October 12, 2008 

This weekend I am in Milwaukee attending the annual meeting of the North Central Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The Mass on Saturday will be celebrated in the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary at Holy Hill, and on Sunday in the Basilica of Saint Josaphat in Milwaukee. Our purpose is to pray and do penance for peace in the Holy Land, and to support the Christian communities and shrines there. After visiting the Holy Land this past February, I know how important it is to support in any way we can our fellow Christians there. Our sacristan, Charlotte Nesseth, will also be attending. Thanks to Father Todd Mlsna and Father Sam Martin for celebrating the Masses here this weekend, and to those who will be substituting for Charlotte getting things ready for each of the Masses.

With the general election now only a month away, Catholic citizens, like all citizens, need to be conscientious voters. There are always issues which have moral implications and Catholics need to take these into account when deciding how to cast their votes. The bishops of the dioceses in Wisconsin have published a series of bulletin inserts to inform the state’s Catholics of the moral values that ought to be considered. An insert is being included in our bulletin each week until the weekend before the election. Today’s insert, the fourth in the series, examines the issues related to the right to life and the dignity of the human person. More resources are available at our diocesan web site http://www.dioceseoflacrosse.com/vote2008.htm.

Don’t forget about this Sunday morning’s pancake/ omelet breakfast being provided by the Cathedral Men’s Club. Also note the bulletin announcement about the turkey dinner at St. Mary’s in Viroqua this Wednesday evening, October 15. I know Father Cook will be happy to see you there.

October is the month of the rosary. It is a great family prayer. Continue to pray the rosary this week for peace and for our military personnel serving in war zones. Pray also for a greater respect for human life and dignity, and for the legal protection of all life, from its beginning at conception and throughout its natural course.

May God bless his people with peace.
Father Gorman