Rites of initiation into Catholic Church:

	Those seeking to become full members of the Catholic Church from parishes around the diocese gathered Feb. 17 at St. Albert the Great Church in Sun Prairie. Bishop William H. Bullock and pastor Fr. Michael C. Richel greet candidate David Arnett and sponsor Ruth Tormey of St. Dennis Parish, Madison. (Patrick Scullion photo)

Catechumens, candidates called
to become full members

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

SUN PRAIRIE -- "It is God himself, and in his love, who calls you to come into the fullness of the church," said Bishop William H. Bullock in his homily at the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion on Sunday, Feb. 17, at St. Albert the Great Church here.

He addressed nearly 100 catechumens and more than 200 candidates and their sponsors, family members, pastors, and friends who gathered from various parishes all over the Diocese of Madison.   Full Story ...

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- The U.S. women's curling team got off to an excellent start at the Olympic Games, winnings its first two competitions: an 8-7 victory over Japan and a 6-5 triumph over four-time world gold medalists Sweden.

"Both games were very close," said curler Debbie McCormick of Rio, Wis., a member of St. Mary Catholic Parish in Pardeeville. "We were glad we won."

McCormick was interviewed by phone from the curling venue in Ogden, Utah. She explained that there are 10 women's teams competing in curling from throughout the world at the Olympics. The U.S. team played all the other teams in round-robin fashion; the top four teams advance to the medal rounds with finals on Feb. 21. (As of press time Feb. 18, the women's record was 6-3, so they are eligible for the semi-finals.)

McCormick has enjoyed her experience at the Olympics so far. She was especially impressed with the opening ceremonies. Prior to the ceremony, President George W. Bush addressed the athletes. "It just so happened that we were right in front of the podium," said McCormick. "He gave a great inspirational speech."

Afterwards, the president met each individual athlete. "He looked us right in the eyes and shook our hands," said McCormick. "I gave him a couple of curling pins, which he put in his pocket."   Full Story ...