BELOIT — Bishop Robert C. Morlino traveled to Beloit on Saturday, Aug. 25, to confer a blessing on the Stateline Pregnancy Clinic (SPC), its staff and volunteers, in special recognition of their recent acquisition of an important piece of new equipment used in their work.
Year: 2012
Sister Leona Haggerty, OP dies
Sr. Leona Haggerty, OP (Manuela), died August 30, 2012, at St. Dominic Villa.
Blessed Pope John Paul II: future patron saint of athletes?

Another season of high school, grade school, college, and professional sports has begun. These can invite us to reflect upon ways that we participate in sports as players or watch as spectators.
In Colossians 3:17, it says “Whatever we do in word or deed, do all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God, the Father though him.”
When Pope John II became pope, he installed a swimming pool at Castel Gandolfo, his summer residence. He responded to those who criticized its cost by saying that it was cheaper than paying for a new conclave. He also skied. Doctors think that he recovered from an assassin’s wounds quickly because of vibrant health nourished by sports. Through sports and exercise, he showed us ways to care for our bodies, which God created. If he is canonized, he could join St. Sebastian as patron saint of athletes.
Stronger marriages: We must be committed to strengthening marriage, family life

Recently my husband John and I celebrated 39 years of married life. When we got married in 1973, we told each other that we hoped to make it to our 50th wedding anniversary. Of course, we would even like more than 50 years together, but that is our goal. We have only 11 years to go, God willing.
We hope to be able to participate eventually in the annual diocesan celebration for couples observing their 50th wedding anniversaries. It was held in August, and Bishop Robert C. Morlino gave each golden anniversary couple a certificate. He commended them for their cooperation with Christ in building a successful marriage.
The bishop said that these couples know that Christ is central to a successful marriage. He also pointed out the importance of forgiving each other and bringing a joyful witness to others in society.
This week the Catholic Herald is publishing our twice annual Catholic Marriage section. It offers articles focusing on marriage preparation and marriage enrichment with a faith perspective. We hope you will read it and/or pass it along to a couple contemplating marriage or needing help with married life.
This Labor Day reflect on spirituality of work
Labor Day invites workers to reflect upon their work’s spiritual value. This is important because most active adults spend the majority of weekday hours they are awake working, commuting to work, preparing for work, or resting from work.
Many retired persons including priests, also work in various ways. I know!
Las bendiciones de Dios a través de nuestras vidas
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Queridos amigos:
Espero que este verano haya estado bendecido para cada uno de ustedes como lo fue para mí. Como si ya no hubiera sido bastante bueno al iniciar esta semana, me preparo para pasar algo de tiempo con nuestros sobresalientes seminaristas. Espero que muchos de ustedes tengan la oportunidad de conocer a algunos de los grandes hombres que estudian para dar sus vidas a su servicio, a través de Cristo y Su Iglesia. Por favor ténganlos en sus oraciones, junto con varias jóvenes mujeres de nuestra diócesis que están entrando a la vida religiosa este año.
Sobre nuestros seminaristas, les pediría también considerar especialmente ofrecer apoyo financiero a nuestro St. Joseph’s Fund para la educación de seminaristas. Cuando esté todo dicho y hecho, podremos tener 32 hombres estudiando para la diócesis de Madison. Con la bendición de estos hombres sobresalientes viene la responsabilidad de pagar su formación y educación.
A journey through the Bible and the Catechism in the Year of Faith
Pope Benedict XVI has invited the entire Church to celebrate a “Year of Faith” beginning this October.
Spirit & Truth returns for season two focusing on the Year of Faith
Join other young adults for a weekly gathering of those in their 20s and 30s called Spirit & Truth (S&T), starting Wednesday, Sept. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Patrick Parish, 404 E. Main St., in downtown Madison.
Sitting at the feet of Jesus: Humbling ourselves to be open to wisdom
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| This column is the bishop’s communication with the faithful of the Diocese of Madison. Any wider circulation reaches beyond the intention of the bishop. |
In this past weekend’s Gospel (Jn 6:51-58), we hear Jesus say, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life within you.” What is Jesus talking about, that he’s going to give us His flesh to eat and His blood to drink? Does He think we’re cannibals?
Who’s in control? Holy Father reminds us that God is in charge of our lives

Most of us like to have control over our lives. We decide when to get up in the morning, we choose the food we eat at our meals, and we decide what to do throughout the day.
Of course, there are outside circumstances that have an impact on our decisions. The weather comes to mind as an important factor affecting some of our plans. If it’s raining, for example, we might not mow the lawn, or we may choose to eat inside rather than have a picnic in a park.
However, in most cases we like to exercise control over what we do. We’re in charge of our lives. At least that’s what we like to believe.
God is in charge
As we grow older, we may start to realize that this way of looking at life isn’t the whole truth. Although we can have a great deal of control over our thoughts and actions, we aren’t the ones ultimately in charge.
God is the one who has the final say over what happens in our lives.


