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	News Briefs: Fourth annual Diocesan Men's Lenten Retreat February 15 to 16 MADISON -- The diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis invites all Catholic men to the fourth annual Diocesan Men's Lenten Retreat, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15 to 16, at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Center in Madison. This retreat promises a great opportunity to grow stronger in Christ during your Lenten journey. Join us for spiritual talks by Bishop Robert C. Morlino, Fr. Eric Nielsen, and Fr. Ted Borger. This event, which runs Friday evening through mid-afternoon Saturday, also offers the opportunity for sacramental reconciliation, Mass with Bishop Morlino, discussions, time for personal prayer and reflection, and fellowship with other Catholic men. For more information, a brochure, and to register online, go to www.MadisonDiocese.org/OEC or call 608-821-3160. 'Working Catholic' program begins at St. Thomas Aquinas MADISON -- The workplace can be a source of spiritual insight, comfort, challenge, growth; a place, in fact, where one can - and should - encounter God and live his or her Catholic faith. "Working Catholic" will help participants recognize and name the reality of faith at work, where it is easy at times to get bogged down in the messiness and demands of business as usual. On Monday, Jan. 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the St. Thomas Aquinas social hall, join others who work in business and management to listen, learn, and acknowledge the pivotal role faith can play in the context of work. The keynote speaker, Donna Gray, is a successful local business owner, talented author, and nationally known speaker. Donna and her husband Dave are long-time members of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. "Working Catholic" is a series of evenings for men and women who are working at being Catholic on the job. For more information on either January 14 or future evenings, contact Jennifer Ludtke, coordinator of adult faith formation/outreach at St. Thomas Aquinas, at 608-833-2606 or jennifer@stamadison.org Power of prayer focus of men's retreat in Baraboo BARABOO -- On Saturday, Jan. 26, St. Joseph Parish in Baraboo will be hosting a one-day men's retreat focusing on the amazing gift and privilege of prayer as Christian men. Three gifted males (Fr. Randy Timmerman, Jason Simon, and Marc Laudonio) will share their experiences of prayer: difficulties as well as the joys of listening to God's voice. Other activities will include small group discussion, Adoration, confession, snow football, and a grilled-steak lunch. The retreat will take place at Camp Gray. The retreat begins with registration and continental breakfast at 8 a.m. and concludes at 5 p.m. To register, contact Becky Thompson at the St. Joseph Parish office, phone 608-356-5353 or e-mail beckyt@stjosephbaraboo.org or Brad Stuczynski, phone 608-356-2810 or e-mail bradstu@uwalumni.com The cost is $30. Registration is due by January 16. 'Powerful You' retreat at Sinsinawa Mound SINSINAWA -- Sinsinawa Mound is offering a retreat for all who seek a spiritual solution to life. Facilitator Steve Ellsworth will present "Powerful You" from 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, through 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27. Ellsworth, director of Serenity retreats, will bring into focus material he has attempted to adopt in his own life. "Powerful You" is formed from two key concepts: the power of now and the uplifting power of acceptance. The registration deadline is January 18. The fee, which includes meals, is $174 for an overnight guest or $109 for a commuter. Call Guest Services at 608-748-4411, ext. 811, to register or for more information or visit www.sinsinawa.org 'Good Books for Cold Nights' at Queen of Peace MADISON -- Are you a reader who likes good books? You're invited to the Adult Education session at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, entitled "Good Books for Cold Nights." The session will give you great ideas about good books and authors in categories from spirituality to fiction, as well as where you can locate them. The presentation will be given by three parishioners who are avid readers. You will also be invited to share your "good books." The session will be held at the Parish Center on Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. for an hour of sharing, some good food, and friendship. Nominate someone for a profile Do you know a person to nominate for a profile? This could be someone in a paid or volunteer position in the Catholic Church. It could be someone working outside the Church who lives his or her faith in ordinary or extraordinary ways in daily life. Send nominations with information about the nominee to: Catholic Herald, 702 S. High Point Rd., Madison, WI 53719, or e-mail info@madisoncatholicherald.org

It's not just
a summer camp
Camp Gray is busy throughout year
with programs for all ages

BARABOO -- As soon as a big yellow bus or the lead car of a chaperone caravan pulls into the driveway, the camp radios crackle to life. "The group is here!"

To learn more The Retreats Showcase will be held at Camp Gray on Thursday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for teachers, principals, directors of religious education, youth ministers, parents, and those interested in learning more about the programs Camp Gray offers during the school year. Lunch will be provided. Individuals can also learn more about the year-round programs at Camp Gray by visiting www.campgray.com or calling 1-800-711-4729.

The Camp Gray retreat team rushes to the parking lot to meet the new visitors and begin their next retreat. The team's excitement is mirrored by the kids, chaperones, and group leaders who have come to Camp Gray for a mix of education, spiritual growth, and fun. This scene is played out repeatedly during the fall, spring, and even the winter months.

