News Briefs: Bishop Bullock encourages sacrifice for needy MADISON -- In a letter to priests of the Diocese of Madison, Bishop William H. Bullock pointed out that Pope John Paul II has called for a day of fasting on Friday, Dec. 14, for peace in Afghanistan and other troubled areas of Israel and Palestine. Leaving the manner of fasting up to the parishes, Bullock asked that priests encourage people "to fast in ways that will allow their sacrifice to translate into contributions for the needy." He said although gatherings in Advent may have already been planned, there is a way to observe both. The bishop thanked the priests for their strong spiritual leadership during the aftermath of the Sept. 11 tragedies. "We must continue to legitimately defend our nation against terrorism at the same time we must seek ways of reason and peace in the world," Bullock said. Friendship Fast raises money and awareness MADISON -- Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is one of the national aid agencies receiving contributions from the Friendship Fast for the Starving Civilians of Afghanistan, which took place in Madison recently. The Madison Area Peace Coalition co-sponsored the fast with the Peace and Social Justice Council at St. Paul's University Catholic Center. About 130 people fasted during the event to show their concern for the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and to save up food money to donate. Some went without food for five days or more. Their sacrifices raised over $3,400 to help feed the Afghan people. Less tangible was the heightened awareness that fasting brought. Trip to Washington with state pro-life group BROOKFIELD -- All are invited to join Pro-Life Wisconsinites and tens of thousands of people in Washington, D.C., to mark the 29th anniversary of the deadly Roe vs. Wade decision. Pro-Life Wisconsin buses leave Wisconsin on Saturday, Jan. 19, and return on Wednesday, Jan. 23. The group will travel by coach bus and stay two nights at the Capitol Hill Hyatt. The cost is $220 (with four persons per room). To register or for more information, contact Pro-Life Wisconsin, phone 262-796-1111; e-mail info@prolifewisconsin.org; or P.O. Box 221, Brookfield, WI 53008.

New Catholic Multicultural Center:

(see related photo on front page)

MADISON -- Excavation for the foundation of the new Catholic Multicultural Center is now under way.

The new facility, which will house the services of St. Martin House and Centro Guadalupano, is being built where the old facility stood on Beld St. on Madison's south side.

Served diocese well

The existing facility was torn down during the end of November.

The facility has "served well for over 50 years for the countless persons of many religions, ethnic and racial origins, who needed a meal, a place to speak their mother language to get help, to gather in prayer and religious celebration," observed Bishop William H. Bullock when he announced plans in August for a new facility.

Bullock said the Diocese of Madison wants to rebuild the facility to ensure that the services rendered continue into the future, meeting current and future needs in the new millennium for new immigrants and people in the neighborhood.

"There's a certain bit of melancholy in losing the existing building, but there's hope for new things in the rebuilt space," said J. Mark Brinkmoeller, director of the diocesan Office for Justice and Peace.

Prior to demolition of the old building, the Madison Fire Department used it to train firefighters.

"Even in the building's final days, it was of service," said Brinkmoeller.

Update on construction

"In about two weeks the foundation will go in, then the foundation walls, then the superstructure," said Tony Pawlowsky, diocesan building commission member who represents the diocese during construction of the new building. "There will be winter construction."

Pawlowsky said the facility should be finished and ready for occupancy by the fall of 2002.

The new three-level Catholic Multicultural Center will feature a lobby/waiting area/gathering space, chapel, multipurpose room, offices for St. Martin House and Centro Guadalupano, and food pantry. The lower level will house a dining room, kitchen, storage areas, and room for future expansion.

The second level (reachable by elevator) will include six regular classrooms, a computer room, library/reading room, and teachers' room.

Update on fund raising

The cost of the project is $3.5 million. According to Jay Conzemius, director of the Diocese of Madison's Office of Stewardship and Development, $1.2 million has been raised so far.

