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| The original Dead Theologians Society (DTS) chapter in Ireland is pictured above. Several of the girls are now pursuing a religious vocation and the others are active in leading the DTS chapter. Also pictured are Eddie Cotter, third from left, and his son, Rory, right, who recently helped lead a Confirmation retreat in Ireland with the Antrim DTS Chapter. (Contributed photo) |
BLACK EARTH — In the fifth century, St. Patrick travelled throughout Ireland, where he established small communities of people of the Catholic faith which eventually spread across the country.
Today a Catholic apostolate is following the blueprint of St. Patrick in spreading the faith, not only in Ireland, but in the United States and other countries.
It is the Dead Theologians Society (DTS), a Catholic apostolate for high school teens and college-aged young adults. DTS has its headquarters in the Diocese of Madison in Black Earth.
Following St. Patrick’s blueprint
As we prepare to observe St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, it is appropriate to reflect on how DTS uses a similar approach to St. Patrick, said Eddie Cotter, co-founder and executive director of DTS.
“Our DTS efforts in Ireland (as well as here in the U.S. and other countries) really do follow the blueprint of St. Patrick, who traveled many miles establishing and strengthening small faith communities that produced disciples who converted an island and a race of people,” said Cotter.
Of DTS, he said, “It isn’t flashy, but it is real, and thank God it is truly effective! Young people in DTS are literally following in the footsteps of the saints. They are spreading the Gospel by their lives wherever they are.”
To help support this apostolate, an evening of Irish music, food, and fun will be held on Saturday, March 15, at the Bishop O’Connor Center in Madison with proceeds to help sponsor the work of DTS in poorer parishes in the U.S. and Ireland.