News Briefs: Medicare education session MADISON -- An educational forum entitled "Medicare Part D Education Session - The New Prescription Drug Program" will be held at the All Saints Senior Apartment Homes on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Registration is at 1:15 p.m. An explanation of the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program, the eligibility requirements, coverage provisions, cost structures, and other fundamental concepts will be discussed. Presenter is Paul Sherman of Elder Law Center. His talk will be followed by questions. A tour of All Saints will be held from 2:45 to 3:15 p.m. All Saints is located at 8202 Highview Dr. in Madison near the intersection of Watts Rd. and Commerce Dr., adjacent to the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center. To register for the forum, contact Jim Pointer at 608-828-4305 or jpointer@finsvcs.com by September 9. Include name, address, and phone number. The forum is sponsored by Strategic Wealth Management Group, MassMutual, and All Saints Senior Apartment Homes. Abortion recovery program BELOIT -- If you have had an abortion, you may be experiencing some emotional difficulties ranging from minor annoyances to intense disruptions in life. Stateline Pregnancy Center in Beloit is offering a 12-week Abortion Recovery Program, "Forgiven and Set Free," in September. "Forgiven and Set Free" ministers God's healing grace to women who are suffering remorse after an abortion. Due to the highly confidential nature of this subject and our commitment to protect the privacy of its participants, location and times of these meetings are not publicized. Those wishing to participate in this program may phone Terri White at 608-365-5433 or e-mail her at recoveryandhope@hotmail.com Adult Catholic Spirit Club plans tour to Chicago JANESVILLE -- The Adult Catholic Spirit Club is planning a Chicago tour on Tuesday, Oct. 18, of the Baha'i Temple (one of the seven temples in the world), Holy Name Cathedral, and St. James Chapel, known as the "windows chapel," where each window is unique in itself. The bus leaves at 7:45 a.m. on October 18 (fees included in initial payment). Lunch is at The Berghoff with a choice of three entrées. The complete cost is $45 due to Adel Gaydos at 1227 Bingham Ave., Janesville, WI 53546, by September 14. For further information call Joan Pastula at 608-752-0055. Peer support group for divorced and separated MADISON -- A peer support group for those hurting from separation, divorce, or loss of a significant relationship is open to all ages/faiths at a Madison parish. New Directions will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at St. Dennis Parish Center, 413 Dempsey Rd., top floor. For information, call 608-821-3170.
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Tornado in Stoughton -- Posted: 8/19/2005, 4:50 p.m. Central Time By Julianne Nornberg CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF STOUGHTON -- A tornado that tore through Stoughton the evening of August 18 has left extensive damage and homeless people in its wake. One person was killed and at least three others were hospitalized. Approximately 80 homes were damaged in the Stoughton area. "It's a nightmare" that happened in just a few minutes, said Msgr. Gerard Healy, pastor of St. Ann Parish in Stoughton. Quite a few parishioners' homes have been damaged and some have been demolished, he said. At least two of the three people injured were also parishioners, he said. People in the parish have been offering shelter to those now homeless. They are also volunteering to coordinate cleanup and donation of food. Right now the community is in need of men or women with chainsaws, said Monsignor Healy. "Generally people are just glad to be alive. They're grateful they survived," he said. He noted that the disaster struck in the same week the community was dealing with the aftermath of a fire that devastated Christ Lutheran Church. "It's amazing the overwhelming goodness and resilience of people," he said. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will work with the Red Cross to get clothing and household items needed by people impacted by the tornado that struck the Stoughton area, said the organization's executive director, Ralph Middlecamp. Middlecamp said the prayers and thoughts of members of the society are with those who suffered loss because of the storm. "Our hearts go out to those who lost homes to the tornado," Middlecamp said. "Because of our five thrift stores, and especially our store in Stoughton - supplied through the generosity of contributors across Dane County - we're equipped to help fill the breach for families who have lost many of life's basic necessities." Middlecamp said that donations of clothing and household goods from across Dane County would be appreciated and would be used to replenish what St. Vincent de Paul will provide directly from its thrift stores to families and individuals impacted by the Stoughton tornado. Clothing, household goods, and relief checks may be dropped off during business hours at any of St. Vincent de Paul's five thrift stores in Dane County. Three of those stores are located in Madison (1309 Williamson St., 1900 S. Park St., and 4293 W. Beltline Highway); one is in Waunakee (213 S. Klein Dr.), and one is in Stoughton. Middlecamp said that St. Vincent de Paul's thrift store at 111 W. Jefferson St. in Stoughton was not directly affected by the storm and is open for business. Financial contributions for relief provided to those impacted by the tornado may be made payable to "Society of St. Vincent de Paul" and sent to 1109 Jonathon Dr., Madison, WI 53713-3230. "Disaster Relief" should be written on a donation check's subject line. Middlecamp said that Stoughton-area residents affected by the tornado are welcome to visit any of St. Vincent de Paul's Dane County stores to obtain aid from the organization. He said those needing help may also call St. Vincent de Paul's administrative offices for Dane County at 608-278-2920.

New seminarians

By Fr. Jim Bartylla
DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF VOCATIONS

(See also front-page photo.)

Annutio Vobis Gaudium Magnum! - I bring you news (of even more) joy!

As Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Madison, I'm very pleased to announce that 10 new seminarians for the Diocese of Madison will begin their studies towards priesthood this fall. In conjunction with our 10 existing seminarians, we currently have 20 fine men studying for the priesthood at high school, college, and major seminaries. Also this year, we ordained two men to the priesthood - Fr. Michael Radowicz and Fr. Eric Sternberg. Congratulations again to them!

