Jerry and Mary Batzner were first introduced to Arise Milwaukee by attending the Arise Saturday Night event at their home parish, Holy Apostles in New Berlin. In Mary’s own words, “I was awestruck! We have never felt closer to Christ than at this and subsequent events.”
At her first Arise Saturday Night, everywhere Mary looked she saw joy, tears, and praise on the faces. She witnessed a countless number of people receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. She saw lives being touched and transformed by the real presence of Christ in Eucharistic Adoration.
After attending their first event, they went home and immediately offered financial support, and have been generous benefactors ever since that evening. Jerry and Mary say they are grateful for the way Arise Milwaukee fosters kinship within parishes, helping members of each community live their faith in an additional way, especially among the youth.
Mary shares, “The way Arise Milwaukee is taking care of our youth and keeping the Lord’s spirit alive among the next generations by providing them with additional ways to draw closer to Christ is truly a wonderful endeavor.”
Jerry and Mary share that they strive to live their lives with J.O.Y. – Jesus, Others, Yourself – and Arise Milwaukee does exactly that. “We have been tremendously blessed by the pure joy of seeing how our financial support helps others have a closer relationship with Christ. We are so grateful for the work and mission of Arise Milwaukee, and we don’t ever hesitate to offer our support.”