Author: Chris Lee

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Chris Lee

New food pantry officially opens its doors

MADISON — Amid the continued gloom of the economic downturn and in answer to the growing need in the Madison area, the District Council of Madison-Society of St. Vincent de Paul held the grand opening of its new Center for Vincentian Charity on Madison’s south side — the culmination of the project to “Help Build Hope.”

An open house was held on May 31 to allow the general public a glimpse of the newly completed center. On May 28, a celebration and dedication were held in the recently completed warehouse area, in addition to a breakfast for members and volunteers.

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Chris Lee

Good fathers are needed more than ever

Seeing with Jesus' Eyes by Fr. Donald Lange column logo

Harmon Killebrew, the Hall of Fame former major league baseball player for the Minnesota Twins, admires his father. His dad spent hours playing baseball with Harmon on their big farmhouse lawn. As he taught Harmon how to play baseball, he also taught him how to be a good father. Harmon fondly remembers when his mother complained that this nonsense of playing baseball was ruining the lawn. What would the neighbors think?

His dad replied, “Dear, we are not raising grass. We are raising children.” His words reflect Pope John Paul II’s words, “Children are the hope of the future.”

Harmon Killebrew’s dad knew how to raise farm crops. Better yet, he knew how to raise children by sharing the gift of quality time.

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Chris Lee

Thank you from St. Vincent’s

To the editor:
We at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul appreciate the time and interest of the more than 625 volunteers, members, donors, other supporters, and members of the general public who visited the new Center for Vincentian Charity during our grand-opening and dedication events May 27 to 31. Our new center, at 2033 Fish Hatchery Rd. in the town of Madison, is home to Dane County’s largest and busiest food pantry. We began serving people in need at this location on February 2, but second-phase construction — adjoining warehouse and dock space — was completed just last month.
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Chris Lee

Justice in medical treatment for people with disabilities

Justice can be an elusive concept, changing from century to century. What was accepted in one era, like slavery, can be unthinkable in another.

The biblical test of a just society was based on how people treated the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. These people were the underdogs of society, having no immediate family to protect them.

Who are the underdogs in our era? Who are the people most deserving of protection?

One group is clearly people with disabilities. They frequently have less education, less opportunity for fruitful jobs, and they face a society that is ambivalent about them.

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Chris Lee

Catholic schools: Challenges and opportunities

Our Catholic Schools by Michael Lancaster

This is the third and final in a series of articles that answer questions about Catholic schools.

Over the past few weeks I have written about the purpose of Catholic schools and their function in Church and in society.

I have also discussed the work of our Core Teams in identifying the challenges we face, and must answer, if our schools are to thrive into the future.

Today I would like to give you a glimpse of our schools and the great diversity that exists across them as each day the teachers, staff, and principals strive to witness the Gospel Truth and place our children firmly on the path to heaven.

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