MADISON — On the afternoon of February 27, close to 200 individuals, well representing the Diocese of Madison regionally, gathered at St. Dennis Parish in Madison, to pray with Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison in offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and then to gather with the opportunity for the bishop to consult with members of the faithful of the diocese.
The bishop asked and listened to their honest answers to the two fundamental questions of: “Where and how is the gospel being lived and preached effectively in the Diocese of Madison? And, where and how is the gospel not being lived and preached effectively in the Diocese of Madison?”
Group discussions
Following Mass, small group discussions, led by diocesan staff and others chosen by the bishop, lasted for about an hour, after which the larger group reconvened and each of the bishop’s representatives shared a few of the fruits of those discussions.
As expressed, sometimes by numerous members of the small groups, the Diocese of Madison is doing great work through its Catholic schools, serving more than 6,600 students and thousands of families, as well as adequate and increasing opportunities for beautiful worship, Confession, and prayer.
Likewise, through the charitable outreach of those attending to the Corporal Works of Mercy of the Church, namely: Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul Societies, the Catholic Multicultural Center, and others. More than once, the servant leadership demonstrated by Bishop Hying and its contagious effect was mentioned and praised.
Conversely, many among the groups echoed the theme of our need to be more open to and cultivating of the gifts of women in the Church, and felt that they are too often dismissed or ignored.
Similarly, others strongly feel we need to be more welcoming to all, especially to those who do not feel welcome in the Catholic Church.
Written reports
Facilitators were responsible for taking notes for each table, and offering a written report to the bishop’s office, to be included (along with those from Rural Life and Hispanic Ministry listening sessions, and synodal meetings held by the Diocesan Pastoral and Presbyteral Councils, as well as all the feedback offered by last October’s Disciple Maker Index surveys and from the Go Make Disciples initiative) in a synthesized report that will be sent to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and then onto the Holy See/the Vatican, and ultimately to Pope Francis.
From all those who have contributed to any of these gatherings and have shared their reactions with the bishop, their own pastors, or the facilitators, attendees have felt they were respectfully listened to and were well heard, by those representing the bishop, and by the bishop himself.
On behalf of Bishop Hying, thank you to everyone who has contributed their thoughts, opinions, criticism, and passion to this process thus far.
Whereas many things in the Church cannot be adapted or substantially changed by anyone (laity, clergy, bishop, or pope), there are many places we can do things better to address the concerns of those who are or feel marginalized.
Continue to pray for the Universal Church as this synodal process continues.
Brent King is the director of communications for the Diocese of Madison.