"We're in a major gift phase of fund raising, so we're approaching individuals, organizations, and foundations to help with the project," said Conzemius, pointing out that proposals for grants are also being prepared. "We'll continue with that and hopefully we'll have lots more positive news to share by the first of the year."

Conzemius said because of the economy and the Sept. 11 tragedies, people have been stretched financially, so it does create some adversity for successful fund raising for the project.

"But the project is about helping people who truly are the most in need here in Madison," he said.

During construction, St. Martin House, which offers a free community meal program three nights a week and other services and programs, is temporarily housed at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 605 Spruce St.

Centro Guadalupano, which offers pastoral and social services outreach to the Hispanic community, is temporarily housed at the Villager Mall in the 2300 block of Park St.

Those interested in supporting this project may contact Jay Conzemius in the Diocese of Madison Office of Stewardship and Development at 608-821-3040.

Betty Schultz of Janesville presents the bread to Bishop William H. Bullock. (Patrick Scullion photo)

MONROE -- In the midst of turmoil in the world, there is indeed some good news.

What good news, you might ask? "Jesus is with us -- this is news of great joy."

This message -- this good news -- was shared at the Apostolate to the Handicapped's 34th consecutive Christmas Mass and party for the disabled and elderly Dec. 1.

Jesus is with us

"Truly Jesus is with us in so many different ways, and in so many different people," said Msgr. Tom Campion, Apostolate director, in his message for the day.

"And this is truly the good news of great joy. Our hearts, minds, and bodies are filled with gratitude that Jesus is very close to us, very much with us.

"Jesus is with us today in all the disabled. We see the joy of his teaching in the example of people who bear handicaps. His presence through them brings the joy of living.

"Jesus is with us today in all who help the handicapped, the hundreds of volunteers who make this day a reality. Jesus is with us, all of us, each one of us, and that is the good news," said the priest.

In welcoming all the guests and volunteers, Bishop William H. Bullock said, "I am delighted to be with you today. We honor those whom God considers to be very special in his Kingdom."

The largest number of priests in the history of the Christmas Mass concelebrated the Mass, despite their busy schedules. The Madison Diocesan Choir directed by Dr. Patrick Gorman with Randy Gracyalny as cantor provided music. Readers and acolytes were young men who assist with the weekly Mass televised on WISC, channel 3.

The festive atmosphere was enhanced by red, green, and white balloons and holiday table favors, this year including small American flags.

Powerful celebration

In his homily, Bullock said, "This is a powerful celebration of God's goodness."

He thanked the caregivers who love and serve their handicapped brothers and sisters in so many ways. He saluted Campion for his "untiring work on behalf of the handicapped" and the "many collaborators he enlists" for this special ministry.

"As we gather here we remind ourselves that our Mass offers praise and thanksgiving to the Father as a renewal of the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, but also a renewal of the Paschal meal. In the Eucharist we are empowered to go forth to serve the needs of God's people."

Valuing every human life

As stated by Cardinal William Keeler, Bullock observed, "Every human life has its origin in the heart of God." Therefore, "every person has the right to be born, to continue life, the right to food and shelter, to education and development, and the right to work, or if incapable, the right to be cared for. These basic human and Christian rights are deeply rooted in the gospel of Christ."

The bishop pointed out that Jesus said the Kingdom of God has arrived and the signs are that "the blind recover their sight, cripples walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, dead men are raised to life, and the poor have the good news preached to them."

"Jesus preached the promise of eternal life to all who approach God in their brokenness and need. He preached salvation for those who repent of their sin and turn to God who heals their ills, and draws them into the glory of the children of God."

Work for peace, justice

"Since September 11th, we have all paused at the terrorists who justify any means as right as long as it supports their cause," said the bishop. But, "God teaches vengeance is mine. He will set it straight.

"The violent events, recorded forever on TV, reflect on how devastated our lives have become. We seek peace," said Bullock. "But if you wish peace, work for justice. If you want peace, prepare for war. We also need to look at others who are different from us in color and culture in order to learn new ways of accepting each other, giving space to each other."

