Category: Around the Diocese

News from around the 11 counties of the Diocese of Madison.

On
Laura Karlen, For the Catholic Herald

St. Ambrose Academy presents Singin’ in the Rain

MADISON — Producer Diane Marsland and Director Angela Hineline have earned reputations for making magic with St. Ambrose Academy’s musical productions by drawing greatness out of their student actors — nearly 40 percent of the entire student body — through a strong work ethic and an infectious enthusiasm.

Packed house crowds have roared with laughter and wiped away wistful tears, entirely delighted.

However, this year’s Singin’ in the Rain centers on 1920’s Hollywood stars Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont as silent films give way to “talkies.”

Essential to the musical are Hollywood sets for the footage of a silent film, a “talkie” flop, and a musical rewrite.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

Coronavirus and the Liturgy

Following is a document sent out by the Diocese of Madison Office of Worship to priests of the diocese on March 3, 2020.

The Office of Worship has received calls expressing concern about the transmission of the Coronavirus at Mass. Please remind parishioners that there is no need to panic. Early indications show it is transmitted similar to influenza.

Below are mandatory requirements, effective immediately, within the Diocese of Madison:

1. Parishioners should refrain from touching others during the Mass (e.g., the Sign of Peace and the Our Father). The Sign of Peace may be: 1) omitted, or 2) retained if there is instruction in the use of non-contact gestures.

2. As is the current policy, the Precious Blood should not be distributed, with due exception for celiac communicants, who for medical reasons receive from an independent chalice.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

Seminar ‘Now and at the Hour of Our Death’ offered

MADISON — The Diocese of Madison will offer a free seminar on the Catholic approach to funerals, burial, and estate planning on Tuesday, March 31, at 1 p.m. at Holy Name Heights. The Office of Worship led similar seminars periodically over the last five years. This time, personnel from the Office of Stewardship and Development and the Department of Cemeteries will present and answer questions as well.

“These seminars have always been popular,” said Dr. Pat Gorman, director of the Office of Worship. When the seminar was held last November, about 60 people from all over the diocese attended. “I especially focus on the liturgical rites — vigil, funeral, and committal, and what can be done now to plan them. With this new format, we have a chance to address a broader range of topics,” said Gorman.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

Virtual Lourdes Pilgrimage coming to Diocese of Madison

PRINCETON/NESKORO — Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers, LTD, will lead a Virtual Lourdes Pilgrimage in the Diocese of Madison.

They will be visiting St. John Catholic School in Princeton and St. James Catholic Church in Neshkoro on Thursday, March 19. The scheduled presenters are Pamela and James Barton from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

The Volunteers were founded in the Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y., on July 16, 2002. In 2012, to honor the association’s 10th anniversary, Pope Benedict granted a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, to those who attend the Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience. Since so many responded to this grace, in 2013, Pope Francis granted a second plenary indulgence extending through 2020.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

Montello/Westfield parishes to host Lenten Mission

MONTELLO/WESTFIELD — St. John the Baptist Parish in Montello and Good Shepherd Parish in Westfield will host a Lenten Mission from Monday to Wednesday, March 16 to 18.

The mission is being led by Deacon Ralph Poyo of the New Evangelization Ministries. The event is a way to help people “set their faith lives on fire” and move from a boring, obligation faith to a life-giving, healing faith centered on a relationship with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Deacon Poyo is no stranger to the Diocese of Madison. He has previously led missions at St. Dennis in Madison and Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Sun Prairie.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

Diocese offers findings on allegations against Rev. William A. Nolan

Following is a statement released by the Diocese of Madison.

Following a thorough investigation and subsequent recommendation by the Diocese’s Sexual Abuse Review Board, the Diocese of Madison now announces Bishop Donald Hying’s determination that previously announced allegations of sexual misconduct made against Rev. William A. Nolan are deemed not to be credible.

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On
Sara Christenson, For the Catholic Herald

Youth grow in faith, friendship at Frassati Fest

WISCONSIN DELLS — At the beginning of February, approximately 350 high school teens and chaperones gathered together at the Kalahari in the Wisconsin Dells to attend the 21st annual “Frassati Fest.”

This youth gathering is named after Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who was from Italy and died at a young age. He is the patron of this event.

Grow in faith and friendship

This annual retreat offers a place for teens to encounter Jesus Christ and grow in faith and friendship with Catholic teens from all across the Diocese of Madison.

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Sacred Heart Parish in Reedsburg hosts 10th annual Food Fair

REEDSBURG — In an effort to support local growers, to offer locally grown foods for sale, and to educate the public about sustainably-grown and locally produced foods, the joint Justice and Peace Commission of three Sauk County Catholic parishes (Sacred Heart-Reedsburg, Holy Family-LaValle, and St. Boniface-Lime Ridge) is holding its 10th annual Food Fair & Farmers’ Market on Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Sacred Heart School Gym in Reedsburg.

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