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News Briefs:
Men's Lenten retreat March 23-24
MADISON -- A Men's Lenten Retreat, sponsored by the Diocese of Madison's Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, will be held Friday, March 23, through Saturday, March 24, at the Bishop O'Connor Pastoral Center.
On Friday the retreat features optional dinner, talk, an opportunity for Reconciliation, rosary, and Adoration. Saturday will feature talks, prayer, and Mass with Bishop Robert C. Morlino.
A brochure may be downloaded at www.madisondiocese.org/oec/ Registration deadline is March 16 and limited space is available. For information, call 608-821-3160 or e-mail oec@straphael.org
Ave Maria University talks on pope
MADISON/JANESVILLE -- Ave Maria University will host a talk by Douglas Bushman, director of the Institute for Pastoral Theology, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, at the Bishop O'Connor Center, 702 S. High Point Rd., Madison, and Tuesday, March 27, at St. John Vianney School, 1238 E. Racine St., Janesville.
Bushman will speak on "Benedict XVI: The Truth Will Set You Free." The talks are free and open to the public. They will also provide an opportunity to discover more about Ave Maria's Master of Theological Studies degree program, offered in Janesville.
For information, visit www.ipt.avemaria.edu or call toll-free, 866-866-1100.
St. Patrick's Day: Celebration in
Cross Plains
CROSS PLAINS -- St. Francis Xavier Parish, 2947 Thinnes St., is celebrating St. Patrick's Day on Friday evening, March 16, with Irish music and dance by the Kells.
At 6 p.m. a fish dinner by Sheltons will be catered and served in the parish hall for $15 per person, which also includes Esser's Best beer. Reserved tables of eight are available for $150. Individual tickets are also available.
Tickets may be purchased at the parish office or by mailing a check to St. Francis Xavier, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, WI 53528.
Catholic Spirit Club
JANESVILLE -- Sr. Jean Ackerman, former Janesville student and resident of Racine, will present a program on "Pursuing Truth and Justice in Our Times" at the Adult Catholic Spirit Club's meeting Wednesday, March 14.
A soup and bread potluck lunch starts at noon. The program will follow the lunch in St. John Vianney's Marian Hall, 1245 Clark St. Those coming are also asked to bring their own table service. All are welcome.
Portage parish hosts week-long mission
PORTAGE -- St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish will host a week-long spiritual experience for people seeking a fresh encounter with Jesus Christ and deeper understanding of the new evangelization.
The parish mission will be held Sunday, March 11, through Thursday, March 15, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. each evening, with a social afterward. Confession and faith sharing will also be offered each afternoon, Monday through Thursday, from 1 to 2 p.m.
Presenters will be Paulist Father Ed Nowak and Cumi "Kim" Balbach. They will speak at each of the weekend and daily Masses. People are encouraged to bring the entire family. Babysitting will be available for toddlers as well as age appropriate activities for children in grades one through five. Teenagers are welcome with the adults. Rides are available.
Father Nowak is currently director of vocations for the Paulist Fathers. He has ministered in campus ministry, RCIA, evangelization, outreach to inactive Catholics, and young adult ministries.
Balbach is a retired health care administrator who has ministered in her parish and in her community of Brunswick County, N.C. She is a founding member of God's New Ministry and School of Catholic Lay Evangelization in North Carolina and founder of "The Women at the Well," a
ministry devoted to women's issues, and "In His Name Outreach," a ministry for the poor. She also volunteers as a tutor and serves in a medical clinic.
St. Vincent de Paul Day
of Reflection
MADISON -- Service to people who are poor can lead those who serve to a greater appreciation of God's love and providence in their own lives. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is inviting those interested in such service to listen to the stories of the Vincentian founders and the Scriptures that inspired them.
Sr. Kieran Kneaves, director of education and spiritual formation at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul national office in St. Louis, Mo., will lead a day of reflection from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, 702 S. High Point Rd., Madison.
A Daughter of Charity, Sister Kieran will help weave the stories of the founding Vincentians with stories from the journeys of faith, hope, and charity participants bring to the day.
Lent is a season of renewal. Taking part in this day of reflection can help renew energy and commitment for the journey together toward holiness.
Lunch will be provided, and a $10 donation to defray expenses will be appreciated. Call 608-442-9878, ext. 2, by March 14 to make a reservation.
