Write 2 The Point

Only the weather gets an Uff-Da

2009-07-11T15:21:00.001-05:00

Norwegian native Tone Forunn Tveito was welcomed to Col. Heg Park in Wind Lake last week along with other members of a tour group from the Telemark region of Norway.

Only the weather gets an 'uff da!'

Touring Norwegians greeted and feted, American-style

Karen Mahoney
CORRESPONDENT

Under a steamy pavilion at Col. Heg Park in Wind Lake last week, men grilled brats and burgers while dozens of guests lined up to sample potato salad, watermelon, baked beans, cookies and lemonade.

At first glance, this seemed to be a family reunion or an old-fashioned American picnic ... except, after a bit of eavesdropping, all the visitors can be heard speaking Norwegian.

As guests of Bob and Donna Malsack, 42 members of a group named Telelaget are dedicated to preserving the history of people who came to America from Telemark, a mountain region of Norway.

On June 24, the Wind Lake couple paired with Marilyn Canfield, president of the Norway Historical Society, to offer the group a traditional picnic in the park dedicated to Hans Christian Heg, a Norwegian immigrant who served as a colonel and brigade commander in the Union Army during the Civil War.

According to Canfield, the Telelaget group recently arrived in the United States to attend an annual "stevne," a time to gather with others interested in the history, culture, crafts and food of Norwegian Americans.

"Every year the stevne is held in a different place and it helps to provide connections between the Norwegians and their family living here," she said.

"They are very interested in learning about our culture, so what is more Wisconsin than having an American picnic?"

The Wind Lake location provided opportunity for the group to view the statue of Col. Heg, visit his grave at Norway Lutheran Church Cemetery across the street and then tour the museum on the park grounds and in the basement of the old church.

The park's museum has a new display set up in honor of the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway, who came to visit Wind Lake in June 1939, added Canfield. "They were really taken with that exhibit."

For Harald Omnes from Lunde, Norway, the group's ten-day excursion through Norwegian communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin was a pleasant blend of American and Norwegian culture.

"This has been an excellent trip," he said. "We toured the Twin Cities to Northfield, saw many of our relatives, attended a program and had several dinner parties."

While Omnes, a forester, liked the midwestern topography, friendliness, hospitality and American culture, he admitted that there had been one drawback.

"Well, some of the people are having trouble with the hot weather," he said. "We aren't used to that in Norway, but it doesn't bother me - I have spent time in Africa and every day the weather was like it is today."

A beaming Tone Forunn Tveito from Tokke, in western Telemark didn't mind the steamy temperatures either. A 32-year-old radio broadcaster and singer, Tveito said she used any excuse to stand under our sunny skies.

"Oh it is wonderful, I sat and watched the children play games on the play equipment and I got pretty warm, but I love it, I love everything about America," she said, adding: "I love the openness and homey-ness of the people."

Besides locating relatives living in the Midwest from Telemark, the group traveled around by tour bus and experienced life on family farms along the way, bridging old connections and making new.

One of the most interesting Midwestern experiences for Tveito is one most Wisconsinites take for granted.

"They roasted a giant pig," she said, stretching her arms wide. "It was on a spit and then we ate it. It was the first time I ever saw something like that and it tasted very good."

Following their visit to Wind Lake, the group headed to Milwaukee and planned to attend a concert before returning home to Norway on June 27.

Canine Cuisine

2009-07-09T18:23:00.001-05:00

Canine cuisine An old dog learns new tricks for healthy home-cooked food BY KAREN MAHONEY KENOSHA NEWS CORRESPONDENT

Elin Lansdown, of Kenosha, had tried everything to stem her dog Zeus’ chronic itching and skin problems, but to no avail.

Her miniature pincher had suffered terribly the entire nine years of his life, and despite trying more than 10 different dog foods, nothing seemed to work.

That was until Lansdown discovered the wonders of home-cooked dog food.

“Within two weeks Zeus went from being a moth-eaten dog with big patches of no hair, dandruff, sore feet and no energy, to acting like a puppy again,” she said. “He is willing to go outside, run, play, and all his hair has grown back. I am happy for him because he is happy.”

Like Lansdown, Carol Woosley, also of Kenosha, was looking for ways to improve the health of her rescue dog, Franny, a Keeshond-mix, with a little home cooking.

While some pet owners have become more vigilant after several dozen cats and dogs died from melamine-laced pet food, Lansdown and Woosley began preparing food for their pets strictly for the health benefits.

Similar to Zeus, Franny also had a thin coat of fur that was course, dry and brittle.

“Now she looks like a lion with a shiny coat, and she is sprouting fur like a Chia Pet,” Woosley said with a laugh. “Her dry skin is better. She is happier and seems to feel so much better.”

Financially, making homemade pet food might cost more or less depending on the type of diet the dog originally was eating. For some, who due to allergies rely on prescription foods, homemade food might be a cheaper alternative. For those who primarily purchase food on the retail level, homemade food is generally pricier and, of course, a bit more time consuming.

Lansdown spends about 30 minutes and approximately $9 per week preparing Zeus’ food, which consists of a combination of pork, beef, beets, corn, apple, cabbage, and wheat germ, a recipe she and her husband, Tom, compiled based on research from animal advocate and veterinarian Dr. William Cusick, author of the book “Canine Nutrition.” He believes in a diet that is breed specific and corresponds with the dog’s original habitat.

“I cook everything but the apple and put it through a food processor and really mush it up,” Lansdown said. “Then I add chopped apple and split it in freezer bags for the week.”

The food is so popular for the formerly finicky Zeus that he dances and performs tricks when Lansdown brings it out.

“This dog has been trouble since the day I got him, food-wise, behavior-wise, he has been trouble,” she said. “Now he is good all the time. I just can’t get over it. I will keep him on this. It’s wonderful.”

