Author: Chris Lee

On
Chris Lee

Breakdown of family, social media to blame

To the editor:

Again, in the wake of the terrible Florida school shooting, Mary Uhler talks about “common sense gun control.” I hear this phrase a lot, whether it’s TV, online, or print, but never hear any answers other than taking away Second Amendment rights.

Let’s take this a step further and start talking about controlling First Amendment rights; there is a lot of anger and hate on the Internet and social media these days, and our young people are exposed to it 24/7. How about the latest video games, that turn human lives into points for the participants?

Read More
On
Chris Lee

America’s survey of women in the Church

Last month, America magazine published a fascinating survey regarding the attitudes of women in the Church. They were kind enough to publish a few of my reactions to the study, but I would like, in this article, to offer a fuller response to their findings.

One of the most disturbing conclusions from the survey is that women are increasingly disengaging from the life of the Church. The America editors themselves observed that this does not bode well for evangelization, for women have traditionally played a crucial role in the passing on of the faith.

Read More
On
Chris Lee

Wisconsin is becoming battle ready!

Guest Column

If you’re looking to go deeper and grow stronger in your faith, to know more about your purpose and call to action as a Christian, or if you’re struggling to connect with your spouse, friend, or loved one about the faith, then you need to experience the BATTLE READY Rally!

A BATTLE READY Rally is a 90-minute talk on what spiritual battle actually looks like, how to identify it and prepare for it, and how to engage in it. These three components are key for those of us who are here on earth as the Church Militant.

Read More
On
Chris Lee

Merger of Catholic health care systems is off to a good start

MADISON — The merger of Catholic health care systems in Wisconsin and northern Illinois is off to a good start. “We are getting to know one another,” said Damond Boatwright, regional president of operations for SSM Health in Wisconsin.

In an interview, Boatwright discussed the recent transfer of the sponsorship of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes (CSA) health care ministries to SSM Health. Agnesian HealthCare, based in Fond du Lac, and Monroe Clinic, based in Monroe, are now part of SSM Health.

Read More
On
Chris Lee

Active shooter training held for diocesan staff

MADISON — With stories of workplace and school shootings making up the latest news headlines, the task of learning how to protect one’s self and save lives is gaining importance.

Staff members from the Diocese of Madison and other organizations in the Holy Name Heights building recently took part in active shooter training in order to be prepared to react to an event, if it should happen.

Read More
On
Chris Lee

Christ’s Easter gift to us: Sacrament of Reconciliation

Pope Francis encourages us Catholics to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent, the season of conversion.

Beginning with St. Peter, popes and bishops have taught that in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Christ forgives our sins and helps us to grow spiritually as Peter did.

On Good Friday, Peter, who bragged that he would never deny Christ, denied him three times.

Read More
On
Chris Lee

Station to Station: An interview with Gary Jansen

Word on Fire
Brandon Vogt

Some people dismiss the Stations of the Cross as a devotional relic of a bygone generation. But not Gary Jansen. In his beautiful book, Station to Station: An Ignatian Journey through the Stations of the Cross, Gary recounts how the devotion has changed his life and opened him up to new spiritual depths.

Here, Word on Fire’s Brandon Vogt interviews Gary about the Stations and his book.

Read More
On
Chris Lee

Dorothy Day’s granddaughter visits Madison

MADISON — “If you’re admiring my grandmother, you’re not paying attention.”

Those were strong words said by the granddaughter of Dorothy Day, but perhaps true meaning one shouldn’t focus on the women herself, but the work that needs to be done, and what that means for you in your life.

Day is known for being a driving force behind the Catholic Worker Movement, which tackled issues of social justice. Day’s cause for sainthood is underway with her currently being designated as a “Servant of God”.

Read More