March 7, 2010

Dear Cathedral Parishioners,

Thanks to Father Glen P. Baptiste, CR, who spoke last weekend about Food for the Poor, Inc. This organization provides direct relief to the poor throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. He was not here to take up a second collection, but rather to ask you to consider including Food for the Poor among the charities to which you contribute regularly. A number of parishioners who greeted him after Mass indicated that they were already supporters of Food for the Poor. Others appreciated his eyewitness accounts of the conditions in which some of our neighbors live. There are still some of his brochures in the church entryways. You can also go to <www.foodforthepoor.org> for more information. Note that more than 96% of all donations go directly to supplying the needs of the poor. This is a very efficient charitable organization.

Today we are happy to welcome back our former bishop, Archbishop Jerome Listecki. The timing of his appointment to Milwaukee and his departure did not allow for a proper farewell. So he will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving here at the Cathedral this Sunday afternoon at 3:00. A public reception will follow at the La Crosse Center. No invitations or tickets are required for either event and all are welcome to both. Many of us got to know him during his nearly five years among us. I know he will appreciate the opportunity to renew those acquaintances, so do not be hesitant to come.

The last in our Cathedral Forum series will be held this coming Saturday morning, March 13, at 9:00, in the Marian Chapel, as described on the front page of the bulletin. Confirmation students are reminded of their obligation to attend at least two of these presentations, and this is the last chance for any who have not yet fulfilled that requirement.

Keep in mind our parish pilgrimage to Prairie du Chien and Sinsinawa being planned for Sunday, April 18, in honor of the Year for Priests. We will learn about two of the famous priests who served in our area: Father Lucien Galtier and Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP. We will depart by bus from the Cathedral at 11:00, visit Prairie du Chien and go on to Sinsinawa. There we will have a tour of the Mazzuchelli Museum, celebrate Mass and have supper. If possible we will also visit St. Augustine Church in New Diggings, also built by Father Mazzuchelli. It is depicted in the window bearing his name on the west side of our Cathedral. More information will be forthcoming, but let us know if you want to participate by calling the rectory.

Pray the rosary this week for Archbishop Listecki and for the needs of the Church in our diocese. Pray for the needy in Haiti and Chile, and the people working to assist them. As always, pray for peace.

May God bless his people with peace.

Father Gorman