News from around the 11 counties of the Diocese of Madison.
PRAIRIE DU SAC — Cistercian Nuns and Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity invite single Catholic women, ages 18 to 32, to a mostly silent retreat designed for women discerning their vocation.
Franciscan Sister Jacqueline Spaniola, OSF, will teach St. Ignatius’ discernment process.
The retreat will take place Saturday, April 29, at Valley of Our Lady Cistercian Monastery in Prairie du Sac and begins with 8 a.m. Mass (optional).
MADISON — The Madison St. Vincent de Paul Youth Service Council (SVdP YSC) continues to organize a variety of service, faith, and friendship activities throughout the year.
A new initiative this academic year was the creation and development of a scholarship designed to provide financial support for future education to a high school senior qualifying for free/reduced lunch.
MADISON — This year, Divine Mercy Sunday will be observed on April 23.
At. St. Patrick Parish in Cottage Grove, there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 2:50 p.m., followed by praying of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m. Adoration, private Confession, and recitation of the Rosary will also take place.
At Blessed Sacrament Parish in Madison, Confessions will be heard at 1 p.m. with Mass at 2 p.m. and Chapel and image blessing at 3 p.m.
MADISON –Any loss is difficult, but the loss of life during pregnancy or shortly after birth can be particularly painful for families. On Sunday, April 22, at 2 p.m., St. Mary’s Hospital will host a public infant loss memorial ceremony. This public memorial hopes to offer families the chance to honor those lives lost too soon, while finding fellowship with others who have experienced similar loss.
“I think the service provides closure and hope. Those are the two big things,” says Amy Helt, an RN on Birth Suites and this year’s Bereavement Committee chair. “We want to support these families in every way that we can. Not all families are willing or know how to have a service of their own. These parents are not expecting to have their child pass before them.”
Editor’s Note: Lady Joy, LCHS, and Sr. William, KCHS, Exner are section representatives for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. in the Diocese of Madison. They are members of St. Mary Parish in Pine Bluff, where they are both lectors and involved in marriage preparation. Bill is a parish trustee, Rosary leader, and sacristan.
Our pilgrimage to the Holy Land last year was truly a life-changing event. In fact, we continue to experience it especially when hearing Sacred Scripture read during Mass, in the various liturgies, and in reciting the Holy Rosary.
Following are special Holy Week services being held in various places in the Diocese of Madison area.
BARABOO — Fr. Pedro Escribano will lead the Stations of the Cross at Durward’s Glen Retreat Center on Good Friday, April 14, at 3:30 p.m. Participants can meet on the chapel porch.
The outdoor stations will be used unless the weather forces use of the indoor stations at the Immaculate Conception Chapel. All are welcome.
MADISON — Ron Johnson, coordinator of the Dane County Community Restorative Court, will be the guest speaker of the St. Thomas More Society meeting on Friday, April 21, at 7:30 a.m., at St. Patrick Church Hall, 404 E. Main St.
The public is welcome. Bring a friend or colleague. There is no charge.
Johnson, originally from Milwaukee, is a former teacher and principal, as well as a father of seven. His career includes working with programs that address gang prevention and intervention, youth violence, youth development, and employment.
MADISON — The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Madison is sponsoring young adult service opportunities.
Young adults looking for a fruitful way to spend Saturday , April 22, are invited to join other young adults in service during the morning and enjoy bowling and lunch in the afternoon.
Check out the event signup page for more details at tinyurl.com/svdpya2017madison
FORT ATKINSON — St. Joe’s 55-PLUS Group will have their next potluck social on Wednesday, April 19, at St. Joseph Parish Hall.
The potluck will begin at 1 p.m. Beef Brisket, coffee, lemonade, and tableware will be provided. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to pass.
After the potluck luncheon, Joel Winn will present “Discovering Indian Artifacts”, noting that “History began here long before 1832.”
MADISON — The Theater Bus for persons 55 and over will be traveling to the following events in May:
• Sunday, May 7: The Rhode Center for the Arts presents The Big Five-Oh!, a hilarious, sometimes touching account of a grown man coming to terms with his age, his relationship with his son, and his future. Lunch is at the Kenosha Country Club. Cost is $73.
