The Milwaukee Post

6 • Milwaukee Post • September 13, 2013 Dolan gets warm welcome at Milwaukee Theatre Urges Catholics to keep faith in 'post-church' world By DANIEL GAITAN Conley News Service MILWAUKEE – Cardinal Timothy Dolan urged Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith, despite the challenges they face living in what he called a "post-church" world. Dolan, former Roman Catholic archbishop of Milwaukee, addressed thousands of Catholics from across Wisconsin during his Pallium lecture at the Milwaukee Theatre on Sept. 5. "Am I ever happy to see all of you this beautiful evening," said Dolan, the current president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He then delivered a fiery speech mixed with dry humor, including some references to the Church's past Photo by Mary Catanese/Special to The Post scandals and current positions Milwaukee Roman Catholic Archbishop Jerome Listecki, left, and on social issues. "We live in a post-church Cardinal Timothy Dolan listen to stories about Cardinal Dolan world. People now want a king, from the Rev. Paul Hartmann, Catholic Memorial High School Christ the King, without a kingpresident and the Pallium Lecture Series master of ceremonies dom. They want a shepherd with no flock, with them being Sept. 5. the only sheep. They want Christ without his church," Dolan said. "For us Catholics, that is impossible." Dolan spent most of his speech providing details about three possible pathways to help rejuvenate the faith: acceptance of the church as a spiritual family; more apologetics to help prepare young people for theological debates that occur during college; and a sense of repentance, accepting that the Church is made up of imperfect people who, at times, will disappoint. "We have failed to equip our young people, ourselves, with the art of credibly, convincing and compellingly defending and presenting our beloved faith," Dolan said. "With an ability to defend stupid attacks, when people say we worship the pope, that we're cannibals at the Eucharist, that we think that our Blessed Mother is God, that confession makes sin easy, and that the Church is the Whore of Babylon. We believe that the Catholic Church is the one, true holy Catholic and apostolic faith." Such statements brought resounding applause. Jaymie Winter, 16, from Germantown, was moved by Dolan's presence and his focus on the importance of faith for young people. "I understand how important it is for the Church to stay together," she said. "I see friends, I see them not come to church at all anymore, or they are dressed inappropriately to church." The references to popular culture and the relationship between President Barack Obama and Dolan weighed heavily on 75-year-old Mary Kunze of Waukesha. "I thought that it's so interesting that the (cardinal) and Barack Obama are both such wonderful speakers, and that they have such differences. How can we have world peace with such wonderful Americans, like the archbishop and our president, and they can't get along?" Kunze said she hopes they will one day see eye to eye and help usher in an era of peace. The 10th annual lecture – part of the series Dolan started in 2003 – was presented by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki, who opened the event with a prayer. Contact Dan Gaitan dgaitan@conleynet.com Program: 'I can't say how much this is a win-win for this community' continued from Page 1 efforts in the Clarke square and Layton Boulevard West neighborhoods on the city's south side. "This is my first year doing this," Paetzke said. "I like helping when people are in need, and I'm looking forward to helping the community." Paetzke and about a dozen new ambassadors were introduced by Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan, whose district the program is in, at a news conference Aug. 5. Ambassadors handle many community improvement duties, including cleaning litter and debris, removing graffiti and alerting police when there is suspected criminal activity. Donovan works with the Journey House and United Migrant Opportunity Services to keep the program running. The Journey House provides assistance with résumé writing, job skills and applying for jobs online in exchange for community service from the ambassadors. "I can't say enough about how much this is a win-win for this community," Donovan said. "It's a win for the community because we're going to have cleaner areas, and it's also a win for (ambassadors) because this project gives them needed job experience and training, and works closely to place them in job opportunities." This is the Neighborhood Ambassador program's seventh year. It almost didn't happen this year after UMOS lost some of its W-2 funding in state cuts. However, Community Development Block Grant money was able to make up some of it, as well as donations from businesses and nonprofits. The program requires the ambassadors to work 20 hours each week. In return, they receive a stipend that varies depending on family size and income. The program also can bring job opportunities once it's over, said Michele Bria, Journey House's executive director. About 50 to 60 percent of ambassadors are able to find work at the end of the program, she said. Not only is this program great for the area and ambassadors, but it can also help to lower crime, said state Rep. Josh Photo by Kirsten Klahn/Special to The Post State Rep. Josh Zepnick, D-Milwaukee, believes the Neighborhood Ambassador program can help lower crime in Milwaukee, which has seen a spike in gun violence this summer. Zepnick, who attended the news conference held on the corner of South 21st and West Scott streets. "We've had a tough summer here in Milwaukee," Zepnick said. "There's been a lot of violence down the blocks here and down the area where I live. The gun violence, we've all had enough of it." Donovan said that he believes a group like this can help prevent crime. "Without a doubt, a program like this is limiting violence," Donovan said. "It starts in the neighborhoods. The more good people are out on the streets, the bad guys won't want to hang around. This program is enhancing the quality of life here and improving safety." It's all about giving back, Paetzke said. "I just want to better the neighborhood and my life," she said. "I'm looking forward to it all." Sts. Peter and Paul hosts spaghetti dinner Saturday Post Staff SOUTH MILWAUKEE – Sts. Peter and Paul National Polish Catholic Church will host a spaghetti dinner from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday . The $9 cost includes spaghetti, meatballs, cheesy garlic bread, salad, dessert and a beverage. Those who bring two nonperishable food items will receive $1 off the admission. Proceeds go to the South Milwaukee Human Concerns. The church is located at 1308 15th Avenue in South Milwaukee. Takeouts are available. Reservations are appreciated by calling 764-4860, but the public is welcome.

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