2011 – Page 9 – Madison Catholic Herald

To the editor:

As many of us know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Various groups are working hard to support scientific research of treatments and cures or to educate women about breast health, all in hopes of putting an end breast cancer. While the efforts of such groups have truly made a difference in so many lives, a piece of breast cancer awareness is greatly underplayed.

We should all become more aware of the toxic chemicals entering the environment that have serious consequences on human health, like cancer. In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring was published with the goal of raising awareness on this very topic. Shortly after her book was published, Rachel died of breast cancer.

On November 3, 2011

Mark Midbon

There is no conflict between faith and science

To the editor:

I was pleasantly surprised to find an article in the Catholic Herald that honored a science teacher, the late Joe Zaiman of Edgewood High School (October 20 issue, page 9).

I was taught in a Catholic school that there is no conflict between faith and science. In trying to spread this teaching, I like to point out that two of the greatest scientists of the 20th century were also Catholic priests.

On November 3, 2011February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler

Birth of Baby Seven Billion: Is it cause for celebration or concern?

A baby born on October 30 in the Philippines has been welcomed as one of the world’s symbolic “seven billionth” babies.

The Associated Press admitted that with all the babies born in the world on that day, it is impossible to pinpoint the arrival of the actual Baby Seven Billion. But the United Nations chose to mark Filipino Danica May Camacho as the symbolic seventh billion child. The parents and the baby were met by top United Nations officials in the Philippines, who presented the child with a small cake.

The birth of any child should be a happy occasion. However, the birth of Baby Seven Billion is being looked at as a cause for celebration by some and a reason for concern and even fear by others.

On October 27, 2011September 27, 2023

Kat Wagner, Catholic Herald Staff

40 Days vigil continues prayers to end abortion

In the twilight hours of October 18, more than 80 people gathered on the sidewalks and terrace grass outside the Planned Parenthood Clinic on Madison’s east side to pray at a candlelight midpoint rally for the 40 Days for Life Vigil.

On October 27, 2011December 20, 2024

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WCC supports bill to restore flexibility, local control to sex ed

The Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) urged support for legislation to provide local districts more flexibility in teaching human growth and development classes, as well as to permit abstinence-based instruction.

On October 27, 2011December 20, 2024

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Bill may keep abortion from health exchanges

The State Senate gave its approval to legislation to prohibit health insurance providers that participate in future state exchanges from including elective abortions in their coverage.

On October 27, 2011

Fr. Don Lange

Retired priest appreciates article about happy priests

To the editor:

I enjoyed Nancy Frazier O’ Brien’s article (October 13 issue) which was based on a recent talk by Msgr. Robert Panke, president of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors.

Monsignor Panke stated, “Prayer is key to happy and healthy priests. A priest who prays at least 30 minutes a day “is less likely to be emotionally exhausted because Christ is feeding him.”

On October 27, 2011February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler

To live each day with dignity: Dealing with illness and death with faith, hope, and love

We all know that we will eventually face illness, disabilities, and death of our family members, friends, and ourselves. Despite the inevitability, it is difficult to think about and even more difficult to talk about issues involving sickness and dying.

Yet, these are issues we must confront and deal with — and our faith can provide a great deal of guidance and support. As we conclude Respect Life Month, we should remember that respect for life must encompass respect for the disabled, the elderly, the sick, and the dying.

On October 27, 2011May 20, 2021

Fr. Tad Pacholczyk

Facing terminal illness realistically

In modern times, dying is more and more often portrayed as a cold, clinical reality to be kept at arm’s length, relegated to the closed doors of a hospital, almost hermetically sealed from the rest of our lives.

When it comes to the event itself, we diligently work to avoid confronting it, addressing it, or acknowledging it. Because of this cultural backdrop, patients receiving a diagnosis of a terminal illness can be tempted to indulge in unrealistic expectations about what lies ahead, clinging to unreasonable treatment options and hoping for highly improbable outcomes.

On October 27, 2011

Sr. Margie Lavonis

Expressing gratitude for ordinary saints

November always brings several things to mind. It has traditionally been a time when we pray for those who have gone before us and give thanks for the ordinary saints, living and deceased, who have touched our lives. We also celebrate Thanksgiving, which is supposed to be the favorite holiday of most Americans.

Every time I go to a wake or funeral — and I have been to many lately — and hear the beautiful comments made about the persons who died, I cannot help but wonder how many of those things were said to that person when he or she was alive?