April 9, 2026
Sports vs. Church?
Sometimes we criticize young families for choosing sports over Church. But what if they are looking for something really good and not finding it in the culture of our parishes? Fr. Derek Sakowski explores this question in a new video.
March 19, 2026
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!
March 27, 2026
The Winning Team
Fr. Sam Martin recalls the Wisconsin Badgers playing in the Final Four during the Easter Vigil in 2015. Sometimes in a fallen world our fear takes over and drives our decisions. As Christians, we do what we do because Jesus Christ is Lord, and we are already on the winning team!
March 14, 2026
Praying With Abuse Survivors
On Saturday, March 28, Mary Mother of the Church Parish in La Crosse will be hosting “The Way of the Cross With Survivors” – prayer at 10am, followed by a coffee hour.
Abuse survivors often feel isolated or silenced within the Church community – as though nothing ever happened or that it doesn’t really matter. As a Church, we promise to “Protect and Heal.” Part of healing is connecting with the suffering members of the Body of Christ and standing at the foot of their Cross.
Another translation of “Rebuild My Church” (Jesus’ words to Francis of Assisi) is “Repair my Church.” Many in our midst still feel very wounded, and need our compassion and support. Please consider joining for this important day of prayer.
March 13, 2026
Springtime Can be Messy
“Before spring becomes beautiful, it’s plug-ugly, nothing but mud and muck. I’ve walked through early spring fields that will suck the boots off your feet, a world so wet and woeful you yearn for the return of snow and ice. Of course, there’s a miracle inside that muddy mess: those fields are a seedbed for rebirth” (Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak).
Not only can spring be messy, it can be volatile and unpredictable. This past Monday, I arrived in La Crosse in 72 degree weather. Driving home on Tuesday, I passed through snow, hail, and driving rain. Now we’re looking up to 24 inches of snow over the weekend! New springtime?
It’s easy to feel discouraged and lose hope, but from the chaos of early spring (and winter threatening to stay forever), there emerges abundant life. Even more certain is the Resurrection of Jesus and his promise to be our Good Shepherd.
Feb 26, 2026
Entering a New Springtime
What did John Paul II mean when he prophesied that the Church is entering a “new springtime of evangelization”? What kinds of tools and practices does a Church need in springtime (versus fall)? Fr. Derek reflects on what season we are in as a Church, and what changes that requires.
Feb 17, 2026
Study on Church Attendance
This fall, the Barna Group released new data that may surprise you. During the last five years, men are significantly outpacing women in church attendance. It’s exciting that more men – especially married men and young men – are actively engaging in Christian worship. It’s valuable to ask why that is happening, and consider how our parishes can tap into that trend.
At the same time, it’s potentially concerning that women – especially single moms – are less engaged with church communities. Why? Without having all the answers, this article shares valuable data and asks interesting questions. Please consider discussing it in your own parish community with those who are most interested in discipleship and accompaniment.
New Research on Church Attendance: Decline of Women or the Rise of Men?
Feb 12, 2026
Evangelization Summit
Register now for our first Evangelization Summit, which will be March 10 at Mary Mother of the Church. Marcus Schoch will lead some of the conversations. With over 15 years of experience in missionary and evangelization work, he is now the Senior Director of Parish Outreach for FOCUS. He is excited to be invited back to his home diocese.
By the end of the day, participants will have a much clearer sense of what we mean by a “culture of discipleship and accompaniment,” and will be offered connection to more resources and support in their local efforts. We hope to see many of you there!
Feb 6, 2026
Vibrant Sunday Mass
This Initiative asks everyone to consider 7 Signs of Parishes that are Fully Alive on Mission. The most important is Vibrant Sunday Mass. Fr. Derek reflects on what that means.
Jan 30, 2026
“No Offense Huddle”?
As the Super Bowl approaches, Fr. Derek offers a football analogy to consider what it means for us to pivot from maintenance to mission.
Jan 16, 2026
Evangelization Summits
You are invited to attend our first Evangelization Summit: Tuesday, March 10 at Mary Mother of the Church in La Crosse. 9am – 3pm.
In 2026, we will offer Evangelization Summits at different locations (La Crosse, Mosinee, Chippewa Falls). Each Summit will focus on a different theme. They will gather any pastors, staff, and other involved parishioners who desire a Church more fully alive on mission. You are invited to step aside for a day in order to:
- Encounter Jesus and others who share your imagination for more abundant life
- Practice praying, listening, and discerning together
- Gain clarity of vision – what is “alive on mission” really about?
- Identify where support and resources are most needed
- Follow up with practical tools and trainings
These Summits (and follow up offerings) are a direct response to needs identified in the listening session this fall: A) Clearer Vision; B) Practical Guidance; C) Encouragement in the challenging labor of shifting parish culture.
Dec 18, 2025
Maintenance vs. Mission
Father Derek shares a real-life Christmas story to illustrate what it means to “pivot from maintenance to mission.”
Dec 9, 2025
What do we mean by “Mission”?
Bishop Battersby is inviting us to pivot from maintenance to mission. But what does “mission” actually mean? To cast that vision, we’ll share regular updates and stories in the weeks ahead (right here on this page). We Americans struggle to grasp what “mission” is because we focus so much on doing and producing. Mission is not mainly about what we do! It’s a way of being:
Dec 8, 2025
View Recording of Listening Session
Links that go with this video: