Just when you thought I was gone, I Roundup

I have not forgotten about my fellow Badger Catholics.

Little red chapel teetering near brink
The 140-year-old building has not been in formal use since the 1970s. Built in 1876, the 18-by-24-foot building served as a receiving vault — the place where human remains were stored in winter, when the ground was too hard to dig graves. The remains of Green Bay’s first Catholic bishop were kept there for a short time.

Cover-up? Info about Abortion Hemorrhage at WI Planned Parenthood Removed from Public Records

Despite a clear record in the heavily redacted CAD report, which showed Medic Unit 8 was dispatched at 11:42 a.m., there was no record in the Fire Department radio traffic that any units had been dispatched to Planned Parenthood.

“It appears that not only were the records we asked for redacted, but attempts were made to erase any mention of the incident from the radio traffic recordings as well,” said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue. “Someone obviously went to a lot of trouble to conceal the truth from the public about the dangers women face during abortions at Planned Parenthood.”

Small farmers face regulatory burdens, negative stereotypes, and children fleeing the family business.

Abp. Neinstedt finds new home in Napa Valley, CA

Having moved on to the North Bay, Nienstedt now is doing work at the private Napa Institute, created by Orange County attorney and Meritage Resort & Spa owner Tim Busch. The institute’s declared mission is “to equip Catholic leaders to defend and advance the Catholic Faith in ‘the Next America’ — today’s emerging secular society.

Nienstedt has presided over Mass at the chapel at Meritage, in Napa. Bishop Robert Vasa of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, which encompasses Napa County, is aware he’s here and said the resort chapel is “a suitable place for him to celebrate Mass.”

Man arrested for slaying two nuns in Mississippi
Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki of Milwaukee, Held’s town, had said in a statement on Thursday that whoever killed the two nuns, “robbed not only the School Sisters of St. Francis, but also the entire Church of a woman whose life was spent in service.”

“Sister Margaret was from Wisconsin, so she carried with her the spirit of the religious experience and community found in our local Catholic Church,” Listecki said.

Murdered Nun Laid to Rest in Milwaukee

“I think Margaret would have hated today, didn't like attention,” said Sister Mary Diez, president of the School Sisters of St. Francis. “She was a very, very humble person.”

Those who knew Sister Margaret best, say she would want the focus of her death to the issues she devoted her life to, caring for the poor and sick.

Tony Romo's career may be coming to an end
The tragedy of Tony Romo’s career is that it could have been something much greater than it was. The Mexican-American quarterback, a second generation son of a sailor and a clerk, raised in Wisconsin, undrafted and disrespected by every NFL franchise, has been an underappreciated leader for the Dallas Cowboys for 13 seasons now.

CH: Liberal Catholicism’s unexpected crisis

You might think that progressives would be rejoicing under the current pontificate. Instead, they are fretting about the future

Even as Pope Francis wins the applause of the world for giving Catholicism a friendlier face, critics have started to grumble. On social media and in opinion columns, they have drawn up a list of grievances. While they approve of his pastoral outreach, they are concerned that he is leaving the Church unprepared to face the challenges of our age. They admire many of the men he has promoted, but fret that he has also empowered bishops who want to lead the Church on a dangerous, radical course – and may well do so once he departs.

No, these critics aren’t the conservatives whose complaints have become a familiar feature of the pontificate, but liberal Catholics whose initial enthusiasm is now curdling into concern, even alarm. Three years after his election, The Tablet has decided that Pope Francis’s reform programme is “rapidly becoming overdue”. Robert Mickens, the veteran Vatican correspondent, writes in the National Catholic Reporter that “many reform-minded Catholics have again become quite worried about the future direction of their Church”.

continue at the Catholic Herald 

Under 80 flagged emails roundup

FNew rector appointed to Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine in Des Plaines

Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich on Saturday appointed a new rector for the Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine in Des Plaines.

The Rev. Esequiel Sanchez will step into the role immediately. Born in Chicago to immigrant parents from Durango, Mexico, Sanchez attended University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein and was ordained into the priesthood in 1995. He most recently served as pastor of St. Bede the Venerable Parish in Chicago.

...
In October, the Rev. Marco Mercado was removed as the longtime rector of the shrine for having an "inappropriate relationship with an adult man," archdiocese officials said at the time.

Priest explains abrupt resignation from New London parish

A former priest at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church wrote churchgoers a letter explaining his reasons for resigning about five months after he suddenly quit his job and left the U.S. 

Rev. Arul Joseph Irudamoney, known to the MPB parish as Father Joseph, left a letter with Rev. Tom Long of the Diocese of Green Bay to distribute to church members last weekend. Irudamoney didn’t appear in person before the parish or specifically state in the letter why he quit last November. 

“I found myself entangled in one such bump in my personal life that made me go home to cope with that situation,” Irudamoney wrote in the letter dated April 8. “I want to make it clear that it was not because of any personal problems in the Parish, groups or committees. It is entirely because of my personal problems.”

Suspect arrested in bank robbery inside Marquette memorial union

Milwaukee and Marquette University police are investigating an armed robbery Monday morning of a bank inside the Alumni Memorial Union and have a suspect in custody, according to a campus alert sent to students.

