Dear Shirley Abrahamson,
I wish to know what your position is regarding the decision made by the Wisconsin Department of Justice to file a criminal charge against Madame Julie Thao in connection with the death of a patient at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.
MADISON — Jesus told St. Faustina that the Feast of Divine Mercy would be a very special day when “all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened.” Jesus promised her that “the soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain the complete forgiveness of sins and punishments.”
Increasing numbers of Catholics are taking advantage of this promise and the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence on the Sunday after Easter, declared Divine Mercy Sunday in the year 2000.
People in the Diocese of Madison have witnessed the power of devotion on Divine Mercy Sunday. “Miracles happen,” said Martha Bindl, a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Parish in Monona.
BARABOO — Fish fries are a popular tradition in Wisconsin in restaurants, but an increasing number of Catholic parishes are sponsoring fish fries.
The parishes especially offer fish fries during Lent, when Catholics ages 14 and older are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. But more parishes have been holding fish fries throughout the rest of the year.
One of these parishes is St. Joseph Parish in Baraboo, better known as St. Joe’s. The parish started sponsoring fish fries in 1994. “They were designed to be a fundraiser that would take the place of other ‘small’ type fundraisers, such as wrapping paper and candy bar sales,” said Dan Fitzpatrick, director of operations at St. Joe’s.
MADISON — People are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring at the annual St. James School Italian Dinner and Auction on Sunday, March 29, at the church and school, located two blocks southwest of Regent and Mills Sts. in Madison at 1128 St. James Ct. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m.
The all-you-can eat spaghetti dinner was started more than 50 years ago in honor of the Italians and Italian-Americans who joined St. James, the parish started by German immigrants after their church, St. Joseph, was torn down in favor of urban renewal. A historic mark notes the area which now houses medical facilities and office buildings.
These days one does not need to look very far to know that our society is facing many challenges. Every day, even every hour, it seems we hear more news of the deepening economic crisis, corporate excess, massive layoffs, failing businesses, and increasing home foreclosures.
The current crisis seems to have affected nearly every facet of life. In one way or another, it touches every person and every organization, including our diocese, our parishes, and our schools.
Estimados amigos,
¡Cada año el 25 de marzo, celebramos la gran solemnidad de la anunciación del Señor . Celebramos ese día cuando el Arcángel Gabriel vino y dijo a María, “Salve, llena de gracia! El Señor está contigo. . . No temas, María, porque has encontrado favor en Dios. Concebirás en tu matriz y llevarás un hijo, y lo nombrarás Jesús,” a lo qué María contestó, “he aquí la esclava del Señor. Hágase en mí según tu palabra.” María fue presentada con la voluntad de Dios en ella, y ella ofreció su profundo “sí!”
Whenever we at the Wisconsin Catholic Conference talked to groups last year about the US Bishops’ statement on political responsibility, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, we emphasized that faithful citizenship is about more than voting. It is about doing the hard work of citizenship on a year-round basis.
In the coming weeks, Catholics around the state who want to live out their call to be faithful citizens will have a chance to do so — by attending one of six hearings on the 2009 budget bill. The hearings, conducted by the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance will take place over a two-week period beginning on Monday, March 23, and concluding on Friday, April 3.
What do fish, coffee, and apples have in common besides being an interesting Lenten meal?
Each of these foods has a story that highlights how Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has worked with local people to find a new way to create economic success.
CRS is the major international outreach to 100 countries in Central and Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East. Programs are designed to work with people of a community in helping lift their poverty.
These three examples of fish, coffee, and apples show how small changes lead to big results.
Dear Friends in Christ,
The theme of Jesus in disguise reminds us that Christ is present in those who suffer — and in those who respond compassionately to their needs. The Catholic Relief Services Collection supports important Catholic organizations that carry out God’s work around the world — providing refugee resettlement, HIV/AIDS and international poverty relief, legal aid for poor immigrants, emergency and disaster relief, and advocacy for the promotion of global peace and justice. Remembering these humanitarian obligations is part of our role as Catholics, being leaven in the world.
To the editor:
It is time again for another avalanche of postcards to Washington, D.C. — this time directed to President Obama.
