News Briefs: Celebrate vocations at Janesville luncheon JANESVILLE -- The Serra Club of Janesville is sponsoring a Thanksgiving Luncheon Celebrating Vocations to the priesthood and religious life to be held Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 12 noon at the Janesville Country Club. Priests and religious will be guests of the Serrans. The luncheon will offer everyone an opportunity to meet and mix over a leisurely lunch. Special guests will be Bishop William H. Bullock, bishop emeritus, and Bishop George O. Wirz, auxiliary bishop. Any area residents interested in renewing friendships with priests of the diocese are welcome to attend. Tickets are $20 each. Reservations and payments should be received by Nov. 7 by John Braunwarth, 6244 Mineral Point Rd., Janesville, WI 53548. Members of the Serra Club are Catholic men and women whose aim is to encourage people to consider vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Upcoming talk on AIDS in Africa MADISON -- Nearly 15 percent of people in Malawi live with HIV/AIDS. To most, it's just another tragic statistic on the pandemic raging through Africa. But to Abbie Shawa, HIV/AIDS program manager for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Malawi, it's no mere number. It's about his own younger brother who died of AIDS. It's what has galvanized him to dedicate his life to helping others who suffer from the disease. In doing so, Shawa has become a symbol of hope in the face of Africa's HIV/AIDS pandemic. Shawa is on a month-long speaker series circuit throughout the United States. In the Diocese of Madison, he will be speaking at the following times and places: • 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 - Catholic Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld St., Madison. • 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 - St. Paul Catholic University Center, Madison. The speaker series is part of Catholic Relief Services' "Africa Rising: Hope and Healing" campaign. A goal of the campaign and speaker series is to give U.S. communities the opportunity to hear firsthand from people directly affected and involved in responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. For more information on the campaign, visit www.CatholicRelief.org. Educational fair on adoption, foster care MADISON -- People interested in learning how they might build families and help children through adoption and foster care are invited to attend a free educational fair to be held Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison. Representatives from eight private and public agencies, including Catholic Charities, will be on hand to provide information and answer questions about foster care, as well as domestic, special needs, and international adoption. Current and former foster and adoptive parents will share their experiences. Child care, snacks, and activities will be available. For information, call Kristin Lampe, Dane County Foster Care, at 608-242-6307 or e-mail lampe@co.dane.wi.us Support groups for separated, divorced MADISON -- Peer support groups for those hurting from separation, divorce, or loss of a significant relationship are open to all ages/faiths at two Madison parishes. Friends on a Journey meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at Our Lady Queen of Peace nursery, 401 S. Owen Dr. For information, call 608-821-3170. New Directions meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at St. Dennis Parish Center, 413 Dempsey Rd., top floor. For information, call 608-821-3170. 'Journey toward Wholeness' retreat on grief SINSINAWA -- A "Journey toward Wholeness" grief retreat will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Sinsinawa Mound, located in southwestern Wisconsin on Cty. Rd. Z, off Hwy. 11. Registration deadline is Nov. 21. Cost is $40 for individuals or a family plus $8 for lunch ($5.50 if under 12). Retreatants will also have the option of staying over Saturday evening to attend the remembering service the following day at 1:30 p.m. Participants will discover how loss can lead to greater wholeness and holiness. For more information, call 608-748-4411. Upcoming Mother Teresa retreat MADISON -- An adult retreat entitled "Blessed Mother Teresa: Love and Holiness One Person at a Time" will be held from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Schoenstatt Heights, 5901 Cottage Grove Rd. Retreat master is Fr. Gerold Langsch. Cost is $25 for meals, plus a donation for the priest. Registration deadline is Nov. 6. For reservations call Irene, 608-222-4655. Festival of Praise Nov. 8 MADISON -- St. Paul University Catholic Center, 723 State St., will hold a Festival of Praise (FOP) from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. A FOP consists of contemporary praise and worship music and the opportunity to experience the ministries of the Holy Spirit. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Grace Simon at 608-258-3140 or gsimon@stpaulscc.org Retreat for girls at Schoenstatt Heights MADISON -- There will be a retreat for girls ages six to 10 at Schoenstatt Heights, 5901 Cottage Grove Rd., on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $10 and scholarships are available. For registration form call 608-222-7208 or e-mail srfrances@schsrsmary.org. The registration deadline is Nov. 17.

