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	News Briefs: Soup, Stations at St. Bernard, Middleton MIDDLETON -- St. Bernard Parish will present "Soup and Stations" on Wednesday, March 19, in the Parish Center. A light meal of homemade soups, bread, fruits, and beverage will be served at 6 p.m. followed by Living Stations and Benediction at 7 p.m. The next Soup and Stations is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9. Mission at St. Mary, Bloomington BLOOMINGTON -- The parishes of St. Mary, Bloomington, and St. John, Patch Grove, are sponsoring a lenten mission March 23-26. The public is invited. Theme will be "The Ecstasy of Lent: Realizing Union with God." Providing the conferences will be Fr. John Meoska, priest-son of St. Mary Parish currently a monk of The Spiritual Life Institute, a Carmelite community. Meoska will speak at the weekend Masses March 22-23; his homily is entitled "Cleansing the Inner Temple." He will also speak at the 8 a.m. daily Masses March 24 and 25 and at 7:30 p.m. Monday evening's conference will be followed by Benediction, communal adoration, and prayer. Wednesday evening a Mass will be followed by a 40-minute film, "The Human Adventure," on Meoska's monastery community. All talks will be at St. Mary Church, 535 Congress St., Bloomington. Lunch discussion on dealing with grief SUN PRAIRIE -- A soup luncheon with a discussion of how people of different age groups deal with grief will be held at Sacred Hearts Parish Gathering Room Sunday, March 23, after the 11 a.m. Mass. Hospice bereavement counselor Deborah Percival will facilitate the discussion. For reservations call 608-837-8509. A free-will offering will be taken. Day of Recollection at Sacred Hearts SUN PRAIRIE -- A Day of Recollection will be held at Sacred Hearts Parish on Sunday, March 30. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin at the conclusion of the 11 a.m. Mass. Evening prayer will begin at 3 p.m. followed by a reflection by Msgr. Paul Swain and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Hospital: Construction on target at Divine Savior

PORTAGE -- Divine Savior Healthcare announced that the construction of its new hospital is progressing smoothly and the new facility is expected to open as scheduled in October of 2003.

"We're pleased with the development of the state-of-the-art hospital," said Michael Decker, president and CEO of Divine Savior Healthcare. "And we look forward to continuing to offer quality, personal care to Portage and surrounding community residents at the new facility.

The $33 million project consists of 30,000 square feet of additional completed construction on the Medical Center that opened in January of 2000 and the 143,000 square foot hospital scheduled to open in fall.

Ground was broken for the new hospital on May 16, 2002. Its design incorporates ease of access. The emergency and ambulatory services will be located on the first floor.

The new state-of-the-art facility will also include private intensive care unit rooms, mother/child suites, labor/delivery/recovery rooms, and medical surgery beds.

Exterior update

Thus far, the majority of the building's exterior has been completed. The shingling of the roof continues, weather dependent.

The storm sewer and window installations have also been finished along with the interior stairwells. Site grading was accomplished during warm weather.

As outside temperatures increase, the remaining exterior work will be completed and landscaping will begin.

Interior update

Unlike gas-fired units commonly utilized at construction sites, temporary heat is being provided by a unique hot water system. It uses a boiler structure set up outside the building.

Water has been piped in and distributed through large fan units that blow dry air into the different areas. The hot water system sends no moisture into the building.

During the next few months, the construction company's (CD Smith of Fond du Lac) concentration will remain on the interior: installing fireproofing and drywall, completing the HVAC ductwork, laying out the interior walls and door frames on each floor.

For additional information on the hospital view its live Web cam at www.dshealthcare.com or call 608-745-5165.

Apostolate to Handicapped: Spring Day

MONROE -- "Life Full of Promise and Hope" is the theme for the Spring Day for the Handicapped sponsored by the Apostolate to the Handicapped on Saturday, April 12, at Monroe Senior High School. It is being held to honor all handicapped and elderly persons as invited guests.

The day's events will begin with Hugh and Heidi Espinoza entertaining with their music at 9:45 a.m. Bishop George O. Wirz will preside and preach an 11 a.m. concelebrated Mass. He will be joined by other priests of the Diocese of Madison.

Music will be directed by Randy Gracyalny and Kevin Laufenberg for the Mass. Lectors and acolytes will be from the television Mass on WISC-TV.

The disabled community will present the gifts for the liturgy. Frs. Kent Schmitt, Mike Klarer, and Bill Seipp will coordinate the ritual for the Mass.

Following the Mass, there will be a dinner prepared under the direction of Mike Doyle. Monroe FFA Members and Monroe athletes will serve the dinner. They also will be involved in the set-up and clean-up crews with the assistance of the University of Wisconsin Knights of Columbus.

The entertainment for the afternoon is provided by the Wisconsin Singers, young men and women from the UW-Madison.

As the 1,000 guests leave, each will be presented with a gift of a new edition of the "Campion's Champions" T-shirt.

There will also be table favors for each person created by Irene Molitor and her staff. Decorations are under the direction of Heddy Shager.

The Monroe Fire Department and Monroe Auxiliary Police will join in helping the guests arriving, departing, and parking along with the UW-Knights of Columbus. Hundreds of other volunteers make this day happen.

Reservations may be made by writing Msgr. Tom Campion at Box 443, Monroe, WI 53566. Transportation will be furnished as much as possible for those who need a ride. There is no cost to any disabled persons as expenses are paid by "Friends of the Apostolate."