Year: 2008

On
Susanna D. Herro, For the Catholic Herald

Respect Life: Helping men affected by abortion

Just last fall, after 34 years of legalized abortion, the first ever conference on men and abortion was held.

Scientists are discovering men’s serious grief responses to abortions. This research is closely connected to Madison and to Wisconsin. Vicki Thorn, founder of Project Rachel in Milwaukee, helped create this conference. From Madison, both Dr. Catherine Coyle and Dr. Robert Enright are cited in the information from the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities.

These three Wisconsin people are helping men understand their sense of loss, the erosion of trust, and the “loss of spiritual connectedness to God and to one’s partner . . .” There is a distinct concern that an abortion history makes it harder for men to trust enough to fully commit to marriage and fatherhood.

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On
Kat Wagner, Catholic Herald Staff

Respect Life Sunday marked by Mass, Rosary March

Thirty-five roses were presented during the offertory at the Respect Life Mass at St. Patrick Church, beginning the Liturgy of the Eucharist on this Respect Life Sunday with a reminder of those who have lost their lives by abortion, euthanasia, executions and violence, especially the millions killed since abortion was legalized in the United States in 1963.

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On
Mary Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Vicky Skilondz named associate director of planning

MADISON — Vicky Skilondz has been named associate director of the diocesan Office of Planning.

She will work with Grant Emmel, vice chancellor and director of the Office of Planning, to provide documentation, training, and oversight for the Trusting in the Spirit parish planning process.

“I’m excited to extend the diocese’s commitment to supporting parishes through Vicky’s customer service focus,” said Emmel. “Her gift for training and helping parish staff with their problems has already paid dividends as part of Trusting in the Spirit.”

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On
John Huebscher

Embryonic stem cell reasoning is wrong

Eye on the Capitol by John Huebscher

Recently a pro-stem cell research group, Wisconsin Stem Cell Now, published a “primer” on the subject of stem cell research in Wisconsin. Among other things, the document seeks to dismiss moral arguments against embryonic stem cell research.

In the process, the authors misrepresent the relationship between ethics and morals, equate morality with religion, and define moral argument in a way that would have disqualified some of our nation’s most significant voices for reform from public debates.

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On
Susanna D. Herro, For the Catholic Herald

Underlining the need for respect of all life

The power of the term, “Respect Life,” needs to be underlined in our minds. When we, in sharing our faith, share our respect for others, we are acknowledging their intrinsic worth and our belief that they are fellow humans to be loved and cherished. This message of loving respect is foundational for all our beliefs.

The other word, life, is too easily glossed over. “Life” for the new human begins when the sperm joins the egg and ends at natural death. All the stages and phases, ups and downs, challenges and soaring triumphs do not change the innate humanity of that unique person.

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