Bishops' Schedules: Schedule of Bishop William H. Bullock Saturday, March 16, 2002 9:00 a.m. -- Preside at Lenten Communal Penance Service, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison 4:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Ss. Andrew and Thomas Parish, Tennyson-Potosi Sunday, March 17, 2002 3:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Dedication and Rededication, Narthex/Parish Center, St. Patrick Parish, Madison Tuesday, March 19, 2002 2:30 p.m. -- Concelebrate at Ordination to the Episcopacy of Bishop-Elect James Fitzgerald, Joliet, Illinois Wednesday, March 20, 2002 9:30 a.m. -- Chair Corporate Board Meeting, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Thursday, March 21, 2002 10:15 a.m. -- Preside at Morning Prayer, Day of Sanctification for Priests, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison 6:00 p.m. -- Attend Janesville Serra Club "Celebration of Vocations" Banquet, Janesville Schedule of Bishop George O. Wirz Thursday, March 14, 2002 10:30 a.m. -- Chair Meeting of the Board, Office for Continuing Education of Priests, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Saturday, March 16, 2002 9:00 a.m. -- Preside at Lenten Communal Penance Service, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Madison Sunday, March 17, 2002 3:00 p.m. -- Concelebrate at Celebration of the Eucharist, Dedication and Rededication, Narthex/Parish Center, St. Patrick Parish, Madison Tuesday, March 19, 2002 2:30 p.m. -- Concelebrate at Ordination to the Episcopacy of Bishop-Elect James Fitzgerald, Joliet, Illinois Thursday, March 21, 2002 10:15 a.m. -- Attend Day of Sanctification for Priests, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison 6:00 p.m. -- Attend Janesville Serra Club "Celebration of Vocations" Banquet, Janesville

Nigerian priests and solidarity

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

News has reached me that Father Francis Xavier Ekwaugha and Father Peter Claver Anorue, both of the Archdiocese of Owerri in Nigeria, are scheduled to arrive on March 21, 2002, for a three-year period of priestly service to our Diocese.

Seven Nigerian priests!

Both join our five Nigerian priests already here: Father Nicholas Okere, Father Basil Osuigwe, Father Joseph Ononiwu, Father Anthony Iheanacho, and Father Casimir Chimeziri.

These priests are here to assist us, and we them, in a Solidarity Program with the Archdiocese of Owerri in Nigeria and in a special way their Archbishop, Anthony Obinna.

"We boast of being a universal Church . . . and indeed we are. I believe members -- all members, Anglo, Latino, Asian, and African -- united in Christ, sacrificing for each other, can renew the local church and Universal Church."

Multicultural efforts are not new to the Church. It is part of our life as a universal Church. We reach to and include all nations. In the early years of our country priests from Europe came to assist us in caring for our Catholic people, among whom were immigrants from their own countries.

Thus the National parishes came to be and were a natural outgrowth of their presence. Today you will find these same ethnic parishes in our large cities but they now have fewer and fewer parishioners.

Why is that, you ask? It was natural for many of the European immigrants to move into the suburbs. They became more acclimated to life in the United States and wished to leave the crowded city for new parishes and life in the suburbs.

Since Vatican II the Church has tried to move away from national parishes in favor of integrating all into one, careful to respect the customs and culture of each national group.

Many cultures, one Church

Today our immigrants to the United States come from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This population shift offers us new ways in which to enrich our United States and be challenged by others of different cultural backgrounds. Two thirds of the world's population is Asian. Nearly 70 percent of the Catholics in the world are from Third World countries.

Over 50 percent of our Catholic population in the United States is Latino. We are 62 million Catholics, of which 33 million are Hispanic or Latino. These statistics give us new reason to plan for the future. In time, vocations to the priesthood and religious life will come from Asian, African, and Latin American families.

Language and customs both cause enrichment and create confusion. I truly believe that there are ways that can be found and used that minimize our confusion and enhance our understanding as we move toward a multicultural Church in the United States in a new way.