The man entered the U.S. Bank branch about 9:30 a.m., stated he was armed and demanded cash, according to the alert. He then fled on foot.

It's Milwaukee Beer Week! Here's how you can celebrate: https://t.co/Po8OwucWP4 pic.twitter.com/mevvEYgfPH

— 620wtmj (@620wtmj) April 18, 2016

St. Paul Catholic Center hosts Spring Wine Fest
Date: Friday, May 6, 2016
Location: Concourse Hotel, Madison
RSVP: By April 29, 2016
Tickets: $60 per person or $200 for a group of four
6.00pm | Wine & Beer Tasting, featuring international wines & Karben4 brews
7.15pm | Dinner
9.30pm | Closing Prayer

One of these years I'm going to go.

EWTN: Fr Gerald Murray and Robert Royal...the Papal Posse...join us to discuss Pope Francis' recently released Apostolic Exhortation

It seems the Diocese of La Crosse is now officially on Facebook and Twitter.  Twitter appears to be just a syndication.  Some parts of the diocesan website also appear to sort of be updated.  ... They got a good website guy, they need to let him take that thing over.

Besides that, we will be adding a new blogger on The Badger Catholic mid May...

I am down to 80 emails.  This is fantastic.

Fugees Roundup

Statement of Wisconsin bishops on terrorist attacks and resettlement of Syrian refugees

We reaffirm our support for the resettlement of refugees from Syria and all other places where persecution, terrorism, and war have inflicted terrible suffering and forced people to flee for their lives.

Not clear if this means Catholics literally have a moral obligation to hypothetically resettle a Muslim man whom is a member of ISIS and is plotting to murder Americans.   Does Catholic Charities check refugees against the US Terrorist Watch list?

Ashland woman opens heart to call from God

A native of Ashland, Sr. Lucia – or Anya Gadamus, as she was then – attended Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School and graduated from Ashland High School in 2008.

Sr. Lucia grew up on a hunting preserve and spent a lot of time hiking, backpacking and camping. She was active in sports in high school; one of four valedictorians in her class, she liked art and traveling and spending time with friends.

Sr. Lucia is currently in her novitiate with the Missionaries of the Word. She makes her first vows with the 3-year-old, three-member community in April.

Cumberland man joins Capuchins

“I have been told I have a Franciscan heart,” Linton explained. “I have always wanted to life a simple life and to serve those in need. I am following the example of my parents. They have been devout in their faith and helping others. They are hard-wired for service. Turns out I am as well.”

Cardinal Burke: Marriage Catechesis Should Be Priority for Catholic Schools, Colleges

“It’s a primary responsibility” for Catholic schools to conduct age appropriate instruction for younger children, Cardinal Burke replied. “I remember when I was going to elementary school, we had the Baltimore Catechism and we were taught about marriage from the first years of school. Then as we got older, we got the second and third edition and it got more substantial, but it was always the same in building and growing.”

Catholic colleges and universities “most especially should be attentive both in what’s taught in the theology classes, but also in the discipline in the life of the university to reflect the truth about marriage,” he said, adding, “It is a great, great responsibility.”

Bishop Hying rededicates Carmelite Fathers church

Superior Cathedral profiled in SCH

What is something about your parish most people might not know?

“We currently have over 50 saint relics and are awaiting the opportunity to build a reliquary to house them.

We had a successful $2 million capital campaign to invest in the exterior of Cathedral school.”

“Of all the things that should be beautiful in the sacred liturgy, music is one of the most important ones,” said Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB, to the attendees at the St. Thérèse Lecture November 20 at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Center in Madison.

McAdams still waiting for Faculty Hearing Committee’s decision on whether to dismiss him from Marquette

WXOW: Pope Francis is undoubtedly a social media star

Recent Pew studies show only 16% of Millennials identify as Catholic out of the more than 65% who adhere to some sort of faith. Likewise, Pew research also shows nearly 80 percent of those raised Catholic who no longer identify with the religion cannot see returning.

"We're not just interested in numbers," said Diocese of La Crosse Bishop William Callahan. "[We're looking to alter] the ministry itself. What's going on in the Church? are we only open on Sundays?"

Video: Bishop David L. Ricken joined the GRACE School System to share his thoughts at the St. John Paul II Classical School.

Bishops place friendly wager on NDA-Catholic Memorial football game

Bishop Ricken bets cheese curds while Archbishop Listecki offers bratwursts

A blogly roundup

Maybe in my current state of part time blogging I just do more roundups.  It seems more blogly to do this way.

Manitowoc homeless shelter faces uncertainty

Hope House is located inside the former St. Boniface Church, which is a part of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

As a homeless shelter for families at this location since 2010, Hope House started inside the former St. Boniface Church rectory before expanding into the church last March.

Both sides agreed to a ten-year lease at the beginning of the year, but the Diocese is now having second thoughts.

“We thought we were poised to develop a long-term plan to better meet the needs of people in Manitowoc County. So when we got the termination lease agreement there was the devastation and the shock because it was not anticipated at all,” said Erin Schultz, Hope House Director and Family Advocate.

