Category: Around the Diocese

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

On
Kevin Wondrash

Bishop Donald Hying temporarily lifts obligation to attend Sunday Mass

To diminish the spread of the COVID-19 virus, or the Coronavirus, Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison is issuing a decree, dispensing everyone in the Diocese of Madison from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation until further notice from the bishop.

This means that all Catholics are permitted to miss Mass on Sundays for the foreseeable future, without being concerned that they are neglecting their minimal duties to assist at Mass.

In a statement, Bishop Hying said, “This is not to say that the faithful are prohibited from attending Mass — no one is obligated to use this dispensation. However, it is encouraged that everyone takes seriously this dispensation and take liberal advantage of it, keeping in mind also the recommendation from the Wisconsin Department of Health to avoid large community gatherings — particularly large intergenerational gatherings — at this time. In a particular way, we encourage the elderly and those who are immunocompromised not to attend Mass.

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Kevin Wondrash

Diocese announces second credible allegation against Rev. Patrick Doherty

Statement from the Diocese of Madison:

MADISON — Having reviewed the findings of a preliminary investigation and received the input of the Diocesan Sexual Abuse Review Board, Bishop Donald Hying has determined that a second allegation of sexual abuse brought against Rev. Patrick Doherty has the semblance of truth. This determination follows upon an initial credible finding on another allegation, which was announced this January 17.

The individual making the present allegation came forward following the January announcement and the addition of Rev. Doherty’s name to the list of those priests (or former priests) determined to have been credibly accused of acts of sexual abuse against minors. His allegation dates from the time that Rev. Doherty was pastor in Boscobel, WI, some 45 years ago.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

‘Great moment of joy in our Church,’ says Bishop Hying

WAUNAKEE — Bishop Donald J. Hying said it is a “great moment of joy in our Church” as he welcomed those attending the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion held on Sunday, March 1, at St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee.

“We lift all catechumens and candidates up in prayer,” said Bishop Hying.

Catechumens, candidates

This year there are 36 catechumens (those seeking the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist) and 107 candidates (those who were baptized in another Christian denomination and wish to be welcomed into the Catholic Church) in the Diocese of Madison, a total of 143.

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Jane Lepeska Grinde, Catholic Herald Correspondent

International Vincentian leader visits Madison

MADISON — “Spirituality, friendship, and service,” the essential elements of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, clearly exuded from Renato Lima de Oliveira, the international president general of the society during an interview at the Middlecamp Center for Vincentian Charity here.

The first Brazilian to hold the high office was warm and friendly and full of gratitude for the work of the society volunteers in the Diocese of Madison.

Holding a copy of the February 6 Catholic Herald with Bishop Donald J. Hying’s column on the “Life and Legacy of Blessed Frederic Ozanam,” Lima de Oliveira said he was grateful to the bishop, who has been a Vincentian for 20 years and is advocating for the sainthood of the founder.

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Laura Karlen, For the Catholic Herald

St. Ambrose Academy presents Singin’ in the Rain

MADISON — Producer Diane Marsland and Director Angela Hineline have earned reputations for making magic with St. Ambrose Academy’s musical productions by drawing greatness out of their student actors — nearly 40 percent of the entire student body — through a strong work ethic and an infectious enthusiasm.

Packed house crowds have roared with laughter and wiped away wistful tears, entirely delighted.

However, this year’s Singin’ in the Rain centers on 1920’s Hollywood stars Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont as silent films give way to “talkies.”

Essential to the musical are Hollywood sets for the footage of a silent film, a “talkie” flop, and a musical rewrite.

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Kevin Wondrash

Coronavirus and the Liturgy

Following is a document sent out by the Diocese of Madison Office of Worship to priests of the diocese on March 3, 2020.

The Office of Worship has received calls expressing concern about the transmission of the Coronavirus at Mass. Please remind parishioners that there is no need to panic. Early indications show it is transmitted similar to influenza.

Below are mandatory requirements, effective immediately, within the Diocese of Madison:

1. Parishioners should refrain from touching others during the Mass (e.g., the Sign of Peace and the Our Father). The Sign of Peace may be: 1) omitted, or 2) retained if there is instruction in the use of non-contact gestures.

2. As is the current policy, the Precious Blood should not be distributed, with due exception for celiac communicants, who for medical reasons receive from an independent chalice.

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Kevin Wondrash

Seminar ‘Now and at the Hour of Our Death’ offered

MADISON — The Diocese of Madison will offer a free seminar on the Catholic approach to funerals, burial, and estate planning on Tuesday, March 31, at 1 p.m. at Holy Name Heights. The Office of Worship led similar seminars periodically over the last five years. This time, personnel from the Office of Stewardship and Development and the Department of Cemeteries will present and answer questions as well.

“These seminars have always been popular,” said Dr. Pat Gorman, director of the Office of Worship. When the seminar was held last November, about 60 people from all over the diocese attended. “I especially focus on the liturgical rites — vigil, funeral, and committal, and what can be done now to plan them. With this new format, we have a chance to address a broader range of topics,” said Gorman.

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Kevin Wondrash

Virtual Lourdes Pilgrimage coming to Diocese of Madison

PRINCETON/NESKORO — Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers, LTD, will lead a Virtual Lourdes Pilgrimage in the Diocese of Madison.

They will be visiting St. John Catholic School in Princeton and St. James Catholic Church in Neshkoro on Thursday, March 19. The scheduled presenters are Pamela and James Barton from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

The Volunteers were founded in the Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y., on July 16, 2002. In 2012, to honor the association’s 10th anniversary, Pope Benedict granted a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, to those who attend the Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience. Since so many responded to this grace, in 2013, Pope Francis granted a second plenary indulgence extending through 2020.

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Kevin Wondrash

Montello/Westfield parishes to host Lenten Mission

MONTELLO/WESTFIELD — St. John the Baptist Parish in Montello and Good Shepherd Parish in Westfield will host a Lenten Mission from Monday to Wednesday, March 16 to 18.

The mission is being led by Deacon Ralph Poyo of the New Evangelization Ministries. The event is a way to help people “set their faith lives on fire” and move from a boring, obligation faith to a life-giving, healing faith centered on a relationship with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Deacon Poyo is no stranger to the Diocese of Madison. He has previously led missions at St. Dennis in Madison and Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Sun Prairie.

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