MADISON — Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Madison, has offered to assume primary responsibility for the operation of the Catholic Multicultural Center in Madison.
This offer, made through its pastor, Msgr. Kenneth Fiedler, with the support and collaboration of neighboring pastors and parishes, has been weighed and gratefully accepted by Bishop Robert C. Morlino, who assures his ongoing help and prayers, as well as those of the entire Diocese of Madison, for the work of the Catholic Multicultural Center.
Earlier this week, it was shared with all the priests and parishes of the diocese that, even before last week’s sad announcement about the closing of the Catholic Multicultural Center, the diocese had engaged in a number of discussions and, with tremendous hope, entertained a number of possibilities regarding the future of ministries carried out by the center. The reality of its closing and cessation of services raised the level of urgency of these discussions.
In recent days the diocese received a great number of ideas and suggestions from good people throughout Dane and 10 surrounding counties. In addition, a great number of pledges have been received from those who wish to help the center — $10,000 alone from Catholic young adults in and around Madison. The most hopeful possibility, however, came with the offer of Monsignor Fiedler and his parish, with the support and collaboration of neighboring pastors and parishes, to assume responsibility for the center.
“This is great news for everyone who is, and will be, assisted through the great ministry of the Catholic Multicultural Center,” said Msgr. Daniel Ganshert, Vicar General of the Diocese of Madison. “Bishop Morlino and the Diocese of Madison wish to thank Msgr. Ken Fiedler and the parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish for this gracious offer. They can be assured of our support. Above all, we thank God who has made this possible,” he continued.
Many of the details about the future of the center have yet to be worked out, but this is a great development for the people who the center aids, for those who so graciously support its mission, and for the community of Madison. As more is discussed and known, Our Lady Queen of Peace and the diocese will continue to communicate the plans for reopening the Catholic Multicultural Center.