The sixth annual Red Mass for members of the legal community was celebrated Oct. 15 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Bishop David Zubik, former bishop of Green Bay until being named bishop of Pittsburgh, Pa., in 2007, was homilst at the Mass and keynote speaker at the St. Thomas More Society's gathering following Mass.

Credit: Sam Lucero
Bishop David Zubik and Bishop David Ricken share a few words before the Red Mass

Archdiocese of Milwaukee incurs $384,000 in fees for publishing notices in New York Times, others

Green Bay pilgrims bond on pope trip

Deacon Steve VandeHey and wife Peg reflect on the pilgrimage they took with more than 100 others to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

Creditors to vote on settlement in Milwaukee archdiocesan bankruptcy case

Abp. Listecki participates in the Milwaukee "Soles for Catholic Education" Walk

Bishop Listecki and the Messmer Bishops!!! @archmil #BishopPride #Messmer #soleswalk pic.twitter.com/t4xbi9o2pe

— Todd Willems (@ToddWillems) October 17, 2015

The Compass completed its Three Shrine Pilgrimage with Bp. Ricken

Lisa Gibson of Minocqua serves as lector at Mass today at #HolyHill. First stop on WI Shrine Pilgrimage pic.twitter.com/cSTaKwjURL

— The Compass (@thecompassnews) October 12, 2015

Yesterday Bishop David Ricken, of the Diocese of Green Bay, made a pilgrimage to the Shrine along with a group of faithful.Photo: Executive Director, Leif Arvidson, with Bishop Ricken.
Posted by Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Compass pilgrims conclude their WI Shrine Pilgrimage today at Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion. pic.twitter.com/PzM3m8DJrg

— The Compass (@thecompassnews) October 14, 2015

Christopher Check, president of Catholic Answers will not only be in La Crosse (see you there!) November 7th but also:
Christopher Check, President of Catholic Answers coming to Milwaukee November 6

Christoper Check speaker at Argument of the Month November 10th. I don't see it posted yet, but don't worry, I gotcha.  Maybe if I get a chance I can post thoughts on the last event.  

La Crosse Men's Conference this Saturday.  Anybody want to go for beers after??

Bp. James Johnston of Springfield-Cape Girardeau(MO) named as replacement for Bp. Finn of Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese

Pope Francis appointed Bishop James V. Johnston, bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Bishop Johnston has served as bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau since 2008. He succeeds Bishop Robert W. Finn, 62, who resigned April 21.

Bishop Johnston was born in Knoxville, Tenn., and ordained a priest for the Diocese of Knoxville in 1990. He served as chancellor and moderator of the curia for the diocese before being named bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau in 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI.

In a statement, Archbishop Robert J. Carlson wrote, "This news is met with great delight and appreciation. It has been my privilege to work closely with Bishop Johnston in Missouri for the past six years. He is a man of great compassion and kindness, with a deep sense of loyalty to the Catholic faith. His recent pastoral outreach to the parishes within his current Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau is perhaps one of the best models in the United States."

The appointment was publicized in Washington, Sept. 15, by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

St. Louis Review

Unlike the Cupich appointment where an "outsider" was brought in presumably for political reasons, it seems this is a more standard selection.

Background:

Bp. Johnston leading Corpus Christi procession

Bishop James V. Johnston assists Father Jeffery Fasching during the Traditional Latin Mass at St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield Missouri.Sunday, May 9th 2010. (source)

He was installed as bishop by then Archbishop Raymond Burke

Newly ordained Bishop James Vann Johnston Jr. told his flock in Missouri that he comes "full of the spirit of a Tennessee Volunteer" and vowed to help every youth in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau "discover the plan that our Lord has for your life."

Johnston, a Knoxville native and former chancellor and moderator of the curia for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, was installed March 31 at the Springfield Exposition Center. He is the sixth man to sit in the bishop's chair for the church in southern Missouri.

Archbishop Raymond L. Burke of St. Louis anointed Johnston's head and presented him the Book of the Gospels as well as his bishop's ring, miter, and pastoral staff. The staff, or crosier, was a gift from the priests of East Tennessee. Johnston's parents, Vann Sr. and Pat Johnston, gave him the ring. The archbishop then led Johnston to his cathedra, or bishop's chair, to the applause of those assembled.

Photo

HT Brian 

Busy little bee roundup

"Tell me what you've been doing busy little bee."

I think most of my kids got stung by bees this past weekend.

Terry has done a good job adding to the Badger Catholinks page on top here.  I'd like to try to create an aggregate feed for all of it, but we shall see what time allows.  It would be nice if the WCCs of the world would create consumable feeds, presumably we are supposed to check daily for press releases? Badger Catholic 3.0 is in it's fetal stages so I hope to keep Planned Projecthood far away as it would probably want to chop it up into pieces and sell the parts for research.

I've got a couple side project besides the blog right now.  So I'm only a part time blogger for a bit, I suppose.  

