Read the letter that Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki sent to pastors, deacons and parish directors Jan. 31 to be used as a pulpit announcement or bulletin insert.

According to Catholic News Service, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Jan. 20 “that nonprofit groups that don’t provide contraceptive coverage based upon religious beliefs will get an additional year ‘to adapt to this new rule.’”

Archbishop Listecki is communicating the “seriousness of this decision” to the people using a letter that its recipients can use as a pulpit announcement or bulletin insert to make parishioners “aware of the decision and the reasons for the Church’s opposition to the mandate.”

He explained in the letter, written in conjunction with the U.S. bishops and bishops of Wisconsin, that the mandate has a direct and negative impact upon the U.S. church and “strikes at the fundamental right to religious liberty for all citizens of any faith.”

The archbishop wrote that the administration’s ruling forcing almost all employers to offer employees health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs and contraception denies Catholics religious liberty, the “nation’s first and foremost fundamental freedom.”

“We cannot – we will not – comply with this unjust law,” the archbishop said in the letter, outlining two options for Catholics.

“As a result, unless the rule is overturned, Catholics must be prepared to either violate our consciences or to drop health coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing so),” he said in the letter.

The archbishop said he hopes Catholics will stand up and protect the church’s sacred rights and duties as past generations have by committing “to prayer and fasting that wisdom and justice may prevail, and religious liberty may be restored,” but also by educating themselves on the ruling and contacting Congress “in support of legislation that would reverse the administration’s decision.”

“We cannot stand idle and allow the infringement of government in the practice o four faith,” he said.

The event included a Mass concelebrated by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki and Bishop Donald J. Hying. Youth in attendance received T-shirts provided by Catholics4Life. More photos from the rally can be viewed and purchased at http://photos.chnonline.org. (Catholic Herald photos by Juan C. Medina)Sponsored by the archdiocesan Nazareth Project and Respect for Life ministry, the rally was a send-off for those who were on their way to protest abortion at the March for Life in Washington, D.C.

“It’s a blessing and a send-off for everyone,” said Lydia LoCoco, diector of the Nazareth Project. “The idea is the whole state comes together.”

The rally encouraged a sense of fellowship and common purpose in those preparing for the journey to Washington. The name of the rally, said LoCoco, comes from Luke 12:49: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!”

“We felt the Spirit the minute we walked in the door,” said Joan Moroder, a chaperone with the contingent from Dominican High School, Whitefish Bay. “This event is true to its word – ignite.”

Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki celebrated Mass for the gathering and Bishop Donald J. Hying led eucharistic adoration. Afterward, attendees took part in a lasagna dinner and a rally headlined by Minnesota Christian music group Sonar and Vicki Thorn, executive director of the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing.

The energy was high in the auditorium during the performance by Sonar.  The crowd was on its feet with hands in the air, singing along to songs of praise that included “Hold Us Together” and “You Are My Joy.”

Brian Magliocco, youth minister at St. Mary Visitation Parish, Elm Grove, addressed the gathering.

“It’s a tragic day that we have to have an event like this,” he said. “But we can bring about a culture of life – in our schools, parishes and families.”

He thanked the crowd for making it out despite the weather.

“God is bigger than the storm,” he told them.

After his remarks, a video by Catholics4Life was shown, detailing the rapid week-by-week development of a child in the womb.

Caroline Metzinger, lead singer of Sonar, took the stage to describe the effect abortion almost had on her own life. Holding her infant daughter Sienna, she shared the story of her mother, who during her pregnancy with Metzinger was strongly advised to undergo an abortion. 

“My parents were frightened, but very faithful,” she said. 

Despite the odds of survival for mother and child being only 50 percent, Metzinger’s mother refused an abortion.

“You don’t know the impact of the life you carry in your womb,” said Metzinger.  Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki talks with some of the 650 young people gathered for the Ignite! Youth Rally for Life held Friday, Jan. 20 at the Cousins Center. More photos from the rally can be viewed and purchased at http://photos.chnonline.org. (Catholic Herald photo by Juan C. Medina)

Thorn stressed the importance of compliance with God’s plan and emphasized the individual’s capacity to effect change in the world. The first Respect Life director for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, said she was proud to address “the most pro-life generation since Roe v. Wade.”

Thorn reflected on the tragedy of the “missing people” in families due to abortion, but her message was infused with optimism. 

“People in the pro-life movement are always wondering what’s going to happen. I know what’s going to happen. You guys are going to change it all. When God has something to be done, it’s often the young he calls,” she said.

