How the Diocese of Madison Supports Mission, Charity, and Outreach

Updated

The Diocese of Madison carries out mission, charity, and outreach through three connected channels: mission partnerships and evangelization (including its sister diocese in Jacmel, Haiti, and the Go Make Disciples initiative), practical services (Catholic Charities and Catholic Cemeteries), and ministries focused on human life and dignity (respect life, rural life, mental health, and support for people with disabilities). If you are looking for a way to give, volunteer, or receive help, the diocesan website organizes these under Mission & Outreach, Catholic Charities, Cemeteries, and Human Life & Dignity.

Mission and evangelization

The diocese describes its purpose as “building mission-driven communities of faith to share the life-changing good news of Jesus Christ,” serving Southern Wisconsin from the Driftless Area to the communities around the state capital region.

Two named efforts sit under Mission & Outreach:

  • Sister Diocese of Jacmel, Haiti — a diocesan-to-diocese partnership linking Madison with the Church in Jacmel.
  • Go Make Disciples — a mission and outreach initiative listed alongside the Haiti partnership.

Related formation offerings that support this missionary focus include the Mazzuchelli Institute of Mission & Leadership and the Called and Gifted Workshop, both listed under Catholic Life.

Practical charity and services

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities appears in the site navigation as a distinct service area, positioned with cemeteries under the diocese’s charitable and burial services.

Catholic Cemeteries

The Cemeteries section covers both practical and charitable functions:

  • Find a Loved One — locating a burial site.
  • Preplanning — arranging cemetery services in advance.
  • Products and Services — cemetery goods and options.
  • Cemetery Contract Payment — paying for cemetery contracts.
  • Make a Gift, Legacy Gifts, Memorial Gifts — donation pathways.
  • Special Care Fund and Cemetery Angels — ongoing support programs.
  • Christmas Wreaths and Give a Tree — seasonal remembrance and giving.
  • Statue to Commemorate the Unborn — a memorial project.
  • Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery — a named diocesan cemetery.
  • Catholic Cemeteries Week and the Lay Them to Rest and Catholic Cemeteries Week Photo Contest items — awareness and community engagement.

Human life, dignity, and social care

The Human Life & Dignity section gathers ministries that address people at the margins:

  • Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities — including Deaf Ministry, Prenatal Diagnosis support, Sacramental Life access, Catholic School Accessibility, Accessibility and Accommodations, and Grants.
  • Mental Health — resources for yourself or a loved one, a Referral Network of Catholic Providers, Mental Health Ministry Support, Support Groups, and Mental Health Topics.
  • Respect Life — the diocese’s pro-life ministry.
  • Rural Life — ministry attuned to the diocese’s rural communities.
  • End of Life — resources listed under Human Life & Dignity.
  • The Pontifical Mission Societies — the Church’s universal mission fundraising network.
  • Theology of the Body — formation in the Church’s teaching on the human person.

Additional support ministries include Rachel’s Vineyard & Project Rachel (post-abortion healing), Separated Catholics, Divorce Support Ministry, and Marriage Nullity & Tribunal under Marriage & Family.

How to get involved or get help

  1. To give or volunteer — start with Mission & Outreach (Haiti sister diocese, Go Make Disciples) or Catholic Cemeteries giving options (Make a Gift, Legacy Gifts, Memorial Gifts, Special Care Fund).
  2. To receive services — look under Catholic Charities, Human Life & Dignity (disabilities, mental health, end of life), or Marriage & Family support ministries.
  3. To find a parish, school, or office — use the Directory and Interactive Map, which list churches, Catholic schools, and diocesan locations.
  4. To report or seek assistance related to abuse — the diocese maintains a Response to the Sexual Abuse of Minors section with Safe Environment and Victim Assistance resources.

For current program details, registration forms, and event dates, check the specific ministry page on madisondiocese.org, since offerings such as retreats, workshops, and Mass registrations are updated on an ongoing basis.