Here's one of em.  When it was clear that marriage was indeed under attack a few years ago, I wanted to do more than just sit in a constant defensive position.  The Church through her history is most successful when it isn't just defensive.  We need to create.  Beauty and truth.  That old schtick.  So I contacted Matthew Alderman and commissioned a beautifully crafted marriage certificate.  The idea being evangelize with art and beauty, like a Baroque chapel with every inch in full decorum.  I don't yet have the whole Cardinal Burke only-sleep-a-few-hours thing down yet, so I haven't completed the launch.  Originally I was just going to sell it myself on Amazon Prime, but I haven't liked the printings that I've tried yet so I'm looking at a couple other options.  Any ideas with someone familiar with printing please let me know.

Note: I will be one of the blogger Q/A moderators for Argument of the Month on October 13th.

If this isn't the most self serving update I've ever posted, why don't I continue.  I'm also training for my first marathon so these multi hour runs have also killed my free time.  Yeah, I'm in it for the obnoxious sticker.  

Song for this post

Dog Days of Summer Roundup

A roundup?  It seems like it's been a while....  "Don't you want to take a leap of faith? Or become an old man, filled with regret, waiting to die alone!"

Sushi paired with spirituality in Green Bay diocesan event

The free event that pairs sushi tasting with faith-enriching fellowship is sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay’s Department of New Evangelization.

“It’s very casual — a lot of laughter, a lot of smiles,” said Phil Lawson, coordinator for the department’s young adult ministry discipleship and formation.

Yum!

Enrollment drop led to St. Peter the Fisherman K-8 school closure in Two Rivers

Reactions from parents are mixed, Reynebeau said. The school’s closing ends more than a century of Catholic education in Two Rivers.

Diocese of Green Bay Director of Communications Justine Lodel said Roncalli High School is working with SPTF to transport students from Two Rivers to the Manitowoc Catholic schools.

Bp. Callahan and La Crosse seminarians made pilgrimage to Briggsville Shrine

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, the feast day of St. Philomena, Bishop William P. Callahan of La Crosse will celebrate Mass in the church at 11 a.m. Seminarians from the Diocese of La Crosse will also be present. This feast day Mass is open to everyone.
(Shrine website)

Charlie Sykes interviews Archbishop Listecki on sex abuse scandal (audio)

"I consistently say this: we are a very different church than we were 20 years ago," Listecki says, "and that's largely because of the awareness of the issue."

JS Editorial Staff: Reasonable end to Arch. MKE bankruptcy

Chicago Tribune profiles the current seminarians of the Gary Diocese as they make their way to Catholic priesthood (part 1, part 2)

Cream City Catholic profiles Holy Trinity Parish in Milwaukee. 

And last but first, congrats to contributor Steve (and Laura) Karlen on the birth of their daughter!

A good ol' fashioned roundup

Court: La Crosse Diocese must pay stormwater fees

The [La Crosse] Catholic diocese, six parishes — St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, Blessed Sacrament, Holy Trinity, Roncalli Newman, St. James the Less and Mary Mother of the Church — and Aquinas Catholic Schools Inc. filed suit against the city in October 2013, arguing stormwater utility fees are “really just meant to hide the fact that (it) is actually a ‘tax’” that they should be exempt from as religious organizations, according to court documents.

They had paid the stormwater charges “under protest” while contesting the fees as violating state law. Their suit noted as well that when Blessed Sacrament Parish went delinquent on its 2013 stormwater utility payment, the city sent a property tax bill, though only for the overdue charges.

La Crosse Catholic Charities plans $150000 drive to finish Warming Center

Springvale chapel, Brandon church closing doors - A nice writeup by the Fond Du Lac Reporter

Four ordained for Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest - Some nice photos by The St Louis Review

WisSJ: We're describing Madison in 100 objects, focusing on one object a day. Today's is the 64th installment. St. Raphael steeple

Wisconsin Right to Life Executive Director Barbara Lyons To Retire at Year's End

FOTA VII Cork 2014, Vespers Magnificat Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke Lassus Scholars

Bishop Morlino rededicates the cornerstone of St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo

Bp. Morlino celebrates 40 year priestly anniversary with Mass at his native Scranton, PA

A native son and bishop returned to his hometown for the annual Mass in Italian offered on Sunday, August 31, 2014 in the Cathedral of St. Peter in Scranton. The liturgy is celebrated each year in conjunction with La Festa Italiana, which occurs over the Labor Day weekend, August 30-31, September 1, on Courthouse Square, one block from the Cathedral. This year’s principal celebrant and guest homilist was the Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino, a Dunmore native who is bishop of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin. Bishop Morlino, who was raised in SS. Anthony and Rocco Parish in Dunmore, is celebrating his 40th anniversary as a priest and 15th year as a bishop.

The Mass was broadcast live by CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton. CTV will rebroadcast the Mass on Tuesday, September 2, at 8 p.m., and on Wednesday, September 3, at 10 a.m.

You can also watch the Mass video here: http://www.dioceseofscrantonarchive.org/video/Italian%20Mass%202014.wmv

Diocese of Scranton - Photos

Email for request of assistance to a FSSP seminarian:

Michael Cunningham is a 4th year seminarian at Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska. He is behind in his tuition for last year, and needs help this year. His father is dead, and his mother, who is on a fixed income, is his primary benefactor.

http://funds.gofundme.com/index.php?route=fundmanager

People can also donate directly to the seminary in his name.

