Bishops' Schedules: Schedule of Bishop William H. Bullock Thursday, December 27, 2001 3:00 p.m. -- Preside at Midday Prayer for Vocations, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center Sunday, December 30, 2001 10:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop's Gathering with Theology Seminarians and their Parents, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Monday, December 31, 2001 5:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and National Day of Prayer for Peace, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Schedule of Bishop George O. Wirz Thursday, December 27, 2001 3:00 p.m. -- Attend Midday Prayer for Vocations, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center Sunday, December 30, 2001 10:00 a.m. -- Concelebrate at Celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop's Gathering with Theology Seminarians and their Parents, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Thursday, January 3, 2002 6:30 p.m. -- Guest Speaker, Father Marquette Lecture Series, Father Marquette Spiritual Life Center of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Montello

Heralds of Peace

The beautiful hymn, "Peace Is Flowing Like a River," is sung by Christians and used often at Christmas. "Peace is flowing like a river, flowing out of you and me. Flowing out into the desert, setting all the captives free."

		The Bishop: A Herald of Faith Bishop William H. Bullock

In our new millennium peace does not flow in the bloody bath of human carnage from the terrorist attacks of violence of September 11^th nor does peace flow from indiscriminate bombings of innocent children.

Peace must flow from our head and our heart: from the head in a solid plan for justice based on the rights of all human beings, the born and the unborn; from the heart as we love all our brothers and sisters as Jesus taught us.

Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of God, the Church, speaks of justice as the bedrock truth on which we must build a genuine peace.

"Jesus reminds us that His kingdom is not of this world, but an everlasting Kingdom in a new heaven and new earth, and in the Church its seeds for harmony, sharing, and sacrificial caring for the rights of others here on earth now."

Jesus reminds us that His Kingdom is not of this world, but an everlasting Kingdom in a new heaven and new earth, and in the Church its seeds for harmony, sharing, and sacrificial caring for the rights of others here on earth now.

Have a Heart

We must be aware, as we seek peace and build global solidarity for all people, that in our hearts we feel with compassion, with love, and a happy sentiment that peace is for all.

As I wish you a peaceful New Year in 2002, let me offer a reading from St. Paul to the Philippians 4:6-7 and Prayers for Peace from the recent popes, Pope Leo XIII, Blessed John XXIII, and Pope John Paul II.

Philippians 4:6-7

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Prayer for Peace by Pope Leo XIII

"O Lord, you see how everywhere the winds have burst forth, and the sea is convulsed with the great violence of the rising waves. Command, we beseech you, you who alone are able, both the winds and the sea. Restore to mankind the true peace of your name, that peace which the world cannot give, and the calm of social harmony.

"Under your favor and inspiration may men return to due order, and having overthrown the rule of greed, bring back again as ought to be, the love of God, justice, charity toward neighbor, temperance in all desires. May your kingdom come. May all recognize that they are subject to you, and must serve you who are truth and salvation; that without you they labor in vain.

"In your law is reason and fatherly kindness. You are ever at hand with your strength and your kindness. You are ever at hand with your strength and your copious power to help man to keep it. Life upon earth is warfare, but you watch the contest and aid man to conquer. The weak you sustain; the victor you crown."

Prayer for Peace by Blessed John XXIII

"Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are yourself our peace and reconciliation, who have so often said, 'Peace to you,' grant us peace.

"Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace.

"May all peoples of the earth become as brothers and sisters. May longed-for-peace blossom forth and reign always over us all."

Prayer for Peace by Pope John Paul II

"O God, Creator of the universe, who extend your paternal concern over every creature and guide the events of history to the goal of salvation, we acknowledge your fatherly love when you break the resistance of mankind and, in a world torn by strife and discord, you make us ready for reconciliation.

"Renew for us the wonders of your mercy: send forth your Spirit that he may work in the intimacy of hearts, that enemies may begin to dialogue, that adversaries may shake hands, and peoples may encounter one another in harmony. May all commit themselves to the sincere search for true peace which will extinguish all arguments, for charity which overcomes hatred, for pardon which disarms revenge."

Violence and retaliation beget more violence and bloodshed. Justice begets peace. May Jesus, the Prince of Peace, lead us all to that true peace of being people of justice.

A Holy New Year!

Official Appointment:

Most Reverend William H. Bullock, Bishop of Madison, wishes to announce the following appointment:

Reverend Lawrence R. Heitke, from leave of absence without faculties, to fulltime Chaplain with faculties, Columbia Correctional Institution, Portage, and agreed upon priestly duties at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Portage, effective noon, December 24, 2001.

Msgr. Paul J. Swain
Vicar General