"Many people are surprised to learn that Camp Gray operates year-round," says Program Director Rebecca Hoeben. "We offer a wide variety of programs for school groups, religious education programs, youth groups, and individuals throughout the entire school-year."

Camp Gray retreat programs

The retreat team provides environmental stewardship, team building, leadership, and spiritual retreats. These are usually one, two, or three-day experiences, available both during the week and over weekends. Camp Gray has three winterized lodging facilities and meal service is also offered.

Designed for fourth through seventh graders, Camp Gray's environmental stewardship program teaches environmental science concepts using hands-on experiences. Students explore the connection between the environment and God's call for us to be stewards of the earth. A teacher from St. Francis Xavier School in Cross Plains said, "The eco-rotations gave the students a great hands-on experience. The interaction with the environment made it 'real' for the students."

Students on a team building retreat will spend time at the low-ropes adventure course or climbing tower learning communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Intended for seventh through ninth graders, these retreats deepen the students' understanding and connection to the broader community of the Church. A student from St. James School in Madison commented, "I learned about my faith and discovered leadership qualities I never knew I had."

Middle and high school youth groups and Confirmation classes also come to camp for spiritual retreats facilitated by the Camp Gray retreat team. Group activities, prayer, personal reflection, and fun are combined to create a powerful and enjoyable experience. One high school student commented, "My Confirmation retreat was so much fun and I grew in my faith."

"We can tailor our retreats to meet any specific desires or goals you might have," states Hoeben. "Just give us a call and we'll work together to figure out how we can best meet the needs of your group."

Camp Gray also offers special rates to entice more groups to attend during the winter months. "Winter is a beautiful time to be at camp," says Hoeben. "In addition to the usual retreat activities, groups can choose to go snowshoeing, sledding, and attempt to break the camp record for hot chocolate consumption."

New individual retreats

An exciting new development in Camp Gray's retreat repertoire is the creation of several retreats that are open for individual registration. For example, imagine a student has a conflict and cannot attend the parish's Confirmation retreat. No need to worry. Camp Gray now offers several Confirmation retreats that will not only fulfill their retreat obligation, but also be a chance for them to meet other youth from around the diocese.

For high school students, Camp Gray is offering another Confirmation retreat February 16 to 17. Also open to high school students are two alternative spring break retreats to be held March 14 to 16 and March 26 to 28.

For college-aged students, camp hosted its second annual Vision Retreat on January 7 to 9. A retreat designed especially for women college-aged and older will be held on March 1 to 2 as well.

Silent No More
Abortion's toll on the soul of America

As the 35th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Roe vs. Wade approaches, women and men who have suffered in silence are courageously speaking out.

	Post-abortion healing The Diocese of Madison, Office of Justice and Pastoral Outreach, promotes post-abortion healing through Project Rachel and special retreats. The next Rachel's Vineyard retreat will be on April 11 to 13, 2008. For further information, call the Confidential Help Line at 608-821-3177 or e-mail HelpForYou@straphael.org

On Wednesday, Jan. 16, all are invited to join in prayer at 9:30 a.m. in the State Capitol Rotunda, followed by the sharing of personal histories in Room 417N from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. A box lunch will be provided to attendees.

Jane Frantz, volunteer regional coordinator for Silent No More, a national abortion awareness campaign and support network, says, "Not all women regret their abortion, but many do and we suffer in silence because of the stigma attached to the issue."

Many after-effects of abortion are not initially recognized as related to the abortion experience. They can include feelings of emptiness and loss, intense grief or sadness, depression, anxiety, insomnia or nightmares, difficulty in relationships, problems with drug and alcohol, and other problems.

Frantz states, "Many of us have lived with our secret for decades, and paid dearly, struggling with addictions, depression, lost employment, failed marriages, and even suicide. The pain is excruciating, unbearable at times. The cost to society is astronomical.

"Instead of treating symptoms, we need to start addressing the real cause. Once we begin to tell our story, we realize we're not alone and we experience relief, and discover hope in the healing process. The peace is priceless. It's time we begin to honor the significant body of scientific and medical evidence, collected over three decades, proving abortion is unhealthy, unnatural, unethical, and unnecessary," said Frantz.

All are invited to the Capitol Rotunda on January 16.

St. Jude Parish centennial
Plans underway for joyous celebration

BELOIT -- To ensure that their parish centennial will be celebrated with joyous, meaningful activities, the St. Jude 100th Anniversary Steering Committee and nine subcommittees have been meeting, setting goals, and making plans since February 2005.

At that time, longtime parishioner, Rita Macewicz, was elected chair of the steering committee. Also elected were Sarajane Crave, recorder, and Fran Fruzen, treasurer.

Centennial slogan, logo

The steering committee chose "St. Jude Parish - A Century of Catholic Faith and Service," for its centennial slogan. Dan Mackey, a member of the public relations subcommittee and a graphic artist, designed the centennial logo.

