the congregation processed to the lower church for prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Click to view gallery.

April 14, 2019

April 14 was Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. The photos in this gallery were taken at the 10 a.m. Mass, which started outdoors at the entrance to our Marian Shrine, with the reading of the Gospel about Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. From there—palms in hand—parishioners processed into church for the blessing of the palms and Mass, including a reading of the Passion. Click to view gallery.

Feb. 18, 2019

On February 18, 2019, over 100 parishioners attended the 2019 Knights of Columbus Clergy & Leadership Appreciation Banquet at The Hub on Cedar Creek to honor Brenda Cline, the priests, and the deacons (and their wives) of St. Francis Borgia and St. Joseph parishes. Guests enjoyed a lively gathering, with a buffet meal and an inspirational presentation by the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight. Honored guests included Parish Director Brenda Cline, Deacon Don Karbara, Deacon Scott & Jenny Wiese, Deacon Mark & Ann Leonardelli, Deacon Al & Rocki Lazaga, Fr. Steve Lampe, Fr. Patrick Burns, Fr. Tom DeVries, Fr. Guy Gurath, Fr. Tom Lijewski, Fr. Jerry Repenshek, Fr. Don Schmidt, and Seminarians Tim Schumaker & Manuel Santos. Click to view gallery.

Oct. 13, 2018
On Saturday, Oct. 13 at noon, a Public Square Rosary Rally was held outside the St. Francis Borgia South Church. This was one of thousands of similar public events across the country – and the fourth in Cedarburg since 2014. As stated in a local newspaper article publicizing the event, “There are those trying to push God from the public square. But without God, where will our leaders get the wisdom to solve the great problems we face? We must pray for God’s help to bless our nation with good leaders.” The rosary rallies are held on the Saturday closest to October 13, which is the date of the last apparition of Our Lady of Fatima and the miracle of the sun in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917.  Click to view gallery.

Sept. 8, 2018

On Saturday, Sept. 8, a memorial prayer service was held for aborted children at the Rachel statue outside the St. Francis Borgia-South Church. This was the sixth annual National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children. At the service, Fr. Patrick delivered a powerful reflection, participants prayed and sang “Amazing Grace,” and the Knights of Columbus stood guard by our precious Rachel statue witnessing to life. The prayer service was organized by the St. Francis Borgia Respect Life Ministry. Prayer services were held throughout the country on this day to commemorate the more than 55 million children who have lost their lives to legal abortion since 1973, and to remind our society of the humanity of the unborn child. Click to view gallery.

October 12, 2017
What a beautiful, grace-filled evening we experienced with stories, music, prayer and time with our Lord in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the SAM (Substance Addiction Ministry) event on Oct. 12. The topic was “Hope and Healing: Overcoming Adversity through Stories, Songs and Prayer.” Special thanks to Ben Wagner, our Catholic songwriter/musician, Fr. Patrick Burns and all who attended and prayed with us. Click to view gallery.

August 3 – 13, 2017

In August 2017, a team of nine parish “pilgrims” departed for a visit to our sister parish, St. Paul the Apostle Parish, in Mukono, Uganda. Their plan included visiting many families, along with schools and other sites. Among the stops was St. Francis Borgia High School, built with the generous donations of our parishioners and named in our honor. Enrollment had reached 600 students, which was up 200 children from two years prior. Photos in this gallery illustrate various aspects of St. Paul Parish in Mukono that were experienced on this visit to Uganda. Click to view gallery.

June 18, 2017
Fr. Tom’s farewell reception was another wonderful opportunity to thank our pastor, Fr. Tom Eichenberger for 14+ years of service to St. Francis Borgia Parish. This family-friendly reception, with lots of food and fellowship, was held Sunday afternoon, June 18, in the SFB School gymnasium.  This was an especially fitting location, because of Fr. Tom’s major role in the planning, fundraising, and construction of the Education & Activity Center, which houses our school. Click to view gallery.

June 16, 2017
On Friday, June 16, a sit-down dinner was held at Shully’s in Thiensville to honor our pastor, Fr. Tom Eichenberger, for his 14+ years of service to the parish. Fr. Tom described it this way: “The glasses were full; the laughter was loud; the program was short; and the applause was almost thunderous. Even Archbishop Listecki made an appearance by video. It was thrilling, and one of the top moments of my life.” Click to view gallery.

