The Acolyte

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In "The Acolyte" you will hear from the individuals who help keep the mobile sacristy rolling. We also share MCG's upcoming JP2 Men's Group meetings, family events, and Mobile Sacristy set up events.

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A Men's Group, a Mobile Sacristy, and a Mission

January 1, 2025 | Michael Tennies , Executive Director

Presidents Message 2025-Winter

In the 15th chapter of St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle gives a stern warning to the faithful: “Bad company ruins good morals.” While Millennials tend to be a punchline for jokes when it comes to morals, a few young men kept “good company” since 2018. They forged a Christ-centered brotherhood, meeting regularly as a men’s group. Those men saw a need, combined their God-given talents, and constructed a mobile sacristy. Today, thousands encounter their mission as they serve …

The Support of a Shepherd

April 1, 2025 | Michael Tennies , Executive Director

Presidents Message 2025-Spring

We frequently work with members of the clergy in our mission. It is truly an honor to assist them as they exercise their priestly office at the altar. In a likewise fashion they too show support towards our mission. We recently welcomed a new Shepherd to our Archdiocese. I have a difficult task ahead of me … not only to pay tribute to one Shepherd, but also to welcome the other, in as few words as possible. For half of my life Archbishop Emeritus Listecki was our Shepard in Milwaukee, so much …

Spring Has Sprung

April 1, 2025 | Matthew Schmitz , Operations Director

2025-Spring

2025 is here! And boy is it beautiful. Temperatures in March hit a high of 70°. Speaking of highs, MCG has a new record — four events in March, two of which were on the same day! The momentum of MCG cannot be stopped! As the year continues we look forward to finally completing the trailer with all the necessary items to host all the liturgies we assist with! A Mobile Sacristy needs to be fully stocked!

Recipe Penne Arrabbiata

April 1, 2025 | Ryan Tennies , MCG Chef

Recipes With Ryan 2025-Spring

1 lb Penne noodles 2 Tbsp olive oil 4 cloves garlic 2-3 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 3 Tbsp tomato paste 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 8 leaves fresh basil Parsley Parmesan cheese Boil pasta until al dente. In a large skillet, over medium heat, add olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper. Cook for 1 minute (stir, do not burn). Add tomato paste, cook until fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer, very low for 20-30 minutes Drain noodles, reserve 1/2 cup …

God Had MCG in Mind from All Eternity

April 1, 2025 | Ron Gamache , Board of Directors, Treasurer

2025-Spring

Like each one of us, God had MCG in mind from all eternity. Our Lord makes it perfectly clear that the reason we are here on earth is to love God with every fiber of our existence, and to use ourselves up in the service of our fellow human beings. The men of MCG take Our Lord’s mandate to heart. We give Glory to God by making it possible to bring our Eucharistic Lord to people, who might not even encounter Him inside a Church. Only God knows the graces that flow out upon people, who attend these …

New Program - Direct From Our Patron

July 1, 2025 | Michael Tennies , Executive Director

Presidents Message 2025-Summer

We are excited to announce that MCG has added a new program to our mission. We are honored to be the stewards of the last monstrance blessed by our patron, Pope St. John Paul the Great! The JP2 Traveling Monstrance Program aims to bring people together in Eucharistic adoration to pray for vocations. This was the specific intention of JP2 when he commissioned its use, and we will adhere to his wish. Check out our website, www.mobilesacristy.org, to learn more about the origins and significance of …

Mississippi Pot Roast Sandwiches

July 1, 2025 | Ryan Tennies , MCG Chef

Recipes With Ryan 2025-Summer

2 ½ - 3 lbs beef chuck roast 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 packet of au jus gravy mix 1 packet of ranch seasoning 1 teaspoon fine salt 1 cup beef broth ¼ cup peperoncini juice - from the jar of peperoncinis 12 oz jar whole peperoncinis Sliced provolone cheese Hoagie buns Add butter to pan and sear chuck roast on both sides. Transfer chuck roast to crock pot. Add ranch and aujus packets, salt, beef broth, peperoncinis and juices. Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred roast with two forks. Add beef …

Brotherhood the Often Silent Yet Sure Guard

July 1, 2025 | Evan Nosacek , Co-Founder

Brotherhood 2025-Summer

“Every man dies, not every man truly lives.” — William Wallace (Braveheart) It’s no secret that we live in a world of uncertainty. We live in a world that often beats a man down and try’s to keep him there permanently. In my own life, it has become increasingly apparent to me that without brothers “in arms,” life would eventually take me out. What do I mean by brothers in arms? Brothers in faith. Our weapons are the sacraments, sacramentals, and liturgy. When Millennial Catholic Gentleman was …

Being Spiritual Trees

July 1, 2025 | Fr. Chris Klusman , Chaplin

Chaplin Corner 2025-Summer

We know that a spiritual life without prayer is an oxymoron. St. Teresa of Avila, the Doctor of Prayer, in her writings refers to our soul as an “enclosed garden.” We are called to consistent prayer in order to cultivate our “enclosed garden.” This includes our participation at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which is thee prayer. Prayer helps us care for growth of the virtues, as well as, to be attentive in rooting out “weeds” of sin and vices. Citing from a website, Angelus Press, there is a …

A Servant at the Altar

July 1, 2025 | Robin Roxas , Former Board of Directors, President

2025-Summer

I grew up overseas in Indonesia where having hired servants in the home was the norm. It wasn’t because we were wealthy, it was just the culture to hire a couple of locals to help with the menial duties of the household. Looking back I learned a lot about how to serve at the altar not necessarily from watching priests but from observing these servants. When you called them, they came; when you sent them on an errand, they would do just that—without hesitation. The more seasoned servants would …

