2nd Evangelization Summit
On Tuesday, May 19, we will hold our 2nd Evangelization Summit – at St. Paul Parish in Mosinee. The theme will be “Paul as a Model of Discipleship and Accompaniment.” The speaker will be Kristin Molitor, who has extensive experience in helping parishes and dioceses foster a culture of discipleship and accompaniment.
We anticipate collaborating to change structures in our parishes, but those strategies will only work if they are at the service of a vibrant parish culture – one of being disciples who make disciples. These summits are an opportunity to connect with others who are eager to live this way, and to receive ongoing opportunities and support in living this way. Register now!
Listening Sessions
Thank you to 3,622 of you who participated in one of our 40 listening sessions this fall!
Why “Rebuild My Church”?
800 years ago, St. Francis of Assisi was praying in the dilapidated church of San Damiano. From the cross, Jesus said, “Francis, go and rebuild my Church, which, as you see, is falling into ruin.” It was a pivotal moment in his life.
We in the Diocese of La Crosse find ourselves in a similar moment today. Several signs point to decline and ruin. Jesus is calling us to renewal and more abundant life. As with St. Francis and his followers, abundant new life comes only when we are willing to die and rise with Christ.
After months of listening, Bishop Battersby is inviting all of us to pivot from maintenance to mission. This will be an extended process of soul-searching, listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd, and discovering together how best to structure our parishes in the years ahead. We began the process this summer and fall, connected with 3,622 of you in our 40 listening sessions. We are now reviewing and digitalizing all those comments. We will have more to share soon!
From Maintenance to Mission
When most of the institutions and people in our communities do not consider Jesus, it changes what our mission looks like! This 4-minute video explains the difference.
Additional Links:
An honest look at the numbers
Are there ways we are falling into ruin?
7 Indicators of Parish Vitality
What do parishes fully alive on mission look like?