Category: Opinion

On
Kathy Wehrle

Consider donation to the BSP free clinic

To the editor:

There have been news articles published recently about the problems faced by the BSP clinic (Benevolent Specialists Project) in Madison due to lack of reliable funding.

I have been a volunteer at this free clinic since 2011.  While other free clinics offer preventive and routine medical care needed  by many, the BSP clinic gives adult patients access to: cardiac care, arthritis management, eye and foot care for the diabetic patient, diagnosis of skin problems, plus  blood work and X-rays and MRIs for diagnosis through the support of local hospitals.

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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

We should get educated about human trafficking

As someone who has three granddaughters living in Wisconsin, I am concerned that our state is one of worst states in our country in terms of both sex and labor trafficking.

That information was shared at Catholics at the Capitol held in March. “Human trafficking is happening in counties all over Wisconsin. It happens everywhere, in rural and urban areas and online,” said keynote speaker Colleen Stratton, a survivor of human trafficking and member of the Eye Heart World Outreach Team.

January is observed as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. It is an effort to raise awareness among businesses, national and community organizations, families, and all Americans to recognize the vital role we can play in ending all forms of slavery and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.

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On
Dr. John P. Joy

Minimum requirements mentioned, but go beyond

To the editor:

Mr. Studinski made a great point in the December 7 issue about the importance of many other things that weren’t mentioned explicitly in my November 23 piece about what it means to be a practicing Catholic, such as the Works of Mercy and the Beatitudes.

But there was a reason for emphasizing the commandments. The terminology of “practicing Catholic” is one typically used to specify a minimum requirement for fulfilling certain functions within the Church (e.g. catechist, school teacher, godparent, etc.). And in the moral life, although the Works of Mercy and the Beatitudes are certainly more perfect than merely observing the commandments, yet still observing the commandments is the minimum.

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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Give pregnant women loving support

This is the time of year when we are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

We know that for his mother, Mary, her pregnancy could not have been an easy time. Although she knew she was carrying the Son of God in her womb, it must have been challenging to discuss her pregnancy with others, especially since she and Joseph were not yet married.

Fortunately, Joseph supported her. Yet, they travelled to Bethlehem in the last month of her pregnancy for a census and could find no place to stay in an inn. So Jesus was born in a stable, probably not the easiest place for labor and delivery!

Unexpected pregnancy

Many women today may find themselves with an unexpected pregnancy. We may know such women; they could be members of our families or friends, people who work with us, married or unmarried.

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On
Elizabeth Durack

Faith practice, good works do not need to be in competition

To the editor:

A Catholic Herald letter by Kenneth R. Studinski calls guidance about what it means to be a practicing Catholic “a list of assumed credentials for an acting Catholic,” however he says being a “practicing Catholic” requires the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

I reflect that Works of Mercy that are authentic Christian charity are fruits of the life of grace that we received first at Baptism and have and preserve through faith by the sacraments, prayer, embrace of Catholic teaching, and ordered participation in the life of the Church. It is reductionistic to call these things “assumed credentials” when they are profoundly necessary to our incorporation in the Body of Christ and having His life, the life of grace.

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On
Trudi Jenny

Do our part to live Laudato Si’

To the editor:

Your recent article on St. Dennis Parish’s solar panel installation is welcome news.  Congratulations to Fr. Randy Timmerman for embracing and acting on the message of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. St. Dennis is leading by example and paving the way for their parishioners and more parishes in the diocese to do likewise.

I am also grateful for the article informing parishes that there is grant funding available from RENEW Wisconsin to assist in the costs of installing solar. Parishes who are struggling to find the time to explore energy options can simplify the process by checking out Catholic Energies at https://catholicenergies.org

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On
Kenneth R. Studinski

More to being ‘practicing Catholic’

To the editor:

I am writing about John Joy’s piece in the Diocese section of your November 23 edition.

I am concerned that the conference of Catholic educators, John, and others have missed the point of the Bible and the Church. What was given as the “meaning to be a ‘Practicing Catholic’” is more a list of assumed credentials for an acting Catholic but not a practicing Catholic.

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