News Briefs: Cathedral Lenten series MADISON -- St. Raphael Cathedral, 222 W. Main St., will host a Lenten series focusing on the "Eucharist in Our Belief and Practice." Speakers include Bishop William H. Bullock on Feb. 20; Msgr. Daniel Ganshert on Feb. 27; and Dr. Patrick Gorman on March 13. For those dates the evening begins with prayer at 7 p.m. with Bishop Bullock presiding, followed by the presentation. People are encouraged to attend the St. Thérèse of Lisieux Lecture on Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center. Lenten mission in Waunakee WAUNAKEE -- St. John the Baptist Parish here is having a mission on Sunday evenings during Lent from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There will be prayer, a presentation on the Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, reconciliation, and benediction, followed by a social. Child care will be provided. Bishop George O. Wirz opens the mission on Feb. 24. Other speakers/programs include Sr. Denise Hermann on March 3; Dr. Patrick Gorman on March 10; and the Living Stations of the Cross on March 17. Retreat for singles MADISON -- The Diocese of Madison's Office of Family Ministry invites all single (never married, separated, divorced, widowed) Catholics to a day of reflection, prayer, and discussion. Lee Nagel, director of total Catholic education for the Diocese of Green Bay, will lead the Lenten retreat on Saturday, March 23, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center. For registration information, call 608-821-3175. Adoption pioneer retires JANESVILLE -- With a standing ovation, about 150 people greeted Grace Mrozinski, who served for 38 years as an adoption specialist for Catholic Charities, during a program at her retirement reception recently at the Hoffman House here. Included among the well-wishers were more than a dozen adoptive families whose smiles and hugs expressed their appreciation for Mrozinski's dedication. Catholic Charities Director Brian Cain praised her as a "unique person. It's been a pleasure to work with her." Noting that Mrozinski has placed hundreds of children into adoptive families, Cain said, "A lot of families' lives have been profoundly changed by Grace." Service trip to Jamaica MADISON -- Building houses for destitute people in Jamaica is what a group of diaconate candidates and some of their family members and friends will be doing Feb. 20-27. Leading the group of 13 is Bill Bussan, parishioner at St. Augustine Parish, Platteville, one of the candidates for the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Madison. Other candidates going on the trip are Jim Davis, Beloit; Ray Lukesic, Oregon; and Joe Stafford, Waunakee. Operation Rice Bowl MADISON -- Through prayer, fasting, learning, and giving during the Lenten season, Operation Rice Bowl calls Catholics in the United States to promote human dignity and foster global solidarity with the poor around the world. Operation Rice Bowl is the official Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the overseas relief and development agency of the United States Catholic community. Twenty-five percent of money raised goes to local projects and 75 percent supports projects around the world. For more information, contact the diocesan Office for Justice and Peace, 608-821-3086, or visit the CRS Web site at www.catholicrelief.org

Rites of initiation
into Catholic Church:

(See also front page photo.)

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

SUN PRAIRIE -- "It is God himself, and in his love, who calls you to come into the fullness of the church," said Bishop William H. Bullock in his homily at the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion on Sunday, Feb. 17, at St. Albert the Great Church here.

He addressed nearly 100 catechumens and more than 200 candidates and their sponsors, family members, pastors, and friends who gathered from various parishes all over the Diocese of Madison.

Catechumens are those seeking the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. Candidates are those who have been baptized in other denominations and now seek to become members of the Catholic Church.

The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion are part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

"Today is a great moment in your life," said Bullock, pointing out that in a year of terrorism and in a world of inverted ideals, "God has called you as his elect."

Today you'll be asked whether you have listened to God's word, whether you have responded to it, and whether you are willing to share with others the Good News, the bishop said.

"Today I ask that you continue to understand that we all walk together," he said.

He compared our walk with Christ to the hard work of the Olympic athletes who achieve gold medals.

"Christ will ask some demanding things of you in the future," said Bullock.

To remain walking with Christ is difficult, but if we believe in the Lord Jesus, he will welcome us to eternity and to a life and love that never ends, he said.

"If we can keep that in mind, we can be the Olympic stars of the church and get the medals at the end of time," he said.

The bishop greeted the catechumens and their sponsors before the affirmation by the sponsors and assembly. The catechumens then signed the Book of the Elect, which will be kept at St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison.

Candidates and their sponsors were then received by the bishop before the affirmation by the sponsors and assembly. They approached the baptismal font and made the Sign of the Cross.

The initiation process will be completed at the Easter Vigil, when the catechumens and candidates will be baptized, confirmed, or receive Eucharist in their own parishes.

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- The U.S. women's curling team got off to an excellent start at the Olympic Games, winnings its first two competitions: an 8-7 victory over Japan and a 6-5 triumph over four-time world gold medalists Sweden.

"Both games were very close," said curler Debbie McCormick of Rio, Wis., a member of St. Mary Catholic Parish in Pardeeville. "We were glad we won."

McCormick was interviewed by phone from the curling venue in Ogden, Utah. She explained that there are 10 women's teams competing in curling from throughout the world at the Olympics. The U.S. team played all the other teams in round-robin fashion; the top four teams advance to the medal rounds with finals on Feb. 21. (As of press time Feb. 18, the women's record was 6-3, so they are eligible for the semi-finals.)

McCormick has enjoyed her experience at the Olympics so far. She was especially impressed with the opening ceremonies. Prior to the ceremony, President George W. Bush addressed the athletes. "It just so happened that we were right in front of the podium," said McCormick. "He gave a great inspirational speech."

Afterwards, the president met each individual athlete. "He looked us right in the eyes and shook our hands," said McCormick. "I gave him a couple of curling pins, which he put in his pocket."

Walking into the Olympic Stadium with the parade of athletes was a "magical moment."

McCormick will be staying in Utah for the closing ceremonies on Feb. 24. After a brief return to Wisconsin, she and her team will be leaving for the U.S. national competition in northern Minnesota, where her team hopes to defend their national title.