The Madison Diocesan Choir sings at the annual "Festival of Lessons and Carols" at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison Dec. 22. (Catholic Herald photo by Abigail Hansen)

Madison Diocesan Choir:
Receives distinguished service award

MADISON -- The Madison Diocesan Choir and its director, Dr. Patrick Gorman, recently received the 2002 Bishop's Distinguished Service Award.

Bishop William H. Bullock presented the award to Gorman and the choir at their "Festival of Lessons and Carols" at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center here on Dec. 22.

"The Bishop's Distinguished Service Award is presented to those persons who have witnessed to their faith and commitment to the Church in a special and unique way in the Diocese of Madison," reads the award. "The Madison Diocesan Choir has given years of loyal and loving service to the Diocese in liturgical music and their rendition of Lessons and Carols. Their music demonstrates both quality and commitment."   Full Story ...

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- Staff members of the Diocese of Madison attended a Christmas gathering hosted by Bishop William H. Bullock Dec. 20.

The gathering was held at the newly completed Catholic Multicultural Center on the south side of Madison.

"Today in this new millennium, we have new immigrants: Koreans, Hispanics, and African Americans," said Bullock during a prayer service. "We have a growing population from all of Latin America. We also have an increasing number of Asians who come."

The mission remains the same, said Bullock. "God counts on us to do his work."

The bishop recognized Auxiliary Bishop George O. Wirz on his 25th anniversary of his appointment as bishop on Dec. 20.

"We'd like to keep him in our prayers and offer our congratulations," said Bullock. Those attending the Christmas gathering applauded Wirz.   Full Story ...