Crop for a Cause
craft fundraiser for
St. Jerome Parish
COLUMBUS -- Crop for a Cause, a fundraiser for St. Jerome Parish, 1550 Farnham St., will be held on Saturday, March 17, from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight, at St. Jerome School gym.
Those coming are asked to bring scrapbooking, stamping, and other crafts and enjoy time crafting with others. Register by March 15 by paying $15 due with registration.
The $15 includes: one's own eight-foot table; lunch, dinner, and snacks; door prizes; make and takes; and fun with friends. There will be a rummage table for crafting items that people would like to sell. All proceeds will benefit St. Jerome Parish.
To register contact Kathy Raatz at 920-623-2285 or kathy.raatz@sbcglobal.net
Natural Family Planning class series offered at St. Mary's Hospital
MADISON -- There will be a Natural Family Planning (NFP) class at St. Mary's Hospital on Wednesday evenings.
It is a series of three classes explaining the sympto-thermal method of NFP. The class will meet from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on March 14, March 28, and April 18.
Participants must pre-register. Contact Kathy Lauer at 608-849-9097 with questions or to register.
Retreat offers serenity from addictions
SINSINAWA -- "Search for Serenity" will be held at Sinsinawa Mound from 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 16, through 1 p.m. Sunday, March 18. It is a retreat for people recovering from addiction and those who journey with them.
Leader Steve Ellsworth facilitates serenity retreats for the recovery community and has begun to branch out into spirituality retreats for the general population. Registration deadline is
March 9 and the cost, which includes meals, is $164 for an overnight guest and $109 for a commuter.
For more information, contact guest services at 608-748-4411 or visit www.sinsinawa.org Sinsinawa Mound is located on Cty. Rd. Z, off Hwy. 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque.
Theology on Tap
MADISON -- Theology on Tap is planning to meet one Thursday each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Essen Haus.
On Thursday, March 15, popular speaker Cecelia Klingele, mother of five, legal writing teacher at the UW law school, and a lawyer working in the Madison federal court, will share thoughts on the relationship between work and service to others. On Thursday, April 26, TOT will again meet from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Essen Haus.
At each TOT, there will be a speaker, time for discussion, and, of course, a good Essen Haus brew.
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Web site: Marks five years online
MADISON -- Leemark Communications is proud to mark five years of preparing the Catholic Herald Online, the Web version of the official newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Madison.
The Web site, located at www.madisoncatholicherald.org, is updated weekly in conjunction with the print issue of the Catholic Herald. It also is updated when breaking news occurs.
The Catholic Herald Online officially debuted with the October 25, 2001 edition, but two previous editions (October 11 and 18) were prepared and posted online first to allow troubleshooting of any problems.
Since then, every single Catholic Herald newspaper issue has been put online by Leemark Communications (though not every article is put in the online edition). This works out to:
• 242 different weekly editions (there are a few weeks during the year when the Catholic Herald does not publish), or
• more than 51 megabytes of information posted online, or
• more than 2,265 Catholic Herald Web pages, and
• many long nights.
The Catholic Herald Online allows people from around the world to read the newspaper on the Web. It also lets people search for and read past online articles.
Much of the credit for this five-year milestone belongs to the Catholic Herald staff, who write many of the articles, edit the content, and provide photos and other files to Leemark Communications for posting online.
"A big thanks goes to the Catholic Herald for their business during the past five years," said Leemark Communications owner Chris Lee. |
| St. Raphael Cathedral Fire: Two years later |
Cathedral future: After input from parishioners around diocese, Bishop Morlino close to a decision
By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF
Two years after the fire that destroyed most of St. Raphael Cathedral, Bishop Robert C. Morlino is close to making a decision on the cathedral's future.
Throughout the past year, the bishop has been getting input from people throughout the Diocese of Madison. He has held townhall meetings, consulted with diocesan advisory bodies, and has received many letters and comments about the cathedral.
Bishop Morlino says he will "put his thoughts together" after Easter and announce the decision in early summer. It is obvious that the bishop prefers a cathedral to be located in
downtown Madison, but said he is still open to persuasion. He adds, however, that "even secular Madison wants the cathedral downtown."
After his decision is announced, he said there will be a feasibility study done to determine how much money can be raised. "We need professionals to help advise us," he said.
Vision for cathedral
Bishop Morlino emphasizes that the diocese must have a cathedral. His vision for the mission of the cathedral is, of course, a place of worship. He says it does not need to be a "golden temple," but it should be a "beautiful place."
