Diocese of Madison parishes:
We remember Sept. 11, 2001

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

(See also front page photo.)

MADISON -- In a violent world, we must learn to obey the commandment of God's love.

That was one of the main points Bishop William H. Bullock made in his homily during a Mass commemorating the first anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 at St. Raphael Cathedral.

News Briefs: Jubilee event at Beloit parish BELOIT -- A variety of special events are underway for the JubOLAtion 2003 Celebration preparing for the 50th anniversary of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish (OLA) next May. A significant part of the celebration is the parish mission Sept. 21 to 25, conducted by the Dominican Preaching Team, Fr. Jim Marchionda and Sr. Ann Willits, from Chicago area. Marchionda has composed, sung, conducted, and recorded numerous songs. OLA Pastor, Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl, said the event brings together parishioners and others for spiritual renewal. Willits and Marchionda will speak at all weekend liturgies on Sept. 21 and 22. The mission continues with: • Sept. 23 - Mass, discussion, social, 8:15 a.m.; evening prayer, presentation, social, 7 p.m. • Sept. 24 - Mass, discussion, social, 8:15 a.m.; potluck supper for all parish families (first graders and older), 6 p.m.; family centered forgiveness and healing service, 7 p.m. • Sept. 25 - Mass, discussion, social, 8:15 a.m.; closing prayer concert, social, 7 p.m. Childcare will be available each night; call Beth Peterson, 608-363-1953. For transportation, call Merla Bussan, 608-365-5356. Diocesan meetings scheduled MADISON -- In October and November this year, the Diocesan Office of Vocations, Msgr. Dan Ganshert, coordinator, assisted by Jacky Miller, parish director of religious education, will hold four area meetings for parish vocation committee members throughout the Diocese of Madison. Some vocation committees have been active for a while and in other parishes they are still being formed. The Strategic Plan for the Diocese of Madison has outlined the important role these parish vocation committees can play in the promotion of vocations to the ordained ministry and religious life. All parishes with vocation committees and those parishes who are interested in forming them are invited to attend one of the Saturday morning area meetings listed below: • Oct. 5, 10 a.m. - St. Mary Parish, Platteville • Oct. 12, 10 a.m. - Nativity of Mary Parish, Janesville • Nov. 2, 10 a.m. - St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Portage • Nov. 9, 10 a.m. - Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison. Marquette-Green Lake Deanery GREEN LAKE -- The Marquette-Green Lake Deanery Council of Catholic Women will meet Thursday, Sept. 19, at Our Lady of the Lake Parish here. Theme is "Are We Making a Difference?" Registration is from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. followed by business meeting and concelebrated Mass. Fr. Lorin Bowens, Lime Ridge, diocesan moderator, will be homilist. Dinner will be served at 6. Carol O. Smart, Waukesha, from Wisconsin Humanities, will speak at 7 on the first woman doctor honored with a lifetime membership to the state medical society, her grandmother, Dr. Rose Minoka-Hill. Her life reveals the struggles faced by Native Americans. Those attending are asked to bring a $10 raffle ticket as well as non-perishable foods for county food pantries. Grant Deanery CUBA CITY -- "Partners in Faith" is the theme of the fall meeting of the Grant Deanery Council of Catholic Women Tuesday, Sept. 24, at St. Rose of Lima Parish here. Registration is at 9 a.m. followed by business meeting at 9:30. Concelebrated Mass will be offered at 11 with Fr. Lorin Bowens, Lime Ridge, diocesan moderator, as homilist. Luncheon will be served at noon. The afternoon will feature an address by Mary Sykes, Fort Atkinson, diocesan president, as well as one by Fr. Steve Steele, Bloomington, on his recent trip to Ghana. Reservations are due Sept. 20 to Janet Loeffelholz, 235 Hwy. 80 S., Cuba City 53808. Cost is $7. Lafayette Deanery ARGYLE -- St. Joseph Parish here will host the meeting of the Lafayette Deanery Council of Catholic Women Thursday, Sept. 26. Theme is "Making a Difference Every Day." Registration is at 10:30 a.m. followed by concelebrated Mass with Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt, Sun Prairie, as homilist. Dinner will be served at noon followed by business meeting. A video, "National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception" will be shown. Benediction will follow. Those attending are asked to bring school supplies as well as children's books, coloring books, crayons, dolls, and stuffed toys for Darlington social services. The collection at Mass will be for the repair fund for St. Augustine Church, New Diggings. Reservations are due Sept. 20 by phoning Judy Zurfluh at 608-543-3219. Cost is $6. GoldenCare's 15th anniversary MADISON -- St. Marys Hospital Medical Center's GoldenCare program will sponsor a free 15th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Oct. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Monona Terrace Convention Center. The public is invited to come and enjoy old-fashioned games and music and participate in a variety of health screenings. WTUX AM 1550 and radio personality Ben Benedetti will be broadcasting live from the celebration. The following activities are planned: blood pressure screening, pulmonary function screening, cholesterol screening (for women 35 and over), flu shots, historical display including an iron lung, refreshments, games, music, and prizes. For more information call 608-258-5995. GoldenCare is a free program of services for everyone age 60 or older. Peer support groups for separated, divorced MADISON -- Peer support groups for those hurting from separation, divorce, or loss of a significant relationship are offered at two Madison parishes open to all ages and faiths. Those interested in attending do not need to be members of these parishes. There is no fee or registration required. Friends on a Journey will meet 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 19 and Oct. 3, at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 401 S. Owen Dr. For information, call Paul, 608-862-3613. New Directions will meet 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at St. Dennis Parish Center, 413 Dempsey Rd., top floor. Counselor/Therapist Cheri McKently will give a presentation on ""Where do I go from here with my life and how do I figure it all out?" For information, call Ron, 608-835-2907. 'Moving through Grief' MADISON -- A four-week "Moving Through Grief" series will be offered on Wednesdays at St. Dennis Church, 505 Dempsey Rd., from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9, and Oct. 16. A group reunion, sharing, and candlelight service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 20. Sessions - presented by members of the St. Dennis Parish grief team - include team presentations, prayer, small group discussion, handouts, and refreshments. There is no fee, but attendance is limited. To register, call St. Dennis Parish office, 608-246-5124, by Sept. 20. Mass for Fr. Mazzuchelli NEW DIGGINGS -- The annual Mass held for the furtherance of the cause to sainthood of Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli, the Dominican priest who built many churches in the Midwest, will be held at St. Augustine Church in New Diggings on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 3 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Concelebrating the Mass were Msgr. Daniel T. Ganshert, cathedral rector; Fr. Nicholas Okere, master of ceremonies for the bishop; and Fr. Francis Xavier Ekwugha, parochial vicar at the cathedral.