May 7, 2017

One of the defining aspects of being Catholic is our devotion to Mary, the mother of God. May Crowning is the Catholic tradition of recognizing and celebrating Mary, our Heavenly Mother as the queen of heaven and earth. On May 7, recent First Communicants, their families and other parishioners gathered on the plaza after the 10 a.m. Mass at the North Church. From there, they processed with Fr. Patrick Burns to our Marian shrine (the Shrine to Mary, Mother of the Divine Word). The children wore their First Communion attire. One of the children placed a wreath of flowers on the head of the statue of Mary, other flowers were placed at the shrine in Mary’s honor. Click to view gallery.

April 2017
This year, 80 boys and girls from St. Francis Borgia received their First Holy Communion (First Eucharist). As in past years, the First Communions were celebrated at multiple Masses, with some children at Masses on April 22-23, and some on the weekend of April 29-30. Because First Eucharist is a sacrament of initiation, it is celebrated during the Easter season. Click to view gallery.

April 29-30, 2017
Receptions were held after the 4:30 p.m., 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Masses April 29-30 to honor Lana Schumacher, our Director of Liturgical Music, for her 36+ years of service to our parish. Parishioners stopped down in the church hall to personally express their appreciation and wish her well in her retirement. Afterwards, as part of a thank-you, Lana wrote: “It has been an honor and privilege to serve this parish the past 36 years and to witness the growth of singing within the liturgies that has developed over the years.” Click to view gallery.

Feb. 23, 2017
On Thursday, Feb. 23, St. Francis Borgia Parish hosted Christopher West for a presentation on “God, Sex and the Meaning of Life.” Christopher is an internationally-known expert on John Paul II's Theology of the Body. He had an important message for all on the beauty of human sexuality and the wisdom of the Church's teachings on love and marriage. Joining Christopher was SFB parishioner Mike Mangione, a nationally touring musician and podcast host, who added wonderful music to the evening’s activities. This presentation for adults and young adults  was held at the Education & Activity Center. The event was sponsored by SFB, the SFB Respect Life Committee and the Knights of Columbus San Salvador Council of Cedarburg-Grafton. Click to view gallery.

December 24, 2016

Six Christmas Masses were celebrated at St. Francis Borgia in 2016, starting Christmas Eve afternoon and ending late morning Christmas Day.  Both churches were beautifully decorated for the season. The photos in this gallery were taken at the 3:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass at the North Church. The Youth Choir provided a concert before the Mass. Click to view gallery.

December 11, 2016
On Sunday, December 11, more than 20 SFB Troop 3802 scouts, leaders, parents and siblings brought a little holiday cheer to the residents at the Lasata Senior Living Complex. The boys led the traditional singing of Christmas carols, and shared their repertoire of corny jokes. The best and most touching part of the afternoon was when the kids sat beside the residents and visited as they made Christmas cards together. Colorful stickers, markers and other decorations were spread across the tables. More important, smiles and hugs filled the room. Click to view gallery.

December 3-4, 2016
The annual Women’s Guild Bake Sale was held the weekend of Dec. 3-4, and again it was a great success. Parishioners and the general community were invited, and they bought all the cookies, candy, bread and bakery available. Proceeds from the sale are used to support Women’s Guild programs and to make donations toward groups who help the needy. Those who came down for the bake sale also found a huge assortment of religious gifts from our Divine Gifts shop. There were also opportunities to support our Uganda Twinning ministry, which offered many handmade products as well as donation cards. Click to view gallery.

October 24, 2016

On Monday, October 24, Fr. Carlos Martins—an expert in the study of Relics of Saints—addressed St. Francis Borgia parishioners and visitors with a beautiful explanation of why relics are part of church teaching as well as biblical references to them. After the presentation, 300 people spanning many generations processed to the church hall to venerate nearly 150 certified relics. Rosaries, prayer cards, medals, scapulars and other objects were touched to the reliquaries which in turn makes these objects third-class relics. For more than two hours, the hall was virtually silent as young and old alike viewed, held and learned about some of the most influential saints of all time. Click to view gallery.

