Bishop Bullock: 'It's great to be alive at age 80'

	Bishop William H. Bullock, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Madison, will celebrate his 80th birthday on April 13.
	Where to send birthday cards People interested in sending 80th birthday cards may address them to: Bishop William H. Bullock, 702 S. High Point Rd., Madison, WI 53719. • More information about Bishop Emeritus Bullock

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- Bishop William H. Bullock has a smile on his face and a spring in his step.

As he prepares to celebrate his 80th birthday on April 13, he says, "It's great to be alive, mentally alert and well at age 80. I praise God for the gift of life, of priesthood, and the opportunity to live out my days and be buried here in Madison."

The bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Madison adds, "The next big thing I will do in my life is die and I want to do that well. As the Irish say, 'Eternity is too long and life is too short to risk losing everything you've worked toward.'"

Simple farm boy

He was born April 13, 1927, in Maple Lake, Minn. He was ordained a priest almost 55 years ago on June 7, 1952, and ordained a bishop on August 12, 1980.

He recalls mentioning his rural background in his first one-on-one meeting with Pope John Paul II. He said, "'Holy Father, I am quite nervous here today - I am a simple farm boy from Minnesota and here I am in the presence of the successor of Saint Peter.'   Full story ...

Tom Nelson: Named associate director of Office of Justice and Pastoral Outreach

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- Tom Nelson has been named associate director of the Diocese of Madison's Office of Justice and Pastoral Outreach.

Susanna Herro, office director, commented, "Tom's strong background in working with respect life, social justice, and peace issues at the parish level will bring great practical experience to the diocese."

She added, "Tom's experience in rural life, international outreach, and issues of poverty will strengthen our Pastoral Outreach programs. We will be working together to tap his talents for the varied programs within this office.

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Guided by the Spirit:
Understanding Preliminary Recommendation

By Grant Emmel
VICE-CHANCELLOR

As planned, many, if not all, of the core committees recently met with members of the Planning Commission, at six different locations around the diocese, to ask them questions after receiving their Preliminary Recommendations.

I was encouraged by the willingness of many to understand the Preliminary Recommendation and to work with one another toward the common diocesan good. As the Diocesan Planning Coordinator and not being a part of the Planning Commission, my main role is to see that the process is being followed and that any concerns or issues are addressed. Some items stuck out as I listened to people voice their concerns and questions.

Terminology important

The first point is that terminology is very important. We have to be continually working at communicating with one another and, with so much at stake, ignorance of terms is not really acceptable. So let's review some of the terms.   Full story ...