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Articles by Pat Casucci
‘Magnificat Household’ for young women
Last year, the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary opened their home in Madison to single women. On August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison celebrated Mass and blessed the initiative on the Schoenstatt Heights property, located on Madison’s east side. Later that month, three women moved in.
Annual priest assembly to be held from September 24 to 27
WISCONSIN DELLS — Priests of the Diocese of Madison will gather from Sunday through Wednesday, Sept. 24 to 27, at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells for their 43rd annual Presbyteral Assembly. The theme this year is: “Pressing Forward to What Lies Ahead”. This is connected to the initial transitions with the “Into the Deep” strategic planning process and continuing to follow Jesus. Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison, as well as Justin Bangert, will address the priests.
Event to celebrate music director’s retirement
BELOIT — Though Randy Gracyalny is retiring after 33 years serving as Director of Music and Liturgy at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Parish, he has one last special concert planned for everyone to enjoy. “A Time for Every Season,” celebrating music from the different seasons of the Church year, will take place Sunday, May 21, at 3 p.m. at OLA church, 2222 Shopiere Rd., Beloit.
Beloit man to bike 24 hours to raise funds for Catholic education
BELOIT — Martin Reza, the father to three students at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) School in Beloit, is doing his part to help other parents afford a Catholic education for their children. In addition to volunteering at the school’s monthly taco tuition fundraiser, for the last two years he has been spending his summers biking all around southern Wisconsin to raise money for OLA’s tuition assistance program. The first year, he biked 250 miles and raised $7,000.
Camino film with Bishop Hying to be shown in theaters in diocese in March 28
The film Santiago: The Camino Within will be shown in select theaters on Tuesday, March 28. The Camino de Santiago is a well-traversed pilgrimage route dating back to medieval times. Legend recalls that the remains of apostle St. James the Great were mysteriously discovered at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain after having been thought to be lost. For centuries, pilgrims have traveled the route, also known as the Way of St. James, for spiritual reasons.
Madison Diocesan Choir offering youth scholarship
MADISON — The Madison Diocesan Choir is again offering the youth pastoral summer music clinic scholarship. These scholarships are meant to encourage continued participation in music ministries by supporting summer music education by the youth attending a summer music clinic. The scholarship amount is increased this year to $700 per award winner.
New SSM Health Wisconsin Regional President Sue Anderson leads care, meets challenges
MADISON — It’s been nearly nine months into Sue Anderson’s time as the new regional president for SSM Health Wisconsin. “I love it. I really do love it,” she said of her work here so far. During a recent interview, she said her transition into the role has been “pretty easy” so far because of two “major things”. She credited “the people” as one of them and “how welcoming and warm everyone is” both at SSM Health and in the community.
Our Lady of Hope Clinic’s new location blessed at open house
MIDDLETON — October 6 saw a delightful open house in the new facilities of Our Lady of Hope Clinic. Having been in successful operation for more than 10 years, Our Lady of Hope Clinic has outgrown its previous space and recently moved to a new location at 6255 University Ave., Ste. 204, in Middleton. The open house allowed people a chance to tour the new space and appreciate the many benefits that it brings to the clinic’s service to its patients.
The good works of the Church
Two weeks ago, I attended the national conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Baltimore as their national spiritual advisor. I return every year, energized, grateful, and inspired by these remarkable Vincentians who live a deep Catholic spirituality as they act out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, going to the poor and suffering with the love of Christ.
St. Maria Goretti offers music program to schools in the diocese
MADISON — “When a music teacher changes, so often does the curriculum also change,” said Marco Melendez, the director of music at St. Maria Goretti Parish and School (SMG) in Madison.
Wedwick named new Apostolate co-director
MADISON — Megan Wedwick has been named the new co-director of the Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities-Diocese of Madison. She will oversee the administration of the Apostolate along with longtime director Msgr. Larry Bakke. Wedwick most recently worked at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Madison as its pastoral associate. Prior to that, she worked at Catholic Charities of Madison in its developmental disabilities program.
In-person MDCCW convention returns
BERLIN — Holy water and blessed salt were among the items in the gift bags for the women participating in the 67th gathering of the Madison Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (MDCCW) held at All Saints Church in Berlin last month. Hosted by the Columbia North Vicariate CCW, its president, Mona Matijevich, suggested that the women sprinkle the salt in their houses and keep the holy water in their cars for special needs.
What is Divine Mercy Academy?
MADISON — Last year, a new “sanctuary for Christ-centered Catholic education” opened in Madison. Divine Mercy Academy opened its doors to school children ages three to 12.