I welcome, along with you, our Nigerian brother priests in a special way. We wish to learn from each other and truly better our understanding of the different ways of being Church.

Commitment in a common faith

Working at clearly speaking a new language takes skill, courage, and stick-to-it-iveness. But genuine efforts must also be made on our part to listen more carefully. A common faith unites us; a common word makes it happen, namely, commitment.

Being too polite to ask that something be repeated defeats good communication. Not listening well and more intently defeats good communication.

We have a wonderful presbyterate, that is, our priests who work willingly to meet the challenges that face us. The presence and service of our Nigerian priests has been a gift to our Diocese and our presbyterate.

It is my hope that in time some of our American priests will go to Nigeria to learn their customs and ways. This healthy exchange will truly enhance our ways in Christ, deepen our sense of universal Church, and be mutually beneficial.

We boast of being a universal Church . . . and indeed we are. I believe members -- all members, Anglo, Latino, Asian, and African -- united in Christ, sacrificing for each other, can renew the local Church and universal Church.

Work to be a vibrant Church

In our pledge to work together, in renewing our willingness to listen, to learn, and to be taught, we can be a vibrant Church strengthening each other on our journey.

Thank you, all members of the Diocesan Family, for your outreach, support, and prayer. Together in Christ, together in Church, we can be that leaven, that beacon of light. For Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Editor's note: In response to recent articles about sexual abuse of minors by priests, The Catholic Herald is reprinting a column by Bishop William H. Bullock published in the July 22, 1993 issue. This article outlines guidelines still being used in the Diocese of Madison for dealing with sexual abuse cases.

By Bishop William H. Bullock
CATHOLIC HERALD PUBLISHER

The Church of our day continues to cope with the sexual abuse of minors by priests.

In order to make an adequate response to this kind of abuse, that response includes ways in which to protect and provide counseling for the victims and their families, deliver therapy for the priest, and provide healing for the community scandalized by such sexual abuse. It is not an easy task but we are addressing it.

Open guidelines

Over a period of many years the Diocese of Madison has always had adequate measures in accord with directives from the U. S. Catholic Bishops to do precisely what I have described above. Pursuant to these directives, the Diocese should and will:

1.) Remove the priest from his assignment upon learning of an allegation of sexual abuse of minors and investigate the matter thoroughly.

2.) Identify the victim and the personal needs of the victim and the victim's family in order to get them the assistance, counseling, and other services that they need.

3.) Find ways to heal the community where such scandal has hurt, alienated, or angered people.

Each instance is different yet same

While I want to be sure that our priests always understand the serious nature of priest offenders of minors and the general plans to responsibly respond to victims, priests, and the community, there are so many growing developments civilly, canonically, and clinically, that it is difficult to put into a rigid, permanent policy all aspects of what might best be applied in an individual instance. While generally similar, each instance is unique and requires special attention appropriate to the individuals and circumstances involved.

Although all dioceses are guided by the principles stated by the U.S. Conference of Bishops, each diocese handles allegations differently depending on the size of diocese, resources, and circumstances. Sometimes premature publicity based upon incomplete factual investigation or the institution of legal cases prohibit certain approaches which might otherwise be appropriate.

It is my intention to maintain a flexible principled response to situations so that appropriate solutions can be fashioned to these always tragic and almost always unique incidents.

While whatever is done may not bring total satisfaction to everyone, I deem it necessary to respond to allegations responsibly by addressing the problem for 1. the victim and family, 2. priest and 3. community, and to do this by asking the help of people who possess experience and expertise in given fields.

Publication of all the ramifications of painful details does not seem necessary (and indeed can be harmful to victims, their families, and innocent third parties), so long as the assurance is given our people, our priests, and the general public, that it is being responsibly addressed, prudently and promptly. Such responses will involve both men and women who will give appropriate guidance to me and the Diocese of Madison.

