One of the common myths of our time is that the Catholic Church is on the decline: that the faithful are a dwindling minority, becoming more and more irrelevant.
Month: March 2012
Catholic Charities names new executive vice president
MADISON — Brian Cain, president of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Madison, announced that Jackson Fonder has been named the new executive vice president of Catholic Charities, effective March 5.
Training conference empowers pro-lifers to save lives
Perhaps the highlight of the day was the tearful introduction of Mareza and her baby, Joseph.
New DNA analysis might help solve murder
MADISON — On March 4, 1998, people in the Diocese of Madison were shocked to learn of the murder of Fr. Alfred J. Kunz, 67, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Dane for 31 years. He was the first (and still only) priest murdered in the history of the diocese.
Winning: Is it worth all cost?
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Too often in the news and rumored around the world, we hear about incidents of bad sportsmanship to the point of people physically fighting with other parents, players, and coaches. When did giving it your best and playing as a team become not enough? Has winning become that important?
When I was younger, I played at the highest-level possible of soccer, and I can’t remember a time when sportsmanship and effort were not number one. Yes, you won’t find a more competitive person but not at all cost.
Year of Faith: Called to a New Evangelization
Dear Friends,
In October we will begin something very important in the life of the Church; we will begin a Year of Faith. When we begin, it will be a big deal and if you’re an active Catholic you won’t be able to miss it.
Nickels, dimes, and family size
A few years ago, I spoke with a young man preparing to get married. His aunt told him that she thought he and his fiancée were too financially-strapped to have a child, and that it wouldn’t be fair to bring up a baby in poverty. Keenly aware of his joblessness and his minuscule bank account, he concluded she was probably right.
The young man and his fiancée were ready to tie the knot in a few months and they expected that she would be at the infertile phase of her cycle around the time of their honeymoon, so they would be able to consummate the marriage while avoiding bringing a child into the world.
They agreed they would use Natural Family Planning (NFP) after that to avoid a pregnancy. A few years later when they felt financially secure, he told me, they would have their first child.
Suggests writer should consult catechism rather than party talking points
To the editor:
John Murphy’s letter (February 9 issue of Catholic Herald) claims that Newt Gingrich, in calling President Obama the “food stamp President,” meant to demean African-Americans.
Mr. Murphy should be advised that ascribing racist motives to someone without any supporting evidence is calumny and therefore, sinful. Whatever one may think of Mr. Gingrich, his basic point that food stamps and dependency have increased exponentially under this president is factually correct.
Moral decline in past 60 years: Due to legacy of Planned Parenthood, speaker charges
During the second half of the 20th century, we experienced many positive changes in our society in the United States, including greater respect for minorities and the expansion of opportunities for women, along with advances in technology, communications, and medical care.
Bautismo: Recibir el don de una conciencia clara
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Queridos amigos:
Incluso después de algunas semanas en Roma, en donde pude tener algunos encuentros muy fructíferos y mucho tiempo de oración con obispos hermanos y el Santo Padre, en las tumbas de los Apóstoles, simplemente no puedo decirles lo feliz que estoy de haber vuelto a la diócesis, a donde he sido enviado como sucesor de los Apóstoles para mantener la unidad con el Obispo de Roma.
Por favor, hagan saber que los recordé a todos muy regularmente en mis oraciones, especialmente en los lugares santos, durante esos días en Roma. Gracias por haber rezado por mí. Podría decir que me sentido acompañado. Traigo además un saludo particular del Papa Benedicto XVI, nuestro Santo Padre, que ofreció su cariño y su bendición apostólica a toda la diócesis.
Ahora nos encontramos juntos al inicio de la Cuaresma, tiempo que nos lleva a la gran celebración de Resurrección. Uno de los momentos más grandes de esa celebración de la Resurrección se da a través del Bautismo de los nuevos católicos que entran a la Iglesia, en donde ponen a un lado sus antiguas existencias y son llenados por la vida Cristo Resucitado. De ese modo también tenemos algunas lecciones sobre el Bautismo en las lecturas del domingo pasado, el primero de la Cuaresma.