Using a combination of onethird meat, one-third grain, and one-third vegetable, Woosley developed Franny’s diet after observing the success her friend Barbara Malone, formerly of Lake Geneva and now a resident of Kentucky, has had raising her American Kennel Club Brussels Griffon dogs.

“She makes all her own food, and her dogs do very well. So I figured I would try it too,” Woosley said. “I have not figured out exactly how much it costs, but it is much cheaper than the expensive food I was purchasing for her.”

After researching the book “Pet Food Nation,” by Joan Weiskopf, Woosley decided to combine a home-cooked diet with Franny’s kibbles. After the positive results, she doesn’t plan to go back to 100 percent commercial food again.

While neither Lansdown or Woosley consulted with their veterinarians about the home-cooked diet, Dr. Maggie Regner, owner of Regner Veterinary Clinic, 10715 75th St., sees no problem with it, as long as the dog is monitored by a veterinarian.

“There are proper ways of doing this, the dogs need certain amino acids and carnitine found in every brand of dog food. It needs to be supplemented in home diets,” she said. “But as long as it is done to make sure the pet is getting proper nutrition, the pet should do fine.”

Another alternative to the homemade diet, according to Regner, is the BARF diet, an acronym for Bones and Raw Food diet.

“All of the vets in my practice have had extensive training in nutrition and allergies, and we have found that a lot of allergies stem from poor nutrition and the processed foods are not as good as you think they are,” she said. “The public is very misinformed when it comes to commercial pet food, and we educate on different styles of food. The BARF diet is an excellent plan if you don’t want to make your own.”

Elin Lansdown cooks ground pork to be added to her homemade dog food.

Ingredients in Elin Lansdown’s homemade dog food are cabbage, potatoes, corn, ground pork and beef.

Zeus enjoys a bowl of homemade dog food prepared by his owner.

KENOSHA NEWS PHOTOS BY SEAN KRAJACIC Elin Lansdown, of Kenosha, feeds a piece of cabbage to her miniature pincher, Zeus. The dog suffered from chronic itching and skin problems until Lansdown discovered the wonders of homemade dog food.

Former Crime Fighter Turns to Church Work

2009-07-09T15:53:00.000-05:00

7/9/2009 12:00:00 PM

Email this article • Print this article

E. Michael McCann prepares to lead the graduating class for the conferral of Certificates in Lay Ministries on Tuesday, May 12 at Cardinal Stritch University. Carrying candles behind him are Mary Foley, left, the administrative coordinator for the class and Yanelis Picado, the administrative assistant. McCann and 11 others were part of the center’s first graduating class. The cross carried by McCann is an image of the cross in the church at San Damiano in Assisi, Italy. (Catholic Herald photo by Ernie Mastroianni)

For more information on lay programs:

Cardinal Stritch University

Dan Scholz, Coordinator of Intellectual Formation, Chair of Religious Studies Department

(414) 410-4162

6801 N. Yates Road

Milwaukee, WI 53217

Former crime fighter turns to church work

E. Michael McCann earns certificate in lay ministry

By Karen Mahoney
Special to your Catholic Herald

MILWAUKEE - Born more than 71 years ago and a product of Catholic school education from elementary school through law school, E. Michael McCann remembers the Latin Mass and incense. He occasionally thumbs through his pre-Vatican II missal.

So why, after serving as Milwaukee County's district attorney longer than anyone else in the country and prosecuting such high profile cases such as that of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmar, did he decide to spend two more years in Catholic school?

McCann and 11 others graduated May 12, with a certificate in lay ministry from the St. Clare Center for Ministry Formation at Cardinal Stritch University.

"When I finished college in 1959, it was before the explosion in theology, and when it did start growing in the '60s, it grew into a liberation theology. I was always interested in learning more about theology and my faith, but I never had the courage to jump in on my own," he said. "I wanted the guidance of a teacher. I loved the church and have been a frequent communicant for a long time."

Center met lay

ministry needs

Originally, McCann looked into the now defunct lay ministry program at Saint Francis Seminary. It was terminated in 2006 when academic formation for seminarians was moved from the archdiocesan seminary to Sacred Heart School of Theology, Hales Corners.

"I started looking around and then found the Cardinal Stritch program, which was academically based, and decided it was for me," he said. "It was much more than I thought and was grateful for the opportunity to do it."

Approved by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan in June 2007, the St. Clare Center was an answer to bringing back lay formation and educational programs, while creating its mission around the 2005 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' document, "Co-workers in the Vineyard of the Lord."

As director of the St. Clare Center, and chair of religious studies at Cardinal Stritch University, Dan Scholz said the church does a great job with the academic formation of priests and deacons, but Stritch's programming addresses the needs of the laity.

"The archdiocese meets the needs with four elements and is set up to deliver spiritual, pastoral, and human formation departments, and now we deliver the intellectual," he said. "We offer the certificate program and a master's program."

The St. Clare Center also offers a no commitment Pentecost Mission that consists of a series of eight Saturday morning meetings.

"We have professional speakers with instant name recognition and credibility, such as Fr. Andy Nelson, Bishop (Richard J.) Sklba and others," said Scholz. "We offer breakfast, and a speaker on a different topic each week. This is wildly popular and the archdiocese offers basic religious education spirituality credit for the class, but there are no pre-requisites. You can go to as many as you want."

Twelve apostles met weekly

Affectionately referred to by staff as "the 12 apostles," the dozen students met Tuesday evenings and every other Saturday for four semesters. The program's goal is to educate and form people who are already active in their parishes. While the master's program prepares students for paid leadership, the semi-professional certificate program prepares its students to be better volunteers in their parishes.

Participants must be Catholic, must have a letter of endorsement from their pastor, and a desire to become involved in the parish in some way. The program is a confirmation to Scholz that Catholics strongly desire to learn more about their faith. The 2010 graduating class will consist of 40 students and 80 have registered for the upcoming two-year commitment.