All Saints: Groundbreaking for new senior neighborhood

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

(See also front page photo and sidebar.)

MADISON -- Groundbreaking ceremonies took place on Halloween, Oct. 31, for the All Saints senior neighborhood on Madison's west side.

Related articles ... This week's issue: • Blessing of All Saints Retirement Center (sidebar) • Faith in action: All Saints Retirement Center (editorial) October 30, 2003 issue: • Catholic Charities: To break ground for All Saints Retirement Center in Madison • Illustration of how completed project will look

"It's so appropriate that we have the groundbreaking on All Hallow's Eve," noted Bishop George O. Wirz. "We build on the heritage of our ancestors, the saints."

He was one of many speakers at a program preceding the groundbreaking ceremonies at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center. The new All Saints community will be built adjacent to the center.

The nine-acre neighborhood is near the intersection of Watts Rd. and Commerce Dr. All Saints is owned by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Madison and being development by the Horizon Development Group of Verona.

'Faith in action'

Two themes were repeated by the speakers: putting "faith into action" and "private-public sector partnerships." Close behind was the virtue of patience, since this housing project took about seven years to come to fruition.

"All Saints is a wonderful example of faith in action," said Brian Cain, executive director of Catholic Charities.

"We surveyed seniors within several miles of the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center. The responses indicated a strong need for affordable senior housing. The response we received was exceptional and indicated a real bond with the church and trust from the senior community to Catholic Charities."

That bond was evident at the pre-groundbreaking luncheon, attended by over 90 area senior citizens. Some were ready to make a commitment, while others were gathering information.

Charles V. Heath of Horizon said All Saints is the "brainchild" of Brian Cain, who had the idea and went to the Catholic Charities board. "It's a continuum of services for those 55 or better in our community," said Heath.

"It had to address affordable housing needs and be integrated into the community as a whole. The site is near the Bishop O'Connor Center, anchoring the spiritual community, and the Hillpoint neighborhood. It's a blending together of the old and the new."

Partnership

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said, "I can't claim much credit for this project. But I'd be proud to do so."

He noted that 77 million Americans - the baby boom generation - will retire in the next 20 years. "We will need to deal with it. All Saints is an example of how to do it."

Catholic Charities and Horizon have partnered with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and the City of Madison.

Antonio Riley, executive director of WHEDA, said, "WHEDA is committed to providing quality affordable housing for seniors. All Saints wouldn't have been possible without public and private partnerships." He noted that WHEDA provided $13.4 million enabling Catholic Charities and Horizon to proceed with the project.

Three different phases

The senior neighborhood will be developed in three phases:

• All Saints Retirement Center will include 144 one- and two-bedroom apartment homes that range from 644 to 1,220 square feet in size. All Saints Retirement Center will open in summer 2004 and offer both income-eligible and market-rate apartments.

• The Cottages at All Saints will be 12 duplexes for seniors available in two designs that range from 1,500 to 1,850 square feet in size. The duplexes will be available through a life-lease program and will open in summer 2004.

• A third phase could include assisted living, memory care, or other senior housing services.

For leasing information about All Saints, call Katie Roellig at 608-827-2222.

Dane County United:
Citizens join for common good

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- They came from Catholic parishes, Jewish synagogues, Mennonite churches. They came from labor unions, education organizations, neighborhood planning councils. It was a diverse group united in one cause - the birth of Dane County United.

At a founding assembly at the Alliant Energy Center Nov. 2, nearly 1,500 citizens of Dane County together showed their support for Dane County United, a way to address common concerns.