June 25-26, 2016
On June 25-26, our new Associate Pastor, Fr. Patrick Burns, concelebrated the Saturday evening and Sunday Masses with Pastor Fr. Tom Eichenberger. Fr. Patrick, who grew up in Mequon, was ordained a priest in May 2013 by Archbishop Jerome Listecki. He served his first three years as an associate pastor at St. Charles Parish in Hartland. In his homily, Fr. Patrick expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the parish and described the historic south church as the “crown of downtown Cedarburg.” We feel blessed to have Fr. Patrick at St. Francis Borgia as our associate pastor. Parishioners had a chance to meet him at the receptions held after all the Masses. Click to view gallery.

May 17, 2016
Boy Scouts from St. Francis Borgia Parish Pack 3802 finished the year with an advancement ceremony on the parish grounds. On Tuesday, May 17, scouts and their family members enjoyed a cool evening around a roaring bonfire, roasting marshmallows and playing games. The colors were presented, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, prayer was offered and special scouting achievements were honored. Click to view gallery.

March 5, 2016
As part of First Eucharist preparation, SFB First Communicants and their parents attend a First Eucharist Afternoon of Reflection during Lent. This is a time to pull together all of the information learned about First Communion. Activities include puzzles and games, video clips, baking bread and touring the church. The afternoon ends with the children taking the bread they made and “breaking it” with their parent(s) or special adult. Click to view gallery.

February 17, 2016

St. Francis Borgia parish was blessed to have a visit from singer/storyteller ValLimar Jansen on Wednesday evening, Feb. 17 at the North Church. ValLimar delighted those of all ages with her engaging presentation. Blessed with an extraordinary voice, she is a highly regarded singer, storyteller and recording artist. She is internationally known for her inspirational presentations and engaging audiences with vibrant Scripture stories. This was a Year of Mercy event. Click to view gallery.

January 30, 2016

The parish-sponsored Boy Scout Troop 3802 held its annual Pinewood Derby in the Church Hall on Saturday, January 30. Scouts and their family members enjoyed an afternoon racing masterfully sculpted cars, discussing Pinewood Derby speed tricks, relishing the joys of victory and languishing in the agony of defeat! More than 30 cars were entered in the annual event and a great time was had by all. Click to view gallery.

January 22, 2016

On Friday, January 22, pro-life advocates from across the Archdiocese of Milwaukee joined together in prayer on the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki celebrated Mass at St. Francis Borgia parish in Cedarburg with priests from various parishes in southeastern Wisconsin, including our own Fr. Justin Lopina. The evening commenced with a rosary and concluded with a gathering in the church hall. The sounds of infant voices throughout the Mass made the message of the evening poignant, yet joyful at the same time. After Mass, many visitors from neighboring parishes commented on the beauty of the liturgy, music and choir. Click to view gallery.

October 3 – October 18, 2015

In October 2015, St. Francis Borgia welcomed four visitors from St. Paul the Apostle parish in Mukono, Uganda. The two parishes have enjoyed a twinning relationship since the year 2000. The visitors included Fr. Paul Ssebitoogo, Frank Njuba, Proscova (Prossy) Kkonde and Christine Nandugga. During their time with us, they were able to experience our parish, Cedarburg, and the greater Milwaukee community. The SFB Twinning Committee coordinated activities, and many members extended hospitality to our guests. Click to view gallery.

August 9, 2015

More than 700 people attended the dedication of the Education & Activity Center on Sunday, August 9, with Archbishop Jerome Listecki blessing the gymnasium and all the classrooms. Click to view gallery.

July 9, 2015

It was a full house on Thursday, July 9 when our That Man Is You group invited men of all ages for a fun-filled evening. Following a cookout supper, the group heard from parishioner Wayne Larrivee, voice of Green Bay football, about the role faith plays in the life of an athlete – and stories about the Packers. Click to view gallery.

October 21, 2014
On Tuesday evening, October 21, young adults from Ozaukee County came to St. Francis Borgia-North to attend “An Evening With the Saints.” There they were “introduced” to the statues of the saints arranged along the pillars in the Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Divine Word. It was a beautiful night to view the dramatic lighted images of the saints, and to hear the narratives of their lives. Afterwards there was some social time in the Parish Center to meet each other and talk about the saints. Click to view gallery.

August 10, 2014
The groundbreaking for our new Education & Activity Center was a wonderful and memorable event. It was held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, during the parish festival/picnic. Several hundred persons walked a mulched trail from the festival area on the church grounds to an area of cleared expansive farmland north of the church, where a stage and gold shovels stood waiting. This was an emotional and happy event for the parish. The new Education & Activity Center will be a blessing and dream come true. From the speeches, to the music of the youth, to Father Tom’s demonstration of the earth moving equipment, the event was well received by those in attendance. Fr. Tom, Father Justin, and Fr. Ed blessed the site. The contractor CD Smith was expected to begin the project the following week. Click to view gallery.

