All of us are tasked not only to grow in our own faith but to pass on the truths of our faith to our children.
Tag: catholic teaching
Keep family-based immigration system
When my ancestors settled in Wisconsin from Ireland, Germany, and Belgium, many of them came to this state because other family members had arrived previously.
Today, this would be called family-based immigration. Some of the reasons why my relatives came to the U.S. were the same as they are today.
They were seeking freedom of religion, since most of them were of the Catholic faith. They left their home countries, where they may have had low wages and poor living conditions. They hoped to create a better life for themselves and their families. Some came to escape war and conflicts in their countries.
Minimum requirements mentioned, but go beyond
Mr. Studinski made a great point in the December 7 issue about the importance of many other things that weren’t mentioned explicitly in my November 23 piece about what it means to be a practicing Catholic, such as the Works of Mercy and the Beatitudes.
But there was a reason for emphasizing the commandments. The terminology of “practicing Catholic” is one typically used to specify a minimum requirement for fulfilling certain functions within the Church (e.g. catechist, school teacher, godparent, etc.). And in the moral life, although the Works of Mercy and the Beatitudes are certainly more perfect than merely observing the commandments, yet still observing the commandments is the minimum.
Faith practice, good works do not need to be in competition
A Catholic Herald letter by Kenneth R. Studinski calls guidance about what it means to be a practicing Catholic “a list of assumed credentials for an acting Catholic,” however he says being a “practicing Catholic” requires the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
I reflect that Works of Mercy that are authentic Christian charity are fruits of the life of grace that we received first at Baptism and have and preserve through faith by the sacraments, prayer, embrace of Catholic teaching, and ordered participation in the life of the Church. It is reductionistic to call these things “assumed credentials” when they are profoundly necessary to our incorporation in the Body of Christ and having His life, the life of grace.
Why we can’t ‘just sign the form’
A few weeks ago, I received a New Year’s card that read, “This will be the best year yet.”
We Little Sisters of the Poor are fervently praying that 2016 will be remembered as the year we were able to return to our quiet lives at the service of the elderly after a happy resolution to our long legal struggle over the HHS Contraceptive Mandate.
Message for November 4: Vote
In Wisconsin, voting is a basic right enshrined in our state constitution. Voting is also a solemn obligation of all faithful citizens charged with a responsibility for the affairs of the community.
There are several powerful reasons for all of us to take the trouble to vote in the coming election.
Many don’t bother to vote
For one thing, the vote is a powerful weapon for those who use it, and too many of us don’t bother to vote.
Parents losing influence: Morning-after pill ruling removes parental involvement
Last year, the state of New York became the 32nd state in our country to require that young people under age 18 must have written parental consent before obtaining body piercing.
A member of the state legislature said that “body piercing can result in severe health risks and it is our obligation as New Yorkers and parents to make sure that our teens are taking every precaution to remain healthy and safe.” Besides body piercing, parental consent is also needed for those under 18 to get tattoos or visit tanning beds in the state of New York.
It is good for our elected representatives to be concerned about the health of teenagers and to allow parents to be involved in decisions affecting their health.
Ruling on morning-after pill
However, it seems as if the federal government isn’t so concerned about teenagers’ health or parental involvement, especially when it affects the area of sexuality. On June 10, the Justice Department announced that it will allow girls of any age to buy the Plan B one-step morning-after pill without a prescription and without parental consent. This pill can be bought over the counter, and in most pharmacies it will be will be available on shelves near the condoms.
What is happening in our country? Not only are we encouraging irresponsible behavior, we’re also encouraging teens to purchase drugs that they know very little about — and all without their parents’ knowledge or involvement!
Moving on from here: In a renewed kind of politics based on faithful citizenship
Now that the Wisconsin recall election is over, some people are rejoicing and others are disappointed in the outcomes. However, I think almost every citizen in our state is happy to be moving on, away from the incessant political ads, phone calls, and media hype.
Now that the recall is in the history books, the question is: Where do we go from here? I think most Wisconsinites want to live and work together peacefully, yet the climate in our state — and in our nation, for that matter — has been so contentious.
Steps towards healing
Governor Scott Walker took one step by inviting legislators and staff members of both political parties to what was called the “Brat Summit” at the governor’s mansion. The governor himself grilled the brats, and it seemed that those attending enjoyed themselves.
Spending time talking with each other might be a first step in the process of healing in our state. If we listen to what people say, we might start understanding their point of view. It doesn’t mean we have to agree with everything they say, but we might be able to find some common ground and ways to work together.
Teaching condemns indiscriminate acts of war
To the editor:
I write in response to Don Skarda’s letter of September 16 and Ray McCool’s letter of October 7, both in support of the decision to use atomic weapons on Japan in World War II. During this Respect Life month of October, I feel I cannot let these sentiments pass unchallenged as they fly in the face of Catholic teaching.
Both letters make appeals to emotion but refuse to consider the issues of morality involved. I would like to make two points: