BARABOO — The Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities-Diocese of Madison (APD) hosted a wonderful “Day at Devil’s Lake” on June 18.

The event featured Mass, lunch, and activities at Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo.

There were around 150 people present, including attendees and volunteers, and every age from infants to the elderly was represented.

The event is in part a celebration of the inclusion and participation of those with disabilities, thanks to the accessibility and accommodations made in churches and programs throughout the diocese.

APD events are an opportunity for everyone to grow in faith and community and see what is possible when accessibility is prioritized in the Church.

Attendees had the option of riding a bus to the event from Holy Name Heights in Madison.

Those who did were introduced to “Donald Driver” — not the former Green Bay Packer player, just a Donald who drives a bus.

The ride also began with a prayer.

The forecast had been uncertain in the days leading up to the event, but fortunately June 18 turned out clear of rain, although a bit on the cooler side.

When attendees arrived — whether on the bus or by their own transport – there was accessible parking and assistance to help them register and settle in.

Guests gathered under a large tent for Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison and concelebrated by Msgr. Larry Bakke, retired priest of the diocese and chaplain of the APD.

The bishop, in his homily, drew attention to the Gospel chosen for the event, Luke 5:1-11, and to the nearby lake.

He compared human hearts to lakes — full of depths, with much going on under the surface of people’s lives.

Jesus’s Heart is also like a lake, brimming with God’s love for us.

“He’s calling us to just dive right in,” the bishop said.

“Not dive into this lake,” — laughter broke out at the clarification — “but to dive into the lake of His Heart.”

Accommodations at the Mass included a larger-sized worship aid and Communion being distributed by the priests walking throughout the congregation, rather than the congregation standing and lining up. Throughout the event accessible restrooms were available, and there was a hiking path with a boardwalk.  

Gayle Westfahl, a musician at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Madison, sang for the Mass, including leading “This Little Light of Mine” for the closing song, which was enthusiastically sung by the congregation.

After Mass, lunches were distributed by volunteers, with the classic American cheeseburger a well-liked option.

Volunteers included members of the St. Ambrose boys’ basketball team; the Knights of Columbus from St. John Paul II Pastorate, where Devil’s Lake State Park is located; and the nearby Mary, Mother of Mercy Pastorate.

After enjoying lunch, guests had their pick of activities to choose from – painting was set up in Red Oak Lodge, there was a hiking trail with a boardwalk to enjoy, and there were lawn games to play.

All the options included the possibility of meeting new friends or catching up with old ones by chatting as the activity went on.

A popular choice of activity was ice cream – the South Shore Concessions Stand was quite busy for the hour or so after lunch, as people enjoyed free ice cream.

Devil’s Lake Concessions donated the ice cream, as well as other food for the event.

Anya Kewley of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Ministry was at the event.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Ministry is a Catholic apostolate started by young adults with disabilities who were looking for community, connection, and catechesis.

She ran a table featuring a book raffle with titles such as Indispensable: A Catholic Guide to Welcoming Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, edited by Mark Bradford, and the picture book Eli’s Quiet Friend by Sr. Allison Regina Gliot, FSP.

The day officially wrapped up as the bus departed, although those who’d driven separately were free to linger and enjoy the lake.

The bus took a wrong turn on its way out, ending up circling back, which prompted a rider to joke, “We’re just going to live at Devil’s Lake!”

Given how lovely the day had been, another rider quickly chimed in, “I wouldn’t mind that!”