It’s not uncommon for a pastor to greet parishioners in a gathering space prior to Mass or a prayer service. On this particular day, the pastor’s presence took on a special meeting.
Category: Around the Diocese
News from around the 11 counties of the Diocese of Madison.
Pope prays, calls for aid for typhoon victims
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| Young residents in Cebu, Philippines, hold signs asking for help and food along the highway November 11 after Super Typhoon Haiyan hit. The typhoon, one of the strongest storms in history, is believed to have killed tens of thousands, but aid workers were still trying to reach remote areas. (CNS photo/Charlie Saceda, Reuters) |
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis led prayers for people hit by a deadly typhoon in the Philippines and surrounding region and asked that concrete aid be sent soon.
During the Angelus with pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on November 10, the pope expressed his concern and prayers for the estimated tens of thousands of people dead and others affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated parts of the central Philippines November 8.
“I wish to express my closeness to the people of the Philippines and that region that has been hit by a terrible typhoon. Unfortunately the victims are many and the damage is enormous,” the pope said.
He asked the tens of thousands of people gathered in the square to join him in a moment of silent prayer “for these brothers and sisters and let’s try also to make our concrete help reach them.”
Pope makes donation
In response to the tragedy, Pope Francis made an initial donation of $150,000 for the relief efforts through the Pontifical Council Cor Unum.
The money, sent through the local churches hardest hit by the storm, was earmarked to support “assistance for the displaced and those impacted by the flooding,” the Vatican said in a written statement.
40 Days for Life vigil ends with look to the future
MADISON — The so-called “drizzle” that had the appearance of a full-blown rain shower wasn’t enough to keep about three dozen people from coming out to mark the end of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Madison.
40 Days for Life is an annual vigil of prayer, fasting, and peacefully witnessing to end abortion. For the past several years, the vigil has taken place outside the Planned Parenthood clinic on Madison’s east side. This year’s vigil ran from September 25 to November 3.
Diocesan Pastoral Council welcomes new members
MADISON — Bishop Robert C. Morlino’s Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) received a boost and an influx of fresh perspective as Kevin Kelly, chairman of the DPC, introduced 13 new members at the council’s recent meeting held at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center. The bishop had asked that the DPC, which is his consultative body on pastoral matters, be renewed — especially with members providing more representation from parishes in all corners of the diocese.
Thanksgiving Day community meal
MADISON — First United Methodist Church (FUMC) will sponsor a holiday meal on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28, at 203 Wisconsin Ave., from 12 noon to 2 p.m. for those who are not be able to partake in a holiday meal. The meal is free and no reservation is required.
Donations are needed. Contact Karen Andro at 608-256-4646, ext. 16, or by email at kandro@fumc.org to make a monetary contribution or donate a needed food item. To volunteer, contact Andro by Monday, Nov. 25.
Bishop to celebrate White Mass on November 23
MADISON — Bishop Robert C. Morlino will celebrate the annual White Mass at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, at St. Patrick Church in Madison.
Members of the Madison Guild of the Catholic Medical Association (CMA) will be attending the Mass with the bishop, asking God’s blessing upon doctors, nurses, caregivers, and patients under the patronage of St. Luke.
All those involved in the medical profession are invited to join Bishop Morlino for this “White Mass,” so named from the traditional color of lab coats and nurses’ uniforms.
Support for military chaplains through collection
MADISON — At parishes throughout the Diocese of Madison this upcoming weekend, a collection will be held to benefit the Archdiocese for Military Services (AMS). Our diocese has a personal connection with this collection as two of our priests are currently serving in the military and directly benefit from this collection.
Lecture to focus on how science can lead us to God
MADISON — As we approach the conclusion of this holy Year of Faith on November 24, the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Diocese of Madison is dedicating the fall St. Thérèse Lecture to the important topic of the relationship between science and faith.
There may be no one better to speak on this topic than Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., former president of Gonzaga University and current president of the Magis Center of Reason & Faith.
Fr. Michael Gaitley speaks about 33 Days to Morning Glory
MADISON — Some attendees called it one of the largest crowds they had ever seen at the Bishop O’Connor Center in Madison.
Hundreds packed the auditorium on Friday, Nov. 1 — All Saints Day — to hear Fr. Michael Gaitley talk about the most recent push for everyone to consecrate themselves to Jesus through Mary.
Celebrating a decade of Catholic classical education in Madison
MADISON — On Saturday, Dec. 7, St. Ambrose Academy in Madison will host its annual Benefit Dinner, gathering people from around the Diocese of Madison to celebrate Catholic education on the feast day of its patron, St. Ambrose.