News Briefs: OLA, Beloit conducts capital campaign BELOIT -- Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Parish, Beloit, is in the midst of its "Building for the Future: Completing the Challenge Campaign" to raise a minimum of one million dollars to secure a solid financial future. New facilities have been built and ministries expanded. According to Pastor Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl, "This campaign will ensure the future of our parish. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to make this parish special for generations to come, to have our parish be debt-free in three years. A building project was completed at OLA by fall of 2004. It included a new church seating about 600, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Assumption Hall with seating for 250, serving kitchen, elevator, music room, gathering space, restrooms, elevator, and improvements to OLA Grade School. Campaign director Kate Kueng of Trinity Consultants, Janesville, noted that more than half of pledges have been already received for this campaign. The active phase of the campaign ends May 26 and it will be conducted over a 36-month period. Vigil of Pentecost Mass, prayer for priests MADISON -- The Diocesan Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal invites all to celebrate the Vigil of Pentecost on Saturday, May 14, at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center. Prayer and praise begins at 3:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 4 p.m. with Msgr. Paul J. Swain as celebrant. There will be Eucharistic Adoration; intercessory prayers for priests, deacons, and seminarians; and Benediction at the conclusion of Mass. Each person attending will be given the opportunity to take the name of a priest and make a commitment to pray daily for that priest during the next year. Following Benediction there will be fellowship and refreshments. For information call 608-833-6560. Fr. Holmes speaks to Serrans about new pope JANESVILLE -- On Friday noon, May 13, Fr. Kevin Holmes, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, Sauk City, will talk about Pope Benedict XVI, at the Janesville Serra Club meeting at the St. William Parish Center on Arch St. The public is welcome to attend. The noon meetings normally run until 1:30 p.m. People are invited to drop in with their lunch.
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St. James Parish, Madison: Celebrates 100 years of faith

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

(See also front-page photo.)

MADISON -- A yearlong celebration of the 100-year anniversary of St. James Parish here culminated in a Mass with Bishop Robert C. Morlino April 24.

"We want to welcome Bishop Morlino as St. James celebrates its centennial," said Msgr. Tom Baxter, pastor. "Bishop, you honor us with your presence."

He also welcomed the concelebrating priests, all of whom served at St. James Parish over the years as a priest or deacon: Msgr. Delbert Schmelzer; Fr. Kevin Dooley; Fr. Wilfred Schuster; Msgr. Dan Ganshert; Msgr. Terry Connors; Msgr. William DeBock; Fr. Jim Murphy; and Fr. Mike Resop.

"We are honored by their presence as well," said Monsignor Baxter. "We are grateful for all they do."

Recognizing 100 years

Bishop Morlino thanked everyone, including those who were helping during the Mass, and he said he was touched by the presence of the priests who had served at the parish.

"Through you I want to thank all of the foremothers and forefathers of the parish for 100 years of witness to the faith" that has helped serve to make this building into a holy place, Bishop Morlino said in his homily.

You know what it means to give of yourself and you know the fabric of faith of this wonderful parish, he said. "I'm so happy to be with you under the patronage of St. James. Thank you from the heart."

"What a wonderful moment for you and the church and all for the glory and praise to God as you've offered him that glory and praise for 100 years," he said.

At the end of Mass, Monsignor Baxter also recognized Monsignor Dushack, who served as pastor for 12 years, and Monsignor DeBock, who served as pastor for 20 years.

Readers were Sr. Mary Paynter, Ken Gmeinder, and Mike Moschkau. Master of ceremonies was Brent King. Servers were Jacob, Sheila, and Jeffrey Behling. Gift bearers were Tom Karls, Richard Grosse, and Ken Hanson.

A reception followed in the church hall.

Members' comments

During the reception, people could purchase various items marking the parish centennial: a CD of the parish adult choir; an ornament/magnet; and the St. James Centennial historical book. Historic photos and memorabilia were also on display.

"It was a marvelous celebration and there is such a nice turnout," said Pat Doran, chair of the centennial committee. "It's nice seeing the priests from the past. Having the priests here brings back memories for people and that's what we want to do."

"This parish used to be called the 'people's parish'" which reflects the nature of its inclusive community that warmly shares everything, said longtime parishioner Bonnie Moshkau, whose husband grew up in the parish. "College students love to come here because they feel that acceptance and warmth. It's a joy to be a part of this. The priests, sisters, deacons, and people are just good people.

"Our boys went to school here and so I loved the sense of family here," she said, noting that some of her favorite memories at the parish include liturgies at Christmas, spaghetti dinners, and school concerts.

'A great place to be'

"There is such a diversity of people here," said Sr. Kathleen Loughrin, principal of St. James School for 12 years. "I love working with the people here and I'm amazed and grateful for the constant support of the school. They are examples to our children."

The Sisters who founded the school made it a place of excellence, she said. "I'm proud to be here. Sometimes people call it the hidden jewel of Madison. It's a great place to be."

Mike Gmeinder, a St. James parishioner for 65 years, said his five children and some of his grandchildren attended school there.

"People work together here," he said. "Anytime you ask, they are willing to help out."

"It's just wonderful to be a part of this celebration," said parishioner Andy Galvin.

"It's a wonderful celebration," said Monsignor Dushack.

The final centennial events include an alumni dinner and dance May 21 and a 10:30 a.m. Mass followed by a reception May 22.

Susanna Herro:
To direct justice and pastoral outreach

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

(See also front-page photo.)

MADISON -- Bishop Robert C. Morlino has announced that Susanna D. Herro will replace Mark Brinkmoeller as full-time director dealing in the issues of justice and pastoral outreach for the Diocese of Madison.

