Diocese invites individuals and families to pray for America in anticipation 250th anniversary
In 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—the Semiquincentennial. From its founding principles through today, this milestone offers a time to reflect on our nation’s enduring history, values, and the timeless role of faith in its story.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has created a “We Hold These Truths” page on its website, highlighting Catholic contributions to America and promoting consecration of the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus which is set to take place in June 2026. Leading up to the anniversary, the White House is also asking for weekly prayer gatherings in the “America Prays 250” initiative.
Recognizing the need to pray for our nation at this time, Bishop David L. Ricken is inviting parishes and ministry sites in the Diocese of Green Bay to participate in a local response called Adoration for the Nation, a uniquely Catholic and Eucharistic response in praying for the country.
Parishes are encouraged to dedicate one of their regularly scheduled Holy Hours or host an extended time of Eucharistic Adoration to pray for our country throughout the first 26 weeks of 2026, culminating on July 3 with a time of adoration hosted by St. Francis Xavier Cathedral on the eve of Independence Day 2026.
Here is a partial list of participating locations. Parishes interested in joining can request to be added here – Click for Form.
- Tuesday, January 6, 2026 — 3:00–4:00 P.M. — St. Joseph Chapel, Diocesan Campus (1825 Riverside Drive, Green Bay)
- Wednesday, January 7, 2026 — 9:15–10:15 A.M. — St. Sebastian, Seymour — Website
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026 — 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. — Prince of Peace, Bellevue — Website
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 — 5:00–7:00 P.M. — St. Joseph, Wautoma — Website
- Tuesday, January 27, 2026 — 4:00–5:15 P.M. — St. Pius X, Appleton — Website
- Tuesday, February 3, 2026 — Noon–1:00 P.M. — Stella Maris in Bailey’s Harbor (8013 State Highway 57) — Website
- Tuesday, February 11, 2026 — 4:00–5:00 P.M. — Holy Rosary, New Holstein — Website
- Friday, February 20, 2026 — 9:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. — St. Mary, Appleton — Website
- Wednesday, February 25, 2026 — 8:30 A.M.–7:00 P.M. — St. Anne’s, Francis Creek — Website
- Thursday, February 26, 2026 — 5:00 A.M.–Midnight — St. Francis of Assisi (Adoration Chapel), Manitowoc — Website
- Thursday, March 5, 2026 — 3:30–5:30 P.M. — St. Raphael the Archangel, Oshkosh — Website
- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 — 5:00–6:00 P.M. — St. Bernard, Green Bay — Website
- Sunday, March 15, 2026 — 10:00–11:00 A.M. — St. Joseph, Champion — Website
- Wednesday, March 25, 2026 — 12:00–3:00 P.M. — St. Mary, Luxemburg — Website
- Wednesday, April 1, 2026 — 8:45–10:00 A.M. — St. Therese (St. Lawrence Site), Stangelville — Website
- Tuesday, April 7, 2026 — 5:00–6:00 P.M. — St. Patrick’s Oratory, Green Bay — Website
- Wednesday, April 15, 2026 — 1:00–6:00 P.M. — St. Martin of Tours, Cecil — Website
- Saturday, April 25, 2026 — 3:00–4:00 P.M. — Corpus Christi, Sturgeon Bay — Website
- Friday, May 1, 2026 — 7:30–10:30 A.M. — St. Agnes, Green Bay— Website
- Wednesday, May 6, 2026 — 6:00 P.M. — St. Peter the Fisherman, Two Rivers— Website
- Tuesday, May 12, 2026 — 5:00–7:00 P.M. — St. John the Baptist, Seymour— Website
- Wednesday, May 20, 2026 — 6:00 P.M. — St. Jude (Sacred Heart Site), Oshkosh — Website
- Wednesday, May 27, 2026 — 6:30–7:30 P.M. — Nativity Parish, Ashwaubenon— Website
- Friday, June 5, 2026 — 4:00–7:00 P.M. — All Saints, Denmark — Website
- Friday, June 12, 2026 — 7:00 P.M. — St. Patrick, Stephensville— Website
- Tuesday, June 16, 2026 — 4:30–5:30 P.M. — St. Gabriel, Neenah— Website
- Wednesday, June 24, 2026 — 1:00–2:00 P.M. — St. Anthony, Tigerton — Website
- Friday, July 3, 2026 — 9:00 A.M.–Noon — St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay — Website
Supporting this initiative, an Adoration for the Nation Team—led by young adults, former pilgrims to the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, and individuals passionate for prayer —will participate in these Holy Hours as well, across multiple sites. They are encouraged to share personal experiences and invitations to pray via diocesan social media channels, helping build enthusiasm and participation. If you would be interested in being part of this team, click here to contact the team leader.
As this milestone approaches, quiet time in adoration provides a meaningful opportunity to seek our nation’s healing, unity, and renewal. Whether attending a scheduled Holy Hour or organizing one locally, your prayerful presence matters. All are welcome to join this gentle call to faith—it’s an inviting way to contribute to something greater during this year, taking both one’s hopes and prayers for our nation to Jesus Truly Present in the Eucharist.