Rapping priest takes stage
at Youth Jam 2008

	PRIEST PERFORMS AT YOUTH JAM: Franciscan Fr. Stan Fortuna performs a concert at St. John the Baptist Church in Howard Dec. 6. (Richard Evans photo)

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

HOWARD -- Rap, hip-hop, jazz, reggae and a hint of the blues helped Fr. Stan Fortuna spread the Gospel at Youth Jam 2008, Saturday, Dec. 6, at St. John the Baptist Parish.

"O' Come Let Us Adore," served as the theme for the event, which attracted 350 middle school students. In his morning presentation, Fr. Fortuna, a member of the Franciscan Friars of Renewal and a native New Yorker, used both improvisation and his previous music to deliver his message. Among the topics he addressed were: not caring about what other people think while living your faith; being a creature before the creator in adoration; the relation between sexuality and faith; and the meaning of family at home and within the church; of which he offered the acronym "Forget About Me, I Love You."   Full story ...

	Christmas Masses Christmas Mass Schedules for Diocese

 • Green Bay's Catholic book store to remain open
    Group of supporters steps forward, creates new
    St. Catherine board of directors

 • Nativity scenes on exhibit (Christmas)
    More than 124 sets on display at St. Mary's historical building

 • Communities offer free Christmas meals (Christmas)

 • Place 2B will hold birthday for Jesus (Christmas)
    Dec. 24 event includes breakfast with Santa; toy donations needed

 • Help wanted ads

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    for December 14, 2008: Carry Jesus' light into the world (Advent)

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Michael Stubbs --
    for December 14, 2008: A challenge to prepare for the Lord (Advent)

 • Editorial -- Making the season bright (Christmas)
    In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, "... for it is in giving that we receive."

 • Foundations of Faith -- Would Pharaoh recognize a Christmas tree? (Christmas)
    Beloved holiday tradition has its roots buried in pagan history

 • Mary offers tips to us on waiting (Advent)

 • Sites of Tour -- Compass tour stop: Church of Our Lady

 • Your Catholic Neighbor -- Rueden is Nick at night
    Bearded wonder brings smiles when he dons costume of St. Nicholas

 • Calendar of events

Sharing Our Faith Articles on 2008 Bishop's Appeal

• Project focuses on family (Apr. 4) • Ready for summer relaxation? (Mar. 21) • Diocese eyes adult education (Mar. 14) • Diocesan youth conference will be held March 30     (Mar. 7) • Program works to end domestic violence (Feb. 29) • Workshop helps parishes manage business affairs     (Feb. 22) • She's keeping the faith (Feb. 15) • Bishops' Appeal helps Catholic Charities respond to crises (Feb. 8)    Sidebar: Bishop's Appeal at a glance • Bishop's Appeal kicks off (Feb. 1)    Pie chart of Bishop's Appeal use    Sidebar: 2008 Bishop's Appeal facts