News Briefs: Marriage Savers MADISON -- Supporting, strengthening, and enriching marriages. Reducing the divorce rate in Greater Madison area congregations. These are the goals of a Greater Madison Community Marriage Policy, announced at a press conference Nov. 1. The policy is being developed by a task force comprised of representatives of various faith communities, including the Diocese of Madison. "Since approximately 75 percent of all weddings are performed by clergy, we recognize that we are in a unique position to dramatically affect the marriages and families in our community," says a draft of the policy. So far, the task force for the Madison area consists of 17 participants, but "the goal is to encourage as many clergy as possible," said Larry Ballard, midwest regional director for Marriage Savers, a national organization facilitating the task force. The public signing of the document is expected to take place in February or March. For more information, contact Beverly Hartberg, associate director of the Diocese of Madison's Office of Family Ministry, at 608-821-3175. Remembering those who died MADISON -- "There is no greater pain of separation than being separated from our loved ones," said Bishop William H. Bullock in his homily during the annual All Souls Day Mass at Resurrection Cemetery Chapel Nov. 2. Concelebrating the Mass were Fr. Jim Bartylla, Msgrs. Michael Burke, Daniel Ganshert, Michael Hippee, and Fr. Nicholas Okere. How we treat the dead is an indication of how we value life, said Bullock. After Communion, the bishop blessed the burial sites in the mausoleum. Christmas party MONROE -- "Jesus Is with Us -- News of Great Joy" is the theme of this year's Christmas party sponsored by the Apostolate to the Handicapped. It will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, at Monroe Senior High School here. All handicapped and elderly persons are invited. Bishop William H. Bullock will preside and preach at the 11 a.m. concelebrated Mass. Christmas dinner and entertainment will follow the Mass. Everyone is invited. To make a reservation, write to Msgr. Tom Campion, Box 443, Monroe, WI 53566. Transportation will be furnished when possible. Reservations should be made by Nov. 19. Gathering for grieving WAUNAKEE -- St. John the Baptist Parish here will host a gathering and dinner for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13, in the gathering space. The cost of the evening is $7. Pre-registration is necessary. To pre-register, call the rectory at 608-849-5121. Questions may be directed to Nancy at the rectory, Theresa Kalsheuer at 608-849-5770, or Shirley Schmidt at 608-849-4024. Friendship Fast MADISON -- The Madison Area Peace Coalition and the Peace and Social Justice Council of St. Paul's University Catholic Center invite people to join a Friendship Fast Monday, Nov. 12, to Friday, Nov. 16, to raise awareness and money for Afghan civilians. Call 608-238-1349 for details. Learn about Islam OREGON -- Current world events have made many realize how little they know about Islam, the faith of the Muslim people. To help people gain a better understanding of Muslim beliefs and practices, Holy Mother of Consolation Parish here is hosting a presentation by Salwa Rashad, faculty member of Edgewood College, on Monday, Nov. 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the church hall. Her presentation is free and open to the public. The parish adult enrichment committee is also planning a visit to the Islamic Center in Madison to see the mosque and continue the interfaith dialogue.

Knowledge of Islam:

MADISON -- Fr. Benjamin Russell's lecture on Islam gave attendees something to think about at Blessed Sacrament School here on Oct. 30.

Sponsored by the parish Adult Formation Committee, the first of six Islamic lectures, "The Islamic Faith, part 1" covered fundamental beliefs of Islam.

Ever since Sept. 11, "it's easy to let fear close our minds and hearts, but it's knowledge that can help keep them open," said Elizabeth First, chair of the Adult Formation Committee.

Russell, a former pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, holds a doctorate in philosophy from Loyola and is now teaching religious studies at Edgewood College.

"I'm not here as an expert in Islam, but I've long had an interest in it," he said.

People have had an increased interest in Islam after the Sept. 11 attacks, he said. "If the events of Sept. 11 hadn't happened, how many of you would be here tonight? Sometimes it takes tragedy to open our eyes. We pray that out of this war, one good thing will be that Christians and Muslims will understand each other better."

Russell pointed out that "we'll see that some teachings can be interpreted to justify the action, but we should bear in mind that the same can be said of Hebrew and Christian scriptures."

Russell referred to books on Islam. According to The World's Religions by Huston Smith, of all the northwestern religions, Islam stands closest to the west ideologically and geographically, yet it is the most difficult for the west to understand.

The proper name is Islam (not Mohammedism), which means the peace that comes when one's life is surrendered to God.

"We can't begin to grasp anything about Islam unless we know about Mohammed," said Russell, who spoke about the life of Mohammed, the establishment of Mecca as the religious center of Islam, and an overview of the Koran.

Mohammed was a prophet who preached submission to one God; preached love of the poor, prisoners, slaves, foreigners; and preached against amassing of wealth.

"Islam is not a religion of harm," he said. "Those doing harm are a fringe group, not true Muslims."

Books Russell recommended were A History of God, by Karen Armstrong and An Introduction to Islam by Frederick Matthewson Denny.

Russell's next lecture, "The Islamic Faith, part 2," will take place Tuesday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.

Life Directions:

MADISON -- It is so easy in society to drift along, like a person in a canoe moving about as the wind or current takes him or her.

"Too often the world lulls us to sleep so that we don't make decisions. But as followers of Christ, it is expected that we make a decision, not drift."

