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A Celebration of Song: BIG SING 2026 Comes to Appleton on April 25th

A Celebration of Song: BIG SING 2026 Comes to Appleton on April 25th

At 7:00 pm Saturday, April 25th, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (P.A.C.) in Appleton will resonate with the powerful harmonies of male voices from across the Upper Midwest as the BIG SING 2026 takes center stage. This highly anticipated choral event—hosted by the Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus—promises an evening of uplifting, community-focused music in the heart of the Fox Cities. This is a chance to experience the power and richness of male choral singing within one of northeastern Wisconsin’s premier performing arts venues, an ideal setting for this large-scale choral production!

A Rich Tradition of Community and Harmony

The BIG SING is an annual event begun in 1949 by the Associated Male Choruses of America (AMCofA), bringing together male choruses from across the Upper Midwest for performance, skill development, fellowship, and shared musical experience. This year, with Steve March-Tormé serving as Compere, over 260 singers from the 14 choruses that make up AMCofA are scheduled to join voices as one chorus in a celebration of song that highlights both choral excellence and community spirit. The performance is particularly special in 2026 as it aligns with celebrations honoring America’s 250th anniversary, adding a patriotic and reflective element to the evening’s repertoire.

A list of AMCofA member choruses is posted on www.macdowellchorus.com and on https://www.facebook.com/MacDowellChorus.

Hosted by Appleton’s Own MacDowell Male Chorus

The Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus—an ensemble with deep roots in the Fox Valley musical community—serves as the host for this year’s BIG SING. Founded in 1934, the chorus has a long history of bringing people together through song, contributing to local events, educational programs, and charitable causes. Their role as host continues this tradition, inviting both seasoned choral singers and enthusiastic members of the public to take part in a memorable evening of music.

An Evening at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

Tickets are ideally available in-person at the P.A.C. Ticket Office, by calling them at (920) 730-3760, or online at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of choral music or simply looking for a meaningful cultural experience in the Fox Cities, BIG SING 2026 offers something for everyone—an evening where song, community, and celebration come together in harmony.

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National Marriage Week – February 7th through February 14th

National Marriage Week – February 7th through 14th

Join us in celebrating National Marriage Week that will be held from February 7th through 14th! 

Join us in celebrating National Marriage Week from February 7th through February 14th! National Marriage Week is a special time to reflect on the beautiful gift of the sacrament of matrimony. This year’s theme from the USCCB is “Man and Woman He Created Them: Together with Purpose”, inviting couples to strengthen their bond and deepen their lifelong commitment to each other.

We invite couples to strengthen their bond and deepen their lifelong commitment to each other. There is an “At Home Retreat” to be done at your own convenience, please visit: www.usccb.org/resources/NMW_2026_At-Home_Retreat1.pdf.

To read a “Marriage Reflection” by Valerie Denor, please visit: faithfullycatholic.church/the-three-strand-cord-together-with-purpose/.

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2026 Bishop’s Appeal – Be the LIGHT

2026 Bishop’s Appeal – Be the LIGHT

What is the Bishop’s Appeal?

The Bishop’s Appeal is a stewardship opportunity for each of us to reach out to thousands of people in search of Jesus’ love. Each gift given supports the ministries of the Diocese of Green Bay which serve our parishes, Catholic schools, and communities. Your gift truly helps bring the heart and hands of Christ to our children, young adults, families and neighbors here in northeastern Wisconsin.

Why Give to the Bishop’s Appeal?

And the king will say to them in reply, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” -Matthew 25:40

Your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal will help in countless ways.  Children and families are able to attend lively, interactive education programs learning the Word of God.  A young woman in an abusive relationship is able, through counseling with Catholic Charities, to stand on her own feet.  Married couples struggling with infertility are able to become parents through Adoption Services.  Your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal makes happy endings possible.

93% of every dollar raised goes to Diocesan ministries and services here in northeast Wisconsin.