The logo features the centennial slogan surrounding a ring that encircles a sketch of St. Jude Church. "It draws attention to the combined accomplishments of parishioners throughout our 10-decade history," explained Macewicz.

Three historical events

She said the steering committee approved a recommendation that the centennial emphasize three major historical events from 1908: the appointment of Fr. Joseph F. Hanz as pastor; the first meeting of Catholics living on the west side of the Northwestern railroad tracks near downtown Beloit; and legal incorporation of the church by the State of Wisconsin.

One hundred years ago, St. Jude Church was sometimes referred to as the "city limits church" because it was located at the far western edge of Beloit, according to a local history, The Book of Beloit. In 1908, only a few homes existed near the location of the new church and nearby were cornfields.

Presently, St. Jude Parish is a vibrant, diverse congregation with more than 611 parish families. Fr. Steve Kortendick is pastor. The church and Brother Dutton School campus sit in a traditional residential area; the city has expanded much farther west.

Fruits of work already visible

"Centennial events are designed to bring the parish together as an active faith community. We have a tremendous celebration planned, for families, for fun, and for the community. These are festive with an enlightening array of activities," said Macewicz, who has served the parish in various positions since coming to the city in 1954.

Long active in local, diocesan, and national women's councils, she presently serves as president of the Madison Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (MDCCW).

St. Jude pastor, Fr. Steve Kortendick, said, "I've been thrilled with the enthusiasm, dedication, and vast amount of work accomplished by the centennial steering committee and its subcommittees.

"Some of the fruits are already visible: a growing collection of engaging displays, exhaustive historical research, commemorative ornaments, a suite of graphic designs, a well-planned calendar of events, and much more."

Macewicz said items including brass ornaments of St. Jude Church have been designed and sold "for commemorative meaning, to raise funds, and to bring the parish together."

Commemorative bricks are being sold. They'll be placed in a landscape design between the church and rectory.

As she enthusiastically described the work of the centennial subcommittees, Macewicz said she is energized by the many volunteers. "I'm proud to be part of this collaborative group as we do the work of the church," she said.

Celebration subcommittees

Subcommittees include:

Archives/Research, M. Elizabeth Tardola, chair, and Pat Kenucane co-chair, are compiling names of founding families and historical information. This will result in a parish history book available after the 2008 festivities.

Exhibits chair, Clarence Landry, is preparing exhibits of parish families, history, and memorabilia.

A centennial cookbook has been compiled under the direction of the Food Committee chaired by Bonnie Longmier, Sandra Adamski, and Sandra Sarnow. Parishioners have contributed their special recipes and memoirs. The cookbooks will be for sale in January. Gift certificates for the cookbook can be purchased now for $10, plus shipping if applicable.

Parish Picture Directory, Joe Cavallero; Festivities, Rose Wilson; Fundraising and Finance, Sr. Joselda Kuhle and Bonnie Wetter; Liturgical Activities, Father Kortendick; Public Relations, Macewicz; and Site, Physical Arrangements, and Equipment, Fran Fruzen.

Expressing her satisfaction with all those working on the centennial, Macewicz admitted, "I guess I was elected as chair because I'm an organization person. I know a lot of people and I think outside the box. There is a richness in helping empower people so they will carry on the work of the church."

Centennial events

Macewicz described significant events planned for 2008. All former parishioners and Brother Dutton School students and teachers are invited to attend festivities.

A double tribute will inaugurate the centennial year on Sunday, April 27, 2008. The parish will commemorate the appointment of Fr. (later Msgr.) Joseph Hanz as first pastor and honor Brother Ira Dutton. Father Hanz admired Dutton for his work serving lepers on the Island of Molokai and named Brother Dutton Grade School in his honor.

During Masses on Memorial Day weekend 2008, parish veterans of all the wars will be remembered. Representatives of the centennial committees and a Brother Dutton School float will be part of the Beloit Memorial Day parade.

Centennial events reach their peak on June 21 and 22 with an open house, special Mass, and exhibits at Brother Dutton School.

On Saturday, June 21, the Brother Dutton All Class/All School Reunion takes place. Jim and Nancy Heidt are chairs of the event that welcomes all former students and teachers. Bus tours showing Beloit attractions will be offered during the morning and a pig roast is planned for lunch. Old-fashioned games, a cake-walk, and demonstrations of various crafts will also be featured.

On Sunday afternoon, June 22, the liturgy will be celebrated with Bishop Robert C. Morlino and Father Kortendick. Included in the celebration will be former St. Jude pastors, parish priest sons and Sisters, and Sisters who have taught at Brother Dutton School.

The Knights of Columbus and the St. Jude Marian Guild will serve as honor guards at the Mass. Following the Mass, a gala banquet and program will take place at the Eclipse Center in Beloit. Details will be announced soon.

Addresses of many former students are needed. Persons desiring information about the centennial or wishing to share photos or historical information are encouraged to write to: Steering Committee Chair, St. Jude Parish, 747 Hackett St., Beloit, WI 53511.