MADISON — Have you ever wanted to know more about your Catholic faith, but felt you didn’t have the time or enough knowledge to join a Bible study? Or that you didn’t have the time to read a lengthy book on theology?
Month: February 2012
First director of Wisconsin Catholic Conference dies
MADISON — Charles M. “Chuck” Phillips was a familiar sight at the state Capitol for many years as the first executive director of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC).
We should not demean people using food stamps
To the editor:
Recently a Catholic politician, Newt Gingrich, speaking to his supporters called President Obama, the “food stamp President.” This was meant to demean African-Americans as well as the working and non-working poor who need the basics of life.
It just so happens that many more white people are using food stamps to survive than African-Americans or Latinos. Mr. Gingrich needs to be told that we as Catholics do not speak of God’s people in such terms.
Appreciates information on administration’s mandate attacking religious freedom
To the editor:
Thank you for taking the lead in bringing awareness to our Catholic laity regarding the recent Obama abomination in his mandate regarding a ruling that all Catholic entities would be mandated to provide contraceptive and sterilization services that are in direct opposition to the beliefs of our Catholic faith.
What an unbelievable attack on religious freedom as provided for in our Constitution. Our fore fathers are turning over in their graves at this attack.
Advice to Komen: There are better ways to find a cure
In the past week we have heard the news that Susan G. Komen for the Cure was withdrawing future grant funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and its affiliates. Then after protests from PPFA supporters, Komen reversed its decision and said PPFA would remain eligible for grant funding.
On its Web site, Susan G. Komen for the Cure says it has “become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.” This is a worthy endeavor. We do want our society to work for early detection, better treatment, and hopefully a cure for breast cancer.
Knights of Columbus raise funds for ultrasound machine
BELOIT — The Knights of Columbus Council 605 serving the communities of Beloit and Clinton and the Knights of Columbus Council 8021 serving the communities of South Beloit, Rockton, and Roscoe, Ill., announce that they have joined together to raise funds for an updated ultrasound machine for the Stateline Pregnancy Clinic in Beloit.
The high cost of conscience
At the end of the liturgical year, the Mass readings tell dramatic stories from the Books of Maccabees of simple folks standing courageously for their faith in the face of torture and death. Their exemplary witness can strengthen us as we defend our conscience rights and religious liberty which are under attack today.
In second century B.C., a conquering king was intent on suppressing Judaism in Palestine. He issued a decree that his whole kingdom should all be one people, each abandoning his particular customs and religious laws and observances. Whoever refused to comply would be killed.
Though large numbers did comply, we’re told that many in Israel “preferred to die rather than be defiled with unclean food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. Terrible affliction was upon Israel” (Maccabees 1:63).
Serving the truth with courage: Diocesan newspapers play more important role than ever
Diocesan newspapers represent “significant places of encounter and attentive discernment for lay faithful involved in the social and political arena so that they can dialogue and find convergences and objectives for joint action in the service of the Gospel for the common good.”
Violation of religious liberty cannot stand
Normally this column addresses state policy issues. This time it speaks to a national question — the scope of religious liberty in our national health care reform legislation.
On January 20, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reaffirmed a rule forcing nearly all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptive drugs and devices, as well as surgical sterilization. These are listed among “preventive services” for women.
Nearly all health plans will have to cover these services without co-pays or other cost-sharing. The mandate applies regardless of whether the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or even the woman herself, objects to such coverage.
Violation of religious liberty cannot stand
Normally this column addresses state policy issues. This time it speaks to a national question — the scope of religious liberty in our national health care reform legislation.
On January 20, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reaffirmed a rule forcing nearly all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptive drugs and devices, as well as surgical sterilization. These are listed among “preventive services” for women.
Nearly all health plans will have to cover these services without co-pays or other cost-sharing. The mandate applies regardless of whether the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or even the woman herself, objects to such coverage.