attitude – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)

On July 4, 1939, the New York Yankees sponsored a memorable Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day. Though he was dying at age 36, Gehrig told the surprised crowd, “I’m the luckiest guy on the face of the earth.”

Gehrig was thankful because he had a Hall of Fame baseball career, a wonderful wife, family, friends, fans, teammates, and much more. He and Babe Ruth were teammates on one of the greatest teams in baseball history.

Thanking God for blessings

On Thanksgiving Day we gather with family and friends to share a meal and thank God for our cornucopia of blessings as Lou Gehrig did.

Fonder Ponders

On February 17, 2016

Jackson Fonder

An attitude of gratitude

It’s February, and you know what that means. The Super Bowl has been played, the Lenten Season has arrived, and many of us have forsaken our New Year’s resolutions. So called experts say that one third of us will have abandoned our 2016 goals by this point.

I’m a planner, so I usually have a few goals and resolutions for the year. There is one resolution that I will try to keep — to be more grateful. It’s a fairly simple idea, but one that is easy to put aside.

Bishop Morlino's Columns

On October 1, 2015May 10, 2021

Bishop Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison

Holy Father proclaims the joy of the Gospel

Dear friends,

What a blessing it has been this amazing and eventful week as we’ve enjoyed the visit of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

I had the privilege to be in Washington, D.C., for the activities of last Wednesday, including of course, the meeting of the Holy Father with the Bishops of the United States.

The loving support of the Holy Father for his bishops and of us for him, is altogether more than refreshing.

Grand Mom

On July 24, 2014May 20, 2021

Audrey Mettel Fixmer

Making life pleasant with an attitude of gratitude

I recently lived vicariously through a friend’s miserable experience caring for an elderly aunt.

Although my friend traveled more than 2,000 miles to care for her aunt following a surgery, she was treated like a servant by this grumpy old lady, who showed no gratitude for her niece’s sacrifice, even though back home those of us who know her well are aware of her outstanding homemaking and nursing skills.

We couldn’t wait for the two weeks to end and have her back home to her family where she is appreciated.

Caring for the elderly

This was an experience that touched my heart and made me think about the whole situation of the elderly and the caregiver.

Cutting Edge

On November 23, 2011

Sr. Margie Lavonis

Living with a grateful heart

Many years ago a missionary friend of mine told me about a beautiful tradition practiced by the people who live in Uganda, East Africa.

From a very young age children are taught to live with grateful hearts. The word they use is “webali,” which is an expression of gratitude for all God’s gifts no matter how seemingly insignificant.

For example, any time a person goes to another’s home, the host thanks that person for taking the time out of his day to visit and the guest thanks the host for welcoming him into his home. If someone has a conversation with another, that person thanks her for taking time to speak and listen to her.

Guest column

On February 10, 2011

Lisa M. Petsche

Attitude is everything as we age

There is no shortage of information in the media about how to improve your life through instrumental changes such as eating more nutritiously, exercising and not smoking.

Did you know, though, that nurturing a positive mental attitude can also go a long way toward maximizing your physical, mental and spiritual well-being?

Even if you don’t consider yourself a naysayer, make it a point over the next few days to scrutinize everything you think and say; you might be surprised.