Thorn testified to the providence of God in the fight against abortion.

“God has plans for all of you,” she said. “He doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.”

Parishes from the archdiocese participate in the March for Life in Washington D.C. every year, as do parishes from dioceses around the state. The march (held annually since 1973) draws around 400,000 participants every year, including dozens of bishops and priests from across the nation. About 400 of the rally participants went on to Washington D.C. for Monday’s demonstration.

“It’s been the custom that the participants will pull their bus up to get a blessing from the bishop of their diocese before going to Washington,” said LoCoco. “So we thought since we’re the metropolitan district of the state and they’ll all come through Milwaukee anyway, we’ll invite all our neighbors and do a rally.”

Catholics 4 Life underwrote the cost for the T-shirts worn by attendees at the Mass, dinner and rally.

“They’ve been a huge support for the Nazareth Project with this event,” said LoCoco. 

She said that the archbishop was so enthused by the response of the Milwaukee youth to the March for Life that next year he wants to travel with them to Washington, D.C.

Archbishop Listecki spoke glowingly of the Ignite! Rally and the sense of fellowship it encouraged among the state’s young Catholics.

“We see young people who have gotten the message,” he said. “They are willing to stand up and witness and they do it out of love of Christ, not from an ideological standpoint.”

Genevieve Hoang, a senior at Dominican High School, participated in the March for Life two years ago with her friend, Amelia Callan, and was intensely affected by the experience. 

“We kept talking to the administration (at Dominican) about how we wanted to go back,” she said.  “I think we basically annoyed them to the point of letting us go!”

Deacon Ryan Pruess, who will be ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee this year, said that it was great to see the sense of unity the night encouraged.

“It’s a fabulous experience to see so many young people from all parts of the state come together, support life, and go out and evangelize,” he said.

Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki blesses William Froehlig at the infirmary after Mass at Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, on Dec. 23, 2011. The archbishop celebrated Mass for inmates and staff at the maximum security prison. (Catholic Herald photo by Allen Fredrickson)

Rogers, 56, now pastoral associate and director of religious education for the primary grades at St. Peter Parish, Slinger, remains president of the 150-member American Catholic Correctional Chaplains Association.

In his second term as leader of that national group, Rogers recently traveled to Africa for the 13th International Commission of Catholic Prison Pastoral Care (ICCPPC) World Congress in Yaounde, the capital city of Cameroon, Africa. Approximately 180 individuals representing 60 countries attended the congress last October, according to Rogers.

Representing the Vatican at the congress was Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace and the first Ghanaian cardinal.  Cardinal Turkson, 63, is the son of a Methodist minister and his Catholic wife. The cardinal, Rogers learned, is well-acquainted with Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki.

Another dignitary at the ICCPPC event was Cameroon-born Cardinal Christian Tumi, emeritus archbishop of Douala (the country’s largest city).

“It was like a mini-UN,” remarked Rogers. “It was exciting to be there.” ICCPPC world congresses are held every four years, the 2007 edition having been in Rome, where delegates had an audience with Pope Benedict XVI.

Rogers carried an American flag during opening ceremonies at this year’s congress. Attendees heard instantaneous translations of speakers’ words in any of three languages. Rogers delivered a report on prison ministry in the United States, while fellow delegates reported on the ministry in their own countries.

Workshops dealt with such subjects as religious freedom in prison, prevention of torture, immigrants in prison, female prisoners, and overcrowding.

Rogers, who called working with prisoners “an easily overlooked ministry” which “at times can be lonely (and) isolated,” noted that Cardinal Tumi in his address Cardinal Peter Turkson of the Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace meets with Paul Rogers last October in Yaounde, Cameroon, Africa, during an International Catholic Conference of Prison Pastoral Care. (Submitted photo courtesy Paul Rogers)emphasized the role of bishops in the ministry, suggesting that bishops should make tending to the incarcerated a priority. The cardinal also deplored the practice of locking up people without benefit of trial. In certain countries, Rogers explained, “You’re guilty until proven innocent.”

Interviewed late last year in his office at St. Peter, Rogers told your Catholic Herald that, outside the United States, American court sentences tend to be regarded as harsh and the sheer number of American prisoners as shocking.

“We isolate (criminals) pretty well,” he said, noting that it’s a circumstance that can have a detrimental effect “over years” on those isolated. Rogers said the death penalty, common in parts of the United States, is nonexistent in certain South American countries and virtually unheard of in Europe. 

