This past spring, Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison met with each pastor and parochial administrator across the Diocese of Madison to discuss the history and future of the Go Make Disciples (GMD) initiative.

By and large, these conversations were very positive, demonstrating great fruits at the parish and pastorate level with unique and ambitious goals for the future.

As Bishop Hying articulates in his column on Page 3, we have reached a profound and inspiring historical moment in our culture.

A significant course correction is happening all around us in terms of people seeking truth and finding a home in the Church.

Answering the need

Here in the Diocese of Madison, our parishes and pastorates are answering the need with missionary fervor and fidelity to the co-mission of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

• Across the diocese, the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) continues to introduce Christ in compelling ways.

Msgr. Donn Heiar at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in the eastern part of the diocese noted that it is not just the numbers of people receiving sacraments, however, but who they are: Catholic school families and teachers, friends and neighbors — the people on the periphery of the parish community whom Go Make Disciples aims to reach.

• Parishes are forming Go Make Disciples teams to bring the basic message of Christ’s salvation back to the center of parish life and the lay apostolate.

At St. Cletus Parish in the southern part of the diocese, weekly discipleship quads and monthly evangelization support meetings draw in dozens of members to form a cross-community network of evangelists.  

• Programs centered on discipleship and our relationship with Jesus continue to draw souls into deeper union and outward action.

Fr. Miguel Galvez, SJS, parochial administrator at Mary, Mother of Mercy Pastorate in Dane and Sauk Counties, noted their 6 a.m. men’s group continues to build the confidence and competence of men, helping them see Jesus as the light and truth of their lives and step up to serve Him and His Church.

• Across the diocese, parishes are partnering with professional apostolates like the Evangelical Catholic (EC).

Many pastors, parochial vicars, and parish teams have found the EC’s Reach More training program to be deeply transformative, motivating dozens of parishioners to activate their faith through relational accompaniment.

• Hispanic parish ministries are burning with love for Christ and the movement of the Holy Spirit.

At Queen of Martyrs Parish in the south-eastern part of the diocese, the Emmaus Men’s and Women’s Retreats drew huge crowds and invited all participants to deeper love of Christ and service to their communities.

• Many parishes have reallocated funds to beautify their liturgical spaces, preaching the Gospel through the artistic imitation of our God so that His salvation and sanctification would resonate deep in their hearts.

Divine Mercy Parish is beginning renovations at St. Maria Goretti Church in Madison and St. Andrew Church in Verona to draw worshippers and seekers deeper into the divine encounter of every liturgical activity.

These highlights are just shining snapshots of a much larger, coordinated effort.

The structural transitions of our Into the Deep strategic plan have successfully shaped and enabled these new, daring initiatives of missionary discipleship.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Catholics all over southern Wisconsin are boldly proclaiming the Gospel, building the Kingdom of God, and opening their arms to welcome neighbors into the family of the Church.

Meant for all of us

The ancient work of claiming humanity in the Name of the Lord, however, is not meant to be the pious deed of a chosen few — it is His imperative for all of us.

You are invited to step into this mission in several practical ways:

• Deepen your personal discipleship with the Lord by practicing the Four Holy Habits (reclaiming Sunday, personal prayer, Friday fasts, and monthly Confession).

• Reach out to your parish or pastorate GMD team to see what ways they are at work in your community.

• Build profound and authentic friendships with people around you, and engage in deep conversations to encourage relationship with, or introduce them to Christ.

• Seek out ways to grow your missionary toolbox through catechetical support at the parish or diocesan level.

One such way you can grow in your relationship with Christ and gain expertise with sharing your faith is through the diocesan Mazzuchelli Institute, now in its second year.

Mazzuchelli Institute participants encounter Christ through catechesis and study of the Deposit of Faith, embody discipleship through spiritual exercises and the practice of faith, and equip themselves with the skills needed to evangelize the culture of southern Wisconsin now and into the future.

For information about the Mazzuchelli Institute, email nickolas.wingerter@madisondiocese.org