Category: Around the Diocese

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

On
Fr. Bart Timmerman, For the Catholic Herald

Immaculate Heart of Mary School nears record enrollment

Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Monona has increased its enrollment by 49 percent, primarily due to recruiting Hispanic and Asian students through its Catholic School Advantage Program. (Contributed photo)

MONONA — Five years ago, a trend toward decreasing enrollment at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) School in Monona had become an increasing concern.

To respond to this concern, a five-point strategy was implemented to retain and increase school enrollment.

Five-point plan

The five-point plan included:

  1. Prayer — putting faith in God to provide opportunities for increasing enrollment
  2. Public school partnership — becoming a 4K site for the Monona Grove School District
  3. Retention — commitment to improving student retention between elementary and middle school
  4. Outreach — implementing the Catholic School Advantage (CSA) Program for Hispanic immigrant families
  5. Enrollment management — hiring a development director to focus on building and retaining enrollment
Exciting new program

Since implementation of the plan, with God’s help, this five-point strategy is working.

One of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of this strategy is the Catholic School Advantage (CSA) program. This program is a ground-breaking student recruitment effort that reaches out to Hispanic-immigrant students from families who want to send their children to a Catholic school, but are unable to afford tuition.

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On
Jenny Bruno, For the Catholic Herald

Catholic Multicultural Center class brings hope

MADISON — The Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC) has always been a place people can turn to for job search assistance, from a workshop that helps job-seekers prepare for interviews to a walk-in program where people can get aid with writing résumés, cover letters, and more.

One notable program involves direct job training and addresses some of the major problems disadvantaged people have when applying for jobs. This is the Culinary Creations Program and it has a mission: to eliminate barriers to employment for economically disadvantaged people. This program gives people useful employment skills and has the potential to shape communities and change lives.

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On
Jill Driscoll, For the Catholic Herald

An opportunity to reflect on the Year of Faith

MADISON— “Beauty: Ever Ancient, Ever New” the theme for the 2013 Annual Catholic Appeal, brings forth an opportunity for all Catholics in our diocese to find the beauty God has provided in their lives. As we explore the Year of Faith and learn more about being Catholic, it invites us to look at our own lives and determine how we can enhance our faith and in turn share it.

As we approach the opening weeks of this year’s Appeal, we are drawn to reflect on our personal participation in this Year of Faith with a heightened sense of our role as a Catholic in our families and communities. The ACA supports that role and its measurable impact. Some of the important ministries we support include Evangelization and Catechesis, Catholic Charities, Seminarian Education, and Catholic education. Please visit www.madisondiocese.org to read more about the benefits of the ACA and the vital support it provides.

The $3 million goal for the upcoming year fuels ministry reaching out to all areas and walks of life in our diocese. Here are just a few examples of why your gift is so important to the ACA.

  • Evangelization and Catechesis: Provides retreats, classes, lectures, educational materials for young adults, engaged couples seeking the sacrament of marriage, catechists and educators, married couples learning natural family planning methods, as well as anyone looking to learn more about their Catholic faith.
  • Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities has been entrusted with conducting the Corporal Works of Mercy for the Diocese of Madison. Their work includes more than 35 programs serving the aging, children, individuals, families, persons with developmental disabilities, and those addicted to alcohol and drugs. It provides financial assistance to the Catholic Multicultural Center offering help to the underprivileged in Madison and beyond.
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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

St. Maria Goretti Parish creates a vision for the future

MADISON — Parishioners often describe St. Maria Goretti Parish as a “very good parish.”

“It’s a very warm and welcoming parish. You get the sense that people care. There is excellent leadership from the clergy and staff,” said Bernard DuMond, who did an assessment of St. Maria Goretti Parish as a consultant with the Institute of School & Parish Development (ISPD).

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On
Kim Donahue, For the Catholic Herald

St. Ambrose dinner gathers record numbers

A record 565 guests gathered at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton on December 15 for a benefit dinner supporting St. Ambrose Academy middle school and high school. Bishop Robert Morlino and dozens of priests and religious were joined by faculty, school families, benefactors, and supporters in a celebration of Catholic education in the Diocese of Madison.

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