MONROE — “Out of Difficulties Grow Miracles” — this is the story of our lives and the theme for the Christmas party for the handicapped for this year.
It will be held at Monroe High School in Monroe on Saturday, Dec. 5. This is a high point in the year’s events of the Apostolate to the Handicapped.
Bishop Robert C. Morlino will be the principal celebrant and homilist at a pontifical Mass, joined by 15 other priests of the Diocese of Madison. The Mass will begin at 11 a.m.
The Diocesan Choir under the direction of Dr. Patrick Gorman will sing for the Mass. They will be joined by students of Monroe High School. The lectors and acolytes of the television Mass on WISC-TV will be involved in this Mass.
The day’s activities will begin at 9:45 a.m. with Hugh and Heidi entertaining the guests with their beautiful music. Following the Mass, there will be a traditional Christmas dinner followed by more entertainment. A gift will be given to all guests attending.
This is the 42nd annual Christmas party. Hundreds of volunteers — nurses, drivers, cooks, decorators, servers, Monroe High School staff and students, Monroe Fire Department, Monroe E.M.S., set-up and clean-up crews — literally hundreds of volunteer helpers work to make it all happen.
All disabled and elderly persons are invited to this day. To make a reservation, write Msgr. Thomas Campion at Box 443, Monroe, WI 53566. There is no cost as expenses are paid by friends of the apostolate. Transportation will be furnished if at all possible to those who need a ride.
“It is a day for all disabled persons to join together to share friendships, make new ones, and be a source of inspiration to all,” said Monsignor Campion. “It is a fun day celebrating the true message of Advent and Christmas. Micah’s words are made real: ‘On that day, says the Lord, I will gather the lame, I will assemble the disabled and those whom I have afflicted. I will make of the lame, a remnant.’”