Bishops' Schedules: Schedule of Bishop William H. Bullock Thursday, April 17, 2003 5:30 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Mass of the Lord's Supper, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Friday, April 18, 2003 3:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Lord's Passion, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Saturday, April 19, 2003 10:30 a.m. -- Preside at Morning Prayer, Equestrian Order of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison 8:30 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Celebration of the Easter Vigil Eucharist, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Sunday, April 20, 2003 10:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Easter Eucharist, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison 7:00 p.m. -- Preside at Solemn Easter Vespers, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Wednesday, April 23, 2003 5:30 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Joseph Parish, Gratiot, with the link of St. John Parish, South Wayne, at St. Joseph Parish, Gratiot Thursday, April 24, 2003 3:00 p.m. -- Preside at Midday Prayer for Vocations, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Schedule of Bishop George O. Wirz Thursday, April 17, 2003 7:30 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Mass of the Lord's Supper, St. John Parish, South Wayne Friday, April 18, 2003 1:30 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Lord's Passion, St. Joseph Parish, Gratiot Saturday, April 19, 2003 8:30 p.m. -- Concelebrate at the Celebration of the Easter Vigil Eucharist, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Wednesday, April 23, 2003 7:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Paul Parish, Evansville Thursday, April 24, 2003 11:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Diocesan Spring Meeting of the Association of Catholic Order of Foresters, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison 3:00 p.m. -- Attend Midday Prayer for Vocations, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison

Death gives way to life

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

Often in life we ponder, we wonder, and we question how troubling events of our day will turn out.

Certainly those who lived at the time of Christ and listened to his teachings and relied on his promises to them were severely tested on Good Friday.

"The resurrection of Jesus brings this promise, and spurs us on to accept life as it is, in the sure hope that someday we shall live in peace and harmony with God and with one another."

But they, too, remembered Jesus say, "On the third day I will rise again," or "destroy this temple (his body) and I shall raise it up."

We live in an age of war, a struggling economy, and uncertainty from threats of terrorism. It is unsettling and calls for faith. Our faith rests finally in Christ Jesus Risen from the dead.

Jesus is the Lord of life and though he gave himself in death to redeem us, he confers new life and love in his resurrection.

Christians throughout the whole world sing "Alleluia!" at Easter because Jesus is truly risen from the dead. Such is the power of God that we, who die to our will in order to carry out his Divine Will, are born into new life.

Someday, at a time known only to the Father, Christ will come again to claim us and bring us to the final Kingdom of a new heaven and a new earth.

In that new creation, a place and condition where there is no death, no sin, no terrorism, no sickness, war or deprivation of any human right - there is only life, and we will be one family redeemed in Jesus.

The resurrection of Jesus brings this promise, and spurs us on to accept life as it is, in the sure hope that someday we shall live in peace and harmony with God and with one another.

Alleluia! The strife is o'er, the victory won. Jesus, whom they crucified, is Risen this day and forever. Alleluia!

Happy Easter!

Bishop's Letter

Dear Friends in Christ:

As we sing Alleluia in celebration of the resurrection of our Lord this Easter, may we also recall the gift of our baptism and the responsibility we assumed to serve Christ in whatever way God asks of us.

Some are called to leave the secular world to serve Christ through his Church as priests. Each Easter, we take a special collection to support those now preparing for this important ministry. Seminary formation programs include intense and thorough spiritual, academic, and pastoral study and experiences that seek to effectively prepare our seminarians for the diverse and challenging role as priests in our culture. God willing three of our current seminarians will be ordained for the Diocese of Madison this May. Several applications to begin study later this year are presently under review. Others are discerning their vocational call.

It has been my intention that no one, after appropriate personal and psychological screening, should be prevented from studying for the priesthood because of a lack of finances. Your generosity to this collection helps assure that this will be the case.

The last twelve months have been difficult for our priests and seminarians because of the sexual abuse scandal, causing some to question their vocation. Your support through this collection tells our seminarians that they are valued, appreciated, and supported.

Pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood. Please also show your support to the hard working priests who serve you each day under difficult conditions. May this Easter be one of joy and peace for our priests, seminarians, and each one of you.

Grace, Mercy, and Peace,

Most Reverend William H. Bullock
Bishop of Madison