Sixth in a series on the 75th anniversary of the Diocese of Madison
Since the Diocese of Madison was established in 1946, it has strived to meet the needs of members of the Church as well as all those in society through a variety of ministries.
As times have changed, programs and services have been added, dropped, or adapted to make the best use of time, faith, and resources.
Charitable programs
One of the most important programs begun by the new Diocese of Madison in 1946 was its charitable efforts conducted by the Catholic Welfare Bureau, later known as Catholic Social Service and then as Catholic Charities.
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| Youth enjoy a summer program at Blessed Martin House in Madison, above. (Catholic Herald file photo) |
Sixth in a series on the 75th anniversary of the Diocese of Madison
Since the Diocese of Madison was established in 1946, it has strived to meet the needs of members of the Church as well as all those in society through a variety of ministries.
As times have changed, programs and services have been added, dropped, or adapted to make the best use of time, faith, and resources.
Charitable programs
One of the most important programs begun by the new Diocese of Madison in 1946 was its charitable efforts conducted by the Catholic Welfare Bureau, later known as Catholic Social Service and then as Catholic Charities.
The agency was licensed by the State of Wisconsin on August 6, 1946.
In addition to the central office in Madison, district offices were opened in Beloit in 1954 and in Platteville in 1955.
In the early years, its work was primarily devoted to the care of children who needed the assistance of trained social workers.
This agency placed dependent children in foster homes and made arrangements for adoption, assisted parents with the care of their children in their homes, and provided help to unmarried mothers and their children.
In addition to its work with children, the Catholic Welfare Bureau also provided counseling to individuals and families and material assistance such as clothing, transportation, food, fuel, lodging, household furnishings, employment assistance, tuition, and funeral expenses.
Catholic Charities of Madison carries on this work today with services to children and families, the aging, those with developmental disabilities, alcohol and drug treatment, and help for those dealing with homelessness.
Promoting racial understanding
Promoting racial understanding and bringing a knowledge of the Catholic Faith to minorities were aims of the Blessed Martin Guild.
Two interracial centers were established in the young Diocese of Madison: Blessed Martin House was opened in Madison in 1947 and St. Peter Claver House was opened in Beloit in 1949.
Both centers offered Bible classes and vacation schools for youth and discussion groups and inquiry classes for adults. Each of the centers offered facilities for social and recreational activities.
A report after the first 10 years of the diocese said, “The history of the Blessed Martin Guild and of the two interracial centers during the first 10 years in the Diocese of Madison is a story of meeting the social problem of racial discrimination with a positive Catholic program.”
The Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC) now operated by Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Madison in the former St. Martin House helps people of all faiths and backgrounds by meeting immediate needs, providing educational services, and offering spiritual and cultural activities to recognize and respect the dignity of each person.
The Diocese of Madison has expanded its ministries over its 75-year history. Many of those ministries will be highlighted in future articles.
Sources: Building Our Future in Faith: Commemorative History of the Catholic Diocese of Madison (1996); archives of the Catholic Herald newspaper.
Mary C. Uhler served on the staff of the Catholic Herald-Diocese of Madison for almost 47 years, the last 34 years as editor. She retired in July of 2020.