“Of all the things that should be beautiful in the sacred liturgy, music is one of the most important ones,” said Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB, to the attendees at the St. Thérèse Lecture November 20 at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Center in Madison.
Author: Kevin Wondrash
There are many reasons to thank God
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| 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,
Thanksgiving is at the heart of what we do and who we are as a faithful Catholic people.
And so, while there is a great deal to be terribly concerned about in our world, in our nation, and in our own part of the country, there is also a great deal for which we each can offer our thanks to God — which is the origin and the reason for the holiday that is upon us.
On a personal level, I have a great deal for which to be thankful.
In terms of my friends and those with whom I am blessed to serve, I am just that — terribly blessed. Thanks be to God, it’s been another year of good health, and for that too, I cannot fail to be thankful.
Sneak preview tour of Bishop O’Connor Catholic Center renovation
MADISON — A special invitation has been extended to parishioners in the Diocese of Madison and friends for a sneak preview tour of the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Center renovation. It will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m.
Get an insider look at the sensitive, eco-friendly restoration initiatives now underway. When the renovation of the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Center is complete in spring of 2016, it will be home to diocesan offices, Catholic Charities, the Catholic Herald, Relevant Radio, and 53 beautiful one- and two-bedroom residences at Holy Name Heights.
Lessons and Carols to be held in Montello
MONTELLO — St. John the Baptist Parish in Montello and Good Shepherd Parish in Westfield are proud to again present an evening of Lessons and Carols.
The event is set for Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at St. John Church, 277 E. Montello St., Montello.
As in the past, choirs from St. John the Baptist and Good Shepherd Parishes will unite to provide the musical presentations. Students from the religious education programs at the parishes will also participate in the event.
Monroe Clinic hosts Christmas Festival
MONROE — Monroe Clinic Volunteers in Partnership (MCVIP) will host their annual Christmas Festival on Friday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Monroe Clinic Founder’s Hall, in the lower level at 515 22nd Ave.
This year, MCVIP has created many beautiful gift baskets that are wonderful for Christmas giving. The annual tradition features a catered lunch by Barb’s Kitchen, coffee, fresh pastries made by Boomerang Bakery, Prairie Stone gift items, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction.
Students and staff in Jefferson present tribute to veterans
JEFFERSON — On Wednesday, Nov. 11, students and staff at St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Jefferson presented their annual tribute to veterans in the parish church.
The eighth grade students escorted guests to their seats after presenting them with flags and patriotic wristbands.
Principal Mrs. Susan Loof formally welcomed veterans and thanked them for their service to our country. She then offered a prayer for the veterans and their families.
Edgewood Campus School to offer education and global courses
MADISON — Edgewood Campus School has partnered with Level Up Village (LUV) to offer pioneering global STEAM (STEM + arts) courses as part of an enrichment activity for students in grades four and five.
This fall, the school is offering Global Inventors/3D Printing and Global Video Game Design. Throughout the courses, students are collaborating one-on-one with partners in a developing country via video message exchange. The ECS students are working with partners in Nicaragua and Ghana.
Parents play key role in sex education
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While some parents might be happy to avoid the awkward conversations that arise around human sexuality by allowing the school system to provide their children’s sex education, it is nonetheless important for parents to recognize that they are the most significant teachers and models for their own children as they mature sexually.
Instilling a healthy attitude about sexuality in young people involves a variety of considerations, including conveying a proper sense of constraints and boundaries. These boundaries arise organically through the virtue of chastity, by which a person acquires the ability to renounce self, to make sacrifices, and to wait generously in consideration of loving fidelity toward a future spouse, out of self-respect, and out of fidelity to God.
St. Vincent de Paul holds $1 coat sale
As a line of people formed outside the St. Vincent de Paul Dig & Save store on S. Park St., the warm autumn day clashed with what was on everyone’s mind — coats, especially for winter.
Fort Atkinson students take part in annual Rake-A-Thon
FORT ATKINSON — St. Joseph School recently participated in its third annual Rake-A-Thon.
The Rake-A-Thon, held on November 6, was a community service project that consisted of students, staff, and volunteers raking the lawns of parishioners.
The Rake-A-Thon was coordinated by second grade teacher Michele Simonson.