Editorial

Most of us know the story of Pinnochio - the wooden puppet whose nose grew when he told a lie. Can you imagine if people today had Pinnochio's characteristics? We would see plenty of people with enormous noses in the world!

That's because telling the truth - or even knowing what the truth is - seems to be rare these days. Many people think the truth is relative; they do not believe in any objective truth or basic moral principles. "If it feels good, do it" seems to be the prevailing attitude in society today.

Catholic teaching on truth. Yet, the Catholic Church tells us that there is truth. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that Scripture says, "God is the source of all truth. His Word is truth. His Law is truth." So, too, his people are "called to live in the truth."

When Jesus appeared before Pilate, he proclaimed that he had "come into the world, to bear witness to the truth." As followers of Christ, then, we must also give witness to the truth and "profess it without equivocation."

Some Christians have made the supreme sacrifice to truth as martyrs. They died defending their faith.

Today, we may not be called upon to die. But we may be challenged in our efforts to speak the truth and live it in our lives. There are those who don't want to hear the truth. They may tell us to "shut up" or "keep our opinions to ourselves." They may cite separation of church and state, cautioning us to exercise our faith in private, not in the public arena.

Enter the Catholic press. With an often hostile society, Catholics need help to know the truth. Enter the Catholic press. Catholic newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and books provide assistance to members of the church in knowing, speaking, and living the truth.

Last year the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada updated its "Fair Publishing Practices Code." It says that "the mission of an authentically Catholic press is to inform and to form public opinion in conformity with the Truth and the pursuit of the truth."

The Catholic Herald-Diocese of Madison is proud to be one of those Catholic publications. As our mission statement (published on this page [online here]) says, our purpose is "to inform and educate people of the Diocese through communications that proclaim Gospel values, report the news, and comment on issues as they pertain to the mission of the Catholic Church, which is to bring all in Jesus Christ to the Father."

We pledge to continue to pursue the truth in our paper. We urge parishes to send the Catholic Herald to every member, in response to Bishop Robert C. Morlino's request. He shares the truth through his column, "Under the Gospel Book," and wants Catholics in our diocese to read the column and the rest of our paper.

In this Year of the Eucharist, the Catholic Herald is also focusing attention on the Eucharist with special articles and features. We encourage subscribers to read our paper from cover to cover - and consider sharing it with a family member, neighbor, or friend. Also check out our Web site: www.madisoncatholicherald.org - one special feature is the Faith Alive! series on our online Spirituality Page.

The more we learn the truths of our faith, the better we can live out our faith and share the truth with others. God bless all of you and God bless the Catholic press!

Mary C. Uhler, editor

Mailbag

	Mailbag policy We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Limit letters to 200 words or less. All letters must be signed. Please include your city or town of residence. Send letters to: Mailbag The Catholic Herald P.O. Box 44985 Madison, WI 53744-4985 Fax: 608-821-3071 E-mail: info@madisoncatholicherald.org

Students appreciate education
at Holy Rosary School, Darlington

To the editor:

I attended the Catholic Schools Week open house at Holy Rosary School, Darlington, on Jan 30. The classrooms are switched around, the halls are brighter, and lockers look better, but I was reminded of the four years I went to school there.

I liked the school, made friends, and liked the individual attention that I got from the teachers that you don't get in public school. I never felt lost in a classroom and everyone knew everyone at Holy Rosary.

Besides getting a good academic education, I also got to learn about God, the sacraments, and what it means to be a Christian. Prayer was a part of every day. We went to Mass as a school every Wednesday and got to read and serve. We also did things like read to the younger classes, make cards for the shut-ins, and visit the manor and Sienna Crest.

I don't think my faith would be as strong today as it is if I hadn't gone to a Catholic school.

Kyle McDaniel, ninth grader at Darlington Public High School

To the editor:

I liked Holy Rosary Grade School because of the awesome teachers. They spent a lot of one-on-one time with us, the students, to make sure that we understood everything.

I learned at lot about my faith. I met my two best friends there who will be my friends for life. I learned a lot about respect and how to be a good person.

Holy Rosary made learning fun and I will remember my years there forever.

Jordan Heinberg, seventh grader in the Darlington public schools

Thanks for Peter's Pence offering

To the publisher:

I am writing to inform you that the sum of $44,336 which you sent to the Apostolic Nunciature as the 2004 Peter's Pence offering from the Diocese of Madison has been duly transmitted to the Holy See.

His Holiness is most grateful for this gift, and for the sentiments of charity and ecclesial communion which inspired it. Through your generosity he is assisted in the exercise of his ministry to God's people throughout the world.

With affection in the Lord the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing to you and all entrusted to your pastoral care.

With fraternal good wishes, I remain

Yours sincerely in Christ,
Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, the Vatican