Bishop places priest on administrative leave -- Posted: 2/16/2004 MADISON -- Fr. Gerald P. Vosen, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Baraboo, has been placed on administrative leave following sexual misconduct allegations, Bishop Robert C. Morlino said Feb. 15. The Diocese of Madison's decision followed a five-month investigation, which included an allegation made at a Wisconsin State Assembly hearing Sept. 18, 2003. That allegation was subsequently denied by the victim. However, a coincidence of allegations from several sources were made against Father Vosen in incidents involving two other victims. At least one of those allegations was found to be credible.   Full story ...
	News & Features: • Celebrating Catholic Schools Week: Students in Diocese of Madison look to 'A Faith-Filled Future' • Superbowl incident: Disturbing sign of times • Catholic Relief Services: Programs help Iraqi moms, infants Columns: • Guest Column by Douglas W. Kmiec -- Election: Catholic voters and life • Question Corner by Fr. John Dietzen -- Myths: Do they contradict anything in Catholic teaching? • The Pope Speaks by Pope John Paul II -- Psalm: Live moral life to be close to God • Your Family by Monica and Bill Dodds -- On World Day of the Sick: Remembering to pray as a family • TV Eye by Mark Pattison -- Foul language: Broadcasters, FCC, and public must censor it • Subscribe to print edition

Pope accepts resignation of Auxiliary Bishop George Wirz Bishop George O. Wirz MADISON -- On Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 5 a.m. (12 noon Vatican time), Pope John Paul II announced that he had accepted the resignation of Bishop George O. Wirz, auxiliary bishop of Madison. Bishop Wirz celebrated his 75th birthday on Jan. 17, 2004. In retirement, he plans to continue to live at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison and help as needed. A native of Monroe, Wis., he was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Madison on May 31, 1952. He was named a Monsignor in 1960 and a Prelate of Honor in 1967. He was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Madison on March 9, 1978. He has directed the diocesan Office for Continuing Education of Priests since 1993. Related articles ... from Jan. 15, 2004 edition: • Happy 75th Birthday! Bishop George O. Wirz • Editorial: Bishop George Wirz: An example of happy, faith-filled priest from Oct. 17, 2002 edition: • Bishop Wirz: Attended Second Vatican Council 40 years ago from June 13, 2002 edition: • Bishop Wirz celebrates Golden Jubilee

Legislature: Bills on health care, legal services, rights

MADISON -- The Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) recently gave testimony supporting or opposing various bills or parts of bills in the State Legislature.

The bills address issues such as advance health care directives, access to legal services, conscience protections, and parental consent.

Advance directives

The WCC is one of several organizations lending its support to legislation to establish that a health care power of attorney executed in another state is valid in Wisconsin in most cases.   Full story ...

BENTON -- The public is invited to a 3 p.m. Mass on Sunday, Feb. 22, at St. Patrick Church, 237 Main St., Benton, to commemorate the death and celebrate the life of a beloved pioneer priest in the tri-state area.

On the 140th anniversary of Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli's death, he is still remembered in the tri-state area for establishing more than 40 parish communities, building at least 20 churches, and founding the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters.   Full story ...