Columns – Page 160 – Madison Catholic Herald

In the United States, only about half of those who were eligible to vote actually cast ballots during the last national election.

I admit I have not always voted in the past. When I am tempted not to vote, however, I think back to a story I once heard about a certain Aunt Katherine who died a few years ago. She was blind during the last months of her life, but she had her daughter read the ballot to her and fill it out on her behalf. She was careful to sign the ballot and make sure it was mailed.

On October 30, 2008

Michael Lancaster, For the Catholic Herald

Recognizing the value of Catholic schools

My wife and I live in a small village with a small Catholic parish and no Catholic school. Our children, however, all attend Catholic schools.

Of course, this means a lot of driving, which is a cost in both gas and hours spent in the car each week. Everyone else in our parish attends the local public school, which is within walking distance or not more than a five minute drive for most.

On October 30, 2008

Susanna Herro, For the Catholic Herald

Focusing on actions that affirm the Culture of Life

By naming October as Respect Life Month, we emphasize learning about the many issues that tear down or build up the Culture of Life. In addition, we focus on the actions that positively or negatively affect this culture.

What is the Culture of Life? How do you know if you are tearing down or building up in your home, your school, or your work place? Some very simple measures are to celebrate life in our day to day living.

On October 30, 2008

Fr. Donald Lange

November reminds us to use the gift of time wisely

In 1972 Jim Croce recorded the song, “Time in a Bottle.” The lyrics of the song that especially spoke to me were, “But there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them.” These words seemed prophetic. Jim Croce was killed in a plane accident on September 20, 1973.

Jim Croce’s death or any death reminds us of the fragility of life. Death reminds us Catholics that we are pilgrims on a journey through time to Eternity. Earth is our temporary home. Heaven is our Eternal Home. St. Paul urges us to run the race of life for the prize of Eternal Glory.

On October 23, 2008

Susanna D. Herro, For the Catholic Herald

Conscience, Scripture, and loving life

This Sunday’s readings are so direct and to the point. They also bear directly on how we form our conscience in today’s complicated world.

What was said and written so long ago from the Book of Exodus is powerful and true. “You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.”

On October 23, 2008

Steven Karlen

Human lives are on the line

During his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, presidential nominee Barack Obama made a comment in which he attempted to appeal to both pro-life and pro-abortion voters.

“We may not agree on abortion,” Obama said. “But surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country.”

While this sound byte may sound like a good faith effort to unite Americans, it revealed a fundamental flaw in the candidate’s understanding of the sanctity of life. We can agree on reducing the number of malaria cases in Africa or the number of car accidents on our highways because malaria and car accidents are by their very nature bad. But human beings are created in the image and likeness of God — whether they are wanted or unwanted.

On October 23, 2008May 19, 2021

Msgr. Daniel Ganshert

Reminders from the harvest

Some people have actually heard corn growing. They tell me this happens when all the conditions are just right; enough good weather and plenty of rain.

Looking around our area makes me think there must have been a lot of noise in the fields this past growing season. Corn, beans, hay, grains, you name it, they have all grown like gangbusters. What a miracle when we think how it all comes from seeds that are planted.Maybe, if you are like me, reminders help from time to time. Harvest season is upon us. Gardens and fields both are producing the fruit from all that has been growing. I am reminded that our God of all creation planted the seed of faith in my life to bear good fruit. If the conditions are just right, and with enough prayer, receiving the sacraments, striving to love God and my neighbor, this can result in a fruitful life.

On October 23, 2008

Randy Henderson

Election is not an easy choice

As Catholics we face many complex questions and challenges in regards to being involved in public and political life. We face similar questions and challenges in selecting a candidate.

I had the pleasure of attending a Theology On Tap in which Thomas Peters, an extremely articulate and funny Internet-journalist, worked hard to sell that McCain is the best choice for Catholics. His argument was that the abortion issue encapsulates and trumps all other life issues. If you get the abortion issue wrong, how can you be an advocate for life in its later stages? This seems on the onset like a salient point.

What are these other “life issues” that might motivate a Catholic voter to either pick Barack Obama or perhaps trouble a Catholic enough not to vote for John McCain? A few mentioned but not adequately discussed were the evils of “preventive war,” the death penalty, embryonic stem cell research, and the social sins of poverty and oppression in its many forms.

On October 15, 2008

Msgr. Delbert Schmelzer, For the Catholic Herald

We are all missionaries

World Mission Sunday, which will celebrate its 82nd anniversary in 2008, affords the entire Church a focused opportunity to reflect on those who have not heard the Gospel — and to respond to Christ’s call to be missionary.

On that day, all parishes in every diocese of the world celebrate together our common vocation to preach and proclaim Christ throughout the world.

On October 15, 2008

Susanna D. Herro, For the Catholic Herald

Recognizing each person as God’s gift

People with mental, physical, or cognitive disabilities face challenges from the everyday tasks of dressing and transportation to the larger challenges of interacting in a world that is not always welcoming.

During Respect Life Month, it is particularly important to remember that each person is a gift from God, in whatever guise. It is also important to recognize that each of us is differently-abled and this infinite variety is a gift too.