August 10, 2014
Sunday, August 10, was a picture-perfect day for our parish festival/picnic, held on the grounds of the north church. As is evident in the photos, the festival was a fun event for children of all ages. Fr. Justin Lopina entertained the crowd with his juggling, and the Uganda Twinning booth offered handmade crafts from East Africa. An appreciative audience enjoyed the food and beverages served in the main tent, while they listened to music by parishioner groups. This included local entertainer and parishioner Vic DiCristo with his band “The Generation Gap.” Other activities included a pancake breakfast, book sale, silent auction, bingo, and a raffle. An exciting feature of this year’s festival was the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Education & Activity Center. Pictures from that event are provided as a separate Photo Gallery item. Click to view gallery.

June 22, 2014

On Sunday, June 22, the Cedarburg/Grafton Knights of Columbus sponsored a “Silver Rose” prayer service for the unborn. Auxiliary Bishop Donald Hying presided at this pro-life gathering at the historic St. Francis Borgia south church. The Silver Rose carried in the prayer service was one of six traveling through Canada and the United States to Mexico, in honor of our Lady of Guadalupe. Erik Stanton, our Knights of Columbus Chancellor, presented the Silver Rose in the processional. His son, Ladd Stanton was the youth runner. The Silver Rose program began in 1960 and was expanded in 2001 by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, who said, “Through it we honor not only Our Lady of Guadalupe … but we also reaffirm the Order’s dedication to the sanctity of human life.… As we think in terms of ‘One Life, One Rose,’ it is most appropriate that we turn to Our Lady of Guadalupe who made known her will through Juan Diego and the miracle of the roses.” Click to view gallery.

June 15, 2014

On Sunday, June 15, at 9 a.m., Fr. Justin Lopina presided at his first Mass at St. Francis Borgia as our new associate pastor. Fr. Justin came to St. Francis Borgia in 2010 as a pastoral intern from St. Francis de Sales Seminary. In April 2013 he was ordained a deacon and continued serving our parish. Fr. Justin was ordained a priest on May 17, 2014. We are thrilled that his first assignment is as associate pastor right here at St. Francis Borgia.
Click to view gallery.

June 15, 2014

After the June 14-15 Masses, parishioners said farewell to Fr. Yamid Blanco, who was our associate pastor for the last two years. Fr. Yamid will be missed and will be remembered as a very caring priest who always gave hugs when greeting people after Mass. He will also be remembered for carrying every baby he baptized all through the church, and always smiling. Fr. Yamid’s new assignment is at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Burlington, WI, ministering to three parishes with large Anglo and Hispanic communities. Click to view gallery.

March 2, 2014
On Sunday, March 2, Auxiliary Bishop Donald Hying celebrated the 9 a.m. Mass with us. It was an honor to have him. He told us that St. Francis Borgia is known as a very vibrant parish in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Click to view gallery.

March 2, 2014
On Sunday, March 2, 47 parishioners went on a pre-Lenten pilgrimage. The pilgrims traveled to Chicago and toured St. John Cantius church, where they attended Mass. St. John Cantius is one of the patron saints of Poland and St. John Paul II had a particular devotion to him. The pilgrims also went to Marytown in Libertyville, IL, which is the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who offered his life for another prisoner at the Auschwitz death camp. The pilgrims viewed a video on St. Maximilian, toured the Kolbe museum, and then consecrated themselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary. By traveling on a rented coach bus, the pilgrims could pray the rosary together, and watch a DVD about the restoration of St. John Cantius church. They also watched DVDs by Fr. Michael Gaitley. The genesis for this trip was from the “That Man is You” parishioner group. Members had gone through a 33 day at-home retreat, studying the book “33 Days to Morning Glory” by Fr. Gaitley, to culminate in a consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The pilgrimage offered the consecration opportunity, with a tie-in to the book, and was opened up to other parishioners who wanted to attend. Click to view gallery.

