Tipi Losci
From the beginning, the Frassati Society Core Team has been called the "Tipi Losci" (tee-pee lo-ski) or "Shady Characters". This was Pier Giorgio's light hearted nickname for his own friends as they had a particular affinity for playing practical jokes on one another. You are always welcome to contact us with questions, comments, ideas, prayer requests, etc...we are at your service!
La Piccozza
Within the Tipi Losci are what we call "La Piccozza" (lah pee-kot-sa) or "the pick-axe". While this was the tool that Pier Giorgio used to climb mountains, our La Piccozza - the President, Vice President, and Membership Chair - lead and serve by caring for the inner workings of the Society.
Other Tipi Losci
The remaining core team members are the Outdoor, Spiritual and Cultural Chairs, Members at Large and the Tech Guru (helping to bring this website to you).
From the beginning, the Frassati Society Core Team has been called the "Tipi Losci" (tee-pee lo-ski) or "Shady Characters". This was Pier Giorgio's light hearted nickname for his own friends as they had a particular affinity for playing practical jokes on one another. You are always welcome to contact us with questions, comments, ideas, prayer requests, etc...we are at your service!
La Piccozza
Within the Tipi Losci are what we call "La Piccozza" (lah pee-kot-sa) or "the pick-axe". While this was the tool that Pier Giorgio used to climb mountains, our La Piccozza - the President, Vice President, and Membership Chair - lead and serve by caring for the inner workings of the Society.
Other Tipi Losci
The remaining core team members are the Outdoor, Spiritual and Cultural Chairs, Members at Large and the Tech Guru (helping to bring this website to you).
2012
Jen Messing
President
A Letter to All of You
...both new to the scene & those who have been-here-from-the-start
Almost exactly 9 years ago, I sent an email to a group of Catholic friends I thought might be interested in outdoor activities. Within a few months, discussions about starting a Frassati Society were full blown and about 20 of us were meeting every 2 weeks to talk and pray about what it might look like. Wanting to pursue Blessed Pier Giorgio’s example of how to live out our faith and our lives with gusto, we began organizing activities that were similar to his college years – social, spiritual, cultural, political – and of course, always trying to spend time outdoors. Over the years we have had anywhere from 4 to 14 people on our Core Team with about 3 or 4 events per month and we now have 375 people on our email list.
The friendships formed over these years are real and have bonded many of us even as people have moved on to new eras of life (marriage, their 40’s :-) , etc…). The “spirit of Frassati” has remained strong, with brotherly-sisterly camaraderie, good conversation and easy humor (among diverse people, I might add!) as trademarks of Pier Giorgio’s presence. We have seen this unique spirit within the particular people who have sought out our activities and we believe it is a gift, sustained by prayer.
Before each activity that we have offered and as we approach the selection of a new Core Team each November, we have always prayed that God bring whom He wills to join us. Without fail we are pleasantly surprised at the combination of people who show up! :-) This November we hit a landmark in that we no longer have replacements for our Core Team members. Though our email list continues to grow, the new interest is still new and the gap between the leaders of the original crew and the yet-to-gel newcomers remains.
I am still drawn to continue leading a few events throughout this year but would like to mentor others in bringing the Frassati Society to the next generation of young adults in the Twin Cities. I can offer myself for one more year of outdoor events, but am hoping/praying that if God wants other events to continue, He will draw the hearts of those who will lead.
If there is a little leaning in you toward initiating an activity and you’re thinking “I haven’t been involved yet (or enough)” – many of our past Core Team members would laugh, since a good portion of them never really got involved until they were on the Core Team! :-) No worries, we will teach you who we are – and more importantly, who Bl. Pier Giorgio is. We are hoping to see the spirit of Frassati thrive – not just to give people more things to do or to keep an organization alive, but to share the joy of camaraderie that Bl. Pier Giorgio has shared with us.
Verso l’alto! ... to the heights!
Jen Messing
President
A Letter to All of You
...both new to the scene & those who have been-here-from-the-start
Almost exactly 9 years ago, I sent an email to a group of Catholic friends I thought might be interested in outdoor activities. Within a few months, discussions about starting a Frassati Society were full blown and about 20 of us were meeting every 2 weeks to talk and pray about what it might look like. Wanting to pursue Blessed Pier Giorgio’s example of how to live out our faith and our lives with gusto, we began organizing activities that were similar to his college years – social, spiritual, cultural, political – and of course, always trying to spend time outdoors. Over the years we have had anywhere from 4 to 14 people on our Core Team with about 3 or 4 events per month and we now have 375 people on our email list.
