Category: Around the Diocese

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

On
the Sisters of Mary Morning Star, Monona

Sisters of Mary Morning Star begin construction of their new chapel

MONONA — Construction of a new chapel for the Sisters of Mary Morning Star in Monona began on November 9, and is set to be finished in June 2021.

Throughout this summer and fall, we have been working hard with our architect David Ferch and contractor Brad Crowley of 1848 Construction to carefully plan all the elements of the construction project of our new chapel and to ensure a smooth and successful completion.

Site blessing

On August 15 of this year, Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison blessed the future chapel site.

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On
the Cistercian Nuns of Valley of Our Lady Monastery

Cistercian Sisters thank supporters, welcome gifts

“And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.”

— 1 Chronicles 29:13

PRAIRIE DU SAC — November is the month when we celebrate all the saints, remember the deceased in our prayers in a particular way, and set apart a day to thank God for His many blessings.

Although it might not seem obvious at first, these practices are closely linked, especially in the monastic tradition.

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On
Jane Lepeska Grinde, Catholic Herald Correspondent

Farmers invited to Rural Life Listening Sessions

Rural Life
Tom Nelson, far right, member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Monroe, works in the St. Thomas Aquinas outreach garden in Madison. With him, from left, are St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners Neil Vassau, Paul Scheffelman, and Tom Hartberg.
(Photo by Jane Lepeska Grinde)
NOTE: The first Rural Life Listening Session scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, in Highland has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No decisions have been made yet on other scheduled sessions in November. A session in Iowa County will be rescheduled sometime after January 1.

MADISON — “Our bishop has planted the seeds, and now we must cultivate and tend the row so the harvest may be fruitful and sustaining across the heartland of our rural diocesan home,” said Tom Nelson, diocesan rural life coordinator in announcing three Rural Life Listening Sessions to be held this month.

The first session will be on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Ss. Anthony and Philip Church, 726 Main St. in Highland.

The next session will be on Monday, Nov. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Victor Church, 1760 14th St. in Monroe.

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On
Catholic Herald Staff

Chancellor William Yallaly accepts national position with the Knights of Columbus

MADISON — After serving the Diocese of Madison in numerous and ever-evolving roles since 2007, William Yallaly, Chancellor of the Diocese of Madison, will be moving on to take the position of vice president and senior advisor for strategic initiatives for the Knights of Columbus, starting December 1.

Yallaly came to the Diocese of Madison in 2007, when he was appointed assistant to the bishop and associate director of communications.

He then went on to serve as executive advisor to the bishop, before being named chancellor in 2015.

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On
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

National Vocation Awareness Week, November 1-7

Vocations Week
Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison speaks to diocesan seminarians during this year’s Seminarian Gathering held at Camp Gray in Reedsburg. (Contributed photo)

WASHINGTON — The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week on November 1-7.

This annual weeklong celebration is an opportunity for dioceses and parishes in the United States to uphold and promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and Consecrated Life and encourage the faithful to renew their prayerful support for those currently discerning one of these calls.

This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unforeseen challenges in the lives of many throughout the country.

Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, offered that these current challenges provide an opportunity for genuine discernment fully rooted and dependent upon Christ.

“These unusual and difficult times have brought much uncertainty and fear into our lives, but we know in faith that Christ’s powerful hand extends over all of us in mercy. I invite those discerning a vocation to use this time to prayerfully renew your love for Christ and recognize your complete dependence upon Him who loves and calls you uniquely,” he said.

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On
Carolyn Averill, For the Catholic Herald

St. Ambrose Academy to host extraordinary virtual benefit dinner

MADISON — On Saturday, Dec. 12, St. Ambrose Academy (SAA) is bringing the party to you.

We’re taking our annual gala virtual with the See the Joy Benefit Dinner @ Home Edition. And we invite you to host a watch party and join the fun!

Not just a Zoom conference

This is not just some Zoom conference though.

Instead of coming to a downtown Madison venue, you and your guests will gather at your home (or someone else’s!) to enjoy an interactive experience that will bring in a taste of the joyful, social atmosphere that is a hallmark of each SAA Benefit Dinner, which annually welcomes 600 or more friends and supporters.

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