He says the cathedral should also offer outreach to the poor. "We owe the poor a beautiful place, as well as services such as food, shelter, and Catholic charities," he said.
He also stresses that the cathedral should provide a place of outreach and dialogue with the University of Wisconsin community and the political community, as well as outreach and dialogue with people of other faith communities.
"Madison is the symbol of secularity," he said. "We need to address it."
The theology behind a cathedral will be further explored by Duncan Stroik, a professor of classical architecture at Notre Dame University, when he presents a lecture on Thursday, March 8, in Madison (see front-page cathedral events sidebar).
Bishop Morlino will also preside at a prayer service marking the second anniversary of the fire on Wednesday, March 14, at 5:15 p.m. (see front-page cathedral events sidebar).
Rector offers hope
Fr. Kevin Holmes became the new rector of St. Raphael Cathedral and pastor of the three downtown parishes (St. Raphael, St. Patrick, and Holy Redeemer) last fall with the departure of now Bishop Paul J. Swain to Sioux Falls, S.D.
Father Holmes commented on the second anniversary of the fire, "For all those who loved St. Raphael Cathedral, this is certainly a sad anniversary. But I hope that as the moment for the decision about the future of the cathedral draws closer, the sorrow of the loss will begin to be replaced by excitement about what can be. This season of Lent is certainly the time to reflect on the new and better life that can follow suffering and loss," said Father Holmes.
St. Raphael Cathedral is also part of the strategic planning process, "Guided by the Spirit," underway throughout the Diocese of Madison. Noted Father Holmes, "Since coming to my assignment downtown, I have been working with the faithful parishioners of the cathedral and of the other downtown parishes to lay the foundations for the future, whatever the alignment of the parishes downtown turns out to be.
"Among other things, we have launched a very promising new initiative to build up the young adult community downtown. And we have been studying what we can best do in the area of
charitable initiatives here in our neighborhood. I really believe that our future is full of hope," said Father Holmes.
Sentencing of arsonist
The fire began in the early morning hours on March 14, 2005. Firefighters arrived quickly and by mid-morning, the blaze was well under control. But the damage was done.
After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the fire was the result of arson. William J. Connell, 41, was arrested March 15, 2005 after allegedly admitting to police that he was the arsonist. He was charged with arson, burglary, and bail jumping.
Connell has a history of symptoms of mental illness. On March 1, 2007, Connell told Dane County Judge Steven Ebert that he agreed with a psychiatrist's report that said he was competent. The competency ruling means that work on a pre-sentence investigation by the state Department of Corrections can begin, followed by a sentencing hearing.
For further background information on St. Raphael Cathedral, the fire, and its aftermath, visit the Catholic Herald Web site's special cathedral page at www.madisoncatholicherald.org/cathedral.html
Challenge to use, purify media: A realistic request?
By Brent King
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS,
DIOCESE OF MADISON
As many of you know, I am relatively new to the Diocese of Madison - both the geographical region as well as to the diocesan offices. Over the course of the recent months, I have been
getting well acquainted with the diocese spiritually, physically, and politically. I have had the opportunity to meet the great priests of our diocese and hundreds of the good and holy people who support them.
Specifically in my position as Director of Communications for the Diocese of Madison, I have paid close attention to the area media; answered their phone calls and responded to their questions and requests. After a few months of this I have realized that I can be doing much more to facilitate both the external communications of the diocese and the internal as well. It is for this reason that I write today: we as a diocesan community can help the entire Church, by letting "the Catholic voice" be heard throughout every corner of the diocese.
Communications plan
In recent weeks, I have been praying about a comprehensive and realistic communications plan for the Diocese of Madison - but, where to begin?
I quickly turned to the remarkable wisdom of the Second Vatican Council. The Vatican II Decree Inter Mirifica "on the Media of Social Communications" offers particular guidance about all subjects of communications and I have decided to utilize this document as my outline for this plan.
Central to Inter Mirifica's discussion of the subject is that all media: music, television, art, movies, news, [and the Internet] ... etc. properly utilized can be a "great service to mankind"; and of praise to the Creator.
Alternatively, we must recognize that we can and have used these same media contrary to His plan and to our own detriment. As the Church, we must work to promote the programs of all humankind though the use of modern media.
