News Briefs: Habitat for Humanity MCFARLAND -- Christ the King Parish will sponsor a meeting open to the community on Sunday, Jan. 25, in the Parish Center, 5306 Main St., at 7 p.m. on the Twin Oak Habitat for Humanity Housing Development. The development, which lies north of Siggelkow Rd. in the City of Madison, will concentrate 50 homes together. Brian Miller, director of Madison Habitat for Humanity, will present plans for the development and answer questions and concerns. Those attending can also learn about ways of involvement by joining building crews, making lunches for volunteers, fundraising, donating in-kind services, and mentoring new residents. 'I CAN COPE' program MIDDLETON -- St. Marys Hospital Medical Center is offering the next eight-week program of "I CAN COPE" for those touched by cancer beginning on Monday, Jan. 26. The program runs for eight consecutive Mondays, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., through Monday, March 25. "I CAN COPE" is an American Cancer Society program. This series will be held at St. Bernard Church Parish Center, 7450 University Ave., Middleton. "I CAN COPE" offers information, support, and encouragement in dealing with cancer. The class is free and open to the public. To sign up, call St. Marys Hospital Public Relations and Marketing, 608-258-5065. Reclaiming Your Life MADISON -- An eight-week class entitled "Letting go and moving on" is a part of "Reclaiming Your Life . . . The Journey Ahead After a Separation, Divorce, or Love Relationship Break-up," a program that focuses on different aspects of recovering, rebuilding, and reclaiming life after loss. The next class begins Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, 702 S. High Point Rd., Madison. Each session begins at 7 p.m. and lasts until 9:30 p.m. The class addresses issues such as dealing with anger and sadness and recognizing signs of abuse and addiction in past and future partners, said program presenter Cheri McKently, coordinator of separated and divorce ministry for the Diocese of Madison's Office of Family Ministry. Each program is $135 and includes all materials. A $25 discount is available to those who pay the entire fee by Jan. 28. A $30 reservation is required. Registration, open to people of all faith backgrounds, is limited to 20 participants. For more information, contact McKently, 608-271-6359. Beginning Experience MADISON -- Beginning Experience is a weekend retreat for those suffering from the pain of loss through separation, divorce, or death. Presented by a team of people who have suffered the loss of a loved one, Beginning Experience is designed to be a time of closure on the past and a new beginning in the present. A Beginning Experience weekend will take place the evening of Friday, Feb. 27, through mid-afternoon Sunday, Feb. 29, at the O'Connor Center. Cost is $135, which includes lodging and meals. To register or for information, call McKently, 608-271-6359. Mission program volunteers needed MADISON -- The Latin American Mission Program (LAMP) is seeking volunteers to spend two to three weeks this summer in Mexico to teach religion, arts and crafts, and English; cook for volunteers; serve as drivers; or help in other ways. Registration and the first class for those interested in going to Mexico this summer will be held Sunday, Jan. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Diocese of Madison Catholic Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld St., Madison. For further information write LAMP, P.O. Box 85, Madison, WI 53701-0085, or call 608-845-7028, 608-255-5284, or 608-868-7816. 'Tailgate for Life!' in Beloit BELOIT -- "Tailgate for Life!" will be held on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 12 noon at St. Jude Parish Hall, 747 Hackett St. "Exposing Planned Parenthood's Plan for Your Family," an informative and inspirational multi-media presentation on Planned Parenthood's practices, will be given by Jerry Schmutte. He is one of the leading authorities in the state on Planned Parenthood and its anti-life agenda. He has addressed a variety of groups around the state, including youth, college students, community groups, and even state legislators. Schmutte is a retired business executive, father and grandfather. He and his wife live in Delafield. His "Defending God's Plan" seminars exposing the Planned Parenthood agenda can be scheduled through Pro-Life Wisconsin. Food will be provided at the event. For information contact Sr. Rosalia Bauer at 608-364-2830. Pro-Life Dinner Jan. 27 MADISON -- Knights of Columbus Council 531's annual Pro-Life Dinner will be held on Tuesday evening, Jan. 27, at the clubhouse, 5137 Verona Rd. Cocktails will be at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30. A representative of Wisconsin Right to Life will speak on stem-cell and cloning legislation at 7 p.m. A question and answer session will follow. Members, wives, and guests are welcome. Cost is $10 with proceeds donated to the pro-life cause. For reservations call 608-274-6803 before Jan. 26 and leave a message.

Catholic Schools Week:
To be celebrated Jan. 25-31

(See also front page photo.)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "Catholic Schools: A Faith-Filled Future" is the theme for the 30th annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week. The week runs from Sunday, Jan. 25, through Saturday, Jan. 31. The centerpiece of the week - National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools - is Wednesday, Jan. 28.

