Doug Brummel will bring his cast of seven or more characters to St. Patrick for a two-night mission Oct. 22 & 23. Doug is joined by his wife, Jennifer, who is Business Manager for his ministry. The Brummels reside in Colorado with their five children.

By Jim Oesterritter and Tim Grove

Storytelling and laughter were defining characteristics of the Brummel household when Doug was growing up in Plano, a small rural town in Illinois. 

The youngest of seven children in a fun, faith-filled Catholic-Christian German farming family, Doug remembers watching television programs featuring comedic greats such as Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, Lucy and Desi, Red Skelton and Gilda Radner. 

“My family would watch many of these shows together and laugh and laugh,” Doug said. “Every once-in-a-while, the actors would do something which was deeply inspiring. I would look over at my mom, and there she would be with a tear running down her cheek. What treasured family memories! It was in those times that I realize the power of storytelling, humor, and the importance of family.”

Doug will bring his own brand of comedy here for a two-night mission on Oct. 22 & 23 in the hope of inspiring St. Patrick parishioners to live the Catholic faith more fervently. Doug’s Broadway-style performance will feature his personal cast of seven or more characters. 

Parishioners will see and hear from Estelle the ‘Purple’ Lady who interacts with the audience along with “Hoover the Handyman” who encourages listeners to share time and talent. Other characters -- all in costume – will use humor to inspire parishioners to renew their Catholic faith and raise their level of involvement. 

Each night of the mission will begin at 6:47 p.m. in the Church. Desserts and beverages will follow each performance in the Gathering Space. 

The cost of the mission will be defrayed by a $2,000 grant awarded to St. Patrick in May by the Archdiocese of Louisville's Catholic Education Foundation. 

In order to allow all parishioners the freedom to choose to attend the mission, Father Tom Boland, pastor, has announced that no parish activities or meetings will be scheduled after 5 p.m. on Oct. 22 & 23. That includes practices by all sports teams on the St. Patrick property or elsewhere.

"The potential that Doug Brummel and his unique cast of characters has to reach the hearts and minds of parishioners of all ages makes this a rare opportunity not to be missed," said Tim Grove, parish life minister. "We ask all coaches and other ministry chairs to respect these dates so parents and children are free to choose to participate in this mission."

Doug said his goal is to bring faith and family together again. 

“God gives each of us special gifts and talents,” Doug said. “It is our job to use these gifts for the greater glory of God. Though I was often not sure if God had even given me some of these types of ‘gifts’, God sent me many spiritual teachers which pointed out my gifts. These people empowered me to use these talents and gifts in service to God and the Church.” 

Doug is joined by his wife, Jennifer, who serves as business manager to Lighten Up! Ministries, LLC. Jennifer tends to the many details of bringing “Lighten Up!” events to life in various communities nationwide. The Brummels reside in Colorado with their five children.