The friendships formed over these years are real and have bonded many of us even as people have moved on to new eras of life (marriage, their 40’s :-) , etc…). The “spirit of Frassati” has remained strong, with brotherly-sisterly camaraderie, good conversation and easy humor (among diverse people, I might add!) as trademarks of Pier Giorgio’s presence. We have seen this unique spirit within the particular people who have sought out our activities and we believe it is a gift, sustained by prayer.
Before each activity that we have offered and as we approach the selection of a new Core Team each November, we have always prayed that God bring whom He wills to join us. Without fail we are pleasantly surprised at the combination of people who show up! :-) This November we hit a landmark in that we no longer have replacements for our Core Team members. Though our email list continues to grow, the new interest is still new and the gap between the leaders of the original crew and the yet-to-gel newcomers remains.
I am still drawn to continue leading a few events throughout this year but would like to mentor others in bringing the Frassati Society to the next generation of young adults in the Twin Cities. I can offer myself for one more year of outdoor events, but am hoping/praying that if God wants other events to continue, He will draw the hearts of those who will lead.
If there is a little leaning in you toward initiating an activity and you’re thinking “I haven’t been involved yet (or enough)” – many of our past Core Team members would laugh, since a good portion of them never really got involved until they were on the Core Team! :-) No worries, we will teach you who we are – and more importantly, who Bl. Pier Giorgio is. We are hoping to see the spirit of Frassati thrive – not just to give people more things to do or to keep an organization alive, but to share the joy of camaraderie that Bl. Pier Giorgio has shared with us.
Verso l’alto! ... to the heights!
Jen Messing
2011 Core Team
Jen Messing
President
I have been involved with the Frassati Society of MN since it began, as I was a co-founder with Anne Braam back in 2003. I see Frassati as one of my all-time heroes because he was both devoted to Jesus in the Eucharist and a practical joker, an outdoorsman and politically active, appreciative of culture and a tireless servant to the poor. In this mix I have found a friend and brother in the adventure of pursuing Christ and I'm always excited for others to join in the camaraderie!
My Favorite Beatitude: "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see
God"... (Yes, I am under the influence of the Theology of the Body!)
My Favorite Frassati Quote: "To live without Faith, without a patrimony to
defend, without a steady struggle for Truth, that is not living, but
existing" (letter to a friend, 1925).
President
I have been involved with the Frassati Society of MN since it began, as I was a co-founder with Anne Braam back in 2003. I see Frassati as one of my all-time heroes because he was both devoted to Jesus in the Eucharist and a practical joker, an outdoorsman and politically active, appreciative of culture and a tireless servant to the poor. In this mix I have found a friend and brother in the adventure of pursuing Christ and I'm always excited for others to join in the camaraderie!
My Favorite Beatitude: "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see
God"... (Yes, I am under the influence of the Theology of the Body!)
My Favorite Frassati Quote: "To live without Faith, without a patrimony to
defend, without a steady struggle for Truth, that is not living, but
existing" (letter to a friend, 1925).
Lars Nelson
Vice President
Vice President
Catherine Baglio
Spirtual Chair
I joined the Frassati Society in winter of 2006 and this is my second year on the Core Team. A “Frassati Night” was the first event I ever attended. What I love most about Pier Giorgio is that he showed us how to attain holiness. I am looking forward to praying for you and your intentions as the Spiritual Chair this year. Verso l'alto!
Spirtual Chair
I joined the Frassati Society in winter of 2006 and this is my second year on the Core Team. A “Frassati Night” was the first event I ever attended. What I love most about Pier Giorgio is that he showed us how to attain holiness. I am looking forward to praying for you and your intentions as the Spiritual Chair this year. Verso l'alto!
Ed Working
Cultural Chair
I have been involved with the Frassati Society for 2 years and my favorite Frassati events are Itasca State Park, the 4th of July trip and Frassati Nights. What I admire most about Pier Giorgio Frassati is his profound love for Christ in the Eucharist, how he always sought out time with God and his tireless devotion to the poor.
My favorite Beatitude: "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God."
My favorite quote of Pier Giorgio:
"Each of you knows that the foundation of our faith is charity. Without it, our religion would crumble. We will never be truly Catholic unless we conform our entire lives to the two commandments that are the essence of the Catholic faith: to love the Lord our God, with all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves......With charity, we sow the seeds of that true peace which only our faith in Jesus Christ can give us by making us all brothers and sisters. I know that this way is steep and difficult, and strewn with thorns, while at first glance the other path seems easier, more pleasant, and more satisfying. But the fact is, if we could look into the hearts of those who follow the perverse paths of this world, we would see that they lack the serenity that comes to those who have faces a thousand difficulties and who have renounced material pleasure to follow God's law." + Bl. Frassati
Cultural Chair
I have been involved with the Frassati Society for 2 years and my favorite Frassati events are Itasca State Park, the 4th of July trip and Frassati Nights. What I admire most about Pier Giorgio Frassati is his profound love for Christ in the Eucharist, how he always sought out time with God and his tireless devotion to the poor.