Noting that next year, classes in both the English and Spanish will graduate, he said, "I am so excited about this and it keeps growing. This is good news after losing the program at the seminary - but more and better growth is coming out of this. It's wonderful."

Classes were spirit-lifting

For McCann, enrolling in the lay ministry program was an abrupt change from dealing with crime, and it offered him the freedom to experience a new vision, love and appreciation for his Catholic faith.

"I was the oldest in the group; the next was a retired teacher in her 60s. We had a couple of converts who had very good command of the Scriptures and as a cradle Catholic, I was quite impressed by it," he said. "It was terribly interesting and I appreciated the scriptural studies and how focused on Christ the classes were. It was, of course, a lot of time and commitment but it was something I had wanted to do for a long time."

While his personal reasons for taking the course were to learn more about his faith, and to be challenged, McCann did not expect the classes to lift his spirits as they did. In his profession dealing with hatred and depravity, walking into the dismal prisons often derided his soul to the core.

"When I would walk into the prisons my spirits would just drop; they were so filled with despair," he admitted. "But when I went to school, something about the teachers, the classes and the people just lifted my spirits. I could feel them soar."

Besides Harvard, McCann spent most of his life involved in Jesuit spirituality. He graduated from Marquette University High School, the University of Detroit and Georgetown University, and is a member of Gesu Church in Milwaukee. The contrast between Ignation spirituality and Franciscan is significant, and one that he quickly learned to appreciate.

"I had never been exposed to Franciscan spirituality and they are quite different than the steely organized Jesuits," he said. "In fact, the St. Ignatius Prayer for Generosity says, 'Lord, teach me the courage to fight and not to heed the wounds,' and the Prayer of St Francis is such a contrast, 'Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.' It's quite fun to see the contrast between the two."

Students learned, grew together

Besides accolades for the instructors, McCann praised the students who often came together helping each other to understand and succeed.

"The students were all wonderful and we participated together in faith-sharing and trying to ensure we all grew together. It was far different than my college experiences where students would often undermine another in order to get ahead," he said.

While he isn't planning to use his certification for a personal agenda or to earn any type of position in the parish, he feels the education will bolster his knowledge of the Catholic faith.

"I am more committed to my faith than ever," he said. "I have attended daily Mass since I was a teen and I thought I knew everything about liturgy. But now I know a lot more and it has given me a keen desire to learn more. For example, I know nothing about music; I enjoy it, but if I knew more about it, I would enjoy it more. This is how I feel after taking the course. I know more about the Mass and it makes it more of a joy to attend."

Already involved in the endowment committee at Gesu, McCann volunteers with Birthright, an organization assisting women in troubled circumstances who choose to keep their children, the Salvation Army's adult rehabilitation center, Children's Village, and St. Vincent de Paul Society; McCann also assists with Gesu's twin parish in Haiti and looks forward to other volunteer opportunities.

"My wife, Barbara, and I have been to Haiti several times and enjoy assisting over there," he said. "She has been wonderful and tolerant these past two years while I have been gone so many Saturdays. She often jokingly refers to me as 'Reverend' now - but I am not that and not a deacon; I am just Mike."

Small World

2009-07-09T08:34:00.003-05:00

It was just an assignment, but it ended up being a Divine Appointment.

Last night I was dreading the long drive to Cardinal Stritch College to cover a new group of Secular Franciscans. I wasn't dreading the story--but the long drive.

I don't care to drive in Milwaukee freeway traffic during rush hour and last night was no exception.

I prayed on the way for safe travel and a good experience. Upon my arrival, I was greeting with Paul, the minister of the group and immediately felt at home.

I learned after visiting for a while that he and the regional minister were both alums of St. Lawrence Seminary High School, where Erin will be attending in a few short weeks.

Both were wonderful men and encouraging of Erin's decision to go away to school and mentioned that SLS has a secular Franciscan order that he could join if interested.

I had only planned to stay 15-20 minutes at the meeting, but found myself having a hard time tearing myself away more than an hour later. Each member of the group were excited, vibrant and loving. Never boastful, they were humble and self-less and kind. I miss the kindness of strangers--and haven't experienced it for a long time.

It was as if God was drawing me to this vibrant, selfless group and saying, "here is where you belong."

Over the years, my husband and I have been drawn to a long line of wonderful Franciscans. Fr. Joachim and Fr. Dacian were both spiritual advisers to us and there was always that something, that made us feel as if we should be with them, rather in the trappings of the world.

Maybe, just maybe after I write my story, we will go together and explore the life of St. Francis and begin the discernment process.

Awesome-thank you God

A Green Cathedral

2009-07-06T09:35:00.001-05:00

Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the CYO Emerald Knights Band performs before the annual Outdoor Mass Sunday. ( KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY )

Published July 6, 2009 | 12:21 a.m.

A green cathedral

Catholics bring faith outdoors

By Karen Mahoney
kenosha news correspondent

Crowds flock to Lake Michigan for a variety of reasons in the summer. Boating, nature hikes, lounging at the beach and bicycling are the norm.

However, for many Kenosha residents and visitors, summer is also a chance to experience Mass in a different, more relaxed light. Under sunny skies and a slight morning breeze, hundreds of Catholics bowed their heads during the opening prayer at the annual Mass for Vocations in Pennoyer Park on Sunday.

Sponsored by the Kenosha Serra Club, CYO Emerald Knights Band and Color Guard, and the Catholic parishes of Kenosha, the Mass was preceded by music from the 70-year-old CYO Band, and the combined choirs of the Kenosha Catholic parishes.

The outdoor Mass was an opportunity to worship in God’s beautiful domain, said the Rev. William Hayward, pastor at St. Peter Parish.

