Chris Lee

November invites us to appreciate the beautiful teaching of the Communion of Saints.

The Communion of Saints (in Latin communio sanctorum) is the spiritual union of all members of the Church, living and dead, those on earth, in Heaven, and in Purgatory.

They are united in Christ by a love that is stronger than death. The Communion of Saints is mentioned in the Apostles Creed and is based upon First Corinthians 12. Members share a single “mystical body” with Christ as the head. Each member contributes to the good of all and shares in their welfare.

On All Saints Day we honor members of the Communion of Saints who are canonized and uncanonized saints. Canonization does not place a person in Heaven. It acknowledges that the person is already there. On All Saints Day, we also honor the countless uncanonized saints who are in Heaven. They inspire us to imitate them and live Christ-like lives.

Revolution of Love series planned in diocese

WAUNAKEE — Youth are continually bombarded with messages of love and happiness. What is true love? How do we live it out? What are the guidelines the Church offers to assist us in reaching our full potential and navigating the sexualized culture we live in?

Three upcoming workshops on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body (TOB) will explore the truth of love and chastity.

Letters to the editor

On October 29, 2009

Chris Lee

Abortion should not be counted as ‘health care’

To the editor:

Here is a July 2008 quote from our new president: “Reproductive care is essential care, basic care, so it is at the center, the heart of the health care plan that I propose.”

Letters to the editor

On October 29, 2009

Chris Lee

Brother Dutton did more to help Father Damien

To the editor:

The story of Father Damien in the October 8 issue of the Catholic Herald was very timely coming just prior to his canonization on October 11. I wish to comment on the statement made relative to Joseph Dutton.

Bishop

On October 29, 2009

Chris Lee

Bishop Nickless calls the faithful to continuity and renewal

SIOUX CITY, IOWA — To celebrate his four years as Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, Bishop R. Walker Nickless has written a pastoral letter titled “Ecclesia Semper Reformanda (The Church is Always in Need of Renewal),” reflecting on his “understanding of the state and direction of the Church, both universal and particular, at this juncture in her history.”

Nickless begins by identifying himself as “thoroughly a product” of the momentous time of the Second Vatican Council, which he calls “the greatest gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church in centuries.” While much has been done to implement the reforms of Vatican II, the bishop writes, there is much work left. “The Church is always in need of renewal,” Bishop Nickless states, “because it is made up of us, imperfect human beings.”

Around the Diocese

On October 22, 2009

Chris Lee

Two from diocese ordained to transitional diaconate at Vatican

ROME — Almost 90 people from the Diocese of Madison travelled to Rome for the ordination of two diocesan seminarians: David Carrano and Greg Ihm.

Around the Diocese

On October 22, 2009

Chris Lee

Edgewood serves its community

MADISON — For the 10th year, students, teachers, and parents at Edgewood High School (EHS) ventured out together into the community to do acts of service.

Letters to the editor

On October 22, 2009

Chris Lee

Let your legislators know how you feel about health care reform measures

To the editor:

The debate on health care reform has been raging for months with the Democratic congressional leadership and various committees frantically trying to come up with a bill that will actually pass in Congress. But through it all, two things have not changed:

Letters to the editor

On October 22, 2009

Chris Lee

Praying Rosary helps us imitate Mary, do God’s will

To the editor:

October is the month of the Rosary. On October 7, 1571, Catholic forces defeated the Turks in the Battle of Lepanto. Thousands of Catholics prayed the Rosary and invoked Mary’s intercession and helped to achieve this important victory. In gratitude, Pope Pius V established the feast which became the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, which we celebrate on October 7.

Around the Diocese

On October 15, 2009

Chris Lee

Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi


	Students and animals met each other during the pet blessing at St. Peter School, Ashton. (Catholic Herald photo/Kat Wagner)

ASHTON — It was a blustery day for bringing the class outside, but everyone was wearing coats — including the animals.

The students at St. Peter School in Ashton celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with a pet blessing after returning from a retreat October 1.

This year’s retreat, the second the school has held for the students, was offered at Ochsner Park in Baraboo. The students visited the zoo and learned about St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is October 4.

After arriving back at school, the students were able to have their pets and animals blessed by Fr. Eugene “Bud” Hollfelder, pastor at the parish. Some parents were able to bring the animals — from dogs and cats to rabbits and a heifer — to the school to be blessed. Other students brought pictures of their pets.

The topics for the retreats are on a three-year cycle, said Maria Patt, principal. Last year the students learned about Mary on their retreat. This year, they learned about the patron saint of animals and the environment.