An official state visit to a prison in Cameroon indicated that Africa’s detention picture isn’t a pretty one. Rogers saw “3,000 guys jammed (over) two stories, like sardines.”  Prisoners’ clothes were tattered and hygiene was lacking. Mothers incarcerated in Cameroon, Rogers noted, take care of their babies in prison.

A highlight among presentations at the congress was given by Sister of St. Mary of Namur Genevieve Uwamariya who spoke on the power of reconciliation. A number of years ago the African nun looked upon the corpses of her parents, killed in a machete attack in conjunction with tribal warfare in Rwanda, said Rogers. Sr. Genevieve subsequently met her parents’ killer – and told her ICCPPC audience of having to wrestle to overcome her vengeful feelings.

Liturgy participants might have heard English and French, as well as native dialects, during the congress. Cameroon “is a very Catholic country,” according to Rogers, and its “government was very cooperative,” aiding delegates by, for one thing, providing police escorts in the face of nightmarish traffic in Yaounde, which has a population approaching 2 million.

The congress included an exhibit of international, inmate-produced art. At least some of the works were for sale, producing funds for inmates’ families. Delegates brought along gifts, made by prisoners in their own countries, to exchange with colleagues.

Rogers’ contribution was a ceramic coffee mug crafted by an inmate at the last prison island in the United States – McNeil Island in Puget Sound near Olympia, Wash. “Most people think of Alcatraz” when thinking of American prison islands, Rogers said. Like Alcatraz, the Washington prison is now closed.

From a Tanzanian prisoner, by way of chaplain Fr. Joseph Candutta, Rogers received a banner with drummer and dancer figures superimposed on a map of Tanzania.

Rogers left Cameroon resolved to continue pointing lay people in the direction of prison ministry, while encouraging bishops’ assistance in spreading the word. He is involved in organizing prison ministries, currently in the La Crosse area.

Gessner replaces Cindy Marino who had served the school in that capacity for the last seven years.Paul Gessner

“I think (Gessner) has the gift to be able to help us continue building the curriculum and growing the curriculum and helping us to create the best possibility for young women, urban young women,” Sister of Charity of St. Joan Antida Elizabeth Weber said. “He’s done some phenomenal kinds of program development there (Rufus King High School) as far as helping to expand their international baccalaureate.”

In a press release, Gessner said he’s excited to be moving the school into its “next phase.”

“I have worked tirelessly to ensure a quality, rigorous academic experience for the young people of Milwaukee,” Gessner said. “I am eager to bring my experiences and talents to the role of head of school at St. Joan Antida.”

Sr. Elizabeth, a member of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida provincial team, stressed that Gessner’s “urban” background – he spent 15 years at Rufus King – will be beneficial to the school.

“With his urban experience, he has a great deal of experience in working with urban youth and our kids are, at St. Joan’s, very much represent the city of Milwaukee,” Sr. Elizabeth said of the all-girls school with an enrollment of 277.

According to Sr. Elizabeth, Marino informed them about a year ago that she would resign at the end of 2011.

“She felt she wanted to look for other opportunities for herself and is currently doing that,” Sr. Elizabeth said. “She was kind enough to stay on through January so we had time to find someone to take her place.”

Sr. Elizabeth said Marino made decisions based on what was best for the students.

“Cindy had a real passion for the girls,” Sr. Elizabeth said. “I always teased her, I said, ‘On your tombstone it’s going to say It’s All About The Girls.’”

Sr. Elizabeth said Marino was instrumental in helping the school get new science and computer labs.

“She had a real vision and real passion for urban, young women,” Sr. Elizabeth said.

The search for a new head of school started last summer.

“We were not going to hire just to hire,” Sr. Elizabeth said. “We didn’t want to be forced into just hiring anyone.”

Sr. Elizabeth said they were impressed with Gessner.

“We were in the interviewing process and we just found his skill set to be very compatible with what we’re looking for,” Sr. Elizabeth said. “Being able to integrate his faith life into his work life, which was something he said he hadn’t had an opportunity to do in public school.”

In a joint statement, the search committee chairs said Gessner is right for the school

“With a track record of success at Rufus King High School, a passionate belief that all students can achieve success at high academic levels, and a faith-driven spirit, Paul brings the qualities that are most critical for St. Joan Antida High School at this particular time,” the statement said.

Entering the position in the middle of the school year is an opportunity, according to Sr. Elizabeth.

“It’s a real opportunity for Paul to stand back and do some learning and some evaluating about things,” Sr. Elizabeth said. “This provides a learning curve time for him.”

