Elizabeth House:
Bishop authorizes diocesan collection

	The Diocese of Madison will have a diocesan-wide collection Oct. 30 and 31 for the new Elizabeth House maternity home in Madison. Here, a resident and her baby, Augustine, at The Elizabeth House in Stoughton are shown with Anne, left, and Fred Grossenbach, chairs of the capital campaign for the new maternity home. (Erin Kaether photo)

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- Bishop Robert C. Morlino has authorized a diocesan-wide collection in parishes throughout the Diocese of Madison on the weekend of Oct. 30 and 31 to support The Elizabeth House, a Christian residential program for pregnant women.

In a letter to people of the diocese, Bishop Morlino reminds them that October is celebrated as the Month of Mary and Respect Life Month. "As Catholics we offer hope to both the mother and the unborn person," he says. "We must do more. This is a bedrock principle of our faith and more importantly it proclaims the truth that all human life is precious to God and only He can decide when life is spent.

"We share this view with other Christians. Our Christian brothers and sisters have asked for our help. I want to give it to them," says the bishop.

He points out that Elizabeth House will provide a "real choice" for women undergoing an unplanned pregnancy. The 10-bedroom facility will provide a home as well as prenatal care and parenting classes. Residents will be provided with training and assistance in finding a job and given childcare options.

Elizabeth House resident: 'The best thing that ever happened to me' Following are comments from a resident of The Elizabeth House: After I became pregnant, my boyfriend broke up with me and did not want the baby. I did not have any friends or family to support me. I only worked part-time and still had to finish college. I called a pregnancy helpline in the yellow pages and I was referred to the local Care Net. Then Care Net referred me to The Elizabeth House, which was the best thing that ever happened to me. At The Elizabeth House, I got all the help that I needed: • I could live there for free and did not have to pay rent; this was very important because I did not have any income while on maternity leave. • Free rent also meant I did not have to return to work right away so that I could care for my newborn. • The weekly meetings with the staff social worker helped me sort out my problems and priorities. I felt safe and cared for because there was always someone at the house. I thank God for the Elizabeth House and bless all of the Care Net staff for the loving work they are doing. I have a beautiful, sweet, precious little baby and I am so happy now.

For those who choose adoption, Catholic Charities and other Christian adoption services will insure that the baby is placed in a loving and nurturing home.

Liz Osborn is executive director of Care Net Pregnancy Center of Dane County, which operates Elizabeth House in its temporary location in Stoughton.

She said of Bishop Morlino's support of the collection, "We are humbled and tremendously grateful that we can join together as a community of believers. We can be a real vibrant agent for change in this community. Elizabeth House will be a beacon of hope."

Care Net has been helping women in unplanned pregnancies for over 20 years. The need for a maternity home became evident, so the vision for Elizabeth House was born.

Land was donated on Madison's east side at 1350 MacArthur Rd., near the intersection of Hwys. 51 and 151. The site is within walking distance from MATC, so residents of The Elizabeth House will have easy access to continuing education in job skills. The new location is also accessible to public transportation.   Full story ...

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Catholic Conference:
Releases candidate questionnaire responses

MADISON -- The Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC), the public policy voice of the state's Catholic Bishops, has released the candidate responses to the WCC U.S. Congressional and State Legislative Questionnaires, which were circulated to candidates following the September primary.

"The WCC candidate questionnaire provides voters with an additional tool as they seek to assess the candidates in the final weeks before the November general election," stated John Huebscher, WCC executive director.

"The questionnaire affords candidates the opportunity to establish their position on the issues identified by the WCC, however, it is important to note that any survey instrument of this nature has its limitations," he said.
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