Columns – Page 120 – Madison Catholic Herald

“Go teach all nations all things that I have commanded you.” These words of Our Divine Savior remind us of the share that all Christians have in the mission of Jesus.

When Our Lord read from the prophecy of Isaiah at his first public appearance in the synagogue at Nazareth, He quoted: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, release of captives, recovering of sight for the blind, and to announce a year of favor from the Lord.”

Then He said, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your midst.”

On October 4, 2012

Sr. Constance Carolyn Veit, LSP

Who gets to decide when to let go of life?

As a child I idolized my grandfather. One of my fondest memories is of him taking us to a neighborhood restaurant that had a little juke box in each booth. He would give my sisters and me a few quarters and we’d flip to the oldies to play Grandpa’s favorites.

From time to time I still hear those classics playing in my memory from “Moon River” and “Doctor Zhivago” to “Love is a Many Splendored Thing.”

On October 4, 2012

Jean Mueller

Decision to help an elderly parent can be difficult

Q: My father is an alcoholic and was never “involved’ in my life as I grew up.

My mother passed away five years ago after a lifetime of enabling him.

Now he is ill and wants help from me, but I don’t feel much like helping since he was never there for me. I feel bad that I have these feelings, it is not very Christian, is it? (From Beloit)

On October 4, 2012

Jean Mueller

Power of attorney essential for heathcare and finances

Q: I understand the importance of Power of Attorney for both health care and finances, but my mother, aged 82, says, “I have a will and that is good enough!”

I have not been able to successfully convince her that she needs to make more formal arrangements. What can I say to her? (A daughter in Portage).

On October 4, 2012May 20, 2021

Audrey Mettel Fixmer

Catholic education provided for generations

“Don’t you want to be a teacher?” asked my friend Joan just weeks before we were to graduate from Madonna High School in Aurora, Ill.

This was the all-girls’ class of 1945, where we were taught by Franciscans Sisters. We had both been accepted by St. Ben’s in Minnesota, where we would be taught by Benedictines.

I was confused. “What do you mean, a teacher? I don’t want to be a nun, you know.”

On October 4, 2012May 20, 2021

Audrey Mettel Fixmer

Grand Mom shares her ‘happy ending tips’

Are you checking out the obituaries every day like Mark Twain did to see if you are on the list?

Or do you just average the ages to hopefully find some of the deceased are older than you? Either way, it’s a sure sign that you’re aware that you aren’t getting any younger. You are nearing the finish line. Ouch!

On September 20, 2012

Fr. Paul Ugo Arinze

The vision will not disappoint

Visus Non Mentietur — “The vision will not disappoint”— is taken from the book of the prophet Habakkuk 2:3.

This scriptural text, which happens to be the Episcopal Motto of His Excellency the Most Rev. Robert C. Morlino, in a way captures his vision for priestly vocations in the Diocese of Madison.

On September 20, 2012May 20, 2021

Christopher Stefanick

The Rules of Engagement

Since 1945, the New York Archdiocese has hosted the Al Smith dinner, a black-tie event named in honor of Alfred E. Smith, the first Catholic presidential candidate.

Millions have been raised through the dinner to support charities in New York City. Speakers have included Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Bob Hope, and, during election years, presidential candidates invited as the guests of honor.

It’s a break from debate. It’s not an endorsement and no awards are given. Candidates’ speeches take on a humorous tone. As described by the Al Smith Foundation Web site: “In the days before Saturday Night Live, the Al Smith dinner served as a kind of ‘proving ground for the candidate as entertainer,’ as one reporter described it.”

On September 20, 2012

Tony Magliano

The need for civility

A friend of mine who is a nun and fellow journalist, asked me to write a column on civility. But my immediate response was that civility didn’t really apply to the social justice and peace theme of my column.

But then the obvious hit me.

On September 13, 2012May 20, 2021

Fr. Tad Pacholczyk

Loving those with disabilities

Many of us have hidden fears and hesitations when it comes to dealing with persons with severe disabilities. Their unfamiliar gestures, behaviors, and limitations can challenge us and infringe on our comfort zones.

We may be tempted to apply a different standard when we deal with them. Even very young children with disabilities may suffer discrimination through denial of care as newborns, or through abortion in utero.

Santorums’ daughter Bella

During his presidential campaign, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and his wife Karen were often asked by people on the campaign trail about their daughter Bella, who was born with Trisomy 18, a severe genetic defect caused by an extra chromosome.

Such children tend to have shorter lifespans, with 90 percent dying during the first year of life. Nevertheless, with proper care, some can live well into their teens, and even into their 20’s or 30’s.

Bella became known to the public during her father’s candidacy in part because of several memorable moments during the TV debates where Rick powerfully described how Bella’s birth and struggles had impacted their family.