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| May 19, 2005 Edition | ||||
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Cathedral parish: Maintaining connectednessMADISON -- Approximately 130 members of St. Raphael Cathedral Parish here gathered for meetings held May 3 and 4 at Meriter Hospital.
The meetings were a chance for parishioners to pray together and discuss what they can do to preserve parish identity since the March 14 fire that damaged the cathedral. A question-and-answer session with Msgr. Paul Swain, cathedral rector, was also included in the meetings. The parishioner meetings were brought together by pastoral council members and members involved in Dane County United efforts, explained Mary Lestina, pastoral associate, who helped facilitate the meetings. Those on the committee facilitating the meetings include: Lestina, Charles and Ann Scott, Margaret Bomber, Robin Day Laporte, Julia Johnson, Dan Gibbons, and Mary Wrzesinski. The committee met twice together and once with Monsignor Swain to discuss efforts in helping St. Raphael Cathedral parishioners stay connected. What we're doing in these meetings is getting together and saying how can we deal with this difficult situation - how can we stay together as family, Monsignor Swain told Relevant Radio. Positive experienceAt the May 3 and 4 parishioner meetings, to see that people wanted to reconnect as a parish was a deeply moving experience, said Lestina. People have suffered, but the meetings were a positive experience, said Lestina. It showed people coming together, wishing to be connected, bringing positive out of a negative situation. One parishioner mentioned that even though they no longer have a building, God has given them a chance to form community, Lestina said. The first night we expected 30 people and had over 100, she said. About 25 people came to the morning meeting the next day. Feelings, ideasFirst parishioners shared their feelings after the fire. There was a feeling of huge loss, especially for families with a long history with the cathedral. Some feel lost and others feel disconnected, Lestina said. For some, the fire is still a shock. In examining ways the parish can maintain its identity, parishioners brainstormed various ideas for maintaining connection with each other. Some of the ideas included: a monthly meeting as an opportunity for people to share fellowship; a summer picnic in a local park with Holy Redeemer Parish and St. Patrick Parish; a Cathedral Choir concert in October; and trips to Holy Hill or St. John Cathedral in Milwaukee. One idea already in the works is a mystery bus tour Sept. 11. Another way in which parishioners are staying informed is with a parish newsletter by parishioner Charles Scott that includes information and upcoming events. Parishioners can also remain connected by visiting www.straphaelmsn.org Another idea is a combined bulletin, with one page for each of the three parishes in the downtown area. "A big thing was communication," said Lestina. "They also brought up the desire to come together and pray together." Someone else brought up the need for forgiveness of William Connell, who allegedly set the March 14 fire. Helping outAt the meetings parishioners also received Time and Talent sheets that would allow them to volunteer as greeters, gift bearers, lectors, etc., at Holy Redeemer and St. Patrick. Lestina pointed out that anger and hurt can be transferred to positive energy in the community. "I've invited them to be part of the team that goes to St. Martin House or Habitat for Humanity. They want to find a way to stay connected and want to know what they can do for the church," she said. Follow-up meetings will most likely occur in a few weeks, she said.
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Offices: Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, 702 S. High Point Road, Madison
Mailing address: P.O. Box 44985, Madison, WI 53744-4985
Phone: 608-821-3070 Fax: 608-821-3071 E-Mail: info@madisoncatholicherald.org