That was the advice Bishop William H. Bullock of Madison gave to participants in the Life Directions Weekend held Oct. 27-28 at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison.

The retreat weekend for single adults included presentations by priests and religious sharing how they responded to God's call.

Something missing

In his homily at the Mass concluding the weekend, Bullock said the world usually defines advancement by possessions, salaries and benefits: a bigger house, a bigger car, power and influence over others.

But for many, there is "always something missing," the bishop noted. We who are Christians realize we must "search for the full meaning of life and seek where God is calling us and make a decision to follow a vocation."

That vocation might be to marriage, single life, the priesthood, or religious life. But whatever the vocation, it is important to discover a fuller understanding of God's plan for you, said the bishop. Like any trip, it begins "with the first step."

Vocational journeys

Four seminarians studying for the priesthood for the Diocese of Madison discussed their vocational journeys.

Diego O. Cuevas, now a third year theology student at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois, said he "felt drawn to the church" at a young age. Originally from Puerto Rico, he moved to Madison in 1983. A convert to Catholicism, he himself attended a Life Directions Weekend. "In the discernment process," he said, "we need the church to pray and discern with us."

	Discussing their vocation path at the recent Life Directions Weekend are Madison seminarians, from left: Kurt Hermsen, Diego O. Cuevas, Eric G. Sternberg, and Michael R. Radowicz. (Patrick Scullion photo)

He has adjusted to leaving his own home and entering the seminary. "It's been very good for me. It's where the Lord wants me to be."

Kurt Hermsen, who began pretheology studies at Mundelein this fall, attended last year's Life Directions Weekend. He encouraged those at the weekend to explore a church vocation.

"Ultimately we have a moral obligation to do what is healthy for us," he said. "Weekend retreats help settle the dust and allow God to enter into your being. They can really help you grow as a person."

Eric G. Sternberg, a first year theology student at Mundelein from Prairie du Sac, said he at first ignored God's call to priesthood. "I did not immediately drop my nets and follow Jesus. I was frightened at having to change my life."

His involvement in scripture study, parish activities, a growing love of the Eucharist, and a service trip to a soup kitchen helped give him the strength to make a decision. Now that he is a seminarian, Sternberg says he has "enjoyed every second of it."

Bishop expresses thanks

Bishop Bullock expressed thanks to those who planned and carried out the Life Directions Weekend: the diocesan Vocations Team and the Serra Clubs of Beloit, Janesville, and Madison and the Southwest Vocations Club for "their sacrifices made in terms of endless hours of preparation and hard work God will use to help build more vocations."

The bishop indicated that the Diocese of Madison is processing several new candidates for the priesthood and is pleased with the prayer and other efforts made to promote priestly and religious vocations. The bishop reminded the group of the monthly prayer at which priests of the diocese join him and Bishop George O. Wirz in praying for vocations. "It is edifying to see so many priests -- nearly 50 each time -- gather on the final Thursday of each month," he said.

Catholic Conference:

MADISON -- The Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) has urged the legislature not to approve a joint resolution commending research using stem cells derived from human embryos.

The proposal, Senate Joint Resolution 46, was discussed at a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Universities, Housing, and Government Operations on Oct. 31.

"Fundamentally, we oppose SJR 46 because it commends a practice that destroys human life and treats life as a means to an end," testified WCC Executive Director John Huebscher.

"In the process, this practice reduces life to a commodity and reinforces the view that human life that may appear weak, dependent, and lacking in potential may be placed at the disposal of those who are strong and independent."

Desire to find cures

Backers of embryonic stem cell research tout its potential for curing debilitating and fatal diseases. Huebscher noted that a desire to cure diseases does not justify research that undermines the dignity of human life. He cited research in the 1930s, known as the "Tuskegee Experiments," in which African-American men were infected with syphilis as a means of measuring the effectiveness of different treatment options.

"Those of us with moral objections to destroying embryos are no more opposed to seeking cures for Parkinson's disease, diabetes, cancer, or other illnesses than were those who opposed the Tuskegee experiments against finding a cure for venereal disease," he said. "But now, as then, ends of such research must always be measured against the means employed to achieve them."

SJR 46 also asks the federal government to designate the University of Wisconsin as a "National Center for Excellence in Embryonic Stem Cell Research." Huebscher noted that while the joint resolution cites the potential for such research to attract venture capital and to stimulate economic development, it fails to explain how such an excellence will be measured and how ethical or moral values will be addressed.

Respect human dignity

Huebscher recalled that when Pope John Paul II discussed stem cell research earlier this year with President Bush, the pope did not limit his comments to the need to protect human embryos but also affirmed that "respect for human dignity and belief in the equal dignity of all the members of the human family demand policies aimed at enabling all peoples to have access to the means required to improve their lives."

"Thus we need to ask if cures for diseases suffered by less affluent Third World populations will be as attractive to venture capitalists mentioned in this resolution as cures for the ailments of upper middle class Americans," Huebscher testified. "What ethical or legal guidelines are we prepared to put in place to assure that all who may benefit from such research will in fact do so?"

Besides Huebscher, the committee heard testimony in opposition to the joint resolution from Pro-Life Wisconsin. No one testified or registered in support of the measure.

The committee recommended the SJR 46 for passage. The State Senate may consider the measure as early as Nov. 6. If adopted, it will go to the State Assembly.