My favorite Beatitude: "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God."
My favorite quote of Pier Giorgio:
"Each of you knows that the foundation of our faith is charity. Without it, our religion would crumble. We will never be truly Catholic unless we conform our entire lives to the two commandments that are the essence of the Catholic faith: to love the Lord our God, with all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves......With charity, we sow the seeds of that true peace which only our faith in Jesus Christ can give us by making us all brothers and sisters. I know that this way is steep and difficult, and strewn with thorns, while at first glance the other path seems easier, more pleasant, and more satisfying. But the fact is, if we could look into the hearts of those who follow the perverse paths of this world, we would see that they lack the serenity that comes to those who have faces a thousand difficulties and who have renounced material pleasure to follow God's law." + Bl. Frassati
Michael Kannel
Tech Guru
I joined the Frassati Society on the spring of 2008. This is my first year on the core team. My favorite Frassati events have been the camping trips. I admire the joy Pier Giorgio found in prayer and in service.
My favorite Beatitude: "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill."
(I also find comfort in a related verse, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Matthew 6:33)
My favorite quote of Pier Giorgio:
"You ask me if I am happy. How can I not be happy? So long as my faith gives me strength, I will always be happy!" (in a letter to his sister)
Tech Guru
I joined the Frassati Society on the spring of 2008. This is my first year on the core team. My favorite Frassati events have been the camping trips. I admire the joy Pier Giorgio found in prayer and in service.
My favorite Beatitude: "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill."
(I also find comfort in a related verse, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Matthew 6:33)
My favorite quote of Pier Giorgio:
"You ask me if I am happy. How can I not be happy? So long as my faith gives me strength, I will always be happy!" (in a letter to his sister)
2010 Core Team
Jen Messing, President & Outdoor Chair
Lars Nelson, Vice President
Ed Working, Cultural Chair
Catherine Baglio, Secretary
(See our pictures above!)
2009 Core Team
(from left to right)
Jeanna Desideri, Treasurer
Mary (Gehrz) Stoick, Vice President
Nicole Feltz, Cultural Chair
Ryan Feltz, Membership Chair
Jen Messing, President
Suzanne Haydon, Tech Guru
Lars Nelson, Spiritual Chair
(from left to right)
Jeanna Desideri, Treasurer
Mary (Gehrz) Stoick, Vice President
Nicole Feltz, Cultural Chair
Ryan Feltz, Membership Chair
Jen Messing, President
Suzanne Haydon, Tech Guru
Lars Nelson, Spiritual Chair
2008 Core Team
Though not pictured, those who served in 2008, were as follows: Jeanna Desideri, President; Peter Schmitz, Vice President; Sarah Carlson, Membership Chair; Jen Messing, Outdoor Chair; Lars Nelson, Spiritual Chair; Julie Moore, Secretary; Mary (Gehrz) Stoick, Treasurer; Mike Bauer, Tech Guru; and Members at Large: Ryan Feltz and Nicole (Smith) Feltz.
Though not pictured, those who served in 2008, were as follows: Jeanna Desideri, President; Peter Schmitz, Vice President; Sarah Carlson, Membership Chair; Jen Messing, Outdoor Chair; Lars Nelson, Spiritual Chair; Julie Moore, Secretary; Mary (Gehrz) Stoick, Treasurer; Mike Bauer, Tech Guru; and Members at Large: Ryan Feltz and Nicole (Smith) Feltz.
2007 Core Team Reunion
An evening of reminiscing for those who had previously served or were presently serving on the Frassati Society core team. Not all past core team members were present.
Pictured from left to right: Jenny Hoelsher, Greg Bauman, Sarah Carlson, Ryan Flannery, Mark Stoick, Julie Moore, Bethany Lee, Mary (Gehrz) Stoick, Anne Braam, Jeanna Desideri, Doug Schober, Jon Tupy, Jessica (Kartak) Kegley, Lars Nelson, Jen Messing.
An evening of reminiscing for those who had previously served or were presently serving on the Frassati Society core team. Not all past core team members were present.
Pictured from left to right: Jenny Hoelsher, Greg Bauman, Sarah Carlson, Ryan Flannery, Mark Stoick, Julie Moore, Bethany Lee, Mary (Gehrz) Stoick, Anne Braam, Jeanna Desideri, Doug Schober, Jon Tupy, Jessica (Kartak) Kegley, Lars Nelson, Jen Messing.
