This month, I will be offering a special Mass at St. Patrick Parish in Benton followed by a blessing of the newly-renovated rectory which will serve as a museum to Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli, who is buried in the parish cemetery.
Category: Bishop Hying’s Columns
Embrace holy leisure
We live in a frenzied culture of hyperactivity and stress; we probably all feel the pressure to do more, be more productive, and somehow find a perfect balance in it all.
To slow down, purposely do nothing for a while, and to rest is difficult in our sleepless, overstimulated culture. Yet, how can we hope to grow our prayer lives, deepen our relationship with God and others, and grow in our spiritual awareness if we never embrace holy leisure?
Sunday as a day of rest
Orthodox Jews take the laws of Sabbath rest very seriously, not even driving a car or pushing an elevator button from Friday evening until the end of the Sabbath, in imitation of the Lord’s seventh day of rest.
I am old enough to remember Sundays as a child, when most people still went to church, stores were closed, and no one was supposed to do work. Sundays felt qualitatively different with a focus on God, time for family and friends amidst a slower pace.
Beginning of new ministry dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
As I begin episcopal ministry in the great Diocese of Madison, the Lord has filled my spirit with joy, enthusiasm, and gratitude.
I am particularly thankful to Msgr. Jim Bartylla for his dedicated, effective, and loving leadership of the Diocese these past seven months.
Stepping into my new role has been easy because of his hard work. I am grateful to all the diocesan staff, the priests, permanent deacons, Religious, lay leaders, and the faithful who have all welcomed me with such kindness and love. I am already feeling very much at home!
Bishop Morlino’s legacy
We honor the legacy of Bishop Morlino as we continue to pray for him and lift him to the Lord.
I am grateful for his attention to growing the priesthood, the beauty and reverence of the liturgy, and the importance of faith formation for our leaders and people.