19 – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)

To diminish the spread of the COVID-19 virus, or the Coronavirus, Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison is issuing a decree, dispensing everyone in the Diocese of Madison from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation until further notice from the bishop.

This means that all Catholics are permitted to miss Mass on Sundays for the foreseeable future, without being concerned that they are neglecting their minimal duties to assist at Mass.

In a statement, Bishop Hying said, “This is not to say that the faithful are prohibited from attending Mass — no one is obligated to use this dispensation. However, it is encouraged that everyone takes seriously this dispensation and take liberal advantage of it, keeping in mind also the recommendation from the Wisconsin Department of Health to avoid large community gatherings — particularly large intergenerational gatherings — at this time. In a particular way, we encourage the elderly and those who are immunocompromised not to attend Mass.

2017 Annual Catholic Appeal

MADISON — As I say it for the Diocese of Madison, I invite every priest to do so for his parish, and every individual to say it for their home, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” This is Bishop Robert C. Morlino’s intent for the theme of this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA).

We can serve the Lord in many different ways. This year, we are challenged to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in our households, in our parishes, and throughout the diocese.

One way to encompass all three of these is to make a donation to this year’s ACA – your pledge will go to support many missions and works of mercy throughout the diocese. Below are just a few examples of some of the ministries supported by the ACA that allow you to Know, Love, and Serve the Lord.

To Know Him

Our increased love and service to the Lord begins with getting to know Him. The ACA helps support Catholic schools, religious education programs, and religious formation programs by educating disciples of all ages.

Your donations to the ACA allow the Diocese of Madison to provide funding for ministries that allow many in the diocese the ability to begin to know Him better and, in turn, to love Him more.