Diocesan priest absent from parish following allegation MADISON -- Fr. Gerald Vosen, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Baraboo, will be absent from his parish following a sexual misconduct allegation made at a Wisconsin State Assembly hearing Thursday, Sept. 18. Father Vosen has denied the allegation. Msgr. Paul J. Swain, vicar general for the Madison Diocese, read a statement from Bishop Robert Morlino at weekend Masses in Baraboo. "In the course of a Legislative hearing last Thursday in Madison, an individual unexpectedly charged Fr. Gerald Vosen with sexual misconduct with a minor many years ago. The individual was urged to report this allegation directly to diocesan authorities. As the bishop awaits the report of the allegation, word has spread in Baraboo and elsewhere about this accusation which occurred during the Madison hearing. "In the current, highly charged environment, it seemed best that Father Vosen be absent from St. Joseph Parish, Baraboo, pending the bishop's receipt of the allegation and his response in accord with the Charter and Norms for the Protection of Children and Young People, which bind the Bishops of the United States in these matters. "Bishop Morlino, absent an actual report of an allegation, cannot determine a response, so that Father Vosen's absence should in no way be interpreted to argue against the presumption of his innocence. Let us all pray with and for Father Vosen, for victims of sexual abuse, and for one another at this very difficult moment." Monsignor Swain also read a letter from Father Vosen to parishioners. It said: "I am so sorry for the hurt all of us must live through at the present time. As you know, an allegation of sexual abuse has been presented against me. I can assure you that I have never abused a child or youth. "Please storm heaven with prayer so the truth may be witnessed by all. You are a wonderful parish and I urge you to continue your strong faith and keep up your wonderful attendance at Mass. My love and prayers are with you."
	News Briefs: Berlin parish hosts parenting conference BERLIN -- The Blessed Motherhood Group of All Saints Parish in Berlin will be hosting a Parenting Conference to help better understand the importance of being a parent and God's call as parents. The day will be filled with speakers, discussions, prayer, and socializing. The topics will range from discipline, teaching morality and values to your children, creating a holy household, and having a faith filled marriage. Parents that are actively teaching their children through example and by following what they believe will share their ideas. Two couples at different stages of marriage will provide their perspectives on living out their faith in their marriages. Jeanne Marciniak will speak on religious education in the home. Parents are the primary educators of their children. She will address ideas they can implement to help create a holy household. There will also be time to ask questions and network with other parents raising Christian children in a secular world. The Parent Conference will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Michael Church Hall in Berlin. Childcare will be available. Lunch and snacks will also be provided. To register for this inspirational, spirit-filled event, call the All Saints Parish office at St. Michael at 920-361-0940. For more information, contact Dawn at 920-987-5108 or Laura at 920-361-5258. This event is free of charge and open to all parents. Catholic women schedule deanery meetings Rock deanery EDGERTON -- St. Joseph Parish here will host the fall meeting for the Rock Deanery Council of Catholic Women Thursday, Oct. 9. The theme is "God's Love Is Everlasting." Registration is at 9 a.m. followed by the business meeting at 9:30. Helen Ann Arndt, Jefferson, diocesan international concerns chairman, will speak on "Waters for Life" at 10:15. A concelebrated Mass will be offered at 11 with Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt, Sun Prairie, diocesan moderator, as homilist. A dinner will be served at noon. Reservations are due Oct. l to Elizabeth Korback, 2262 Harmony Ln., Beloit, WI 53511. The cost is $7. Those attending are asked to bring a $15 gift for the mini raffle. East Dane deanery MCFARLAND -- Tuesday, Oct. 14, is the date for the fall meeting of the East Dane Deanery Council of Catholic Women. Christ the King Parish here will host the event. The theme is "Sharing our Gifts and Growing in Faith." Registration is at 5:15 p.m. followed by the recitation of the rosary at 5:40. A concelebrated Mass will be offered at 6 with Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt, Sun Prairie, diocesan moderator, as homilist. A dinner will be served at 7. There will be a business meeting at 7 followed by the program, "A New Beginning for Parish Council of Catholic Women." Guest speakers include Dorene Shuda, Jefferson, and Sue Johnson and Denise Sherry, Watertown. Reservations are due Oct. 3 to Gail Schwab, 5213 Card Ave., McFarland, WI 53588. The cost is $7. Those attending are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Life Chain held Oct. 5 SAUK CITY -- Life Chain sponsored by Wisconsin Right to Life, Inc. - Sauk County Chapter will be held Sunday, Oct. 5, in West Baraboo, Lake Delton, Reedsburg, Sauk City, and Spring Green from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Signs may be picked up on 8th St. in front of the Wells Fargo Bank in West Baraboo, on Hwy. 12 in front of the Municipal Building in Lake Delton, on Main St. in front of the "old" Viking Village grocery store in Reedsburg, on the corner of Phillip Blvd. and Madison across from what used to be the Burnstead grocery store in Sauk City, and at Hwy. 14 and 23, south side junction in Spring Green. Paula Traxler, Sauk County Chapter chairman said Life Chain participants will be invited to take a peaceful "stand for life" in silent prayer on public sidewalks. For more information, contact Jen Jagow, 608-356-1820; Helene Vanderbuilt, 608-254-4205; Brian Moyer, 608-524-8474; Joan Thurow, 608-644-8151, or Peggy Porter, 608-583-6024. Mini-course on rosary offered MADISON -- St. Joseph Parish's Adult Faith Formation Team will present "The Rosary: Rediscovering a Treasury of the Church." This five-week mini-course will consider the 15 mysteries of the holy rosary in light of what we know from scripture, archeology and historical studies, medical knowledge, and the teaching of the Catholic Church. The presenter will be Jim Carney, a former assistant professor of law at the University of Oregon, religious education teacher, lecturer, and author. Carney's book, Mystery Stories: A Journey Through the Rosary, will be the basic text for the course. The mini-course will meet every Tuesday in October and the first Tuesday in November at 7 p.m. in the church hall. Fr. Mazzuchelli Mass Sept. 28 NEW DIGGINGS -- The annual Mass held for the furtherance of the cause to sainthood of Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli, Dominican missionary, will be held at St. Augustine Church in New Diggings on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. There also will be a raffle and a steak or chicken breast meal at the price of $10 per meal to be held following the Mass for a fundraiser for the restoration of St. Augustine Church. The public is invited.

State legislature: Hearing on clergy misconduct bills

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- Legislators, legal experts, victims, and religious leaders gathered for a public hearing on clergy misconduct bills in front of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, and Privacy and the Assembly Committee on Judiciary at the State Capitol Sept. 18.

The bills, Senate Bill 207 and Assembly Bill 428, would add clergy to the list of mandatory reporters for child abuse (while protecting the sacrament of confession), extend the statute of limitations from age 31 to 45 allow victims more time to press criminal charges and from age 20 to 35 to allow victims more time to file civil lawsuits, and clarify that victims may sue religious organizations if superiors knew of a danger and did not try to prevent it.

Bishops support bills

Among those testifying in favor of the bills was Bishop Robert C. Morlino, bishop of the Diocese of Madison and vice president of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC).

"Today, I am here before you because society is calling on us to face our own shortcomings and challenging us in conscience better to serve Wisconsin's people. I want you to know that we have heard that call. Our support for these bills is part of our response," he said.

The bishops of Wisconsin support the bills because they improve the law by providing more protection for children and victims, help restore trust, and respect religious pluralism of the state, he said.

"Adding clergy to the list of mandatory reporters provides an opportunity to restore trust and live up to the vision in our Charter on the Protection of Children and Young People. For Wisconsin's citizens, it provides an opportunity to strengthen our state's commitment to help vulnerable children. Such an opportunity should not be missed," Bishop Morlino said.

"Some may fear that asking clergy to report child abuse and neglect will threaten the free exercise of religion guaranteed by our Constitution. While we should always take such concerns seriously, asking clergy to be mandatory reporters does the exercise of religion no harm.

"In fact, diocesan policies in Wisconsin already require priests and other church employees to report abuse and neglect, even if not legally required to do so.

"The sexual abuse of minors by priests or bishops or anyone is a most grave sin, as indicated by church law, reveals a psychological disorder and is rightfully a most serious crime in the civil order. In the past, a number of bishops and priests have failed to respond to this threefold complexity. Very many victims have been irreparably harmed by this failure within our church. We are doing everything possible so that this failure will not occur again."

Restoring trust

"While the suffering of victims and our desire to care for them remains our unquestioned focus, we as bishops and our church have been profoundly humiliated by what some have done or failed to do," Bishop Morlino said. "We can only pray that for us as bishops, and for our church, this humiliation will become a highway to real humility."

Bishop Morlino pointed out that the legislation does not apply to information learned in confession or similar confidential communications in other faith traditions.

"In our tradition, bishops do not hear confessions from priests in their diocese. Thus anything a bishop hears about a priest-abuser will come to him outside the sacramental seal and we will report it," said the bishop.

"Our support for this legislation is a vital component of our effort to heal those wounded by clergy misconduct, but is not the only component. Backing this bill is but one part of our larger effort to restore your trust in our will and our capacity to face up to the problems of clergy and others who abuse children and youth."

