Human pregnancy begins whenever a sperm unites with an egg inside the fallopian tube. The newly-minted embryo must then travel along the fallopian tube during the next few days before finally implanting into the wall of the mother’s uterus.
In rare instances, the embryo will fail to reach the uterus and will instead implant in the fallopian tube along the way, which is a very narrow tube not designed to support a pregnancy.
Why do I feel like dancing? Could it be that I have shed 30 pounds?
Oh, I haven’t found a diet that works that well. Instead, I have an Angel that swooped down and helped me clean out my bedroom closet. Ten pounds went to the cleaners and 20 to St. Vinnie’s. And that makes me feel light enough to dance.
A nursing home is a holy place. It is a sacred space because it is home for the aged and handicapped who need special love and care. They also need the gift of our visits. When we visit them, we show that we care about them.
A painting depicts a long line of people patiently waiting to be fed at a soup kitchen. Over the head of one of them is a halo. This person is Jesus. If we look carefully we may notice that Jesus is smiling. This painting reminds us that when we help someone in need, we help Jesus. We may even make him smile.
They teach in the village Catholic schools. They serve the needs of the poor, often speaking out on issues of justice and for peace. Above all, they help form people in the faith, teaching them the greatness of God’s mercy and of His boundless love for each one of us.
Such are the roles of catechists in Rajshahi in northwestern Bangladesh.
Look to see where people are making a path before putting in a new sidewalk. In other words, don’t waste time and effort on something people won’t use. Along the same line, refrain, as best you can, from answering questions people aren’t asking. This intends to help address the question — why aren’t they listening? As with other sayings, these may offer a little food for thought.
Yes, it is important to look and listen and be aware of what is going on around us. In addition, it is also important to consult. To see what common sense approaches are staring us in the face even if it has to do with the placing of a sidewalk where it will be used. To ask, to invite their questions so that attentive listeners await our response to what is on their minds, what are their needs, is important. Instead of, “Here’s a plan. I hope you like it,” we generally prefer hearing the words, “What do you think?” To be consulted.
Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles on how the offices in the Diocese of Madison are coping with the recent layoffs and financial cut-backs. Information will be included on what the diocesan offices continue to do for the diocese and its parishes. Offices will also indicate how people can help continue their mission through volunteer involvement.
We continue to spread the Good News! Like nearly every other business (for-profit and not-for-profit alike), the Diocese of Madison has undergone some difficult but necessary cutbacks. These changes have affected each and every office of the diocese, the Office of Communications among them, but we have work to do and we must continue that work.
When most Catholics hear about Respect Life Week or Sunday they usually think of abortion and the sanctity of a child’s life in its mother’s womb.
Our call, however, is to respect all life. Our faith tells us that all human life, from the womb to the tomb, is precious and loved by God. Too often we concentrate on eradicating abortion, which is a noble and important cause, but we often neglect to speak out against the other ways human life is also disrespected.
Editor’s note: Pope Benedict XVI will canonize Blessed Damien of Molokai on October 11. This article from Hope News Service provides information on one of our newest saints.
Joseph de Veuster — the future St. Damian of Molokai — was born in Belgium on January 3, 1840, the seventh child of a devout Catholic family.
Gianna Jessen appreciates God’s precious gift of life more than most persons because she survived an abortion. A toxic saline solution was injected into the womb of her frightened 17-year-old mother in order to induce a chemical abortion intended to end Gianna’s life.
The abortion failed. Eighteen hours later, she was born. Gianna had severe injuries that led to cerebral palsy. But she was alive. A startled, compassionate nurse called an ambulance that sped her to a hospital. Since she weighed only two pounds, the hospital placed her in an incubator. Eventually Penny, the generous mother of 56 foster children, adopted her. Gianna credits Penny and Jesus with saving her life.
On September 11, James Pouillon was shot multiple times and killed while protesting abortion outside a high school in Owosso, Mich.
According to reports, the suspect in custody, Harlan James Drake, admitted to police that he had also killed Mike Fuoss earlier that morning and that he had intended to murder a third man against whom he held a grudge, but was arrested before he reached his last victim.
The violence didn’t end with his arrest. The Associated Press reports that Mr. Drake was hospitalized Saturday night after an attempt on his own life in the county jail. Nor is that the end of it. Some angry people are already calling for the death penalty, yet another act of violence.
