MADISON — Paul’s letter to the Romans has been at the center of reflection, conversion, and controversy from the very beginning.
“Romans: The Gospel of Salvation” provides an authentically Catholic, comprehensive, and simple way to understand the overarching theme of Romans — salvation.
Theology professor Dr. Andrew Stafford and Jeff Cavins examine Paul’s letter to the Romans.MADISON — “On September 25, the highly successful 40 Days for Life campaign returns to Madison with 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil, and community outreach,” said Gwen Finnegan, who is coordinating the local campaign.
“We pray that these efforts will help mark the beginning of the end of abortion in Madison.”
Finnegan said, “We know 40 Days for Life has made a difference here. Our witnesses for LIFE have made extraordinary sacrifices to expose the abortion industry and to protect children and their mothers from abortion.”To the editor:
I enjoyed reading your article on “A dozen reasons to choose Catholic schools”. The list was spot on, except for number 12, “We provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.”
Many Catholic schools are unable to enroll children with disabilities. I find this very disconcerting, as our faith is all about welcoming and helping the least of us.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta was declared a saint on September 4, 2016, and her feast day was designated on September 5, the day of her death in 1997.
St. Mother Teresa inspires us to live out the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. That’s why the Diocese of Madison established the Saint Mother Teresa Mercy Endowment Fund in 2016 in honor of her canonization and the Church’s Jubilee Year of Mercy.
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The Storm at Sea occurs in each of the Gospels, that perilous moment when the apostles are terrified by the wind and the waves on the Sea of Galilee until Jesus calms the tempest and encourages them to not be afraid.
In the Gospels, the apostles’ boat always symbolizes the Church. And so we think of all the times in the history of the Church that there have been storms, difficulties, and challenges, including persecutions, betrayals from within, epic struggles with political powers, global wars, theological divisions, and terrible instances of clergy sexual abuse.
We think of our own lives, the suffering we have gone through, the challenges we have faced, the changes that perhaps have intruded into our lives in an unwelcome way — all the things that frighten, overwhelm, or disturb us.
The constant message of the Storm at Sea is Jesus’ refrain, “Do not be afraid. It is I. I am with you.” Throughout the Scriptures, this urging to cast away fear is God’s constant message to us.
Somebody went through all the hard work of counting how many times in the Bible God says, “Do not be afraid!” and it’s 366 — one for every day of the year plus Leap Year.
MADISON — The Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia is making “remarkable progress” in the countries formerly under the Iron Curtain, said Bishop Donald J. Hying.
The fall of communism occurred over 25 years ago, but the Church in these countries continues to struggle to rebuild after years of oppressive rule.
Bishop Hying visited the countries of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan recently as a member of the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe.
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Labor Day is a public holiday when we honor the American labor movement and contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. It also offers us opportunities to reflect upon our work’s value.
“It’s just a wonderful place to be,” said Pat Dahl.
“It’s a community,” said Kathy Verage.
Both Dahl and Verage are among the several residents who have lived at All Saints Senior Apartments in Madison since it opened in August of 2004.
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It’s that special time of the year again for kids in the northern hemisphere as they start heading back to school. And for those who have discovered the fun of learning, school is an adventure!
But for millions of working children worldwide, the adventures of a new school year remain but a dream. Sadly, these children will never learn to read or write. They will not acquire computer skills. They will not experience singing in chorus, going on field trips, or playing at recess.
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As another school year begins and we lament the rapid passage of summer, I ponder the gift and blessing of our children and young people — the greatest treasure of the Church and the world.
Our Diocese pours significant resources into the formation of our children and youth, through our schools, religious education programs, and youth ministry.
And rightfully so. We want each child to know, love, and serve God. We want each young person to be a zealous disciple of the Lord Jesus. We want each person to grow up, flourishing in the abundant life of the Gospel, becoming the saint that God has called them to be.
I have always been a big advocate of Catholic schools. Every study shows that graduates of parochial schools practice the Faith, support the Church, contribute to the poor, have a keener sense of social justice, and are more successful in their vocations than the average population.
A learning environment imbued in faith and love, permeated by prayer, and strong in Christian values becomes a blessed, formative experience that impacts the whole person — soul, body, mind, and heart.
