WISCONSIN DELLS — Priests and bishops of the Diocese of Madison will celebrate the Year for Priests at their 29th annual Presbyteral Assembly to be held at the Chula Vista Resort here Sunday evening through Wednesday, Sept. 27 to 30.
Priests of the diocese gather each year for prayer, education, and fellowship, away from the distractions of their ministry.
Presenter this year will be Fr. Martin Pable, a Capuchin priest who is co-director of the Capuchin Postulancy Program in Milwaukee. Ordained in 1958, Father Pable received his doctorate in counseling psychology from the Catholic University of America.
A former teacher at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee and Sacred Heart Seminary in Hales Corners, Father Pable has done extensive counseling with priests, religious, and laity. He conducts retreats, workshops, and continuing education programs around the country. He has written a number of books, including two on spirituality for men: A Man and His God and The Quest for the Male Soul.
Also speaking at the assembly will be Fr. Bill Dickinson, national director of leadership development for the Catholic Leadership Institute. The Diocese of Madison is considering offering the institute’s “Good Leaders, Good Shepherds” program for priests.
A presentation on the diocesan Annual Catholic Appeal will be given to the priests by Daun Maier of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development and John Philipp, finance director for the diocese.
The assembly also includes a memorial service for deceased priests, a holy hour and Benediction, and two concelebrated Masses, one honoring diocesan priest jubilarians.
The Office of Continuing Education of Priests directed by Msgr. O. Charles Schluter is in charge of planning the assembly.