Day: October 11, 2018

On
Edgar Martinez, For the Catholic Herald

Diocese of Madison delegates attend National V Encuentro for Hispanic Ministry

encuentro
The three delegates from the Diocese of Madison pictured on registration day at the National V Encuentro are, from left: John Rojas, Fr. Jorge Miramontes, and Edgar Martinez. They are standing in front of the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. (Contributed photo)

GRAPEVINE, Texas — Delegates from the Diocese of Madison joined over 2,700 National Delegates who came from all regions of the United States in order to represent their respective dioceses at the National V Encuentro (Fifth National Gathering of Hispanic/Latino Ministry) sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It was held in Grapevine, Texas, from September 20 to September 23.

With the full support of Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison, Fr. Jorge Miramontes, Mr. Edgar Martinez, and Mr. John Rojas were able to be present during these four days of intense activity to represent the Diocese of Madison.

Four-year process

This event is the result of four years of intense planning and preparation focused on the theme “Discípulos Misionerios: Testigos del Amor de Dios” (“Missionary Disciples: Witnesses of God’s Love”). Indeed, the goal of this process is to discover ways that the Catholic Church can be more responsive to the needs of Hispanic Catholics and to empower and encourage the Hispanic Catholics to be more involved in the Church’s work of evangelization.

The Encuentro event unfolded beautifully. Firstly, after the Welcome and the Opening Prayer, His Holiness Pope Francis surprised the attendees with an unexpected seven-minute recorded greeting with the following introduction

Pope Francis said, “Dear brother bishops and delegates to the Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry, I am overjoyed to speak to you on this occasion. It is a historic moment for the Church in the United States. Through this Fifth Encuentro, you seek to create a culture of encounter that rekindles hope. By gathering with people from different cultures, different ways of living, of thinking, of feeling — you encounter one another and walk together in hope.”

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On
Heather Close, Catholic Herald Staff

Fr. Bruce Hennington embraces life, retirement

Many people embrace their retirement years as a time to reflect and experience life as more free individuals. Some people travel, some take a nap every day. Still some golf and spend time with family and friends.

We all know people who keep working or explore new work as a second calling. But, what about priests? Are their experiences of retirement any different? Is it once a priest, always a priest?

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On
Fr. Tad Pacholczyk

Opioids, pain management, and addiction: balancing ethical duties

Almost two million Americans are now addicted to opioids. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that more than 100 people die each day in the U.S. from opioid overdoses.

This unprecedented level of abuse — which involves not only heroin, but also prescription pain relievers such as OxyContin, Percocet, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl — has become a national crisis.

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On
Denise Schroeckenthaler

Pray for underground bishops in China

To the editor:

In the September 27 edition of the Catholic Herald, you printed an article entitled, “Vatican signs agreement with China on naming bishops.” However, the article failed to mention some relevant information.

Beijing will acknowledge the pope as head of the Catholic Church in China, yet they will have the final say in the appointment of bishops. The Vatican has agreed to recognize, and consecrate, seven illegitimate “bishops” (previously rejected by the Holy See), installed by the communist-controlled Catholic Patriotic Church. The Vatican has requested that two bishops from the persecuted underground church step down in order to make room instead for the “bishops” from the Patriotic Church.

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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Learn more about Catholic Charities

In recent issues of the Catholic Herald, we’ve had quite a bit of information about Catholic Charities Madison, including flood relief, the annual Faith in Action Awards Celebration, and The Beacon homeless day resource center.

So our readers might think they know quite a bit about Catholic Charities. Yet this weekend, we are observing Catholic Charities Sunday in the Diocese of Madison.

What else do you need to know about Catholic Charities? Quite a bit!

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On
Kevin Wondrash

St. Peter Parish in Ashton participates in Box of Joy program

ASHTON — St. Peter Parish is again participating in the Box of Joy program.

This is an annual Christmas gift ministry organized by local Catholic schools, parishes, and groups across the United States and facilitated by Cross Catholic Outreach.

Spreading Christmas joy

Box of Joy provides teachers, parish leaders, and other Catholic groups a unique opportunity for students, parishioners, and group members to participate in a simple and tangible service experience that has both a material and spiritual impact on the poorest of the poor in developing countries.

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