For the City Times

Parishioners of Saint Alexander Parish in Port Edwards celebrated their 75^th anniversary mass on Sunday, Jun. 5, with over 200 parish members in attendance.

Mass Celebrant was Bishop William P. Callahan of the Diocese of La Crosse and concelebrated by Father John Swing, current pastor, as well as Fr. Rex Zimmerman, former pastor.

He was assisted by Deacon Mark Quayhackx, current deacon of the parish, and Deacon Bryan Hilts, former parishioner and current director of St. Anthony Spirituality Center in Marathon.

Also present was the ‘4^th Degree Honor Guard’ of the Knights of Columbus.  Special guests present were Sr. Catherine Kaiser, who was the Pastoral Associate from 1997 to 2014 at Saint Alexander, and continuous parish members since its beginning in June of 1941, including Ray Mollen, Marshall Buehler, Jerry Hutkowski, Joan palen, Walter Iwanski, and Fred Jesse.

The festivities also included a brunch with Bishop Callahan addressing a large audience of attendees and thanking them for their endless dedicated support of Saint Alexander Parish the past 75 years.

Father John Swing also used it as an opportunity to recognize the special guests and thank “Deacon Mark” and his committee for all their efforts in preparing for the celebration.

“In my 19 years as Pastor here, I’ve had endless positive experiences with our vibrant group of parishioners,” said Swing.  “Yes, we’re perhaps not largest in numbers in our Diocese, but we’re certainly the largest in hearts.  I wish to use today to say ‘Thank You’ to each and every one of you for the joy we’ve experienced — plus how nice is to see not only our members that have been here for the 75 years, but also our youth that will likely be planning our future 100^th anniversary.”