Fr. Mike Hammer February 9, 1943 - June 14, 2023

Born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to Irene (Sadowski) and (Norbert) Hammer, brother of Tony and Mary Beth (Nigbur/Deceased) Hammer, Chuck and Gale Hammer, and Mary Hammer; further survived by close and beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, other relatives and families. The following is Fr. Mike's Reflection on 54 years of priesthood. It has been an amazing God-adventure. Ten wonderful years as an associate at St. Veronica Parish, followed by four at St. Bernadette. Both in Milwaukee, both providing countless opportunities to serve and to celebrate the liturgies with the affectionate breath of experimentation. Although I was never a pastor, I did have the experience since my first pastor Father Gordy Johnson was hospitalized often during the ten years I was with him. My second Pastor was Father James Reutz. . . a kind man, need I say more? Truly, I cherished them and those years. Then, on to co-coordinating the Office for Parish Councils with Marliss Rodgers whose energy and discipline got me published. Our Parish Council Manuals were used in at least 35 dioceses in the US and Canada. During this period, I held various offices for Padicon - the National Organization for Parish and Diocesan Councils. This was a marvelous opportunity to see the church at work throughout the US. Could give a keynote one day, and the next, tour the city, and

parishes at work. Promoting clergy-lay team leadership has been one of the greatest joys of my priesthood. Then, a several years stint in the Office of Combined Collections. When asked to do the task, my response was, I would not have been more surprised to be asked to be Archdiocesan Volleyball Coach. I can hear the laughter as you read this.

Next came an inner call to serve the HIV-AIDS community. I was supported by Archbishop Rembert Weakland, who at the time was co-founder, along with Karen Lamb, of MAP - the Milwaukee Aids Project; later to become ARCW - the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin. This ministry focused my view of the Church, deepened my need for prayer and challenged my cock-eyed optimism to move into the unknown. It was then, I established the Catholic AIDS Ministry Office. It has spanned those painful years with several hundred funerals to the changes brought about by the famous cocktail drugs.

Throughout these years, I have been blessed to be an assisting priest at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Three Holy Women and Old St. Mary's Parishes.

The people of God have been very good to me. I enjoy most: celebrating Mass and preaching. These years have, also, afforded generous opportunities to facilitate Retreats, RCIA input, ten years as a Celebrant on the Sunday Mass on Channel 6. To this day, the grace of that experience is how many viewers continue to keep me in their prayers. I encourage you to continue to be good to one another.

I conclude as I began. It has been, is, and with the grace continue to be an amazing God-adventure.

In lieu of flowers . . . surprised! Donations to a charity of your choice.

Fr. Mike

Visitation on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 9:00AM-12:00 PM at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 812 N. Jackson St. Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon, the Most Reverend Richard J. Sklba, Celebrant. Also, visitation on Thursday, June 29, 2023, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at St. Katharine Drexel Parish 511 S. Spring St., Beaver Dam. Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon. Burial to follow at St. Michael Cemetery.