Our Holy Father has written to the U. S. bishops about his concern for the victims, priests, Bishops, and the U. S. Church. His words published in The Catholic Herald issue of July 1, 1993 are direct, pastoral, and to the point.

Universal church and U.S. Bishop set norms

An international committee have been commissioned by the Holy Father to look into ways of confronting the problem and healing the serious damage done to victims. The U. S. Bishops have spent endless hours, yes days, listening, being briefed and instructed on the nature of pedophilia, the rehabilitation difficulties, how to provide for victims, etc. As recently as our Spring meeting, June 17, 1993, in New Orleans, an Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse made up of seven U. S. Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops, with Bishop Kinney, Bismarck, North Dakota, as Chairman, was established in order to keep us all abreast of the developments, ongoing challenges, and possible new ways to reach out to victim, priest, and people. We will be guided by their help and direction.

We have all been painfully aware of how much of a scandal it has been to all people. We stand beside the victims and their families and we never exonerate the priest from his accountability to God, the church, the victim, and the civil and moral law. Nonetheless, as followers of Christ, we can not abandon the priest without defense, therapy, and medical care.

The media has given much attention to these issues and cases, and in a very legitimate sense, it is news, because this is abominable conduct is exactly the opposite kind of behavior expected of the ordained priest. Priests have publicly committed themselves to promote the Gospel of Christ, Church teaching, and have pledged themselves to live a morally upright life for the sake of Christ and the community they serve.

There are such things as human weakness, forgiveness by God, and a new start in grace to begin again. There are, however, new insights, facts, and realities that seem increasingly to demonstrate that compulsive behavior, addiction, and seemingly inexplicable twists in mind and behavior are extremely difficult to correct. Perhaps, in some cases, they cannot be corrected at all.

I write to you, the People of the Diocese of Madison, to inform you that in the past we have always been serious about making a response, where necessary, to allegations of sexual abuse by priests, and that we are now offering and developing guidelines, norms, and policies to guide us in dealing responsibly with victims, priests, and the community.

We will in the future be committed to follow the new national guidelines of the U. S. Bishops and the directive of the Holy See. We will meet, when, and if necessary, all requirements of the civil law. I want you all to be apprised of this, coming from me, as your Bishop. I ask you to pray for the healing of victims, priests, and the community.

Bishop affirms the many good priests

I close with a definite statement of affirmation of our priests and priests throughout the world. We as priests are not without sin; God knows this and you know it, too.

But by and large the priests, in overwhelming numbers, while feeling normal sexual temptations and some of the real pain of loneliness in the celibate life, are heroic, self-sacrificing, hard working, faithful, prayerful, solid ministers of the Gospel and altar.

But constant headlines, T.V. shows, and cartoons depicting the priest in ridicule are not warranted and violate the integrity of a remarkably responsible, compassionate, faithful, and caring group of people, called Catholic Priests.

I ask you once again that you Pray for our Diocese of Madison. Help us as Church to cope with the terrible tragedies that come upon us in a troubled age. Rapid and radical change characterize our day, new challenges confront us amid sunless days and dark nights, but you and I are committed to fight for the Gospel by bringing the compassionate Christ, the Light of the World, to all people. In Him, we can win the world for Christ.

Thank you, again, for your gracious acceptance of me as your Bishop. Now in your kindness, support me in prayer as I attempt to earn your trust, confidence, and love.

Bishop announces priest appointments

The Most Reverend William H. Bullock, Bishop of Madison, wishes to announce the following appointments, effective noon, Wednesday, June 12:

Rev. Msgr. Paul J. Swain, while remaining as Vicar General, from Director of Vocations, to Pastor, St. Bernard Parish, Middleton.

Rev. Nicholas Okere, from Priest Secretary to the Bishop, to Administrator, Holy Redeemer Parish, Madison, and Special Assistant to the Bishop for Nigerian Solidarity Program.