Related articles ... October 30, 2003 issue: • Dane County United: Catholics encouraged to participate October 23, 2003 issue: • Dane County United: To hold founding assembly Nov. 2 • Sidebar: Proposed Purpose Statement

Reaching across religious, racial, and geographic lines, shared concerns include issues such as housing choice and availability; health care access and affordability; quality education for all; economic security and disparity; services for vulnerable populations; immigration and integration; and environment, development, and transportation.

Since summer 2001, leaders from more than 40 different congregations and organizations have been forming relationships to identify shared concerns and develop a vehicle through which these needs for the common good can be voiced. That vehicle is Dane County United.

Begun with invocation

The founding assembly began with an invocation by several religious leaders, including Msgr. Daniel Ganshert, former rector of St. Raphael Cathedral and one of the initial Dane County United sponsors.

"God of grace, gift us with courage and hope," he prayed. "Give us the willingness to take risks."

Catholic parishes and organizations represented among the many delegations included: Christ the King Parish, McFarland; Holy Mother of Consolation Parish, Oregon; St. Benedict Center, St. Bernard Parish, St. James Parish, St. Martin House, St. Paul University Catholic Center, St. Raphael Cathedral, and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, all of Madison.

Letter from bishop

Auxiliary Bishop George O. Wirz read a letter from Bishop Robert C. Morlino.

"I write today in order to stand with you in spirit even though I cannot do so in body. I hope in due time to be with you in person," said Bishop Morlino in his letter. "As the new Bishop of Madison, I am encouraged by this concrete effort to promote the common good of our community. I honor each of you for choosing to take action, to take part in the life of the community. Thank you for doing so!"

The Catholic tradition calls for us to participate in public life and contribute to the common good, he said. "As a recent Vatican statement teaches, democratic societies like ours 'call for new and fuller forms of participation in public life by Christians and non-Christian citizens alike.

"Indeed, all can contribute, by voting in elections for lawmakers and government officials, and in others ways as well, to the development of political solutions and legislative choices which, in their opinion, benefit the common good (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Doctrinal Note, November 24, 2002, #1). As you demonstrate by your presence today, this is primarily the task for lay leaders.

"You who are involved in efforts such as Dane County United answer this call to participate. I encourage each of you to continue in this work, to continue to contribute, to seek others to join with you. Speaking for the Diocese of Madison, I thank you for taking part. May God guide your efforts and bless all of you."

Bishop Wirz, a priest in Madison for 52 years and auxiliary bishop in Madison for 26 years, said he stands in awe of all the human, educational, environmental, civic, and religious resources throughout Dane County. He noted that if we work together, nothing will be impossible.

"Happy birthday, Dane County United," said Bishop Wirz.

Other affirmations

Other religious, labor, and civic leaders offered their affirmations of Dane County United.

"This is a watershed moment for all of us," said Scott Anderson, executive director, Wisconsin Council of Churches.

"The university stands ready to work with you," said Chancellor John Wiley, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"As citizens, we can make a difference," said Rev. Michael Schuler, parish minister, First Unitarian Society. "Unity can be forged from diversity."

'Time to get to work'

At the founding assembly, those gathered approved the name, statement of purpose, initial guidelines, and interim steering committee for the organization.

"Now it's time to get to work," said Mary Lestina, pastoral associate, St. Raphael Cathedral, and member of the interim steering committee for Dane County United. "The power of Dane County United depends on relationships with each other and citizens willing to act. Therefore we're asking you to commit yourself to taking action. It is our work to listen to the voices of fellow citizens."

Rich Bogovich, parish council member, St. Bernard Parish, Madison, said one of the most important ways to do this is to listen to one another.

Sharing stories

Those gathered then listened to stories illustrating the various needs of citizens in Dane County. Those sharing their stories included Amanda Bell and her brother Sadler who has Down's syndrome. "I'll be out there fighting for a fair chance for everyone," said Sadler.

