MADISON — Pastoral ministers who are part of a parish staff may have any number and variety of responsibilities.
Many of us coordinate outreach to the homebound, visits to people in care facilities, and ministry to the bereaved.
Others are deacons, liturgists, pastoral musicians, social justice coordinators, directors of communications, or have adult faith formation responsibilities.
Coming together through association
Many of us belong to the Madison Diocese Pastoral Ministers Association (MDPMA). MDPMA is formally recognized by the diocese with Fr. Chad Droessler
MDPMA schedule, 2013-2014This year’s speakers, topics, dates, and locations for the Madison Diocese Pastoral Ministers Association (MDPMA) are:
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serving as the bishop’s delegate to the group.
Using our personal gifts and talents with and for God’s people as our primary occupation brings each one of us a unique combination of joys and challenges.
We value coming together in MDPMA for friendship, prayer, and to reflect on the similar kinds of service we provide to our individual parish communities.
Kathie Fritz, past president of the association and pastoral minister at Christ the King Parish in McFarland says, “MDPMA gives us a chance to share ideas, hear wonderful speakers, support one another, and celebrate the peaks and valleys of everyday life.”
Catherine Schneider adds, “MDPMA has been an invaluable help to me in my parish ministry. . . . We become more effective at meeting the needs of God’s people in our parishes through the time we spend together as an association.”
“Throughout my ministerial life, I have wanted to be involved with an organization or group that supports my belief about ministry, provides opportunities for sharing ideas and faith as well as being a group that is visible in furthering the mission of Jesus,” states Sr. Jovita Winkel, CSA, pastoral associate at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish.
She adds, “My participation in MDPMA helps me to grow spiritually by offering me opportunity to step back from my parish work and take time to think and pray with others about what I do all week.
“The five meetings and the weekend retreat give me quality time each year to be with other people who have similar roles in their own parishes. We focus on a topic of mutual interest, have lunch together, share a few laughs and sorrows, and do the business of being an association.
“I am grateful for the shared ideas, encouragement, and inspiration I receive from my peers around the diocese. I leave our gatherings each time lifted up by a renewed sense that we have a lot in common as we go about the daily tasks that are our particular way of responding to Christ’s call to discipleship.”
Membership information
Membership dues are $70 a year which includes all programs, meals, and a discount for the retreat.
The individual cost of a program is $15. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the program begins at for 10 a.m. Following a simple noon lunch is the business portion of the gathering which lasts approximately half an hour.
For additional information or to be included on the mailing list contact Ed Emmenegger at ed@blsacrament.org or Sister Ruth Battaglia, CSA, at hmocpm@charter.net
Sr. Ruth Battaglia, CSA, is the pastoral minister at Holy Mother of Consolation Parish, Oregon, and Ed Emmenegger is the pastoral associate at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Madison.