Opinion – Page 68 – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)

This is the time of year when Catholics throughout the Diocese of Madison are hearing and reading about the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA).

Members of parishes have received a letter and pledge form from Bishop Robert C. Morlino. In addition, there have been prayers and announcements about the ACA at Masses each weekend. There was an insert about the appeal distributed last weekend in parishes; it is also included in this week’s Catholic Herald. Next weekend, we will watch a video message from our bishop.

Why the ACA is important

Why is this so important? The ACA funds the ministries and services benefitting every Catholic in the Diocese of Madison. It supports the work of diocesan offices and agencies in the 11 counties of our diocese and also the work of our Church beyond the diocese.
Perhaps the best way to talk about the ACA is to explain why I give to the appeal — and why I think you (other Catholics in our diocese) should, too.

Editorial

On March 13, 2014February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

The Gospel of simplicity: Pope Francis practices what he preaches

Last year the Catholic Church had something almost unprecedented happen: a pope resigned his office. Pope Benedict XVI said that due to his advanced age, he was “no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.” He was the first pope to resign in more than 600 years.

On March 13, 2013, the cardinals gathered in their conclave elected Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the 266th successor of St. Peter. He took the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi.

Editorial

On March 5, 2014February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Planning ahead: Bishops encourage us to talk about death and dying

We all know the quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin, “The only things certain in life are death and taxes.”

Although we will someday face death, most of us would rather not think about dying — let alone talk about it. However, the Catholic bishops of Wisconsin are encouraging us to do just that.

Editorial

On February 26, 2014February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

It’s a moral imperative: We must take care of both our souls and our bodies

As Catholics, we hear a lot about making sure we have a healthy spiritual life by attending Mass, praying regularly, and doing good works. Taking care of our souls should be a priority in our lives.

However, that does not mean that we should ignore our bodies. It is very important to take care of our bodies, too.

In religion class in Catholic grade school, I remember learning that our bodies are “temples of the Holy Spirit.” The complete quote from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

Editorial

On February 19, 2014February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Allow free speech in Madison: Common Council should vote against buffer zone

Last fall, a couple leaving the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Madison stopped at the driveway to tell the sidewalk counselor with Vigil for Life that they were going to keep their baby.

Vigil for Life volunteers didn’t know if this couple had come to the clinic for a pregnancy test or for an appointment for an abortion. In any case, these parents chose life for their baby.

Praying and working for a change of heart

In an email named “Baby Saved,” sent to volunteers after that incident, Bette Weisshaar, then director of Vigil for Life-Madison, said, “That’s why we’re out there — to pray for a change of heart, for God’s graces to show them a way other than abortion. Our prayers on the sidewalk are offered for parents, that they will choose life for their babies . . . and that’s exactly what happened today! Praise God!”

Editorial

On February 12, 2014February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

A real hero: New York boy’s actions inspire all of us to help others

Many of us are watching the Winter Olympics these days, and we’re inspired by the years of dedication and hard work it takes for athletes to compete on the world stage. Those who win medals often return home to their respective countries as heroes.

While we can applaud these athletes for their accomplishments, the recent story of an eight-year-old boy from upstate New York captured my attention as a real hero.

Boy saves relatives while losing his own life

Tyler Doohan was visiting his grandfather in his mobile home in Penfield, N.Y., on January 20 because his school was off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Reportedly, Tyler woke up at about 4:45 a.m. when the blanket covering his sleeping four-year-old cousin caught fire, according to Chris Ebmeyer, chief of the volunteer fire company in Penfield.

Tyler then woke up six of his relatives and helped them escape from the enflamed mobile home. He then ran back into the home where his 57-year-old grandfather was sleeping. His grandfather used a wheelchair and crutches after having a leg amputated due to complications of diabetes. The firefighters found Tyler’s body just a few feet from his grandfather’s. The boy’s uncle was also found dead in another part of the trailer.

Tyler saved the lives of six people. “They all would have died if he hadn’t woken up,” said Ebmeyer. All six survivors suffered minor injuries, including Tyler’s grandmother, two children, two other women, and a man.

I can’t image many other eight-year-olds having the courage to do what Tyler did. It was truly an act of caring and heroism.

Editorial

On February 5, 2014September 6, 2023

Mary C. Uhler

New hope for the Catholic press: Circulating the joy of the Gospel

Most people think of February as the month of Groundhog Day, the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, and President’s Day. Sometimes Lent begins in February, although this year it starts later with Ash Wednesday on March 5.

However, those of us involved in Catholic newspapers observe February as Catholic Press Month. …

Letters to the editor

On February 5, 2014

Kathy Wehrle

Health care law helps those with pre-existing conditions

To the editor:

In response to the letter concerning “big government” and the Affordable Care Act in the December 26 issue of the Catholic Herald, I would like to express support for the new health care law.

For decades, we, as a country, have let the insurance companies deny health care to those with pre-existing conditions.

Editorial

On January 29, 2014February 15, 2023

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Prayer is the key: To developing a vocation to the consecrated life

Prayer is not always high on the list of priorities for many young people today, but it should be — especially if they want God’s help in deciding the future direction of their lives.

Letters to the editor

On January 29, 2014July 25, 2023

Fr. Don Lange

Marking 150th anniversary of Venerable Father Mazzuchelli’s death

To the editor:

During 2014 we celebrate the sesquicentennial commemoration of the Venerable Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli’s death. On February 23, 1864, after a sick call near Benton, Father Mazzuchelli died as he lived — bringing Christ to others.