2007 Core Team
Top (left to right): Lars Nelson, Member at Large; Doug Schober, Vice President; Peter Schmitz, Cultural Chair; Mark Stoick, Tech Guru
Bottom (left to right): Julie Moore, Secretary; Jenny Hoelsher, Spiritual Chair; Jeanna Desideri, President; Jen Messing, Outdoor Chair; Sarah Carlson, Membership Chair
Not pictured: Mary (Gehrz) Stoick, Treasurer; Ryan Flannery, Member at Large
Top (left to right): Lars Nelson, Member at Large; Doug Schober, Vice President; Peter Schmitz, Cultural Chair; Mark Stoick, Tech Guru
Bottom (left to right): Julie Moore, Secretary; Jenny Hoelsher, Spiritual Chair; Jeanna Desideri, President; Jen Messing, Outdoor Chair; Sarah Carlson, Membership Chair
Not pictured: Mary (Gehrz) Stoick, Treasurer; Ryan Flannery, Member at Large
2006 Core Team
(from left to right) Jessica (Kartak) Kegley, President; Michele McVenes, Member at Large; Anne Braam; Member at Large; Doug Schober, Tech Guru; Mark Stoick, Member at Large; Jon Tupy, Cultural Chair; Ryan Flannery, Member at Large; Sarah Carlson, Membership Chair; Bethany Lee, Spiritual Chair; Jen Messing, Outdoor Chair. (Greg Bauman, Vice President is pictured below.)
(from left to right) Jessica (Kartak) Kegley, President; Michele McVenes, Member at Large; Anne Braam; Member at Large; Doug Schober, Tech Guru; Mark Stoick, Member at Large; Jon Tupy, Cultural Chair; Ryan Flannery, Member at Large; Sarah Carlson, Membership Chair; Bethany Lee, Spiritual Chair; Jen Messing, Outdoor Chair. (Greg Bauman, Vice President is pictured below.)
2006 Vice President, Greg Bauman covers the Frassati display table at a Cathedral Young Adults event.
2005 Core Team
Suzanne Hamant (now Sr. Joan Marie of the Sisters of Life), President; Greg Bauman, Vice President; Sara Freund, Membership Chair; Jessica (Kartak) Kegley, Outdoor Chair; Anne Braam, Spiritual Chair; Jon Tupy, Cultural Chair; Todd Torkelson, Tech Guru; Members at Large; Lorin Mislan, Lisa (Lawrence) O'Keefe, Matt Willkom, Mike Brashier.
2004 Leadership
Anne Braam, President; Jen Messing, Vice President; Lisa (Lawrence) O'Keefe; Todd Torkelson; Greg Bauman; Jessica (Kartak) Kegley; Scott Weyenburg; Lorin Mislan; Mike Brashier
Pictured here are the first "La Piccozza".
Anne Braam, President; Jen Messing, Vice President; Lisa (Lawrence) O'Keefe; Todd Torkelson; Greg Bauman; Jessica (Kartak) Kegley; Scott Weyenburg; Lorin Mislan; Mike Brashier
Pictured here are the first "La Piccozza".
 Anne Braam (in the act of keeping our crazy group balanced!)
|  Lisa (Lawrence) O'Keefe (who kept us focused on the "spirit of Frassati" and modeled what we later called the Membership & Spiritual Chairs),
and Jen Messing (the exuberant one who was always trying to launch in one direction or another!)
|
2003 Leadership
  | While positions on the core team were not fully defined until late 2004, a large group of founding Frassati members persevered through the initial growing pains of the new organization, including: Todd Torkelson, Chris Duncan, Marie (Nelson) Bauman, Nicoleta Manciu, Lisa (Lawrence) O'Keefe, Anne Braam (President), Jen Messing (Vice President), Maureen Morrill, Lisa (Hunter) Schmitz, Stephanie (Backer) Weyenberg, Carrie Bechtold, Angela (Damm) Babish, Mike Brashier, Lorin Mislan, Fr. Rolf Tollefson, Sonya May, Sarah Carlson, Luke Bauman, Christopher Gustafson, Elizabeth (Gonzales) Willkom, Stephen Maas, Scott Weyenburg, Rachelle Schmitz, and Shannon Fahey.
Some of these members are pictured to the left from the first two events: Zippel Bay State Park camping trip (above) and Como Park Picnic (below). |
In the Beginning...
While we waited to see what the Holy Spirit had in mind (i.e. the votes were being counted), a "fight" broke out in the ranks... but no one seems to remember who won. Ah, well... Pier Giorgio was already
teaching us how to have fun his way!
As a group of enthusiastic Frassati-ites formed in the early half of 2003, it became evident that some form of leadership would be needed. We were modeling our group after Peter Braam's Frassati Society in Denver, CO and therefore wanted to do a variety of events modeled after Bl. Pier Giorgio's activities. In order to have a final decision maker among us, we took a vote. As the two most zealous participants at the time, Anne Braam and Jen Messing were put on the ballot to become President and Vice President.