“With this beautiful landscape, we can only imagine how much better it is when we get to where he wants us to be,” Hayward said. “This is wonderful being outside worshipping our Almighty God, and this sits well with Catholics in the area....We love to be outside and celebrate our love for God.”

Hayward recognized the 70th anniversary of music by the CYO Band and Color Guard.

“They are such an important part of the Kenosha community,” he said. “They have brought wonderful music to our area, and I’m so glad, that despite all the cutbacks in music across the country, that music is still important in our city.”

Hayward also praised the 21 years of service of the Kenosha Chapter of Serra International, a group dedicated to praying and encouraging vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and encouraging those who live their lives in service to God.

“You have sponsored this Mass when we have had bishops and archbishops celebrating here,” he said. “You are a dedicated group who care, thank you Serrans.”

While the beauty of the landscape, freedom, jobs and families are important, people must look beyond to the reasons that they are on earth, Hayward said in his homily.

“Our experiences, while not bad, they are not enough,” he said. “We have freedom given to us by our courageous forefathers, but while it is wonderful, it is not enough. If we have freedom from tyranny but still sin, it is not enough. If we rest on the Sabbath, but for no purpose, it is not enough and if we have our health, while it is great, it is still not enough.”

The key to giving life meaning and purpose lies in the Holy Eucharist, Hayward said. During tough times, happy times or in any situation, it is the Eucharist that continues to sustain Catholics and build up their souls and themselves as part of the Body of Christ.

“We put Christ’s body and blood into us and take it as food,” he said. “We affirm that he is God’s son and our savior and that makes it all enough.”

Silver Lake 4th of July Festivities

2009-07-05T12:10:00.001-05:00

PHOTO BY KAREN MAHONEYTeams from the Silver Lake Fire Department compete in water fights Saturday in the village. Teams from other area departments also competed. ( )

1 2 3 4 5

This fest is all wet

Firefighters bring old-fashioned fun to Silver Lake Fourth events

BY KAREN MAHONEY
KENOSHA NEWS CORRESPONDENT

SILVER LAKE — Dozens of people turned out Saturday for the fights in Silver Lake.

The water fights, to be precise

The object of the event, featuring teams from area fire departments, is to drive a barrel past the opposing team with a stream of water shot from the fire hose. The result is a thunderous crashing of the barrel across the pavement and a refreshing shower of water on the spectators.

Official judge Bob Kunde of the Wheatland Fire Department said the water fights have been going on for at least 40 years.

“It is a good workout,” he admitted. “It used to be we had to win the best three out of five fights, but now it’s two out of three. I remember one time we went all five fights, four of them were each two minutes long and the last one was a minute and 57 seconds. It brought me to my knees when it was done.”

Trophies were awarded to the four best teams, and a consolation trophy called the “Horse’s Ass” was awarded to the team spending the least amount of time on the court.

“You don’t want to be the fastest loser,” joked Tim Pacey of the Wilmot Fire Department, displaying the trophy that looked like, well, the back end of a horse.

The water fights were just part of an Independence Day celebration that, despite the absence of fireworks, did not lack in fun family activities.

Music, games, food, a spaghetti-eating contest, duck races and businessmen water fights were among the activities that kept a steady crowd streaming into Schmalfeldt Park.

The performances by students of USA Martial Arts in Antioch, Ill., were fluid, precise, controlled and intense.

While their demonstration looked like a dance, it is actually a kata, a series of fighting moves. Set to music, they demonstrated confidence, board breaking, kickboxing, discipline and weapons fighting.

An American flag painted on her rosy cheek, Rebecca Krupa, 10, of Pell Lake, sat mesmerized by the martial arts presentation, and was looking forward to the water fights later in the day.

“We come here every year, and it’s a lot of fun because a bunch of my family members live here and we get to see them,” she said. “I will miss the fireworks, but we are having fun anyway.”

For her mom, Chrissy, it was an opportunity to reconnect with family and enjoy an almost-free Independence Day.

“They are just great and so organized here,” she said. “Many of the activities, including the face painting, are free. We used to live here and come back every year because we really miss all the great people. It’s like a family reunion.”

While the city of Kenosha has plenty of holiday events, Pricilla Hauser brought her two children Mia, 3, and Collin, 7, to experience a slower paced celebration in the county.

“We just wanted to spend time in the county where it wasn’t so crowded,” she said. “Collin loves firefighters and was very excited when I told him we were coming for the water fights.”

2009-07-02T08:44:00.002-05:00

Think of all the beauty thats still left in and around you and be happy!

That is often a quote, originated by Anne Frank that is easier said than practiced! It is true that God didn't make junk when he created us, but there are times, circumstances and occasions when we might feel he slipped up, just a bit in our corner.

Rest assured, he didn't.

Remember that Jesus said, "In your world you will have troubles, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world."

If we can somehow lay each struggle, each frustration and disappointment at His feet--under the blood of the cross, He can and will take it from us.

Will things be perfect? It is doubtful, but in Him, all things are perfect.

Oftentimes I struggle with my own failings, such as the fracturing of my family, the mistakes I made as a parent, the times I shove my foot in my mouth, times when I mean to respond in love, but end up responding in disdain.

Regrettable? Yes!

Forgivable? Absolutely.

It matters not whether we receive approval from others for any choices we have made. Our choices, our mistakes our inner cries are secrets between our heavenly Father and us. If I have learned anything the past couple of years, it is that I only have to be the person God wants me to be. It is a lifelong struggle--but doesn't have to be so difficult, if we give it ALL to Him!

Today I woke up with a calming sense of gratitude for waking up next to my wonderful husband, my dog tucked under my arm, my son asleep upstairs. I am grateful for the house I didn't think we would still have. I am grateful for another day of work, another day to breathe the air and inhale the sweet scent of Jesus' breath upon my heart.

Thank you God!

