At the halfway point of the 40 Days for Life vigil to end abortion, prayer warriors in Madison got a chance to unite themselves to pro-life efforts across the country.
Author: Kevin Wondrash
Diocese encourages collection for hurricane relief
MADISON — The Diocese of Madison has encouraged parishes, at the discretion of the pastor, to take up a special collection beginning the weekend of October 29 for the relief of Hurricane Matthew victims in the United States and Caribbean countries, especially in Haiti.
“There is no requirement from the Diocese of Madison that a parish perform a special collection for Hurricane Matthew victims, although it is generally encouraged, per the discretion of the pastor, as a Corporal Work of Mercy during the Jubilee Year of Mercy,” said Vicar General Msgr. James Bartylla.
Let’s promote eschatological awareness
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| This column is the bishop’s communication with the faithful of the Diocese of Madison. Any wider circulation reaches beyond the intention of the bishop. |
Dear Friends,
The word “eschatology” points to the last things — death, judgment, heaven, and hell. In a certain sense, it’s the most important part of our faith.
Why did God make us? God made us to know, love, and serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in the next! And of course, what is seen in this world passes away, but what is unseen in the next world is eternal. And what is eternal obviously takes priority over what is temporal, what is time-bound.
Most important part of our faith
So the eschatological dimension of our faith is most important, and yet most Catholics don’t consider it very often. Recent surveys reveal that most Catholics are unsure as to whether there is life after death. Many Catholics think that it’s all over with our bodily death here.
That’s terribly sad, and troubling, and it’s partly why I’ve been focusing on eschatology of late. Lacking a proper understanding of eschatology skews our entire perspective on life and reality.
One tendency for those who lack a proper perspective vis-à-vis eschatology is to be completely wrapped up in improving things in this world, without reference to the things of eternity. Of course we want to improve things in this world and, in fact, we need to work hard to improve them — that’s part and parcel of knowing, loving, and serving God in this world.
‘Our Faith Stories’ at St. Ann, Stoughton
STOUGHTON — This month’s “Our Faith Stories” at St. Ann Catholic Church will feature Jim Bailey and Laura Roeven on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m. in Healy Hall.
Laura Roeven will discuss the idea of living each moment oriented to God. Her story is peppered with mindfulness practices and challenges of staying rooted and Christ-centered in our busy world.
Barn Dance to be held for young adults
DEERFIELD — St. Vincent de Paul Young Adults are sponsoring a Barn Dance on Friday, Oct. 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Badger Farms, 1682 CR BB.
Young adults are invited to enjoy a live string band, dancing, games, live and silent auctions, card tournament, costume contest, snacks, and beverages.
Students in Monona collect art supplies for flood affected schools
MONONA — The third and fourth graders at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) School in Monona started the year with a service project to help people affected by the flood in Louisiana.
Sr. Sue Keim, second grade teacher at IHM, has a sister, Judy, and nieces and nephews who live in one of the hardest hit areas of Louisiana.
Judy is a member of Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Denham Springs, La., which sustained considerable damage in the floods
Diocese of Madison welcomes John Joy as new marriage and family coordinator
MADISON — John Joy recently started in the position of marriage and family coordinator in the Diocese of Madison’s Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
Joy comes to Madison from northwestern Indiana where he had been teaching ethics at a high school.
Prior to that, he studied graduate level theology at the International Theological Institute in Austria for five years.
Vicariate Councils of Catholic Women focus on mercy
Mercy will be the focus at the fall meetings of the West Dane, Sauk, and Columbia North Vicariate Councils of Catholic Women (CCW).
Affiliated with the Madison Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (MDCCW), the regional councils provide an opportunity for prayer, service, and fellowship. MDCCW Co-Presidents Sue Koch and Ellen Martin will participate in the meetings. All women are invited to attend.
Presentation and exposition of sacred relics
MT. HOREB — On Friday, Oct. 21, Fr. Carlos Martins of the Companions of the Cross will present “Treasures of the Church: an Exposition of Sacred Relics” at St. Michael the Archangel Parish (St. Ignatius Church), 109 S. 6th St.
The evening will begin at 7 p.m. with a presentation in the church by Father Martins. After the presentation, the relics will be available for veneration from 8 p.m. until close.
40 Days for Life UNITED tour holds statewide rally
MADISON — The 40 Days for Life UNITED tour bus will be coming to Madison for a statewide rally on Thursday, Oct. 13.
The rally will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. outside the Planned Parenthood facility at 3706 Orin Rd.