August 31, 2017 – Madison Catholic Herald

Labor Day has become a day of parades, picnics, and political speeches. Many see this day as a celebration of summer’s end, the beginning of school, and one more chance to relax before fall’s busyness. Labor Day did not begin with this intention.

On September 5, 1882, the first Labor Day celebration and parade in the United States were held in New York City. Thousands of workers marched in a parade up Broadway carrying banners that read: “EIGHT HOURS FOR WORK, EIGHT HOURS FOR REST, EIGHT HOURS FOR RECREATION.” It became a federal holiday in 1894.

Reflecting on dignity of work

In 1891, in his ground-breaking encyclical Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIII outlined the rights of workers to a fair wage, safe working conditions, and formation of labor unions, while affirming the rights of property and free enterprise.

On August 31, 2017

Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service

Catholic groups helping after Harvey


		A Texas National Guard soldier carries a woman during rescue operations in flooded areas around Houston, Texas. (CNS photo/courtesy Texas Military Department)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (CNS) — Catholic dioceses and charities are quickly organizing to help in the aftermath of a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall with heavy rains and winds of 130 miles per hour late August 25 into the Rockport, Texas, area, northeast of Corpus Christi.

The hurricane, named Harvey, is said to be the strongest one to hit the United States in more than a decade and perhaps the strongest one to make landfall in Texas.

Mobilizing to help

		Bishop Robert C. Morlino has authorized a mandatory special collection at the parish level for flood victims in Texas. Here is the link for more information: www.madisondiocese.org/donate

Catholic Charities USA, as well as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Disaster Services, announced early on August 26 that they’re mobilizing to help an as-yet-unknown number of persons affected by the hurricane. The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has a list of charities helping with the disaster listed on its website at https://tx catholic.org/harvey

Authorities reported at least five casualties as of August 27, but because of safety issues, not many emergency teams have been yet able to respond to the aftermath and much of the damage is unknown. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared the state a disaster area, which will allow federal money to help in reconstruction. Catholic groups said they want to help with the immediate needs of the communities affected.

On August 31, 2017

Bishop Robert Barron

Charlottesville and America’s ‘original sin’

I vividly remember my first visit to Charlottesville, Va. It was about 20 years ago, and I was on vacation with a good friend, who shared with me a passion for American history and for Thomas Jefferson in particular.

We had toured a number of Civil War battlefields in Maryland and Virginia and then had made our way to Jefferson’s University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Finally, we ventured outside the city to the little hilltop home that the great founder had designed and built for himself, Monticello.

It was a glorious summer day, and the elegant manse shone in all of its Palladian splendor. We took in its classical lines, its distinctive red and white coloration, the understated beauty of its dome, its overall symmetry, balance, and harmony.

On August 31, 2017May 10, 2023

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St. Mother Teresa anniversary challenges one to give of ourselves

September 5 will mark the celebration of St. Mother Teresa’s feast day. She died on September 5, 1997, so it has been 20 years since her death. Two decades later, we celebrate her as a saint of Christ’s Church and draw inspiration from her life committed to serving Christ and His people, especially the poor and suffering.

On August 31, 2017

Chris Lee

Farewell Mass for Fr. Bill Connell on September 17

CLINTON — Fr. Bill Connell, who was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1975, will be retiring because of health reasons from St. Stephen Parish, Clinton.

He will have a farewell Mass and reception on Sunday, Sept. 17. This will include the usual 9 a.m. Sunday Mass, followed by a light brunch and reception until 12 noon provided by his parish and large family. All are welcome.

On August 31, 2017

Kevin Wondrash

Holy Family Parish in La Valle celebrates church centennial

LA VALLE — Holy Family Parish in La Valle will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the erection of its church with a special Mass on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 12 noon, with Bishop Robert C. Morlino presiding.

The church is located at 310 Bluff St. in La Valle. Fr. Sanctus K. Ibe is the pastor.

Dates back to 1915

Holy Family Catholic Parish of La Valle originated in 1915 under the leadership of Father Kriel. The first services were held in a vacant shoe store.

On August 31, 2017

Kevin Wondrash

Madison Catholic Woman’s Club hosts Benefit Dessert Party and Fashion Show

MADISON — The Madison Catholic Woman’s Club will host its annual Benefit Dessert Party and Fashion Show by Talbot’s with the theme, “Autumn’s Palette,” on Monday, Sept. 11. This is the club’s major fundraiser with proceeds going to charitable projects.

All women of the diocese and their guests are invited to join the club for dessert, fashions, raffle, and prizes at St. Peter Catholic Church Social Center, 5001 Sherman Ave., Madison. Doors open at 11 a.m. for raffle and seating; dessert will be served at 11:30.

On August 31, 2017February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Continuing St. Mother Teresa’s work

It doesn’t seem possible that it has been 20 years since the death of St. Mother Teresa.

She died on September 5, 1997. I remember that year well, because Princess Diana died on August 31, just a few days before Mother Teresa.

Connection with Princess Diana

The two were connected by more than the proximity of their deaths. They had met and Princess Diana had said that Mother Teresa inspired her to help the poor.