Category: Around the Diocese

News from around the 11 counties of the Diocese of Madison.

On
Nikki Pfleger, Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation

A Heart of Mercy in the Diocese of Madison

MADISON — Bishop Donald J. Hying reflects on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a way to encounter the fullness of God’s mercy.

Bishop Hying on the Sacred Heart of Jesus

“During the month of June, we celebrate the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” said Bishop Hying.

“This devotion is a way for us to encounter the fullness of God’s mercy poured out for us in Jesus Christ. We steep our souls and thoughts in the meditation of the fiery, divine Heart which showers the compassion and mercy of God on us through the teaching, healing, and forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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On
Brent King Director of Communications, Diocese of Madison

Becket Fund assists 40 Dane County Catholic sites to open at 25 percent capacity

MADISON — For three months now, the Diocese of Madison has followed the best of state and local guidelines with regard to all reasonable protocols concerning COVID-19, its transmission, and how to protect the public, especially those most vulnerable.

At the same time, and never dismissively, the Church has looked to how best to provide for the spiritual, and especially the sacramental, nourishment of the faithful. This has been a particular weight on the heart of Bishop Donald J. Hying since suspending public Masses in mid-March.

After the Wisconsin State Supreme Court reversed state-wide orders and restrictions, the diocese quickly began planning for its own very-measured reopening.

On Thursday, May 21, the Diocese of Madison shared its guidelines for parish reopening at 25 percent occupancy across the 11-county diocese. These guidelines take everything into account from social distancing, personal sanitation, omission of singing, removal of furniture and hymnals, training of ushers, and so much more.

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On
Patrick Gorman Director, Office of Worship, Diocese of Madison

How can we keep from singing?

There is a lot of excitement among many people regarding re-opening our Catholic churches for Mass in our diocese. Unfortunately, it will be quieter than usual.

Using the best scientific, medical, musical, and liturgical advice, choirs and congregations will not sing until further notice in the Diocese of Madison (and in most dioceses across the USA).

I have to say, that’s a sentence I never thought I’d write! I have been a singer, choir director, and church musician for my entire adult life. I’ve given many workshops and written numerous articles on the importance of music in the Mass.

Risk of passing on the virus

Even so, research is showing that singing raises the risk of passing on the coronavirus and for that reason, it’s the proper response of the Church at this time.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

Resurrection Cemetery will get Memorial Statue

MADISON — Madison Diocese Director of Cemeteries Damian Lenshek announced that, through the generosity of anonymous donors, Resurrection Cemetery will receive a remarkable sculpture in the fall of this year.

The sculpture, Memorial to the Unborn Child II by Slovakian sculptor Martin Hudácek, portrays a grieving mother and father in the presence of a four-year-old child, on a cruciform base.

The mother and father are in stone, while the child is made of a translucent material. Hudácek’s sculptures have been installed in Slovakia, Poland, Chile, and California. In 2015, Hudácek presented a copy of one of his sculptures to Pope Francis.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

UPDATE: Officials modify public health orders allowing more people to attend Masses

Madison Coat of Arms

The following is a statement from Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison regarding today’s (June 5) decision by officials to modify public health orders.

“We are pleased that the County and the City have ended the unequal 50-person cap on religious gatherings. As bishop, it is my duty to ensure that Sunday Mass be available as widely as possible to the Catholic faithful, while following best practices when it comes to public health. Indeed, in a time of deep division, it is more important than ever for the Church to provide solace and comfort to all, in the great tradition of American religious freedom. We look forward to working together with the County and City to continue the reopening process in a safe, cooperative, and responsible manner.”

Click HERE to read the joint release from Public Health Madison & Dane County, City of Madison, and Dane County.

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