Author: Kevin Wondrash

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Kevin Wondrash

Embrace holy leisure

Bishop Donald J. Hying's column

We live in a frenzied culture of hyperactivity and stress; we probably all feel the pressure to do more, be more productive, and somehow find a perfect balance in it all.

To slow down, purposely do nothing for a while, and to rest is difficult in our sleepless, overstimulated culture. Yet, how can we hope to grow our prayer lives, deepen our relationship with God and others, and grow in our spiritual awareness if we never embrace holy leisure?

Sunday as a day of rest

Orthodox Jews take the laws of Sabbath rest very seriously, not even driving a car or pushing an elevator button from Friday evening until the end of the Sabbath, in imitation of the Lord’s seventh day of rest.

I am old enough to remember Sundays as a child, when most people still went to church, stores were closed, and no one was supposed to do work. Sundays felt qualitatively different with a focus on God, time for family and friends amidst a slower pace.

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Kevin Wondrash

Attorney to speak on immigration issues

MADISON — Asylum seeker or illegal alien? Attorney Sara Dady, an expert on immigration law, will respond to this question when she addresses the issues surrounding the current influx of immigrants from Central America.

She will speak on Wednesday, July 17, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the St. Dennis Parish Center, 413 Dempsey Rd.

Dady, Rockford, Ill., has been practicing family-based immigration law for over 13 years. Her cases involve obtaining visas for victims of domestic violence and other crimes, asylum law, and deportation defense.

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Kevin Wondrash

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week

“Love, Naturally!” is the theme of this year’s Natural Family Planning Awareness Week, a national educational campaign of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to celebrate God’s vision for marriage and promote the methods of Natural Family Planning.

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a general title for ethical, natural, safe, and effective methods for both achieving and avoiding pregnancy in marriage.

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Kevin Wondrash

Island Church annual summer picnic

WATERLOO — The Island Church Foundation invites the public to visit the historic St. Wenceslaus (Island) Church on Sunday, July 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Edward Langer will speak at 12:30 p.m. about the settlers of The Island in the multi-purpose building next to the church.

Bill “HORSE” Bossingham will entertain guests on the church grounds with his one-man band from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (bring lawn chairs).

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Kevin Wondrash

‘Why keep doing it?’

The eight-year won/loss record reads 19 wins, 40 losses, and five ties — a winning percentage of .322

As a note, by the time this column goes to press, one of those totals will be one number higher, hopefully in the win column.

In most major sports, those numbers would necessitate sweeping personnel and management changes, but not here — the wins and losses aren’t what’s important.

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Kevin Wondrash

Beginning of new ministry dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bishop Donald J. Hying's column

As I begin episcopal ministry in the great Diocese of Madison, the Lord has filled my spirit with joy, enthusiasm, and gratitude.

I am particularly thankful to Msgr. Jim Bartylla for his dedicated, effective, and loving leadership of the Diocese these past seven months.

Stepping into my new role has been easy because of his hard work. I am grateful to all the diocesan staff, the priests, permanent deacons, Religious, lay leaders, and the faithful who have all welcomed me with such kindness and love. I am already feeling very much at home!

Bishop Morlino’s legacy

We honor the legacy of Bishop Morlino as we continue to pray for him and lift him to the Lord.

I am grateful for his attention to growing the priesthood, the beauty and reverence of the liturgy, and the importance of faith formation for our leaders and people.

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Kevin Wondrash

Diocese of Madison Catholic Herald wins six Catholic Press Awards

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Diocese of Madison Catholic Herald won six awards in the annual Catholic Press Association competition announced June 21 in St. Petersburg.The awards include:

• Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event to reporter Kevin Wondrash for an article on the annual March for Life in Chicago. Judges commented, “There have been many Marches for Life and many, many participants. Reporter Kevin Wondrash found success to making this march fresh and enjoyable by setting the scene and then letting the marchers do the talking. Meeting and conferring with people are key to good journalism, and it is achieved here, especially with the focus on young people.”

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