Today I found a marble while doing the laundry. There it was, blue and shiny among the grey folds of my son’s sweatshirt.
My heart leaped as I picked it up and admired its beauty, thinking about how Michael would smile when I showed him his lost treasure.
But just as suddenly as I found it, the marble slipped from my fingers and bounced into the dusty unknown beneath the hot water heater. Sighing in defeat after peering into the darkness, I shrugged and continued with my work.
MADISON — “Used to be I couldn’t boil water, but now I’m a lot better at cooking. Plus I’m the best dishwasher in the United States,” said Larry with a laugh, explaining what he likes about his job.
Larry is a member of the Culinary Creations Catering crew, a social enterprise of the Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC).
Before becoming involved with Culinary Creations Catering, Larry was homeless and struggling to find a job where he could make a living.
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For the first 300 years of Christianity, followers of the nonviolent Jesus — imitating his example — practiced total nonviolence.
But after Christianity was legalized and later made the official religion of the Roman Empire, Christians began fighting for the empire. And sadly, Christians have been fighting for empires ever since.
The “just war” theory was developed to offer criteria — like protecting civilians from attack — that had to be met before war could be theoretically morally justified and continued. Most unfortunately, this led to the Catholic Church’s abandonment of total Christ-like nonviolence.
JEFFERSON — Inspired by the Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis, Margarete Schels’ eighth grade class at St. John the Baptist (SJB) Catholic School organized a “Basketball FUNday” in honor of Kena Eighmy, a fifth grade student battling leukemia.
Extended care teacher Katie Warpinski, whose own husband, Josh, is fighting cancer, suggested that the students do something for Kena.
With the guidance of their teacher and school principal, Susan Loof, they planned the all-morning event that offered a variety of activities.
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In my capacity as regional bishop of the Santa Barbara pastoral region, which covers two entire counties north of Los Angeles, I am obliged to spend a good deal of time in the car.
To make the long trips a bit easier, I have gotten back into the habit of listening to audio books. Just recently, I followed, with rapt attention, a book that I had read many years ago but which I had, I confess, largely forgotten: C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce.
The inspiration for this theological fantasy is the medieval idea of the refrigerium, the refreshment or vacation from Hell granted to some of the souls abiding there.
Durward’s Glen Retreat & Educational Center in Baraboo will host “A Gathering on Mental Health” for the Sauk and Columbia County communities on Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14.
This weekend conference is bringing in Deacon Tom Lambert, a national advocate on mental health from the Archdiocese of Chicago, and other local speakers and resources on mental health for panel discussions and breakout sessions.
The program will help participants better understand the mental health continuum, work to reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems, and share pertinent information on getting help in time of crisis.
Topics that will be covered include understanding therapy, suicide prevention, navigating the health care and social service system, understanding trauma, creating a supportive church community, information on community services, and taking care of yourself.
Participants will come away with new ideas for services and encouragement. There will also be time to reflect on the beautiful grounds of Durward’s Glen.
The event is open to all community members — including people living with mental health challenges, their families and friends, church or agency leaders, and the general public.
Cost is $50 for registration. Limited scholarships are available. Continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday are included in the registration fee.
Did you know that women are the sole breadwinners in nearly half of U.S. households?
Yet, when women give birth to a baby, 88 percent of them are paid nothing in the weeks they take off after having a child.
These statistics were reported in an article by Cindy Goodman in the Miami Herald entitled, “Best Mother’s Day gift: paid maternity leave.”
As we approach Mother’s Day on May 8, it’s a time to thank and celebrate all mothers who gave us the gift of life.
Students at Our Lady Queen of Peace School in Madison recently had a chance to better themselves and help others at the same time.
BOSCOBEL — A Pentecost Candlelight Vigil will be held on Saturday, May 14, at 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Boscobel.
This local vigil is being held in conjunction with the worldwide Pentecost Vigil, titled the Wild Goose Project, established by Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, in collaboration with Dumb Ox Ministries and The Vigil Project.
The Wild Goose Project is an attempt to invite Catholic Christians into a more profound life-giving relationship with the Holy Spirit. This is a relationship marked by the love of God which breathes life into our daily existence.
MONTELLO — St. John Catholic School in Princeton will host hits 16th annual Golf Benefit on Sunday, May 15, at White Lake Country Club, Montello. The price is $75 per person, which includes 18 holes of golf, cart, and dinner.
The first place team will receive $300, second place $200, and third place $100. In addition, hole prizes, raffles, ball toss, betting holes, mulligans, and a skins game will be available. Shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m.
