Because of the coronavirus outbreak, the St. James Vermont Catholic Church outdoor Mass scheduled for the first Sunday in August will be canceled this year.
Category: Around the Diocese
News from around the 11 counties of the Diocese of Madison.
Parish livestreams series on prayer
St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Monroe began livestreaming a five-week series entitled “Questioning Prayer” on Thursday, July 16, and it runs through Thursday, Aug. 13. The series, led by Parochial Vicar Fr. Tim Mergen, focuses on how to grow a deeper interior prayer life. The series begins at 5:15 p.m. every Thursday. The talks last about 45 minutes and are followed by a short period for prayer. They can be watched live or after the event on the parish’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/c/StClareParishYoutube/
Deacon Luke Powers ordained to the transitional diaconate
 |
|
| Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison, center, lays hands on Transitional Deacon Luke Powers during his Ordination Mass on June 19 at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church in Sun Prairie. He is assisted by Transitional Deacon Michael Wanta, left (Photo by Molly Sweeney) |
SUN PRAIRIE — “Tonight is a perfect convergence,” said Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison on June 19, the evening of Deacon Luke Powers’ ordination to the transitional diaconate.
“We’re in Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish,” the bishop said and added that “Today is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and this is the parish that Luke Powers was baptized in, made his First Communion, made his first Confession, and was confirmed.”
“So, this is perfect. God planned it,” Bishop Hying said.
Deacon Powers was scheduled to be ordained in the fall in Rome — where he attends major seminary at the Pontifical North American College.
Those plans had to be changed following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bishop Hying remarked that having the ordination at the Sun Prairie parish was “second best”.Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald editor, to retire
After 47 years on the Catholic Herald staff, including 34 years as editor, Mary C. Uhler will be retiring as of July 6.
Shoe drive in Sun Prairie
SUN PRAIRIE — Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish in Sun Prairie is conducting a shoe collection drive.
Like many organizations, Sacred Hearts canceled its annual Rummage Sale fundraiser due to COVID-19. The shoe drive will help Sacred Hearts earn funds based on the number of pairs collected as Funds2Orgs will purchase all the donated goods.
Those dollars will benefit Sacred Hearts’ community outreach programs as well as parish ministries. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used, or new shoes. The campaign kick-off is Saturday, July 11, from 8 to 11:30 a.m., at the parish garage, 221 Columbus St. Anyone donating 10 pairs of gently used, worn, or new shoes (only one pair of shoes can be flip-flops) will receive a coupon for a FREE Culver’s sundae.
Priest’s books for sale
MADISON — “Would I love to talk with Father Tom about books,” said Jonathan Grinde, a 2020 Carleton College graduate, when he learned that the over 3,000 books at the Good Shepherd Parish sale running through July at St. James School came from the priest’s library.
Grinde started kindergarten at St. James School when Msgr. Tom Baxter was the pastor and served Mass with him over the years. Known fondly as Father Tom, the pastor of Good Shepherd Parish is retiring this year after more than 40 years in the ministry and over 20 years at Good Shepherd.
Biking for Babies will stop in Madison
MADISON — The […]
Amy Yanzer enjoys working for diocesan Office of Worship as associate director
MADISON — Amy Yanzer has been enjoying her work as associate director of the Office of Worship in the Diocese of Madison.
“I’m thrilled to be here,” she said in an interview. “The working environment is positive, and the people are gracious.
Work in office
Patrick Gorman, director of the Office of Worship, said, “Amy has been a great colleague and helper here in the office. I can’t imagine getting through this pandemic without her! She brings great ideas and looks at things from a different perspective than I do.Patriotic Rosary in Mineral Point
MINERAL POINT — […]
Bishop Hying launches bold new Evangelization Initiative
 |
|
| Bishop Donald J. Hying exposes the Blessed Sacrament at St. Christopher Church in Verona. Fr. William Van Wagner, parochial vicar, kneels during an Evening of Prayer held on the Feast of Pentecost. (Catholic Herald photo/Mary C. Uhler) |
VERONA — On Pentecost, Bishop Donald J. Hying launched “Go Make Disciples,” a new Evangelization Initiative in the Diocese of Madison.
On that day, the bishop led an Evening of Prayer at St. Christopher Parish in Verona. The evening included Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, music, a talk by the bishop, praying of the Rosary, and Benediction. Confession was also available.
The theme for this “Encounter Night” was, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Susan Swanke and James Carrano sang for the evening, with Carrano playing the piano and Emily Mansfield playing the violin. Ryan Zakrzewski provided video for the livestreaming of the service.
The birth of the Church
After he exposed the Blessed Sacrament, Bishop Hying talked about the first Pentecost, the birth of the Church. After Jesus ascended into heaven, he told the apostles he would send the Holy Spirit, said the bishop.
The apostles were huddled together with Mary in the upper room. “The apostles weren’t sure what to do. They weren’t united,” said the bishop.
After the Holy Spirit came in wind and fire, the apostles went out to proclaim the Good News, noted Bishop Hying. “Once the apostles experience the Holy Spirit, they’re not afraid. God is with them.”