Month: June 2016

On
George Weigel

A cinematic lesson in hope

At a moment like this when there doesn’t seem to be a lot going right — ascendant authoritarianisms throughout the world; lethal violence by ideological fanatics; feckless responses to both from the democracies — it’s good to be reminded that things can be different, and in fact were different, not so very long ago.

Recapturing those days and summoning memories of a time when the good folks won, cleanly and against all the odds, is the singular accomplishment of a splendid new documentary, Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism, which should be on everyone’s summer must-watch list.

Read More
On
Bishop Robert Barron

Mercy lessons from the woman at the well

I had the enormous privilege recently of addressing English-speaking priests from around the world who had gathered in Rome for a special Jubilee celebration of the Year of Mercy. I met Fathers from the States, Canada, Australia, Latvia, Ghana, Cameroon, Ireland, Nigeria, and many other countries.

During the Communion at the Mass which followed my talk, I saw hundreds of priests in their albs coming to the altar to receive the Lord, and I thought of the passage from the Book of Revelation concerning the white-robed army gathered around the throne of the Lamb.

As a basis for my presentation, I used the wonderful story from the fourth chapter of John’s Gospel concerning Jesus’ conversation with the woman at the well. From this encounter, I derived four principles regarding the divine mercy.

Read More
On
Jane Lepeska Grinde, Catholic Herald Correspondent

Madison Diocese Council of Women hold convention

BERLIN — As Ellen Martin and Sue Koch assumed the co-presidency of the Madison Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (MDCCW) at its recent convention at All Saints Church here, they announced their theme of “Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way.”

The theme is taken from the title of a book by St. John Paul II written when he was bishop of Kracow, Poland, during a time of Communist control.

Read More
On
Chris Lee

St. Peter School, Ashton, celebrates 150 years

ASHTON — In this age of instant gratification and throw-away mentality, some things do stand the test of time.

As proof, St. Peter School in Ashton celebrated 150 years of continuous and successful Catholic education with a reunion on June 17.

More than 500 alumni and guests, current school families and parishioners, as well as past and current staff attended the event.

Read More
On
Fr. David Carrano

Jesus the Good Shepherd is the model for all priests

Fr. David Carrano

Following is the homily given at Fr. Joseph Baker’s First Mass of Thanksgiving on June 25, 2016, at Holy Redeemer Church in Madison by Fr. David Carrano, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Reedsburg.

Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Readings: Dt 10:12-22 and Jn 10:11-18

“I came that they might have life, and have it in abundance.”

Reverend Fathers, Father Joe’s parents Mark and Kay, Fr. Joe’s family, friends, and faithful of the Diocese of Madison, it is a great joy to be here. It is truly life-giving to be present as Father Joe Baker offers his first Mass in Thanksgiving to God.

Though persevering through many years of seminary studies is a great accomplishment, we are not here to celebrate the achievement of Father Joe. Moses told the people today: “God is your praise . . . He who has done for you those great and awesome things that your own eyes have seen.”

Read More
On
Bill Wambach

Paper should have given more space to article on St. Mary Magdalene feast day

To the editor:

In the June 16 issue of the Catholic Herald, you give four of the five columns on Page 5 to “Celebrating Women.” As the father of six daughters (and two sons), I applaud that.

However, on Page 23, you give two column inches in column five to the story, “Pope elevates memorial of St. Mary Magdalene to feast day.”

In my not-so-humble 90-year-old opinion, this story should be on the front page!

Read More
On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Work for sensible gun control

In the wake of the shootings in the nightclub in Orlando, Fla., I’ve heard some people say, “We have to buy a gun to protect ourselves.”

While on the surface that may seem like something to consider, I’ve looked into the issue of gun ownership and found some alarming statistics.

Rarely used for self-defense

Most studies show that guns are rarely used in self-defense. When you think about it, unless you’re carrying a gun with you everywhere you go, you often won’t be able to get to your gun quickly enough to defend yourself.

Instead, gun owners are far more likely to injure themselves or an innocent person rather than stop a criminal, according to a study released in 2015 by the Violence Policy Center.

Read More
On
Kevin Wondrash

St. Vincent de Paul volunteer opportunities for young adults

MADISON — The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is offering the Madison Catholic young adult community opportunities to grow in faith and meet others through service.

Help in the Lacy Garden

All young adults are invited to help plant, weed, harvest, and dig in the Lacy Garden from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday evenings.

The garden, at 5897 Whalen Rd. in Fitchburg, provides more than 20,000 pounds of fresh produce for the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry each year.

Read More