Local News
Fatherhood rally attracts hundreds
Men from all walks of life were there, old guys and young males, their children and grandchildren, single or married or divorced. All had in common a thirst for knowledge on how to be a better father.
Seven Sisters invited to imitate Mary
For the second year in a row, Seven Sisters Apostolate founder Jeanette Howe will be the featured speaker at a Day of Reflection for women who participate in the ministry or are interested in learning more.
Theology of the Body: Beauty, dignity of humanity
Diocese hosts speaker, author Bill Donaghy
Catholic Financial donation
In early March, representatives from Catholic Financial Life presented Medford’s Holy Rosary School with a donation of $400, proceeds from the annual Catholic Schools Week pancake breakfast, which was sponsored by the organization.
‘One foot in front of the other’
A couple reflects on hiking the Appalachian Trail
Catholic psychologist speaks on parenting, marriage, faith
Lenten missions are in progress in parishes across the diocese as Catholics prepare themselves for Christ’s death and resurrection. In Rice Lake, clinical psychologist, author, speaker and radio and television personality Dr. Ray Guarendi was invited to speak for three nights, from Feb. 18-20, on topics related to parenting, marriage and the logic of being Catholic.
World News
Memory book: Pope reviews his life and shares dreams for future
Asked to reminisce about his life and where he was at key moments in history, the 87-year-old Pope Francis obliged, but also used the opportunity to talk about the lessons the events hold today and his hope for the future.
More human embryos destroyed through IVF than abortion every year
An Alabama Supreme Court ruling that recognized the personhood of embryonic life sparked a nationwide debate about in vitro fertilization (IVF) over the last three weeks — but some people might be unaware that the industry’s death toll for preborn life is likely higher than that of abortion.
Columns
Aging as a natural monastery
What is a monastery? How do monasteries work? St. Benedict (480-547 AD), who is considered the founder of Western monasticism, offered this counsel as an essential rule for his monks: Stay in your cell and it will teach all you need to know.
Let Lent be Lent
Two items came across my radar screen this week, as we commence the holy season of Lent.
The church needs mental health ministries
Since the suicide of his 29-year-old daughter Katie, who had bipolar disorder, Dcn. Ed Shoener has made it his mission to reduce the stigma and misconceptions around mental illness in church circles and to guide parishes in creating their own mental health ministries. Dcn. Ed joined me recently on “Christopher Closeup” to share his story.
Christian values and Catholic media
Last month, Hospital Sisters Health System announced the impending closure of two Catholic hospitals – St. Joseph in Chippewa Falls and Sacred Heart in Eau Claire – along with 19 clinics serving western Wisconsin’s rural towns.
The seed planted in St. Paul’s heart
On Jan. 25 is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, when we commemorate a monumental event in the life of the early Christian church.
The Catholic Way: Lessons from an imperial family
Catholics have long held that all genuine authority derives from God. Any public official, whether elected or hereditary, carries [...]