Author: Chris Lee

Brother Dutton did more to help Father Damien

To the editor:

The story of Father Damien in the October 8 issue of the Catholic Herald was very timely coming just prior to his canonization on October 11. I wish to comment on the statement made relative to Joseph Dutton.

Two from diocese ordained to transitional diaconate at Vatican

ROME — Almost 90 people from the Diocese of Madison travelled to Rome for the ordination of two diocesan seminarians: David Carrano and Greg Ihm.

Edgewood serves its community

MADISON — For the 10th year, students, teachers, and parents at Edgewood High School (EHS) ventured out together into the community to do acts of service.

Let your legislators know how you feel about health care reform measures

To the editor:

The debate on health care reform has been raging for months with the Democratic congressional leadership and various committees frantically trying to come up with a bill that will actually pass in Congress. But through it all, two things have not changed:

Praying Rosary helps us imitate Mary, do God’s will

To the editor:

October is the month of the Rosary. On October 7, 1571, Catholic forces defeated the Turks in the Battle of Lepanto. Thousands of Catholics prayed the Rosary and invoked Mary’s intercession and helped to achieve this important victory. In gratitude, Pope Pius V established the feast which became the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, which we celebrate on October 7.

Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi


	Students and animals met each other during the pet blessing at St. Peter School, Ashton. (Catholic Herald photo/Kat Wagner)

ASHTON — It was a blustery day for bringing the class outside, but everyone was wearing coats — including the animals.

The students at St. Peter School in Ashton celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with a pet blessing after returning from a retreat October 1.

This year’s retreat, the second the school has held for the students, was offered at Ochsner Park in Baraboo. The students visited the zoo and learned about St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is October 4.

After arriving back at school, the students were able to have their pets and animals blessed by Fr. Eugene “Bud” Hollfelder, pastor at the parish. Some parents were able to bring the animals — from dogs and cats to rabbits and a heifer — to the school to be blessed. Other students brought pictures of their pets.

The topics for the retreats are on a three-year cycle, said Maria Patt, principal. Last year the students learned about Mary on their retreat. This year, they learned about the patron saint of animals and the environment.

St. Ambrose Academy banks on prayers

MADISON — St. Ambrose Academy (SAA) marked the start of its seventh year by launching a spiritual capital campaign that has already borne much fruit.

Visiting the nursing home is a sacred ministry

A nursing home is a holy place. It is a sacred space because it is home for the aged and handicapped who need special love and care. They also need the gift of our visits. When we visit them, we show that we care about them.

A painting depicts a long line of people patiently waiting to be fed at a soup kitchen. Over the head of one of them is a halo. This person is Jesus. If we look carefully we may notice that Jesus is smiling. This painting reminds us that when we help someone in need, we help Jesus. We may even make him smile.