News from around the 11 counties of the Diocese of Madison.
DODGEVILLE — “Farmers are called to a unique vocation,” said Jim Ennis, executive director of Catholic Rural Life, the Catholic non-profit organization serving the rural Church in the United States for over 93 years.
Ennis discussed the role of farmers in an interview about a recent document called The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader: Integrating Faith with Agriculture and the Environment.
MADISON — Pregnancy Helpline is holding its third annual DiaperDash, a 5K Run/Walk, on Saturday, Sept. 23, to raise funds and awareness for diapers in Madison.
“One in three American families struggle with diaper need and it’s a reality in our community. We have mothers asking every week for help with diapers,” said Alissa Hirscher, Pregnancy Helpline executive director.
DANE — The National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9.
People are invited to join Vigil for Life for a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Michael Church, 109 S. Military Rd. in Dane. After Mass, people will process out to the gravesite of the aborted baby who was named Malachai for a brief memorial.
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| A Texas National Guard soldier carries a woman during rescue operations in flooded areas around Houston, Texas. (CNS photo/courtesy Texas Military Department) |
WASHINGTON, D.C. (CNS) — Catholic dioceses and charities are quickly organizing to help in the aftermath of a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall with heavy rains and winds of 130 miles per hour late August 25 into the Rockport, Texas, area, northeast of Corpus Christi.
The hurricane, named Harvey, is said to be the strongest one to hit the United States in more than a decade and perhaps the strongest one to make landfall in Texas.
| Bishop Robert C. Morlino has authorized a mandatory special collection at the parish level for flood victims in Texas. Here is the link for more information: www.madisondiocese.org/donate | ||
Catholic Charities USA, as well as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Disaster Services, announced early on August 26 that they’re mobilizing to help an as-yet-unknown number of persons affected by the hurricane. The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has a list of charities helping with the disaster listed on its website at https://tx catholic.org/harvey
Authorities reported at least five casualties as of August 27, but because of safety issues, not many emergency teams have been yet able to respond to the aftermath and much of the damage is unknown. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared the state a disaster area, which will allow federal money to help in reconstruction. Catholic groups said they want to help with the immediate needs of the communities affected.
September 5 will mark the celebration of St. Mother Teresa’s feast day. She died on September 5, 1997, so it has been 20 years since her death. Two decades later, we celebrate her as a saint of Christ’s Church and draw inspiration from her life committed to serving Christ and His people, especially the poor and suffering.
CLINTON — Fr. Bill Connell, who was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1975, will be retiring because of health reasons from St. Stephen Parish, Clinton.
He will have a farewell Mass and reception on Sunday, Sept. 17. This will include the usual 9 a.m. Sunday Mass, followed by a light brunch and reception until 12 noon provided by his parish and large family. All are welcome.
LA VALLE — Holy Family Parish in La Valle will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the erection of its church with a special Mass on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 12 noon, with Bishop Robert C. Morlino presiding.
The church is located at 310 Bluff St. in La Valle. Fr. Sanctus K. Ibe is the pastor.
Holy Family Catholic Parish of La Valle originated in 1915 under the leadership of Father Kriel. The first services were held in a vacant shoe store.
MADISON — The Madison Catholic Woman’s Club will host its annual Benefit Dessert Party and Fashion Show by Talbot’s with the theme, “Autumn’s Palette,” on Monday, Sept. 11. This is the club’s major fundraiser with proceeds going to charitable projects.
All women of the diocese and their guests are invited to join the club for dessert, fashions, raffle, and prizes at St. Peter Catholic Church Social Center, 5001 Sherman Ave., Madison. Doors open at 11 a.m. for raffle and seating; dessert will be served at 11:30.
For the seminarians of the Diocese of Madison, it was both a sign summer is ending and their studies are about to continue as well as a chance to thank those making their discernment to the priesthood possible.
PINE BLUFF — I’ve come to know Fr. Donald Calloway over the course of the past few years. His conversion story is amazing, and not unlike many of us priests today, in that our worldly lives were, by the grace of God, completely transformed into a life totally dedicated to God.
The similarities come, especially, as his mother never gave up on him; trusting in Our Lord and Our Lady that her son would turn his life around some day. Now, Fr. Donald Calloway and I serve on the Board of the Holy League together, with Cardinal Raymond Burke as our spiritual adviser.