Click here to view the Bishop’s Appeal brochure.

Click here to view how to donate to The Crozier Society and what it is about.

To make a gift today, contact the parish office, visit the Bishop’s Appeal website at www.catholicfoundationgb.org/give, or call Tammy at (920) 272-8123.

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Feed My Starving Children MobilePack Event held at St. John Nepomucene from December 5th – 6th

Feed My Starving Children MobilePack Event held at St. John Nepomucene from December 5th – 6th

Every year millions of children die from preventable causes such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria and undernutrition. Today, hunger still causes nearly half of deaths in children under 5 years old. This is heartbreaking. But you can make a difference!

Through our Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePack™ event at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Community on December 5th through December 6th, our community is responding to the cries of those in need by producing 145,000 nutritious meals for kids around the world.  

Since St. John Nepomucene started hosting FMSC, this year we will collectively reach over 1 million meals!  We invite you to join us! We’re looking for 700+ volunteers to pack 145,000 meals and help us raise $45,000 for this MobilePack event. Adults and children (5 years and older) will measure and scoop ingredients, seal bags and prepare boxes for shipping.

Invite your friends, family, coworkers or school group!

Registration will open on Friday, October 24th. Visit stjn.org/feedmystarvingchildren to volunteer, donate or become an event sponsor.

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National Marriage Week – February 7th through February 14th

National Marriage Week – February 7th through February 14th

Join us in celebrating National Marriage Week that will be held from February 7th through February 14th! 

National Marriage Week is a special time to reflect on the beautiful gift of the sacrament of matrimony. This year’s theme from the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Office for Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth) is: “Marriage: Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal, Pursue a Lasting Love!”

We invite couples to strengthen their bond and deepen their lifelong commitment to each other. Please see below for ways to improve your marriage – that can be done at home with your spouse.

Lectio Devina’s

2-7-2025 https://www.usccb.org/resources/020725.pdf

2-8-2025 https://www.usccb.org/resources/020825.pdf

2-9-2025 https://www.usccb.org/resources/020925.pdf

2-10-2025 https://www.usccb.org/resources/021025.pdf

2-11-2025 https://www.usccb.org/resources/021125.pdf

2-12-2025 https://www.usccb.org/resources/021225.pdf

2-13-2025 https://www.usccb.org/resources/021325.pdf

2-14-2025 https://www.usccb.org/resources/021425.pdf

National Marriage Week 2025 At Home Retreat – click here to view!

National Marriage Week Additional Resources: 

USCCB

foryourmarriage.org

National Marriage Week USA

Radiate Love

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2025 Bishop’s Appeal – Bringing Hope to the World

2025 Bishop’s Appeal – Bringing Hope to the World

What is the Bishop’s Appeal?

The Bishop’s Appeal is a stewardship opportunity for each of us to reach out to thousands of people in search of Jesus’ love. Each gift given supports the ministries of the Diocese of Green Bay which serve our parishes, Catholic schools, and communities. Your gift truly helps bring the heart and hands of Christ to our children, young adults, families and neighbors here in northeastern Wisconsin.

Why Give to the Bishop’s Appeal?

And the king will say to them in reply, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” -Matthew 25:40

Your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal will help in countless ways.  Children and families are able to attend lively, interactive education programs learning the Word of God.  A young woman in an abusive relationship is able, through counseling with Catholic Charities, to stand on her own feet.  Married couples struggling with infertility are able to become parents through Adoption Services.  Your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal makes happy endings possible.

93% of every dollar raised goes to Diocesan ministries and services here in northeast Wisconsin.

Click here to view the Bishop’s Appeal brochure.

Click here to view how to donate to The Crozier Society and what it is about.

To make a gift today, contact the parish office, visit the Bishop’s Appeal website at www.catholicfoundationgb.org/give, or call Tammy at (920) 272-8123.