Brinkmoeller, who served the diocese for over nine years, has taken a position with Bread for the World in Washington, D.C. Herro will begin her new duties May 31.

Bishop Morlino said, "Susanna Herro is an attorney who is well connected in social justice and life issues. She will be wonderful in this position."

Social teachings

Herro said she is excited to accept this position with the Diocese of Madison. Her main goals, she said, are to "bring Catholic social teachings to the diocese and provide a way for people to act on their faith."

She observed that "we already live the social teachings in our parishes, schools, hospitals, and families. We want to interconnect these efforts so that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts."

Interest in justice

Herro's interest in social justice issues dates back to her high school years, when she was a United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' representative to a Rural Youth Conference and a White House Conference on Youth.

She attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in foreign service. "When I was in college, I attended a children's Mass off campus. I heard the words, 'He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.' That inspired me to think of going to law school. I felt this was a way to promote justice."

She worked for a congressman while attending law school at night. While at Georgetown she met Stuart Herro, whom she married. They spent one year in Argentina, where Stuart had a fellowship. They traveled extensively in South America. "It was the first time I saw extreme poverty close-up," said Herro. "People lived in poor homes, but they had great faith and joy in their lives."

The Herros returned to Madison, where Stuart grew up, to complete law school at the University of Wisconsin. Susanna has been practicing law in the areas of business, estate planning, and real estate. She has been an adjunct professor at Cardinal Stritch University in the MBA program.

Susanna and Stuart have been married for 33 years. They have four children: Christian, Ed, Maria, and Alana, and one grandson.

Volunteer experience

Herro has had extensive volunteer experience in civil and church organizations, including involvement with HospiceCare, Catholic Charities, Edgewood High School, St. Marys Hospital and Health Care Foundation, Camp Gray, and pro-life organizations.

She has served on the Wisconsin Catholic Conference Bishops' Advisory Committee from 1997 to the present. She has been a board member of Catholic Charities since 2003 and currently serves as its president.

At Blessed Sacrament Parish, she has been finance chair, president of the parish council, trustee, song leader, Eucharistic minister, lector, and involved in many other areas.

Herro said she was drawn to become active in the right to life movement because "I didn't think Roe v. Wade was a just decision. I have volunteered for many years in the pro-life arena. That led to working with HospiceCare, St. Marys Hospital, Project Rachel, and other areas.

She emphasizes, "If you want peace, you have to seek justice. And if you want justice, you have to act with love."

Forming a team

In her work with the Diocese of Madison, Herro is forming a team with Beverly Hartberg in family ministry, Ben Weisse in social justice and youth ministry, and Andy Russell, the new administrator of the Catholic Multicultural Center (see related article below). "They are all faith-filled, energetic people," commented Herro.

She said their work would encompass such areas as respecting life, building families, providing for the least of our brothers, and stewardship of the earth.

"One of the exciting things is to let the entire Diocese know about how groups like St. Vincent de Paul, the Knights of Columbus, and many, many other organizations already live the social teachings. We want to let people know about all their opportunities for contributing to peace and justice and living out their faith."

Herro said she wants to make sure to reach out to the whole diocese. "Some of the problems are hidden and we need to explore how to work together," she said. "I hope to learn about programs in other dioceses that are successful and seek active participation in our diocese without adding to the demands of our parish priests."

Bringing faith into public arena

She will continue diocesan involvement in such programs as Catholic Relief Services' Global Solidarity Program and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. "I want all of these programs to grow," she said.

"People in the Diocese of Madison have such generous hearts," she noted."We had an amazing outpouring from our diocese for tsunami relief. As people delve into the social teachings, I believe they will discover a richness added to their faith lives. In deepening our understanding, we will discover new ways of bringing our faith into the public arena to help our brothers and sisters."

Andy Russell:
New administrator of Multicultural Center

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

(See also front-page photo.)

MADISON -- Bishop Robert C. Morlino has announced that Andy Russell has been named the new administrator of the Diocese of Madison's Catholic Multicultural Center located at 1862 Beld St. in Madison.

Russell has been house director of the Ronald McDonald House in Madison for the past three years. He has been a volunteer at the Multicultural Center since 1999, where he has taught English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, helped with the food pantry, and assisted with maintenance. "I've helped with anything they needed done," he said.

He will be working with both Centro Guadalupano and St. Martin House, the programs housed in the Multicultural Center. "They are both great programs," said Russell. "It's a beautiful new building but we need people to make this tool useful. We hope to take both Centro Guadalupano and St. Martin House to a new level in serving the communities they serve. I am excited to work with Steve Maurice and Antonio Quintanilla and others involved with these programs."

Russell explained that Centro Guadalupano primarily serves immigrants, the majority of whom are Spanish-speaking persons who've recently arrived in Madison. The center helps them to become part of the community through ESL classes, computer classes, a food pantry, and other services.

St. Martin House acts as a community center and a place to serve the poor through a meal program and other outreach efforts. "People can come to the center to be welcomed," said Russell. "It's a place of hospitality."

He noted the Multicultural Center is a place "where people can live their faith through service."

A native of Peoria, Ill., Russell attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in urban development and real estate. He worked as a real estate appraiser in southeastern Wisconsin for three years before moving to Madison, where his wife, Angela, attended graduate school. Both of them have been involved as volunteers at the Multicultural Center.

Andy Russell was a VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) for two years after they moved to Madison. Then he joined the Ronald McDonald House staff.

He has been an active member of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Madison, where he is a Eucharistic minister. He has been involved in Theology on Tap for two years as an emcee (this is a Catholic outreach effort to young adults).

Russell hopes to encourage more people to volunteer at the Catholic Multicultural Center. He starts his new position on May 23.