Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo was again the site for the Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities-Diocese of Madison’s annual summer outing.
Taking place on the park’s south shore, the Apostolate’s Day at Devil’s Lake was held on June 5 and welcomed approximately 200 attendees from across the state.
This year, organizers and attendees enjoyed beautiful, sunny weather as they embraced the gift of community.
The day began with the celebration of Mass, said by Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison.
Concelebrants included the Apostolate’s Chaplain Msgr. Larry Bakke, retired priest Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt, and neighboring St. John Henry Newman Pastorate Parochial Administrator Fr. Randy Timmerman.
Bishop Hying highlighted the dignity of every human person in his homily, saying, “Before God even put the stars in place or laid the foundation of the earth, He already knew us and He already loved us.
“My prayer for you is that you know in a very deep way today that you are a beloved daughter, a beloved son of the Father,” he said.
“Today, our hearts are filled with thanksgiving, with wonder, with praise for all the gifts that God shares with us,” said the bishop.
He thanked “everyone who came together to make this day possible” and invited Laura Sokup, the Apostolate’s mental wellness program coordinator, to lead the general intercessions.
Music was provided by Gayle Westfahl, a pianist, singer, and parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Madison.
After Mass, attendees ate lunch. Hamburgers, brats, and hot dogs were grilled by men from local Knights of Columbus councils.
The St. Ambrose Academy boys’ basketball team helped serve the meal and clean tables.
Afterward, attendees enjoyed the beauty of the lake and chose from a range of activities.
Some enjoyed painting; some played yard games; some listened to music performed by local singer and guitarist José Ricardo Morales, along with his family; but most ate ice cream.
Last year, the Apostolate hosted its summer outing at Devil’s Lake State Park for the first time.
Apostolate Director Megan Wedwick commented, “I felt that last year went well. It’s a beautiful place.”
Continuing, she said that Devil’s Lake was selected again because of its scenery, saying “we get to be in nature and bring everyone out” to enjoy the park.
Monsignor Bakke said, “For 40 years, we were at the Tommy Bartlett Water Show,” which closed in 2020.
In 2022 and 2023, the Apostolate held its summer outing at a Madison Mallards baseball game.
Monsignor Bakke continued, saying, “[Now,] we’re back at a lake, not for a water show, but for the beauty of Devil’s Lake.”