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Church Clips by Dolores Madlener

Dolores Madlenera column of benevolent gossip

  • End run on ND? —

    The 5th Annual Midwest Regional Bioethics Conference sponsored by the Catholic Physicians’ Guild of Chicago and several other Midwest pro-life guilds, medical schools and hospitals, is still scheduled for May 2. However, instead of being held at the University of Notre Dame, it will take place at the facilities of Indiana University School of Medicine , South Bend campus. While that is still on ND ’s campus they will not use Notre Dame’s facilities. Their 5 p.m. Mass, already scheduled at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart , will take place. Bishop John D’Arcy , who is boycotting Notre Dame’s graduation ceremonies, will celebrate Mass and show his support for the conference’s ethical goals. None of the meeting’s registration fees will go to the University of Notre Dame. The conference is open to anyone interested in Catholic bioethics. Contact Dr. Thomas Zabiega at [email protected] to register.
  • ‘Matchmaker, make me a match’ —

    “Is there a program at a Catholic school to recycle worn-once First Holy Communion dresses?” That was the question an anonymous “angel” in a North Side parish asked herself recently. She was thinking of something like the non-profit Cinderella Project that re-distributes new or gently used formal gowns so young women can attend their prom without a big expense. What Clips learned during her phone call was that “the dress,” still in perfect condition, was sewn by the woman’s seamstress-aunt 50 years ago. It is made of an embroidered organza fabric with a big skirt and puffed sleeves — a classic style. The dress will be freshened up and delivered to principal Meghan Hurley at St. Mary of the Angels School (N. Hermitage) in time for some little girl’s Mother’s Day First Communion . (By the way, does any Catholic school accept gently worn Communion dresses?)
  • First Communion ‘Guest’ —

    A question from Mary Fuerst of Chicago Catholic University Club : Does anyone have the music to the old First Communion hymn, “ Little White Guest ”? She’s tried Google , EWTN , as well as Holy Name Cathedral’s music ministry and other church organists. The lyrics go something like: You have come to my heart, dearest Jesus, / I am holding You close to my breast; / I am telling You over and over, / You are welcome, O Little White Guest. For some reason, without malice aforethought, I think the melody to “ Red River Valley ” would fit nicely. If anyone has a copy of the actual music, contact Clips and I’ll send it to Mary.
  • Didja know? —

    If you go by the numbers, “Catholics rule” in the new U.S. Congress . We are the single largest religious group with 30 percent of the lawmakers. Protestants, as a whole, make up 54 percent, but they get broken into denominations for the count. Overall it’s Catholics , Jews and Mormons in that order, and there are now two Buddhists and two Muslims in the 111th Congress . . . . While he’s no longer an elected official, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich , once a Baptist , has recently converted to Catholicism . His third wife, Calista , is a Catholic.
  • Easter road —

    It’s amazing how much of the actual Easter story Jan Godfrey can fit comfortably into “ The Road to Easter Day,” a 29-page children’s book. Big and bold illustrations by Marcin Piwowarski help kids keep focused. The story winds from getting the donkey for Palm Sunday through Christ’s passion, death and Resurrection, “ending” with that reunion on the way to Emmaus. The dialogue is kid-speak that works: like Peter’s denial that he was a friend of Jesus : “Oh, no, I’m NOT,” said Peter. “Oh, yes, you ARE,” said someone else. “Oh, no I’m NOT,” said Peter.” Published by Pauline Books & Media , it is $14.95, at (312) 346-4228, plus shipping, or just pick it up at their store 172 N. Michigan.
  • Welcome party —

    Five of the beautiful Carrara marble statues from now-closed St. Ethelreda Church (S. Paulina) have been given a new home. The Sacred Heart , Blessed Mother , St. Joseph , St. Ann and Little Flower statues will be dedicated after the 10 a.m. Mass May 3 in the meditation garden of St. Thomas More Church (W. 81st St.). Parishioners have been collecting monetary donations for almost a year to finance moving and installing the statues on new pedestals. There will be a homemade pancake breakfast in the lower level hall of St. Thomas More after the dedication, for a free-will offering. Former parishioners of St. Ethelreda are especially welcome. Call the rectory at (773) 436-4444 for more information.
  • Homeschoolers:

    The Catholic Homeschool Conference & Vendor Fair is April 24-25 at the fairgrounds in West Allis, Wis. Call (262) 327-6298 for more information.