A Reflection on My Time in the Diocese Thus Far

By BRIAN HANSEN

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

- Matthew 9:37-38

By the end of October 2024, I will have been serving for over two months as the Diocese of Winona-Rochester's Coordinator for Adult Faith and Lay Formation. As I reflect on this time, I realize that much has occurred in this short period, all of which has been both good and rewarding. I would like to structure this reflection through my answering of three overarching questions:

1. What have I noticed and experienced in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester (DOW-R)?,

2. What am I currently doing?, and

3. What are my hopes and vision for Adult Faith and Lay Formation?

Since moving to Minnesota in mid-August, I have noticed and experienced a lot in the DOW-R. One significant experience that readily comes to mind is the open house event at the new DOW-R Chancery this past September. For me and many of my co-workers at the Chancery, it was so exciting and impressive to witness so many people of the diocese in attendance for this celebration. I believe this exemplifies the profound love and commitment that DOW-R Catholics have for their diocese and to Holy Mother Church. Another experience that I have had and continue to frequent is visiting St. James Coffee in Rochester. It has truly been a joy to partake in my favorite pastime (i.e. drinking coffee) in a setting that not only offers that, but also offers the opportunity to pray and visit with Jesus in the Eucharist in their little chapel. This is such a wonderful oasis for Catholics and Christian folk alike to celebrate and live out their Christian identity. Hopefully, places like St. James Coffee will inspire DOW-R Catholics to continue finding unique and creative ways to evangelize Jesus Christ and his Gospel in their local communities.

As for my current responsibilities in my new role, I would categorize them into two major activities. The first activity is relational development; this involves meeting with and getting to know the DOW-R clergy, faith formation directors/coordinators, and alumni of the Institute of Lay Formation

(ILF). Developing relationships with these people is essential for me as I seek to tailor Adult Faith and Lay Formation ministry to fit the needs of our diocese. So far, I have had the privilege of meeting with all the pastors of the parishes in Rochester, and I intend on meeting the rest of the DOW-R clergy at their upcoming deanery meetings. Similarly, I have already had some individual and large-group meetings with various ILF alumni, and I am in the process of connecting with faith formation directors/coordinators in the months ahead. My second activity consists of reviewing and enhancing the current ILF curriculum to prepare myself to help form and journey with those lay Catholic adults who plan to be a part of the new ILF class beginning in the fall of 2025. In the interim, the DOW-R Office of Evangelization is planning to coordinate and schedule spring formation sessions for lay Catholic adults. These formation sessions are intended to provide its participants with a greater awareness and appreciation for their Catholic faith while simultaneously inspiring them to put their faith into action in the activities and experiences of daily life.

Finally, my hopes and vision for Adult Faith and Lay Formation in the Diocese centers around the desire for lay Catholic men and women to be intentional missionary disciples for Jesus Christ and his Gospel. This, of course, requires first that Catholic men and women be provided opportunities to have an encounter with our Lord. The daily life of the Catholic laity, especially those raising families, can be arduous, fastpaced, and worrisome, leading some to wonder whether this is all that life has to offer. According to our Lord, the answer to that question is a definite no! Jesus emphatically says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Life is meant to be joyous, fulfilling, and purposeful, but the Christian recognizes that this is only possible when one’s life is truly rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus.

Again, Jesus says, “Abide in me, and I in you.... He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5). The inability to do anything if separated from a life with Jesus Christ should be of concern to any good lay Catholic who is seeking to utilize their talents in the service of others, to promote and safeguard the common good, and, ultimately, to hopefully inherit eternal life. To put it simply, developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is essential to a Christian’s life, for from it comes personal conversion and a personal willingness and desire to invite others to receive this same relationship. Therefore, it is my hope and prayer that our diocese’s Adult Faith and Lay Formation ministry can actively foster this relationship in the lives of our lay Catholic adults through various formation experiences and resources. This, in turn, will enrich the spiritual lives of the Catholic laity and positively impact the holistic life of our diocese and the universal

To close, I kindly ask for those reading this reflection to keep me in your prayers. Please pray that I am docile to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and inspiration, and that everything I do in this role furthers our diocese’s efforts of evangelization, the forming of missionary disciples, and, above all, the glory of God. May God bless you, protect you, close to his Most Sacred Heart!

Brian Hansen is the Coordinator for Adult Faith & Lay Formation for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.