On Mission

St. Anthony Spirituality Center is a sanctuary for peace, hope, restoration and spiritual growth.

-Mission Statement-

St. Anthony’s works to diversify programming and presenters, increase short and long term financial revenues, increase on-campus residency and expand marketing outreach.

-Vision Statement-

As a humble friar, St. Anthony of Padua studied under St. Francis and the Franciscan Order. He continued the practice of joy and respect for nature and all God’s creatures. At St. Anthony Spirituality Center, we continue to emulate the simple humility and faith by providing a simplistic and historical atmosphere for personal or group spiritual and mental wellness. We are open to people of all beliefs, assisting those seeking a deeper connection with God, self, creation and others.

Core Values

• HOSPITALITY
• COMPASSION
• JOYFUL SERVICE
• BUILDING RELATIONSHIP

BOARD of DIRECTORS

Terri Sersch

Since the 1980’s, Terri has been a regular here at St. Anthony’s as a retreatant. In early 2013 she became more involved with the Center after joining the St. Anthony Book Club. This involvement morphed into her becoming a dedicated volunteer which she continues to the present day. Terri is a trained spiritual director and a Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Affiliate and tries to follow their vision of Franciscan living. Retired from a career in social work, Terri is the mother of two grown sons and has three grandchildren ranging in ages from 8 to 19. She shares her home with a very quirky cat and in her spare time has her head buried in a good mystery read.

Ocean/Linda Prihoda

A native of Marathon, WI, Ocean and her husband Les, were married at St. Anthony’s in 1972 by capuchin Fr. Jerry McDonald, O.F.M. The couple have three sons and one daughter, and ten grandchildren. Ocean actively supports St. Anthony’s mission as a Ministry Associate, is a member of the Tuesday Book Club, enjoys the Wednesday Mindfulness Meditation Circle group and practices with the Grow-A-Practice Yoga group that meets on campus in the Solanus Center. She also is a frequent attendant of many of the day and evening spiritual programs, participates in two weekend retreats per year and is a spiritual supporter of the local Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Affiliates.

Jeanette Carlson

A transplant from Northern Minnesota, right on the Canadian border, to Wausau, WI, Jeanette is a graduate of Wausau East High and Northcentral Technical College. She received her Associates Degree in Accounting and has worked as Office Manager for Bob’s Electric of Wausau for 34 years. Jeanette is a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Wausau and a graduate of the East Center Synod of Wisconsin Lay School of Ministry where she serves on their board. She enjoys volunteering and is the secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Wausau. She has also been a Hospice volunteer for 34 years and volunteers at a local Camp Hope for Kids. For many years, Jeanette has also volunteered at St. Anthony’s as part of the Flower Garden ladies group. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the YMCA, crafting, spending time with her cat, working on her flower beds, and socializing. Jeanette currently serves as the Vice President and acting Secretary on the St. Anthony’s Board of Directors.

Jackie Feck

After working in the Accounting field for 45 years, Jackie retired in 2019 and in 2022 joined St. Anthony’s as a member of its Board of Directors. She is also a Board liaison for the Building & Grounds Committee and works the grounds during the spring/summer planting, weeding, and watering season along with cleanup in the fall. She also helps during Volunteer Week and is a House Host during various retreat weekends. Through many retreats at St Anthony’s, she feels a closer connection to the holy ones who previously walked the halls and to God who guided her there. She resides in Wausau and has the privilege of being the proud Godmother to 7 humans! Her hobbies include reading, jigsaw puzzles, card making, and any craft project or needlework. She volunteers in various ministries at her parish, in the Retired United Way program, and at 89Q Christian Radio station. Jackie also makes time for yoga, walking, and getting together with friends and family. St. Anthony’s holds a special place in her heart by providing spaces for peace and calm. She calls the Center her home away from home, her happy place.

Rev. Tammy Barthels

Attending retreats at St. Anthony’s since 1995, Tammy found her spiritual home here and it is where she continues to discern her ministerial call. In 1997, she became an affiliate of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and began facilitating and presenting retreats on-campus in 2000. After completing a three year program with the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI, Tammy became a certified spiritual director in 2005. Continuing her discernment of her call into ministry, Tammy became an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 2015. Tammy reflects that in this holy and sacred place, she continues to walk with others on their sacred journey as they find wholeness and build a deeper relationship with God.

Terry Pisca

In June 2014, one week after retiring from 40 years of work in corporate accounting, Terry became a St. Anthony’s Volunteer. He currently is involved with numerous buildings and grounds tasks but maintains a specialty for painting. In the spring of 2019, he became a Board member and in May of 2022, was appointed Board Treasurer. Terry and his wife Pam, his high school sweetheart, have been married for 51 years. Together they have three adult children and 8 grandchildren. The Piscas live in Rothschild and are active members of St. Agnes Parish in Weston. Terry has also been a very active member of the Wausau Knights of Columbus for 50+ years. His mainstay throughout his life has been community involvement.

Steven Korzinek

It was the early 1990’s when Steven first stepped on to the property of St. Anthony’s to attend a men’s support group, gaining sobriety. As an avid gardener, he was drawn to the natural beauty of the grounds and gardens. The Center felt like home to him because, as a child, he spent many happy summers at Durward’s Glen Retreat Center in Baraboo, WI where, for over 30 years, his uncle, Fr. Richard Korzinek, was the presiding priest. In 1997, Steven completed his undergraduate education and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of WI- Stevens Point. After graduation, Steven was led into working with teenagers and adults of all ages. He worked for Peaceful Solutions Counseling for 17 years as an intake clinician and group facilitator and also mentored numerous teens and adults over those years. In the early 2000’s, Steven came back to St. Anthony’s as an invited guest speaker for the Women’s Community and several other organizations who would have him present at their annual retreats. But it was his dear friend, Rev.Tammy Bartels, who guided him back to St. Anthony’s to share his good works in retreat settings and his talents in the garden. Today, he and Tammy host quarterly retreats and Steven, in his spare time, can often be found weeding and planting on those beloved grounds.