Tag: Lent

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Patrick Gorman

Baptism: Claimed for Christ

Patrick Gorman

Lent is a season of preparation and recollection of our Baptism. This is the second in a series of several articles reflecting upon the Sacrament of Baptism.

One of the first things that we do when we meet someone is learn their name. It’s so basic, yet so important.

In Baptism, the Church does the same thing.

The Rite of Baptism of Infants calls for the priest to welcome the child, parents, and godparents at the doors of the church (he does the same with adults when he welcomes catechumens). (1)

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Marshall Cook, For the Catholic Herald

Share the spiritual journey with author/teacher Paula D’Arcy

MADISON — An automobile accident in 1975 changed Paula D’Arcy’s life forever.

She woke up to discover that her husband and daughter had been killed in the wreck, but the baby she had carried for three months was still alive inside her.

“Everything about my life altered at that moment,” she says. “I was at a fork in the road; I could despair, or I could go deeper.”

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Bishop Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison

Harden not your hearts, grow in Christ

This column is the bishop’s communication with the faithful of the Diocese of Madison. Any wider circulation reaches beyond the intention of the bishop.

Dear Friends,

As you can see elsewhere in this issue of the Catholic Herald, I was recently blessed to be with a large number of our young women and men during “Frassati Fest.”

It was a joy to be with so many young people excited about their faith, and who were willing to make the sacrifice to gather. I also have to give my special thanks to Lindsay Becher and all those who worked so hard to put the weekend together.

During the Sunday Mass I celebrated with those great young people, I reflected on the readings of the day, and I’d like to share a bit of my reflections here, adapted slightly for print.

Beautiful message

The Scriptures of the day leave us with a beautiful message which we can take back into our homes and which have, not surprisingly, three points.

The first point was repeated in the Psalm (Ps 95) over and over again: “If today you hear His voice, harden not your heart.”

Now what does that really mean? What does “today” mean? It doesn’t simply mean Sunday, Feb. 1, the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. “Today” means our whole time redeemed by Christ in this world, before this world passes away.

“Tomorrow” refers to the great heavenly rest, when this world has passed away. So, the Psalmist is writing, “harden not your hearts,” while it is still today! Today is a long time, but it is not endless; there is a limit to “today,” and so there is an urgency there. “Harden not your hearts while it is still today.”

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Patrick Gorman

This Lent, remember your Baptism

This is the first in a series of several articles reflecting upon the Sacrament of Baptism.

We are approaching the season of Lent, a time set aside by the Church to help us prepare for Easter.

For many, this season is seen as a time that we “give something up.” While offering ourselves to God always is important, the Church primarily views Lent through the lens of Baptism. In fact, here is what the Church says about Lent:

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Susanna D. Herro President, St. Thomas More Society

Catholic attorneys impact hunger here and abroad

MADISON — The St. Thomas More Society of Catholic attorneys in the Diocese of Madison challenged themselves to live Lent by making a difference in world and local hunger issues.

In March, approximately 30 attendees were inspired by an ethics lecture based on the life of Abraham Lincoln. They were further inspired to give $300 to the Rice Bowl project of Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

Mobile Food Pantry locations in diocese

The hard work and dedication of volunteers at these participating parishes help relieve hunger: Corpus Christi in Boscobel, St. Joseph in Fort Atkinson, SS. Anthony and Phillip in Highland, St. John Vianney in Janesville, St. Clare Parish and St. Vincent de Paul in Monroe, St. Mary in Palmyra, St. Mary of the Most Holy Rosary in Pardeeville, St. John in Patch Grove, St. Mary in Platteville, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish and St. Vincent de Paul in Portage, and Sacred Heart in Reedsburg.

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Kevin Wondrash

Divine Mercy Spanish retreat

MAZOMANIE — The Hispanic ministry of Divine Mercy Parish in Sauk City will be hosting a Hispanic Retreat for Lent at St. Barnabas Church, 410 Cramer St. in Mazomanie, on Saturday, April 5, and Saturday, April 12, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding with a Hispanic Mass at 6:30 p.m.

Planned for the retreat are talks, time to share ideas and ask questions, music, sharing of food, and more. Childcare, complete with child activities, will be provided.

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