MADISON — The votes have been tallied and it’s mercy for the win!
Earlier this month, the Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation (CDMF) sponsored The Great Mercy Match, an Italian Cook-Off.
Teams of clergy cooked an Italian dish to support the Heart of Mercy Endowment (HOME).
The public had a chance to vote for their favorite team.
The HOME fund provides financial assistance for works of mercy being performed throughout the diocese including food pantries, homeless resources, addiction resources, and St. Vincent de Paul councils.
Fr. Chris Gernetzke and Deacon Michael Pipitone from St. Peter Parish and School in Ashton came in first place and will use their winnings of $5,000 to support a new pregnancy loss and miscarriage ministry.
“The pregnancy loss and miscarriage ministry is being spearheaded by a group at St. Peter Parish in Ashton, but the idea is it wouldn’t just stay at St. Peter. It would reach out to others who have experienced pregnancy-related losses including miscarriage, infant death, SIDS, or loss of fertility. It will be a new resource available and we’re excited to see where it goes,” shared Father Gernetzke.
Fr. Luke Powers from St. Joseph Parish in Baraboo and Fr. Tim Mergen from St. Paul Catholic Center in Madison took second place, teaming up to support Camp Gray Catholic Camp and will receive $2,500.
Thank you to the priests and deacon who participated and to all those who supported the cause.
To learn more about the Great Mercy Match and the HOME fund visit diocesemadisonfoundation.org/mercymatch
Nikki Sena is the communications manager for the Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation.