Category: News

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Divine Mercy devotion has powerful impact

MADISON — Jesus told St. Faustina that the Feast of Divine Mercy would be a very special day when “all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened.” Jesus promised her that “the soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain the complete forgiveness of sins and punishments.”

Increasing numbers of Catholics are taking advantage of this promise and the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence on the Sunday after Easter, declared Divine Mercy Sunday in the year 2000.

Miracles happen

People in the Diocese of Madison have witnessed the power of devotion on Divine Mercy Sunday. “Miracles happen,” said Martha Bindl, a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Parish in Monona.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Fish fries become a parish tradition

BARABOO — Fish fries are a popular tradition in Wisconsin in restaurants, but an increasing number of Catholic parishes are sponsoring fish fries.

The parishes especially offer fish fries during Lent, when Catholics ages 14 and older are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. But more parishes have been holding fish fries throughout the rest of the year.

One of these parishes is St. Joseph Parish in Baraboo, better known as St. Joe’s. The parish started sponsoring fish fries in 1994. “They were designed to be a fundraiser that would take the place of other ‘small’ type fundraisers, such as wrapping paper and candy bar sales,” said Dan Fitzpatrick, director of operations at St. Joe’s.

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Jane Lepeska Grinde, For the Catholic Herald

Spaghetti dinner at St. James

MADISON — People are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring at the annual St. James School Italian Dinner and Auction on Sunday, March 29, at the church and school, located two blocks southwest of Regent and Mills Sts. in Madison at 1128 St. James Ct. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m.

The all-you-can eat spaghetti dinner was started more than 50 years ago in honor of the Italians and Italian-Americans who joined St. James, the parish started by German immigrants after their church, St. Joseph, was torn down in favor of urban renewal. A historic mark notes the area which now houses medical facilities and office buildings.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Bishop designates 12 pilgrimage sites for indulgence

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For pilgrimage sites, click here

Some information in this article was obtained from an article in the Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

MADISON — Bishop Robert C. Morlino has designated 12 pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Madison where the faithful can receive a plenary, or full, indulgence during the Jubilee Year of St. Paul.

Pope Benedict XVI established the Pauline year to run from June 28, 2008, to June 29, 2009, to mark the approximately 2,000th anniversary of St. Paul’s birth.

Catholics who participate in events connected with the jubilee year of St. Paul can receive a special indulgence. An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment a person is due for sins that have been forgiven. It can be granted on behalf of the individual petitioner or on behalf of departed souls.

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Fr. Stephen Umhoefer, For the Catholic Herald

An incredible Tanzanian experience

“Get out of the truck!” said my friend, Fr. Leo Kazeri, as we approached his mission church at Etaro, in Tanzania. Along with Fr. Deogratias Makuri, a young priest assisting Father Leo, we were arriving to celebrate Mass, but the road was blocked by over 100 people, smiling in welcome.

Father Deo and I got out, Father Leo drove off, and the people formed a procession with glorious singing and dancing, escorting me to their church.

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