A long-time tradition in Catholic education, Catholic Schools Week became part of the National Marketing Campaign For Catholic Schools in 1991. This program is a collaborative undertaking by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

"Catholic education is one of the great and generous works of the church. Our graduates have become leaders of this country, teachers, religious men and women, and business entrepreneurs. Without doubt our schools have had a far-reaching impact on shaping the world," said Michael J. Guerra, NCEA president.

Dominican Sister Glenn Anne McPhee, secretary for education at USCCB, said that this year's theme of "Catholic Schools: A Faith-Filled Future" underscores faith as an important value at the foundation of a Catholic school curriculum and also gives assurance that Catholic schools foresee a bright future. "Catholic school leaders are committed to making a difference. Our goal is to graduate students who have strong moral standards and fine academic skills who will become good citizens and able members of the workforce."

The purpose of Catholic Schools Week is to build support and recognition for the 8,000 Catholic schools nationwide. During this week, many dioceses encourage parents to enroll their children in Catholic schools. CSW also is an opportunity to interest citizens in volunteering their time and talents to local Catholic schools.

National Appreciation Day

National Appreciation Day was established to encourage supporters nationwide to showcase the great accomplishments and contributions of Catholic schools to our country.

In Washington, a delegation of more than 150 Catholic school students, teachers, and parents will visit Capitol Hill to meet with congressional leaders to promote Catholic schools. As part of their marathon day, they will hand-deliver letters from chief administrators of Catholic education to their representatives and provide a background package on Catholic schools to every congressional office.

Daniel Curtin, executive director, Chief Administrators of Catholic Education (CACE) at NCEA, said that distributing letters from superintendents gives Catholic leaders an opportunity to tell Congress about the Catholic schools in their localities. "Many of our superintendents use this initiative as a timely reminder to reach congressional leaders directly with a united message about our priorities for Catholic education."

National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools is an important day in communities around the country as well. Governors, big city mayors, and small town councils have joined in to issue proclamations in support of Catholic schools. Many civic leaders also meet with students, parents, and principals to celebrate Catholic education on this day.

The National Marketing Campaign For Catholic Schools was established by USCCB and NCEA to promote Catholic schools year round. The "Faith-Filled Future" theme and logo advancing Catholic education is used daily, not only during Catholic Schools Week. Now in its 12th year, the marketing effort was launched to help create awareness of the value of a Catholic education and to increase enrollment.

Campaign materials also include an illustration from well-known "Family Circus" cartoonist Bil Keane, his ninth illustration in support of Catholic schools.

Committee members

Members of the National Marketing Committee from the USCCB are Dominican Sister Glenn Anne McPhee, USCCB secretary for education; Reverend William Davis, USCCB representative for federal assistance for Catholic schools; and Marie Powell, USCCB assistant secretary for parental advocacy. NCEA members are Regina Haney, executive director, National Association of Boards, Commissions, and Councils of Catholic Education; Christian Brother Robert Bimonte, executive director of the Department of Elementary Schools, and Daniel Curtin, executive director, chief administrators of Catholic Education (CACE).

NCEA is the largest private, professional education association in the world. Founded in 1904, the Association's membership represents more than 200,000 educators serving 7.6 million students at all levels of Catholic education. USCCB is the national public policy organization of the bishops in the United States.

Recycle the Warmth:
Annual blanket/bedding drive

MADISON -- The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's 12th annual blanket and bedding drive, "Recycle the Warmth," will be held the weekend of Jan. 24 and 25.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's District Council of Madison in Dane County is working with area churches, the four ShopKo Stores in Madison, A.A.A., WISC-TV 3, WTDY (1670 AM), WTUX (1550AM), and UPN-TV14.

On Saturday, Jan. 24, people may donate blankets, sheets, pillows, and other clean bedding to collection points at the four Madison-area ShopKo stores. Bedding will also be collected at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores on Williamson St., the West Beltline, and Park St. in Madison, and on Jefferson St. in Stoughton.

On Sunday, Jan. 25, nearly 30 churches will help collect bedding. For participating places of worship and time and collection details, call participating congregations, listed on the St. Vincent de Paul Web site at www.svdpmadison.org

All of the blankets and bedding collected or purchased will be given away during the next 12 months to needy individuals and families who come to the St. Vincent de Paul Service Center.

Monetary gifts for new sheets, pillows, and mattress covers are welcome. Last year over $5,000 was raised.

Checks may be made payable to "Society of St. Vincent de Paul" and sent to: District Council of Madison, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 1109 Jonathon Dr., Madison, WI 53713-3230.

For more information, call 608-278-2920.