"Despite our trials, tribulations, and turmoil we have many reasons to be grateful. God has blessed us and we give him all glory and honor," said Bullock.

Campion thanked all the volunteers for their efforts in helping put on this annual event. "It's always a day of great joy," he said. "We the handicapped gather. We're all included."

PLATTEVILLE -- "What does Catholic tradition have to say about the post Sept. 11th world?"

The question was addressed by J. Mark Brinkmoeller, director of the Diocese of Madison's Office of Justice and Peace, as he spoke at St. Mary Church here Nov. 29.

Those attending discussed their thoughts and feelings following the terrorist attacks and considered the church's teaching on war and peace and how it applies today.

Through lens of church

"In the midst of these current events, we should examine our thoughts and feelings with our faith and through the lens of the church," said Brinkmoeller.

Other justice and peace discussions Other justice and peace discussions are scheduled for: • Wednesday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m., at Holy Mother of Consolation Parish, 651 N. Main St., Oregon. • Thursday, Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. presentation, at St. John the Baptist Parish, 214 N. Sanborn Ave., Jefferson. • Wednesday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m., at St. Patrick Parish (senior high), 305 Lincoln St., Janesville. • Thursday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m., at Christ the King Parish, 5306 Main St., McFarland. Additional presentations will be announced. For more information call 608-821-3086.

"A basic premise of the Catholic belief on life issues is that every human being has a value and dignity that comes from God, and nothing can happen to take that value and dignity away. This premise influences our decisions about abortion, assisted suicide, the death penalty, war and peace -- which are all issues with a common root," he said.

According to a statement issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Nov. 14, people who were in the World Trade Center or on the plane heading toward the Pentagon had the same life and dignity as do people in Afghanistan. In all cases, nothing can take it away.

The statement titled, "A Pastoral Message: Living With Faith and Hope After September 11," explores how the world should respond justly to terrorism to reestablish peace and order.

Global problems

It acknowledges global problems that influence world unrest and terrorism: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iraq (human suffering due to sanctions), Sudan, human rights, weapons of mass destruction and the arms trade, strengthening the United Nations and other international institutions, the growing scandal of poverty between the "haves" and "have nots."

Even so, the bishops state, "it is necessary to reiterate that no cause, no grievance can justify flying civilian aircraft into office towers or infecting postal workers and public figures. Rectifying this injustice will demand prudent action to build a safer, more just and more peaceful world."

Definition of just war

Brinkmoeller explained: "Church teaching is based on a strong presumption against war and that it should be used only as the last resort. But also, under certain circumstances, war can be conducted justly."

The church has a long tradition on moral reflection on war and peace, and the bishops drew from previous documents to outline their definition of Just War. The tradition aims at clarifying when force may be used, limiting the resort to force, and restraining damage done by military forces during war.

Whether lethal force may be used is governed by the following criteria: just cause; comparative justice; legitimate authority; right intention; probability of success; proportionality; and last resort. These criteria, taken as a whole, must be satisfied in order to override the strong presumption against the use of force.

How war is conducted

"The next question is, once you get into a war, how do you conduct it?" Brinkmoeller challenged the group. The just war tradition seeks to curb the violence of war through restraint on armed combat and imposing the moral standards of noncombatant immunity, proportionality, and right intention, he explained.

The group members expressed a general concern about America's responsibility in supporting the people of Afghanistan and rebuilding their infrastructure after the bombing ends.

Brinkmoeller said, "Once the media quits focusing on Afghanistan, we need to make sure we don't forget. We will need church presence to remind us."

Fr. Charles Schluter, pastor of St. Mary Parish, agreed. "The church will need to prick people's consciences so they continue to care about the wounds in Afghanistan."

"We must do what we can to work with the United Nations and all interested parties to help Afghans rebuild the political, economic, and cultural life of their country after this war is over," said the bishops' statement.