The decree separates our use of media into two general categories: the Church's teaching on its use by and for all of us, and the use of media by the Church herself. In the first, we are all called to monitor how modern media is being used and to ask about the "nature of what is being communicated." Where various media fall short of moral norms or the programming
scandalizes rather than progresses society, we have an obligation to work to change this. Specifically, Inter Mirifica states that "special care should be taken to safeguard the youth. . ."
Vigilant work of laity
To answer the challenges of this decree, as many others from the Second Vatican Council, it will take the vigilant and relentless work of the laity. The purification of our culture, be it the media, our laws, or our political leadership, is not the direct responsibility of our holy bishops and priests, but rather ours as lay people. Thus, the Church and the world needs your help with this charge of the council, and I as Director of Communications for the Diocese of Madison encourage your help.
We can first monitor what we accept as truly "progressive" media, that which raises our intellects and our souls towards God and to glorify Him. And conversely, we can filter out and actively work to stop the base and scandalous media from being promoted in our homes, communities, and in our culture in as much as we possibly can.
The advent of the Internet adds a perfect example of a medium that can be used for great good, but all too often is used for the vile and scandalous. The purification and promotion of the proper use of media in our communities and culture is a tall order - but it is also our Christian responsibility.
Active engagement
The second part of Inter Mirifica concerns the active engagement of the Church in these different media. This of course involves our dealing with television, newspaper and radio outlets, but it involves much more. It involves the Catholic press of The Catholic Herald, Relevant Radio, and EWTN - all of which help the Church accomplish untold amounts of good through the preaching and teaching of our God and His Church. For their work in communicating with Catholics in our diocese I am extremely grateful; they make that portion of such a communication plan almost complete. Again, the advent of the Internet allows us
to expand our outreach of text, audio, video, artwork, inter-communication, and other offerings throughout the diocese, state, country, and world.
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Brian Kelly named media relations specialist for diocese
Brian Kelly has been named Media Relations Specialist with the Office of Communications in the Diocese of Madison. Here is some background information on him.
Minnesotan by birth, Wisconsinite by choice, parent by the grace of God - Jessica is 15
Former Media Relations Specialist with Relevant Radio: With Relevant Radio since January 2004. Host of Relevant 2U for the past 133 straight weeks. R2U is a local one-hour news magazine focusing on issues and newsmakers in the greater Madison area from a Catholic perspective. It airs Fridays at 9 a.m. on Relevant Radio 1240 AM, with encore presentations at 12 noon Saturdays and 12 noon Sundays (the program will continue).
Education: Master's in Management from Cardinal Stritch University; Certificate in HRM; Associates degree in Radio/TV broadcasting from Brown Institute.
Experience: Career in broadcasting since 1981, in Madison since 1987, mostly with Lite 96.3.
Work with many non-profit organizations: Muscular Dystrophy Association, March of Dimes, American Diabetes Association, Wheels for Winners, WHA- Public Television.
Church activities: Charter member of the Knights of Divine Mercy; Deputy Regional Director and District Governor of the Serra Club for Vocations; member of Catholic Order of Foresters St. Mary's Court 1763 in Marshall; Fourth Degree KC - Assembly 1198 in Baraboo, local is Council 1637 in Portage
Other: Three-time Ironman Triathlete
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The diocese has the vehicles in place to reach thousands of people through these media, but we need to do more, I need to do more in using modern media to evangelize and catechize. While the thoughts here are limited, the tasks and opportunities of the Office of Communications are seemingly infinite and again, with these responsibilities, I need help!
To this end, the Diocese of Madison has hired Mr. Brian Kelly, formerly with Relevant Radio, as Media Relations Specialist in the Office of Communications. Brian's many years of experience in radio, television, and other various communications media will no doubt prove invaluable to this office and to the Diocese of Madison. Brian's initial duties will be in continuing to record, produce, and distribute diocesan events to our diocesan Web site, religious and secular media outlets, and in assisting me in the framing of a comprehensive, yet realistic, communications plan. His position will evolve as the needs of our diocese change with the direction of our bishop. Brian's strong faith and versatility prepare him to take on a great range of tasks. I thank Brian for his past assistance through his work at Relevant Radio and I know the diocese will be better off for his being on staff.
I thank you for all the assistance you offer the Office of Communications through your prayers and actions as we progress to purify and evangelize our culture through social communications.