"My fellow Americans and brothers and sisters of Christ, in the midst of the vast coverage of the media, we have strong memories of terrorism" that took place a year ago, said Bullock. "Yet the first reading today says we see people stream to the Lord's house. These people in Micah's day were eager for swords to be melted into ploughshares.

No more terrorism

"One day when Micah's vision comes true, there will be no more terrorism, military might, nor stockpiles of armaments. Even between individuals, Micah hints, there will be no acts of aggression," he said.

Unfortunately, ours is a world engulfed in violence and driven by greed, he said.

Bullock pointed out that in St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he says we are not to grieve the Holy Spirit with bitterness or malice - instead we must be forgiving.

Violence yields violence

"Where is your heart today?" asked Bullock, pointing out that we must ask ourselves where in our lifestyles we rely on the promises of God and whether we truly love the Lord above all things.

The bishop said a burning question in society today is: when are we going to learn that violence begets violence?

"We've learned two things: our war toys work beautifully, but we've also learned that they don't bring peace," he said. "Maybe we ought to try it the Lord's way."

'Root of our faith'

A few parishioners in attendance offered comments on the importance of being at the Mass commemorating the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

"This is where the root of our faith is and in times of need, we come to our roots. We couldn't not be here," said St. Raphael Cathedral parishioner Anne Scott. She and her husband Charles are native New Yorkers who worked in New York City when they were younger. "It's very important for us to be in church now and ask God's help."

The outpouring on the anniversary brings hope in time of healing for those who have suffered, said Bill Schweinem, parishioner of Holy Redeemer Parish, Madison.

"What Bishop Bullock said was really true: the violence has to end," said James Scott, longtime parishioner at St. Raphael Cathedral. "It's an important message."

Message: 'Love one another'

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- The bells at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center tolled for five minutes at 9 a.m. on Sept. 11, as did church bells throughout the Diocese of Madison and nation.

Diocesan employees and others in the Madison community gathered for a Mass at 12 noon on Sept. 11. Fr. John Stillmank, moderator of the Curia for the diocese, presided and preached at the Mass. Fr. Todd Van Natta concelebrated.

"Today, many of us are still feeling a little numb," said Stillmank in his homily. "We've had a year to reflect on what sin, hatred, and racism can do; on economic disparities in the world; on how our lifestyles are blessed and how they are not.

"Jesus in the Gospel gives us a simple answer: 'Love one another.' If we really loved one another, would there be violence, poverty, and disparity in the world? I think there still would be some, but not so much, so terrible."

