With a blessing and a ceremonial groundbreaking, the Lumen House student housing project is underway in downtown Madison.
Author: Kevin Wondrash
The authority of reason in defense of marriage, pt 2
This article is the second in a four-part series offered as a primer for Catholics on the authority of reason in the defense of marriage. The series is based on author Lillian Quinones’ interviews with Professor Robert P. George of Princeton University.
Author’s note: The need for knowledgeable and articulate Catholics to defend the family as the foundation of society is dire. I am honored to feature Robert P. George, who is hailed by the New York Times as the “country’s most influential Christian thinker.” His clear and concise arguments motivate us to defend traditional marriage courageously and confidently for, as he demonstrates in this article, reason is our strongest weapon.
St. Vincent de Paul celebrates grand opening of new store
STOUGHTON — The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is grateful for the warm welcome the new Stoughton “St. Vinny’s” location has received from customers and the community since opening the store’s doors in late August.
The large new store, located at 1509 U.S. Highway 51/138, replaced a smaller location — now closed — that the society had operated in Stoughton since 1991.
Grand opening celebration
A grand opening celebration will be held at the new location from Thursday, Oct. 3, to Sunday, Oct. 6. Light refreshments will be served each day, and the newest Dane County St. Vinny’s thrift store will offer the following promotions:
Family Adoration offered in Jefferson parish
JEFFERSON — St. John the Baptist Parish in Jefferson has begun offering family Adoration and 12-hour Eucharistic Adoration vigils on the first Friday of each month. These devotions are offered year-round and are a response to the encouragement of Pope Francis for all Catholics to grow in devotion to Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist.
Sidewalk counselors perform ‘God’s mission’
MADISON — Every Friday afternoon, Jen Dunnett stands on the sidewalk outside the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Madison talking to those who will listen, and those who won’t.
On one recent Friday, someone listened.
Dunnett is a volunteer sidewalk counselor with Vigil for Life, an organization whose members pray, fast, and peacefully witness for an end to abortion in the Madison area.
She hands out informational brochures on abortion and birth control, informs people about free services offered at the nearby Women’s Care Center of Madison (WCCM), and talks with women and men about to go inside the Planned Parenthood Clinic.
If I can do it, anyone can do it
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For several weeks now, I have been reporting on various aspects of Vigil for Life and the now ongoing 40 Days for Life vigil to end abortion.
So often when I attend various events to write about them, I ask myself if I’m really doing enough. Does my job as reporter for the Catholic Herald give me a “free pass” from getting more involved in the efforts I write about? Is just telling people about it enough?
If I was going to try to convince other people to pray at 40 Days for Life, shouldn’t I do the same? I did, and so can you.
Queen of Peace Parish to hold special needs celebration
MADISON — Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 401 S. Owen Dr., will host a panel discussion and entitled “All Together Now! Celebrating and supporting those with special needs” on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.
Vicky Franchino, parishioner at Queen of Peace, said, “Please join us for an evening of fellowship and conversation as we come together to learn and connect during National Disabilities Awareness Month. Our evening will begin with brief presentations, followed by an audience Q&A. All are welcome!”
Youth Day at Holy Hill
HUBERTUS — On Saturday, Oct. 5, all young Catholics are invited to the 13th Annual “Fire On the Hill!” — the largest youth event in the state of Wisconsin.
Last year, over 1,500 teens and young adults poured onto the grounds of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, popularly known as “Holy Hill.”
This beautiful fall event includes bonfire, speakers, sports, and the sacraments. Massive tents are set up for the speakers, music, and Eucharistic Adoration.
Catholic women plan meetings
Jefferson Vicariate
JEFFERSON — St. Lawrence Parish, W4875 Hwy. 18, will host the Jefferson Vicariate meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17.
Registration starts at 4:45 p.m., with the Rosary at 5:10 p.m. and Mass at 5:30 p.m. Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt of Sun Prairie, Fr. Tom Coyle of Jefferson, and attending priests will concelebrate the Mass.
Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. Madison Diocesan Council of Catholic Women President Coreen Marklein will speak followed by the program with Father Coyle focusing on the theme, “Uniting Women of Faith.”
Grief support group
MADISON — A […]

