Every year at this time in the Diocese of Madison, seven parishes and two diocesan offices are busily preparing for summer.
We are blessed again this year to host our annual Totus Tuus program in the diocese.
In Totus Tuus, a team of young adults share the Gospel, teach on the Catechism and Rosary, spend time with the children in prayer, and have tons of fun.
Totus Tuus is a Latin phrase meaning “totally yours” and was the motto of St. John Paul II. He took his motto from St. Louis de Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary.
Totus Tuus signifies our longing to give ourselves entirely to Jesus through Mary.
In our diocesan efforts, our mission is to inspire in young people a longing for holiness, a deep desire for conversion of heart, and openness to their vocations by constantly challenging them to grow in relationship with Jesus and Mary.
Collaboration of offices
We are blessed in the Diocese of Madison to have both the Office of Vocations and Evangelization and Catechesis (OEC) preparing for this mission for young people.
The OEC recruits team members, prepares and trains the team, organizes the parish schedules, and supports the parishes as they prepare for their week.
Fr. Jared Holzhuter, the diocesan director of vocations, recommends seminarians who will serve as team members.
One very special preparation and gift to Totus Tuus is offered by Lorie Ballweg, administrative assistant for the Office of Vocations. Ballweg works diligently to prepare for the summer by praying and making 500 homemade Rosaries one for each child who will attend Totus Tuus that summer.
Our children are blessed to receive this beautiful gift!
What happens during a Totus Tuus week
Totus Tuus began in 1987 in Witchita, Kan., and now exists in 49 dioceses all over the country.
We have been offering Totus Tuus in the Diocese of Madison for more than 10 years.
Each spring, we start by hiring and forming a team of faithful young adults.
They serve on the team with enthusiasm, love Christ and the Church, and a personal commitment to the spiritual life and sacraments. They in turn offer this life of faith as a personal witness of what it means to give one’s whole life to Christ.
A typical week includes daily Mass, Confession, Rosary reflections, games, skits, and age-relevant catechesis.
Each team that is sent out to serve the parishes consists of women and men. They are invited to a different parish each week conducting a mission-like experience for grade school, junior high, and high school students.
While visiting a community, the team spends time with families and shares their mission with the whole parish on the weekend.
This year, our theme for Totus Tuus is a reflection on the Creed and the Glorious Mysteries.
Engaging families
New in recent years to the Totus Tuus schedule is an evening for families to come together, have dinner, and spend time growing in faith and prayer.
Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison plans visits and is a special guest at most of the parishes on the family formation nights of Totus Tuus!
Send your kids to Totus Tuus
If you would like your children or family to participate in Totus Tuus, check out our diocesan website madisondiocese.org/totustuus to see which parish near you will be hosting. All children are welcome to register and attend. Contact information is available for each host parish.
For general information regarding Totus Tuus, contact the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis at 608-821-3160 or [email protected]
Michelle Nilsson is the director of evangelization and catechesis, and adult Confirmation, for the Diocese of Madison.