Shepherd meets his flock during regional visits

	VISITING SENIORS: Bishop David L. Ricken shakes hands with Cecilia Van Asten during a visit to St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna Sept. 11. The visit with nursing home residents preceded an evening Mass celebrated at St. Pius X Church in Appleton, one of five regional Masses the bishop is celebrating in September. (Sam Lucero photo)

By Patricia Kasten
Compass Associate Editor

APPLETON -- "When you put God first, things fall into place."

That was the message Bishop David Ricken brought to Fox Valley Catholics during his Appleton regional Mass of Welcome at St. Pius X Parish on Sept. 11.

People from parishes from Oshkosh to Brillion to Greenville nearly filled the church - which holds more than 800 - for the Mass and stood in line for up to an hour afterwards to greet the bishop personally.

"We came because we thought we'd like to meet the new bishop," said Mary Timm of Brillion. "We were in the area, so we stayed extra late, hoping we could meet him."   Full story ...

	• Lenten Giving/Easter Joy Wish List (Feb. 8)

 • Diocesan mission in D.R. escapes major damage

 • Directory offers priests' biographies
    'In His Vineyard: 1868-2008' gives comprehensive
    listing of diocesan priests, bishops

 • Duo shares Gospel through music
    Ministers lead Bible studies at prisons, other sites

 • Join 40 Days of Prayer for Life
    Green Bay, Grand Chute are local sites for vigil

S p e c i a l   S e c t i o n : Financial Life

• Tips for home buyers to avoid trouble     Credit counselor offers advice from Catholic Charities Home Buyer     Education courses  More in The Compass print edition:  • For a list of articles found only in the Financial Life special section of the    Sept. 19, 2008 print edition, see the green box, below left.

 • Help wanted ads

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    for September 21, 2008: Live God's intellectual history

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Michael Stubbs --
    for September 21, 2008: Parable explores more than pay

 • Editorial -- Election flyer was not approved
    Distributing political flyers at regional Mass without permission was wrong,
    in bad taste

 • Faithful Citizenship -- Forming our conscience before casting votes
    As Christians, we believe well-formed conscience is voice of God within us

 • Foundations of Faith -- How the parts flow in the two forms of Mass
    Use of Scripture, prayers and reception of the Eucharist are most noticeable
    differences -- after language

 • Saint of the Day -- Right, or wrong for good reason?
    Soldiers had to choose life and paganism, or God

 • Your Catholic Neighbor -- Doing what God asks her to do
    Arlene Anderson says her service is in response to God's call to assist

 • Calendar of events

Sharing Our Faith Articles on 2008 Bishop's Appeal

• Project focuses on family (Apr. 4) • Ready for summer relaxation? (Mar. 21) • Diocese eyes adult education (Mar. 14) • Diocesan youth conference will be held March 30     (Mar. 7) • Program works to end domestic violence (Feb. 29) • Workshop helps parishes manage business affairs     (Feb. 22) • She's keeping the faith (Feb. 15) • Bishops' Appeal helps Catholic Charities respond to crises (Feb. 8)    Sidebar: Bishop's Appeal at a glance • Bishop's Appeal kicks off (Feb. 1)    Pie chart of Bishop's Appeal use    Sidebar: 2008 Bishop's Appeal facts