Category: Around the Diocese

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

On
Brent King, Communications Director

Diocese of Madison coordinating aid to Haiti

MADISON — Echoing the call made by Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop Robert C. Morlino has encouraged parishes and people in the 11 counties of the Madison Diocese to do all they could for the people currently suffering in Haiti. Regardless of the funds collected, the bishop has approved a disbursement of $25,000 to be sent immediately to Catholic Relief Services in advance of fundraising efforts.

The devastating earthquake, centered in Port-au-Prince, has left hundreds of thousands dead and has affected nearly everyone in the small island nation. In a letter to priests and faithful, Diocesan Vicar General, Msgr. James Bartylla, echoed Pope Benedict XVI’s assurance that “The Catholic Church will not fail to move immediately, through her charitable institutions, to meet the most immediate needs of the population.”

The Madison Diocese, which had already scheduled a special collection on January 16 and 17 to benefit the Church in Latin America and the Church’s evangelization and service efforts among Native American and African American communities in the United States, has encouraged all parishes to take up a special collection for the sole benefit of the people of Haiti, in the next two weeks.

Read More
On
Bill Boyce, Catholic Herald Correspondent

Celebrating with the Apostolate to the Handicapped

Apostolate to the Handicapped program
Caregiver Terri Huchison, center, poses for a photo with Joni Prough and Mary Fischer, all from Stoughton, during the Apostolate to the Handicapped’s Christmas Party at Monroe High School December 5. (Catholic Herald photo/Jo Boyce) For more pictures of the Apostolate Christmas Party click here.

MONROE — The annual Apostolate to the Handicapped Christmas Party, held this year December 5 at Monroe High School, is always a joyous event.

It is anticipated by many for what it is on a fundamental level: a party — a chance for hundreds of people from the Madison Diocese, both handicapped and those who assist them, to re-connect personally with others they may see only two or three times a year.

Friendships are formed, renewed, and enjoyed. The holiday spirit is augmented by a decorated space and tables, with music and even dancing for the uninhibited, and the sharing of a hot meal and beverages served by cheerful volunteers.

However, these obvious signs are actually just trimmings to what is truly the heart of the “party”: the Mass, with its Scripture readings and related message delivered personally by the bishop in his homily. Added to that is the physical presence and personal greetings offered by Msgr. Thomas Campion following Mass, which complements the bishop’s words.

Read More