In response to what he called a “crisis” in the Catholic Church, Bishop Robert C. Morlino called for greater reverence in the liturgy during his homily at the annual Chrism Mass celebrated on April 11 at St. Maria Goretti Church in Madison.
Author: Kevin Wondrash
High school ministry goes beyond Confirmation
VERONA — Now in its second year, the High School Ministry program at St. Christopher Parish in Verona is striving to be a community where all teens can be heard, feel like they belong, and form authentic friendships through discussions, prayer, study, and social activities.
The program is a separate entity from the parish’s Confirmation program for teens, who are confirmed in the fall of their 10th grade year.
For Youth Ministry and Confirmation Coordinator Doug Ulaszek, High School Ministry is about the teens “being formed beyond Confirmation” and striving to “change the mentality” from teens being done with their faith formation following the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Sisters offer retreat for single women
PRAIRIE DU SAC — Cistercian Nuns and Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity invite single Catholic women, ages 18 to 32, to a mostly silent retreat designed for women discerning their vocation.
Franciscan Sister Jacqueline Spaniola, OSF, will teach St. Ignatius’ discernment process.
The retreat will take place Saturday, April 29, at Valley of Our Lady Cistercian Monastery in Prairie du Sac and begins with 8 a.m. Mass (optional).
St. Vincent de Paul Youth Service Council develops new scholarship, plans hike
MADISON — The Madison St. Vincent de Paul Youth Service Council (SVdP YSC) continues to organize a variety of service, faith, and friendship activities throughout the year.
New scholarship
A new initiative this academic year was the creation and development of a scholarship designed to provide financial support for future education to a high school senior qualifying for free/reduced lunch.
Divine Mercy Sunday to be observed on April 23
MADISON — This year, Divine Mercy Sunday will be observed on April 23.
At. St. Patrick Parish in Cottage Grove, there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 2:50 p.m., followed by praying of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m. Adoration, private Confession, and recitation of the Rosary will also take place.
At Blessed Sacrament Parish in Madison, Confessions will be heard at 1 p.m. with Mass at 2 p.m. and Chapel and image blessing at 3 p.m.
Silence is needed to unveil all of the truth
Dear Friends,
It seems like just yesterday that I was writing to you about Christmas and about the depth, the richness of our hymn “Silent Night.”
We just observed Palm Sunday, and were listening, at the beginning of Holy Week, to the story of Our Lord’s suffering and death.
Holy Week services
Following are special Holy Week services being held in various places in the Diocese of Madison area.
Stations of the Cross at Durward’s Glen
BARABOO — Fr. Pedro Escribano will lead the Stations of the Cross at Durward’s Glen Retreat Center on Good Friday, April 14, at 3:30 p.m. Participants can meet on the chapel porch.
The outdoor stations will be used unless the weather forces use of the indoor stations at the Immaculate Conception Chapel. All are welcome.
Society to hear talk on restorative justice
MADISON — Ron Johnson, coordinator of the Dane County Community Restorative Court, will be the guest speaker of the St. Thomas More Society meeting on Friday, April 21, at 7:30 a.m., at St. Patrick Church Hall, 404 E. Main St.
The public is welcome. Bring a friend or colleague. There is no charge.
Johnson, originally from Milwaukee, is a former teacher and principal, as well as a father of seven. His career includes working with programs that address gang prevention and intervention, youth violence, youth development, and employment.
Young adult service opportunities offered
MADISON — The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Madison is sponsoring young adult service opportunities.
Young adults looking for a fruitful way to spend Saturday , April 22, are invited to join other young adults in service during the morning and enjoy bowling and lunch in the afternoon.
Check out the event signup page for more details at tinyurl.com/svdpya2017madison
St. Joe’s 55-PLUS Group potluck social
FORT ATKINSON — St. Joe’s 55-PLUS Group will have their next potluck social on Wednesday, April 19, at St. Joseph Parish Hall.
The potluck will begin at 1 p.m. Beef Brisket, coffee, lemonade, and tableware will be provided. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to pass.
After the potluck luncheon, Joel Winn will present “Discovering Indian Artifacts”, noting that “History began here long before 1832.”