With the summer months winding down, hundreds of disabled and elderly guests took part in their own fun in the sun at one of Wisconsin’s most historic attractions.
Day: August 28, 2014
Lumen House opens in downtown Madison
As classes get underway at the start of another new school year on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, more than 60 students are taking up residence in a building that combines the old with the new.
40 Days for Life seeks volunteers
The 2014 40 Days for Life Madison campaign will kick off on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Style show to benefit St. Vincent de Paul
MADISON — The Madison Catholic Woman’s Club (MCWC) cordially invites all the women of the Diocese of Madison and friends to a benefit dessert and fashion show.
The “Autumn’s in the Air” style show will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church’s social center at 5001 N. Sherman. Ave in Madison on Monday, Sept. 8. Seating is at 11:30 a.m., dessert is at 12 noon, and the fashion show is at 12:30 p.m. The facility is barrier free.
Rachel’s Vineyard retreats offered
Rachel’s Vineyard retreats offer an opportunity for anyone who is struggling with the emotional and spiritual pain of abortion to experience the love and mercy of God.
Tips for a better school year
Students from around the diocese took time out of their summer vacations to do something very unusual: come to school.
That’s right. For three weeks from Monday through Thursday, they spent their mornings at St. Ambrose Academy in Madison going to class, taking notes, doing homework, and preparing for a test.
Why would they do such a thing? The reason is simple: they want to be better students. They know that the school year is starting soon, and they know that Christ calls them to be the best students they can be.
Dressing for success — and modesty
For parents and students everywhere, “back to school” means shopping and lots of it, mostly for supplies and clothes. In both of those areas, there can be debates and battles between parents and children on what each thinks the student should have.
With fashions and trends always changing, buying “school clothes” becomes a yearly challenge.
Schools in the Diocese of Madison try every year to create a safe and comfortable learning environment while dealing with new fashion trends.
A courageous journalist who knew the power of prayer
After hearing about the death of journalist James Foley, I learned that he was a graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee.
Marquette’s website (www.marquette.edu) has lots of information about James Foley. Perhaps the most moving to me was a letter he wrote to Marquette after his first capture in 2011 upon returning home safely from Libya.
In that letter, Foley talks about the strength he drew not only from his own prayers, but also from the prayers of his family and friends. He tells how he and his colleague, Clare, prayed together in captivity.
Teachers are important for a good school year
The new school year invites us to reflect upon teachers’ importance.
Though they sometimes fall short like other humans, good teachers influence our youth who are the hope of the future. Through their classes pass future lawyers, doctors, reporters, writers, farmers, secretaries, engineers, and other shapers of tomorrow’s world.
Good teachers know and love their subject and their students. Coaches, chaperones, parents, counselors, and others who contribute to the school also teach youth. They often are role models.
We may have memories of teachers who made a difference. Some taught elementary school; others taught junior high, and still others taught high school or college. They often differed, but they had one trait in common. They cared about us, shared the subject that they loved, and helped us to grow. We should remember to thank them.
Reflections on work as we mark Labor Day
Labor Day offers us opportunities to reflect upon the value, blessings, and crosses of work from the perspective of Catholic spirituality. Since we spend much time working and commuting to work, such reflection is important.
In Genesis 1:26 God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” By our work, we honor the gifts and talents we received from God. Our work helps us to co-create with God by transforming creation in ways that benefit humanity, reflect Christ-like values, and bring creation to its completion and fulfillment.
Transforming the world — and ourselves
When we make crutches or rosaries, or write about poverty, we ought to feel good because our work benefits others. When we prepare meals, grow crops, or repair computers, we should be proud because our work serves others.