Year: 2020

On
Bishop Donald J. Hying

Care and support for rural life

Hying Logo

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.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

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.

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On
Brent King, Director of Communications, Diocese of Madison

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.

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On
Angela Curio, Catholic Herald Staff

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.”

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On
Paul Merline, For the Catholic Herald

Preserving prayer and history in Roxbury

ROXBURY — What started as just another leak in a beautiful old church quickly became a mission of love for the faithful at St. Norbert Parish in Roxbury.

Recognized as the oldest parish in Dane County, with a continuous history dating to 1846, the current church saw its cornerstone laid in 1856.

The effects of time and a patchwork of repairs done over many decades were taking their toll.

Wind had caused the damage that led to the leak, and an inspection revealed the church needed a new roof.

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