Editorial

About a year ago, I wrote an editorial encouraging people in the Diocese of Madison to support the new Elizabeth House Maternity Home being built in Madison.

Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison had authorized a collection for this new ecumenical pro-life project. He joined with churches of many other denominations in the "Offering Hope" Capital Campaign to support the Elizabeth House. The campaign's goal was to raise $2.2 million to complete the building.

More on Elizabeth House: from Oct. 6, 2005 edition: • Respect Life Letter from Bishop Morlino -- Provide safety, refuge from May 5, 2005 edition: • Editorial -- Vision becomes reality: For new maternity home Apr. 21, 2005 edition: • Elizabeth House to break ground May 1 Mar. 3, 2005 edition: • Elizabeth House: Campaign passes half-way mark Dec. 30, 2004 edition: • Elizabeth House: Diocese donates $75,000 to maternity home Oct. 28, 2004 edition: • Bishop's Letter: Collection for Elizabeth House Oct. 21, 2004 edition: • Elizabeth House: Bishop authorizes diocesan collection • Editorial: Elizabeth House: Ecumenical effort helps mothers, babies Oct. 14, 2004 edition: • Bishop's column: Respect Life Month: Elizabeth House; making election decisions Mar. 25, 2004 edition: • Editorial: Elizabeth House: Caring for both babies and their mothers Oct. 16, 2003 print edition: • Elizabeth House: Provides help and hope for mothers, newborns in need Feb. 20, 2003 edition: • Open house at new maternity home

As of September 29, 2005, the goal is within reach. Only $355,000 needs to be raised, reported campaign chair Fred Grossenbach at a breakfast for church people involved with Elizabeth House. All money raised until the end of the year will be matched by the Gerry Family of Madison, so it is especially important for people to give to this project.

The Elizabeth House is operated by Care Net Pregnancy Center of Dane County, which has been serving the community for 20 years. Care Net's vision is to:

• Equip young men and women to make wise life choices through abstinence education.

• Empower women, men, and families to choose life for themselves and their unborn child.

• Serve all those affected by abortion so they may heal emotionally.

The Elizabeth House Maternity Home is a natural extension of Care Net's vision and long-held dream. This is a pro-active work of faith to care for desperately needy single mothers, children, the poor, and the unborn.

As you can see, this project is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about the lives of people and giving support to pregnant women and their children.

Two young women living at the Elizabeth House's temporary location in Stoughton gave testimonies at the recent breakfast. Both mentioned the understanding and patience they have received at Elizabeth House. They have appreciated the support and resources such as classes in parenting and budgeting. "I am truly grateful," said one woman.

The new Elizabeth House on the east side of Madison will hopefully open on December 1. A grand opening is scheduled for January 29.

Already over 150 Catholic and Protestant churches have contributed to the Elizabeth House, but more help is needed to meet the goal. Individuals and churches can help by:

• Contributing to the collection to be held in Catholic parishes throughout the Diocese of Madison on the weekend of October 8-9.

• Giving a gift now as well as a pledged amount over the next two or three years. One example is the "Dollar a Day" Club; this requires pledging $1,000 over three years (that's only $28 a month).

• Including the Elizabeth House in your parish's budget or in your own future giving.

The Elizabeth House has DVDs, brochures, and "talking points" available for use in parishes and organizations. For more information, call 608-259-1606. Send contributions to the Elizabeth House, 1605 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711. For more information, visit www.carenetdane.org

Giving to the Elizabeth House is an especially wonderful way to observe Respect Life Month in October. Please give and pray for the continued success of this much-needed maternity home.

Mary C. Uhler

Mailbag

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Thanks bishop for service

To Bishop Morlino:

I want to thank you for the beautiful dedication service you led our parish community on September 11. You are a true Jesuit always teaching us on natural law and to seek the truth always.

You made us remember the wisdom of the Catholic Church and its long history of being guided by the Holy Spirit. We must never forget the past and allow it to lead us into the truth that we must lead us to our salvation.

When you placed your skullcap on the altar servers, it was a symbol that they too can someday be a bishop. It was so memorable for all of us.

Please keep us in your prayers. We are a strong church community and will always be grateful to Fr. Bill Nolan for all his work and dedication to this parish and to all the clergy who have served us.

Yours in Christ,

Mary Ann Steppke, Fort Atkinson

Is it really a choice?

To the editor:

The so-called choice by a mother to arrange for the murder of her unborn child is called "pro-choice." In the mind of God is it really a choice?

Charles J. Sippel, Waterloo