MADISON — Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison has announced the creation of a new office in the Diocese of Madison.
The Office of Human Life and Dignity will have Dr. Chris McAtee as its director.
McAtee has worked with the Diocese of Madison since last summer.
His work had included the coordination of development efforts with the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development and the Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation.
He also worked on projects related to the social teachings of the Church such as the diocesan partnership with the Diocese of Jacmel, Haiti; the scourge of human trafficking; participating in our Rural Life listening sessions in tandem with Tom Nelson; the coordination of pro-life efforts; as well as reaching out and building relationships with both the religious and civic leaders and area communities.
In light of the feedback received from Go Make Disciples, the Disciple Maker Index survey, the synod process, Hispanic regional gatherings, and Rural Life listening sessions, a need was found to give more resources and energy to coordinating and growing the promotion of human life and dignity by living out the rich social teachings of the Catholic Church.
The new Human Life and Dignity office will promote Catholic social teaching, coordinate and lead projects and initiatives which serve the cause of human life and dignity, serve as the bishop’s delegate for ecumenism, and seek to build relationships with other religious and civic leaders and agencies.
Bishop Hying said, “I am confident that Chris will grow this wonderful work, as we seek to serve the poor, suffering, and needy, both in our midst and beyond our borders. The Catholic Church does more to educate, heal, feed, and serve millions of people across the globe than any other organization. Our Human Life and Dignity office, with Dr. McAtee’s leadership, will contribute effectively to that mission.”