Category: Around the Diocese

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

On
Brent King Director of Communications, Diocese of Madison

Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ amid COVID-19; the Diocese of Madison nine months in

Coat of Arms

MADISON — This week marks nine months that we as the local Church have been struggling, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to continue to proclaim the Gospel and the good news of salvation, only made possible through Our Lord’s crucifixion and resurrection.

While so much of our daily life has been altered, the need for the Church and Our Lord’s graces through the sacraments made available through Her have only become more crucial. Even in a pandemic, we are still called to Go Make Disciples and grow in our holiness.

Specific to keeping the Sunday Mass obligation

As the number of cases, hospitalizations, and sadly, the number of deaths due to COVID-19 continue to increase, Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison reminded us last week in one of his daily videos that those vulnerable or at risk, and those who work or live with those at risk, should “take advantage of the generous dispensations that are written into Canon Law.”

You are likely already dispensed from your Sunday obligation, if you are older, immuno-compromised, live or work with someone who is, or are subject to other COVID-related situations.

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On
Cathy Lins, Catholic Herald Correspondent

Parishes around the diocese to host Men of Christ event

MADISON — The Men of Christ-Madison and the St. Francis Xavier Parish Knights of Columbus Council #3924 are hosting an Advent Men’s Retreat on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 5.

The event has come together after the initial in-person Men of Christ-Madison event had to cancel.

Due to COVID-19, the format has been adjusted to a mixed design.

The speakers’ presentations are being recorded and extended out to participating parish sites.

Each participating parish will host a live event, following the recommended health guidelines for their area.

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On
the Sisters of Mary Morning Star, Monona

Sisters of Mary Morning Star begin construction of their new chapel

MONONA — Construction of a new chapel for the Sisters of Mary Morning Star in Monona began on November 9, and is set to be finished in June 2021.

Throughout this summer and fall, we have been working hard with our architect David Ferch and contractor Brad Crowley of 1848 Construction to carefully plan all the elements of the construction project of our new chapel and to ensure a smooth and successful completion.

Site blessing

On August 15 of this year, Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison blessed the future chapel site.

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On
the Cistercian Nuns of Valley of Our Lady Monastery

Cistercian Sisters thank supporters, welcome gifts

“And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.”

— 1 Chronicles 29:13

PRAIRIE DU SAC — November is the month when we celebrate all the saints, remember the deceased in our prayers in a particular way, and set apart a day to thank God for His many blessings.

Although it might not seem obvious at first, these practices are closely linked, especially in the monastic tradition.

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On
Jane Lepeska Grinde, Catholic Herald Correspondent

Farmers invited to Rural Life Listening Sessions

Rural Life
Tom Nelson, far right, member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Monroe, works in the St. Thomas Aquinas outreach garden in Madison. With him, from left, are St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners Neil Vassau, Paul Scheffelman, and Tom Hartberg.
(Photo by Jane Lepeska Grinde)
NOTE: The first Rural Life Listening Session scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, in Highland has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No decisions have been made yet on other scheduled sessions in November. A session in Iowa County will be rescheduled sometime after January 1.

MADISON — “Our bishop has planted the seeds, and now we must cultivate and tend the row so the harvest may be fruitful and sustaining across the heartland of our rural diocesan home,” said Tom Nelson, diocesan rural life coordinator in announcing three Rural Life Listening Sessions to be held this month.

The first session will be on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Ss. Anthony and Philip Church, 726 Main St. in Highland.

The next session will be on Monday, Nov. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Victor Church, 1760 14th St. in Monroe.

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On
Catholic Herald Staff

Chancellor William Yallaly accepts national position with the Knights of Columbus

MADISON — After serving the Diocese of Madison in numerous and ever-evolving roles since 2007, William Yallaly, Chancellor of the Diocese of Madison, will be moving on to take the position of vice president and senior advisor for strategic initiatives for the Knights of Columbus, starting December 1.

Yallaly came to the Diocese of Madison in 2007, when he was appointed assistant to the bishop and associate director of communications.

He then went on to serve as executive advisor to the bishop, before being named chancellor in 2015.

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