Bishop Grob Named Archbishop of Milwaukee

Good morning,
With ongoing gratitude and thanksgiving to God for the gifts given to the Church in southeastern Wisconsin, we now ask your prayers for the Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob, Archbishop-Designate of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Pope Francis announced his choice for the 12th Archbishop of Milwaukee on November 4, 2024.

Archbishop-Designate Grob is a Wisconsin native who has served as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago since 2020.

Archbishop-Designate Grob is in Milwaukee today, Monday, November 4, to meet with Archbishop Jerome Listecki and Auxiliary Bishops Jim Schuerman and Jeff Haines. He will be introduced to the community at a media conference this morning at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary. Archbishop-Designate Grob’s installation as Archbishop of Milwaukee will be January 14, 2025. Until that time, Archbishop Listecki serves as Apostolic Administrator of the archdiocese.

More information about Archbishop-Designate Grob is posted on the archdiocesan web site at www.archmil.org.

A prayer on the appointment of a new archbishop is available at
www.archmil.org/bishop-grob.

Please keep Archbishop-Designate Grob and the Church of southeastern Wisconsin in your prayers.

Peace,

Jerry Topczewski
Office of the Archbishop

Related:

JS:  Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey Grob to succeed Listecki as Milwaukee archbishop in 2025

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2024/11/04/chicago-auxiliary-bishop-jeffrey-grob-named-next-archbishop-of-milwaukee/76042291007/

https://x.com/frhilderbrand/status/1853409070360781226?s=46&t=MxHIKWKqahp-HIVs9bmL4g

Former Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert Weakland will be honored with a funeral Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Sophie Carson reported at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"The current archbishop, Jerome Listecki, will celebrate a funeral Mass at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 812 N. Jackson Street, Milwaukee.

"Visitation will be held at the cathedral from 12 to 4 p.m. that day."

Presumably followed by interment in the Cathedral crypt.

Update: Sophie Carsons's report, above, has been updated .

"Weakland will be buried in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, at St. Vincent Archabbey, where he attended high school, college and seminary and eventually became archabbot."

Bishop Haines's surmise that Archbishop Weaklands remains would likely end up in the Cathedral crypt turned out to be wrong.

Meanwhile, Bruce Murphy, at Urban Milwaukee, reminds us,

"In 2014, he [Weakland] sought to move to the St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he began his seminary studies as a boy in 1940 and later ran it as the archabbot, but the plan was opposed by the current archabbot, who feared this would cause negative publicity."

Modern Apologists Strengthen Our Understanding

Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki starts with some history in the Herald of Hope column of a recent issue of the Archdiocese's of Milwaukee's Catholic Herald.

"From the earliest beginnings of the Church, individuals came forward in the defense of the Church’s teachings. They were referred to as 'apologists.' They present the reasonableness of the Church’s position. We sometimes forget that we have a duty to defend the Church’s teaching. Many of the early Church Fathers presented the teachings of the Church, which were not only convincing but compelling. It encouraged the Christian faithful to live the teachings in the face of society’s opposition."

He eventually names names.

"Matthew Kelly, whose multiple books are free and widely distributed, much like the pamphlets of the evangelicals, is one. But Kelly, an Australian, is unabashedly Roman Catholic, and his works not only give insight to the reasonableness of the professed Catholic faith but a basis for the promotion of the faith in the communities in which we live. He is proud to be a Catholic and resonates with Catholics who love their Church. Kelly has a popular following and has been a tireless promoter of the faith."

By "free" I assume he means available for purchase in bulk for free distribution. A generous member of my parish has done this a number of times.

"Patrick Madrid’s daily national program is heard on Relevant Radio. He has authored a multitude of books, one which is actually entitled, How to do Apologetics. I particularly enjoyed Pope Fiction, a 1999 work that deals directly with answers to myths and misconceptions about the papacy. He tackles Church teachings on Purgatory, the importance of tradition and the saints, to mention a few. He is well worth reading and arms the faithful in thoughtful responses to today’s criticisms."

Not all apologists are lay.

"Bishop Robert Barron of 'Word on Fire' is a committed intellectual and advocate of the importance of the Church Teachings. Bishop Barron, who is a longtime friend, has been a consistent champion of interpreting the positions of the Church in a manner acceptable and understandable to our younger generations. He has been a great voice at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for the importance of communications to the next generation of Catholic leaders. His philosophical training grounds his approach. I would encourage you to view his website, Word on Fire' and listen to his Sunday homilies. He is a teacher who excites his listeners. He has a group of devoted followers who understand the importance of sharing the faith."