Sr. Elizabeth said Gessner, a member of St. Matthias Parish, Milwaukee, hasn’t wasted any time since accepting the position, noting he’s been taking personal days to come to St. Joan Antida on Fridays to familiarize himself with the school and position.

Jerry and Barbara Heil are seen in a undated photo from a parish directory. The couple, longtime parishioners of St. Pius X Church in White Bear Lake, Minn., were among those missing after a cruise ship capsized Jan. 13 off the coast of Italy. (CNS photo /Catholic Spirit)

On Jan. 19, divers resumed the search for 21 people still missing after a Costa Concordia cruise ship cruise ship crashed into the Italian coast Jan. 13. The Heils are the only Americans who remained unaccounted for among the more than 4,200 passengers. Eleven people died.

At St. Pius X, about 450 people gathered to sing, pray, reflect, light candles and pay tribute to the Heils.

"It was a fantastic tribute to the way they lived their lives," said Carri Petronack, St. Pius X social ministry coordinator. "A lot of people knew them, and they lived their life to be ready for heaven every day and go to the Lord."

Several people commented on the Heil couple's tremendous display of faith, including their granddaughter, Lexi Heil.

They are "amazing people (with) such a strong faith," she said.

Barb Heil has been active in a close-knit parish rosary group. Jerry Heil is a member of the Knights of Columbus, which he joined in 1969 but rejoined more actively in 2002, said fellow Knight Duane Jabas.

"He would keep out of the spotlight," Jabas said. "He was very active in our church."

Jerry Heil has been active in pro-life efforts and the marriage amendment initiative. He has taught faith formation and adult education classes. He even helped launch the parish website and put in long hours, Petronack said.

The couple has regularly volunteered at church events. For more than 18 years, Barb Heil volunteered at the Dorothy Day family center every Friday, said Dennis Bechel, another Knight of Columbus.

Once parishioners found out about the incident at Mass Jan. 15, prayer vigils have continued nonstop since 11 a.m., Jabas said.

Bechel and Jabas have helped oversee the continuous prayer and put in a prayer request for the Knights of Columbus to help.Carabinieri scuba divers inspect the interior of the Costa Concordia cruise ship Jan. 18 through a breach in a window after the ship ran aground at Giglio Island off the west coast of Italy Jan. 13. Authorities announced Jan. 18 that search operations ha d to be suspended because rough waters had caused the partially submerged ship to shift. Jerry and Barbara Heil, members of St. Pius X Church in White Bear Lake, Minn., are two of the more than 20 people still missing. (CNS photo/Centro subacqueidei Carabinieri handout via Reuters)

Bechel said he has seen all sorts of people come to prayer and support the family, even those of other faith backgrounds.

Daughter-in-law Sue Heil said all the support for her family is "amazing."

In an exclusive interview with The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, she described the past few days as a "roller coaster." The family had talked to any reporters before this interview, and instead was using their blog to communicate with the media and the public.

Sue Heil added with tears streaming down her face, "Grandpa and Grandma are amazing people. I can't say enough good things about them. They love the grandkids. ... They're the best role models." The Heils have 15 grandchildren, she said.

Bechel said, "For them, family was first. God bless them, and bring them back together."

Sue Heil said she hopes people can learn from the example of Jerry and Barb Heil's faith. "Start now because you can never do too much," she said, "They touched so many people."

The community also prayed for others affected by the Costa Concordia tragedy.

"Continue to pray for their rescuers and everyone else," Lexi Heil said.

In the days leading up to the prayer service, parish business administrator Lawrence Erickson said St. Pius X parishioners had been praying the rosary before daily Mass and offering prayers for the couple during Mass and perpetual adoration.

"I do not remember a day, and I've been here five years, that I haven't seen one or the other of them here," Erickson said of the Heils. They have been involved in the parish festival, Dorothy Day Center, social ministry and teaching faith formation, he added. "They lead from within. ... They touch but don't leave a fingerprint. They are that soft in their approach on how much they give."

Aaron Heil – son of the Heils, a first-grade teacher in the St. Michael-Albertville School District and a member of St. Michael in St. Michael -- gave The Associated Press the following statement from the family: "We are waiting patiently for the rescuers to safely try to find our parents," it said. "Our prayers and thoughts are with our parents; those others that are still missing and their families; and the brave rescuers. We are working closely with the U.S. Embassy in Italy and are confident that everything is being done to find our parents."

Jabas said that adoration and prayer will continue at St. Pius X.