June 18-July 2, 2013
In summer 2013, our associate pastor Fr. Yamid Blanco traveled with nine parishioners to our twinning parish of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Mukono, Uganda. The purpose of the pilgrimage was to deepen the spiritual, social and cultural ties between our two parishes, as well as to check on the progress of the work that we have supported there, like the building and operation of St. Francis Borgia High School. And finally we are planning how to continue to work together with our sister parish for the foreseeable future. Photos in this section illustrate various aspects of St. Paul’s parish in Mukono that were experienced on this visit to Uganda.
Click on the links below to visit the respective photo galleries.

St. Francis Borgia High School

Planting Trees

Primary Schools

Welcome and Hospitality

Women’s Guild

Church, Rectory, Nursery and Youth Projects

Making a Living and Caring for Others

St. Paul Patron Day Celebration

Last Day for Pilgrims

May 31, 2013

On Friday, May 31, 2013 the St. Francis Borgia Women's Guild sponsored a tour of significant Milwaukee churches for interested parishioners. Our bus was full for the tour, including several men! The time passed all too quickly as we visited St. Francis of Assisi, St. Benedict the Moor (St. Ben's), and Old St. Mary's in downtown, Milwaukee.

The tour was fascinating, with excellent guides at each parish. Since we are one of the supporting parishes for the outreach programs at St. Ben's, that tour was of particular interest. Each church reflects very different missions, and the history of those parishes. Hopefully, the photos reflect the beauty of each of the toured churches. We felt very welcome at each of the stops, and look forward to possible future tours. Click to view gallery.

July 18, 2012

The dedication of the “Rachel Weeping for Her Children” statue was held July 18 at 6 p.m. at the South Church. The sculpture is based on Jeremiah 31:15-16 – "Rachel mourns her children; she refuses to be consoled, because her children are no more." Across her lap is an empty blanket that would have cradled her child. While the sculpture is a memorial to all the innocent souls hurt by and lost to abortion, it also speaks to all those who have lost children, allowing people to experience God's mercy and healing. Milwaukee Bishop Donald Hying presided and Fr. Tom Eichenberger and Fr. Yamid Blanco vested for the important occasion. Following the Benediction, all processed outside, where Bishop Hying, surrounded by a Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, blessed the statue. The sculptor, Sondra Jonson, also attended, and presented Bishop Hying with a picture of the statue. Click to view gallery.

June 30, 2012
Father Yamid Blanco celebrated his first Mass at St.Francis Borgia at 5:00pm on Saturday, June 30. He was warmly greeted by parishioners as he began the liturgy. After Mass, many parishioners came up to him, to wish him well and to express their gratitude for his assignment to the Parish. Click to view gallery.

September 25-October 8, 2011
In fall 2011 our parish had the privilege and pleasure of hosting seven members of our sister parish, St. Paul Catholic Church in Mukono, Uganda for two weeks. This delegation of four women and three men included the newly ordained associate pastor, Fr. Benjamin Lubega and parishioners Pauline Kiguli, Maria Assumpta Gidudu, Florence Othieno, Magdalene Lukabwe, Dr. Anthony Kkonde, and Bonnie SSewava. With the help of the twinning committee and many others, the visit was a tremendous success, allowing our guests to experience some amazing things during their stay. They were able to spend time at St. Francis Borgia School with the children, go to Mass and lunch with Archbishop Listecki, visit an orchard and farm, attend some of the Christian Formation classes, take in a Brewer’s game, travel to Chicago, experience a Wisconsin brewery/fish fry/polka band, and much, much more! Your kindness in hosting dinners, chaperoning activities and events, transporting our Ugandan friends or simply stopping by the church hall after Mass to say hello, did not go unnoticed. A very special thank you to all those who hosted one or more of the visitors in their homes. Over and over our guests expressed their appreciation for the experiences that will forever remind them of the generosity and kindness of their brothers and sisters halfway around the world. Click to view gallery.

April 10, 2010
On Saturday, April 10, Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki visited St. Francis Borgia parish for the first time. He celebrated the 5 p.m. Mass, with Fr. Tom Eichenberger and Fr. Dan Janasik con-celebrating. The Mass was beautiful, with the youth choir, handbell choir, adult choir, and instrumentalists providing music and leading us in song. Prayer responses by the congregation were energetic and faith-filled. A reception was held after Mass in the church hall, and many parishioners welcomed our new archbishop, chatting with him, sometimes posing for pictures, and then enjoying an abundant buffet. Click to view gallery.

