Author: Kevin Wondrash

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Kevin Wondrash

Assisted suicide: destroying my freedom in the name of freedom?

In an August 2015 column in The Washington Post, George F. Will argued in favor of physician-assisted suicide, summing up his perspective this way: “There is nobility in . . . affirming at the end the distinctive human dignity of autonomous choice.”

His conclusion, however, raises several important questions: Shouldn’t death-dealing actions directed against ourselves be seen as a deep repudiation of our autonomy, insofar as suicide eliminates our personal freedom once and for all?

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Kevin Wondrash

Comfort others by pointing them to Christ

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,

If one were to put together the themes of the first reading and the Gospel from this past Sunday, Dec. 10, one might well conclude that the one who gives comfort to the people — the comforter — is St. John the Baptist. But, St. John the Baptist appears in camel’s hair.

Now, when St. John the Baptist is presented as the one who gives comfort, that is not the same use of the word as in “comfort food” — of which I have had my share. This is not the meaning of comfort at all. How can we tell that at first glance? Well, St. John the Baptist ate locusts and wild honey . . . that ain’t comfort food!

Comfort others by being strong

To comfort, in the Latin derivation, is to be “strong with.” To comfort someone is not just to make them feel good, as they might over a beautiful, and yet, light lasagna. St. John the Baptist comforted the people by being strong with them.

St. John the Baptist preached the Holy Spirit and fire. He told the people to prepare for the wrath to come.

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Kevin Wondrash

Workshops for extraordinary ministers of Communion

MADISON — The Diocese of Madison Office of Worship is holding workshops for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion at the following dates and locations:

• Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, 9:30 to 11 a.m., at St. Clare of Assisi Parish (St. Victor Church), 1760 14th St. in Monroe. Snow date is Saturday, March 3, at the same time

• Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Holy Name Heights (formerly the Bishop O’Connor Center), 702 S. High Point Rd. in Madison. Snow date is Thursday, Feb. 22, at the same time.

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Kevin Wondrash

Message for Advent: ‘Watch!’

Dear Friends,

We have entered into the Season of Advent. It is a short Season of Advent this year, so let’s get right to it. Our message from the Lord on this first Sunday is simple: “watch!” The Gospel of this past Sunday (MK 13:33-37) doesn’t even contain 100 words, yet, in this small discourse we hear Jesus say repeatedly, “Be watchful,” “be alert,” “watch,” “What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”

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Kevin Wondrash

Lessons and Carols in Montello

MONTELLO — St. John the Baptist Parish in Montello and Good Shepherd Parish in Westfield will present an evening of Lessons and Carols on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church in Montello.

The St. John the Baptist and Good Shepherd Choirs will unite to provide the musical presentations. Students from the religious education program at both parishes will also participate.

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Kevin Wondrash

Multicultural Center, radio station hold fundraiser

MADISON — Each year La Movida Spanish Radio and leaders in the Latino community partner with the Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC) to generate support for the Center’s many social services and programs.

The CMC invites the public to the sixth annual Radiothon fundraiser and community celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. La Movida will broadcast live from the CMC in conjunction with festivities, including dance performances, live music, Latin American food, and an Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass at 12 noon (in Spanish).

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