One-pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

October 1, 2025 | Ryan Tennies , MCG Chef

Recipes With Ryan Recipe 2025-Fall

For the Steak Bites: 1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste) ½ tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp garlic powder Salt & black pepper, to taste 2 tbsp olive oil For the Cowboy Butter Sauce: 6 tbsp unsalted butter 4 cloves garlic, minced ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) 1 tsp Dijon mustard Juice of 1 lemon 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped For the Pasta: 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated) ½ cup grated …

Humble Falling Leaves

October 1, 2025 | Fr. Chris Klusman , Chaplin

Chaplin Corner 2025-Fall

The beautiful autumn season is upon us. Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote, “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying inside.” Let the humility of everything around us be instructional: the trees being stripped bare due to falling leaves, petals from flowers falling to wilt and decay, and the falling temperatures. These are to serve as a reminder for our spiritual lives: to fall down onto our knees in adoration to Our Lord and be humble. Praying the Litany of Humility …

From a Traveling Sacristy to a Holy Sanctuary

October 1, 2025 | Doug Miller , Board of Directors, Secretary

Trailer 2025-Fall

The Millennial Catholic Gentlemen’s (MCG) group has been an invaluable service to our Archdiocese, providing all the necessary articles and logistics or celebrating Holy Mass in a variety of settings. I first became aware of their mission several years ago when one of my sons began volunteering at events like John Bosco Youth Day, the Eucharistic Procession at the Cousins Center, and the Catholic Youth Rally. What immediately impressed me was the group’s creativity and dedication — particularly …

Connections That Led to Marriage

October 1, 2025 | Andrew Wurster , MCG Member

Marriage 2025-Fall

The St. John Paul II Men’s Group has been part of both our stories for a long time — just not at the same time. Corrie actually knew a lot of the guys in the group years before I ever showed up. I eventually got pulled in thanks to my friend Michael, whom I met at a Knights of Columbus meeting. He encouraged me to get involved, and before long, I was helping with things like the mobile sacristy, and hanging out with the group. Little did I know those connections would eventually lead me to …

Celebrating JPII Feast Day Patron of MCG

October 1, 2025 | Michael Tennies , Executive Director

Executive Director Message JP2 Feast Day Presidents Message 2025-Fall

This fall we will gather to celebrate MCG’s Patron, Pope St. John Paul the Great, on October 22nd. For me, the feast day offers an invitation to renew our commitment to the new evangelization and to recognize our universal call to holiness. The gathering of friends, family and supporters of our mission on this day also renews a deep sense of appreciation for the many hands and hearts that have built and continue to maintain MCG’s mission over these years. May JP2 continue to intercede for all of …

With Gratitude, Enthusiasm and Confidence

January 1, 2026 | Michael Tennies , Executive Director

Executive Director Message Presidents Message 2026-Winter

"Let us remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with confidence." Pope St. John Paul the Great As 2025 was drawing to a close I found myself working on a project - updating MCG’s written history. This project also offered time to reflect on how our Lord has led our mission to this point. Many faithful hands and hearts coming together over the years, to build this one of a kind mission. In a particular way I reflected on the …

Unless You Change and Become Like Little Children

January 1, 2026 | Michael Uchytil , IT Director/ JP2 Monstrance Coordinator

2026-Winter

It’s been said that “your world changes when you have kids” and this year, my wife and I had the distinct privileged of learning this deep truth with the arrival of our son. Beaming smiles brightening the room, midnight diaper changes and feedings. Resounding squeals and shrieks, uncertain if they are indicative of playful laughter or being on the verge of tears. Moreover, during this time, my prayer life has deepened while experiencing the reality of having a childlike dependence upon our …

Tuna Burgers

January 1, 2026 | Ryan Tennies , MCG Chef

Recipes With Ryan Recipe 2026-Winter

Ingredients 3 cans of tuna 1 can of cream of mushroom soup 8 burger buns Salt/Pepper Butter Steps Mix all ingredients except butter. Put the burger bun-bottoms on a cookie sheet. Add tuna mixture to each bun. Cook for 15 minutes at 325 degrees. Add tops of burger buns with a slice of butter; put back in the oven until butter is melted. Serve and enjoy!

The Man Behind the Camera

January 1, 2026 | Dan Axt , Vice-President

2026-Winter

I’ve always been a “behind the scenes” type of guy. It always seemed to fit with my personality and level of shyness I’ve had all my life. I could do my best work when out of the public eye. This was no different when I had the unique opportunity, and honor, to be the “man behind the camera” for Millennial Catholic Gentlemen this year. Earlier in 2025, it was decided that Millennial Catholic Gentlemen (MCG) needed a video to give more recognition and awareness to the greater masses about who we …

Calling on Detective Sherlock Holmes

January 1, 2026 | Fr. Chris Klusman , Chaplin

Christmas Chaplin Corner 2026-Winter

Calling on Detective Sherlock Holmes to a very important mystery case to be solved. This is a classified cold case (#NZ4893) filed as: Mysterious Disappearance of Advent. Parishioners had been called and interviewed, as well as various clergy. Equally baffling is how Advent, during the period after Thanksgiving until Christmas, would be seen among the crowds at weekend Masses, then gone! It remains unclear as if whether Advent was kidnapped, held hostage, a runaway, or… With Advent awol, we …

The Acolyte

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