Chapter News
The latest events from local CUF chapters.

CUF
From the Jan/Feb 2006 Issue of Lay Witness Magazine

Fly Creek, NY. Chairman Martha Wenner of our St. Francis of Assisi Chapter wrote concerning the success of the CUF display table at the county fair. In addition to their distribution of Catholic literature, rosaries and medals, members were also able to speak with a number of fallen-away Catholics and answer their questions. Each issue of this chapter’s newsletter lists "spiritual opportunities"—Masses, devotions, retreats, and special Catholic events—that are available in the area. Special publicity was given to "A Week of Prayer and Fasting to End Abortion and Euthanasia," which was held in reparation for the sins of the world and to encourage prayer for the conversion of our nation.

Pittsburgh, PA. As part of their new St. Francis de Sales Lecture Series, members of our St. Francis de Sales Chapter recently heard CUF president Leon Suprenant speak on the need for Catholics to spread the faith. At the following meeting, Rob Corzine, director of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, spoke to members on the topic "Voices of the English Reformation."

Newark, DE. Members of the Our Lady of Peace Chapter recently attended an address by Sen. Rick Santorum, Republican from Pennsylvania, on his book It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good. Outside the family, the Senator observed, it is the religious communities in our society that represent the most intermediate institution involved in safeguarding the dignity of the human person.

Villa Hills, KY. The newsletter of our St. Francis of Assisi Chapter continues to inform readers of the various Catholic conferences and meetings held for adults and youth, as well as Masses and devotions held in the Covington area. At a recent meeting, Fr. Philip Devous, chaplain of St. Thomas More College, spoke to chapter members about his ministry on college campuses. (Fr. Devous directs a study group for high school and college students that is called, amusingly enough, "Dead Theologian’s Society.")

Tampa, FL. Secretary Elaine Calvino of the Our Lady of Life Chapter wrote that members are continuing their study of Pope John Paul II’s encyclical on the Eucharist, using a study guide and questions prepared by CUF president Leon Suprenant. Members joined in the 13th Annual International Week of Prayer and Fasting, which featured Suzanne Schindler, sister of Terri Schiavo, as a guest speaker. They also attended a "Human Dignity Workshop" to celebrate Respect Life Sunday.

Pensacola, FL. Secretary Barbara Harmon of our Fr. John A. Hardon Chapter writes that she had a full house after taking in seven evacuees from the Katrina devastation in Louisiana. Despite the distraction of one hurricane after another, members have been studying Vatican II’s Sacrosanctum Concilium.

Mundelein, IL. Members of our Bl. John XXIII Chapter recently heard Very Rev. Stephen McKinley, O.F.M., Conv., speak on "The Role of the Eucharist, Mary, and the Saints in One’s Spiritual Life." Fr. McKinley, who is the newly appointed superior at Marytown, shared the story of his own priestly and religious vocation and how the ministry of the Conventual friars at Marytown can be a great resource for deepening lay Catholics’ spiritual lives.

Steubenville, OH. Chairman Mike Sullivan of the St. Maximilian Kolbe Chapter writes that CUF president Leon Suprenant spoke at St. Peter’s church on the topic "Calling All Catholics: Spread the Good News." The chapter also hosted author and lecturer Fr. Robert Bradley, S.J., who was CUF’s spiritual advisor for more than 30 years. The evening’s events included a recitation of the Rosary, Fr. Bradley’s talk on the role of the laity in the Church, refreshments, and a question and answer session.

Atwater, OH. Chairman Stephen Marchand of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Eucharist Chapter writes that chapter members recently went on pilgrimage to North Canton, Ohio, to visit the home of Rhoda Wise. Wise had the reputation of being a victim soul who for a brief time bore the stigmata. The chapter newsletter continues to provide edifying Scripture commentary, as well as many beautiful sentiments of the saints concerning the Mass and the Eucharist.

Dayton, OH. Members of our St. Joseph Chapter continue to discuss at length the need for "heroic prayer" to obtain from God the priestly vocations that are the object of the formation of the St. John Vianney Society, which was begun as a chapter project. As chapter spiritual advisor Fr. Frank Amberger stated, "Prayer is not just a nicety, it is a necessity." When responding to a question on celibacy, he observed that being a father and husband is a full-time task and the question for one promoting a married priesthood is: "Who gets the short end of the stick, the family or the parish?"

Ames, IA. Judy Maly, secretary of our Veritas Chapter, wrote that members recently went on pilgrimage to Trinity Heights, a quiet and peaceful 72-acre site in Sioux City. In addition to beautiful statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin, there are also shrines commemorating famous Marian apparitions, a St. Joseph museum, and a Divine Mercy Adoration Chapel. Their day concluded with a group recitation of the Rosary.

