Bishops' Schedules: Bishop Robert C. Morlino Thursday, March 30, 2006 7:00 p.m. -- Attend St. Thérèse of Lisieux Lecture Series, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Saturday, April 1, 2006 6:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Celebration of the Eucharist, St. Paul's Institute of Evangelical Catholic Ministry, St. Paul University Catholic Center, Madison Sunday, April 2, 2006 11:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Celebration of the Eucharist, Stational Mass, St. Patrick Church, Madison 4:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Maria Goretti Church, Madison Wednesday, April 5, 2006 12:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop O'Connor Pastoral Center, Madison 3:00 p.m. -- Lead Chaplet for Divine Mercy and Rosary for Culture of Life, Planned Parenthood on North Stoughton Road, Madison Bishop William H. Bullock Thursday, March 30, 2006 7:00 p.m. -- Attend St. Thérèse of Lisieux Lecture Series, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Saturday, April 1, 2006 10:00 a.m. -- Sacrament of Reconciliation, Holy Mother of Consolation Parish, Oregon Monday, April 3, 2006 12:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Tuesday, April 4, 2006 7:00 p.m. -- Sacrament of Reconciliation, Holy Mother of Consolation Parish, Oregon Bishop George O. Wirz Thursday, March 30, 2006 7:00 p.m. -- Attend St. Thérèse of Lisieux Lecture Series, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Saturday, April 1, 2006 10:15 a.m. -- Sacrament of Reconciliation, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Madison 5:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Sacrament of Confirmation, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Madison Sunday, April 2, 2006 10:30 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Cross Plains Tuesday, April 4, 2006 6:00 p.m. -- Lenten Reflections, Holy Mother of Consolation Parish, Oregon

Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino There is no column by Bishop Robert C. Morlino this week.

Bishop's Letter

[ en Español ]

March 31, 2006

Dear Brothers and Sisters, All in the Lord,

As your Bishop, the shepherd of your souls and your brother, in Christ, I assure you that the Catholic Church is working with great energy to defeat legislation that forbids us from helping our brothers and sisters.

Legislation currently being debated in the House and Senate would make it a felony to knowingly "assist" or "encourage" a undocumented alien to "remain the United States." Without a broad protection for church workers, some of the hospitality offered at the Catholic Multicultural Center could be viewed by an overly zealous prosecutor as just such a felony.

Those who offer food, English lessons and a compassionate ear to undocumented aliens should not have to fear they are committing a crime.

Far from being a crime, opening our arms to those in need is what we are called by Jesus to do. America is a continent where immigrants from many lands came and built new lives. Most of us are immigrants. How could we then, turn our backs on other immigrants?

Just and humane laws are needed. People need to be treated with dignity. It is my hope and prayer that the voice of the Catholic Church, raised up across the land, will be heard. The human rights and dignity of all people need to be protected. The Catholic Church offers a helping hand to all who come to us in peace and goodwill. It matters not who they are or how they entered this country. We are called by Christ to care for our brothers and sisters in need.

You are always in my prayers and I hope you will pray for me.

Praised be Jesus Christ!

Robert C. Morlino
Bishop of Madison

Bishop's Letter

To All of the Faithful of the Madison Diocese:

	• News article -- Evangelical Catholic: Seeks to invigorate faith in diocese

It is with great joy that I recommend to you the ministry of The Evangelical Catholic which has had a positive impact in our diocese of Madison, Wisconsin. The Evangelical Catholic, invigorated by the Second Vatican Council's vision of the Church as a vibrant evangelical movement, seeks to help parishes and campus ministries implement practical strategies for fostering and renewing the evangelical life and ministry within their communities.

The Evangelical Catholic has provided invaluable training, materials, and support for the faithful of our diocese, particularly those involved with St Paul's University Catholic Center, as they have sought to advance the New Evangelization of our late great Pope, John Paul II. So much so that I have submitted The Evangelical Catholic for inclusion in the Official Catholic Directory that is published by P.J. Kenedy & Sons. I personally recommend the Evangelical Catholic's programs and urge you to consider the impact they might have on your parish or campus ministry.

Thank you for your time in reading this and may God bless you and your work.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino
Bishop of Madison