Year: 2016

On
Kevin Wondrash

Students help a friend through Works of Mercy

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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On
Bishop Robert Barron

Why you should read The Great Divorce

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.

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On
Cathy Lins, Catholic Herald Correspondent

A Gathering on Mental Health: Calling the community together

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.

Conference program

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.

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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

A Mother’s Day gift: paid maternity leave

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.

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On
Cathy Lins, Catholic Herald Correspondent

Pentecost Vigil to be held at Boscobel church

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.

Wild Goose 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.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

St. John Catholic School holds 16th annual Golf Benefit

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.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

Come out and help, get to know Camp Gray

REEDSBURG — Camp Gray, the Diocese of Madison’s summer camp and year-round retreat center, is nestled into 225 acres of land between Reedsburg, Baraboo, and Wisconsin Dells.

It’s located at E10213 Shady Lane Rd., Reedsburg.

Camp Gray invites people of all ages to encounter Jesus Christ in all creation, experience a fun and vibrant Catholic community, and be challenged to ever more deeply know, love, and serve God and neighbor.

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On
Sr. Constance Veit, LSP

In this month of mothers

Guest Column

On May 8 we celebrate Mother’s Day, and as Catholics we dedicate the whole month to our heavenly mother, Mary.

And so, May is a natural time to reflect on the irreplaceable role of mothers and all women in our lives.

Prophetic words

In the weeks following our appearance at the Supreme Court, several women who write about Catholic spirituality mentioned prophetic words of Blessed Paul VI to women in reference to our case — words uttered over 50 years ago, but which are, perhaps, more relevant today than ever.

“At this moment when the human race is undergoing so deep a transformation, women impregnated with the spirit of the Gospel can do so much to aid mankind in not falling,” Paul VI said at the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council.

He continued with this urgent plea: “Women of the entire universe, whether Christian or non-believing, you to whom life is entrusted at this grave moment in history, it is for you to save the peace of the world.”

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