Patty Schneier makes me cry.

Schneier came to Madison two years ago as part of our Humanae Vitae 40th Anniversary Events and Celebrations. And she rocked it. I had heard CDs of her talks, “Prove It, God!” and “Reaching the Cafeteria Catholic,” and “Parents Get Real…Talk to Your Teen About Love,” and knew she would be good. She makes me cry. Ok, I’m a little bit of a crybaby, but I’ve heard a lot of inspirational talks, and they don’t always get me, particularly when they’re on a topic I’m already decided about. Particularly when I’ve already heard the talks five times. But there I was standing at the back of the auditorium, my mind occupied with a thousand details of the event I was running. And I was crying. So were other people. Afterwards, when there was a huge line to talk to her at the reception, people had red eyes and were talking to her excitedly.

Last week I was listening again to her Cafeteria Catholic CD, and she did it again.

She might be coming to a city near you. And if you live in Wisconsin (southwest), she’s coming to a city near you next week. Go. Go, I say.

Patty Schneier, nationally-renowned Theology of the Body speaker, will give a four-part talk series at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington, WI on Saturday, Nov. 13 (talks at 7 and 9pm) and Sunday, Nov. 14 (talks at 1 and 3pm). Admission is free. For the purpose of food preparation, an RSVP is helpful, but not required. To RSVP, leave a message with the parish office at 608-776-4059. Spread the word!

FREE Talks in Madison: Christopher West is making two appearances in Madison, Wisconsin this February, so mark your calendars, Wisconsonians.

God, Sex, and the Meaning of Life

Date(s): February 18th, 7pm
Location: Univ. of Wisconsin/Madison – The Great Hall in the Memorial Union
716 Langdon Street
Madison WI, 53706
Contact: Nico Fassimo
Phone: 612-867-6780
Email: nicofassino@gmail.com
Cost: This is a free event!
Description: This talk introduces a new “vision for life” designed for those who are new to the Theology of the Body. The message can be life-changing. Many will come to see, perhaps for the first time, who they really are—and who they are called to be. God’s plan for us is stamped right into our bodies, and understanding this plan will give attendees a new lens through which to see their lives, relationships, and the world around them. Christopher West will address and answers some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Mike Mangione will also be performing.

Your Call to Greatness–St. Therese Lecture Series

Date(s): February 19th, 7pm (RSVP–seating is limited)
Location: Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center
702 South High Point Road
Madison WI, 53744
Contact: Andy Galvin
Phone: 608-821-4517
Email: andy.galvin@straphael.org
Description: This talk introduces a new “vision for life” designed for those who are new to the Theology of the Body. The message can be life-changing. Many will come to see, perhaps for the first time, who they really are—and who they are called to be. God’s plan for us is stamped right into our bodies, and understanding this plan will give attendees a new lens through which to see their lives, relationships, and the world around them. Christopher West will address and answers some of the most fundamental questions of human existence.

If you’ve not heard Patty Schneier give a talk, or checked out her CD’s, why not drive to Madison for the last of their St. Therese Lectures this year?

[Spoiler alert: If you go to this talk, you find out they both win.]

A friend sent me the link to this up-and-coming documentary. I’ve not seen it yet, so I can’t give a commentary or full analysis, but I support natural childbirth. I *think* I understand where they’re going with the “orgasmic” parlance, but I’d like to see it before I make a judgement. The friend who sent the announcement to me is super excited, and hoping it really displays the sacred of human birth and life.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vlm9y6hQpk]

See Orgasmic Birth for more information.

It’ll be showing at the Majestic in Madison, WI Sunday March 8, 2pm. See the official web site for other shows.

Coming to Madison in a couple weeks. (RSVP here.)

I now interrupt this NFP blog to report in local news:
I found a great motivational poster today (h/t to Mark Shea):

In an unrelated story, there’s a group of people in Madison headed to California, but found on flight to Rome.

UPDATE: In a related unrelated story, support Bishop Morlino.