Year: 2016

On
Patrick Gorman, For the Catholic Herald

Living the Liturgical Year

Most of us have some sense of the Church’s liturgical year. The priest wears purple during Advent, the sanctuary is filled with poinsettias during the Christmas season (and beyond), and our parishes add extra hours for the Sacrament of Penance during Lent. The life of the Church is ordered around the rhythm of the liturgical year.

Unfortunately, most people’s lives are ordered around a different calendar. School starts every fall, December is packed with too many things to do, travel plans are made when the kids are on spring break, etc.

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On
Fr. Donald Lange

St. Joseph was an instrument of God’s mercy

Seeing with Jesus' Eyes by Fr. Donald Lange column logo

A friend sent me a Christmas card that he proudly created. It featured a picture of Mary lovingly holding the infant Jesus. Under the picture were the words, “Who is Missing?”

The answer is St. Joseph, who as the head of the Holy Family, was there to support Mary as she gave birth to Jesus on Christmas. We honor him as a great saint because he was the foster father of Jesus who with Mary guided young Jesus as he grew in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.

Role as protector

Joseph exercised his role as protector of Mary and Jesus discreetly, humbly, and silently. He did so with an unfailing presence and fidelity, even when he found it difficult and confusing.

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On
Bishop Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison

How to face anger and show mercy like Jesus

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,

The Gospel reading of this past weekend (Jn 8:1-11) provides a portrait of Jesus in the face of intense anger and hatred and it leaves us with two key points: 1) how we might react to diffuse such situations, and 2) the importance and the inseparable nature of mercy and repentance.

Out to get Jesus

Now, the Gospel really shows us the Pharisees and the Scribes at their worst. They are out to get Jesus.

Let’s recall the story — some people have begun to question whether Jesus is the Messiah and He has therefore begun to get the Scribes and the Pharisees pretty upset.

They are ready to be done with Him, but first they need to trip Him up so as either to give them an airtight case against Him, or to arouse the ire of the people, or both.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

St. Mary Parish Players presents Variety Show

BLOOMINGTON — Members of St. Mary Parish in Bloomington and residents of the surrounding area will present their third annual Variety Show.

“Down Home Fun” is the theme of this year’s performances which will be performed at St. Mary School gym, 531 Congress St., on Sunday, March 20, beginning at 1 p.m. The doors will open at 12 noon.

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On
Tom Roberts

If Latin Mass is restored, all Catholics should learn Latin

To the editor:

Fr. John Zuhlsdorf’s column, “Latin is language for Church teaching, worship” (Catholic Herald, March 3), could be taken at its word. We have Latin. He states that Judaism has Hebrew.

When the Torah is read in Hebrew, the congregation understands it. When a child becomes Bar or Bat Mitzvah, he or she reads from the Torah and presents a short essay.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

Ladies of Divine Mercy Evening of Reflection

CROSS PLAINS — All women are invited to a Ladies of Divine Mercy Evening of Reflection at St. Mary of Pine Bluff Church, 3673 CTH P, Cross Plains, on Friday, March 18.

The evening begins with the Angelus and sung Vespers at 6 p.m., followed by Eucharistic Adoration. Around 7 p.m., Fr. Scott Jablonski will give a spiritual reflection. The evening concludes with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Benediction.

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