The Catholic Herald: Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Madison

Fr. August H. Buenzli, Jr., dies (posted 9/29/2004)

September 30, 2004 Edition • Volume 134, No. 36 • Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

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• "Bajo el Libro
del Evangelio"

The Catholic Herald
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The Catholic Herald is the official newspaper of the Diocese of Madison. Its purpose is to inform and educate people of the Diocese through communications that proclaim Gospel values, report the news, and comment on issues as they pertain to the mission of the Catholic Church, which is to bring all in Jesus Christ to the Father.

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New spire:
To crown St. Raphael Cathedral in Madison


	Click on the illustration above to open a detailed PDF (Portable Document Format) file of the Cathedral spire and its parts (233 KB file size).

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- The 90-foot spire on the top of St. Raphael Cathedral will be taken down and replaced with a new one.

"The new spire will be closer to the original design," said Msgr. Paul J. Swain, cathedral rector. "It will be well-lighted and stand out in downtown Madison."

First phase of Cathedral Restoration Project

The replacement of the spire is part of the first phase of a Cathedral Restoration Project that will include both the inside and outside of the church, said Msgr. Paul J. Swain, cathedral rector.

"Initial funding is coming from the reserves of the parish which parishioners from the past generously left to the parish," he said. "Because of the disrepair of the steeple, for safety reasons, it needed to be done as soon as possible. We will be seeking outside funding for the remainder of the restoration."

Planning is only beginning for that phase. A St. Raphael Cathedral Restoration Fund has been established.

"The Cathedral is the mother church of the diocese and home to all 270,000 Catholics in the Diocese of Madison. We need to assure it remains in repair, is safe and accessible to all who come to pray at diocesan as well as parish events," said Monsignor Swain.

Contributions may be made to: Cathedral Restoration Fund, St. Raphael Cathedral, 222 W. Main St. Madison, WI 53703.

The poor condition of the spire necessitated replacing it with materials which will stand the test of time. A new cross will be placed on the top of the spire. A new bell will also be added to the two existing bells. Fiber optic lighting will also be installed.

Four windows are being replaced by Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc., New Berlin. The art glass windows will include a trefoil design representing the Trinity with a circle in the middle. Portal windows and stained glass windows will also be rehabilitated, said Kelly Thompson of Facility Engineering, Inc., of Madison. He is the architect in charge of the project.

The St. Raphael cornerstone was laid in 1854; the steeple was added in 1882. "It was a common practice to put the spire on top of the original tower later to complete the entire steeple," said Thompson. Full story ...

News & Features:

• Faithful Citizenship 2004:
Promoting Family Life

• Respect Life Month:
Series begins

• Thérèse: Movie shows
saint's struggles

• Campaign:
Immigration plans, unformed ideas set candidates apart

Columns:

• Question Corner
by Fr. John Dietzen --
Today's followers of Jesus:
Why are they not Jewish?

• The Pope Speaks
by Pope John Paul II --
Canticle: Tells of Christ's suffering with patience

• Making a Difference
by Tony Magliano --
Lessons from Iraq: Russians should make sacrifices for peace

• Your Family
by Monica and Bill Dodds --
Fear of falling: Helping seniors make transitions

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Catechists: Commissioned at Centro Guadalupano

By Sarah Baldwin
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- A Catechetical Sunday Mass was held at the Catholic Multicultural Center recently. During the Mass, Spanish-speaking women and men were commissioned in their role as catechists at Centro Guadalupano.

The Office for Hispanic Ministry started the religious education program at Centro Guadalupano 26 years ago to meet the demand for classes in Spanish. Two catechists teach in each grade level from kindergarten to seventh, as well as in Confirmation classes and adult classes.

Classes are held Saturday afternoons and average 20 participants. Sessions start in September and end with a First Communion Mass in May.

Using gifts

Fr. Abdón Ortiz from Bolivia celebrated the Catechetical Sunday Mass with approximately 150 people attending. During the homily, Father Ortiz explained how each person has a special gift and how important it is to share that gift with others. The catechists will share their gifts with their students and with great courage, he said.
Full story and photo ...

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