Msgr. James Bartylla, […]
Author: Chris Lee
Bill Maher doesn’t understand faith
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I don’t know what possesses me to watch Real Time With Bill Maher, for Maher is, without a doubt, the most annoying anti-religionist on the scene today.
Though his show is purportedly about politics, it almost invariably includes some attack on religion, especially Christianity. Even during a recent interview with former President Jimmy Carter, whom Maher very much admires, the host managed to get in a sharp attack on Carter’s faith.
Recently, his program included a brief conversation with Ralph Reed, the articulate gentleman who used to run the Christian Coalition and who is now a lobbyist and activist on behalf of faith-related causes.
For the first three or four minutes, Reed and Maher discussed the social science concerning children raised in stable versus unstable families. Reed was scoring points in favor of the traditional understanding of marriage.
Polarization: Can Catholics narrow the divide?
One doesn’t have to try very hard these days to read or hear media accounts of how polarized our politics have become. The topic has been studied and commented upon at length in recent months.
Some of this commentary notes that Wisconsin is among the most polarized places in the country, where the chasm between liberals and conservatives and Democrats and Republicans is especially wide.
Why is our politics so divisive?
For one thing, as was noted recently in a Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel story on the topic, voters are more ideological. That is, they rarely blend conservative and liberal positions. Instead, they are more likely to embrace either a liberal or a conservative view across the board.
Finding the one . . . just ‘let it go’
One of my rituals I always look forward to is girl’s night out. A group of four of us have been meeting for dinner about once a month for years now.
Over the years, two of us have gotten married and had kids, one member of our group has been in a steady relationship for a year, and one friend is currently single. We love each other like sisters and look forward to this evening with great anticipation.
After we finished dinner and had dessert served, my single girlfriend blurted out, “I don’t think God is listening to my prayers.” I immediately dropped my fork, forsaking my tiramisu. She continued with a heavy heart, “I’ve been praying and praying. I volunteer, pray for others, go to mass, everything,” exasperation entered her voice, “but I’m still single and can’t seem to meet the right person to share my life with. I just don’t know what to do anymore, and I’m afraid I’m losing my faith in my prayers.”
Film looks at sin and salvation
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There were a number of reasons why I liked World War Z, the film based on Max Brooks’ book of the same name.
First, it was a competently made thriller and not simply a stringing together of whiz-bang CGI effects. Secondly, it presented a positive image of a father.
In a time when Homer Simpson and Peter Griffin are the norm for fatherhood in the popular culture, Brad Pitt’s character, Gerry Lane, is actually a man of intelligence, deep compassion, and self-sacrificing courage.
About sin and salvation
But what intrigued me the most about World War Z is how it provides a template for thinking seriously about sin and salvation.
Living a meaningful life
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Q I am concerned about my mother. She is in her mid 80s and recently moved to an apartment for older adults — at the strong suggestion of her children. The reason is we thought that she would love to make new friends, get involved in some of the activities they hold, go on some of the outings, and in general be more active and involved. So far, she has not ventured out of her apartment without a family member with her. I wonder if this was a mistake.
(From a daughter in Madison)
Holy Land Principles: Powerful tool for justice and peace
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During his recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the pope of surprises gave the world an unexpected powerful message.
On his way to celebrate Mass in Bethlehem, Pope Francis suddenly got out of his popemobile and walked toward the towering concrete Israeli-built barrier that divides Israel from the Israeli occupied territory of the West Bank.
Pope prays for world without walls
In a highly symbolic scene, with Israeli soldiers in a tower above him, Pope Francis touched the separation wall and prayed with head bowed at precisely the spot where spray-painted messages cry out, “Pope we need some 1 to speak about Justice Bethlehem look like Warsaw ghetto” and “Free Palestine.” Then he touched his forehead to the wall.
“This wall is a sign of division, that something is not functioning right,” said Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi. And Pope Francis’ prayer there “signifies for me his desire for peace, for a world without walls.”
Responding to call to protect God’s creation
To the editor: […]
Open house at St. Mary Church in Fennimore
FENNIMORE — Queen […]
Bishop Morlino announces ‘news of great joy’: Diocesan offices to stay at Bishop O’Connor Center along with housing community
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| The Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison, formerly Holy Name Seminary, will include a housing community while the diocesan offices will remain in the building. (Catholic Herald file photo) |
MADISON — Bishop Robert C. Morlino announced “news of great joy” at a diocesan staff meeting on June 6: the Diocese of Madison would have its diocesan offices stay at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center (BOC) along with a housing community being developed there.
Bishop Morlino expressed his gratitude to Gorman & Company for their “very, very hard work” in putting together a plan for the BOC. “I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am,” said Bishop Morlino.
Msgr. Mike Burke, pastor of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Madison and a member of the Diocesan Finance Council, said about the decision, “Wow! This is wonderful news. I think the reaction to this plan will be overwhelmingly positive.”
‘Sacred space’
Monsignor Burke lived at Holy Name Seminary, the former BOC, for 19 years. He served as the seminary rector for 13 years. He considers the building “sacred space,” pointing out that the chapel is the central point of the building. “People were hoping and praying that the chapel could be saved,” he said.
“I couldn’t be more happy for the seminary alumni, parents, faculty, benefactors, and many priests who served here that we are able to keep the building, chapel, and grounds intact. There are so many people who identify with this building, Catholics and non-Catholics,” he said.
The spire of the center dominates the west side of Madison, and the regular ringing of the bells can be heard from miles away.
Monsignor Burke said he “can’t thank Gary Gorman enough” for everything he did to save the building. “It’s a great day for our diocese” as we approach the feast of Pentecost on June 8, he said.