Editor’s note: Fr. Paul Arinze, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Janesville, gave the prayer before the opening of the 115th Congress on January 3. Following are his reflections on the experience.
I was really surprised when Speaker Paul Ryan asked me if I would be available to give the opening benediction at his swearing-in ceremony and the opening of the 115th Congress.
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By now most of you are probably aware of the depressing statistics regarding the “nones,” that is to say, those in this country who claim no religious affiliation. The most recent survey showed that now fully one fourth of Americans belong to no religion at all — that’s approximately 80,000,000 people. And among those in the 18-29 age group, the percentage of nones goes up to 40!
MADISON — Gayle Westfahl, the District Council of Madison Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s member services coordinator, has been recognized by the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul with the 2016 Founders’ Award for her work with Dane County youth and leading efforts to grow youth involvement in the society around the globe.
Each year, the award is presented to only six youth or young adults from around the world, one on each continent.
In this era of emails and texting, hand-written letters still have a powerful — maybe even stronger — impact.
As work gets underway in Congress and state legislatures, citizens are often urged to contact their elected representatives on various issues.
Although some of us still like to send hand-written “snail mail” letters, I thought perhaps they might be considered obsolete. Not so, says advice given by Catholics Confront Global Poverty (CCGP), an initiative of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services.
BELOIT — Knights of Columbus Council 605, serving the Beloit/Clinton cluster parishes, will host its annual Wild Game Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 939 Liberty Ave. in Beloit.
Dinner tickets are a $15 donation each and raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5 with a $200 first prize. Dinner and raffle tickets are available from any KC member or by calling Roy Nelson at 608-365-7919.
STOUGHTON — St. […]
BARABOO — All men are invited to a retreat titled, “Catholic Survival Guide: Keeping the Faith Alive in an Increasingly Secular World,” which will take place at Durward’s Glen, W11876 McLeisch Rd., on Saturday, Feb. 4.
This year’s featured speaker is Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison.
Activities during the day include Mass presided by the bishop, small group discussion, Rosary, Confession, and free time.
MADISON — Sr. […]