Thank you for considering my request

Oh, and I saw that Archdiocese of Milwaukee is now following us on Twitter.

A good summary at BrewCrewBall on the Brewers' devastation.

That puts be to 61 emails to follow up on!

I should show you the Marriage Certificate I commissioned.

Quick note

A vacation-ish week, so light posting.

Yea on the Hobby Lobby case!

I might have mentioned this before, but I am looking to add contributors to The Badger Catholic; especially in the Milwaukee and Green Bay areas.  Anyone is more than welcome to send me an op-ed any time on a topic (as readers know, I will even post things I disagree with as well ); but I'm specifically looking for "beat" bloggers to cover day to day news and commentary.  Anyone interested: matt@badgercatholic.com.

Unfortunately I did not make it to our good Bishop Morlino's Pontifical Mass.  I'll try to find some pictures to post.

Quick Roundup

Romualdo Alvarado has a passion, a deep desire to play the role of Jesus Christ.

For the past twelve years, tens of thousands have watched and walked with Alvarado, who portrays Jesus in the final moments of his life before his crucifixion. Via Crucis, The Way of the Cross, takes place at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the Maryville Campus in Des Plaines....

Video: Hoffman Estates man portrays Jesus every Good Friday

St. Norbert College students stand up for dignity of life

Fox6: ONE-ON-ONE: Archbishop Listecki discusses issues facing the church

Archbishop Listecki to celebrate several Good Friday services

SNAP protest outside Milwaukee's Mass of Atonement

Panelist John Huebscher, executive director of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference, said the church has taken an active role in reform advocacy to welcome others with open arms.
“They live and work and interact with us,” Huebscher said. “They’re our friends, our neighbors and — in some cases — our relatives, and they live in the shadows.”

Post Crescent :Panel discussion to focus on immigration

Pope John XXIII Symposium to be held May 1

The Diocese of Green Bay will host a Pope John XXIII Symposium from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on May 1 at Silver Lake College. The theme will be “Jesus the Evangelist — Holy, Engaged, Alive.”Bishop David Ricken will celebrate Mass and give a keynote address on the new evangelization.

Allan Wright, author of the book, “Jesus the Evangelist: A Gospel Guide to the New Evangelization,” will give a second keynote address. Bishop Emeritus Ricardo Ramírez of the Diocese of Las Cruces, N.M., an educator, theologian, peacemaker and champion of the vulnerable, also will speak.

Sisters going solar: Green Bay convent taps into alternative energy

A religious community on Green Bay’s north side is going green in a big way.

The Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross has launched construction of a 400-panel solar energy installation believed to be one of the largest such systems in Wisconsin.

Located near Nicolet Drive and Church Road, the alternative energy system is designed to generate enough electricity to power about a dozen average-sized homes.

The Sisters of St. Francis plan to harness the power to reduce energy costs in their nearby convent, creating savings projected to surpass $500,000 over the next 20-plus years.

The solar site is the largest of its kind in the city of Green Bay, the third largest in Brown County and the 18th largest in the state, according to a spokeswoman for the religious order.

Queen of the America's Guild Conference July 25-26 at Guadalupe Shrine 

Via a comment on this blog: The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help now has a communion rail.  Someone send pictures!

A few things

Not much posting, I'm headed up to the Argument of the Month.  If I get some blood on my shirt, I will auction it off and the proceeds will go to Terry Nelson's Poodle Rescue program.  I am literally laughing out loud at his posts leading up to this.

I'm hoping to grab a few photos the next morning, the basilica there which I have not seen......  I've been warned to avoid going to Mass there if possible.  My poor aunt one time walked in on a "Gay Mass" there, probably almost as bad as a "Polka Mass."

There's a lot of buzz right now about the missteps of the Archdiocese with the recent abuse scandal.  I imagine that will be a topic I hear about.  Now today someone is accusing the Bishop of Duluth of participating in the coverup while he was vicar general for the archdiocese.  Just one problem, Bp. Sirba was never vicar general....  Embarrassing from the STrib, but they think they've got a scoop and they are going to run with it without any fact checking apparently.  This does all stem from I think a good person, Jennifer Haselberger, resigning from the archdiocese and it sounds like rightly so.  Look, everybody in the state is out to get the Catholics in Minnesota after the marriage amendment debacle.  And with SNAP sniffing around, always eager to get some statute of limitations removed(but only for the Church), there's no telling what they are ready to print.  That said, it looks like it will be hard to determine what is true or not without some decent journalism.

In other news:

SSPX:  A better interview from Cardinal Burke?  
Same interview making it rounds originally from The Catholic Servant.  Point being, the SSPX quoting the Cardinal.

Did you see the new Journal Sentinel design?  

Oh man, the reiki thing needs it's own post...

Update: Ray M says he double checked and Sirba was VG.   (I was just going by him)

Vacation Roundup

Fox 11: SNAP asks federal judge to step aside

Creditors for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee have asked a federal judge to set aside a key ruling in its bankruptcy case and step down because of what they say is a conflict of interest.

