Meet Your Lay Trustee Candidates — Vote November 7–8
Meet Eric Breunig, Laura Breunig, Karen Lawler and Jace Scheffler before voting at Mass on November 7–8.
- Deadline
On November 7–8, 2026, parishioners at all four of our churches will elect two lay trustees for Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish. Paper ballots will be handed out at every Mass that weekend and collected in separate, clearly marked baskets before the final blessing.
What trustees do. The two lay trustees serve with the Bishop, the Vicar General and the pastor as the five directors of the parish corporation. They attend the annual corporate meeting, sign the parish’s corporate documents and its annual financial report to the Diocese, and serve on both the Finance Council and the Pastoral Council. It is a real responsibility that asks for sound judgment and strict confidentiality.
How the vote works. Any registered parishioner 18 or older may vote, once, at whichever of our churches you attend that weekend. You may vote for up to two candidates, and the two who receive the most votes will be elected. Candidates are not running for a particular office: after the election, the corporate board will decide which trustee serves as Treasurer and which as Secretary. The results are subject to the Bishop’s confirmation, and the term runs through June 30, 2028. The outcome will be announced in the November 14–15 bulletin.
The candidates are listed below in alphabetical order. Each wrote their own introduction. Please read about them, pray for them, and come ready to vote.
Eric Breunig
I am the blue-eyed bouncing baby boy of Jack and Bev Breunig; I have 4 siblings who are all members of St. Norbert’s Church. I have lived near the Breunig mothership in Roxbury my entire life and I have been a member of St. Norbert’s for 51 years. My wife Heidi and I have been married for 27 years; we are blessed to have 4 children Olivia (23), Connor (20), Caleb (18) and Calvin (15).
After graduating from UW Platteville with a degree in Accounting I have worked for TDS for the last 28 years in a variety of accounting, finance, marketing and operational roles. I have been a member of the St. Norbert’s finance council for 16 years (14 years as secretary and 2 years as Chairperson). I am a lector and money counter at St. Norbert’s and an officer of the local Knights of Columbus. I am interested in serving as a trustee to help guide the new Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish through this important transition and provide guidance and support to our wonderful priests.
Laura Breunig
My name is Laura Breunig. As a resident of Sauk Prairie for nearly 35 years and a parishioner of St. Aloysius for 34, I am deeply rooted in our faith family. My husband, Ken, and our three grown daughters are all proud alumni of St. Aloysius School, fueling my deep commitment to Catholic education. Alongside my family life, I have worked as a local Realtor for 32 years.
My faith has called me to serve in numerous leadership roles. I coordinate the Adoration Chapel, have taught religious education since 2005, and serve on the Go Make Disciples committee. These roles, combined with my professional background, have honed my communication and problem-solving skills.
I am eager to step into the role of trustee. My goal is to foster deeper unity, gently weaving our different church communities into one thriving, connected spiritual home. It would be an honor to serve.
Karen Lawler
My name is Karen Lawler; I have lived in Mazomanie since 1978 and have been a member of St. Barnabas since then. I am married to Mark Lawler and we have one daughter Cassie Meinholz and two grandsons (Hudson and Rowan). I am 67 and have retired from the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation after 45 years of service.
I have taken over the St. Barnabas Cemetery and spend a lot of time at the cemetery working, weeding and cleaning up. I also help with the Estate Sales, gathering, sorting, pricing and cleaning up. Everything I do I give 100%. I like to think I have good ideas and can work towards solutions that can contribute to our new parish. I would like the opportunity to serve our parish.
Jace Scheffler
I am thirty years old, and have been a parishioner for three years since moving to Sauk City with my wife, Mary, and our sons: Augustine (4), Peter (2), and Thomas (3 months). Gus has been enjoying Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Al’s this Fall. As a director at Tanduo, an IT consulting firm in Green Bay, I have experience leading organizations, setting vision, and managing budgets. Raised in Neenah in the Green Bay Diocese, I studied as a seminarian for four years before discerning married life. I also have experience coaching priests in organizational health and am a 3rd Degree in the Knights of Columbus. I am passionate about developing a flourishing parish life and building up our local community to love and share our Lord Jesus.
Please pray for our candidates and for the new parish as we discern together. Questions about the election may be directed to Fr. Miguel or the parish office at (608) 643-2449 or [email protected].