Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

There are signs around us that we are entering into a post-Covid period. Speaking to many of our parish administrators, priests and pastors, they tell me that Sunday Mass attendance is increasing and although not back to pre-Covid days, they can see an increase in the numbers. Even those who do consistent polling have said that attendance has been at 70% of pre-Covid days.

I have been told by many who were attending Sunday Mass on a regular basis that it is so good to be receiving the Eucharist again, and to be with other members of the parish community. It was reported that even holy days – such as Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil – seemed to have a great number of participants. Whether we are cognizant or not, we are connected to one another, and we feel a level of comfort when we see that neighbor of ours at Sunday Mass, even when we don’t always speak to them at any other time.

Recently, our Catholic Schools dinner had numbers exceeding 600 attendees, and our four Catholic Charities Lenten Luncheons had over 600 invitees. All these are signs that we are feeling more comfortable in dealing with Covid and its variants. While some are still very cautious, no doubt a greater sense of normalcy is occurring.

Another sign of our return to normalcy is that this week, over 200 of our priests will gather at the Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wisconsin. We have not been able to gather for almost three years. I personally have felt the loss. It will be good to gather once again.

We will listen to a presentation on “Heart of the Priesthood” by Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT. I have been privileged to hear her insights before and have found them wonderfully valuable. She has worked closely with Fr. John Burns in fulfilling his task to raise the consciousness of our community to the challenge and the need for vocations to religious life for women.

At this gathering we will pray, concelebrate the Eucharist, administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and recognize with gratitude the faithful service of our Jubilarians from 2020-2022. We are blessed to have the continued dedication of priests of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee who serve us so well in the name of Jesus Christ.

My brothers and sisters, I humbly ask that you offer a Hail Mary or two for this priest assembly, that we continue to fulfill God’s plan for us as an archdiocese and follow His command to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.    

Note: This blog originally appeared as the May 3, 2022 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.