And finally,

"But before Kelly, Madrid and Barron, was Peter Kreeft. During the period of the 70s and 80s, there was a lack of attention to Catholic Teachings. Catholics, who at one time knew their catechism by rote, now were hard-pressed to answer simple questions about the faith. It was into this vast wasteland that Peter Kreeft was an almost lone voice directing individuals in their understanding of the importance and reasonableness of the Church’s teachings."

Dr. Kreeft's website includes links to Featured Writings and Featured Audios and to his books available for purchase.

So, how was your Lent?

Asks Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki in his column in the latest issue of Radiant Life, member magazine of policyholders of Catholic Financial Life.

MKE Police gather for ‘Blue Mass’ ahead of anniversary of Officer Irvine’s death with Abp. Listecki

Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police officers were honored Tuesday night, June 4 during the city's annual "Mass of Blessing for Law Enforcement" at the Basilica of St. Josaphat.

MPD suffered unimaginable heartbreak since the last blue Mass a year ago -- with three officers losing their lives in the line of duty. They were remembered, as those in attendance were uplifted.

"This is something else. It's my first time ever being here," said Officer Michael Bachmann.

"There's going to be good times and bad times in law enforcement, but we can't forget our faith and I believe in the power of prayer," said Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales.

The event brought together officers, their families and the community, standing side by side as Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki delivered prayers of unity, peace, and support.

"It is our law enforcement community that refuses to abandon hope, even for our most challenging community," said Listecki.

continue at Fox6

Abp. Listecki joins 40 Days for Life in Milwaukee

40 Days MKE

TBT: JPII and Fr. Listecki

Link

Abp Listecki There is a Right Answer in Abortion Debate

When missionaries reached the shores of newly discovered lands, they were confronted with the culture of people who had no relationship to Christianity. In fact, some still practiced the brutal custom of human sacrifice to the gods they worshipped. Of course, this appalled the missionaries and adventurers who considered themselves both “enlightened and progressive.” However, in their zeal for the conversion of the native people, they used the message of Christianity to expunge this barbaric practice. It seemed simple on its face that human life demanded respect and this pagan practice did little to support the “imago dei,” the teaching that every life has the imprint of God on their being.

A couple of weeks ago, the state of New York passed legislation that allowed the extinction of a human life up until the moment of birth. As some have explained, even if the attempted abortion is botched and the baby born alive, there would be a right under the law to “euthanize” the baby. Is this the witness to Christianity and its teaching that our forefathers envisioned for our nation?

continue at MkeCH

Men of Christ 2019 - March 30 - Father Z speaking

Young Men of Christ: March 29, 2019. Details and registration here.
Men of Christ: March 30, 2019. Details and registration here.

Aiming for Christ event at Waukesha Gun Club Oct 6

Aiming for Christ is back and the event is set for SATURDAY October 6 at the Waukesha Gun Club. (For you Badger fans -- don’t worry, we should be done by 2 pm!)

Cost for the event is $40/person or $200/ per 5-man squad and includes:  

• Mass beginning at 7 am. 
• Light breakfast
• Event to include sporting clays and a 5 stand flurry
• A visit from Archbishop Listecki
• Lunch
• A virtue talk
• Social afterwards, wrapping up by 2 pm.  

Dads, this is a great event for you to enjoy some father/son camaraderie, build on our faith, and enjoy a unique outdoors experience. 
 

Online registration

(When registering, under “Parish” enter your squad leader’s name for full (5 member) or partial squad, or enter “Single” if you are not part of a squad.)

REGISTER HERE

 
Questions? Contact Michael Schulze at mkschulze10@gmail.com or 262-327-4258.

Abp. Listecki: "New Ways Ministry is not a Catholic organization"

Background  My emphasis

Dear Priests, Deacons, Parish Directors and Staff:

In the past few days, there has been some confusion regarding a retreat that is taking place within our Archdiocese. With so many inquiring if this retreat is directly connected to the Archdiocese, which it is not, I felt obligated to clarify.

