Month: October 2014

On
Kevin Wondrash, Catholic Herald Staff

Organists in Mineral Point, Belmont are ‘youth in action’

Organists Kassandra Palzkill (14), Caleb Mitchell (17), and Dominic Mailloux (13) provide music for Masses at the Congregation of St. Mary/St. Paul Parish in Mineral Point and St. Philomena Parish in Belmont. (Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash

MINERAL POINT — “It’s just a great joy to see these young people stepping forward and to see Catholic youth in action.”

Those are the words of Fr. Monte Robinson, the proud pastor of the Congregation of St. Mary/St. Paul Parish in Mineral Point and St. Philomena Parish in Belmont.

The two linked parishes have quite a blessing — a new generation of organists — all in their teens.

They are 17-year-old Caleb Mitchell in Mineral Point along with 14-year-old Kassandra Palzkill and 13-year-old Dominic Mailloux in Belmont.

“We’re very grateful that these young people are doing this, and they’re very accomplished for their age,” said Father Robinson. “I’m just very proud of every one of them.”

Meet the organists

Mitchell, the oldest of the three, has been playing organ every Sunday at St. Mary Church in Mineral Point since December of last year. He had been playing piano since he was seven years old and had an easy time transitioning to the organ.

“It’s pretty fun; I like leading people,” said Mitchell. When parishioners find out how young he is, Mitchell said, “A lot of people are amazed, but I try to do my best.” He added his favorite part of being a parish organist is accompanying the choir at Mass.

Fourteen-year-old Kassandra Palzkill has been playing organ for Masses the longest of the three — for the past two years at St. Philomena Parish in Belmont. She also made the transition from piano to organ.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

End of life: Deserves as much attention as the beginning

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

As we conclude the month of October — designated as Respect Life Month — it seems appropriate to reflect on end-of-life issues.

Doesn’t it seem that our society today pays much more attention to the beginning of life than the end of it? We get excited about the birth of a baby. We have baby showers, spend time getting the nursery decorated, and send out birth announcements when the baby is born. We buy cards and gifts for the new child.

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On
Fr. Robert Barron

Surprising lessons from YouTube viewers

Just last month, my media ministry Word on Fire marked a milestone: 10,000,000 views on our YouTube channel.

This achievement fills me with gratitude both to God and to the many people who watched one or more of the videos I’ve produced. It also provides the occasion for me to reflect a bit on both the pitfalls and advantages of evangelizing through the new media.

An experiment

When we commenced our outreach through YouTube seven years ago, we did so in the manner of an experiment. YouTube had just come into being at that time, and it largely featured crude, homemade videos of cats jumping off the roof and babies gurgling for their mother’s camcorder.

I thought we should try to invade this space with the Gospel, and so I resolved to make short video commentaries on movies, music, current affairs, cultural happenings, etc.

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On
John Huebscher

Message for November 4: Vote

Eye on the Capitol by John Huebscher

In Wisconsin, voting is a basic right enshrined in our state constitution. Voting is also a solemn obligation of all faithful citizens charged with a responsibility for the affairs of the community.

There are several powerful reasons for all of us to take the trouble to vote in the coming election.

Many don’t bother to vote

For one thing, the vote is a powerful weapon for those who use it, and too many of us don’t bother to vote.

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