The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2011, saying pending sexual abuse lawsuits could leave it with debts it couldn't pay. Its creditors include hundreds of people who were sexually abused by clergy and have accused the archdiocese of transferring predator priests to new churches without warning parishioners.

U.S. District Judge Rudolph T. Randa ruled last month that more than $55 million is off-limits from those victims and other creditors because the money is in a cemetery trust fund protected by the First Amendment's guarantee of religious freedom.

RiverTowns: Carmelite nuns observe 50 years in Hudson

Love this picture!

Editor of the La Crosse diocesan paper, Stan Gould wrote an op-ed in the La Crosse Tribune defending natural marriage.

According to Packers.com:

Friday’s game(Aug 9) is the annual Bishop’s Charities Game. During pregame activities, Bishop Robert Morneau will present a trophy to Graham Harrell, the MVP from last year’s Bishop’s Charities Game. This is the 53rd year that the Packers have designated a preseason game as the Bishop’s Charities Game. To date, the series has raised more than $3.7 million for charity efforts in the Green Bay Diocese.

The Compass: Bishop Robert Morneau completes a pass to wide receiver James Jones prior to the 53rd Annual Bishop's Charities Game between the Green Bay Packers and the Arizona Cardinals.

Fr. James Connell has a good idea, but it looks like he has been re-enlisted by SNAP to make some noise.

Sam Lucero has some awesome photos of the Good Help Shrine.  Check them out.

De Pere mulls plan to accommodate Green Bay's homeless

As homelessness continues to spill over at a Green Bay shelter, De Pere officials are looking to set up some rules that govern acceptance of the overflow.

De Pere’s Plan Commission recently approved an amendment to its zoning code that would allow for temporary overnight shelter for homeless residents at authorized facilities.

The update would define a temporary overnight shelter facility, allow such a facility as a conditional use in single-family residential districts and require a specific application be submitted for the establishment of a facility.

This Green Bay wreckovated church could be first in the diocese with a landlord.

Abp. Listecki invokes Plato's Republic. 

I see the FSSP have a new website for their Minneapolis apostolate.

Men's retreat offered by Fr. Isaac Mary Relyea in Albany, WI in November.

Note: The November 8-10 Men's Retreat is still planned. However, with 3 months to go we still need at least another 10 registrations to insure that it will not have to be cancelled as well.

Cardinal Burke sees ‘perfect continuity’ between Popes Benedict, Francis in liturgical teaching
 
Weakland invoked in a HuffPo hit piece on JPII and BenXVI(although, it is clear that JPII made major mistakes dealing with abuse allegations)

After he appeared in Denver the Pope would receive Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert Weakland in Rome at one of the "ad limina" visits that all bishops are required to attend. As bishop Weakland told me, he used that visit to personally lobby the pontiff for action against accused priests in his diocese. He received no response. In July of 1996 Weakland wrote to John Paul II's second-in-command, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger asking for help with two priests who were the subjects of sworn statements accusing them of sexually abusing minors. One, Lawrence Murphy, had long worked at a residential school for the deaf where he had sexually abused about two hundred boys. Weakland said that he had become aware of these cases within the past year and was turning to Ratzinger because the offenses were "under your jurisdiction."

Whew!!

Okay, well that should cover most of it.

I'm trying to think of ways of thanking Steve for filling in during my absence.  Let me know if you have suggestions.  It is very much appreciated by us Sconnie Catholics!  I should double his salary at least.  I did get photos of Notre Dame in Chippewa Falls I hope to post soon, otherwise vacations went well, I definitely got some R&R, two oldest boys caught their first fish, Packers training camp, family softball tournament and even some work around the house. 

Will be at Knights of Divine Mercy in Cross Plains next Friday.  Hope to see many of you there.

Quick roundup

Pro-Life Wisconsin hires Marquette grad Emma Scuglik as new development director.

Tammy Basten begins tenure as Green Bay diocesan chancellor.

Bishop Morlino Bans Workshops by Professor, Campus Minister [old, from last year]

A man who voluntarily left the priesthood in 1972 has formally been removed from the clergy over an allegation that he sexually abused a boy in the 1960s, the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay announced Friday.

I heard that there may be a dust up at the Catholic Press Association because of the Fishwrap(Reporter). Can you believe in 2013 they are still winning all kinds of awards?!

LifeSite: Federal judge blocks Wisconsin pro-life law: would have shut down half of state’s abortion clinics

I have a graduation card for Ben Yanke that has been sitting on my counter in pile of papers for like two months.

Was in Marshfield at St. John the Baptist last week.  One of the best priests in the state stationed there(visiting priest for our Mass though).  Opening hymn was "All Are Welcome."  I think I literally face palmed.  There is no recovering when you start with the national anthem of hell.  He's got his work cut out for him.  Of course, I forgot my camera as well but will be worth a picture post next time.  .... I've been slacking on the church picture front as of late. 

I never did a follow up post on the Chicago trip.  The jist of it is Lou Malnati's pizza is tops.  Hmm, okay and here's a pic.

