Dear Friends in […]
Year: 2015
The pope, the Congress, and a Trappist monk
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I had the extraordinary privilege of following the pope’s pilgrimage at very close quarters. I had this access both as a bishop and as a commentator for NBC News.
It was thrilling indeed to witness just how rapturously the American people received the pope and how affected the Holy Father was by this reception. Many images stay vividly in my mind: the pope kissing the forehead of the 10-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, the rabbi and imam praying together at the September 11th memorial, a little boy from a New York Catholic school showing the pope how to maneuver his way around a Smart Board.
Let’s renew our commitment to defend all human life
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Pablo Casals, the great cellist and conductor, gazed at a baby and exclaimed, “You are unique. In the millions of years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. And look at your body; what a wonder it is! Your exquisite legs, your arms, your cunning little fingers. You may become another Shakespeare, Michelangelo, or Beethoven.”
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, whose feast we celebrated on October 1, believed that people of her time feared God too much. She couldn’t understand how anyone could fear God, who came to us as a tiny helpless baby.
And yet, today there seem to be some who fear babies more than God.
Catholic Charities strengthens families
Pope Francis talked often about the family during his visit to the United States. Of course, his primary reason for traveling to our country was to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
It’s obvious that Pope Francis really understands the realities of family life. He threw away his script at the Festival of Families in Philadelphia and talked candidly about family life. He said, “Families have difficulties. Families — we quarrel, sometimes plates can fly, and children bring headaches. I won’t speak about mothers-in-law,” he said.
“However, in families, there is always light” because of the love of God’s son, Jesus Christ,” he added.
As one of those mothers-in-law — and having one myself — I know there can be challenges. But I also remember that Pope Francis praised grandparents who bring so much wisdom and a sense of history to family life.
40 Days for Life mid-point vigil and Planned Parenthood protest in Madison
MADISON — A mid-point prayer vigil for 40 Days for Life — the annual campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion — will be held Monday, Oct. 12, at 11:30 a.m. on the sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood, 3706 Orin Rd., Madison.
Fr. Scott Jablonski, parochial vicar at St. Henry and St. Bernard Parishes in Watertown, will lead the vigil. Immediately following the vigil, Vigil for Life will host its second Defund Planned Parenthood rally.
Infertility support group to meet in Verona
VERONA — Hannah’s […]
Happy Hearts Harvest Hoedown at Middleton parish
MIDDLETON — St. Bernard Parish Health Commission is sponsoring a Happy Hearts Harvest Hoedown on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the St. Bernard Parish Center, 2015 Parmenter St.
Caller Tom Nickel will teach basic American folk dancing and line dancing.
Profits will be given to St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP). Everyone is invited to join the fun.
Public Square Rosary Crusades being held
In Green Lake
GREEN LAKE — The second annual Public Rosary Rally will be held at Deacon Mills Park, 550 Mill St., on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 12 noon.
An invitation to pray the Rosary publicly is extended to all who love our country and are concerned about the direction in which it is going. Handouts with prayers and free rosaries will be available.
America is at a historic crossroads. Secularists are trying to push God from the public square. They reject His beneficial action upon society. But without God, where will our leaders get the wisdom to solve the problems we face?
Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute: New coursework is available
MADISON — The Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute is a program in the Diocese of Madison that offers interested adults an opportunity to come and learn more about the Catholic faith in a systematic and comprehensive manner.
It is an opportunity to study the basic pillars of the faith along with other indepth theological studies.
Beginning this month, we have a new schedule of courses available at the Bishop O’Connor Center along with coursework available in various locations around the Diocese.