News Briefs: Darlington parish hosts mission DARLINGTON -- Holy Rosary Parish here will host a parish mission, "Prepare Your Heart for Christmas," Sunday, Dec. 5, through Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Holy Rosary Church. Fr. Everett Hiller, a priest of the Rockford Diocese, will share a message for all people who discern a call to live as disciples of Jesus. The schedule for the mission follows with themes for each day: • Sunday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Mass, "Each person is called to be a disciple of Jesus Christ." • Monday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m. Mass, "Discipleship calls for volunteers to serve in the Kingdom." • Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Mass, "To be a disciple means our lifestyle must change often." This parish mission is open to everyone. Refreshments and fellowship follow each Mass. Childcare will be available. For more information, call 608-776-4059. Adult Catholic Spirit Club JANESVILLE -- The Adult Catholic Spirit Club will attend the 8 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at St. John Vianney Church to celebrate the spirit of the holidays. A brunch will follow the Mass in Marian Hall. Participants are asked to bring table service and a brunch food to share. There are no membership dues; a free will offering is accepted. All area Christians are invited. Future gatherings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at St. John Vianney Marian Hall. The group will tour four Milwaukee churches with lunch at Maders on Tuesday, Dec. 14. For reservations, call Joan Pastula at 608-752-0055. Ecumenical remembering service SINSINAWA -- An ecumenical remembering service will be held Sunday, Dec. 5, at 1:30 p.m. at Sinsinawa Mound. "Remembering Our Loved Ones at Holiday Time" will honor family and friends who have died. Personalized ornaments will be displayed on a tree in the Queen of Holy Rosary Chapel. This service is a living memorial and provides an opportunity for people to experience a meaningful ritual. For more information, contact Janice DeMuth, 608-748-4411, ext. 811, jdemuth@sinsinawa.org Children's Book Fair SUN PRAIRIE -- The Catholic Order of Foresters, St. James Court, Sun Prairie, is sponsoring a Children's Book Fair on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5, after the weekend Masses (Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30, 9, and 11 a.m.) at Sacred Hearts Parish, Sun Prairie. All funds raised will be matched by the Foresters. There will be many Christmas books along with other children's titles. Grief retreat at Mound SINSINAWA -- A grief retreat, "Journey Toward Wholeness," will be held at Sinsinawa Mound on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The retreat will reflect on losses to discover how loss can lead to greater wholeness and holiness. For more information, contact Janice DeMuth, 608-748-4411, ext. 811, or jdemuth@sinsinawa.org
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Sexual abuse audit: Shows diocese in compliance

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- The Diocese of Madison was found to be compliant with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, according to a recent audit report.

A team of auditors conducted the audit in Madison Nov. 8 through Nov. 11. The audit report included findings since the previous audit, which was conducted Aug. 11 through Aug. 15, 2003.

Healing, reconciliation

The report indicates that the diocese has a policy on the prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy, provides outreach to offer care to victims/survivors and their families, and has a mechanism in place to respond to any allegation where there is reason to believe that sexual abuse of a minor occurred.

"The diocese has a victim assistance coordinator, Kate Wiskus, who holds several advanced degrees and has had extensive work experience in the mental health field directly related to the issue of sexual abuse of minors," said the report.

"The diocese established a Review Board in July 2002, which consists of six members. The members include a former Chief Justice of the Wisconsin State Supreme Court; a practicing civil attorney; a psychiatrist who is currently medical director of Child and Adolescent Services at a hospital; a therapist who was a former head nurse of emergency services of a larger hospital; a former police officer; and a parish pastor. The Board serves as a confidential consultative body to the bishop."

Response to allegations

The report said, "The diocese would have reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities, however there were none since the last compliance audit. The diocese has established effective liaison with civil authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse allegations will occur."

According to the report, in every case involving canonical penalties, the diocese observes the processes provided for in canon law.

"The diocese has established clear and well-publicized standards of ministerial behavior for priests and deacons," the report said.

