MADISON — When Mary Markielewski retired from her job as a psychiatric nurse at the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, she found herself “seeking to do the will of God.”
In recent years, she has tried to live this out by praying outside the Planned Parenthood clinic on Madison’s east side for an end to abortion.
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Spoiler Alert: The following is the first half of Bishop Barron’s reflections on Martin Scorcese’s new film, Silence, in which he outlines the plot. In the second half, which we will publish next week, he discusses the ending of the film and adds his “dissenting” thoughts about it to the conversation among critics.
I have long been an ardent fan of Martin Scorsese’s films. Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Aviator, Gangs of New York, The Last Waltz, Casino, etc. are among the defining movies of the last 40 years. And The Departed, Scorsese’s 2007 crime drama, was the subject matter of the first YouTube commentary that I ever did.
To the editor:
We want to thank the Catholic Herald for the publicity before our recent Rosary Crusade. We had a wonderful turn-out.
Our thanks go out to Fr. Peter Auer, who led the Rosary, including the Glorious Mysteries and Benediction afterwards; to the Fourth Knight Knights of Columbus Marie Assembly 1150 of Jefferson; and many others who helped with readings, songs, and setting up the chairs, including the ladies of the Council of Catholic Women, who provided the lunch.
SINSINAWA — Sr. […]
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| Music & Memory participant Dolores Robertson enjoys music on an iPod. (Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash) |
MADISON — Whether in the car, at work, at home, on a workout, or in church, music plays a huge role in every day life.
The tones, sounds, melodies, and lyrics people hear and enjoy often stay with them as they get older.
A recently developed program at the Catholic Charities Adult Day Center (ADC) in Madison helps participants get through parts of their days with the help of music.
The program is called Music & Memory.
It aims to bring personalized music into the lives of the elderly or infirm through digital music technology, vastly improving their quality of life.
It is geared toward helping people with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s or frontal-temporal dementia.
The ADC is a certified Music & Memory facility.
While most of the participants are elderly, anyone who uses the services of the center — and suffers from dementia — could take advantage of the program.
ADC staff took part in a training webinar after becoming aware of Music & Memory.
“We download music for the folks, specifically for them, and then when we need it during the day, we can use it for them,” said Lead Therapeutic Specialist Terri Ohmen.
“During the day, especially with the dementia participants, sometimes they escalate, they get anxious, waiting for their rides home . . . and when we see that, we can get out their personalized iPod, and we can go up to them and ask them if they would like to listen to some music,” said Ohmen.
Some iPod times are also held after lunchtime when participants need to wind down in the afternoon.
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By now most of you are probably aware of the depressing statistics regarding the “nones,” that is to say, those in this country who claim no religious affiliation. The most recent survey showed that now fully one fourth of Americans belong to no religion at all — that’s approximately 80,000,000 people. And among those in the 18-29 age group, the percentage of nones goes up to 40!
Editor’s note: Fr. Paul Arinze, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Janesville, gave the prayer before the opening of the 115th Congress on January 3. Following are his reflections on the experience.
I was really surprised when Speaker Paul Ryan asked me if I would be available to give the opening benediction at his swearing-in ceremony and the opening of the 115th Congress.
MADISON — Gayle Westfahl, the District Council of Madison Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s member services coordinator, has been recognized by the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul with the 2016 Founders’ Award for her work with Dane County youth and leading efforts to grow youth involvement in the society around the globe.
Each year, the award is presented to only six youth or young adults from around the world, one on each continent.
MADISON — Sr. […]
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| Members of the Mariachi Juvenil del Sur include Miguel Juarez, Fabian Mercado, Miguel Juarez, Jr., Fabian Mercado, Jr., Rodrigo Mercado, Rego Raul, and Goel Escovar. (Catholic Herald photos/Pat Casucci) |
BELOIT — A joyous celebration honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe on her feast day, December 12, attracted hundreds of area residents, including families with children, to a solemn Mass offered in the Spanish language, a Mariachi band concert, and a festive Mexican meal.
Held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church (OLA), the event was sponsored by the Hispanic Ministry of the three Beloit Catholic parishes: St. Jude, St. Thomas, and OLA. Araceli Montoya, director of Hispanic ministry for the Beloit parishes, coordinated the event.
Prior to Mass, a half hour concert of traditional Mexican songs was presented by Mariachi Juvenil del Sur from Harvard, Ill. They stood in a semicircle at the foot of the altar before a framed image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Among the songs was a cheery “Las Mananitas,” which means “Happy Birthday to Our Lady.” The group, led by Miguel Juarez and Fabian Mercodo, also provided music during the Mass.
Celebrating Mass in the Spanish language, St. Jude Pastor Fr. John Hedrick commented, “I feel that I am only beginning to understand the faith of the Mexican people.”
He has studied the Spanish language in order to offer Mass on the third Sunday of each month for area Hispanic people.
