Tag: Jim

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Kevin Wondrash

‘It was worth the wait’: Diocesan priest meets Pope Francis

Fr. McEnery and Pope Francis
Fr. Jim McEnery, a priest of the Diocese of Madison, gives Pope Francis music for an “Ave Maria” that he wrote. Father McEnery is observing 65 years as a priest this year. (Contributed photo)

A far-fetched idea of offering Holy Mass with Pope Francis ended up a reality for a Diocese of Madison priest — plus getting a hug from the Holy Father.

The occasion: Fr. Jim McEnery, a priest of the Diocese of Madison, and his classmate, Fr. Richard Kuhn of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, are observing their 65th year of ordination to the priesthood this year.

A special invitation

After receiving “how-to” advice from some higher-ups in Rome, and a mailing address provided by Msgr. James Bartylla, then vicar general of the Diocese of Madison, and after waiting months and pretty much giving up on the idea, an email from Pope Francis’ personal secretary finally arrived. It invited them to celebrate “at the Holy Father’s Mass in the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae on Monday 12 November next, promptly at 7:00 a.m.”

Father Jim could hardly believe his eye. Not much time to prepare meant scrambling for tickets, but soon he and his classmate were on their way, non-stop Miami-to-Rome on Alitalia, economy class.

Arriving in Rome

On Saturday, their driver picked them up at Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Their small hotel, the Residenze Poalo VI, was about 50 feet from the famous Bernini columns, and not much farther from the Cancello de San’Ufficio, where they were to check in on Monday morning.

Many a cardinal and archbishop had signed the guest register of this hotel, including names like Dolan and Listecki, so it seemed to be “the” place to be. (The restaurant is open until 1 a.m. to accommodate concert goers.)

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Kevin Wondrash

‘Our Faith Stories’ at St. Ann, Stoughton

STOUGHTON — This month’s “Our Faith Stories” at St. Ann Catholic Church will feature Jim Bailey and Laura Roeven on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m. in Healy Hall.

Laura Roeven will discuss the idea of living each moment oriented to God. Her story is peppered with mindfulness practices and challenges of staying rooted and Christ-centered in our busy world.

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Kevin Wondrash

‘Our Faith Stories’ at St. Ann Parish in Stoughton

STOUGHTON — On Sunday, May 22, Jim Cisler from Holy Mother of Consolation Parish, Oregon, and Laurie Mecum, from St. Ann Parish, Stoughton, will be witnessing to their faith during a night of faith sharing at St. Ann Parish.

The theme of Cisler’s talk in the “Our Faith Stories” series will be, “You need to stay the course with your faith in God on your life’s journey and all will work out in the end.” Mecum will have a similar message, “Jesus, I trust in You!”

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Chris Lee

Monsignor Schmelzer to be recognized at St. Philip Church in Highland

HIGHLAND — In honor of the Feast of St. Philip, Fr. Jim Murphy, pastor SS. Anthony and Philip Parish, has scheduled a Mass on Sunday, May 1, at 1 p.m. at St. Philip Church.

At this Mass, Msgr. Delbert Schmelzer, a pastor emeritus in the Diocese of Madison, will be recognized for the 60-year anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Monsignor Schmelzer celebrated his first Mass at St. Philip Church in May of 1956.

 

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