He noted that most of the world's Christians, Muslims, and Jews believe in one God. "He's a God of peace, mercy, love, forgiveness."

The priest said we gather to pray and remember those who have died and to thank God for the gifts we have received.

Prayers of the faithful were offered for church and world leaders, an end to hostility and hatred among nations, and restoring peace and justice, as well as for the victims of 9-11, their families and friends.

'Let there be peace on earth'

SUN PRAIRIE -- "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me," sang third graders at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish at a special Mass.

It was just one of the ways the parish commemorated Sept. 11, 2001. Taking part in the procession for the Mass were Knights of Columbus members of the fourth degree honor guard as well as police, fire, and emergency medical service personnel.

During Mass, three candles were lit by a member of the military in remembrance of those who died: one for New York, one for Washington, D.C., and one for Pennsylvania. A collage at the front of the church served as a pictorial reminder.

After Mass, pastor Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt blessed a Garden of Peace and Hope in front of the parish center.

"We put into place the Garden of Peace and Hope as a permanent remembrance of those who gave their lives Sept. 11, 2001," said Moellenberndt, pointing out that the garden reminds people to be filled with peace and hope, virtues much needed in the world today.

Peace pole:
Reminder to commit to peace

MADISON -- Edgewood High School students and staff observed Sept. 11 with two days of peace prayer services and processions to a campus peace pole.

Peace poles are symbolic and visible reminders to commit ourselves to peace. They have been dedicated around the world since 1955 by different groups and people in an effort to promote world peace. To date, there are more than 200,000 peace poles in 180 countries.

The three schools of Edgewood share a peace pole that was recently received as a gift from the Sinsinawa Dominicans. The four-sided peace pole has the message "May peace prevail on Earth," in four languages - English, Spanish, Thai, and Ho Chunk.

With sorrow and hope

JANESVILLE -- Along with the rest of the nation St. Patrick Parish remembered the anniversary of 9-11 with both sorrow and hope.

"Our faith has been our strength this last, long year. It was fitting we celebrated this anniversary in both religious and patriotic ways," said Kathie Fritz, pastoral associate at St. Patrick Parish.

Fr. J. Daryl Furlong, pastor, began the day with Mass. St. Patrick School hosted a prayer service for the students, parents, and special guests, the families of those with other family members in military service. The school children were actively involved in the entire event, reading, laying flowers around the flagpole, doing intercessions for peace.

As a special part of the ceremony, St. Patrick School dedicated a new flag and flagpole, a project Eric Tadt led to fulfill the requirements for his Eagle Scout badge. The flagpole was a gift from St. Patrick School graduation class of 2000. The flag was a gift from Cub Scout Pack 511.

Pins were given to families of those in military service, expressing thanks for the service their loved ones are providing. The prayer service ended with the Pledge of Allegiance and singing "God Bless America," a request that holds special meaning for Americans as we remember and reflect on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Our nation's founders affirmed that all people are created equal and endowed by their Creator with an inalienable right to life.

They went on to affirm that the task of securing these inalienable rights is the very reason people form governments. Thus it is natural that Catholics and all citizens should treat issues impacting on the value of human life as central to any discussion of public policy.

"The consequences of a consistent life ethic are clear. If human life is sacred, then it must be protected. Human life is not more sacred at one point than another. People of one race or nation are not more sacred than others. The lives of the rich are not more sacred than those of the poor." -- A Consistent Life Ethic: A Demand of Discipleship, Wisconsin Catholic Conference, January 1997

In previous election years, issues affecting the respect for human dignity and the right to life included abortion, euthanasia, health care, and the death penalty. This year, such a discussion must also include bioethics.

Advances in biotechnology are offering great hope to those who suffer from debilitating disease. But in the effort to obtain these treatments, the value of human life is increasingly threatened by the potential abuses of genetic screening, the destruction of human embryos for research, and proposals to engage in human cloning.

In this election year, candidates should be invited to assess their beliefs regarding the value of human life and commit themselves to embrace, as the foundation of all public policy, a consistent ethic of life that respects humanity in all stages of life, whether embryo or elderly, homeless or hungry, disabled or distressed.

Church on human life

The Catechism reminds us that "human life is sacred because it involves the creative action of God" (#2258) and that "the deliberate murder of an innocent person is gravely contrary to the dignity of the human being . . . and to the holiness of the Creator" (#2261).

As recipients of this precious gift we are entrusted with the responsibility to serve as stewards of our own lives and to respect and protect all human life at all its stages.