The effort to restore trust is a work in progress, Bishop Morlino said. "But we are committed to reach out to victims and survivors, with the assistance of independent professionals outside the church structure, in ways that are restorative to them and their loved ones.

"Our efforts have proven satisfactory to some, less so to others. I doubt we will find a single approach that works for all but I remain hopeful we will earn the trust of most. But you can be assured our efforts will continue."

One-year window

Victims of clergy sexual abuse from throughout the state shared their personal stories and emphasized that the draft legislation should include a one-year retroactive window for victims to file lawsuits no matter how long ago the abuse took place.

The authors of the bills, Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and Representative Peggy Krusick (D-Milwaukee), stressed that such a measure would make the legislation unconstitutional.

"In terms of justice, it would be great to have that window, but we are committed to passing a constitutional bill," said Darling. "We do not want to make the bill dead on arrival." As a result, the proposed legislation strikes a compromise, she said.

John Huebscher, executive director of the WCC, said he anticipated that such an amendment would be difficult to support, although he did not want to negotiate on the content of an amendment that was not in front of him.

"While we support an expanded statute of limitations, we also support a clear statutory boundary," said Lucille Rupe, executive presbyter of the Presbytery of Winnebago, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), representing the Wisconsin Council of Churches. "Without such a boundary, cases can be brought where the alleged perpetrators and corroborating witnesses may be deceased, or are brought so long after the fact that finding the truth is hopelessly difficult. This legislation, in our view, strikes a reasonable middle ground."

"It's important to point out the bill is not just aimed at the Catholic Church," said Krusick. "It will hold all churches accountable."

Victims' views

Among those who testified was Barbara Blaine, president and founder of the Survivors Network of those Abused by a Priest (SNAP). "The statute of limitations is evil. It protects child molesters," she said.

One victim from Milwaukee said, "It is a good bill as far as protecting kids in the future but it does not protect these children from priests and religious predators in the community. This isn't about money, but about saving children."

For those who haven't been through abuse, it's hard for them to understand, said the sister of an alleged victim in the Diocese of Madison.

Although a few priests' names in the state were mentioned during the public hearing, Darling said it was an inappropriate place to release names.

The committee did not indicate when it may vote on the bills.

Living the vision
we profess

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- We are called to be the best we can with the information and tools we have and let God do the rest, said Msgr. Paul J. Swain, vicar general for the Diocese of Madison.

Monsignor Swain was the keynote speaker for the recent Parish Leadership Day held at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison.

Nearly 200 people from parish staffs throughout the Diocese of Madison participated in the day, which began with a prayer service at which Auxiliary Bishop George O. Wirz presided.

Bishop Wirz remarked that when Pius X was elected pope, he told a group of cardinals what he feels is the most important mission of the church. "He said there must be a group, a corps of lay persons who are faithful, well-informed, and persevering," said Bishop Wirz.

A leader is one who is able to work through others, he said. "Call it shared ministry, call it collegiality - that's our mission and the rest will follow."

Beginning his keynote address with a moment of silence for all those touched by the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, Monsignor Swain shared the episcopal motto of Bishop Robert C. Morlino: "The revelation of Jesus Christ is the only sure anchor of our hope, the only vision that will not disappoint."

Monsignor Swain shared reflections on what it means to strive to live out that vision by being faithful, catholic, authentic, flexible, realistic, merciful, and hopeful.

• Faithful. The vision, the revelation, began when Jesus was born, said Monsignor Swain. "'God so loved the world that he gave us his only son.' That's the vision we share. To share it fully, we have to be faithful," he said.

We need to know what the church really teaches, accept it with humility, be faithful to it, and defend it, he said.

• Catholic. To be catholic is to love your neighbor, he said, noting that "catholic" means universal, openminded, diversity.

"We need one another on our faith journeys and should not be in opposition to one another," he said.

• Authentic. "To be authentic is to be sound, complete. Bear with one another. Practice what we preach," said Monsignor Swain. This includes being reliable, keeping confidences, sharing on a need-to-know basis, exercising prudence, avoiding gossip, being honest, telling the truth, meaning what you say, and being fair and non-judgmental.

• Flexible. You have tough jobs and can get discouraged, Monsignor Swain told participants. "Sometimes all we're called to do is the best we can with the information and tools we have, be flexible, and let God do the rest."

• Realistic. We must recognize that we're all sinners, that institutions are imperfect, that there's evil in the world, said Monsignor Swain. "To be realistic is to assess the moment and take advantage of the opportunity we have," he said.

• Merciful. To forgive may or may not affect the person we're forgiving, but it affects us, said Monsignor Swain.

• Hopeful. "We're in the hope business," he said. "We are called to live with courage, to recognize some things to which we have no answers, but persevere and move on. May we live the vision we profess."