Funniest Father's Day Story ever

2009-06-30T20:09:00.004-05:00

So, when my stepson, David asked his 6 year old daughter Linzy (our granddaughter) if she was going to make him breakfast in bed for Father's Day, she looked dumbfounded. She seemed anything but interested, so imagine David's surprise Sunday morning when he woke up with a tray on his lap.

On the tray was his breakfast especially prepared by Linzy.

What was on the tray, you ask?

A can of beer.
Two Scooby Doo Yogurts
One Scooby Doo Push up
and a Scooby Doo Popsicle.....and according to a reliable source, the popsicle was 2 years old!

Needless to say, 90% of the breakfast was consumed by Linzy.

Kids, gotta love 'em!

Things I contemplate

2009-06-30T13:06:00.002-05:00

That without Jesus, I am nothing
That dogs really are man's best friend
That a wonderful husband is the better than all the money in the world
That sometimes we have to say goodbye to unhealthy people-even if they are related to us
That I am most proud of my children
That I am grateful for everything in my life because it is all part of God's great plan
That every persecution prepares me for His kingdom
That granddaughters make me feel like a kid again
That good friends are often closer than family
That my parish is a gift from God
That I am lucky and blessed to be working
That it does take effort to pray for my enemies, but it is worth it

Perfect comebacks for inquiring minds who have no business inquiring

2009-06-29T17:41:00.002-05:00

I got these lines form a friend, and considering this past weekend, I realize how appropriate they are.

"why do you ask/' is a perfectly fine answer to people who ask questions they have no business asking.

'Thank you for your concern" works well when others are in a judgmental mode.

But the best one and most priceless is"

Be Careful not to bleed around sharks!

2009-06-29T14:31:00.000-05:00

Good morning, yesterday
You wake up and time has slipped away
And suddenly it's hard to find
The memories you left behind
Remember, do you remember?

The laughter and the tears
The shadows of misty yesteryears
The good times and the bad you've seen
And all the others in between
Remember, do you remember
The times of your life? (do you remember?)

Reach out for the joy and the sorrow
Put them away in your mind
The mem'ries are time that you borrow
To spend when you get to tomorrow

Here comes the setting sun (the setting sun)
The seasons are passing one by one
So gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life?

Gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life?

Of your life
Of your life
Do you remember, baby
Do you remember the times of your life?

Do you remember, baby
Do you remember the times of your life?

Happiness a quote by Anne Frank who had every reason to be miserable

2009-06-29T14:22:00.001-05:00

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.

Dress for my niece

2009-06-28T18:20:00.002-05:00

This is the dress that I made for my niece. I spent all week working on it, in between my freelancing jobs and caring for my disabled husband and 14 year old son. It was a labor of love--unfortunately, due to my aunt and uncle's humiliating behavior towards me, I never got to see her open it. I will never regret doing this because I love the little girl--it is just so sad that we were basically left out on the plank yesterday.

Quite a day

2009-06-28T16:07:00.002-05:00

This is a most difficult post to write because it lays my entire soul out naked, parched and open to the world. The only reason I write it is that it helps me to release my feelings and hopefully will go on to help someone else going through a similar experience.

Yesterday, in the company of relatives, we were persecuted terribly. What made the situation even more troubling was the fact that it occurred in front of about a dozen six year old girls at my niece's birthday party.

My Uncle and Aunt (who are just a couple years older than me) began attacking me personally and my faith in front of the throngs of people. It was not enough that the chose to attack me, but they attacked my husband as well. Thankfully, my husband came to my defense--sadly, none of my other relatives followed suit. This sent a strong message to me that while related by blood, we are not necessarily family.

The attacks were unjustified, accusatory and false--but I was not going to stick around and allow them to destroy the fantasy birthday party of my niece, so we graciously bowed out, while they continued to spew profanities, and horrid accusations down the driveway as we went to our vehicle. To further add to the pain they were causing, they made sure to bring up a couple of very personal issues we are going through in front of everyone--it was their final stab into my heart.

Only my husband and my young son stood up for me---everyone else stood by strangely silent. No phone calls today. No follow up. Nothing. What I did learn was that Jesus was right about our faithfulness dividing households. My Aunt and Uncle have a unique manner of corralling my siblings and some of my children to their side. How do they do this? It is simple, they have money and enjoy lavishing it on those who bow to whatever they want and to whomever agree to what they want.

I do not follow the same idol worship and neither does my husband and therefore, we are now the enemies. We are openly persecuted for our faith and despite all the false accusations of this couple, I know that those accusations are from the evil one who seeks to rob, ruin and destroy. I did not bring up any of his gravely inappropriate behavior towards me as a child in front of this group, but certainly the enemy tempted me to do so.

Instead I am rejoicing in God my savior. I am rejoicing in this persecution for His name sake.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

John 15: 18-20

We rejoice in our sufferings and in our persecution

2009-06-28T16:03:00.003-05:00

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5: 10-12

Jeremiah 20:11

But the Lord is with me as a dread warrior;
therefore my persecutors will stumble;
they will not overcome me.
They will be greatly shamed,
for they will not succeed.
Their eternal dishonor
will never be forgotten

Can I never receive the host at Communion again?

2009-06-25T14:05:00.001-05:00

Written by Karen Mahoney | For The Compass

Wednesday, 17 June 2009

Finding the blessing after a diagnosis of celiac disease

The most difficult part of the diagnosis of a disease that prevents us from eating wheat was not that we could no longer have Friday pizza nights, bakery cookies, or crusty loaves of bread. It was realizing that the most precious aspect of our Catholic faith - the Eucharist - had become dangerous to our health.

Church teaching requires that Communion hosts, which are consecrated during Mass, be made of wheat. It was a terribly painful Sunday three years ago, when two of my five children and I realized that we could no longer receive the host.

