Day: March 26, 2009

On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Divine Mercy devotion has powerful impact

MADISON — Jesus told St. Faustina that the Feast of Divine Mercy would be a very special day when “all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened.” Jesus promised her that “the soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain the complete forgiveness of sins and punishments.”

Increasing numbers of Catholics are taking advantage of this promise and the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence on the Sunday after Easter, declared Divine Mercy Sunday in the year 2000.

Miracles happen

People in the Diocese of Madison have witnessed the power of devotion on Divine Mercy Sunday. “Miracles happen,” said Martha Bindl, a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Parish in Monona.

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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Fish fries become a parish tradition

BARABOO — Fish fries are a popular tradition in Wisconsin in restaurants, but an increasing number of Catholic parishes are sponsoring fish fries.

The parishes especially offer fish fries during Lent, when Catholics ages 14 and older are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. But more parishes have been holding fish fries throughout the rest of the year.

One of these parishes is St. Joseph Parish in Baraboo, better known as St. Joe’s. The parish started sponsoring fish fries in 1994. “They were designed to be a fundraiser that would take the place of other ‘small’ type fundraisers, such as wrapping paper and candy bar sales,” said Dan Fitzpatrick, director of operations at St. Joe’s.

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On
Jane Lepeska Grinde, For the Catholic Herald

Spaghetti dinner at St. James

MADISON — People are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring at the annual St. James School Italian Dinner and Auction on Sunday, March 29, at the church and school, located two blocks southwest of Regent and Mills Sts. in Madison at 1128 St. James Ct. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m.

The all-you-can eat spaghetti dinner was started more than 50 years ago in honor of the Italians and Italian-Americans who joined St. James, the parish started by German immigrants after their church, St. Joseph, was torn down in favor of urban renewal. A historic mark notes the area which now houses medical facilities and office buildings.

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On
Bishop Robert C. Morlino

Responding, like Mary, to God’s will for us

bishop's column logoDear Friends,

Each year on March 25th, we celebrate the great Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. We celebrate that day when the Archangel Gabriel came and said to Mary, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you . . .Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus,” to which Mary replied, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your Word.” Mary was presented with God’s will for her, and she offered her profound “yes!”

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On
Michael Lancaster

The challenges facing Catholic schools

These days one does not need to look very far to know that our society is facing many challenges. Every day, even every hour, it seems we hear more news of the deepening economic crisis, corporate excess, massive layoffs, failing businesses, and increasing home foreclosures.

The current crisis seems to have affected nearly every facet of life. In one way or another, it touches every person and every organization, including our diocese, our parishes, and our schools.

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