Tag: family

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Denis Downey, La Crosse Catholic Times Staff

La Crosse couple presenters at synod

MENOMONIE — Alice and Jeff Heinzen will not only be serving as auditors for the upcoming Extraordinary Synod on the Family that Pope Francis has called for October 5 to 19 at the Vatican but also they will make a presentation before the general assembly at the historic event.

In their main role as one of 14 married couples from around the world selected to serve as auditors for the synod, the Heinzens will observe all of the general assembly sessions and participate in group discussions with the English-speaking delegates.

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George Weigel

Wanted: A synod of affirmation

Pope Francis has called a special session of the Synod of Bishops, which will meet from October 5 to 19 and prepare the agenda for the ordinary session of the synod that is scheduled for the fall of 2015; both sessions will focus on the family.

In my view, the synod should focus on two related themes: marriage culture is in crisis throughout the world; the answer to that crisis is the Christian view of marriage as a covenant between man and woman in a communion of love, fidelity, and fruitfulness.

To focus the conversation elsewhere is to ignore a hard fact and a great opportunity.

Collapse of marriage culture

The collapse of marriage culture throughout the world is indisputable. More and more marriages end in divorce, even as increasing numbers of couples simply ignore marriage, cohabit, and procreate.

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Kevin Wondrash

Postpartum NFP classes in Janesville

JANESVILLE — The Couple to Couple League (CCL) will offer postpartum Natural Family Planning (NFP) classes taught by Elaine and Tom McDonald in their Janesville home. Register for one class on one of the following dates: Thursday, Sept. 25, or Monday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m.

A postpartum NFP class provides specific information on how to interpret fertility signs during the transitional stage between childbirth and the return of normal fertility cycles.

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Pat Casucci, Catholic Herald Correspondent

St. Stephen Parish hosts benefit for Connor Gracyalny

CLINTON — Food, kids’ games, a silent auction, and fun in a family-friendly atmosphere will be featured at the Connor Gracyalny Benefit to be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 4 until 8 p.m. at the St. Stephen Parish Family Center. Parishioners and the public are especially invited to the event.

Ten-year-old Connor, son of Michelle and John Gracyalny, St. Stephen parishioners, has been undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) for the past 10 months. He was diagnosed September 30, 2013, with the disease, which is a type of cancer of the white blood cells.

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Kevin Wondrash

Grief camp for kids scheduled for August

JANESVILLE — Rock County Council on Aging will be offering “Powerful Tools for Caregivers®”, a nationally recognized education program to help family and friends caring for older adults and anyone who cares for someone with chronic health concerns.

“Taking Care of You — Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves. This class teaches the caregiver necessary emotional tools to reduce guilt, anger, and depression; how to deal with difficult feelings; take care of yourself; help you relax; set goals; solve problems; and effective communication with family members and health service providers.

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Cathy Lins, For the Catholic Herald

Holy Family Parish hosts Light of the World Retreat

MARSHALL/WATERLOO — Holy Family Parish in Waterloo and Marshall held a Light of the World (LOTW) Retreat for its members from May 16 to 19.

This is the first in a series of retreats that will be held. The LOTW Evangelization Process promotes parish outreach to welcome back those who have strayed from the Church while inviting all those who seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Beyond a weekend retreat, Light of the World supports participants’ long-term faith journey, with small group support, continuing spiritual education, and engagement as disciples.

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Kevin Wondrash

Upcoming Natural Family Planning classes

MADISON — Upcoming Natural Family Planning (NFP) classes in the Diocese of Madison include:

Couple to Couple League (CCL) Sympto-Thermal Method

Attend one of the following classes (two additional classes will be scheduled by the group at the first class):

  • Janesville — St. John Vianney Parish

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