Why I love my work at Gesu Parish
First of all the people of Gesu are so inspiring. Some elderly can barely walk down the aisle but they come to worship, pray and receive Holy Communion. Some young are so eager to take part in the Sacred Liturgy and wave their banners or carry incense to honor their God. Adults are ready to feed the hungry here on Saturday evenings or Sunday mornings or just visit and bring a few treats to the families at the Cathedral shelter. When there is a parish need or physical disaster, this parish generously gives of themselves and their resources. People actually listen to the homilies and are seeking God. I am so appreciative of my reception here. I make about 5 mistakes a day, which is normal, and I find ready forgiveness from the people, the staff and especially from the Lord. Jesus is in the City to announce the Kingdom. I want to be part of that.
Fr. Karl was installed as Gesu's new pastor on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at the 9:00 a.m. Mass by Fr. G. Thomas Krettek, S.J., Provincial of the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus.
Fr. Karl most recently of Mankato, Minnesota, was originally from Milwaukee and a graduate of Marquette High School, but has never been assigned to a ministry in Milwaukee. He was born August 10, 1941 in Milwaukee as the fourth of five children of Eugene and Margaret (Kleiner) Voelker. His grade school education was provided by the Franciscan Sisters of the Lake at Sacred Heart Grade School in present day St. Francis, WI.
After graduating from Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, Fr. Karl entered the Society of Jesus in 1959 at Florissant, MO. He took his first vows September 8, 1961 at Jesuit College, St. Bonifacius, MN and from there went on to St. Louis University , St. Louis, MO, graduating in 1966. His theological studies were from 1969-1972 at Regis College, Willowdale, Ontario, Canada. He was granted an M.Div and an MTh. Fr. Karl was ordained at Gesu Church in Milwaukee in 1972.