Okay, I guess that's it for now.  Successfully digging out of email but not making much progress on parish website.  Hmm, it seems like there was more...  Oh, one of the diocesan papers is looking at doing an article on the local blogging scene.  That's it for now. 

Quick roundup

Yes, it would seem that I have found a few minutes.

Bishop David Ricken preaches at the ordination of Fr. Ricardo Pineda, CPM, and Rev. Br. John Broussard, CPM – Preached in the Chapel of Divine Mercy May 25, 2013
http://fathersofmercy.com/homilies/ordination-homily-bishop-david-ricken/

Oshkosh church completes renovation

Pictures here.  Anybody have before pictures?

If anybody was wonder if the BC has "made it" yet, Vicki Mckenna is now following us on Twitter!  Glad we finally have her show in La Crosse.

Milwaukee archdiocese official picked for national education post

Organ concert series starts at Guadalupe Shrine

Winona Diocese priest jailed on accusations of fondling girl

My softball team was going to go to Old Style Inn(our sponsor) in La Crosse after our game a few Tuesdays ago, but someone was shot right outside last weekend.   We didn't go. 

I like this (Why would a diocese not send someone to the Catholic Media Conference???):

Catholic Herald staff members Mary Uhler, Pam Payne, and Steve Hefty are attending the 2013 Catholic Media Conference in Denver this week. Last night they heard an inspiring talk from Fr. Robert Barron giving six suggestions for making the New Evangelization more effective. Watch for more on this conference in the July 4 issue of the Catholic Herald.

I am looking a giraffes and penguins right now... well not at the same time. 

Have a great 4th everyone!

Roundup: The Statue edition

via The Compass

In an interview, Bishop Ricken said he believes Tassara captured the essence of the apparition of the Blessed Mother as described by Adele Brise. "I'm very pleased," he said. "I think everybody is."

The Compass: New statue unveiled at shrine

From a reader, a note from the .... well now former Chancellor but continuing as Vicar General(I think it's good to keep them separate) Fr. Doerfler.

A response from Fr. Doerfler from the GB Diocese regarding the new Our Lady of Good Help statue:

"On behalf of Bishop Ricken, I wish to acknowledge your email regarding the statue of Our Lady of Good Help. If you have not yet been to the Shrine to see it, I would encourage you to do so. The photograph does not adequately capture the statue. The statue is based upon Adele's description of Our Lady when she appeared to Adele. According to Adele, Mary was "clothed in dazzling white, with a yellow sash about her waist. Her dress fell to her feet in graceful folds. She had a crown of stars around her head, and her long golden wavy hair fell loosely over her shoulders." Personally, I find the statue to be quite beautiful and inspiring. Sincerely in Christ, Fr. John Doerfler"

My friend received the same response. There's also been an intimation that the picture on the badgercatholic blog is not a good representation of the statue because of the flash photo. I offer for your consideration pictures from the Diocese of Green Bay's newspaper, The Compass.
The pictures of the statue start at about picture 13.

Here's the corresponding article.

For the record, our photo is the photo the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help posted on Facebook following the event. 

I still have a strong devotion to Our Lady of Good Help and others that do should not be too discouraged.  If she can overcome the Peshtigo Fire, she can overcome the ugliness of our age.  But the true ugliness of our age is not physical.  When we perceive physical ugliness, we should call to mind the ugliness of our own sins which God must endure.  Let us increase our internal devotion to her and may she reward our devotion with external Earthly and Heavenly beauty.

Our poll How do you rate the new Good Help statue?(10 best 1 worst)
as of now has 77 votes.  You can vote there if you like.

Score	Votes	Percent
10	2 Votes	3%
9	0 Votes	0%
8	1 Vote	1%
7	0 Votes	0%
6	1 Vote	1%
5	6 Votes	8%
4	2 Votes	3%
3	6 Votes	8%
2	11 Votes	14%
1	32 Votes	42%
0	16 Votes	21%

I'll end with this painting that Terry found with Our Lady in "long golden hair."  He posted his comments on the statue at his blog Abbey Roads(I always enjoy even when he's picking on me).

Fox11: Catholic Diocese of Green Bay appoints new chancellor  ... I think it was Fr. Hardon who said that it is preferred to have a priest in the role.... but with priest shortages it's hard to dedicate someone.

GB Downtown homeless shelter will keep going next year, director says

WRTL had a big conference, many of the bishops went. 

Video: Walter Hoye speaks at Pro-Life Wisconsin Spring Awards Dinner

Patheos: ‘Apparently,’ there’s a news story about Wisconsin church
Leroy Butler and that gay NBA player that nobody's ever heard of are involved. 

I had UX training all week so I feel totally out of the loop. 

Taking a trip to Chicago next week with the wife and no kids.  We're both looking forward to it.  Shooting to attend an actual Ascension THURSDAY Mass at St. John Cantius.  That would be a first for me I believe.  We are staying right downtown, see the sights.  Let me know if there's anything else I should go see.  I heard the Cathedral is nothing special, any other churches?  Despite the fact it IS Chicago, I've always loved that city.  When I was young, I wanted to be a cop like my dad but in Chicago.  We used to take a Wrigley trip every year when I was younger. 

