Category: News

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Bill Boyce, Catholic Herald Correspondent

Celebrating with the Apostolate to the Handicapped

Apostolate to the Handicapped program
Caregiver Terri Huchison, center, poses for a photo with Joni Prough and Mary Fischer, all from Stoughton, during the Apostolate to the Handicapped’s Christmas Party at Monroe High School December 5. (Catholic Herald photo/Jo Boyce) For more pictures of the Apostolate Christmas Party click here.

MONROE — The annual Apostolate to the Handicapped Christmas Party, held this year December 5 at Monroe High School, is always a joyous event.

It is anticipated by many for what it is on a fundamental level: a party — a chance for hundreds of people from the Madison Diocese, both handicapped and those who assist them, to re-connect personally with others they may see only two or three times a year.

Friendships are formed, renewed, and enjoyed. The holiday spirit is augmented by a decorated space and tables, with music and even dancing for the uninhibited, and the sharing of a hot meal and beverages served by cheerful volunteers.

However, these obvious signs are actually just trimmings to what is truly the heart of the “party”: the Mass, with its Scripture readings and related message delivered personally by the bishop in his homily. Added to that is the physical presence and personal greetings offered by Msgr. Thomas Campion following Mass, which complements the bishop’s words.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Visiting the shrine celebrating Queen of the Americas

Pilgrims from Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Madison attend Mass in the Shrine Church at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in La Crosse during a visit on September 30 of this year. (Catholic Herald photo/Joe Ptak)

LA CROSSE — Nestled in the foothills of the bluffs near La Crosse lies the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This shrine has been the destination of many pilgrims, including those from parishes in the Diocese of Madison.

A group from Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Madison visited the shrine on September 30 this year. Parishioner Randi Huntsman enjoyed the pilgrimage, saying she came away feeling “very refreshed and peaceful.”

Huntsman noted that the shrine was built with “nature in mind.” Besides the Shrine Church, Pilgrim Center, and Votive Candle Chapel, the shrine grounds include outdoor Stations of the Cross and a Rosary Walk. Huntsman liked the opportunity for prayer and reflection, along with lighting candles for loved ones.

“I would do it again in a heartbeat,” she said of the visit to the shrine. “I would encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity.”

As we prepare to observe the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe December 12, it is an appropriate time to focus on the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is within close driving distance to the Diocese of Madison.

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