"A communications policy is in effect which reflects the bishop's pledge to be open and transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The diocese does assist and support all parish communities directly affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors."

Protection in future

The report noted that the diocese has fully implemented a "safe environment" education program supplemented by VIRTUS for children, parents, ministers, educators, and others.

"The diocese conducts background evaluations for all diocesan and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement resources where permissible," said the report. "The diocese employs adequate screening and evaluative techniques in deciding the fitness of candidates for ordination."

According to the report, the diocese has not transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him to another ministerial assignment or to another diocese/eparchy for residence since the last audit.

Offering recognition

At a recent staff meeting at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison, Bishop Robert C. Morlino recognized Kate Wiskus, director of the Office of Pastoral Services, and John Miller, director of the Office of Human Resources, as well as other diocesan staff for their efforts in preparing for the audit.

He expressed appreciation to Bishop William H. Bullock, bishop emeritus, who implemented the diocesan sexual abuse policy in 1993. Bishop Morlino also expressed appreciation to Bishop Cletus F. O'Donnell (now deceased) as well as retired Auxiliary Bishop George O. Wirz; Vicar General Msgr. Paul J. Swain; Office of Finance Director Greg Keller; and Chancellor Kevin Phelan.

Other diocesan staff members Bishop Morlino recognized for their audit preparation included: Linda Dziadzio, Office of the Bishop and Office of Finance; Sylvia Minnaert, Office of Finance; Bill Stevenson, Catholic Charities; Kyle Peterson, who helped in the Office of Human Resources and Office of Pastoral Services; Joan Haack, who helped in the Office of Pastoral Services; Pat Born, Office of the Bishop; Jay Conzemius, Diocesan Tribunal; Lorie Ballweg, Office of Pastoral Services; Bill Brophy, Office of Communications; Sr. Marcia Vinje, Office of Pastoral Services; J. Mark Brinkmoeller, Office for Justice and Peace; Elaine Canchola, Office for Justice and Peace and Office of Hispanic Ministry; Gloria Brockman, Office of Religious Education; Daun Maier, Office of Stewardship and Development; Carolyn Fangmeier, Office of the Vicar General; and Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald.

Wiskus said it was really a team effort to implement the program to create a safe environment for children.

St. Elizabeth's Home:
'Caring Hands, Healing Hearts'

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

(See also front page photo.)

JANESVILLE -- "Skilled Nursing Care in the Spirit of the Gospel: Caring Hands, Healing Hearts" is the mission of St. Elizabeth Nursing Home in Janesville.

It's obvious that mission is being carried out by the Sisters of Charity and the staff of St. Elizabeth Home. A visitor finds a warm, home-like atmosphere with extra touches that makes St. Elizabeth's a special place.

Pet therapy

Just walk in the front door of St. Elizabeth's and what do you see? Rabbits!

Two playpens contain mother and baby rabbits of all colors. The fuzzy bunnies have become favorites of the home's residents.

"The residents love to cuddle with them. It's wonderful," observed Mother Marie Julie Saegaert, the mother superior of the five Sisters of Charity who work at St. Elizabeth's. The religious order based in Baltic, Conn., operates the nursing home.

Mother Marie Julie says "pet therapy" is very effective with the 43 residents. Besides the rabbits, St. Elizabeth's also has a fish pond and birds living in the home.

"It's also wonderful for children who come to visit. They can play with the rabbits and look at the fish," she noted.

To keep the rabbit population manageable, family members and staff "adopt" many of the babies.

See the face of Jesus

There are 75 caregivers on the staff, all carrying out the home's mission. "We try to see the face of Jesus in every resident who is here," said Mother Marie Julie.

Some residents live at St. Elizabeth's for as many as 15 years. Others spend just a few days in the home's hospice program. They all come "to live out their days," noted Mother Marie Julie.

As a Catholic nursing home, St. Elizabeth's has Mass and praying of the rosary every day. Chaplain is Fr. Tim Gericke, a priest of the Diocese of Madison who lives nearby. There is Benediction at least once a week.

