Praising God for teen’s safe return

“Taking Sabbath time is not only important for the clergy and those in full-time parish ministries, it is important for the spiritual life of anyone who has a servant’s heart and chooses to give of themselves for the good of others.”

Powerful time of prayer, powerful time of encounter and peer relationship building: According the diocese’s associate director of Catholic Formation, Chris Hurtubise, these are the three main goals of upcoming overnight retreats for adults ages 25 to 55.

Ten years ago, the Knights of Columbus Council 2137 hosted their first American Red Cross blood drive. Thirty drives later, the Rice Lake Knights have collected enough blood to save nearly 5,000 lives.

Since 2002, Ashland has been home to an annual sing-along performance of Handel’s Messiah oratorio. On Friday, Dec. 14, the 16th concert was offered by the Ashland Chamber Music Society at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

According to musician and composer Daniel Kantor, wintertime images of clear, cold darkness and stark landscapes blanketed in snow are “the perfect canvas for expressing a lot of the ritual experiences that come through the season of Advent.”

Candles on head-wreaths and eyeballs on plates were curious conversation topics at a gathering of girls at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery.

A single female voice, along with the brand new Sebastian Gluck pipe organ, sang “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name.” Soon after, the entire space was filled with brass, timpani, choir, and the congregation praising God.

“Tonight can be a life-changing encounter with Christ if you let it.”