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The Solemnity of the Epiphany, which we honor on the Sunday after January 1, is older than the celebration of Christmas, going back to the very beginnings of the Church.
Early Christians found deep meaning and inspiration in the astounding truth that God has fully revealed Himself in an absolute and definitive way in Jesus Christ.
The Book of Hebrews tells us that God spoke in fragmentary and varied ways in the past, but now, in Christ, all has been spoken and revealed to us!Msgr. James Bartylla, […]
On January 9, 1946, Pope Pius XII established the Diocese of Madison, taking territory from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Diocese of La Crosse.
Created right at the end of World War II, our diocese was poised to grow dramatically in the ensuing decades of population boom and economic ascendancy.
Bishop William P. O’Connor, a priest from Milwaukee, became Madison’s first bishop and was immediately faced with the many challenges of shaping a brand new diocese.
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The essence of evangelization is the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!
In these past weeks, we have reflected on the fundamental components of the kerygma, the basic “elevator speech” that every Catholic should be able to share with both competence and confidence.
Why are you Catholic? How have you experienced God? What does faith in Jesus accomplish?
In an increasingly secular culture, fewer people grasp the meaning and purpose of Christian faith. How imperative that we be willing to give the reason for our hope. |
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In this column, I have been reflecting on the kerygma, the essential Gospel message of salvation, love, and mercy which is the heart of our faith.
To be effective evangelizers, each of us baptized into Christ needs to effectively communicate what our Christian faith means, how we have experienced the Lord, and why everyone is invited to the abundance of Jesus’ life and grace, freely offered to all.
The third movement of the kerygma is the whole Christ event, as God’s gracious response to our existential predicament of condemnation to the power of sin and death.
Compassion is love’s response to misery and suffering, and so the Father could not bear to leave us lost in the darkness of eternal estrangement from Him. |
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What a difference a year makes! Who could have imagined last Advent the place we would find ourselves in at this moment?
The COVID pandemic, the presidential election, and the ongoing violence in our cities have completely changed and challenged us in unimaginable ways. The entire human race is hurting. We can see the power of sin and death all around us.
This Advent, I have never felt the need for prayer more profoundly or heard the longings of the Old Testament prophets more keenly.
We seek liberation. We desire a savior. We need Jesus Christ and all that He has to give us.Msgr. James Bartylla, […]
In the initial efforts to launch our Go Make Disciples evangelizing initiative, the word, “kerygma” comes up often.
Meaning “proclamation” in the original Greek, the kerygma is the essence of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ distilled to its shining essence.
In the Acts of the Apostles, Simon Peter stands up on Pentecost morning, addresses the assembled crowd, and proclaims that this Jesus, whom they crucified, God has made both Lord and Savior.
Msgr. James Bartylla, Vicar General, announces the following priest appointment and deacon assignments made by Most Reverend Donald J. Hying, Bishop of Madison, effective Friday, November 20, 2020
• Rev. Fr. Michael Radowicz, to Presbyteral Advisor to the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, from Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, and remaining as pastor, St. Bernard Parish, Madison.
• Deacon Christopher Schmelzer, to Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, with any parish deacon assignment remaining. |
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I speak often of gratitude as a foundation of the spiritual life; giving thanks to God and others for the remarkable gifts we receive is a hallmark of our fundamental posture of humility before the Lord.
When we acknowledge everything as a gracious gift, an undeserved grace, we can live in wonder, awe, and generosity as we contemplate the astonishing miracle of our existence.
For many, this Thanksgiving will be difficult because of COVID.