A prayer card rests near stacks of hosts made by Cistercian sisters in Wisconsin. Catholics with celiac disease are unable to take regular Communion hosts made with wheat flour. (Sam Lucero photo | The Compass)

We felt a sense of emptiness and a spiritual hunger. While we knew we could receive Jesus under the species of the wine, it didn't seem an option for us. Our digestive systems were very reactive and we risked ingesting a bit of host. (Called the fermentum, a bit of the consecrated host is placed into the cup by the priest.)

We suffer from celiac sprue, an autoimmune disease that affects the small intestine when wheat, rye, barley, oats and gluten-containing products are consumed. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, about 1 in 133 people in the United States has the disease. The only treatment is lifelong avoidance of gluten, the protein in grain that triggers the damage. Yet, the remedy leaves few options for Catholics, since the Communion wafer is the center of our faith.

While rice and soy-based wafers are available, canon law states that only unleavened bread made from water and wheat flour may be used for Communion.

For two weeks, we stayed in our pews, bowed our heads and silently mouthed the words to receive spiritual Communion. Our pastor, Fr. Terry Huebner of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lake Geneva, noticed. He stopped us after Mass to find out why we were abstaining.

Tearfully, I explained and told him that I would step down in my role as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion because it would be awkward not to receive our Lord on the altar.

Immediately, his faced brightened, and his cheerful response changed our lives forever.

"You know, there are other Catholics, even in this parish who have celiac disease," he said. "There are special hosts that you can order. They are made by a group of Benedictine nuns, and approved by all of the bishops in the United States."

Fr. Huebner directed me to the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Mo. After 10 years of experimenting, they had invented the first low-gluten altar bread that can be consumed by most people with celiac disease. Fr. Huebner also said he would provide a separate chalice for us, so that we would not risk cross-contamination by the fermentum.

In addition to prayer, the mission of these Benedictines is to bake Communion wafers. They are the largest religious producers of Communion wafers and ship more than two million per week.

It all began with a phone call to customer service in the early 1990s. Sr. Jane Heschmeyer heard the voice on the other end asking if the sisters could make hosts without gluten because she could not tolerate gluten.

Stumped, Sr. Jane turned to Sr. Lynn D'Souza, who had a degree in biomedical science, and they began to develop a low-gluten wafer. Sr. Lynn admitted that making the wafer was tricky because it needed enough gluten to satisfy canon law, but not too much to affect those with celiac disease. The sisters experimented with two types of wheat starch containing only trace amounts of gluten, but nothing seemed to work until they combined the two.

After placing what Sr. D'Souza called a "sticky messy glob" on the baking plate, it produced a light, bubbly wafer. Tests found the wafers contained 0.01 percent gluten, an amount considered safe for most celiacs.

While the sisters attributed their success to the Holy Spirit, they still needed approval of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. In 2003, they received it. They now serve more than 2,000 parishes and individuals across the U.S., Canada and other countries.
Some celiac patients choose to partake in the Blood of Christ only, rather than risk a reaction to the low-gluten altar bread. (Full participation in the Eucharist can be had under either species, bread or wine.) However, for my children and me, the host is a gift from God.

While our parish orders the low-gluten altar bread for us, we also order a supply to keep our freezer and carry it in a pyx when we travel. Before Mass, we bring it to the parish priest and he consecrates them at the altar so we can receive the Body of Christ like everyone else. For our family, it was the perfect solution and we are most grateful to the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

For more information on low gluten altar bread, contact the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration at 1-800-223-2772. Their Web site is www.benedictinesisters.org.

Mahoney is a freelance writer who lives in Salem, Wis.

Weekend in Virginia

2009-06-23T22:07:00.003-05:00

Spent a few days with some doll collector friends--here are a couple of photos. We had a lot of laughs, especially Mariah and I!

Ouch!

2009-06-16T14:57:00.003-05:00

This is Erin shortly after being stung multiple times by paper wasps--since he is allergic to them, we gave him an extra measure of Benedryl to keep the swelling down--however, it knocked him out for a while.

Praying the Rosary

2009-06-12T18:00:00.001-05:00

For Roman Catholics, May is the month we celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since the 18th century, we begin our month with the annual May Crowning. Young children often dressed in First Holy Communion dresses and suits carry roses, placing them in vases at the foot of the Mary statue in their parishes.

May Crowning is a tradition in which the faithful of the Roman Catholic Church honor the life of Mary for her role as the mother of Jesus and Queen of Heaven. The faithful place a crown of flowers on a statue dedicated to her and often a rosary is recited in honor of her sacrifice.

Similar to First Fridays, the month of June is a time to consecrate ourselves to honoring Our Savior’s Sacred Heart. We can honor Jesus by attending daily Mass, with a novena to the Sacred Heart and by praying a daily rosary.

For modern Catholics it may seem odd to pray a rosary once a year, let alone every day. Many have not grown up in households where vocal prayer was commonplace.

In my home, we prayed grace aloud before meals, but never a family rosary or alone on our knees before bed as we often see in old movies. We prayed silently in our heads or whispers at church, our prayers hushed so as not to call attention to ourselves.

“Say your prayers,” my Dad occasionally reminded me as I climbed the stairs to bed. But he never prayed with me, and neither did my mother. They never stayed to hear my “God blesses” or to pray with me. In all the years of my life, I never heard my parents pray at home.

We had a crucifix in the living room, and a dusty Bible on the bookshelf. We attended Sunday Mass with our Dad, and my mom, the reluctant convert, remained home. As if to make up for it, she often sent money to Catholic organizations and would sometimes receive rosaries as a gift for her donations.

“What do we do with this?” I would ask her.

She had no idea, and my Dad was too busy to show us, so the rosaries were tossed in a drawer. Forgotten.

It wasn’t until I was in my thirties that I began to embrace my faith and learn what those precious beads meant. In the beginning, I stowed away about once a month in the corner of my bedroom, silently fingering the beads and whispering the prayers.

