MADISON — Care Net Pregnancy Center of Dane County’s request to construct a mixed-use building with 36 residential units and a daycare facility was unanimously approved recently by the Madison City Plan Commission.
Category: News
An opportunity to reflect on the Year of Faith
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MADISON— “Beauty: Ever Ancient, Ever New” the theme for the 2013 Annual Catholic Appeal, brings forth an opportunity for all Catholics in our diocese to find the beauty God has provided in their lives. As we explore the Year of Faith and learn more about being Catholic, it invites us to look at our own lives and determine how we can enhance our faith and in turn share it.
As we approach the opening weeks of this year’s Appeal, we are drawn to reflect on our personal participation in this Year of Faith with a heightened sense of our role as a Catholic in our families and communities. The ACA supports that role and its measurable impact. Some of the important ministries we support include Evangelization and Catechesis, Catholic Charities, Seminarian Education, and Catholic education. Please visit www.madisondiocese.org to read more about the benefits of the ACA and the vital support it provides.
The $3 million goal for the upcoming year fuels ministry reaching out to all areas and walks of life in our diocese. Here are just a few examples of why your gift is so important to the ACA.
- Evangelization and Catechesis: Provides retreats, classes, lectures, educational materials for young adults, engaged couples seeking the sacrament of marriage, catechists and educators, married couples learning natural family planning methods, as well as anyone looking to learn more about their Catholic faith.
- Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities has been entrusted with conducting the Corporal Works of Mercy for the Diocese of Madison. Their work includes more than 35 programs serving the aging, children, individuals, families, persons with developmental disabilities, and those addicted to alcohol and drugs. It provides financial assistance to the Catholic Multicultural Center offering help to the underprivileged in Madison and beyond.
Reflections on the Holy Mass DVD series available
MADISON — As of January 14, Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB, was thrilled to receive the first shipment of his DVD series called “Reflections on Holy Mass.”
The Orate Institute of Sacred Liturgy, Music, and Art, under the direction of Abbot Rooney, has prepared 40 reflections on the Mass that appear on eight DVDs.
CCHD seeks local grant applications
MADISON — Applications are now being accepted for local grants to be distributed through the local Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).
The deadline for submitting applications is April 24 (must be postmarked by April 22).
Repealing laws you didn’t know existed
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| (CNS photo by Bob Roller) |
Decree of Abrogation |
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| To view the Diocese of Madison Decree of Abrogation, click here. |
G.K. Chesterton once observed that journalism largely consists of saying “Lord Jones is dead” to people who never knew that Lord Jones was alive. Thankfully, this article is not an obituary, but its purpose is to explain that diocesan law has been repealed to readers who likely (and justifiably) never knew that diocesan law existed.
What is diocesan law? Like any society or any family, the Church has rules for maintaining good order. Some of these rules are “universal,” meaning that they apply to the whole Church worldwide, and others are “particular,” meaning that they only apply to a certain region or community, such as an ecclesiastical province or a diocese.
Whether they are universal or particular, these rules can be either “legislative” or “executive.” Legislative rules are laws in the strict sense, and at the diocesan level they can only be issued by the diocesan bishop. Laws are meant to have broad, generic, and fairly permanent application. Executive rules, on the other hand, are meant to apply the law in specific and concrete instances. They can be issued by other executive authorities such as the vicar general in addition to the diocesan bishop, but executive rules can never contradict laws.
We see the same division between executive and legislative rules in our civil government. The legislature passes a law that says, “Cars must drive at or below the posted speed limit,” but an executive authority passes a rule that says, “The speed limit on Main Street is 30 miles per hour.” In the Church, the diocesan bishop exercises both legislative and executive power (not to mention judicial power), but any given act of governance falls into one of those categories. “Diocesan law,” then, refers to the legislative rules issued by the bishop for the diocese.
Papal awards conferred on Catholics in diocese
Dozens of lay and religious faithful of the Diocese of Madison were presented December 16 with the honors bestowed upon them by Pope Benedict XVI for their meritorious service to the Church.
St. Maria Goretti Parish creates a vision for the future
MADISON — Parishioners often describe St. Maria Goretti Parish as a “very good parish.”
“It’s a very warm and welcoming parish. You get the sense that people care. There is excellent leadership from the clergy and staff,” said Bernard DuMond, who did an assessment of St. Maria Goretti Parish as a consultant with the Institute of School & Parish Development (ISPD).
St. Ambrose dinner gathers record numbers
A record 565 guests gathered at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton on December 15 for a benefit dinner supporting St. Ambrose Academy middle school and high school. Bishop Robert Morlino and dozens of priests and religious were joined by faculty, school families, benefactors, and supporters in a celebration of Catholic education in the Diocese of Madison.
Care ministry: A gift received and given
MADISON/DODGEVILLE — As parishes across the diocese and nation prepare for Christmas, many pay special attention to the elderly and homebound, including putting together and delivering gift bags and food.
While the gift bags are important, care ministers appreciate the gifts they give and receive throughout the year.
Long-time Tribunal vicar, staff member retire
MADISON — Msgr. Michael E. Hippee is retiring as judicial vicar for the Diocese of Madison Tribunal, a position he has held since 1978. Susan Stack is also retiring from the Tribunal after serving as its administrative assistant, notary, and assessor for almost 17 years.