Kevin Wondrash


	Patrick Gorman

Lent is a season of preparation and recollection of our Baptism. This is the third in a series of several articles reflecting upon the Sacrament of Baptism.

One of the most compelling stories in the Old Testament describes the Exodus (Ex 14-15:1), when God brought the people of Israel from slavery to freedom.

At the climax of the story, God parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to pass through the water. As the Egyptians pursued, God allowed the water to rush back, destroying Pharaoh’s chariots and charioteers and saving the people of Israel.

The Scripture describing all of this is read each year at the Easter Vigil because it so clearly prefigures Baptism as we go through the baptismal waters from the slavery of sin to the freedom of a life in Christ.

Word on Fire

On February 25, 2015

Kevin Wondrash

Fry, Job, and the cross of Jesus

The British writer, actor, and comedian Stephen Fry is featured in a YouTube video which has gone viral: over five million views.

Fry is, like his British counterparts Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins, a fairly ferocious atheist and debunker of all things religious.

Fry’s rant

In the video, Fry articulates what he would say to God if, upon arriving at the pearly gates, he discovered he was mistaken in his atheism.

Around the Diocese

On February 18, 2015October 19, 2022

Kevin Wondrash

‘Principal for the Day’

On Friday, Feb. 6, Max Jonas walked the halls of St. Joseph School in Fort Atkinson, gussied up in a dress shirt, tie, and sport coat, like any school principal would — checking in on all the classrooms, greeting students and staff, and also helping out in gym class.

Around the Diocese

On February 18, 2015

Kevin Wondrash

Lenten service project to help children overseas

ASHTON — In the Republic of Sierra Leona in West Africa, you would see the faces of children and families affected by the Ebola outbreak. If you look closer, you’ll also see “the face of Jesus in every child.”

That’s the message of Savior of the World — a children’s center that provides aid and a witness to the Gospel to orphaned and needy children in Sierra Leone.

The parish community at St. Peter in Ashton and St. Martin of Tours in Martinsville, including the religious education program, school, and other parishioners, are working this Lent to help support Savior of the World.

Guest column

On February 18, 2015

Kevin Wondrash

Baptism: Claimed for Christ


	Patrick Gorman

Lent is a season of preparation and recollection of our Baptism. This is the second in a series of several articles reflecting upon the Sacrament of Baptism.

One of the first things that we do when we meet someone is learn their name. It’s so basic, yet so important.

In Baptism, the Church does the same thing.

The Rite of Baptism of Infants calls for the priest to welcome the child, parents, and godparents at the doors of the church (he does the same with adults when he welcomes catechumens). (1)

Word on Fire

On February 18, 2015

Kevin Wondrash

Christianity not primarily about ethics

Many atheists and agnostics today argue that it is possible for non-believers in God to be morally upright.

They resent the implication that the denial of God will lead inevitably to ethical relativism or nihilism. They are quick to point out examples of non-religious people who are models of kindness, compassion, justice, etc.

Non-believers praiseworthy?

A recent article proposed that non-believers are, on average, more morally praiseworthy than religious people. God knows (pun intended) that during the last 20 years we’ve seen plenty of evidence of the godly behaving badly.

Around the Diocese

On February 18, 2015

Kevin Wondrash

Lenten opportunities for men and women

Annual diocesan men’s Lenten retreat

MADISON — The annual “Fortes in Fide” diocesan men’s Lenten retreat is set for Friday, March 6, to Saturday, March 7, at the Bishop O’Connor Pastoral Center in Madison, 702 S. High Point Rd.

Mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m. Friday for early arrivals.

The retreat welcome will be at 7 p.m.

There will be talks, Confession, a Holy Hour, Rosary, and Benediction.

Around the Diocese

On February 18, 2015

Kevin Wondrash

Mass commemorates death of Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli

BENTON — The annual Mass to commemorate the death of Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP, will be held at St. Patrick Church, Benton, on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 1:30 p.m.

The Mazzuchelli Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus invite everyone to attend and join them for a social in the parish hall afterward.