Holiday Masses, messages in Diocese of Madison

The Christmas Mass, to air on WISC-TV, Channel 3, sponsored by the Apostolate to the Handicapped, was taped in the Bishop O'Donnell Holy Name Memorial Chapel at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison. (Julianne Nornberg photo)

Cathedral Masses

MADISON -- All people in the Diocese of Madison are invited to attend the Christmas Masses at St. Raphael Cathedral here.

Msgr. Daniel Ganshert, rector of St. Raphael Cathedral, will preside at the Christmas Eve Mass that begins at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 24.

Bishop William H. Bullock will preside at the Christmas Mass that begins at 12 midnight on Monday, Dec. 24. Prelude music, which begins at 11:30 p.m., is provided by the St. Raphael Cathedral Choir with brass quintet and tympani. The choir is directed by Dr. Patrick Gorman.

Starboard Broadcasting, Inc., is planning to air the midnight Mass at St. Raphael Cathedral, beginning with the 11:30 p.m. prelude music, on WHFA (1240 AM).   Full Story ...

On Thursday morning, Dec. 6, about 70 youth and adults boarded buses to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis, Ind.

This year's theme, "Hope at the Crossroads," reminds us that we are a sign of God's hope. Being this sign of hope means that we should be willing to share our gifts and talents to build the reign of God in all areas of our lives.

Sharing faith

Between Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, over 24,000 youth from across the country gathered to share God's love and praise God's name. This was shown in many different ways. There were gatherings of music, praise, workshops, speakers, and there was even a place where you could donate books and build bookshelves.

"I thought it was very good. I enjoyed the interactive areas, the music, and watching the unity of the the youth as they worked together to build a bookshelf together," stated Peg Miller, coordinator of youth ministry at St. Peter Parish, Madison, and first time attendee of NCYC.

Inspiring speakers

At the morning and evening gathering, there were speakers who told of their life experiences, including a local news reporter who told of her experience of interviewing Mother Teresa, the former Miss America telling of her Catholic upbringing, and Renee Bondi, who shared of her experience of becoming paralyzed.   Full Story ...