July 27-August 6, 2009

In summer 2009, Fr. Dan Janasik traveled with five parishioners to our twinning parish of St. Paul’s in Mukono, Uganda. They went with a special focus upon the parish schools, but their overall goal was to build the bonds of friendship between St. Paul and St. Francis Borgia parishes. Photos in this section illustrate various aspects of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Mukono, Uganda.

Click on the links below to visit the respective photo galleries.

Agriculture and Piggeries

Cathedral and Bishop

Church and Gift of New Tabernacle

Environment of Contrasts

Health Services

Our Ugandan Brothers and Sisters

Schools

Women's Guild of St. Paul Parish

June 21, 2009

St. Francis Borgia Parish has been blessed with a new Associate Pastor, Father Dan Janasik. In May 2009, Fr. Dan was ordained a priest, and he joined us in June to begin his first assignment as a priest. These photos were taken on Sunday, June 21, 2009, when Fr. Dan celebrated his first Sunday Mass at St. Francis Borgia. Click to view gallery.

May 31, 2009

Fr. Michael Dineen, priest-son of St. Francis Borgia Parish, celebrated his 60th anniversary of being ordained to the priesthood on May 31 at the 11 a.m. Mass. The church was at capacity, with many out-of-town visitors in addition to well-wishing parishioners. The Knights of Columbus provided an honor guard, priest friends took part in the liturgy, and music was provided by the Bell Choir and the Youth Choir. During the Offertory, friends and relatives offered praise for Fr. Mike and his career as a priest. After Mass, the celebration continued with a reception and luncheon in the church hall.

Fr. Mike has been helping us out quite regularly these past years at morning and weekend Masses, funerals and other liturgical services. We are blessed to have him celebrate with us. Click to view gallery.

October 19, 2008

On October 18-19, Bishop Matthias Ssekamanya spoke at all Masses on behalf of his Diocese of Lugazi in Uganda. At the 9 a.m. Mass on October 19, our own Auxiliary Bishop William Callahan welcomed Bishop Matthias. Parishioners were very generous in their response to the request for financial support for the Diocese of Lugazi. SFB parish has a twinning relationship with St. Paul the Apostle Parish, which is in the Lugazi Diocese. Click to view gallery.

June 14-15, 2008

Parishioners fondly said goodbye and wished Fr. Michael Lightner well as he ended his three-year assignment at St. Francis Borgia on June 14-15. Receptions were held after the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday and after the 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday. There were also opportunities to greet him after he celebrated the 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Masses. We are grateful for his time with us and the many kinds of service that he provided not only to the parish but also to the greater Catholic community. Fr. Mike’s new assignment is as Director of Campus Ministry at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Newman Center. Click to view gallery.

May 31, 2008

A commemorative cemetery ceremony was held on Saturday May 31, 2008 for Thomas Barrett, who was a casualty in the Civil War and died in 1863 at the age of 16, one-hundred forty-five years ago. The ceremony was held at St. Francis Borgia Parish Cemetery, on Pioneer Road in Cedarburg. The ceremony was well attended, including many descendants of the Barrett family. Special thanks go to Fr. Tom Eichenberger, Cub Scout Pack #3802 and their leaders, Rose-Harms American Legion Post #355 from Grafton, drummer Garrett Dawkins, Jennifer Roesch (1860’s enactor), and Rita Bert and John Enright, who coordinated the event. The tribute was memorable and deeply moving. Click to view gallery.

May 17-19, 2008

From Saturday, May 17 through Monday, May 19, Bishop Richard J. Sklba was with us at the parish for a formal, three-day pastoral visit. He has, of course, been here many, many times before, but never for a whole weekend. Our parish was chosen for this visit because we are the oldest parish in continuous existence (since 1844) in Ozaukee County. During his vist, Bishop Sklba celebrated Mass with us, attended receptions and joined us for meals, met with catechists, school teachers, the human concerns and Uganda twinning committees, parish council, mission trip participants, weekday Mass participants, and school children. We thank him for his time, his preaching, his concern, and his pastoral care. Click to view gallery.

October 14, 2007

With much gratitude and warmth for the many years that Fr. Al Veik has been a weekend associate at St. Francis Borgia, parishioners helped Fr. Al celebrate 40 years of priesthood on Sunday, October 14. On that day, with the accompaniment of our adult choir, bell choir and other musicians, Fr. Al concelebrated the 11 a.m. Mass with his brother, Fr. Roger Veik. Afterwards, all were invited to a reception in the church hall for food and fellowship. Click to view gallery.

