Year: 2009

On
Fr. Donald Lange

Visiting the nursing home is a sacred ministry

Seeing with Jesus' Eyes by Fr. Donald Lange

A nursing home is a holy place. It is a sacred space because it is home for the aged and handicapped who need special love and care. They also need the gift of our visits. When we visit them, we show that we care about them.

A painting depicts a long line of people patiently waiting to be fed at a soup kitchen. Over the head of one of them is a halo. This person is Jesus. If we look carefully we may notice that Jesus is smiling. This painting reminds us that when we help someone in need, we help Jesus. We may even make him smile.

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On
Msgr. Delbert Schmelzer

Catechists bring hope in mission areas

Propagation of Faith by Msgr. Delbert Schmelzer

They teach in the village Catholic schools. They serve the needs of the poor, often speaking out on issues of justice and for peace. Above all, they help form people in the faith, teaching them the greatness of God’s mercy and of His boundless love for each one of us.

Such are the roles of catechists in Rajshahi in northwestern Bangladesh.

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On
Kathleen Williams, Monona

Need health care coverage, but not tax-funded abortions

To the editor:

As the manager of a free clinic, I see the growing needs of the uninsured every day. It is my hope we have health care coverage for everyone soon, as I believe it is a right of every citizen.

I do not want abortions covered by the proposed legislation and paid for with tax dollars. Abortions kill and can cause a person to feel a great deal of guilt and regret. It is heartbreaking to see people enduring such enormous self-inflicted grief!

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On
Msgr. Daniel Ganshert

‘What do you think?’

Living and Learning column by Msgr. Daniel T. Ganshert

Look to see where people are making a path before putting in a new sidewalk. In other words, don’t waste time and effort on something people won’t use. Along the same line, refrain, as best you can, from answering questions people aren’t asking. This intends to help address the question — why aren’t they listening? As with other sayings, these may offer a little food for thought.

Yes, it is important to look and listen and be aware of what is going on around us. In addition, it is also important to consult. To see what common sense approaches are staring us in the face even if it has to do with the placing of a sidewalk where it will be used. To ask, to invite their questions so that attentive listeners await our response to what is on their minds, what are their needs, is important. Instead of, “Here’s a plan. I hope you like it,” we generally prefer hearing the words, “What do you think?” To be consulted.

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On
Brent King

Communicating amid diocesan belt tightening

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles on how the offices in the Diocese of Madison are coping with the recent layoffs and financial cut-backs. Information will be included on what the diocesan offices continue to do for the diocese and its parishes. Offices will also indicate how people can help continue their mission through volunteer involvement.

Guest Column

We continue to spread the Good News! Like nearly every other business (for-profit and not-for-profit alike), the Diocese of Madison has undergone some difficult but necessary cutbacks. These changes have affected each and every office of the diocese, the Office of Communications among them, but we have work to do and we must continue that work.

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