"Thus, as was the case with ancient works of art, the name of the Lord may be glorified by these new discoveries in accordance with those words of the Apostle: 'Jesus Christ, yesterday and today, and the same forever.'"
Valley of Our Lady Monastery:
Celebrates Golden Jubilee of establishment
in the Madison Diocese
"Trumpets should blow for it is the jubilee . . . it shall be holy unto you . . . "
PRAIRIE DU SAC -- January 6, 2007 marked the Golden Jubilee of the arrival of six Cistercian nuns from Frauenthal, Switzerland, to Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, to establish the Valley of Our Lady Monastery in North America.
When the Swiss nuns arrived at the request of Bishop William O'Connor, they were situated on a 122-acre farm outside of Prairie du Sac. The "monastery" was comprised of a 1850s stone house, and the summer home of Governor Emanuel L. Phillip that was built in the early 1900s.
As American women responded to God's calling, the monastery grew, the Swiss nuns returned
to Frauenthal, and the American nuns assumed responsibility for maintaining the monastery and growing the community.
Unpleasant conditions
The Cistercian nuns have lived under unpleasant conditions for many years which include overcrowding, mold in the walls, water in a basement during heavy rains, inadequate heating systems, and urban sprawl that is not conducive to the nun's contemplative cloistered lives.
The nuns are in need of a proper monastery in which to pray for the spiritual growth of Catholics and all humanity.
To sustain their livelihood, the nuns bake altar bread. Their modern bread-baking operation seems out of place in a Cistercian monastery, whose roots go back to 1098.
During 2006, six postulants joined the Cistercian community of Sisters to begin the five-year formation of study, prayer, and work to become a Cistercian nun. There are now 19 women living at Valley of Our Lady Monastery, and two additional women will be joining the community this year.
Capital campaign
The Cistercians have initiated a capital campaign to raise $7 million to build a monastery in the monastic style used over the centuries - a monastery, according to their architect and contractors, that will last for hundreds of years. After three years of attempting to raise the necessary funds, the campaign total is currently at $2,577,839.02, or 36.83 percent of the goal.
This Golden Jubilee Year of the Valley of Our Lady Monastery, the sacrificial season of
Lent, and the arrival of the six new postulants at Valley of Our Lady Monastery, presents an opportune time for all Catholics to come together and build the monastery.
For a campaign brochure or to make an immediate pledge, call the campaign office at 800-966-6266. All pledges are payable over a three to five year period.
To view a slide show of the Cistercian Sisters life and work, photographed
by Sam Lucero, visit the following links:
Apostolate Spring Day:
Mass, dinner for disabled, elderly
MONROE -- The 40th annual Spring Day for the Handicapped will be held on Saturday, April 14, at Monroe High School.
"Jesus - Look at Us; Our Hearts are Burning" is the theme for this Spring Day. All disabled and elderly persons are invited to attend.
Bishop William H. Bullock, Bishop Emeritus of Madison, will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the 10:45 a.m. Mass in the high school gym. He will be joined by other priests of the Diocese of Madison.
The music for the Mass will be furnished by Monroe High School Music Programs and St. Victor Parish. Lectors and acolytes will be from the television Mass on WISC-TV.
This liturgy is under the direction of Frs. Kent Schmitt, Mike Klarer, and Bill Seipp. The disabled community will present the Offertory gifts at the Mass.
Day's activities
Hugo and Heidi, favorites of the handicapped, will begin the day's activities at 9:30 a.m. with their music. Dinner will be served after the Mass.
There will be a special edition of the "Campion's Champions" shirts for all the guests. They will be a green color: green for spring, green for hope, green for Easter.
There will be the usual staff of hundreds of volunteers who work hard to make this event
happen. It takes drivers, nurses, set-up and clean-up crews, cooks, meal preparers, food servers, benefactors, and many other helpers for all ages groups, office staff, planning and organization committees, and countless others who work generously to make it happen.
Celebrating spring
To make a reservation, write Msgr. Tom Campion at P.O. Box 443, Monroe, WI 53566. There is no cost as expenses are paid by Friends of the Apostolate to the Handicapped.
"We have had enough winter. Now it is time to rejoice in Easter and spring. We need to be
rejuvenated and renewed by this beautiful season of the year," said Monsignor Campion. "It is our 40th such event in our illustrious history. It is a wonderful chance to show the world who we truly are: vulnerable, hurting, hoping, dreaming, believing, yearning for love and acceptance."
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