Janesville Corpus Christi procession embodies Go Make Disciples and Eucharistic Revival
JANESVILLE — Like the apostles on Pentecost, we too are propelled by the Holy Spirit to bring Jesus to our families, to our workplaces and social activities, and even into the public square. We are also called to boldly share the transformational and life-giving truth of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. On June 19, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, both of these acts of missionary discipleship will be on full display in the streets of Janesville.
Priest Appointments, May 8, 2022
Msgr. James Bartylla, Vicar General, announces the following priest appointments made by Most Reverend Donald J. Hying, Bishop of Madison, effective Saturday, July 16, 2022, unless otherwise stated, and announced at weekend Masses of Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and May 8, 2022. • Rev. Msgr. Daniel Ganshert, resignation from pastor, Nativity of Mary Parish, Janesville, in accordance with canon 538 §1, to pastor emeritus. • Very Rev.
Our Lady of the Assumption Spring Fling scheduled
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40 Days for Life National Campaign Director Steve Karlen to speak at mid-point prayer vigil
MADISON — For the midpoint of this Lenten 40 Days for Life campaign, there will be a special vigil on Thursday, March 24, at 5:30 p.m. in front of Planned Parenthood (3706 Orin Rd., Madison) with 40 Days for Life National Director Steve Karlen. Karlen will address how pro-lifers are often too nice, giving up ground in pro-life discussions, wherever they take place. It’s time to take charge and gain confidence.
Choir concert at St. Bernard Church in Madison
MADISON — The Women’s Choir of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn., under the direction of Patricia Cahalan Connors, will present a concert in Madison as part of their 2022 spring break tour of the upper Midwest. The choir will perform on Wednesday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m., at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison. Lauren Trowbridge, a member of St. Bernard Parish, is a member of the choir and will be featured as a soloist.
CDMF coloring contest winner announced
The winning entry in the Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation coloring contest for the Bosco Fund was by Eleanor from St. William School in Janesville. MADISON — St. John Bosco, an Italian Catholic Priest from the 19th century, is known for investing his life in helping youth to receive an education and grow in the Catholic faith. He often used magic tricks and juggling to connect with children and make learning fun.
Recycle the Warmth blanket drive marks 30 years
MADISON — The Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Madison will hold its 30th annual blanket drive from Friday, Jan. 28, to Sunday, Jan. 30. This annual drive collects blankets and bedding which are distributed to clients who use St. Vincent de Paul-Madison services all year long. Need for blankets Whether setting up in a new apartment or lacking bedding for their current residence, people struggling with poverty need blankets.
Masks required indoors at Edgewood College
Madison — Edgewood College announced students, faculty, staff, and visitors will be required to wear masks when inside campus buildings. The updated protocol comes in response to a national trend of an increase in COVID-19 cases, attributed to the Delta variant.
Four feasts to prepare us for summer and forever
Each year, at this time, we celebrate four of the most important feasts of the Church year in rapid succession. These feasts are: Ascension, Pentecost, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, and the feast of the Blessed Trinity. Like cars on a freeway during rush hour, they come so fast that we may not see them unless we look with Jesus’ eyes. These feasts occur during busy times of graduations, weddings, vacations, and other activities that can hinder us from enjoying their graces.
Our Lady of the Assumption Spring Fling in Beloit
BELOIT — A lucky online bidder at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) School’s Spring Fling will have the opportunity to have dinner with Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison, Pastor Fr. Mike Resop, and six others at the Butterfly Club, Beloit’s fine dining supper club. The Spring Fling takes place Saturday, May 15, at La Casa Grande Banquet Room in downtown Beloit.
OLA Spring Fling set for May 15
BELOIT—Area residents have the opportunity to win a wide selection of specially selected items during the On-line Silent Auction which is the main feature of Spring Fling which benefits Our Lady of the Assumption Grade School. Spring Fling takes place Saturday, May 15, at La Casa Grande Banquet Room.
OLA Parish plans Fall Festival
BELOIT — A word often used when dealing with events during pandemic 2020 is “change.” At Our Lady of the Assumption Parish (OLA), the annual Fall Festival, on Sept. 27, was retooled by committee members to conform with safety protocols that have been put into practice on the entire church campus. Funds raised from the festival are used for the parish and OLA School. OLA Pastor, Father Mike Resop, stated, “The popular car/cash raffle and (online only) silent auction will be held.
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Beloit to hold ‘retooled’ Fall Festival
BELOIT -- Change seems to be one word often used when dealing with events during pandemic in 2020. At Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Parish, the annual Fall Festival on Sunday, Sept. 27, was retooled by committee members to conform with safety protocols that have been put into practice on the entire church campus. Funds raised from the festival are used for the parish and OLA School. The popular car/cash raffle and (online only) silent auction will be held.
