Author: Kevin Wondrash

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Kevin Wondrash

Going forward and looking back

MADISON — As the 2013 National Assembly of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul entered its third full scheduled day of events, it was a time to look back on how all the society’s works started.

The year 2013 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Retreat on Ozanam’s life

A crowded Grand Ballroom at the Concourse Hotel in Madison, filled with members and volunteers from all across the country, spent part of the morning in a retreat, reflecting on Ozanam’s life.

The retreat was led by Ralph Middlecamp, society executive director for the district council of Madison, and by Sr. Kieran Kneaves, Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul since 1958.

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Kevin Wondrash

St. Henry Parish to host Family Trivia Night

WATERTOWN — St. Henry Parish, 412 N. Fourth St., will host its second annual “Family Trivia Night” on Saturday, Oct. 12. The event is sponsored by the Home and School Association.

“Gather your family and friends, dust off your gray matter, and join us for some light-hearted competition involving trivial matters,” said Katie Schroeder, member of the St. Henry Trivia Committee.

 

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Kevin Wondrash

St. Ambrose Academy Faculty Lecture Series resumes with all new topics for 2013-14

MADISON — Inspired by the words of St. Matthew’s Gospel, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven,” St. Ambrose Academy is once again highlighting the expertise of faculty this year with another Faculty Lecture Series, all new for 2013-14.

These lectures, which are free and open to the public, provide an opportunity for community members to consider an interesting topic, learn something new, and grow in the faith.

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Kevin Wondrash

Theology on Tap

MADISON — Theology on Tap for young adults will meet on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave.

Brandon Cook and Jim Stokman will speak on “What Does It Mean To Be Human?: Fulfilling the Needs of Our Hearts.”

This presentation will discuss how looking at our life’s experience helps us to know (1) how we’re made and (2) what can fulfill us.

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Kevin Wondrash

Celebration Sept. 22 at Island Church

WATERLOO — The Island Church Foundation invites the public to return to the Island Church as it concludes its 150th year with the annual St. Wenceslaus Day celebration on Sunday, Sept. 22.

The celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include a soup and sandwich lunch and a Catholic Mass in the church at 2 p.m.

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Kevin Wondrash

Pregnancy Helpline seeks new volunteers

MADISON — Need a purpose? Want to impress your mom? Looking to make a difference in your community?

We know people volunteer for a variety of reasons. This fall, consider doing all that with the Pregnancy Helpline (PH).

Answer calls from home

PH is looking to increase the number of volunteers who staff its phones.

“The nice thing about answering calls on our Helpline is that you can answer all calls from home,” says Jessica Vinson, Pregnancy Helpline phone volunteer coordinator and member of St. Ann Parish in Stoughton.

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Kevin Wondrash

Finding real peace in the face of conflict

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,

This past Saturday, along with so many of you I’m sure, I took up Pope Francis’ worldwide call to offer a day of prayer and of fasting for peace — especially for peace in Syria. As I write this column, the gears are turning, and we shall see what comes in terms of action in Syria, and all of the Middle East.

There is already suffering, no doubt! The situation in Syria and all around that part of the world is terrible. But the need for peace extends far beyond the Middle East, and peace is needed at a much deeper level for all of us.

Regardless the outcome of the current deliberations with regard to Syria, our work for peace should continue. If we desire peace, we must make an examination of conscience and work for peace within our own lives first, to seek a peace that cannot be disturbed. There is more on that below.

Remembering 9/11

I cannot fail to mention that this week we come upon the anniversary of September 11, 2001, when so many Americans came to know the Prince of Peace and, we continue to pray, to reside with Him.

Of course, the violence of terrorism is intended as a direct attempt to rob a large number of people of their peace — not only those immediately affected, but those who continue to live in fear, in terror. May the Lord continue to remove fear from our lives, replacing it with hope — the hope that only He can bring.

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Kevin Wondrash

Edgewood College president plans to retire

MADISON — As a crowded Anderson Auditorium on the Edgewood College campus waited on September 10 for the day’s “major announcement,” school President Dr. Dan Carey stepped behind the podium.

With a tone of gratitude to the entire college, Carey announced he will retire from his position at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.

Carey said it is a time to “transition to meaningful work” at an age when he is still healthy.

He thanked the Sinsinawa Dominicans, Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students for all their help in the successes of Edgewood College during his time there.

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