Q: I have been caring for my mother for the past two years. She is in her late 80’s and has several health issues. The doctors told me she would probably not live beyond one year when I first brought her home. Lately she has been asking me, almost every day, “why am I still here?” I have given all of the cliché answers, such as “God’s not ready for you yet”, or “it’s not your time.” I have run out of things to say. What do you say or do when the person you are caring for is ready to go, and they simply seem to linger? (From a daughter in Middleton)
Category: Columns
The Holy Eucharist: History of the Mass, part one
To begin our reflections on the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, it would be valuable to first look at the history of the celebration of this central sacrament of our Faith. Such an historical view will give perspective on the celebration in our time.
Recently, there have been changes in the translation of the texts of Holy Mass. A generation earlier, there were changes in a number of the elements that may have upset some people.
Prayers encouraged for Schoenstatt Sister of Mary declared ‘Venerable’
On May 10, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI promulgated the decree of heroic virtues of Sr. Emilie Engel, a Schoenstatt Sister of Mary from Germany.
Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli: an inspiration in the Year of Faith
Carlo Gaetano Samuele Mazzuchelli was born on November 4, 1806 in Milan, Italy. He died in 1864 as pastor of St. Patrick’s, Benton. Years later, as pastor of St. Patrick’s, I walked the parish grounds, presided at Mass, and visited his rectory and grave. My knowledge and admiration of him deepened. He certainly is an inspiration in this Year of Faith.
Church Militant Boot Camp
What are your plans for Lent this year? Here we are in the Year of Faith, a year that Pope Benedict XVI hopes will awaken humanity at a critical moment.
“In vast areas of the earth the faith risks being extinguished, like a flame without fuel,” the pope warned. “We are facing a profound crisis of faith, a loss of a religious sense which represents one of the greatest challenges for the Church today . . . The renewal of faith must, then, be a priority for the entire Church in our time.”
King’s advice to the president
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What advice would America’s most renowned black man offer to America’s first black president? If he were alive today, what wisdom would the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., offer to President Barack Obama?
This question takes on added significance considering that this year the federal holiday honoring King, and Obama’s second public inauguration, fell on the same day — January 21.
A scientist witnesses to Catholic faith
As a young Catholic, I look for examples of successful scientists who witness to their Catholic faith, because in modern society, they are heroes.
Dr. Theresa Deisher, whose expertise is adult stem cell research, is a stellar example of a conscientious Catholic who is impacting lives by her work. Enjoy our first Guardians for Life interview!
Editor’s note: This is the first column in a series by Lillian Quinones, president of the Guardians for Life group at St. Ambrose Academy in Madison. The column will profile professionals who inspire us through their courageous witness to their Catholic identity as defenders of life.
Catholics have much to offer in firearms debate
Popes Paul VI and John Paul II both described the Catholic Church as an “expert in humanity.” This term recognizes the truth that through its long history Catholicism has engaged and reflected on the fullness and complexity of the human experience.
The Church’s insights on human experience provide a valuable resource to any generation seeking to craft more humane policies and more just societies.
Prison reform needed for safer communities
Popes Paul VI and John Paul II both described the Catholic Church as an “expert in humanity.” This term recognizes the truth that through its long history Catholicism has engaged and reflected on the fullness and complexity of the human experience.
Holding students to a higher standard: New norms in diocese point us to the cross
We have all heard much in the media about the importance of our schools, and the importance of holding our students to high expectations and academic standards.
“Catholic Schools Raise the Standards,” the theme for Catholic Schools Week, echoes the popular news but reflects something which Catholic schools have been doing since St. Elizabeth Ann Seton opened St. Joseph Catholic School in 1810.
The school educated girls who, at that time, had significantly fewer educational opportunities than boys, and provided them with a solid academic foundation as well as skills necessary to make a living. Most importantly however, the Catholic school provided its students with a firm education in the Catholic faith. This ensured that students not only received a practical education, but that they learned to model their lives on Gospel values — the standards given to us by Christ himself.