Bishops' Schedules: Schedule of Bishop William H. Bullock Thursday, April 10, 2003 6:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, University of Notre Dame Alumni Club, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Sunday, April 13, 2003 10:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Palm Sunday, with Solemn Procession with Palms, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Tuesday, April 15, 2003 7:30 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Chrism Mass, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Thursday, April 17, 2003 5:30 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Mass of the Lord's Supper, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Schedule of Bishop George O. Wirz Saturday, April 12, 2003 11:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Spring Day for the Handicapped, Monroe High School, Monroe Sunday, April 13, 2003 9:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Palm Sunday, with Solemn Procession with Palms, St. John Parish, South Wayne 10:30 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Palm Sunday, with Solemn Procession with Palms, St. Joseph Parish, Gratiot Tuesday, April 15, 2003 7:30 p.m. -- Concelebrate at Celebration of the Eucharist, Chrism Mass, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Thursday, April 17, 2003 7:30 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Mass of the Lord's Supper, St. John Parish, South Wayne

Get to Confession
this Lent

		The Bishop: A Herald of Faith Bishop William H. Bullock

In the presence of so much suffering in our world we cannot remain indifferent or passive.

We are called by God to look directly at the causes of sin, suffering, and selfishness. Within each of us rests a "protectiveness" and "me first, then others" attitude, both of which contribute to the suffering of others.

"With blackened foreheads on Ash Wednesday we began the season of Lent promising to fast, abstain, pray, and give alms. How are we doing now as we approach the final days of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week?"

By nature we are selfish. We must be taught how to love. Even our best motives are tainted by some measure of self-centeredness, such as take care of yourself and let others fend for themselves.

Examine

I do not wish to turn my column this week into gloom and doom but I have, in this season of Lent, been led to be more reflective about the power of evil and the power of good. I recall immediately St. Paul's sense of good and evil so clearly stated, "For the good which I will, that I do not; but evil which I will not, that I do." (Romans 7:19)

Somehow the feeding machines of the world contribute to our selfishness, to seek our comfort and ease, whereas Christ beckons us in the season of Lent, "Repent and believe the Good News." Repent means change and the change called for is put others first, ourselves second.

How are we doing?

With blackened foreheads on Ash Wednesday we began the season of Lent promising to fast, abstain, pray, and give alms. How are we doing now as we approach the final days of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week?

In Holy Week we once again embrace the mystery of Christ's act of redemption.

Jesus, innocent and without sin, gave himself into our hands and was nailed to the cross as a common criminal of his day. Jesus accepted the sentence of our sins unto his death because he loves us.

Our priests tell me more and more Catholics are going to daily Mass, sharing in the devotional practices such as soup and stations, fish and philosophy, and talks on the sacraments.

They tell me people are serious about fasting, praying, and almsgiving. They are using the penitential practices that put us in touch with the poor, the starving, and the hurting.

Signs of hope

These are good signs, signs of hope. They show that people can identify with those who suffer, struggle, and starve. Our work as God's people is commanded by God. Jesus, his Son, shows us how to do this work and walks with us as we carry it out.

Where does Lent lead us? Did it lead you to true conversion? True conversion translates into making a good confession. Conscience is the most secret core and sanctuary of a person, and a good confession requires thorough examination of conscience, placing each individual before the truth of his or her life.

Confess your sins

This examination is the beginning of a good confession.

From the examination we name our sins, we then express sorrow to God for them, we resolve not to fall back into sin, and we accept a penance from the priest as a sign of our willingness to make reparation for sin. For we know that in Christ we can turn the little and big hate in our lives into love for others. We can also take conflict and turn it into peace.

Get to confession this Lent. Let your understanding put an end to strife, turn hatred into love, and let that which is vengeful in you give way to forgiveness of others.

Confession is good for the soul! It is not easy, but it is essential.

Bishop's Letter

Dear Friends in Christ:

Each Good Friday the Catholic Church in the United States takes a special collection to help assure that the sacred shrines in the Holy Land are maintained. These special places have been sites of Christian pilgrimage and spiritual renewal for many centuries.

Our faith is not dependent on buildings or manmade objects, but on the Risen One who is with us always wherever we may be. Yet these sites are of historical value and reminders of the ministry and sacrificial offering of Christ for our redemption. On this day when we read the Passion of Our Lord which records his suffering and death, and when we venerate the cross on which hung the savior of the world, they assume an even more profound meaning and value.

With war in Iraq and the threat of violence casting a continuing cloud over Israel and Palestine, outside financial support to maintain and preserve Holy Land shrines is needed now more than ever. Please be generous so that these historic and spiritual treasures may be saved.

This Holy Week let us pray for peace and greater understanding among all peoples in the Holy Land and throughout the world.

Grace, Mercy, and Peace,

Most Reverend William H. Bullock
Bishop of Madison