I began the prayers in desperation, to help me through a difficult time in my life. Through my fingers traveling over the little bumps, God was working at smoothing the bumps in my life.

I began to heal.

As I began feeling the power of the rosary bringing peace to my life, I began praying more often, in the car, aloud with my children, before Mass, and with prayer groups. It became a source of comfort and identity and a link to Our Heavenly Father and to the Blessed Mother.

The Rosary is powerful and life changing. For those just beginning, take it slow, pray a decade a day and try to complete a rosary in five days. After you become comfortable with the prayers, try to pray two rosaries a week until you pray one each day.

Remember that the Blessed Virgin Mary herself instituted the rosary. In the 13th century, she appeared to St. Dominic, gave him a rosary, and asked that Christians pray the Hail Mary, Our Father and Glory Be prayers.

The rosary is a meditative form of prayer. Through the mysteries, we meditate on the great episodes that brought about our salvation by Christ with Mary as co-redemptrix.

Regular praying of the rosary is an excellent source of strength, especially in times of crisis. Somehow, we are delivered from adversities in a way we don't know how it happened. Take time out to pray the rosary, and see how your life will change.

I promise, it will.

-In the name of Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
Karen Anne Mahoney

Teen vocations effort invites young men to 'think priest'

2009-06-12T14:07:00.001-05:00

Kenosha group gathers monthly to discuss futures

By Karen Mahoney
Special to your Catholic Herald

KENOSHA - Dropping his backpack to the floor and draping his Bradford High School lettermen's jacket over the back of the metal folding chair, 16-year-old Nicholas Mowry seems every bit the typical teen.

Like his friends in sports or his classmates hanging around the malls and subdivisions of his community, Mowry has pressures: grades, girls and keeping an open relationship with his parents.

In the past few months, though, he has found a salve. It sets him apart from his family, his neighbors and even his high school friends. He sat beaming during a teen vocation group one recent Wednesday night at St. Mary Parish in Kenosha.

Mowry is considering becoming a priest.

"I love this group," he said. "It's cool that a bunch of guys can get together and talk about faith. I started thinking about it last year when we went to the Steubenville Youth Conference in St. Louis. Then this group started for discernment; my faith was strong then, and it is helping me keep up with it."

Fr. Jim Lobacz, archdiocesan vocations director, is eager to hear comments such as this as he looks forward to reversing the plunge in Catholics pursuing religious vocations.

"This wonderful group could be a great model and uses strategies to encourage younger men to consider the priesthood as an option," he said.

Fr. Joe Shimek, ordained in 2007 and named associate pastor of St. Mary the following year, knew that one of his missions would be to reach out to young men who are open to the priesthood. He and St. Therese youth minister, Brian Magliocco, began thinking of ways to encourage high school students to consider vocations.

"Brian took the young people with him to the Steubenville Conference in St. Louis and when he was there, he sent a paper around to ask if there would be any interest in attending a discernment group," Fr. Shimek said. "Bringing an interest in vocations is my priority; we have a call to meet vocations in all that we are to do."

The monthly meetings attract approximately eight high school-age men.

"We gave the boys a Christian prayer book, which is a shorter form of the breviary, and a rosary and a Catholic prayer book," the priest said.

The format for the meetings is constant: Members gather at 6 p.m., go to confession if they are interested, pray the rosary or evening prayer and celebrate Mass.

"After Mass. Fr. Joe and myself take the teens out for dinner," Magliocco said. "This is a great opportunity to just talk to them and do some real bonding as Catholic men. It has been very fruitful so far."

Funds for the monthly dinner night come from the Serra Club, parishioners and private donors who support the religious life.

Because the vocations group is open to all Catholic young men regardless of parish affiliation, Fr. Lobacz is hopeful that other parishes will adopt similar groups and form clusters throughout the archdiocese.

"This could easily boomerang and I think it is affirming that we have finally turned the corner on cultural vocations because I am seeing more support from vocation summer camps, teachers, religious education support and even parental support. The period of silence has ended," he said.

While he isn't certain if he will enter the seminary, Victor Aiello, a junior at Kenosha's Tremper High School and member of St. Mary, admitted that he is happy to have time to share his faith with his peers.

"It is a great way to meet with a group of guys to talk about different things," he said. "I am learning about all types of perspectives, such as priesthood, single life and marriage. We talk about it all."

Since Nick Hartnell, a St. Joseph High School senior and member of St. Mary Parish, began attending the discernment group, he has been thinking seriously about pursuing the priesthood.

"It is nice to have this leadership and guidance to be able to talk about things," he said. "It is giving a group of guys the right path to consider our future. I am discerning the priesthood and will be going to Marquette University next year. Right now I am 95 percent sure that I am going into business, but I plan to take theology and philosophy courses, too."

For Tim Gleeson, a member of Mt. Carmel Parish, Kenosha, the opportunity to speak openly with Fr. Shimek about his path to the priesthood is an experience he might not have if it weren't for attending the discernment group.

"I have learned a lot from Fr. Joe about what led him to the priesthood," said Gleeson, who is home-schooled. "I also have had a chance to talk with Brian about considering married life - both of them help us figure things out. Who knows? Maybe it will be one of us who becomes a priest."

Attracting people to a religious vocation means knowing what the average American teen faces and offering an alternative to the usual work or college plans. Magliocco begins with establishing openness and encouraging questions through his Life Teen group or through the vocations group.

"We want a culture open to the priesthood, single life and to discern and be open to what God is calling them to do," he said. "We are not pushing them to do this. We certainly don't want to make disgruntled priests, but we want to foster the need to be open to this universal call to holiness. We are all called to this and we all need to strive for this."

For more information on the group:Contact Brian Magliocco at St. Mary Parish (262) 694-6018,

For more information on the priesthood, contact Fr. Jim Lobacz or visit www.thinkpriest.org.

