Participating in the Global Solidarity Partnership between the two dioceses that began in 2002, the delegates are being hosted by 18 parishes in the Diocese of Madison.
On September 23, the day after their arrival in the United States, the delegates learned about Diocese of Madison offices at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison and had a chance to meet diocesan staff. Full story ...
St. Joseph Church: Sustains fire one week
after dedication
By Audrey Mettel Fixmer
CATHOLIC HERALD CORRESPONDENT
FORT ATKINSON -- Just one week following Bishop Robert C. Morlino's dedication of the new St. Joseph Church and School, a fire broke out in the church, which stunned the community and tested the members as well as the newly installed emergency system. Both proved they were able to handle emergency setbacks.
Pastor Fr. Bill Nolan and his hearty team of volunteers, under the direction of Steve Holz, are thankful for the Fort Atkinson Fire Department for their swift response to the smoke alarm. Although they are saddened by the setback, they are counting this as just one more hurdle to mount.
At 9:48 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, the Fort Atkinson Fire Department traced a smoke alarm to the new St. Joseph Church on Endl Blvd. At this point no dollar amount has been estimated on the damage, which is mostly caused by smoke and water.
The organ console will have to be replaced, as well as a smaller electronic piano ruined by water. The sanctuary floor, which was elevated three steps, and thus leaked water into the insulation below, had to be dismantled and replaced. The flooding of the church floor also caused damage to the legs of the pews. They were made of laminated wood which blistered from
the flooding. Dry wall will also need to be replaced in some areas.
Services as usual
Although it is estimated that restoring the entire worship space to its full function may take as long as a month, services will go on in the parts of the building that were unaffected. Sunday Mass will be celebrated in the parish dining room, which can seat 400 people, with additional seating available in the Gathering Space, and daily Mass will be
held in one of the conference rooms. The school and offices were unaffected and continue to function as usual.
Since none of the worship space can be used until repairs are complete, funerals and weddings will be held at St. Coletta's Chapel in Jefferson, or in other alternative places.
Efficient response
The fire, which started sometime after Father Nolan left the church at approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept.18, was confined to the console of the newly remodeled pipe organ, moved from the old site. Full story ...