Rev. Msgr. Daniel T. Ganshert, while remaining Rector, St. Raphael Cathedral and Director, Office of Planning, to Episcopal Vicar for Holy Redeemer Parish, Madison.

Rev. James R. Bartylla, from Assistant Priest Secretary to the Bishop and Parochial Vicar, St. Andrew Parish, Verona, and St. William Parish, Paoli, to Priest Secretary to the Bishop.

Rev. Daniel T. Volkert, from Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Madison, to Director of Vocations and Pastor, St. Mary of Pine Bluff Parish, Cross Plains.

Rev. Msgr. Raymond N. Kertz, from Pastor, Nativity of Mary Parish, Janesville, to Pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Cottage Grove.

Rev. Lawrence M. Bakke, from Pastor, Holy Redeemer Parish, Madison, and Chaplain, University Hospital, to full-time Chaplain, University Hospital.

Rev. William R. Connell, from Pastor, St. Jude Parish, Beloit, to Pastor, Holy Mother of Consolation Parish, Oregon.

Rev. Thomas E. Gillespie, from Pastor, St. Lawrence Parish, Jefferson, and Chaplain, St. Coletta of Jefferson, to Pastor, St. Mary of the Nativity Parish, Marshall, and St. Joseph Parish, Waterloo.

Rev. Robert W. Hughes, from Chaplain, United States Navy, to Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Lake Mills, and St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Johnson Creek.

Rev. Michael E. Klarer, from Chaplain, United States Navy, to Pastor, St. Victor Parish, Monroe, and Episcopal Vicar for St. Rose of Lima Parish, Brodhead, and St. Patrick Parish, Albany.

Rev. Stephen J. Kortendick, from Pastor, St. Paul University Catholic Center, Madison, to Pastor, St. Jude Parish, Beloit.

Rev. James G. Kuhn, from Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Fort Atkinson, to Pastor, St. Thomas Parish, Beloit.

Rev. William A. Nolan, from Pastor, St. Pius X Parish, Cambridge, to Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Fort Atkinson.

Rev. Randy J. Timmerman, from Parochial Vicar, St. Paul University Catholic Center, Madison, to Pastor, St. Paul University Catholic Center, Madison.

Rev. Steven J. Umhoefer, from Pastor, St. Victor Parish, Monroe, to Pastor, Nativity of Mary Parish, Janesville.

Rev. Casimir E. Chimezri, from Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph Parish, Sinsinawa, to Administrator, St. Rose of Lima Parish, Brodhead, and St. Patrick Parish, Albany.

Rev. N. Anthony Iheancho, from Parochial Vicar, St. Raphael Cathedral, to Administrator, St. Lawrence Parish, Jefferson.

Rev. O. Joseph Ononiwu, from Parochial Vicar, St. Aloysius Parish, Sauk City, to Administrator, St. Joseph Parish, Rio, and St. Patrick Parish, Doylestown.

Rev. Raymond J. Dischler, in addition to Pastor, St. Thomas Parish, Poynette, to Episcopal Vicar, St. Joseph Parish, Rio, and St. Patrick Parish, Doylestown.

Rev. Basil C. Osuigwe, while continuing in the Diocesan Tribunal, from Administrator, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Lake Mills, and St. Mary Magdelene Parish, Johnson Creek, to Administrator, St. Pius X Parish, Cambridge.

Rev. Sanctus K. Ibe, from Parochial Vicar, St. John the Baptist Parish, Waunakee, to Parochial Vicar, St. Dennis Parish, Madison.

Rev. Jason E. Hessling, from Parochial Vicar, St. Dennis Parish, Madison, to Parochial Vicar, St. John the Baptist Parish, Waunakee.

Parochial Vicars will be appointed to Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Madison; St. Paul University Catholic Center, Madison; and St. Bernard Parish, Middleton, at a later date.

Msgr. Paul J. Swain
Vicar General