Social Concerns
Seeking to support parish commitment to social ministry while defending human life and dignity.

The Lord of Life, and the Election on April 4
It is ironic that I am writing this on the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25), the day we recall the words of the Angel Gabriel to Mary: “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Immanuel.” Yes, in his Incarnation, Jesus embraced our humanity to the point of spending nine months growing as a dependent, preborn child in the womb of Mary.
The irony is that just days from now, on Tuesday, April 4, a state election will take place whose central focus has been abortion. Abortion has been illegal in Wisconsin (with only a life-of-the-mother exception) since the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade last June. In fact, nationwide as a result of Dobbs, in the first two months alone, it is estimated that nearly 11,000 babies’ lives were saved from abortion.
We give thanks that so many preborn children have been spared, for they are holy images of the God whose conception we celebrate on this Feast of the Annunciation. We recall the words of Psalm 139: “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.”
This great step forward in respect for the sanctity of human life is now under threat. Advocates of legal abortion are pinning their hopes on the State Supreme Court race that is part of the April 4 election, with the winner serving a 10-year term as a Justice on that Court. If the composition of the Court can be swung in their direction, abortion advocates believe that the 1849 state statute outlawing abortion will be struck down, opening the door once more to the killing of preborn children in our state.
Millions of dollars have been poured into this race, much of it from outside of Wisconsin, making it the most expensive State Supreme Court race in our nation’s history. The pro-abortion propaganda about “choice” and “reproductive health” has come fast and furious in political ads on TV and in other media.
It is the responsibility of voters to inform themselves on where the two candidates stand on the issues, especially this life-and-death issue of abortion. The Church’s responsibility is to highlight the moral principles at stake, and to note that without the God-given right to life, all other rights are meaningless.
The Church also calls us to show love and support to women facing pregnancy in difficult circumstances. Indeed, there are more than eighty pregnancy resource centers throughout Wisconsin, ready to welcome expectant mothers with open arms and compassion, and to assist them with any needs they may have. There are fifteen such centers in the Diocese of La Crosse alone, with information at diolc.org/respect-life. Catholic Charities offers support to expectant parents, who may call 1-844-644-7223 or text 715-600-6391. No one needs to face the challenges of a difficult pregnancy alone.
Will Wisconsin remain a state that cherishes and defends the right to life of the child in the womb? It is sobering to note that election day, April 4, falls on Tuesday of Holy Week, the week when Jesus gave his very life to show his love for us and save us from our sins. Please vote with a well-formed Christian conscience, and urge your family, friends, and acquaintances to do the same.
Christopher Ruff
Director of the Office for Ministries & Social Concerns
Diocese of La Crosse

To donate to Chalice of Mercy Click Here, or use the QR Code below.
Help the Suffering People of Ukraine
The people of Ukraine continue to suffer indiscriminate missile attacks from Russian forces, often aimed at population centers, and at power stations to destroy the capacity for people to heat their homes in winter. Please consider donating to Valentyna Pavsyukova’s extraordinarily effective mission, Chalice of Mercy, to help pay for continued shipments of warm clothing, medical supplies, and much more. With her dedicated network in the U.S. and Ukraine, Valentyna is able to get these supplies (including more than $3.5 million worth of donated medical equipment) from Wisconsin to the people in the war zone in the space of ten days. This is all done at a discounted rate through her shipping partners, but it must be done by air, so the costs are still considerable. This mission is rooted in Jesus Christ and sanctified by much prayer and many Holy Masses. Your donations are deeply appreciated!
Recent Media Coverage of Valentyna Pavsyukova and Chalice of Mercy Mission to Ukraine
Valentyna Pavsyukova,
Founder and President of Chalice of Mercy
Note: Chalice of Mercy was founded by Valentyna Pavsyukova as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2007, and is in good standing with the Diocese of La Crosse.
Chalice of Mercy
All Profits Go to Support Chalice of Mercy Mission in Ukraine.
Chalice of Mercy is a non-profit charitable organization registered in Wisconsin with 501 (C) (3) Status.
Wisconsin Bishops Address Vaccination
and Conscience Protection
Wisconsin’s bishops have issued a statement in which – while urging Catholics who are eligible to seek vaccination as a means to protect themselves and others – they address the ability of individuals to seek exemption from COVID-19 vaccination mandates based on conscience objection.
Blessed Brother
James Miller, Martyr and
Witness to the Gospel
Feast Day Feb. 13

Wisconsin Bishops Speak Out
Against Equality Act
Wisconsin’s Catholic bishops join with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in opposing the Equality Act of 2021 (H.R. 5). While all people must be treated with dignity and respect, efforts to prevent discrimination cannot foster inequality and intolerance of religion and people of faith. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution specifically protects free speech and the free exercise of faith, as both are essential for a free and open society….
Pro-Life Rosaries with the bishops of Wisconsin
Oct. 4 Recording – Bishop William Patrick Callahan, Diocese of La Crosse
Oct. 11 Recording – Bishop Donald Joseph Hying, Diocese of Madison
Oct. 18 Recording – Bishop David Laurin Ricken, Diocese of Green Bay
Oct. 25 Recording – Bishop James Patrick Powers, Diocese of Superior
Nov. 1 Recording – Archbishop Jerome Edward Listecki, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Catholic Life Articles
Here are a few Catholic Life articles. To read the full article, click on the blue colored title.
Contact Information
Office for Ministries and Social Concerns
Phone: 608.791.0161
Fax: 608.791.2675
Christopher J. Ruff, S.T.L., Director
Jen Mickschl, Administrative Assistant