"Every month we have a memorial service for those who have died. We have regular Anointing of the Sick," noted the mother superior.

During Lent, there are Stations of the Cross held throughout the facility. "It's so moving," said Mother Marie Julie.

Special feasts are also celebrated, such as a crowning of Our Lady in May.

Requesting help

St. Elizabeth's first opened in 1955 as a "rest home" for women. It became a skilled nursing home in 1964. An addition was built in 1994.

For only the second time in their 50-plus years in Janesville, the Sisters are requesting help in raising funds for some much-needed repairs to their building. Among their needs are a new roof on the original building, new floors in the halls, and new plumbing fixtures to replace the ones installed more than 40 years ago.

The Sisters have obtained bids for the improvements and hope to raise $300,000 to enable them to continue to serve their residents so in need of care.

Don McGrath and George Steil, Sr., are co-chairs of the committee seeking contributions. "The committee has met to discuss the matter at length and has decided we will try to obtain the contributions so badly needed without the costly employment of a fundraiser," they said. "We hope that at this special time of the year the supporters of St. Elizabeth's Home will recognize their needs," they write in a letter being mailed to potential donors this week.

"Janesville and the surrounding area have been blessed by the availability of St. Elizabeth's Home, where patients have been cared for with kindness, compassion, and nursing expertise for more than 50 years," they said.

A form for contributions and pledges and a return envelope will be included in the mailing. Contributions to St. Elizabeth's Home are tax-deductible.

Thanks benefactors

Mother Marie Julie thanked all those who have already helped St. Elizabeth Home. "We have wonderful benefactors who give food, time, and talents," she said. "It makes St. Elizabeth's more like a home for our residents."

For example, she said one local school makes new door decorations for all the residents each month. Boy Scouts built a brick walk in the home's courtyard.

The Knights of Columbus bought a wheelchair accessible van for the home. "It's been a God-send," said Mother Marie Julie.

There is always a waiting list for people wanting to live at St. Elizabeth's Home. "My prayer is that we can continue to serve our residents with Christ-like compassion," said the mother superior.

With their supporters' help, that prayer will be answered.

Catholic Conference:
Releases comments on biotech initiative

MADISON -- The Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) released the following statement in response to Governor Jim Doyle's new biotech initiative:

"The Catholic Church encourages scientific inquiry and research. To the extent that scientists engage in ethical inquiry and discovery they participate in God's creative design for the universe.

"But research, like any human activity, must be ethically and morally grounded. Our society must evaluate scientific inquiry, like economic decisions, foreign policy, or any policy choices in light of its impact on human life and dignity."

Stem cell research

"Regarding stem cell research specifically, we encourage research on stem cells taken from people who have already been born. Cells derived in this morally licit way hold promise for medical and scientific advances and the use of public dollars to support such research is appropriate.

"Research that relies on the destruction of human embryos is another matter. Human life is sacred in its own right. Even at its earliest stage of development, human life must never be destroyed or sacrificed to serve some other end. Because we believe this, we object to stem cell research that requires the destruction of human embryos."

Severe reservations

"In this context, we have severe reservations about the Governor's new biotech initiative. We strongly object to those aspects of the initiative that support research that is rooted in the destruction of human embryos. We encourage all of our state's policy makers to oppose efforts to further invest public resources in this unethical research.

"At the same time, we support those elements of the initiative that seek to advance our public commitment to avenues of research that do not involve destruction of embryos. We are confident that, over time, these other avenues will discover ethically acceptable ways to advance human knowledge that serve the well-being of all people.

"We are further troubled by the degree to which the advancement of human embryonic stem cell research in this state is cast in terms of 'economic development' and the private market benefit that may be achieved. We urge policymakers to judge all decisions regarding the investment of our public resources by the degree to which they advance and uphold the dignity of the human person and not mere economic gain."

Serve all citizens

"Our state has a responsibility to serve all of our citizens. At a time when we are facing deficits in our programs to provide basic health care services to our most vulnerable citizens, it is critical for our policy makers to maintain a proper perspective on those public investments that will best serve the common good."