Bishop Morlino: Diocese in compliance

	Bishop Robert C. Morlino

MADISON -- The Diocese of Madison has been found to be in compliance with the provisions of the Charter for the Protection of Young People, the Office of Child and Youth Protection announced Tuesday, Jan. 6.

A compliance audit was conducted in the Diocese of Madison from August 11-15, 2003.

"I am pleased that this diocese has taken steps to be in compliance," said Bishop Robert Morlino.

"The bishops of the United States have committed themselves to the protection of young people. I can't think of a group, other than the bishops, that has committed the money, time, and energy to deal with this serious issue. But all the work and financial commitment are more than worth it to ensure that children are safe."   Full story ...

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By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

BARNEVELD -- A fire broke out at Immaculate Conception Church here on Dec. 23, damaging the church that had been rebuilt after a devastating 1984 tornado.

The fire was reported at about 1:25 p.m., according to Fr. Donald Lange, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Barneveld and St. Bridget Parish in Ridgeway. When Father Lange had been at the church around 10:20 earlier that morning, no sign of fire had been detected.

Damage to church

There is mostly smoke damage to the upper floor of the church and the front of the church by the altar and sacristy, according to Harold Zander, parish council treasurer.

"There was not really any structural damage," he said, confirming that the fellowship hall in the basement sustained water damage.

Located in the next building down the street from the church, the fire department was able to respond right away.   Full story ...

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- There was standing room only at the Fluno Center on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus when Bishop Robert C. Morlino gave a talk recently on "The Future of Religion."

The talk was sponsored by the World Future Society.

Referring first to the use of the word "religion," Bishop Morlino said what he means by religion is that a personal bonding with God is important.

"If I bond with God, it's only because God takes the initiative. There's a personal bonding with God at God's initiative and then a communal response to God. When I talk about religion, that's the kind of religion I'm talking about," he said.   Full story ...