May the Lord give you peace.

As you have no doubt heard by now, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops had a very busy and productive meeting this past month in Baltimore. It was fraternal, exciting, and spiritually invigorating; important steps were taken to address the current situation in our Church.

In a similar manner we have been busy here at home in our own diocese, working to ensure that we are doing our absolute best and most transparent job of fulfilling our promises and protecting our young people. I write now to offer an update on our efforts both nationally and locally on these important topics. I ask that you read and pray with my Pastoral Letter to you, the faithful of the Diocese of La Crosse.

As the summer progresses, I hope we will continue to share and reflect on these matters together. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement in what has been a challenging time for all Catholics: lay, religious, priests, and bishops alike.

As St. Paul tells the Romans: “Affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint.”

Thank you and I’ll see you at Sunday Mass!

+WPC