Poor economy fells school that served low-income families

2009-06-12T14:02:00.002-05:00

Poor economy fells school that served low-income families

San Juan Diego Middle School closes

By Karen Mahoney
Special to your Catholic Herald

RACINE - Emblazoned with dollar signs printed with green crayon, the manuscript paper was folded in half - a handmade card decorated and given to his mother to bring to work. The words were straightforward, "Please help save our school!"

Young Luis (last name withheld), a fifth grader, proudly brought the card to the teary-eyed school secretary with 37 well-worn $1 bills enclosed. A glimmer of hope included, and along with it, a small testament of love the young student has for the tiny Racine Catholic School.

"This was the hardest part," admitted Laura Sumner Coon, executive director for the fifth through eighth grade school. "His mom brought that little card to her entry level, minimal wage job and her co-workers all donated a dollar to help."

But it was too little and too late to keep the 70-student school open after the final desk closes this month. The unique school opened in 2003 to offer Catholic education to children living in poverty and relied upon charitable funds for its survival. Due to the present economic condition, the board of directors determined that keeping the school open was no longer an option.

"We exist on donations and have from the beginning, and our primary funding sources are individuals, most of whom lived their careers and are in retirement. They had resources invested and lost lots of money in the economy," said Coon. "We also had some funds coming from grants and foundations, but they also lost lots of money. We have never had a situation where we had an anchor of funding from any steady sources."

Unlike in Milwaukee where school choice vouchers are an option for the low income residents, San Juan Diego struggled to make ends meet with low parental donations. Although neighboring parishes and individuals have helped over the years, the downward economic spiral has affected them and they are struggling to hang onto their parishes and schools.

"The community really supported us in the past six years; we had over 1,600 contributors donate $4.5 million because they believed in our model," said Coon.

The school had planned for its biggest fund-raiser on June 5 at Festival Hall, but it was cancelled following the decision to close. School officials urge all San Juan Diego supporters to continue their pledges and commitments of financial support to help the school meet its financial commitments.

"Even though the school is closing, we still have staff to pay through the summer," explained Coon. "Like many schools, we have contracts that provide for this. It is unique but we still need to raise money to pay the teachers and staff. We are hoping that the people who understood our mission and supported it will help us close responsibly and be able to meet staff, vendor and creditor obligations."

For the remaining students, San Juan Diego staff will assist parents in placing their children in new schools for the upcoming year.

The public can still help share the mission of San Juan Diego, to offer children from low-income households an opportunity to attend a Catholic school they could not otherwise afford. Some families will wish to place their child in a local faith-based school but will need tuition assistance. San Juan Diego Middle School officials urge local parishes to help provide assistance for families who wish to continue their children's faith-based education and will help coordinate a match among donors who wish to sponsor a student at another faith-based school.

Coon believes the school closing should act as an alarm for the Racine community, because for too long, children in poverty have been sliding into educational duress and hopelessness.

"We have not acted quickly enough to reorganize our public schools into successful learning institutions and opened the door of private, faith-based schools for people without the means to pay for such education," she said. "It is my hope Racine learns from this experience and that people demand better education for the poor, push our legislators to expand the parental choice voucher program throughout the state and begin opening doors to educational opportunity for the most vulnerable children among us."

The eighth grade class graduated on June 9. The last day of school was June 10. A public gathering to celebrate San Juan Diego accomplishments, thank the school's donors and volunteers, and bid farewell to students will be at 5 p.m., June 14 at the school.

If you go:Public gathering to close San Juan Diego Middle School June 14, at 4 p.m.

1101 Douglas Ave., Racine

For more information, contact Laura Sumner Coon at (262) 619-0402.

Salem Grade School Graduation

2009-06-12T14:01:00.000-05:00

Check out my photos on West of the I

http://www.westofthei.com/2009/06/11/salem-grade-school-class-of-2009/2308

Congratulations Erin Student of the Year 2009!

2009-06-11T22:18:00.003-05:00

Not only did he give the graduation speech, he received a presidential academic award and received the Student of the Year Award. Great Job Erin! We are so proud of you!

Reflections

2009-06-11T11:11:00.001-05:00

Today Erin graduates 8th grade and prepares to enter a minor seminary. Hard to believe that this is the same child who climbed over church pews, scaled the Blessed Mother statue, tugged on Fr. Mike's alb and burped loudly during Mass.

In the words of a wise Franciscan Priest to me one day as I sat sobbing in the vestibule after Mass.

"He may well be Pope one day--don't give up," he said, tracing the sign of the cross on his tiny forehead.

Thank you Fr. Joachim--just maybe you had a prophetic moment.

Regardless, Erin has turned out to become a fine young Catholic man. Enjoy a few photos with me, will you?

Do they remember?

2009-06-09T11:02:00.002-05:00

Do they remember me staying up all night to make matching Christmas outfits for them?
Do they remember soothing their fevered brows with cool cloths?
new shoes when we had no money?
freshly baked bread each day?
chocolate chip pancakes?
baking cookies?
homeschooling?
daily Mass?
reading stories in my bed?
never leaving their sides in the hospital?
dance lessons?
baseball?
school dances?
prom?
first cars?
computers?
phones?
my love?

I remember slobbery kisses at midnight
floured fingerprints on my shirt after a tight hug
toothless smiles
first steps
first day behind the wheel
first dates
whispered secrets in my ear
hearing, "I love you forever" and knowing they meant it
and I remember when it all ended

Thank you most merciful God
for giving me Your love in the absence of my earthly father
Thank you my Blessed Mother
for your comfort in the absence of my earthy Mother
and
thank you Jesus for your comfort in the absence of two of my own.

Watch over them,
guide them,
bless them, and
if you can,
please let them know that despite my imperfections
how much I love them.