News from around the 11 counties of the Diocese of Madison.
MADISON/DODGEVILLE — As parishes across the diocese and nation prepare for Christmas, many pay special attention to the elderly and homebound, including putting together and delivering gift bags and food.
While the gift bags are important, care ministers appreciate the gifts they give and receive throughout the year.
MADISON — Msgr. Michael E. Hippee is retiring as judicial vicar for the Diocese of Madison Tribunal, a position he has held since 1978. Susan Stack is also retiring from the Tribunal after serving as its administrative assistant, notary, and assessor for almost 17 years.
BARABOO — The faithful are invited to a special Holy Mass at 11 p.m. Christmas Eve, Monday, Dec. 24, celebrated by Fr. Pedro Escribano in the Durward’s Glen Chapel as we journey to Christmas morning in prayer and joyful anticipation of God-made-child — Jesus.
Reaching out to one another with a spirit of camaraderie and joy, hundreds of guests and dozens of volunteers participated in the annual Apostolate to the Handicapped Advent/Christmas Party at Monroe High School (MHS).
MADISON — Plans are being made for the redevelopment of the run-down Holy Redeemer School building located next to Holy Redeemer Church at 120 W. Johnson St. into student housing.
According to Msgr. Kevin Holmes, pastor of the Cathedral Parish of St. Raphael, the repurposed building would be designed especially to serve students involved at St. Paul’s University Catholic Center.
MADISON — For Brian Cain, being the head of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Madison has been much more than a job. It’s been a passion and his life’s calling.
“In looking back, although I didn’t realize it at the moment, I realize that this was my passion and my life’s calling: to work for the Church and help others,” Cain said in a recent interview.
St. Jerome Catholic Church, in Columbus, WI and the Diocese of Madison offer the following brief statement, regarding formal charges being filed against a former parish employee:
MADISON — With Pope Benedict XVI’s declaration of the Year of Faith, the Madison Diocesan Choir’s Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center takes on greater significance and solemnity.
More than the traditional Advent prayer service celebrating in Scripture and song the Christ Child’s birth, Lessons and Carols this year offers all an opportunity to witness and affirm the good works of others throughout the diocese, as well as rediscover and renew their own relationship with Christ and the Church.
MADISON — God has granted us many gifts throughout our lives, including the important gift of faith.
Good and hard-working priests across our diocese have played a significant role in making the sacraments available to us throughout a lifetime. The Bless Our Priests collection is our chance to thank them for their tireless effort to serve our parishes and families.
MADISON — On Saturday, Dec. 15, St. Ambrose Academy in Madison will host its sixth annual benefit dinner, gathering people from around the Diocese of Madison to highlight the importance of Catholic education and to celebrate the December 7 feast day of its patron, St. Ambrose.
