The Compass

Following retreat, youth find ways to put compassion for poor into action

GREEN BAY — More than a month has passed since the Quad-Parishes 10th grade faith formation retreat was held, but the effect of the experience on the teens continues. Last week, the sophomores, along with some invited ninth grade students, created 40 birthday bags for St. Patrick Food Pantry complete with a cake mix, frosting, candles, party plates and napkins, candy and small toys. The youth also collected personal care items for St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter.

"This came from them," said Becky VanKauwenberg, youth minister. "Following the retreat, they said, 'We want to do more. We don't want to leave it there. We want to make a difference.' From conversations and teamwork, they brought this together."

Jesuit priest debunks atheist challenges about God

GREEN BAY — The simple answer is "no."

The question, "Can science disprove God?" was the topic of the first talk given by Jesuit Fr. Robert Spitzer at the diocesan Leadership Day on April 25, held at the Rock Garden in Green Bay.

Bishop Pallipparambil speaks at Leadership Day

GREEN BAY — The Catholic Church has no reason to be down on itself. In fact, Catholics can take heart from the many signs of hope in the church, even though they are sometimes overshadowed by bad press. That was the opening salvo in a short talk given by Bishop George Pallipparambil of India to participants in the diocese's Leadership Day on April 25.

His appearance preceded the main speaker, Fr. Robert Spitzer, who tackled the subject of science and faith.

CHAMPION — Standing among 3,000 people gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help on Aug. 15, 2005, to celebrate the feast of the Assumption, Edward Looney, then a 16-year-old high school sophomore, felt an awakening of his Catholic faith.

The sanctity and immensity of the annual gathering and rosary walk on the site where Sr. Adele Brise in October 1859 encountered a series of apparitions of Mary, Queen of Heaven, stuck with Looney.