News from around the 11 counties of the Diocese of Madison.
MADISON — This year the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Second Sunday of Advent fall on successive days: Saturday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 9.
Since the solemnity remains a holy day of obligation, there is sometimes confusion regarding when and how often people need to participate in Mass. There are several scenarios that could take place that weekend. The Diocesan Office of Worship suggests the following:
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| Seminarians from the Diocese of Madison are pictured with Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison and Fr. Gregory Ihm, vocations director for the diocese, right. (Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash) |
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, November 4-10.
This annual event is a special time for parishes in the U.S. to foster a culture of vocations for the priesthood, diaconate, and Consecrated Life.
Pope Francis, in his message for the 2018 World Day of Vocations, emphasized that it is at the loving initiative of God, and by His personal encounter with each of us, that one is called.
National Vocation Awareness Week, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, is designed to help promote vocation awareness and to encourage young people to ask the question: “To what vocation in life is God calling me?”
Parish and school communities across the nation are encouraged to include, during the first week in November, special activities that focus on vocation awareness and provide opportunities for prayerful discernment.
You might need a map to follow along with while you are reading this story.
In just three years as a priest for the Diocese of Madison, Fr. Scott Emerson has always needed his suitcase, passport, or just a full tank of gas.
WISCONSIN DELLS — Speaker Dominick Albano asked his audience, “What does it mean to live a great life?”
As the crowd at St. Cecilia Parish in Wisconsin Dells pondered that question, Albano said that greatness, or living a great life, is becoming “the best version of ourselves.”
MADISON — In order to provide more help and support for the friends and family members of those who experience same-sex attractions, the Diocese of Madison has recently established a local chapter of EnCourage, which is a ministry within the Courage Apostolate.
MADISON — The Diocese of Madison’s Office of Worship is hosting a workshop about Catholic funerals on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Holy Name Heights, 702 S. High Point Rd.
Patrick Gorman, director of the Office of Worship, will lead this session. November is the month in which we offer fervent prayers for the dead. It is also a time to consider our own mortality.“Talk about love as quickly as you can . . . put it in the context of God’s love and God’s plan” was the advice given by Dr. Edward Sri when it comes to talking with those close to us about right and wrong.
BARABOO — Catholic Charities Madison is continuing to financially assist recent flood impacted households in South Central Wisconsin.
On September 27, Catholic Charities distributed 101 gift cards to households in Dane County facing the challenges of recovery from August flooding. Residents of Cross Plains, Mazomanie, Black Earth, and Belleville were able to use the funds to defray their own personal expenses.
MADISON — Bishop Robert C. Morlino will celebrate the annual Requiem Mass on All Souls Day, Friday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. in the Bishop O’Donnell Chapel at Holy Name Heights, 702 S. High Point Rd.
November is the month when Catholics pray in a special way for the repose of the dead and, by God’s will, for the rapid entrance into heaven of the Poor Souls.
Bishop Morlino, with the help of many clerical and lay ministers, will celebrate the Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass for the intention of all the deceased priests and bishops of the Diocese of Madison.BARABOO — The Madison Diocesan Choir will join with the St. Joseph Choir to provide the music ministry for Mass on Saturday evening, Oct. 27, at 4 p.m. The church is located at 300 2nd St. in Baraboo. All are invited.
The Diocesan Choir has more than 60 singers this year. The choir sings at parishes around the diocese and at many diocesan Masses (such as Chrism Mass and ordinations).