Msgr. James Bartylla, […]
Author: Kevin Wondrash
Diocese offers findings on allegations against Rev. William A. Nolan
Following is a statement released by the Diocese of Madison.
Following a thorough investigation and subsequent recommendation by the Diocese’s Sexual Abuse Review Board, the Diocese of Madison now announces Bishop Donald Hying’s determination that previously announced allegations of sexual misconduct made against Rev. William A. Nolan are deemed not to be credible.
Youth grow in faith, friendship at Frassati Fest
WISCONSIN DELLS — At the beginning of February, approximately 350 high school teens and chaperones gathered together at the Kalahari in the Wisconsin Dells to attend the 21st annual “Frassati Fest.”
This youth gathering is named after Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who was from Italy and died at a young age. He is the patron of this event.
Grow in faith and friendship
This annual retreat offers a place for teens to encounter Jesus Christ and grow in faith and friendship with Catholic teens from all across the Diocese of Madison.
Learning from the ‘Hound of Heaven’
One of my favorite poems is the “Hound of Heaven” by Francis Thompson, in which the poet experiences God as a hugely powerful dog who resolutely chases him down the pathways of his life.
Despite every attempt to escape, hide, or elude the mighty hound, Thompson cannot do so, ultimately surrendering to being caught, only to find that this creature, which he mightily feared, is actually his very salvation.
Difficult life
The poet speaks profoundly of his own difficult experience. Thompson was born in London in 1859, entered medical school at the behest of his father, but eventually dropped out of his studies and left home.
Make this the best Lent of your life
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| Fr. Brian Wilk, pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Middleton, distributes ashes to a parishioner during an Ash Wednesday Mass last year. (Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash) |
Every Lent, the whole Church goes on a retreat together with Jesus in the desert for 40 days. Through increased attention to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we grow in virtue and holiness, more attentive to the grace and love of the Lord, more dynamic in the practice of our faith, more spiritually ready to celebrate the great Paschal Mystery, the death and resurrection of Christ.
The etymology of “religion” is “relationship,” so we deepen the relationships in our lives this Lent. Through prayer, we grow in our experience and attention to the Lord; through almsgiving, we serve and love others by sharing our time and treasure, especially with the needy and suffering; through fasting, we empty ourselves out, so the Lord can more truly reign on the throne of our hearts.
More Jesus. Less me. If I am especially faithful to fasting, there will literally be less of me, come Easter!
More about subtraction than addition
In a sense, Lent is more about subtraction than it is addition. By removing the noisy demands of my selfishness and the distracting clutter of my heart, God has greater freedom and capacity to live, move, and act within me.
This path of self-emptying is imitative of Jesus, who followed a trajectory of remarkable humility, in order to reach, heal, forgive, love, and save us. Jesus Christ was laser-focused on doing the will of the Father, radically directing every aspect of His life and personality to His mission.
Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion
WAUNAKEE — The Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion for Candidates for Full Communion in the Catholic Church will be celebrated by the parishes of the Diocese of Madison on Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee.
Parishes from throughout the diocese will send those who will celebrate the sacraments of initiation this Easter, as well as their sponsors, family, and friends. About 500 people are expected to attend, with Bishop Donald J. Hying presiding.
‘Election’ means ‘chosen’
The word “election” is used in this liturgy to mean “chosen.”Power of prayer and healing ministry
JANESVILLE — St. William Parish in Janesville welcomed Fr. Patrick Gonyeau from Encounter Ministries (EM), and also a priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit, on February 7 to 8 to provide knowledge and information on the power of prayer and the healing ministry.
Ninety-three people attended the training portion of the weekend. Following the Saturday 4 p.m. Mass, a healing service was held with an additional 180 people in attendance.
Participants were from Janesville parishes, other Wisconsin parishes, and parishes in Rockford and other parts of Illinois.
Angela Curio, new Catholic Herald administrative coordinator
MADISON — Angela Curio, resident of Madison and member of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Madison, has joined the staff of the Catholic Herald as its new administrative coordinator.
“I’m looking forward to working for the diocese and working for the paper,” Curio said.
She added that she hopes to connect and meet people all throughout the Diocese of Madison.
Curio called her faith her “stronghold” in life and looks forward to bringing that to her work at the Catholic Herald.News in Brief in the Diocese of Madison
Lenten Mission
MADISON — Bishop Donald J. Hying will lead a Lenten Mission at St. Dennis Parish, 505 Dempsey Rd., on Sunday and Monday, March 1 and 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The mission will include prayer, reflection, music, and fellowship. Childcare will be provided for children over age two.
Parish Mission
MADISON — A Parish Mission will be held at St. Peter Parish, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., on “The Importance of the Liturgical Reforms of the Second Vatican Council” with Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB. An introduction to the mission and a Mass will be held on Sunday, March 1, at 10 a.m. The mission will continue Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, March 4, 5, and 6, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Appointments (2-23-2020)
Msgr. James Bartylla, […]