Barbara Keresty of Madison Teachers Inc. and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Madison, spoke of the challenges schools face, such as homeless and abused students.

"The challenges in the classroom are growing but the resources are not," she said.

Afi Lake of the Wexford Ridge Neighborhood Center shared the story of her son, who said about his school, "It's so nice to be someplace you're wanted." She said, "We want every child to say that. We all need to work together. We as citizens must lead the way."

Need to unite

David Meyer of the Northside Planning Council talked about how his neighborhood suffered from the loss of its only grocery store. We lack power by ourselves, so we need to unite to make sure our basic needs will be met, he said.

Judy Collison, a member of Holy Mother of Consolation Parish, Oregon, stressed how her neighborhood is changing and how surrounding areas of Madison need to work with Madison.

"In Dane County, we are all interconnected," she said.

Bill White, Madison firefighter, spoke of the challenges of serving a growing community.

"These stories remind us we have a great deal of work ahead of us," said Lestina.

Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk also offered a few words. Delegations, business leaders, and political leaders present, including Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, were recognized as well.

For common good

Afterward, Monsignor Ganshert said he was very impressed by the type of energy displayed.

"It is our hope that by bringing religious and community organizations together that the public discourse will be raised to focus more on the common good and less on political and personal advantage," said Msgr. Paul J. Swain, vicar general and rector of St. Raphael Cathedral. "From the Catholic perspective, organizations such as Dane County United must be mainly the work of the laity."

For more information, visit www.danecountyunited.org or e-mail danecountyunited@tds.net

Apostolate to Handicapped:
Christmas party to be held Dec. 6

MONROE -- "This is the Way - Walk in It" is the theme of the 37th annual Christmas Party for the handicapped sponsored by the Apostolate to the Handicapped on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Monroe Senior High School here.

Hugo and Heidi will begin the day at 9:45 a.m. with their music in keeping with the season. They will entertain again after the Mass, during the dinner, and for distribution of the gifts.

Bishop Robert C. Morlino, new bishop of the Diocese of Madison, will make his first appearance at the day for the handicapped at 11 a.m. He will preside and preach at a concelebrated Mass, assisted by other priests of the diocese.

The Diocesan Choir will sing for the Mass. Cantors and song leaders will be Randy Gracyalny, Kevin Laufenberg, Cindy Blanc Blum, and Tom Schilt. Commentators and acolytes will be those who are on the weekly television Mass on WISC-TV.

A traditional Christmas dinner will be served after the Mass. Mike Doyle and his kitchen staff will prepare the dinner. Serving will be under the direction of the Monroe Future Farmers of America members and Monroe athletes. On the feast of St. Nicholas, he will bring gifts to every guest attending.

All handicapped and elderly persons are invited to attend this event. To make a reservation, write Msgr. Tom Campion, Box 443, Monroe, WI 53566. Transportation will be furnished whenever possible to anyone needing a ride. There is no cost to anyone as expenses are paid for by the friends of the Apostolate to the Handicapped.

Hundreds of volunteers will share their time and talent to help make the day possible: drivers, nurses, set-up crews, clean-up crews, cooks, and servers. There are Knights of Columbus and many other service organizations including Monroe firemen, Monroe auxiliary police, Monroe Emergency Medical Service, Monroe football players, Monroe Future Farmers of America, and several other groups.

Volunteers also include decorators and favor makers; benefactors and volunteers of all age groups; students and faculty of Monroe High School. Several hundred helpers help make sure 1,200 disabled guests have a happy day.

"Together, we walk the journey of faith, hope, and love, which give light for the journey," commented Monsignor Campion. "We see others and walk with them and see life's real possibilities in everyone to the extent that faith, hope, and love become operative. We walk with a sense of awe and wonder at the possibilities in our lives and others.

"It is a journey of respect, equality, valued relationships, teaching, learning, sharing, giving, and receiving. This is the way and we walk in it," he said.