Rev. Msgr. James […]
Year: 2012
Stand up for religious liberty and rights of conscience
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Bishop Robert C. Morlino has written a letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Madison pertaining to the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requiring all health plans to cover contraception and sterilization free of charge. This ruling affects religious liberty and rights of conscience of millions of people in the United States.
All bishops in the United States are making similar statements and sending similar letters to the faithful in their dioceses. Bishop Morlino has asked that his letter be read, and distributed, at Masses on the weekend of January 28 to 29 in the Diocese of Madison.
Annual Catholic Appeal theme: ‘Fountains of Living Water’
MADISON — “We need Living Water to continue to learn and grow in our faith. Water is so important to normal life, and Living Water represents Christ. The Annual Catholic Appeal creates a ripple effect: One life touches another life.”
Those are the words of Barbara Wills, principal of St. Joseph School in Hazel Green, who is one of those whose reflections are included in the Diocese of Madison’s 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) brochure.
NFP teacher training offered in diocese for first time
MADISON — For the first time, people interested in becoming a Creighton Model Natural Family Planning (NFP) teacher will not have to travel to Omaha, Neb. The training program will be offered in the Diocese of Madison starting in May.
Informational sessions to hear an overview of the program and ask questions will be held on Friday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Bishop O’Connor Center in Madison. People need only attend one of these sessions.
Catholic schools: Faith, academics, service
“Why do we have Catholic schools?” I mean really, why do we have Catholic schools? It’s a question I hear much too often.
Yet it is a question that I am passionate about answering, not just because I’m the superintendent, but because I’ve experienced Catholic schools as a student, a parent, a teacher, and an administrator, and I am completely, totally, and unequivocally convinced that Catholic schools are awesome!
For 20th time, caring people will ‘Recycle the Warmth’
MADISON — For the 20th time, an annual collection of blankets and bedding will soon offer some warmth and comfort to Dane County people in need.
Through its 20th annual Recycle the Warmth Blanket Drive, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will ask people around the Madison area to show their concern for local families struggling with poverty.
The importance of choice in education reform
Wisconsin’s public policy makers have increasingly focused on education reform. They do so for good reason.
Significant improvement in our education system could help alleviate many of the problems currently plaguing our state, such as skilled labor shortages and the high cost of incarceration. With “Catholic Schools Week” upon us, it’s fitting to reflect upon the Church’s approach to education reform and the unique role Catholic schools play in our community.
Catholic school students encouraged to respect everyone
Catholic Schools Week begins on Sunday, Jan. 29, and ends on Sunday, Feb. 5. Catholic schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses, and activities for students, families, parishioners, and the wider community.
The Catholic school builds upon the relationship with God, knowledge, values, and community that the student experiences at home. In no. 2204 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it says, “the Christian family constitutes a specific revelation and realization of ecclesial communion and for this reason it can and should be called a domestic Church.” Good families teach us to respect God and each other.
To the threshold of the apostles
“Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days” (Galatians 1:18).
Beginning in early November 2011 and extending through much of 2012, the ad limina visits by United States bishops will constitute the most comprehensive review of Church life in the United States since Pope Benedict XVI was elected in 2005.
Pro-life witness helped lead to closing of abortion mill
To the editor:
As we ponder the ramifications of the January 22 Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion 39 years ago, I would like to comment on the closing of the Rockford abortion mill.
This closing would not have been possible without the presence of many faithful pro-life Christians. For over two decades, these valiant pro-lifers have been there praying, witnessing, and pleading with the mothers who walked into the killing center.