Dear Parishioners,
On Saturday, October 24, Bishop Hying's decree took effect, and our parishes of Divine Mercy, St. Norbert, and Holy Cross (Mazomanie) became one parish: Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish. The Bishop signed the decree on October 22, the memorial of St. John Paul II. Copies are posted in each of our churches and on our website.
In his letter to us, Bishop Hying reflects on our new name. Our Lady of Mercy, also honored as Our Lady of Ransom, is the patroness of the Mercedarians, who in the Middle Ages freed Christians held captive. He reminds us that Mary is a powerful intercessor for all who need God's tender mercy, and he prays that our parish will be a center of holiness and missionary zeal, leading people to Christ and His Church.
Bishop Hying has also appointed me as your pastor, and has confirmed Fr. James Kotch, Fr. Pedro Escribano, and Fr. Cristian Valenzuela, all of the Society of Jesus Christ the Priest, as parochial vicars. Deacon Michael Pipitone has been assigned as our parish deacon. The Bishop will come to install me as pastor at the 10:30 AM Mass on Sunday, December 20, at St. Aloysius. I am grateful for your prayers.
What this means for you
- All four of our churches remain open, and Masses and sacraments continue at each of them.
- St. Aloysius in Sauk City is now the parish church. St. Mary, St. Norbert, and St. Barnabas keep their baptismal fonts, Blessed Sacrament, and the same schedule of Masses and confessions.
- Sacramental records: baptisms, marriages, and other sacraments are now recorded in the new parish's registers. The registers of our former parishes are kept safely at the main parish office. For a certificate, please contact the office.
- Mill Creek: the part of Holy Cross Parish in Mill Creek, with St. John the Baptist Church, is now part of the new Saints Joachim and Anne Parish.
- Your giving: please keep giving as you do now. Your envelopes and online giving continue to work until the financial merger in 2027, and you will receive clear instructions before anything changes.
Electing our parish trustees
Our new parish needs two lay trustees, a Treasurer and a Secretary. With Bishop Hying, the Vicar General, and the pastor, they form the board of the parish corporation.
- Today, Sunday, October 25: nominations close. You may still nominate yourself or another parishioner, with their permission, using the button below.
- Weekend of October 31–November 1: the candidates and their short biographies will be published in the bulletin, on our website, and through Flocknote.
- Saturday–Sunday, November 7–8: the election will be held at all weekend Masses.
- After the election: the two elected trustees are submitted to Bishop Hying for his approval.
Trustees must be registered parishioners, 21 or older, and fully initiated, practicing Catholics. The current trustees of our former parishes are also eligible.
Coming up
- November 21–22, Christ the King: Offertory Commitment Weekend at every weekend Mass. It is a commitment card, not a collection.
- Sunday, December 13, 7:00–8:30 PM: an evening of Eucharistic adoration with Bishop Hying, with his reflection on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, at St. Aloysius Church. All are welcome.
- Sunday, December 20, 10:30 AM: Installation Mass with Bishop Hying at St. Aloysius Church, Sauk City.
The decree also asks that our new Pastoral Council and Finance Council be formed as soon as possible. We will share soon how you can take part.
If you have a question, please ask me or the parish office at (608) 643-2449. Our merger page keeps all the answers in one place, and we update it as new questions come in.
Thank you for your prayers as we put out into the deep together. Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for us!
God bless,
Fr. Miguel Galvez
Pastor