Ambassador Frank Shakespeare called it an “extraordinary time” following a “huge transition in human civilization.” And he was right in the thick of it all.
Category: News
Legislature approves pro-life bills
MADISON — In the closing days of the 2011-12 legislative session, the Wisconsin Assembly gave final approval to two bills that ensure access to health care without increasing support for abortion. One measure, Senate Bill 92 bars health insurance providers that participate in a future state exchange from including elective abortions in their coverage. The proposal, Senate Bill 92, sponsored by Senator Rich Zipperer (R-Pewaukee) and Representative Robin Vos (R-Burlington) passed the Assembly on a 61 to 34 vote. The Senate had approved the bill in October 2011.
The federal health care reform legislation enacted in 2010 requires states to create exchanges that offer health insurance consistent with the new law by January of 2014. The federal law provides that states have the option of excluding abortion coverage from health plans participating in the state exchange. Senate Bill 92 creates that exclusion.
WCC helps defeat rent-to-own legislation
MADISON –The Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) joined other pro-consumer groups to persuade legislators to reject a bill to exempt rent-to-own (RTO) businesses from key provisions of Wisconsin’s Consumer Act (WCA).
The Wisconsin Assembly approved Assembly Bill 582 on the last day of the legislative session, but the Senate declined to consider the bill before it adjourned for the year. In the closing days of the session, staff of Catholic Charities agencies and St. Vincent de Paul Society Councils were among those who made phone calls to legislators urging that the bill not be approved.
Revisions to sex education approved, awaits governor’s signature
MADISON — On March 14, the State Assembly approved legislation to provide local districts more flexibility in teaching human growth and development classes. The bill also permits abstinence-based instruction.
The Assembly approved Senate Bill 237, sponsored by Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) and Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt, (R-Fond du Lac) on a vote of 60-34. The legislation restores the flexibility and local control, which school districts enjoyed up until the beginning of the 2011-12 academic year that allowed them to offer different approaches to human growth and development instruction.
Mass and hospitality celebrate new Good Shepherd Parish
MADISON — More than 400 people filled St. Joseph Church, 1905 W. Beltline Hwy., Madison, for the March 3 Mass celebrating the merger of St. Joseph and St. James Parishes into Good Shepherd Parish.
Grouts honored as longest married couple in Wisconsin
MADISON — Their children say that Rosemary and Joseph Grout are a wonderful role model for their family and everyone they meet.
“Their faith is incredibly strong. They’re full of love and life,” said their daughter, Donna Hildebrand of Verona.
Two appointed to Catholic Charities Board of Directors
MADISON — Bishop Robert C. Morlino has appointed Scott J. Seymour and Ken Thompson each to three-year terms on the Catholic Charities Board of Directors.
Italian dinner and auction celebrate parish’s diversity
MADISON — The annual St. James School Italian dinner and auction on Sunday, March 18, celebrate the diversity of the new Good Shepherd Parish.
Diocese welcomes those seeking the Church
One of the common myths of our time is that the Catholic Church is on the decline: that the faithful are a dwindling minority, becoming more and more irrelevant.
Catholic Charities names new executive vice president
MADISON — Brian Cain, president of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Madison, announced that Jackson Fonder has been named the new executive vice president of Catholic Charities, effective March 5.