The windows at St. Maria Goretti Church in Madison sparkled, the church was immaculate, and smiling faces at the entrance greeted people who came for Evening Prayer to begin the installation events for Bishop Donald J. Hying on June 24.
Parishioners and staff at St. Maria Goretti Church had pitched in to get their church ready for the installation of Madison’s new bishop. Fr. Scott Emerson, parochial administrator of St. Maria Goretti, was justifiably proud.
The St. Maria Goretti crew were part of many people who worked behind the scenes to prepare for the installation. It was wonderful to see how people throughout the diocese joined together to welcome our new bishop.
One person who was smiling broadly at the installation events was Msgr. James Bartylla, who had been the diocesan administrator for seven months after Bishop Robert C. Morlino’s death in November of 2018. Those of us who worked with Monsignor Bartylla throughout this time know how hard he worked to keep the diocese running smoothly.
Bishop Hying recognized Monsignor Bartylla at Evening Prayer saying, “A big word of thanks to Monsignor Bartylla. He did a fabulous job for seven months, and we thank him.”
Monsignor Bartylla sent a message after the installation, “thanking everyone for their diligent work and quiet sacrifice not only for all of the planning and details related to the installation liturgies, but also throughout the sede vacante period.
“I know the uncertainty of a period without a bishop is challenging in and of itself, let alone the work to prepare for the arrival of a new bishop. Thank you so much for all of your patience, diligent work, and frankly, your faithfulness to Holy Mother Church.”
He gave special thanks to Eric Schiedermayer, director of the diocesan curia and vice chancellor; William Yallaly, chancellor; John Philipp, director of finance; Brent King, director of communications; and Nate Simmons, executive assistant, for their particular work on the installation plans.
Monsignor Bartylla also recognized Fr. Gregory Ihm, emcee and vocations director, and Patrick Gorman, director of the Office of Worship, who “worked exceedingly hard”on the installation liturgies, as well as Father Emerson and the staff of St. Maria Goretti Parish who “had literally opened their space and given their time throughout this whole week for the benefit of the entire diocesan church.”
Monsignor Bartylla added, “We’re truly grateful to them. Our diocese is so blessed by the many varied sacrifices.”
It did indeed take a lot of work to plan events which included a cardinal, a nuncio, 18 bishops, almost 200 priests, and not to mention another 1,300 to 1,400 faithful. “Things went off without a hitch, and everyone was happy,” said Brent King.
Yes, we can indeed be proud of how people in our diocese worked together to welcome our new bishop. Let’s keep this spirit going as we cooperate with Bishop Hying as he leads the Diocese of Madison into an exciting future.