Another school year is upon us, and so many of our teachers are filled with great joy and excitement at the idea of once again seeing all of the children, students, and families who we haven’t seen since St. Patrick’s Day last March.
Month: August 2020
The Mass is ended. So now what?
“The Mass is ended. Go in peace.” I have to admit that when I was a child, I used to find our response to the dismissal, “Thanks be to God!” a little funny.
A campaign to send a hug
Summer is usually a lot of fun in our homes. The elderly enjoy getting outdoors for picnics, gardening, and community outings, especially when they include a stop for ice cream.
Care and support for rural life
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Last week, I met with Tom Nelson and a dedicated group of priests, social workers, and farmers who care deeply about the troubling crises facing our rural communities.
I listened as they spoke movingly about the fact that, in the last 10 years, 50 percent of family farms in Wisconsin have disappeared, milk prices are untenable, and no economic future exists for young people who would like to remain in farming.
COVID and its impact on the economy and the food supply chain has only exacerbated these challenges. Depression and suicide are on the rise in troubling numbers.Giving more attention to peaceful actions
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During Memorial Day weekend, I sat in front of my TV, totally captivated by the images on the screen — live chaos on State St. and in the downtown area in Madison.
Our area’s version of the protests following the death of George Floyd had disintegrated into violence, looting, angry shouting, and even a police car set on fire live on TV among other negative pictures.
For those seeking dialogue, attention, and something good out of the day’s events, these actions left sour images in many minds as the week went on.Teens grow in faith and help their neighbors
MADISON — On the mission field this summer, wearing masks, and hearing Collatio talks over Zoom calls, Love Begins Here (LBH) Missionaries around the diocese entered deeper into the spirituality of their patroness St. Teresa of Calcutta and her mystical relationship with our Blessed Mother.
Dane County order calls for virtual classes
On Friday, Aug. 21, while some Catholic schools in Dane County were just a few days away from opening their doors to in-person classes for all students, Public Health of Dane County and Madison issued Emergency Order #9.
St. Ambrose Academy to seek legal action after Dane County school order
MADISON — As you likely know, Dane County officials announced late on Friday, Aug. 21, that our Dane County Catholic classrooms could not open for in-person instruction for students in the third grade and above.
This was only 60 hours before many of our schools were slated to open.
As we have since March, the diocese and her schools have not wanted to defy state or county orders.
Accordingly, we have chosen to delay the first day of school for most Dane County Catholic schools until after Labor Day.
Sr. Barbara Hutfless, OP, dies
Sister Barbara Hutfless, OP, died Aug. 6, 2020, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Richaria. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Aug. 14, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Schools make plans for a safe opening
MADISON — Barring local county health departments issuing an order for closure, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Madison will return to in-person instruction this fall, but how that looks from school to school will vary.
“All of our schools are very different,” said Michael Lancaster, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Madison.
“We all have the same mission and academic standards, but we are in very different communities. There is no way we can do a one size fits all.”