As the bishops of the United States affirmed in 1998, " . . . for citizens and elected officials alike, the basic principle is simple: We must begin with a commitment never to intentionally kill, or collude in the killing of any innocent human life, no matter how broken, unformed, disabled, or desperate that life may seem" (Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics, # 21).

"Speak Out!" writing contest for students MADISON -- The Catholic Herald is sponsoring a fall "Speak Out!" writing contest for students in grades five through 12 in the Diocese of Madison. Beginning with the Sept. 12, 2002 issue, The Catholic Herald will include voter education issues based on "Faithful Citizenship." Students are encouraged to write editorials in response to these articles. Topics include: 1) Faithful Citizenship in Election Year 2002 (introduction and overview); 2) Human Life and Dignity; 3) Help for Families; 4) Health Care; 5) Budget Shortfalls and Taxation; 6) Criminal Justice and Corrections; 7) Environment and Agriculture. Deadline is Nov. 8. For more information, interested students may contact their Catholic school teachers or principal, call The Catholic Herald at 608-821-3070, or e-mail info@madisoncatholicherald.org.

At the same time, the bishops emphasized that one must do more than reject direct attacks on innocent life such as abortion and euthanasia. As they wrote:

"Opposition to abortion and euthanasia does not excuse indifference to those who suffer from poverty, violence, and injustice.

"Any politics of human life must also resist the violence of war and the scandal of capital punishment. Any politics of human dignity must seriously address issues of racism, poverty, hunger, employment, education, housing, and health care.

"Therefore, Catholics should eagerly involve themselves as advocates for the weak and marginalized in all these areas. Catholic public officials are obliged to address each of these issues as they seek to build consistent policies which promote respect for the human person at all stages of life" (Living the Gospel of Life, # 23).

Such a "consistent life ethic" provides a strong foundation and a tremendous challenge to live our lives as involved citizens and faithful people of God. It demands that we reject the culture of "death" that pervades our society in this new millennium.

Life issues in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's legislature has enacted a number of laws in past years that either restrict abortion or encourage greater consideration of the safety of the unborn child.

These include laws to require a parent's consent for abortions performed on a minor, "right to know" legislation to assure that women are informed about alternatives of abortion, and severe limits on the use of public funds to pay for abortions.

Questions for candidates 1. Do you support laws to restrict abortion to the greatest extent possible allowed by current court rulings? 2. What is your position on assisted suicide and euthanasia? 3. What is your position on the death penalty? 4. Do you support the protection of newly formed human lives and will you support efforts to ban human embryo research and human cloning? 5. Will you make efforts to protect life by supporting programs to reduce hunger, poverty, and to help families in need to care for their dependent children? 6. Will you oppose policies that have the intended or unintended effect of discriminating against people on the basis of their race, color, or creed? Other resources • The Gospel of Life, (Evangelium vitae) Encyclical Letter of Pope John Paul II, 1995. • Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics, U.S. Catholic Conference, 1998. • Confronting a Culture of Violence, Statement by the U.S. Catholic Conference, 1995. • A Consistent Life Ethic: A Demand of Discipleship, Statement by the Wisconsin Catholic Conference, Issued, 1989, Reissued, 1997. • Now and at the Hour of Our Death, Statement by the Wisconsin Catholic Conference on "End of Life" Issues, 2002. • Capital Punishment in Wisconsin, Wisconsin Catholic Conference Statement, 1995.

While these advances to protect human life are significant, the specter of abortion and euthanasia continue as preeminent threats to human life and dignity. Voters and lawmakers must continue to be vigilant in their opposition to efforts to legalize physician assisted suicide and euthanasia and to resist efforts to increase public support or funding for abortion.

Medical advances in the area of biotechnology threaten to pit the weak and suffering in our midst against each other. While many scientists have touted the benefits of research using human embryos, we must challenge the scientific community to resist defining the value of the youngest members of our human family by their capacity to serve the lives of others.

Wisconsin in particular is at the center of these new ethical challenges with the University's status as a provider of human embryonic stem cells for research.

As science continues into the area of human cloning, policy makers should assess these new technologies and establish meaningful ethical boundaries. The ends do not justify the means.

It is legitimate and appropriate for our laws to define moral limits that prohibit forms of research that reduce human life at its earliest stages to little more than a commodity.

Fortunately, Wisconsin has gone without the death penalty for nearly 150 years. But the issue remains a part of most campaign year discussions and it is certainly relevant in federal elections. Catholics must be clear in their opposition to capital punishment.

Prepared by the Wisconsin Catholic Conference, September 2002. Phone: 608-257-0004. Web site: www.wisconsincatholic.com