Dear Friends In Christ,
As you know, our diocese has been without a cathedral since 2005 when St. Raphael was tragically destroyed by fire.
Rather than costly new construction, our plan to renovate St. Bernard Church on Atwood Avenue to become the Cathedral Church for the Diocese of Madison holds fast to our central focus on prudent stewardship of diocesan resources.
Our construction and fundraising efforts are in full swing. Many thanks to those of you who have already generously supported the project. The video below and the Madison Catholic Herald articles included in this message provide details on our progress and plans.
A cathedral is an important part of the mission, unity, and identity of a diocese. It is where the seat, or cathedra, of a bishop is located and where we are all brought together as one family of faith for important celebrations such as ordinations of our new priests.
If you have not yet contributed to this long-overdue project, I ask that you prayerfully reflect on how the Holy Spirit may be calling you to support our efforts. It is rare for a diocese to be without a cathedral and being part of the elevation of St. Bernard isn’t just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—it is a once-in-multiple-generations opportunity. Together we are building a spiritual home for Catholics in the Diocese of Madison for generations to come.
Read the Madison Catholic Herald articles discussing the different aspects
of the Cathedral Elevation Project.
I appreciate that there is no shortage of good and worthy causes seeking your financial support, but if it is within your heart and means, please consider learning more and making a gift.
Ways to give:
- Give online: Visit MadisonCathedral.org/Support
- By check: Checks can be made payable to The Cathedral of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, with "Elevation" in the memo and mailed to: The Cathedral of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, 2438 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704-5605
- For gifts of wire transfers, securities, or IRA donations, please contact Fr. Michael Radowicz at 608-249-9256 or email: pastor@sbmsn.org
Please also join me in praying for the success of this project using the prayer below. May God bless us as we come together to open the doors to our new spiritual home!
A PRAYER FOR OUR CATHEDRAL PROJECT
Almighty and Ever-Present God,
You have called us to be living stones, built up into a singular house, Your Church, for our sanctification and for Your glory.
Through our combined gifts, prayers, and works, we ask You to guide the completion of the Cathedral of St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
May our cathedral be a sign of the Diocese of Madison's unity in You, as we join together in faith, in hope, in love, in worship, in beauty, and in mission to build a house suitable for You and for Your whole family.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son and Our Lord.
Amen.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux,
Pray for us!
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please send an e-mail to Communication@MadisonDiocese.org
With continued prayers and blessings, I remain sincerely yours in Christ,
+Donald J. Hying
Bishop of Madison
+Donald J. Hying
Bishop of Madison