September 24-October 15, 2007

In late September our parish welcomed six visitors from our sister parish, St. Paul the Apostle in Mukono, Uganda -- Fr. Paul Ssebitoogo, Nancy Banana, Tom Kasujja, Dr. Anthony Kkonde, Denis Lule and Dennis Yiga. Their stays with us were from 10 days to three weeks, depending on personal flight arrangements and time spent with others in nearby states. Thank you to all who helped them feel welcome at Mass, at their reception in the parish hall, and the following weekend at the Ministries Fair. And many thanks to the twinning committee and all those who were personally involved in providing hospitality and friendship to our Ugandan friends – including meals, lodging, activities and transportation. Click to view gallery.

September 23, 2007

Parishioners, priests and other friends helped Fr. Ed Wawrzyniakowski celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood at the 11:00 am Mass on September 23, 2007. This was a joyous occasion, as we welcomed him back to St. Francis Borgia parish, where he spent 27 years as pastor before the merger. After the Mass the celebration continued at a reception for Fr. Ed at Circle B in Cedarburg. Click to view gallery.

August 20-30, 2006

In August 2006, Fr. Tom Eichenberger and eight parishioners journeyed to Uganda as pilgrims to our sister parish in Mukono, Uganda. The group represented a cross-section of the parish, with representatives of the twinning committee, parish council, human concerns committee and SFB school faculty. These photos illustrate various aspects of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Mukono Uganda.

Click on the links below to visit the respective photo galleries.

Daily Life in Mukono, Uganda

Sunday Church and Spirit

Children and Schools

St. Paul’s Women’s Guild

October 16, 2005
Music and song filled the church and reverberated from the rafters at St. Francis Borgia-North on Sunday afternoon October 16 as the official dedication of the Marianne Huiras Memorial Organ was held. The organ was a gift to the parish from parishioner Ralph Huiras and his family in loving memory of his wife and their mother. Marianne, a former parish organist, was an accomplished musician who truly loved music and enjoyed being able to share her gift with others. More than 100 children from combined choirs of the parish and school, the full adult choir, the handbell choir, a brass section and guest organist Dr. John Behnke combined their considerable talents and performed a most memorable concert. During the dedication blessing, Fr. Tom Eichenberger was joined by former St. Francis Borgia pastors Monsignor George Gajdos and Fr. Ed Wawrzyniakowski. Afterwards, all were invited to a reception in the church hall which included refreshments, a bountiful buffet and a vast array of desserts. Click to view gallery.

June 5, 2005

Parishioners who attended the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 5 were pleasantly surprised that the celebrant was Fr. Michael Lightner, our new associate pastor. The surprise was that he had joined us at Mass more than two weeks ahead of his start date with the parish. Led by our Spirit Choir, the congregation sang and prayed with energy and enthusiasm, thanking God for His blessings and helping Fr. Mike feel welcome in his new parish family. Click to view gallery.

October 3, 2004
Fr. Ignatius Kibowa, pastor of our sister parish in Uganda, was honored at a special reception in the church hall on October 3. Fr. Ignatius was in Wisconsin to deliver mission appeals at various parishes, including St. Francis Borgia. The reception was held shortly before his return to St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Mukono. Click to view gallery.

In 2003, a delegation of four from St. Paul Parish, including Fr. Ignatius Kibowa, visited our Cedarburg parish.
Click to view gallery.

July 3-10, 2001

Five St. Francis Borgia parishioners visited Uganda in 2001 to begin the process of establishing relationships with our brothers and sisters at St. Paul the Apostle parish in Mukono, Uganda. Their primary purpose was to meet with and learn from the people of St. Paul so that our Cedarburg parish might determine how to build a rewarding, mutually productive relationship with our twin community. Guided by their Ugandan hosts, the travelers rode more than 1,000 km. down dusty, rutted roads to visit subparishes, schools, and hospitals. Everywhere they went, they were greeted by joyous singing and dancing, enthusiastic gestures of friendship, and generous gifts. The constant outpouring of love and welcome left the visitors emotionally overwhelmed. The way their hosts witnessed their faith, their love for one another, and the joy that was evident in their lives despite their country's great need, were vivid reminders that Christ lives among them, and that God welcomes us with open arms to walk with them in this twinning commitment. Click to view gallery.