Warning: a couple of BSes in here.

Quick Roundup

Ran across a theory that +Burke could end up in Chicago.

For Lent I was listening to Truth & Life: Dramatized Audio Bible.  It is the entire New Testament.  EXCELLENT!  There were times when I was slightly annoyed by the interpretation or someones voice(the voice of Jesus I did not like right away, but it grew on my after a while).   I would highly recommend it. 

Also I read Taylor Marshall's The Eternal City.  Short, concise, excellent!   

Attended Triduum at the La Crosse Cathedral.  I really wish I had an audio recording to share with you all.  Although entirely in English, it is praiseworthy, particularly the settings that Dr. Luckner has put the Responsorial Psalms to.  The kids love the trumpets and timpani.  On Sunday the bishop came up and gave our youngest a blessing.

A few prayer requests, for a friend in La Crosse who was recently let go from her job(after 12 loyal years) for cost saving measures.  Also for a resolution to the ongoing custody battle for Stephanie Przytarski, she is still in jail(for like 4 months now) and her daughter is still with the father(and alleged assailant).  I have removed my original post for the time being as part of a deal for cooperation.

Thank you for your prayers, my head feels much better today(I should have asked for prayers sooner!) and will learn of test results next week - something with the muscles and nerves behind the eye.

Did I tell you I know the producer of these fantastic AT&T ads?  

Bill Russell is apparently not impressed she went to school in a little town in southern Minnesota.  She should have told him she knew me!

Here's some outtakes

Wisconsin papal roundup - round 2

Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki invites the entire Catholic community of southeastern Wisconsin to a Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of the inauguration of Pope Francis. Scheduled for Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m., the Mass will take place at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 812 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee. All are welcome!

Archdiocese of Milwaukee

WTMJ: Archbishop Listecki, local Catholics, respond to selection of Pope Francis(video)

WTMJ: Appleton professor has close ties with Pope Francis(video)

Fox11: Bishop Ricken reacts to new pope

Bishop Ricken reacts to new pope

Bp Ricken joins Fox11 morning show:

Bishop David Ricken joins Good Day Wisconsin to discuss Pope Francis

Bp. Ricken on  NBC 26 (video) A Mass of Thanksgiving for the new pope will be at 9 am at the Green Bay Cathedral.

WisSJ

Morlino seemed especially loose and candid during an afternoon press conference Wednesday. After noting he was “a bit flabbergasted” by the cardinals’ choice, since Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was not on most people’s radar, Morlino said even Bergoglio seemed “a little shell-shocked” when he was introduced as Pope Francis. “He really did have the look on his face saying, ‘How could this be happening? I just came here to vote.’” In responding to a question on whether he foresees any major changes under Francis, Morlino said there are certain things in the Catholic church that can’t be changed. “There are certain matters in the church, certain matters of doctrine, where the pope has no authority to make changes,” Morlino said, naming the church’s teachings on abortion and female ordination as two. Francis is “a very intelligent, Jesuit pope” and knows where he has authority and where he doesn’t, Morlino said. “If he simply doesn’t have the authority to change something, it just slows the church down on her way to holiness to keep insisting that things that cannot be changed, change,” he said.

Erickson failed to mention the fact that Morlino is a former Jesuit himself, but made room for a Call to Action quote in his print article. No video interviews for Bps Callahan or Christensen.  Okay someone said there are WKBT8 videos, but I could not find them. 

UPDATE(Thanks Greg!)  
Live Interview: Bishop William Callahan(video)
La Crosse Bishop talks Papal Conclave(video)

Wisconsin Papal Roundup - round 1

Very cool to be posting "papal watch parties."

Diocese of Green Bay

Diocese of Madison

Thanks be to God for our new Holy Father! Let us pray in earnest for Pope Francis!
— Bp. Robert Morlino (@BishopMorlino) March 13, 2013

Bp. Morlino writes in the Madison Catholic Herald(written before the papal announcement): Spreading the truth about the papacy

I was very surprised, but so happy to hear of the first Latin American to be elected a pope. Welcome Pope Francis!
— Bishop David Ricken (@BpDavidRicken) March 13, 2013

@bpdavidricken will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay this Sunday at 9am. All are welcome! #Pope
— Diocese of Green Bay (@GreenBayDiocese) March 13, 2013

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, as Pope Francis I!!!God Bless... fb.me/27ZIRbO1h
— ArchdioceseMilwaukee (@archmil) March 13, 2013

Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Pope Francis Mass Info:

Mass for the Inauguration of the Petrine Ministry is Tuesday, March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph, at 9:30 a.m. (3:30 a.m. CST) in St. Peter's Square.

Stay connected for more information on our local archdiocesan Mass, also planned for Tuesday, March 19--not quite as early--at Milwaukee's Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

Madison does a press release and a press conference.  Great idea!

Does anyone else think it odd that the La Crosse Diocese still doesn't use social media?  They don't even have a way to sign up for email notifications of announcements from the diocese.   The La Crosse Tribune did interview Bp. Callahan though.

Diocese of Superior had a good play by play on Twitter.