Msgr. James Bartylla, […]
Tag: father
The ethics of organ donation
An ever-emerging issue at the end-of-life is organ donation and the leaving of one’s body to “science.” Since the first successful organ transplant in 1954, organ donation and its morality have been an ongoing topic of discussion. While complex and nuanced, a general sketch of organ donation can be useful.
Fr. Francis Steffen dies
Reverend Father Francis Jerome Steffen entered eternal life on December 28, 2020 at the age of 89, at Edenbrook Nursing Home in Platteville, Wisconsin. He was born on November 18, 1931 in Platteville, Wisconsin, and is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Florence (Klar) Steffen, by his sister, Rosemary (Elmer) Digman, and his step-mother, Clara Steffen (Bussan, Tesmer).
After attending Sunnydale Rural Grade School in Belmont Township, and then St. Mary Parish Grade School, Platteville, Fr. Steffen attended Loras High School in Dubuque, Iowa. He completed his collegiate studies at Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy in 1953. He attended St. Francis Major Seminary, Saint Francis, Wisconsin, for theological studies. After ordination, he subsequently earned a Master of Arts in Library Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Fr. Steffen was ordained to the sacred priesthood by The Most Reverend William P. O’Connor, Bishop of Madison, on May 25, 1957 at St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison.
A reflection of goodness
One of my favorite stops on my way to and from the Twin Cities where I attended seminary is the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse.
Mary helps to prepare us for Advent and Christmas
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We have begun another Church year with the season of Advent. During the first part of Advent, the readings of the Mass prepare us for the second coming of Christ in his glory.
Then on December 17 to December 24, the readings focus upon preparing us for Christ’s coming at Christmas.Appointment 12-7-2020
Msgr. James Bartylla, […]
Let us be thankful wherever we are
Norman Rockwell’s painting Saying Grace originally appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post’s 1951 Thanksgiving issue. It soon became one of Rockwell’s most beloved works.
Lord, deliver us from sour-faced saints
When I was a pastor, I was invited by the parish’s women’s group to a parish lunch. After lunch, the group gave me a Christmas present.
Coping with grief and loss
Losing a loved one to death is painful. Many parents say the loss of a child is arguably the most painful of losses.
Difficult end-of-life decisions
The following article is the next installment in a series that will appear in the Catholic Herald to offer catechesis and formation concerning end of life decisions, dying, death, funerals, and burial of the dead from the Catholic perspective.