Day: October 8, 2008

On
Msgr. Daniel Ganshert

Understanding men and abortion

Hearing that there was a wise man who knew everything, the story is told of one who was younger and wanted to prove it. Taking the smallest from a flock in a nearby tree, he approached and said, “Tell me old man, I have a bird in my hands, is it alive or is it dead?”

Living and Learning by Msgr. Daniel T. GanshertThe wise one looked and thought, “If I say it is alive, he will close his hands and crush the life out of it. If I say it is dead, he will open his hands and let it fly in my face.” He looked once more at the young man before him and answered his question with the words, “It is in your hands.” Life or death was in his hands.

Read More
On
Susanna D. Herro, For the Catholic Herald

Respect Life: Helping men affected by abortion

Just last fall, after 34 years of legalized abortion, the first ever conference on men and abortion was held.

Scientists are discovering men’s serious grief responses to abortions. This research is closely connected to Madison and to Wisconsin. Vicki Thorn, founder of Project Rachel in Milwaukee, helped create this conference. From Madison, both Dr. Catherine Coyle and Dr. Robert Enright are cited in the information from the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities.

These three Wisconsin people are helping men understand their sense of loss, the erosion of trust, and the “loss of spiritual connectedness to God and to one’s partner . . .” There is a distinct concern that an abortion history makes it harder for men to trust enough to fully commit to marriage and fatherhood.

Read More
On
Mary Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Vicky Skilondz named associate director of planning

MADISON — Vicky Skilondz has been named associate director of the diocesan Office of Planning.

She will work with Grant Emmel, vice chancellor and director of the Office of Planning, to provide documentation, training, and oversight for the Trusting in the Spirit parish planning process.

“I’m excited to extend the diocese’s commitment to supporting parishes through Vicky’s customer service focus,” said Emmel. “Her gift for training and helping parish staff with their problems has already paid dividends as part of Trusting in the Spirit.”

Read More