MADISON — The […]
Category: Around the Diocese
News from around the 11 counties of the Diocese of Madison.
Amy Yanzer enjoys working for diocesan Office of Worship as associate director
MADISON — Amy Yanzer has been enjoying her work as associate director of the Office of Worship in the Diocese of Madison.
“I’m thrilled to be here,” she said in an interview. “The working environment is positive, and the people are gracious.
Work in office
Patrick Gorman, director of the Office of Worship, said, “Amy has been a great colleague and helper here in the office. I can’t imagine getting through this pandemic without her! She brings great ideas and looks at things from a different perspective than I do.Patriotic Rosary in Mineral Point
MINERAL POINT — […]
Bishop Hying launches bold new Evangelization Initiative
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| Bishop Donald J. Hying exposes the Blessed Sacrament at St. Christopher Church in Verona. Fr. William Van Wagner, parochial vicar, kneels during an Evening of Prayer held on the Feast of Pentecost. (Catholic Herald photo/Mary C. Uhler) |
VERONA — On Pentecost, Bishop Donald J. Hying launched “Go Make Disciples,” a new Evangelization Initiative in the Diocese of Madison.
On that day, the bishop led an Evening of Prayer at St. Christopher Parish in Verona. The evening included Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, music, a talk by the bishop, praying of the Rosary, and Benediction. Confession was also available.
The theme for this “Encounter Night” was, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Susan Swanke and James Carrano sang for the evening, with Carrano playing the piano and Emily Mansfield playing the violin. Ryan Zakrzewski provided video for the livestreaming of the service.
The birth of the Church
After he exposed the Blessed Sacrament, Bishop Hying talked about the first Pentecost, the birth of the Church. After Jesus ascended into heaven, he told the apostles he would send the Holy Spirit, said the bishop.
The apostles were huddled together with Mary in the upper room. “The apostles weren’t sure what to do. They weren’t united,” said the bishop.
After the Holy Spirit came in wind and fire, the apostles went out to proclaim the Good News, noted Bishop Hying. “Once the apostles experience the Holy Spirit, they’re not afraid. God is with them.”
A Heart of Mercy in the Diocese of Madison
MADISON — Bishop Donald J. Hying reflects on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a way to encounter the fullness of God’s mercy.
Bishop Hying on the Sacred Heart of Jesus
“During the month of June, we celebrate the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” said Bishop Hying.
“This devotion is a way for us to encounter the fullness of God’s mercy poured out for us in Jesus Christ. We steep our souls and thoughts in the meditation of the fiery, divine Heart which showers the compassion and mercy of God on us through the teaching, healing, and forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ.Sinsinawa Mound extends closure to visitors
Sinsinawa Mound remains closed to the public and all programs, events, concerts, prayer services, meetings, tours, and retreats have been canceled through September 1 as the Mound continues to adhere to the guidelines to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Restored Mazzuchelli rectory open for visitors
The Benton home of Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP, from 1852 to 1864 is open for visitors every Sunday from now through mid-October from 2 to 4 p.m.
Becket Fund assists 40 Dane County Catholic sites to open at 25 percent capacity
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MADISON — For three months now, the Diocese of Madison has followed the best of state and local guidelines with regard to all reasonable protocols concerning COVID-19, its transmission, and how to protect the public, especially those most vulnerable.
At the same time, and never dismissively, the Church has looked to how best to provide for the spiritual, and especially the sacramental, nourishment of the faithful. This has been a particular weight on the heart of Bishop Donald J. Hying since suspending public Masses in mid-March.
After the Wisconsin State Supreme Court reversed state-wide orders and restrictions, the diocese quickly began planning for its own very-measured reopening.
On Thursday, May 21, the Diocese of Madison shared its guidelines for parish reopening at 25 percent occupancy across the 11-county diocese. These guidelines take everything into account from social distancing, personal sanitation, omission of singing, removal of furniture and hymnals, training of ushers, and so much more.
How can we keep from singing?
There is a lot of excitement among many people regarding re-opening our Catholic churches for Mass in our diocese. Unfortunately, it will be quieter than usual.
Using the best scientific, medical, musical, and liturgical advice, choirs and congregations will not sing until further notice in the Diocese of Madison (and in most dioceses across the USA).
I have to say, that’s a sentence I never thought I’d write! I have been a singer, choir director, and church musician for my entire adult life. I’ve given many workshops and written numerous articles on the importance of music in the Mass.
Risk of passing on the virus
Even so, research is showing that singing raises the risk of passing on the coronavirus and for that reason, it’s the proper response of the Church at this time.
Resurrection Cemetery will get Memorial Statue
MADISON — Madison Diocese Director of Cemeteries Damian Lenshek announced that, through the generosity of anonymous donors, Resurrection Cemetery will receive a remarkable sculpture in the fall of this year.
The sculpture, Memorial to the Unborn Child II by Slovakian sculptor Martin Hudácek, portrays a grieving mother and father in the presence of a four-year-old child, on a cruciform base.
The mother and father are in stone, while the child is made of a translucent material. Hudácek’s sculptures have been installed in Slovakia, Poland, Chile, and California. In 2015, Hudácek presented a copy of one of his sculptures to Pope Francis.