Bishops' Schedules: Bishop Robert C. Morlino Monday, January 24, 2005 -- Friday, January 28, 2005 Attend 2005 Bishops' Workshop, The National Catholic Bioethics Center, Dallas, Texas Bishop George O. Wirz Saturday, January 22, 2005 5:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Philomena Parish, Belmont, St. Michael Parish, Calamine, and Immaculate Conception Parish, Truman, at St. Philomena Parish, Belmont Sunday, January 23, 2005 1:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Portage, and St. Mary Help of Christians Parish, Briggsville, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Portage

Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino There is no column by Bishop Robert C. Morlino this week.

Official Appointments:

Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison, wishes to announce the following appointments:

Reverend Patrick F. Norris, O.P., Pastor, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Madison, as Health Care Coordinator for the Diocese of Madison, effective December 8, 2004.

Mr. Samuel Ballweg, Waunakee, to the Camp Gray Board of Directors for a three year term ending January 31, 2008.

Mr. Joseph Daniels, Jr., Verona, to the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, for a three year term ending December 31, 2008.

Mr. Thomas Klein, Madison, to the Catholic Charities Board of Directors for a three year term ending December 31, 2008.

Mr. Joseph Tisserand, Madison, to the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, for a three year term ending December 31, 2008.

Msgr. Paul J. Swain
Vicar General

Bishop's Letter

Dear Friends in Christ:

The annual combined collection for Latin America and the Home Mission will be taken the weekend of Jan. 22 and 23. Both collections provide essential financial support for those poor, rural, and remote dioceses and parishes that do not have adequate local resources to assure the most basic ministries and programs.

The collection for the Home Mission aids dioceses in the United States by supporting mission parishes, religious education programs, and the training of ordained, religious, and lay ministers. It assures a continuing effective Catholic presence and encourages the local Catholic faithful.

The collection in Latin America aids pastoral programs and projects that will have a lasting impact on the people and the Church in Central and Latin America. It helps respond to needs resulting from natural disasters like the landslides in Haiti and the Dominican Republic in 2004.

We are brothers and sisters in Christ with all Catholics throughout the world. We are especially close to those in the Americas. May we be generous in sharing our blessings with members of our Catholic family who are in need.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino
Bishop of Madison