New seminarians

Our new men come from a variety of backgrounds. Mark Miller and Justin Hall come from the UW-Madison Religious Studies program. Marc Ganser received a degree in history from Franciscan University at Steubenville and has been working in the family business since graduation and has been helping Fr. Eric Nielsen in parish ministry. David Johannes is no stranger to those involved in the Knights of Columbus and the Apostolate to the Handicapped in the Diocese of Madison.

Kokouvi Gabin Nofodji is originally from Togo, Africa, and has been in seminary since age 11. His family came to the United States over a year ago. He finished his high school equivalency here in Madison and is going on to college seminary. John Putzer comes from St. Paul's University Catholic Center at UW-Madison and will finish his college degree in seminary. Chad Droessler comes from Cuba City and will finish his education at Loras College while entering formation at St. Pius X College Seminary near the campus.

Tim Renz is a graduate of UW-Madison in Business Management and Human Resources, specializing in International Business. Jorge Miramontes Medina is no stranger to the Hispanic community in the greater Madison area where he has served faithfully in many capacities. Finally, Luke Genthe joyously returns to college seminary after taking a few years off.

Many thanks

Many, truly many, thanks are in order for the gift of these fine men to our diocese. Firstly, thank you to Jesus Christ who has answered our prayers and has called these fine men to discern His will in the seminary.

Thank you to Bishop Robert Morlino for his fatherly care and spiritual encouragement of our men as well as his zealous promotion of vocations.

Thank you to Bishop Emeritus William Bullock and Former Auxiliary Bishop George Wirz for their wise support of our men. Bishop Bullock has helped a number of these new men in their pre-seminary discernment over the last year.

Thank you to our parish priests for their promotion of vocations and their priestly example.

A special thank you to all of those involved in Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations. This potent prayer in the Year of the Eucharist has been generously answered by Our Lord. We look forward enthusiastically to future years of devoted prayer for vocations in front of the Blessed Sacrament in parishes and at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center. The Serra Clubs, the Southwest Vocation Club, the Knights of Columbus, and laity throughout the diocese have been engaged in this prayer and other active support of vocations.

There are many others too numerous to thank, and so we simply return again to thanking Our Lord most of all.

Peace to all in Jesus Christ, and if you or someone you know is interested in priesthood or religious life, please contact me, Rev. Jim Bartylla, Director of Vocations, at 800-833-8452 or vocations@straphael.org

World Youth Day: Pilgrims encouraged to look for God's gifts

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

(See also photo in 8/4/2005 edition.)

MADISON -- Pray for the gift of holiness and joy the Lord is preparing to give to you, Bishop Robert C. Morlino told young people at Mass before they left for World Youth Day (WYD) in Cologne, Germany.

Pilgrims gathered for the Mass Aug. 9 at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison. Bishop Morlino presided and Fr. Eric Nielsen, pastor of St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Sullivan and St. Mary Parish in Palmyra, concelebrated.

Bishop Morlino told the pilgrims he respected their generosity in giving their time and hearts to the Lord. "I am grateful to the Lord and to you and I'm proud of you," he said.

Strength from pope

He reminded the pilgrims that they were going to Cologne to see Peter. "Pope Benedict is not the successor of Pope John Paul the Great," he said. "He is the direct successor of St. Peter, just like Pope John Paul the Great was."

Related articles: From the August 4, 2005 edition: • Madison pilgrims: Excited about trip to World Youth Day • What is World Youth Day?

That means that all of the gifts Christ imparted to Peter have also been given to Pope Benedict, he said. "Whoever the pope is has communion of authority with Peter. You're going to see St. Peter to be strengthened by him."

Secondly, the pilgrims will receive another wonderful gift when they are blessed by the pope - a plenary indulgence, said Bishop Morlino, noting that they have to say certain prayers and there must be no affection for sin in their hearts.

A plenary indulgence is the church opening its treasury to allow you to spend less time in purgatory, he said. "You must ask for the grace of the Lord to have less and less sin."

Gifts from God

In his third point, the bishop said, "Every time someone goes to Peter in faith, there is a gift associated with it. Every gift is tailored to each person."

If you see Pope Benedict as Peter, you'll get a special gift tailored to your own growth in holiness and joy, he said. "Sometimes you don't realize it until a year afterward."

"If you have faith, it's not possible to be in his presence and not be touched by that - and even if you don't have faith," he said.

"I was in Rome when Gorbachev said, 'I don't believe what Catholics believe, but in his presence there is something very powerful and different.' Even a communist ruler of an atheist state had a special experience when he encountered the pope.

"Ask the Lord to stir up your faith so you see the pope as Peter," said Bishop Morlino. "Have a good time, a joy-filled time, and a faith-filled time. You'll be different when you come back."

In closing remarks to the pilgrims, Bishop Morlino reminded them to look for the special gift from the Lord. "I hope in some cases it's a call to the priesthood or religious life," he said.

Asking for prayers

He asked them to pray for vocations and that the Lord deepen the faith of all people in the understanding of the liturgy. He explained that in addition to vocations, one of his priorities is to focus on catechesis and liturgy because that's where most people get their catechesis.

Most people are good - when they understand what is right, they want to do the right thing, he said. Sometimes misunderstanding comes from "liturgical cocktails" that have to be taken off the menu in time, he said.

In a final blessing, the bishop asked the Lord to remain with the pilgrims, give them the light of His grace, and bring them safely to their destination.

After Mass, 42 pilgrims, including Father Nielsen who served as their guide, left for WYD. Thirty-eight people led by Ben Weisse, associate director for youth ministry in the diocesan Office for Justice and Pastoral Outreach, left for WYD Aug. 14.