Faith in Action: Catholic Charities celebrates achievements of community leaders and clients

By Sharyn Alden and Mary C. Uhler
FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

	Brian Cain, executive director of Catholic Charities, gives one of the Executive Director's Awards to Jane Wood of Companion Care.

MADISON -- Over 400 people joined Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Madison in celebrating "Faith in Action!" at the agency's recent Awards Dinner held at the Marriott Madison West.

In his address to those assembled, Bishop William H. Bullock emphasized that Catholic Charities brings "a gift of God's love." "We work to witness to Christ, our God and our Savior, who reassures both the caregiver and the recipient of aid and rehabilitation, that they are indeed human beings with rights, that they are loved by God," said the bishop. (The complete text of his talk may be found on the "Bishop Speaks" page.)

Catholic Charities, a 50-year-old agency, provides 27 services to the community through four areas of assistance: services to seniors, alcohol and drug abuse services, services to children, and services to individuals and families. Programs are provided to community members regardless of income or faith.   Full Story ...

MONROE -- The 35th annual Christmas Party sponsored by the Apostolate to the Handicapped will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Monroe Senior High School in Monroe.

The theme for this year's event is "Let Us Go Rejoicing - Celebrating 35 Years." Bishop William H. Bullock will preside and preach at the 11 a.m. Mass, joined by 20 other concelebrating priests. The Diocesan Choir, under the direction of Dr. Patrick Gorman, will sing for the Mass. Randy Gracyalny will be the cantor.

Commentators and acolytes from the television Mass on WISC-TV will read and serve for the Mass. Disabled persons will present the Offertory gifts. Fr. Kent Schmitt, Fr. Mike Klarer, and Fr. Bill Seipp will coordinate the Mass.

Hugh and Heidi Espinoza will begin entertaining the expected 1,300 guests at 9:45 a.m. The Mass will be followed by a traditional Christmas dinner. Mike Doyle is in charge of the dinner. Monroe athletes and Monroe F.F.A. will assist.

"Campion's Jazz Boys" will entertain during and after diner. They are six sophomores at Monroe High School. There will be the annual visit by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus who will bring gifts.

Special table favors are being made by Irene Molitor and her staff along with the Christmas gift given by Swiss Colony. The usual staff of hundreds of volunteers will help in the production of the day; nurses, drivers, cooks, servers, set-up and clean-up workers, benefactors, Monroe Fire Department, the Green County EMS, Monroe Auxiliary Police, UW Knights of Columbus, the staff and students body of Monroe High School, and many other organizations and individuals.   Full Story ...