Year: 2013

On
Lillian Qinones, For the Catholic Herald

Researcher uncovers the dark world of the Pill

Author’s note: This is the second in our series of interviews on Heroes for Life — Catholics who are doing extraordinary things for the pro-life movement. I have included the scientific citation links in the text of the interview so you can read more on the published research on this compelling topic which has far-reaching implications for our society. — Lillian Quinones, senior, St. Ambrose Academy, Madison

Following is an interview with Vicki Thorn, founder of Project Rachel and the executive director of the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing located in Milwaukee.

She is an international speaker/author on the topic on post-abortion healing. She has done extensive research on the biology of bonding/attachment and on the biochemistry of attraction which relates to the Theology of the Body.

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On
Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB

The Holy Eucharist: History of the Mass, part three

Year of Faith column logo

This is the third of a four-part series on the Eucharist.
Council of Trent (1545-1563)

The Council of Trent was called not primarily to look at the liturgy, but rather to counter the attack on the doctrine and practice of the Church by the reformers. The Reformation in northern Europe had devastated the Church. The Council wanted to restore it to full theological orthodoxy in the face of attacks on Catholic beliefs, and to renew the vigor of the life of Catholics.

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On
Doug Ulaszek, For the Catholic Herald

Going ‘To the Heights’ with Frassati Fest

“Verso l’alto!”

It was a phrase heard quite often around Chula Vista resort this past February 1 to 3. In English, it means “To the Heights,” and was a favorite saying of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, the patron of the newly named Diocesan High School Rally, Frassati Fest. The phrase speaks to different people in different ways, but is a universal call for each and every one of us to strive for greatness, ultimately leading us to the greatest height: heaven and eternal life.

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On
Chris Lee

Wisconsin Catholic Conference comments on state budget

MADISON — As the public policy voice of Wisconsin’s Roman Catholic bishops, the Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) supports and affirms many of the measures included in Governor Scott Walker’s 2013-15 state biennial budget proposal. However, the WCC has some concerns that may require further review and revision.

The WCC supports the promotion of innovative and quality education in the budget, including the expansion of parental choice programs and the creation of the Special Needs Scholarship Program. Both proposals are a step forward in empowering all parents with the ability to choose a school that best meets their child’s needs.

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On
Jeanne Breunig

HHS mandates provide children with services without parental notification

To the editor:

We are shocked to read in the Alliance Defending Freedom HHS Mandates Fact Sheet, page 2, (http://www.alliancedefendingfreedom.org/content/docs/facts/ObamaCare-and-its-Mandates.pdf) that children ages 0-26 will receive contraception, sterilization, and abortion with no parental notification.

Please be aware that this provision will cause untold harm and death to all families under Obamacare.

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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Annual Catholic Appeal: Why it’s vital to support diocesan ministries and services

This weekend, March 2 and 3, Catholics throughout the Diocese of Madison will be asked to contribute to the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA).

Members of parishes have already received a letter from Bishop Robert C. Morlino with information on the ACA. It was an opportunity to pledge support for the ACA even before the public process started. We have already sent in our family’s pledge to the ACA. People can pay in one lump sum or give a pledge to be paid over a five-month period.

I believe it is vital to support the ministries and services in our diocese funded by the ACA. (Please note that I am giving an objective opinion, since the Catholic Herald does not receive support from the appeal; our paper is supported only by subscriptions and advertising.)

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On
Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB

The Holy Eucharist: History of the Mass, part two

Year of Faith column logo

This is the second of a four-part series on the Eucharist.
Fourth through Seventh Centuries

With the end of official state persecution, the Church was able to develop in a very different way — and this development was aided by the support of the Roman Emperor, beginning with Constantine I (306-337). This period saw a great deal of adaptation by the Church of religious and secular forms which had been part of Roman culture throughout its pagan history. Here are just two examples:

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