MADISON — Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison will be the featured speaker at the annual convention of the Madison Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (MDCCW) to be held virtually Saturday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
All women of the diocese are invited and asked to register by Friday, May 28, to be given a link to the virtual convention.
Women can register with their parish CCW or online at www.mdccw.com
There is no fee, however, donations are accepted to be used for expenses and charitable giving.
MDCCW President Judy Lyons, Fort Atkinson, will convene the meeting.
She hopes small groups of women can gather safely in churches and homes to participate in the event which will celebrate 101 years of the National CCW.
MDCCW Spiritual Advisor Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt, retired, encourages women to attend as a “way to grow as disciples of the Risen Lord.”
Most recently pastor of Sacred Hearts Parish, Sun Prairie, the monsignor will offer “words of wisdom” to the women.
Hosted by the West Dane CCW, the virtual gathering will be filled with music, prayerful time, and messages from the bishop and other presenters, said Rosa Ropers, St. John the Baptist Parish, Waunakee, convention co-chair with Joan Pregler, St. Peter Parish, Ashton.
Ropers praised the technology team that is developing a clear and simple way for all women to participate.
A unique hybrid approach will make this convention special so we all can come together and share opportunities for fellowship, spiritual growth, and to celebrate 101 years of the NCCW mission.”
Leading the team is Angie Sailing and her son Christopher from St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Mt. Horeb.
Each of the three presenters scheduled for this year’s convention had been scheduled for the canceled 2020 MDCCW convention.
Keynote speaker
Bishop Hying will keynote the convention, ending with a pre-recorded question-and-answer segment.
Installed as bishop of the Diocese of Madison on June 25, 2019, after previously serving as Bishop of Gary, he was born in West Allis, the youngest of six sons.
Bishop Hying received his bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and his master’s degree from St. Francis Seminary.
On May 20, 1989, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
After five years as a parochial vicar, he served three years in the Dominican Republic as a team member for La Sagrada Familia Parroquia in the Dominican Republic.
Upon return to the U.S., he served several parishes until being appointed rector of St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee in 2007.
He was named an auxiliary bishop for the Milwaukee Archdiocese in 2011.
The bishop has traveled widely in the diocese, in which he has many relatives.
His father grew up on a farm near Highland.
Bishop Hying offers regular video messages available through the diocesan website and YouTube.
During the 75th anniversary of the diocese, the bishop launched “a bold, robust evangelizing initiative.”
In the announcement, he wrote, “When we ponder the mission of the Church, it’s clear that Jesus commands us to proclaim the Gospel to every creature — to be disciples ourselves and to make disciples of others.”
Joy in chaos speaker
A renowned Catholic spirituality writer, Jeanne Ewing focuses on the topics of grief, redemptive suffering, and waiting.
She will speak on “Finding Joy in Chaos.”
Believing that the world ignores and rejects the value of the Cross, Ewing writes about the hidden value of suffering and discovering joy in the midst of grief.
Building on the meaning of encounter, encourage, and engage, her presentation will encourage both “introspection and action for an understanding of personal appreciation, value, and importance.”
Musical prayer
Anna Nuzzo, an acclaimed international Catholic singer, songwriter, recording artist, TV host, and pilgrimage leader, will virtually sing the Divine Mercy Chaplet at this year’s abbreviated convention.
Frequently paired with Ewing, Nuzzo was scheduled to spend the day at the 2020 canceled MDCCW convention.
Since her Marian Consecration in 2012, “she has felt called to write and share songs of prayer, hope, God’s love, and mercy.”
The virtual convention will recognize the 101st birthday of the National CCW and feature a “trip down memory lane.”
Ropers, a past MDCCW president, is grateful to the women of the West Dane parish CCWs for their work in planning this convention.
She said, “Individuals can do a lot, but working together and being part of a group creates a greater impact.
As council members, women can be part of a group that can really impact the needs of our Church, our community, and the world.”
If you have any questions, please contact Coreen Marklein at 608-393-0880 or via email at csmarklein@gmail.com