Day: February 26, 2009

On
Kat Wagner, Catholic Herald Staff

Lecturer examines the ‘whys’ behind human sexuality

Vicki Thorn
Vicki Thorn, founder of Milwaukee-based post-abortion healing program Project Rachel and speaker at the St. Thérèse of Lisieux lecture in Madison on February 19, answers questions from attendees John and Olivia Bohn after the lecture. (Catholic Herald photo/Kat Wagner)

MADISON — In a lecture touted as “What they don’t teach you in sex ed,” speaker Vicki Thorn offered real-world rationale for the “whys” behind Catholic teaching on human sexuality, drawing on various aspects of scientific research to prove her counter-cultural points.

“This is a remarkable, interconnected gift from God,” Thorn said of human sexuality during her hour-and-a-half talk, part of the semiannual St. Thérèse of Lisieux Lecture Series. “When we tinker with it, we mess things up.

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On
Sr. Margie Lavonis

Lent may be a good time for a ‘faith lift’

I always love to read the signs outside of churches. Once I saw a clever one that asked, “Do you need a faith lift?” It was a good question that made me stop and think about my own faith life and where I need some spiritual Botox.

Guest Column

Now that we are in the dark dreary time of the year when life is cold and monotonous, at least in the Midwest, and we probably have broken many of our new year’s resolutions, it is a good time to reflect on how we need our spiritual life lifted. Lent is a perfect season for renewal.

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On
Barbara L. Lyons

Abortion program politically, financially motivated

Imagine that you are a patient needing routine surgery at an outpatient facility. At the Madison Surgery Center, you receive treatment to enhance your health, while in the next room or down the hall a fully formed 19 to 22 week unborn baby is being dismembered, experiencing significant pain from the abortion procedure.

Guest Column

The UW Hospital and Clinics, Meriter Hospital, and the Madison Surgery Center recently approved such a venture. The second trimester abortion program was discussed for months, shrouded in secrecy. Since becoming public knowledge, information from facilities’ officials has been incredibly inconsistent and filled with public relations puffery.

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On
Bishop Robert C. Morlino

Reflections on Lent

Dear Friends,

under the gospel bookWe once again find ourselves in the holy season of Lent. And each year, we are all reminded of our need for increased prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during this penitential time. We will, no doubt, make the Sacrament of Confession a priority and avail ourselves of Lenten activities in our parishes. Fish fries, simpler meals, giving as a family to Operation Rice Bowl, and other sacrifices will become part of our routine for the next 40 days.

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On
Leah Tews, Verona

Thirteen-year-old girl opposes abortion decision

To the editor:

My name is Leah Tews. I am 13 years old and am a pro-life believer in speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves. I am sure you are aware of the decision that was recently made by the joint leaders of Meriter/UW surgical centers to allow second trimester abortions at their facilities. I believe that we, as a Christian community, have the responsibility to act on behalf of Christ, as His voice for His unborn children.

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