Someone very, very special has been visiting St. Aloysius Church in Sauk City on a regular basis. In fact, every Wednesday and Thursday, at any given hour — day or night — you can drive by the front of the church and see cars parked in the circular drive.
Month: February 2013
The legacy of Benedict XVI
At his election in 2005, some thought of him as a papal place-keeper: a man who would keep the Chair of Peter warm for a few years until a younger papal candidate emerged.
In many other ways, and most recently by his remarkably self-effacing decision to abdicate, Joseph Ratzinger proved himself a man of surprises. What did he accomplish, and what was left undone, over a pontificate of almost eight years?
Reassuring a parent at the end of their life
Q: I have been caring for my mother for the past two years. She is in her late 80’s and has several health issues. The doctors told me she would probably not live beyond one year when I first brought her home. Lately she has been asking me, almost every day, “why am I still here?” I have given all of the cliché answers, such as “God’s not ready for you yet”, or “it’s not your time.” I have run out of things to say. What do you say or do when the person you are caring for is ready to go, and they simply seem to linger? (From a daughter in Middleton)
St. Albert mission trip to help Hurricane Sandy victims
SUN PRAIRIE — Hurricane Sandy slammed into the East Coast of the United States on October 29, 2012. People are still recovering from the effects of the storm.
The Holy Eucharist: History of the Mass, part one
To begin our reflections on the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, it would be valuable to first look at the history of the celebration of this central sacrament of our Faith. Such an historical view will give perspective on the celebration in our time.
Recently, there have been changes in the translation of the texts of Holy Mass. A generation earlier, there were changes in a number of the elements that may have upset some people.
‘Vatican II and the Liturgy’ workshop on March 9
MADISON –Pope Benedict XVI invited all Catholics to take a fresh look at the documents of the Second Vatican Council during the Year of Faith. Join internationally known liturgist, Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB, for a fresh look at what was called for by the Council and what still needs to be done.
Bring Lent to life: Look for opportunities to nourish your faith by praying, fasting, and giving
Lent is a special time set aside by the Church to prepare for Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection through 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
There are many ways we can observe the Lenten season. In his message for Lent this year, Pope Benedict XVI asked us, especially in the context of this Year of Faith, to “meditate on the relationship between faith and charity: between believing in God — the God of Jesus Christ — and love, which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit and which guides us on the path of devotion to God and others.”
Pope Benedict emphasizes that faith and charity are linked together. “Everything begins from the humble acceptance of faith (‘knowing that one is loved by God’), but has to arrive at the truth of charity (‘knowing how to love God and neighbour’), which remains for ever, as the fulfilment of all the virtues (cf. 1 Cor 13:13).”
Steve Petrica ordained to diaconate
Steve Petrica, a former Anglican priest who was received into the Catholic Church in 2006, was ordained to the transitional diaconate by Bishop Robert C. Morlino during the Cathedral Parish’s 11 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick Church on Sunday, Feb. 10.
Bringing back Communion rails is not the answer
To the editor:
This is in regard to the recent article (January 24) by Deacon Greg Kandra on bringing back Communion rails in church. You’ve got to be kidding! Do you really think that will fix the problem mentioned and make all people more holy? I don’t think so.
Holiness begins with learning of one’s religion and what is in our hearts. It should begin with teaching children about the Church, the sacraments, and how to be respectful to others.
A good shepherd: Pope Benedict XVI showed loving care for his flock
It doesn’t seem that long ago. On April 19, 2005, we heard the news that the cardinals had elected a new pope. Some of us had gathered around a television set at the Bishop O’Connor Center to watch the announcement. Who would it be, we wondered?
When I heard the name, “Joseph,” I knew the next pope would be Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. Then I heard he took the name Benedict XVI.
Holy, gentle man
Our new Holy Father came from behind the curtains. His smile absolutely lit up St. Peter’s Square. I couldn’t help but be impressed by this holy, gentle man who called himself “a simple, humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord.”