As the Church teaches, all individuals with same-sex attraction must be treated with understanding, compassion and support. A retreat for “gay priests, brothers and deacons” has been scheduled at the Siena Center in Racine, operated by the Racine Dominican Sisters, sponsored by New Ways Ministries and led by Fr. Bryan Massingale, a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, who now teaches at Fordham University in New York. This event is not in line with Catholic Church teaching and is in no way connected to or endorsed by the archdiocese, and New Ways Ministry is not a Catholic organization.

In addition, no permission was requested for such a retreat to be held in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee (not that my permission is needed, nor would I have given it) and I was not contacted – even out of courtesy or respect – by the Dominican Sisters, the leadership of the Siena Center, or by Fr. Massingale.
That is disappointing, because it can be confusing for some people as to whether someone with same sex attraction can minister as a priest. As priests who have made a promise and commitment to celibacy, each are called to live holy, chaste lives.

Fr. Nathan Reesman, pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Parish and Saint Mary’s Immaculate Conception Parish in West Bend, has written a very good article about this topic, noting that, “The best pastoral experience of the Church, as well as our consistent teachings about who we are as persons, point to the reality that it is never healthy or holy to act out on same-sex desires, even in the realm of the merely emotional. Much healthier and holier is the attitude that our sexual desires are simply one facet of who we are as persons, rather than making them our dominant marker of identity with a term such as “gay.”

Fr. Reesman is the Chaplain for Courage and EnCourage for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Courage is an apostolate of the Catholic Church that ministers to men and women who experience same sex attraction. You can access his article here.

A number of people have called and written to me asking me “to stop this retreat.” I cannot prevent the Sisters from running this retreat, nor Fr. Massingale from leading it. What I can do, to the best of my ability, is share the truth about the teachings of the Church with the Faithful People of God.

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee

Civil War veterans honored with historical marker on Gettysburg anniversary at Milwaukee Calvary Cemetery

The historical sign was placed at the landmark 1897 Gothic Revival gatehouse, at the entrance to the cemetery at 5503 W. Bluemound Road. Archbishop Jerome Listecki delivered the dedication invocation. Listecki is also a retired United States Army Reserve Chaplain, lieutenant colonel. Calvary is a Milwaukee Archdiocesan cemetery that was consecrated in 1857, by the Most Reverend John Martin Henni, first archbishop of Milwaukee. The dedication included reenactors who participated in the ceremony wearing Civil War era regulation uniforms or period attire. A rifle salute and playing of Taps concluded the ceremony.

continue at Milwaukee Independent

Abp. Listecki wants to milk a cow

Last Thursday, I made my way to St. John the Baptist Parish in Clyman. On the way, as the sun was setting, a full moon was rising. There was a red hue upon the farmland. Even before the spring greens, the land was rich with color. It reminded me of just how beautiful our state is no matter what season it happens to be. Perhaps that’s why I love Our Wisconsin magazine. It reminds us not to forget the treasure that we possess.

When I was Bishop of La Crosse, it was always eye candy to travel along the Mississippi, or through the Bluffs, the farmlands of Arcadia or the Dells. One of my favorite events was the blessing of the farmlands, the produce, some animals and farm equipment. It usually took place in the fall, and we were often blessed with good weather. After the Mass, I performed the blessings, and together we had a great farm meal. Once, in a celebration of our family farms that took place in Necedah, Cardinal Dolan, then the Archbishop of Milwaukee, gave the initial talk, and was feted with his favorite meal, meatloaf (I think he had three helpings, covered with ketchup)

....
When I was named Bishop of La Crosse, Cardinal Francis George told me he wanted a picture of me milking a cow. I guess he found it funny, this kid from the industrial part of South Chicago lost among the acres of farmland. However, I loved it. Although I was never able to fulfill his wish (Cardinal George died 2015), it is still on my bucket list. I’ll keep my hands warm and ready for when Bossy is available.

continue at Arch Mil

So far my favorite Abp. Listecki picture is firing the cannon.  Hm, come to think of it, there's the guitar one, the sideburns, the chucks, the peace pipe, and the Army Greens. 

But really, I think the cow milking pic might top them all.

2018 Men of Christ Conference featuring Tim Staples - March 10

Milwaukee Men of Christ conference by Matt J Korger on Scribd

Register here.  Early Bird pricing still good through tomorrow.

There is also a Young Men of Christ Conference on March 9th that Friday night.

I've always enjoyed these conferences.  Again this year I sadly won't be there .. it sure would. be cool if those Cream City guys would send in the drone into Miller High Life Theater (what ever happened to Pabst Theater, that place was great).

