Category: Around the Diocese

News from around the 11 counties of the Diocese of Madison.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Msgr. James Bartylla discusses role as diocesan administrator

Msgr. James Bartylla
Msgr. James Bartylla

MADISON — “The general rule is that a diocesan administrator can do whatever a diocesan bishop can do, but with some important limitations, and of course, a priest elected as the diocesan administrator isn’t a consecrated bishop, and therefore doesn’t possess the sacramental grace and character of the episcopacy,” said Msgr. James Bartylla in discussing his role as diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Madison.

On November 26, two days after the death of Bishop Robert C. Morlino, the College of Consultors — a body of nine diocesan priests — elected Monsignor Bartylla as diocesan administrator. He had been the vicar general for Bishop Morlino.

“Upon the death of a bishop, all vicars general and episcopal vicars lose their offices,” noted Monsignor Bartylla. “The College of Consultors assumes governance of the diocese upon the death of the bishop.”

However, all of the diocesan departments continue in full operation since the work of the diocese continues unabated through its parishes, entities, and diocesan curial offices in the multifaceted work of catechesis, evangelization, spreading the Gospel, and strengthening the faithful.

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Marriage and Family Office, Diocese of Madison

Free resources for individuals and families on Safe Haven Sunday

MADISON — Pornography is not a topic most adults are comfortable speaking about. This is especially the case when it comes to parents addressing it with their children.

Regrettably, it’s the topic that’s becoming more and more necessary to address in our digital age. Too many parents, grandparents, and guardians think that internet-based pornography is beyond the interest of their children. We need to be informed on this matter. Statistics tell us another story.

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Kevin Wondrash

March & Love for Life January 22 in Madison

MADISON — Pro-life advocates from throughout Wisconsin will march on the Wisconsin State Capitol in support of life on Tuesday, Jan. 22.

The March & Love for Life begins at 11:30 a.m. at the State St. entrance to the Capitol building.

Marchers are asked to bring a package of diapers for donation to children in need.

After the march and diaper collection, participants will urge legislators to promote measures that preserve and protect life.

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Kevin Wondrash

Men’s Retreat at Durward’s Glen

BARABOO — On Saturday, Feb. 9, all men are invited to the 13th Annual Men’s Retreat hosted by St. Joseph Parish and titled, “Through the Flames”.

Fr. John Sasse will be the featured speaker. The retreat will be held at Durward’s Glen.

Activities during the day include morning Mass, small group discussion, Rosary, Confession, and Adoration.

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Kevin Wondrash

‘It was worth the wait’: Diocesan priest meets Pope Francis

Fr. McEnery and Pope Francis
Fr. Jim McEnery, a priest of the Diocese of Madison, gives Pope Francis music for an “Ave Maria” that he wrote. Father McEnery is observing 65 years as a priest this year. (Contributed photo)

A far-fetched idea of offering Holy Mass with Pope Francis ended up a reality for a Diocese of Madison priest — plus getting a hug from the Holy Father.

The occasion: Fr. Jim McEnery, a priest of the Diocese of Madison, and his classmate, Fr. Richard Kuhn of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, are observing their 65th year of ordination to the priesthood this year.

A special invitation

After receiving “how-to” advice from some higher-ups in Rome, and a mailing address provided by Msgr. James Bartylla, then vicar general of the Diocese of Madison, and after waiting months and pretty much giving up on the idea, an email from Pope Francis’ personal secretary finally arrived. It invited them to celebrate “at the Holy Father’s Mass in the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae on Monday 12 November next, promptly at 7:00 a.m.”

Father Jim could hardly believe his eye. Not much time to prepare meant scrambling for tickets, but soon he and his classmate were on their way, non-stop Miami-to-Rome on Alitalia, economy class.

Arriving in Rome

On Saturday, their driver picked them up at Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Their small hotel, the Residenze Poalo VI, was about 50 feet from the famous Bernini columns, and not much farther from the Cancello de San’Ufficio, where they were to check in on Monday morning.

Many a cardinal and archbishop had signed the guest register of this hotel, including names like Dolan and Listecki, so it seemed to be “the” place to be. (The restaurant is open until 1 a.m. to accommodate concert goers.)

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Pat Casucci, Catholic Herald Correspondent

Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration held in Beloit

BELOIT — More than 600 people honored Our Lady of Guadalupe at a lively, yet spiritual celebration on her feast day, December 12.

The evening’s events included a concert by the Mariachi Juvenil del Sur Band from Harvard, Ill., Mass, and a sharing meal featuring Hispanic specialties.

People from Beloit, Janesville, Clinton, and areas of Northern Illinois gathered at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Church for the celebration that is meaningful and part of the heritage to residents in Latin American countries, especially in Mexico.

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Kevin Wondrash

‘Our Faith Stories’ at St. Ann, Stoughton

STOUGHTON — The next “Our Faith Stories” at St. Ann Parish in Stoughton will be held on Sunday, Jan. 6, at 6:30 p.m. in Healy Hall. Those attending will hear about the act of faith and love that Mike Donahue and Jim Cisler have shared with the people of Catarina, Guatemala. Earlier this year, they assisted two Maryknoll Sisters who are also physicians working in Catarina for over 50 years.

Cisler shared that this service made him truly appreciate the many blessings and gifts he has been given. It provides motivation for him to do more for those in need with not only his treasure, but also with his time and talent to be the hands and feet of Christ to others that he can help locally.

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