'Giving of ourselves': Student writing, drawing contest MADISON -- The Catholic Herald is sponsoring an Advent "Giving of Ourselves" writing contest for students in grades five through 12 and a drawing contest for students in kindergarten through fourth grade in the Diocese of Madison. The Catholic Herald invites teachers to use the newspaper in the classroom and encourage students to read the paper, particularly articles pertaining to service, such as "Profiles from the Pew," articles on schools and religious service projects, and missionary efforts. Depending on their grade level, contestants will use a reference from something they've read in the Catholic Herald to write an essay or create a drawing on how they see themselves or others giving of themselves in service to their school, parish, family, or community. Entries must be received no later than Dec. 5. For more information, interested students may contact their Catholic school teachers or principal, director of religious education, call the Catholic Herald at 608-821-3070, or e-mail info@madisoncatholicherald.org The winning drawings and essays - accompanied by photos of the students - will be published in the Catholic Herald.
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Jesse Manibusan sings with high school youth from throughout the Diocese of Madison as they perform motions to the song "Oh Come and Follow Me." (Catholic Herald photo by Abigail Henderson)

High School Youth Rally: Reaching the highest goal

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- Shouting "Let the church say, 'Amen!' Let the church say, 'Alright!' Let the church say, 'OK!'", dynamic speaker Jesse Manibusan electrified the teens gathered for a recent diocesan high school youth rally.

Nearly 800 people attended the rally, which was held at St. Dennis Parish in Madison and was sponsored by the Diocese of Madison's Office of Religious Education and Camp Gray.

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Pay attention

Through songs, stories, humor, and encouragement, Manibusan captured the teens' attention and drove home the point that being a follower of Jesus with full, conscious, active participation is the highest goal in life.

"We've got to pay attention, be aware, be vigilant. Following Jesus is not about instinct. We have to learn how to follow," said Manibusan. "Following Jesus is not about being perfect but following purposefully."   Full story ...

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- "Faith in Action!" was the theme of the eighth annual Catholic Charities awards dinner held Nov. 4 at the Marriott Hotel.

The agency honored three community leaders along with three clients or volunteers - all of whom put faith in action in their daily lives.

Phil Galassie, president of the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, said the board assists Executive Director Brian Cain and his staff in providing "compassionate, caring services for those in need. We develop self-sufficiency. We build better and more humane communities."   Full story ...