St. Paul, MN. Members of the St. Thomas More Chapter have begun a new meeting format: There is a presentation of a doctrinal or moral theme, followed by group discussion. As chairman Andy Livingston noted, "We, the members, are going to practice defending our faith. The days when we can remain silent and let others do the explaining are over. There are so many people in our society who do not have the first idea of what Catholicism is all about. Sometimes people will be hostile, but often they are just curious. They have no idea who we are, or what we believe." The first meeting under the new format had members answering the question "Why Do Catholics Have a Pope?"

Richmond, WI. Chairman Theresa Livingston writes that the Christ the King Chapter is considering obtaining permission from pastors to insert CUF’s FAITH FACTS in parish bulletins. "The FAITH FACTS would be ideal for this. This would not only inform parishioners on the chosen topic, but would also introduce them to the availability of CUF’s whole library of FAITH FACTS."

Milwaukee, WI. The Board of Directors of the St. Gregory VII Chapter gave its 17th Annual Rev. Msgr. Alphonse S. Popek Award to Fr. Frank Philips, C.R. Fr. Philips is pastor of St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago and founder of the Society of St. John Cantius, a new community of priests and religious formed in 1998 with the approval of Cardinal Francis George. Members of this chapter also heard seminarian Dan Janasik speak about World Youth Day in Cologne, where he had gone with a group of 96 young people in a pilgrimage sponsored by Marquette University. The chapter newsletter comments on An Invitation to Christian Living, a problematic morality textbook that is currently used at Marquette University High School.

Elkhorn, WI. The first newsletter of our Pope John Paul II Chapter, written by editor Barb Harmon, notes that members have been studying the late Pope’s encyclical Veritatis Splendor. There has also been much interest in promoting perpetual adoration, children’s adoration, and the family Rosary. Topics for future meetings include educating parish members on Natural Family Planning, and the dangers of contraception.

Green Bay, WI. Members of the Our Lady of Good Help Chapter recently heard a presentation on the role of the deacon and the faithful in society. A discussion followed. The chapter newsletter once again draws attention to a 19th century apparition of Our Lady in Robinsville that has been recognized by the Diocese of Green Bay and that has long inspired this chapter’s interest in catechetics. In that apparition, Our Lady of Good Help appeared to Adele Brice asking her to catechize the children in the area. Attention has also been drawn to the program "Generations of Faith," which is designed for "parish faith-formation," but is distinguished by its lack of clear Catholic teaching. According to chapter chairman Ed Hummel, the proposed "antidote" to programs such as this is the use of texts such as the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Faith and Life catechism series.

Tucson, AZ. Members of our St. Gianna Beretta Molla Chapter participated in and helped publicize the 4th Annual Southwest Holy Family Conference, which is the largest conference of its kind in the southwestern United States. Among the speakers were Fr. Robert Rankin, CUF president Leon J. Suprenant, and Austin Ruse, president of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute. Topics included "The Liturgy: Sacred Doorway to the World" and "Attitudes and Actions of the Laity in Reconstructing the Culture of Life."

Phoenix, AZ. Members of Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha Chapter extend their congratulations to long-time CUF member Marlene McCauley, who has recently published a book on the chapter patroness. Song of Kateri: Princess of the Eucharist is a poetic biography describing the incredible obstacles Bl. Kateri had to surmount along her path to sanctification. Chapter members did much to publicize and participate in Rosary Sunday, which was held in the Phoenix Civic Plaza and presided over by Bishop Thomas J. Olmstead. Doris Kobrzycki, chapter secretary, writes that a special CUF banner made by a friend of the chapter was carried in the Rosary Sunday procession.

San Jose, CA. Chairman Elizabeth Lam of the Guardian of the Redeemer Chapter writes concerning the group’s continued study of The Navarre Bible: Acts of the Apostles as well as a series of questions on its material. These questions are prepared for members to help stimulate their knowledge of Catholic doctrine. Answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church have also been provided to assist member’s understanding of the proper formation of conscience.

Wellington, New Zealand. We are delighted with the news from New Zealand CUF Director Melda Townsley that a new CUF Chapter has been formed in "Windy Wellington." The members of Pope John Paul II Chapter, NZ, are already considering plans to organize a Eucharistic Convention in Wellington. Chairman of the chapter is Mike Petrus, aided by deputies Ted Jordan and Joanne Greally, secretary Eileen Jordan, treasurer John Greally, and spiritual advisor Fr. Mateo.

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