Dad29: More--and Less Useful--Stuff on Fr. Greiten

[We're updating this post, so it will address two different editorials on the topic of Fr. Greiten and Abp. Listecki. The first editorial is from LifeSite; the second is from New Ways Ministry.]

1) Generally speaking, I like what LifeSite brings to the table. They are decidedly counter-cultural in this culture of Mammon, Material, and Death. But in the Fr. Greiten/homosexual/Abp. Listecki case, LifeSite has gone into screed territory. Too bad.

The essay has good and bad points, of course. LifeSite is correct to point out the propaganda-bomb timing of Fr. Greiten's announcement AND his lengthy 'me, myself, and I' ode to narcissism published in a notoriously anti-Catholic rag. Yah, that smells very bad. Greiten is so busy self-obsessing that he doesn't mention little things like Christ, reconciliation, penance....yah, it's smelly. But Greiten's biggest problem is that he's been seriously manipulated, which tends to show that he's not very bright.

continue at Dad29

Yep.  Good post.

Memorial Day with Abp Listecki

Abp. Listecki spent 23 years as a chaplain
in the United States Army Reserves

Calvary Cemetery: The historic cemetery's Civil War Memorial Day Service includes an outdoor Mass at 10 a.m. celebrated by Archbishop Jerome Listecki, followed by a ceremony with musket and rifle salutes, and the firing of a historic cannon. 5503 W. Blue Mound Road.

JS

Thank you to all who have given their lives that we might live in freedom and safety.

This might be my favorite picture ever

Abp. Listecki explains big changes to Racine area Catholic schools

RACINE — Starting in the 2018-19 school year, Racine Catholic schools will be part of a the new St. Catherine of Siena School system, which will involve the Archdiocese of Milwaukee hiring three new administrative positions. The five Racine area Catholic elementary schools along with St. Catherine’s Middle and High School are going to be part of the system.

Archbishop Jerome Listecki made the announcement to pastors, principals and trustees in a closed meeting at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, 2201 Northwestern Ave., on Wednesday, following similar announcements recently made at other parishes.

The change comes after months, and in some respects years, of planning the realignment in effort to boost enrollment and overall quality of Catholic education.

Listecki said increasing costs and shifting demographics have weighed heavily on local parishes.

“We always have to make Catholic education accessible and affordable,” Listecki said. “What this does is it helps to promote those two qualities.”

continue at The Journal Times

Muskego church breaks ground on $2.4 million addition

Archbishop Jerome Listecki came to Muskego as St. Leonard Catholic Church and School broke ground for a $2.4 million addition that will expand its ministries and transform its facade to a more welcoming entrance.

Listecki helped celebrate the Mass that preceeded the blessing of the site and the groundbreaking.

St. Leonard's, W173 S7743 Westwood Drive, will build a 3,739-square-foot gathering space.

continue at MNB NOW

FWIW, the interior of the church is in pretty rough shape.

Abp. Listecki to dedicate newly renovated church in Slinger WI

April 14, 2017 – Slinger, WI – St. Peter Catholic Parish in Slinger, will celebrate a Mass of Dedication and Blessing with Archbishop Jerome Listecki at 5 p.m. on April 22 in the newly renovated and expanded church.

The dedication and blessing will consecrate the new newly renovated building as a permanent worship space. Archbishop Listecki will be blessing not only the physical church building and altar, but other items and areas of the church as well.

There will be a reception to follow in St. Peter Church Hall. Please note the usual 8 p.m. Mass will be cancelled Saturday, April 22, 2017.

The construction project expanding the original 1892 building began a year ago on February 29, 2016.

The goal to increase church seating capacity has been met, as 740 people can now sit in the main nave, as compared to the original 450 seating capacity. New meeting rooms, an expanded gathering space, and a more spacious church hall and kitchen have also been constructed.

Parishioners are also in the midst of completing a $600,000 furnishing campaign. This campaign will pay for and install all of the church’s stained glass windows and other new furnishing items throughout the building.

continue at CBS 58

I think this is a pre-renovation photo with carpet

Men of Christ Conference in Milwaukee April 1st, featuring Dr. Scott Hahn, Jason Evert, Jesse Romero

2017 MOC Conference Poster by Matt J Korger on Scribd

Details

Yep, I'm going.  See you there.

Note: I noticed March 31st, there is a Young Men of Christ Conference" with Evert and Romero speaking.