News Briefs: JustFaith workshop planned in Madison MADISON -- Madison-area parishioners will be learning more about an innovative formation program in the peace and justice tradition of the church called JustFaith. An introductory workshop on JustFaith, "A Formation Program for Would-be Prophets," will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 602 Everglade Dr., Sunday, June 13. The day starts with Mass at 9 a.m. The program goes from 10 to 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be served. Offered by Catholic Charities USA, the workshop will be conducted by the program's creator, Jack Jezreel, and is sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. The intensive program will provide people with an opportunity to explore the Biblical tradition, the historic witness of the church, Catholic social teaching, and the relationship between spirituality and justice. Suggested donation is $10 at the door. Attending this introductory workshop does not commit one to the JustFaith program. For more information or to register, call 608-833-2606. For information on JustFaith, visit www.justfaith.org Day of reflection for singles MADISON -- The Office of Family Ministry invites all single (never married, separated, divorced, widowed) Catholics in the Diocese of Madison to a day of reflection, prayer, and discussion. The theme of the retreat is "Scripture as a Conversation With God." Erik Gyr, retreat leader, will provide participants with an overview of Sacred Scripture, including the structure of the Bible and its formation. The retreat will be held on Saturday, June 5, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, 702 S. High Point Rd., Madison. Cost of the retreat is $30 and includes lunch. Pre-registration is required and limited to 60 participants. For a registration form, call the Office of Family Ministry at 608-821-3175. Parish hosts health screenings GREEN LAKE -- On Friday, May 21, Our Lady of The Lake Parish here will be the site of a Life Line Screening event. Life Line Screening will offer three primary health screenings to detect the risk of stroke and vascular disease. These tests include a Carotid Artery Screening Test, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) test, and an Ankle Brachial Index (ABI). On that day, Life Line Screening will also offer a bone density screening which tests for the early detection of osteoporosis. Call 1-800-407-4557 to register and schedule an appointment. LAMP workshop for summer volunteers MADISON -- The Latin American Mission Program (LAMP) Workshop for summer volunteers will be held at the Catholic Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld St., Saturday, May 22. The workshop will include a Spanish Mass, travel information, teaching and arts and crafts ideas, experiences of former volunteers, slides, and an opportunity to meet this year's volunteers. For information, call 608-845-7028 or 608-868-7816. Apostolate secretary dies; new secretary named MONROE -- Doris Carpenter, executive secretary of the Apostolate to the Handicapped since 1982, died on April 22. "She touched all of our lives whether we knew it or not in our beloved apostolate," said Msgr. Tom Campion, apostolate director. "She served faithfully, committed, and dedicated. We will miss her. Our sympathy and prayers go out to her family, her husband, Charles, four children, grandchildren, and one great-grandchild." Ellen Marti has accepted the position of executive secretary. She will be assisted by chief volunteers in the office: Thea Buholzer, Lucille Babler, Carol Prain, and Irene Molitor. "We will now be getting ready for the Wisconsin Dells summer trip on Friday, Aug. 20. Tom Diehl, president of the Tommy Bartlett Water Show, has again invited us to be guests on that day," said Monsignor Campion.
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Priest Council:
Updated on sexual abuse prevention program

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- Priests were updated on implementation of the diocesan sexual abuse prevention program at the recent meeting of the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Madison.

Providing the update were Kate Wiskus, diocesan coordinator; John Miller, human resources director for the diocese; and Kevin Phelan, new chancellor for the diocese.

Bishop Robert C. Morlino introduced Phelan, noting his background in business and conflict management. The bishop said Phelan had experience in the Diocese of Helena in implementing the U.S. Bishops' Charter and Norms dealing with sexual abuse.

VIRTUS program

Wiskus said the Diocese of Madison contracted with the VIRTUS program to "provide awareness of child abuse and help parishes create and maintain safe environments."

So far, she said over 2,000 individuals have gone through awareness training and about 300 persons have been trained as facilitators. The facilitators can help put on training sessions for staff members and volunteers.

"We've encouraged all parish staff to be trained," said Wiskus.

Priests expressed support for the program. "People have been very complimentary and feel it's very, very good," said Msgr. Jim Gunn, Waunakee.

Background checks

Miller discussed the background check procedure. Background checks will be done at the diocesan office, but he said there should be someone who coordinates the checks at the parish level.

Miller said there has been some concern about old incidents surfacing in background checks. "I will look at all of them in terms of relevancy and approval will come back to the parish," he said, noting that the background checks themselves will not be seen by people at the parish.

Phelan said that background checks must be done on any paid employee of the diocese or parishes in active ministry as well as any volunteer who works regularly with children.

He said pastors will have the discretion and the responsibility to give the diocese the names for the checks. "Please be thorough," said Phelan. "We want to be focused on protecting every kid in the diocese."

Phelan said he will ensure that clear communication on background checks will be sent to priests. Bishop Morlino observed that the Diocese of Madison has a very good record. "But it shouldn't lead us to be less careful. You're doing something right. Let's keep it up."

Priestly life

Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl, Beloit, reported that a draft statement on the rights and responsibilities of priests accused of sexual misconduct has been prepared by the council's Priestly Life Committee.

Priests were asked to review it for future discussion. Bishop Morlino also said he welcomes the statement and will send it to specialists for their comment.

Catholic radio

Bishop Morlino asked for input from priests on how to promote Relevant Radio, the area Catholic radio station (1240 AM).

"A lot of the programming is solid," said the bishop. "They're giving me an opportunity to evangelize." He noted that the station plans to provide at least four hours of local programming.

Fr. Steve Umhoefer, Janesville, said he believes in radio as a medium. "But there are those who like religious radio and some don't." He said he would like Relevant Radio to offer more balance and an overview of Catholic thought.

Fr. John Meinholz, Monona, said, "I have listened to it. I like it, especially the Rosary and talk shows." He said he would be willing to promote specific programs.

Priest conference

Fr. Jason Hesseling, Portage, reported on the National Federation of Priests Councils' convention he and Father Umhoefer attended recently in Atlanta, Ga.

Both felt the conference was excellent. The theme was "Priestly Mission."

Also at the meeting:

• Bishop Morlino discussed the new Vatican instruction on the liturgy, Redemptionis Sacramentum (The Sacrament of Redemption), which he called a "definitive" document. He suggested that a day of reflection on liturgy be scheduled in the future with priests of the diocese to discuss this and other documents dealing with liturgy.

• The proposed clergy compensation package proposed at the last Presbyteral Council meeting was approved by Bishop Morlino. It provides for modest increases in priests' monthly salary, monthly car allowance, and annual continuing education expenses. The compensation for priests helping at Masses was also increased.

• The priests affirmed the diocese's plans to approve the sale of St. Joseph Church and property in Fort Atkinson. The parish will relocate to a new site.