Spring Fling to be held for Our Lady of the Assumption School in Beloit
BELOIT -- Among one-of-a-kind items to be separately auctioned at Spring Fling, a main fundraiser for Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Grade School, are two wooden benches festooned with handprints of 3-4K students and a Bible verse. Each school classroom chose an original project to contribute to the auction. The event takes place Saturday, April 13, at La Casa Grande Restaurant in Beloit.
Christian artisans in Holy Land sell religious items through Beloit company
Jeryes Qumseya, owner of Blest Art Inc. in Beloit, is pictured with some of the hand-carved olive wood pieces he sells, including this large crucifix. (Catholic Herald photo/Pat Casucci) BELOIT -- In the lands where Jesus walked, for centuries the Christians in and around Bethlehem have earned a living by carving unique religious statues and images from olive wood and selling it to visiting pilgrims. Today, despite hardship, the artisans continue this tradition.
Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration held in Beloit
Children pictured by a painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe are, from left: Jaeda Zuniga, Yandel Ruiz, Carlos Zuniga, and Ariadna Ruiza. (Contributed photo) BELOIT -- More than 600 people honored Our Lady of Guadalupe at a lively, yet spiritual celebration on her feast day, December 12. The evening's events included a concert by the Mariachi Juvenil del Sur Band from Harvard, Ill., Mass, and a sharing meal featuring Hispanic specialties.
Beloit parish hosts free Thanksgiving dinner
Around the Diocese Written by Pat Casucci, Catholic Herald Correspondent Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018 -- 12:00 AM BELOIT -- For the third year, a group of Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) parishioners are organizing, preparing food, and inviting anyone in the Beloit community to a free Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings on Thursday, Nov. 22. Serving will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in Assumption Hall. There is an elevator to the lower level dining hall.
Dismas Ministry carries out Works of Mercy
Dismas Ministries of Rock County shares God’s message of love and forgiveness through community-wide restorative justice. A connection with people, stressing God’s goodness and love, often can help incarcerated persons on their journey back to a lawful, productive life. Pope Francis has often invited Catholics to carry out the Works of Mercy, and in particular, to visit the imprisoned.
Dismas Ministry carries out Works of Mercy
Dismas Ministries of Rock County shares God’s message of love and forgiveness through community-wide restorative justice. BELOIT — A connection with people, stressing God’s goodness and love, often can help incarcerated persons on their journey back to a lawful, productive life. Pope Francis has often invited Catholics to carry out the Works of Mercy, and in particular, to visit the imprisoned.
Historic Beloit church is renovated
BELOIT -- The rejoicing, joy, and peace of Easter Sunday was enhanced for St. Thomas the Apostle parishioners. After a major $335,000 renovation of the church interior, it was the first time in almost three months that a Mass was celebrated by Pastor Fr. John Hedrick in the historic church built in 1885. The church had been closed since January 8, 2018. The regularly scheduled weekend Masses for St. Thomas were held at St. Jude Church. Father Hedrick is pastor of both parishes.
Beloit nurse worked in leper colony
BELOIT -- Perhaps Sandra Clisham, an Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) parishioner in Beloit, could be described as being rooted in service and sacrifice. Clisham is a licensed LPN and is now retired. She spent the better part of 10 years working in Hawaii, the last four of those at Kalaupapa Hospital, which served the leper colony on the island of Molokai. The leper colony itself is located on the remote, windy, north shore of the Kalaupapa Peninsula.
Thrift store in Beloit seeks to continue serving people in need
BELOIT -- Since opening its larger thrift store, Beloit St. Vincent de Paul Society volunteers agree there has been a notable increase in customers. The customers often express their appreciation for the inviting, expanded store area.
Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Beloit to serve Thanksgiving meal
BELOIT -- Are you alone with no place to go or have no family members nearby on Thanksgiving Day? You can spend Thanksgiving dinner with dozens of people in the comfortable, friendly surroundings at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Parish. Parishioners extend an invitation to the public to enjoy the traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, at no charge, that will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. November 23.
After-school Code Club offers springboard to the future for Beloit students
BELOIT -- It's music to Adam Gracyalny's ears even though songbooks and choral singing are replaced by Chromebooks and lively conversation in the music room at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Grade School. Gracyalny, who is the OLA music teacher, changes hats to conduct Code Club meetings. About 40 students in kindergarten through eighth grade are learning how to write code, how to create simple objects with 3D printing, and how basic concepts can empower them to do many things with a computer.
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