Nikki Pierucki, of Sacred Heart, began her own journey as a participant in a small group community years ago after Fr. Dave introduced her to Alison McShane and encouraged her to join a small group.  Two years ago she participated in the summer edition of the Reach More Mission Training at Sacred Heart.  Nikki shared how she enjoys being in a small group to protect against growing lukewarm in her faith, it is a gift of accountability and inspiration. After about a year and a half, she discerned with Tina Moritz that she felt called to start a small group of her own. With courage, she invited friends through her work community in the Reedsburg School District and other ladies she had connections with in and outside of the church community.  God deeply rewarded her act of faith, with eleven members in total joining the group for a Lenten Study on Fr. John Burns devotional entitled “Return.’  The group consists of mostly teachers from the different schools of the Reedsburg area with a common shared experience of motherhood.  The group met in her house in a spirit of friendship, prayer, and sacrifice.  The group developed a bond of sisterhood, accountability, and developing relationships of transformative friendship.  After receiving positive feedback and inquiries to continue the group, Nikki plans to meet monthly with her group beginning again this fall with another weekly devotional in Advent.  It is beautiful to witness how Nikki discerns with her season of motherhood and commitments to continue this apostolate in a manner that works for their schedules and allows for commitment, growth, and flexibility with a spirit of perseverance.

Al Zahn, of St. Cecilia, went through the Reach More Mission Training in the Spring of 2023 and was inspired to start a small group with four couples beginning in October of that year.  Their goal is to grow in transformative friendship through fellowship and discussion of scripture.  They have been meeting every first and third Sunday of the month, consistently coming together, growing in faith and friendship, sharing meals and using the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series to guide their discussion.  Their group enjoys going on pilgrimages together as well as other enjoyable outings such as the Legacy Theater in the Dells.  Their group continues to grow and be a witness of a transformative community.

Pictured above: A group photo of members of the small group facilitated by Alan Zahn enjoying a time of fellowship before their bi-monthly meeting.

We hope these stories inspire you and allow you to see just a glimpse of the effect single individuals are having on carrying out the Gospel message to share the good news of Jesus Christ in transformative friendships.  If you feel called to be a part of this movement, either joining the next 12 week Reach More Mission training group or finding a way to be a part of one of these small groups, please reach out to Elizabeth Monaghan at [email protected].  

Family of Faith Nights seek to unite all adults in fellowship and catechetical instruction through speakers and discussion based on essential themes of our faith.  

This year we will specifically be focusing on Life in Christ.

Click to learn more about A Family of Faith

JPII Pastorate's Discipleship Nights | A monthly gathering for Men and Women, in all stages of the spiritual life for the foundational and transformative skills of discipleship; providing knowledge and wisdom to grow individually and share the faith with others

Theme for 2025-2026: Apologetics
Location: St. Cecilia @ 7 p.m.
Dates: Third Tuesday of the month beginning in September

Reach More Mission Training seeks to equip adults, established in the faith, to go forth as Missionary disciples to engage more intentionally in sharing Christ with every person they meet.  This is most effectively achieved by establishing and facilitating small groups.  These small groups are born from authentic relationships of the individuals who complete the training.  

The more individuals who take the training, the more unique, inclusive and far reaching will our small groups be as they extend from the unique relationships of the individuals, including those who already attend our churches and those who may have yet to encounter Christ and His Church.  This apostolic mission depends on every one of us, and our individual “fiat,” our yes to spreading the Gospel. 

We have ongoing opportunities to join a training group and/or meet Missionary Disciples to join an established small group.

Retreat Opportunities seek to offer a day away from one’s usual surroundings and occupation to a place of meditation, self-examination, and prayer to revitalize and deepen your relationship with Jesus in the company of the faithful.

• MEN'S RETREAT | Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Camp Gray
• WOMEN'S RETREAT | Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Camp Gray

Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA, previously named RCIA) is the formation process that offers initial and foundation Catechetical instruction to adults seeking to become fully-initiated members of the Catholic Church.  This is for all baptized and non-baptized individuals seeking to become Catholic. 

CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OCIA

ELIZABETH MONAGHAN