Month: June 2012

On
Kimberly Baker

Fatherhood and the sacredness of life

The upcoming celebration of Father’s Day on Sunday, June 17, is a fitting time to examine the irony that in our current culture, fatherhood is rarely mentioned.

When mentioned at all, fathers are mocked or portrayed negatively. Some movies and stories downplay the role of the father in a child’s life, yet simultaneously portray the child as suffering from the father’s inability to live up to that role.

Protect both mother and child

In reality, the nobility and significance of fatherhood remain a powerful witness in the lives of those who have had the opportunity to grow up with a present and caring father. And there are, of course, profound stories and testimonies to counter the culture’s defeatist attitude towards fatherhood.

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On
Fr. Tad Pacholczyk

The hidden power in our suffering

Making Sense out of Bioethics column by Fr. Tad Pacholczyk

In a 1999 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, patients with serious illness were asked to identify what was most important to them during the dying process.

Many indicated they wanted to achieve a “sense of control.” This is understandable. Most of us fear our powerlessness in the face of illness and death.

We would like to retain an element of control, even though we realize that dying often involves the very opposite: a total loss of control, over our muscles, our emotions, our minds, our bowels, and our very lives, as our human framework succumbs to powerful disintegrative forces.

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On
Fr. Donald Lange

Good fathers plant eternal memories in our hearts

Seeing with Jesus' Eyes, by Fr. Don Lange

I remember how Dad liked to plant a garden. First, he plowed and harrowed God’s good earth. This made the soil more receptive to receive and nourish seeds.

Next, he skillfully tied a string between two stakes to help make the rows even. We children watched with awe as he reverently planted seeds in the garden’s rich soil. This was sacred time.

We waited patiently for plants to push through the soil. Finally, one memorable day we discovered a shoot that had risen from the earth. We joyfully raced to be first to share the good news. Now whenever I see a garden, I think of Dad.

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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Importance of families: Making family a priority in our lives

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

This is the time of year when families celebrate in so many ways. We have Mother’s Day, First Communions, graduations, Father’s Day, and the start of the wedding season.

It’s an opportunity for families to enjoy each other’s company and emphasize the good things that are happening in their lives. I hope that most people are able to take time away from other commitments and spend time with their family members of all ages.

Most families do get together for some of these occasions, but I know that other families do not have the opportunity to get together. These days some families are split apart by geographic distance, difficulties with health, or divorce and separation.

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On
Obispo Robert C. Morlino

Proteger la libertad más alta de todas

Bajo el libro del evangelio por Obispo Robert C. Morlino
Esta columna está dirigida a los fieles de la Diócesis de Madison. Cualquier circulación más amplia transgrede la intención del Obispo.

Queridos amigos:

Al celebrar el Memorial Day (Día de la Memoria) esta semana, entiendo que nuestros pensamientos y oraciones estuvieron, y están, muy cerca a nuestros hombres mujeres que tan generosa y valientemente sirvieron en las fuerzas armadas, y con aquellos que han visto el rostro de Cristo, especialmente aquellos que llegaron hasta el sacrificio supremo.

Luchar por nuestra libertad

Nunca olvidaremos que ellos lucharon y están luchando por nuestra libertad. Ellos creen que nuestra libertad es algo por lo que vale la pena vivir y morir.

Ese testimonio en pos de la libertad me hace considerar lo que verdaderamente es la libertad. Es difícil de creer, por ejemplo, que nuestros serviciales hombres y mujeres estén dispuestos a dar sus vidas para que alguien elija ver pornografía, o intoxicarse irresponsablemente, o consumir drogas. En nuestra cultura estas conductas con frecuencia son usadas para hablar del sentimiento de libertad, como si nuestra cultura hubiera abrazado la convicción de que somos libres al elegir cualquier cosa, incluyendo el mal.

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