News & Messages

New Diocesan Cycle of Prayer Available

Prayers for the Parishes of the Diocese of Milwaukee

November 2020-November 2021

A new cycle of prayers for the parishes and ministry clusters of our diocese is now available.  The members of the Commission on Mission and Development, striving to be faithful in our prayers for the parishes of this diocese, have written these prayers for diocesan use. We invite the parishes and people of this diocese to join us in mutual prayer.

Download a pdf of the prayer list here.

Daily Advent Reflections Available

Advent is a time when we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we prepare for the Christ-child, we would like to offer you reflections to help you enter into the beauty and splendor of this glorious season. This year we have collected reflections based on the Daily Office readings from people, both lay and clergy, across the diocese.

These reflections are available to you in three different ways: 

1. For those who wish to have things printed off, we have a pdf of all the reflections for you. You may also make copies of the reflections available for people in your parish who do not have electronic access.

2. If you prefer to get an email with the day's reflection sent to you, you can sign up for that here. We just need your name and email address. I will then send you an email with the reflection each morning. 

3. Each day's reflection will be posted on a blog on our website. You can access that here.

A special thank-you to Mother Mindy Valentine Davis for compiling all the reflections. I'm so delighted that we have so many different voices represented for the Advent season. 

Wishing you a blessed Advent season!

~Sara Bitner, Communications Officer

Way Forward Task Force Update – 11/5/20

Our prayers are with all those who have the COVID-19 virus, for those who are caring for them and for the families who have lost loved ones in this pandemic. Wisconsin has continued to lead the country in the number of people contracting the disease. The most recent dashboard update showed all but three counties with a black status, more than 500 cases/100,000 population. This means the likelihood of someone being COVID-19 positive being at a group event increased beyond safe levels.

The task force two weeks ago and published updated Guidelines including two Standard Guidelines that decreased the administrative burden on parishes to conduct certain safe events.

The following are the links to those documents:

• Guidelines   
• Standard Guideline #1         
• Standard Guideline #2              

 The CDC continues to update its guidelines to reflect current science and data. One item of information of note is recommendations for the holidays. 

For all of us, including those of us in the higher-risk categories, the CDC has added the recommendation to get a flu shot. We recommend you get a flu shot soon.  Both diseases are dangerous for all of us.

Based on the numbers and the current trends, we along with others in the diocese are looking at how we can celebrate the upcoming holiday’s in our communities in a meaningful and safe way. 

We continue to work on ways to sustain our communities while making it possible for as many of us as possible to be there when COVID-19 has been conquered.

Deacon Bill Dunlop