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ALL RISE! The Northeast Wisconsin Passion Play Open Auditions

ALL RISE! The Northeast Wisconsin Passion Play Open Auditions

Open auditions for ALL RISE! The Northeast Wisconsin Passion Play, a dramatic musical based on the life of Christ, will be held on Thursday evening, January 30th and Saturday morning, February 1st, at the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre, 1600 W. Prospect Avenue, Appleton.

Adult and student performers, grades three through twelve, of all faiths are invited to audition.

Director Jim Romenesko seeks singers, dancers and actors for the community production. 

Performances dates for the 2025 season are April 10th through April 13th, with a special performance for Religious Education / Faith Formation groups on April 9th. 

Chorus, lead and supporting roles, both singing and non-singing are available.  Those auditioning will also be asked to do a simple movement/dance audition.

Performances and rehearsals are held at the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre, 1600 W. Prospect Avenue Appleton on Sunday evenings with soloists & actors in leading roles also rehearsing on some Sunday afternoons. Peter Leschke is the show’s musical director. Mary Doverspike, Jr. is the choreographer.

For more information visit the production’s website: www.newpassionplay.org and click or tap the “Join Our Cast” button near the top of the page.

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Veterans Day Concert – Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus on November 11th

Veterans Day Concert – Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus on November 11th

Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus welcomes the Singing Statesmen from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire for one concert to open our 91st year of performances and brotherhood. 

— http://www.uwecchoirs.com/the-singing-statesmen.html —

They are joining us at 7:00 pm Veteran’s Day, November 11th at St. Joseph Church, 404 W Lawrence St, Appleton.

The choruses will perform selections from individual programs scheduled this year. They will also perform as a combined chorus. A salute to our country’s veterans will be included in the show.

Because of the special nature of this concert, no tickets are required. In place of an admission charge, free-will donations are accepted at the door to help support future performances of the chorus, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Thank you for helping us continue to be part of the vibrant Fox Cities arts scene to which we have contributed for the past 91 years!

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Feed My Starving Children MobilePack Event held at St. John Nepomucene from December 6th – 7th

Feed My Starving Children MobilePack Event held at St. John Nepomucene from December 6th – 7th

Every year millions of children die from preventable causes such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria and undernutrition. Today, hunger still causes nearly half of deaths in children under 5 years old. This is heartbreaking. But you can make a difference!

Through our Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePack™ event at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Community on December 6th through December 7th, our community is responding to the cries of those in need by producing 145,000 nutritious meals for kids around the world.  

We invite you to join us! We’re looking for 700+ volunteers to pack 145,000 meals and help us raise $45,000 for this MobilePack event. Adults and children (5 years and older) will measure and scoop ingredients, seal bags and prepare boxes for shipping.

Invite your friends, family, coworkers or school group!

Registration will open on Friday, October 25th. Visit stjn.org/feedmystarvingchildren to volunteer, donate or become an event sponsor.

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National Eucharistic Pilgrimage – June 12th through June 18th – Northern Marian Route in the Diocese of Green Bay

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage – June 12th through June 18th – Northern Marian Route in the Diocese of Green Bay

Plans for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage through the Diocese of Green Bay from June 12th through June 18th are now complete!

“Be Like Mary. Walk With Jesus” during one of several public events around the diocese.
The complete itinerary of daily events which are all open to the public are available on the diocesan website at www.gbdioc.org. Some events ask for registration; this is purely for planning purposes. Know that all are welcome to join in the public walks, Holy Hours and
Adorations.

Also, mark your calendar to join the pilgrimage on Sunday, June 16th at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. Bishop Ricken will begin the afternoon with Mass at 2 p.m.,
followed by a procession/rosary walk on the Shrine grounds. The celebration concludes
with snacks and fellowship as Jesus continues His pilgrimage in the diocese.

Again, everyone is welcome to join in any of the public events! Please see the diocesan
website at www.gbdioc.org for complete information.