International Women’s Day: Celebrations in synod season explore hopes
International Women's Day has long been an occasion for women and men connected to the Vatican to gather to discuss the role of women in the church and society.
This tailoring shop in Jordan helps Iraqi refugees knit their lives back together
In Amman, Jordan, there is a tailoring workshop where, in addition to creating clothing and accessories, the wounds of life are stitched back together.
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.
Women’s Retreat: Relationship, identity, mission
At the Diocese of Superior’s 2024 Women’s Retreat, the presenter was Angela Schnieders, a former FOCUS missionary of 15 years and who serves a board chairman of FIERCE Athlete and also works with The Woman School founded by January Donovan. A college athlete herself, Schnieders has also studied with the Augustine Institute.
Baking for the community
Holy Rosary School, Medford, fifth- and sixth-graders hosted a bake sale for Stepping Stones, an organization serving victims of domestic violence, in February.
Let Lent be Lent
Two items came across my radar screen this week, as we commence the holy season of Lent.
Safe Haven Sunday: Being faithful to a covenant
An effort initiated by the Christian filtering service Covenant Eyes, Safe Haven Sunday was launched across the Diocese of Superior on the second Sunday of Lent to draw attention to media usage.
Men’s Retreat: Learning to be a man of God on mission
While 2024 is not the first year the Diocese of Superior has hosted overnight retreats for both men and women, these retreats held a special historical significance as the first events at the new Trinity Woods Catholic Retreat Center in Trego.
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.