News Briefs: St. James Parish seeking photos MADISON -- St. James Parish in Madison is celebrating its 100th anniversary in May 2005. The Parish History Committee is finishing work on the 100th anniversary book. It is still looking for more photos of St. James Parish life for a history photo display for the book. Photos sought include eighth grade class photos, sports teams, building construction, First Eucharist classes, First Mass celebrations, Baptism, and wedding photos. Of special interest are multi-generation event photos (different generations baptized, married at St. James). Photos showing other parish events are welcome. Those lending photos should deliver them to Anne at the St. James rectory or Sharon at the school or call Tom Karls at 608-249-2531 for pickup. Label all photographs with name of donor and relevant information, including who is in the picture and when it was taken. Photos lended will be scanned into a computer so a copy can be made. All originals will be returned after scanning. For more information, call Tom Karls, 608-249-2531. Breast cancer screening coupons BARABOO -- Coupons for breast cancer screening will be on sale at St. Clare Hospital at a cost of $50 from Monday, Oct. 18, through Friday, Oct. 29. With the coupon, women over age 35 will receive a mammogram with radiologist interpretation and information on breast self-examination. The coupons can be purchased at the hospital's 14th Street information desk. A complete breast care program for women includes regular mammogram and clinical breast exams, and monthly breast self-exams. For more information about mammograms, or questions about the offer, call St. Clare Hospital at 608-356-1434. Sinsinawa Dominican Heritage Retreat SINSINAWA -- Sr. Toni Harris, prioress of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation, will present "Heritage Retreat: Core and Cornerstones: Founding Virtues" from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. Participants will learn about the founder of the Sinsinawa Dominicans, Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli, and the first four women who persevered in their Dominican vocations at the Mound. The registration deadline is Oct. 30 and there is a fee. For more information, contact Janice DeMuth at 608-748-4411, ext. 811, or visit the Web site at www.sinsinawa.org/moundcenter. Waunakee quilt show WAUNAKEE -- A "Quilting Through the Ages Quilt Show" sponsored by the St. John's Piecemakers Quilt Club will be held at St. John School Gymnasium, 114 E. Third St. in Waunakee, Friday, Oct. 29, through Sunday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be longarm quilting machine demonstrations by Carleen Wagner, quilt raffle, viewer's choice, bed turning of old and antique quilts, club member items for sale, vendors, caring quilts, food court, and silent auction. The silent auction items will be changed daily. Proceeds from the silent auction will be given to the Domestic Abuse Intervention Services of Madison. For more information, contact Marlene Adler, 608-849-4530, or e-mail jmaradler@charter.net St. Aloysius Parish sponsors grief series SAUK CITY -- A four-week video series entitled No One Cries the Wrong Way will be shown Nov. 3, 10, 17, and Dec. 1 with a reunion on Jan. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the third floor conference room of the Medical Center at Sauk-Prairie Hospital. These sessions - facilitated by members of the St. Aloysius Parish Bereavement Ministry team - will include a series of videos narrated by Fr. Joe Kempf, prayer service, group discussion, and refreshments. There is no fee but attendance is limited. To register, contact Jeanne Taylor at the St. Aloysius Parish office: 608-643-2449, by Monday, Nov. 1. For more information, contact Marian Thistle, 608-592-4441, rmthistle@tds.net Prayer initiative for marriage, family MADISON -- The Eucharistic Adoration Society of Holy Redeemer Parish in Madison is spearheading a prayer initiative for the "Sanctity of Marriage and the Stability of Family Life." Begun on Oct. 13, the prayer initiative coincides with Eucharistic Adoration on Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 6, 10, and 17. A votive Mass offered for families will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19. All are encouraged to join in Eucharistic Adoration at Holy Redeemer on Wednesdays following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with Benediction at 6:30 p.m. as well as on the first Saturday after the 6:30 p.m. Mass, concluding with Benediction at midnight. For more information, contact Fr. Michael Moon at 608-255-1658. Rachel's Vineyard MADISON -- Rachel's Vineyard weekend retreats are for those who have been affected by the emotional loss or spiritual pain of abortion. The retreat is a chance to begin healing in a confidential, respectful, and emotionally safe environment. The next retreat is scheduled for Nov. 19-21. For more information, visit www.rachelsvineyard.org, call the Diocese of Madison's Office of Family Ministry at 608-821-3177, or after business hours, call toll-free 1-877-HOPE-4-ME.
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Elizabeth House: Bishop authorizes diocesan collection

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

(See also front page photo and sidebar.)

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.

Related articles: Oct. 21, 2004 edition: • Editorial: Elizabeth House: Ecumenical effort helps mothers, babies Oct. 14, 2004 edition: • Bishop's column: Respect Life Month: Elizabeth House; making election decisions March 25, 2004 edition: • Editorial: Elizabeth House: Caring for both babies and their mothers Oct. 16, 2003 print edition: • Elizabeth House: Provides help and hope for mothers, newborns in need Feb. 20, 2003 edition: • Open house at new maternity home

"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.

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.

The site also happens to be near the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic. "When we were gifted with the land, we were not aware of where Planned Parenthood was building the abortion clinic," said Osborn.

She considers it providential that God has positioned the maternity home so close. "The battle for life is being waged," she noted.

Capital campaign Chairs Anne and Fred Grossenbach of Madison report that a total of $853,994.51 has been raised to date of the $2.2 million needed to build The Elizabeth House. This includes the value of the land donated.

"This is a project that every Christian and every church should support," said Fred Grossenbach.

All those involved with the project expressed appreciation to Bishop Morlino and the Diocese of Madison for joining with them. "It's wonderful to see how people can come together to work for the sanctity of human life," said Osborn.

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.

Questionnaire results

The questionnaire limits candidates to a simple "support," "oppose," or "no position" response. Therefore while many candidates would qualify their position with additional comments, the questionnaire format did not allow for commentary. In addition, a number of candidates choose not to respond to questionnaires, therefore the results of the questionnaire are not comprehensive.

"While not all candidates responded, we believe that the questionnaire still provides value in that it educates candidates and Catholic voters about the issues and concerns that the Conference plans to address in the coming legislative session," said Huebscher.

"As the public policy voice of our state's Catholic bishops, the WCC neither endorses nor opposes candidates for public office. Rather, we seek to encourage all citizens to become informed about the issues, to participate freely in the debates and discussions over policy issues and to vote in elections. The candidate questionnaire is part of these efforts," he said.

Resources available

In addition to the candidate questionnaire responses, the WCC encourages Catholics to access a variety of resources available on its Web site.

These resources not only assist Catholics as they prepare for the November election, but also serve to educate Catholics about their ongoing responsibility as citizens.

The questionnaire responses and additional materials may be accessed on the WCC Web site at www.wisconsincatholic.org or by contacting the WCC office at 608-257-0004.