WISCONSIN DELLS — Priests of the Diocese of Madison will be gathering for their annual Presbyteral Assembly from Sunday evening, Sept. 23, to Wednesday, Sept. 26, at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
The assembly is an opportunity for prayer and fellowship among the priests of the diocese, as well as education and reflection.
This year’s assembly will focus on the upcoming Year of Faith beginning on October 11, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council.
Keynote speaker at the assembly will be Douglas Bushman, director and associate professor of theology for Ave Maria University’s Institute for Pastoral Theology. He teaches courses on Vatican II, Blessed Pope John Paul II, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pastoral Theology, and Social Ethics.
He is the author of introductions for the Sixteen Documents of Vatican II and the In His Image: Program of Renewal Through Education.
Besides giving two presentations, Bushman will also take part in a “Dialogue on Vatican II” along with Bishop Robert C. Morlino; Msgr. Terrence Connors, pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish in Sun Prairie; Msgr. Michael Burke, pastor of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Madison; and Msgr. Charles Schluter, pastor of St. Peter Parish in Madison and director of the diocesan Office of Continuing Education of Priests.
Bishop Morlino will also speak to the priests on “Year of Faith: Evangelization through Beauty.” Abbot Marcel Rooney, director of the Orate Institute, will give a reflection on the Eucharist.
The assembly will include concelebrated Masses, a Memorial Service for deceased priests, Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction, and opportunity for Confession. Priests celebrating their silver jubilees will be honored.
Daun Maier of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development and Fr. Tait Schroeder from the Diocesan Tribunal will give presentations at the assembly.