Year: 2012

On
John Huebscher

In year of divisions, Catholics can model civility

Eye on the Capitol by John HuebscherLabor Day is past and the fall election season begins in earnest. As in previous years, party leaders and political commentators see Catholics as swing voters. That means people will be paying attention to us. This attention provides an opportunity to explain and witness our values and to express them in ways that elevate, not coarsen, the debate.

But our witness is effective only when we practice what we preach amongst ourselves. The reality is that faithful Catholics are both Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, partisans and independents. And, even as we discuss our political differences, we ought not to lose sight of our shared values and common humanity that bind us together as persons created in the image of God.

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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Remembering 9-11: First responders inspire us to unite in service to others

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

Many things are etched in our minds from the events of September 11, 2001. Although people throughout the world were shocked by the death and destruction wrought at the World Trade Center in New York City, we also remember the courageous and compassionate service of so many firefighters, police officers, and volunteers who helped in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Those first responders — and so many others who helped victims heal and rebuild the city — remain true heroes in our eyes. I think they also helped inspire young people to follow in their footsteps in serving others.

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On
Bishop Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison

Looking for beauty in the workaday world

This column is the bishop’s communication with the faithful of the Diocese of Madison. Any wider circulation reaches beyond the intention of the bishop.

Dear Friends,

As I write this column, we come quickly upon the Labor Day Holiday. It is, in some ways, a rather bittersweet milestone for me each year, as it signals the soon-to-come end of the days of warmth and sun (although this year any break from the extreme heat is not unwelcome!), and before we know it, we’ll be in the midst of winter.

At the same time, with increasing speed each year, Thanksgiving seems to rush upon us after Labor Day, and then Christmas — which is surely a blessed time.

Labor Day, however, allows us a breath and an opportunity to examine our efforts and, I would propose, to reapply ourselves to using our work — no matter what it is — to sanctifying the world around us. Each and every one of our labors, whether it be raising our children, working as a teacher, a salesperson, a lawyer, or a mechanic, should become a means by which we encounter God and witness to His concern for the world — and that’s my first point.

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On
Patrick Delaney, For the Catholic Herald

New catechetical standards launched for Year of Faith

MADISON — As the Diocese of Madison prepares for the Year of Faith, it is perhaps by Divine Providence that our parishes and schools will also be implementing a new body of Catechetical Standards for grades Pre-K through eight in the 2012-13 academic year.

Beginning with a process initiated in early 2011, a committee was assembled by the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools and the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis to assist in drafting these new standards.

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On
Tim Virnig, For the Catholic Herald

Knights of Divine Mercy get ‘God strong’ for Year of Faith

PINE BLUFF — The small farming community of Pine Bluff sits at the cross roads halfway between Cross Plains and Mt. Horeb.

In 2005, Pine Bluff was at a different crossroads. A local tavern was planning to rent out a portion of its establishment to a strip club and would place this sleepy little town between its traditional values and the forces of immorality and indecency.

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On
Fr. Donald Lange

Blessed Pope John Paul II: future patron saint of athletes?

Seeing with Jesus' Eyes, a column by Fr. Donald Lange

Another season of high school, grade school, college, and professional sports has begun. These can invite us to reflect upon ways that we participate in sports as players or watch as spectators.

In Colossians 3:17, it says “Whatever we do in word or deed, do all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God, the Father though him.”

When Pope John II became pope, he installed a swimming pool at Castel Gandolfo, his summer residence. He responded to those who criticized its cost by saying that it was cheaper than paying for a new conclave. He also skied. Doctors think that he recovered from an assassin’s wounds quickly because of vibrant health nourished by sports. Through sports and exercise, he showed us ways to care for our bodies, which God created. If he is canonized, he could join St. Sebastian as patron saint of athletes.

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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Stronger marriages: We must be committed to strengthening marriage, family life

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

Recently my husband John and I celebrated 39 years of married life. When we got married in 1973, we told each other that we hoped to make it to our 50th wedding anniversary. Of course, we would even like more than 50 years together, but that is our goal. We have only 11 years to go, God willing.

We hope to be able to participate eventually in the annual diocesan celebration for couples observing their 50th wedding anniversaries. It was held in August, and Bishop Robert C. Morlino gave each golden anniversary couple a certificate. He commended them for their cooperation with Christ in building a successful marriage.

The bishop said that these couples know that Christ is central to a successful marriage. He also pointed out the importance of forgiving each other and bringing a joyful witness to others in society.

This week the Catholic Herald is publishing our twice annual Catholic Marriage section. It offers articles focusing on marriage preparation and marriage enrichment with a faith perspective. We hope you will read it and/or pass it along to a couple contemplating marriage or needing help with married life.

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