An Inside Look at Austin’s Army: Banding Together for Parish and School Maintenance

Fr. Austin Albers, a longtime priest at St. Francis Solanus, had an idea to help the parish save money. Instead of paying outside people to come in to fix things, paint, and other needs, why not form an “army”? That army, Austin’s Army, has been together for many years, meeting at 8 a.m. each Monday to start their work. 

Ed Zanger has been a member of Austin’s Army for about eight years. He serves alongside more than 10 others, with Tom Rakers as the longest-serving member at 24 years. Tom Freese has served with the group for about 20 years. Joe Bernhardt is a second-generation member after his father, Carl Bernhardt, a longtime member, passed away. 

“I heard some guys talking about it, so I decided to get involved,” Ed says. “I am sure glad I did.”

Ed was a professional painter, retiring about eight years ago. He decided, at that time, that he would use his talents at St. Francis Solanus. When the other Austin’s Army members learned of his professional experience, they were excited to add his skills to the team. The men bring various skills, from an electrician to a plumber and a woodworker. 

The men usually work until about noon, sometimes gathering on other days to complete larger or more critical projects. The schoolteachers, principal, and janitors write down their needs, and Austin’s Army is there to help. In the summer, the list of projects they need to tackle gets longer. 

“It feels good to give of our time to save the parish money,” Ed says. 

For Ed, the fellowship is a significant benefit of Austin’s Army. He enjoys spending time with the other members, with the shared goal of completing projects. The men take breaks when they want and work for as long as they wish. They’ve done everything from painting lines on the parking lot to building an office in the gymnasium. Once per month, they load and deliver food shelf items. They’ve laid brick and painted bedrooms in the rectory – the list goes on and on. 

“Fr. Austin started this to save the parish and school money, and we are still doing that,” Ed says. “Most members are retired, and we enjoy using our skills to benefit the parish and school.” 

Ed enjoys seeing the kids at the school and appreciates that they are always so friendly to the Austin’s Army members. In addition to his work with Austin’s Army, Ed is a member of the Holy Name Society. He also enjoys the fellowship of this group, including the Ash Wednesday Fish Fry, Palm Sunday Chicken Dinner, and the Pancake and Sausage Breakfast.