MADISON — The […]
Author: Kevin Wondrash
Jesus urges us to cast away fear
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The Storm at Sea occurs in each of the Gospels, that perilous moment when the apostles are terrified by the wind and the waves on the Sea of Galilee until Jesus calms the tempest and encourages them to not be afraid.
In the Gospels, the apostles’ boat always symbolizes the Church. And so we think of all the times in the history of the Church that there have been storms, difficulties, and challenges, including persecutions, betrayals from within, epic struggles with political powers, global wars, theological divisions, and terrible instances of clergy sexual abuse.
We think of our own lives, the suffering we have gone through, the challenges we have faced, the changes that perhaps have intruded into our lives in an unwelcome way — all the things that frighten, overwhelm, or disturb us.
‘Do not be afraid’
The constant message of the Storm at Sea is Jesus’ refrain, “Do not be afraid. It is I. I am with you.” Throughout the Scriptures, this urging to cast away fear is God’s constant message to us.
Somebody went through all the hard work of counting how many times in the Bible God says, “Do not be afraid!” and it’s 366 — one for every day of the year plus Leap Year.
40 Days for Life campaign to build on successes in Madison
MADISON — “On September 25, the highly successful 40 Days for Life campaign returns to Madison with 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil, and community outreach,” said Gwen Finnegan, who is coordinating the local campaign.
“We pray that these efforts will help mark the beginning of the end of abortion in Madison.”
Finnegan said, “We know 40 Days for Life has made a difference here. Our witnesses for LIFE have made extraordinary sacrifices to expose the abortion industry and to protect children and their mothers from abortion.”Parish offers Bible study on ‘Romans: The Gospel of Salvation’
MADISON — Paul’s letter to the Romans has been at the center of reflection, conversion, and controversy from the very beginning.
“Romans: The Gospel of Salvation” provides an authentically Catholic, comprehensive, and simple way to understand the overarching theme of Romans — salvation.
Theology professor Dr. Andrew Stafford and Jeff Cavins examine Paul’s letter to the Romans.No back to school fun for child laborers
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It’s that special time of the year again for kids in the northern hemisphere as they start heading back to school. And for those who have discovered the fun of learning, school is an adventure!
But for millions of working children worldwide, the adventures of a new school year remain but a dream. Sadly, these children will never learn to read or write. They will not acquire computer skills. They will not experience singing in chorus, going on field trips, or playing at recess.
Teaching children to know, love, and serve God
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As another school year begins and we lament the rapid passage of summer, I ponder the gift and blessing of our children and young people — the greatest treasure of the Church and the world.
Our Diocese pours significant resources into the formation of our children and youth, through our schools, religious education programs, and youth ministry.
And rightfully so. We want each child to know, love, and serve God. We want each young person to be a zealous disciple of the Lord Jesus. We want each person to grow up, flourishing in the abundant life of the Gospel, becoming the saint that God has called them to be.
Advocate of Catholic Schools
I have always been a big advocate of Catholic schools. Every study shows that graduates of parochial schools practice the Faith, support the Church, contribute to the poor, have a keener sense of social justice, and are more successful in their vocations than the average population.
A learning environment imbued in faith and love, permeated by prayer, and strong in Christian values becomes a blessed, formative experience that impacts the whole person — soul, body, mind, and heart.
Young people volunteer to clean cemetery
MADISON — A group of young people from St. Peter Parish in Ashton and St. Martin Parish in Martinsville recently dedicated one of their last summer Saturday mornings to honoring the faithful departed buried at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison.
The group, mostly confirmandi, met bright and early on the Saturday morning. After visiting the crypt of Bishop Robert C. Morlino and praying for him together, they proceeded to weed flower beds and trim back turf that was encroaching onto the in-ground grave markers in the cemetery’s lawn crypt area.
Catholic Woman’s Club hosts benefit dessert party, fashion show
MADISON — The Madison Catholic Woman’s Club (MCWC) will host its annual benefit dessert party and fashion show with the theme, “Celebrating Fall,” on Monday, Sept. 16.
All women of the Diocese of Madison and their guests are invited to join the club for dessert, fashions, raffle, and prizes at St. Peter Catholic Church Social Center, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., Madison.Patrick Madrid to speak in Waunakee
WAUNAKEE — Best selling Catholic author and radio personality Patrick Madrid will speak at St. John the Baptist Parish in Waunakee on Saturday, Sept. 14.
All men and women are invited and encouraged to attend. This event will begin at 9 a.m. and adjourn at 1 p.m.Filmmaker to introduce her film on human trafficking in Madison
MADISON — This is not a documentary on human trafficking. i am still here is a full-length film, written and directed in 2017 by Mischa Marcus.
She will be in Madison on Thursday, Sept. 12, at Edgewood College, Anderson Auditorium, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. to introduce and facilitate discussion of this film. It explores the serious and growing issue of child sex trafficking in the U.S.