Special Anniversary Edition July, 2014
Upcoming Events & News
Frequently Asked Questions About the Celebration What are we celebrating?
Bishop John Quinn announced last fall that our diocese would celebrate a “Year of Thanksgiving” in 2014, to continue the blessings from the Year of Faith and to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Diocese of Winona. It was on December 27, 1889, that Archbishop John Ireland laid his hands on Father Joseph B. Cotter, ordaining him as the first bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Winona. 125 years later, we look back and rejoice at the history and goodness that has come from the Diocese of Winona. We look back with thanksgiving, but we also look forward in hope and seek to call our diocesan Church to a deeper response to Jesus’ invitation to proclaim the Gospel and to bear witness to the faith through loving service of our neighbor. The theme of our diocesan celebration event, Where Does Jesus Send Us?, is from Pope Francis’ homily at World Youth Day, where he said: "The Gospel is for everyone… Do not be afraid to go and to bring Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those who seem farthest away."
When are we celebrating?
While our 125th anniversary is being celebrated throughout the year, the focus event will be held on the evening of Friday, September 12th, and on Saturday, September 13th.
Where will the celebration event be held?
• Commemorative Book of the History of the Diocese and Parishes for the 125th Anniversary - This beautiful book will be available to purchase at your local parish in September! • Preview for 125th Celebration - Presenter Spotlight on Joan Rosenhauer & Performer Spotlight on Saint Mary's University's Chamber Singers- page 2 of this insert. • 1st Annual Marriage Retreat - in honor of the Diocese's 125th Anniversary, the office of Life, Marriage & Family will host the 1st Annual Marriage Retreat August 22 - 23 at The Alverna Center in Winona. • Diocesan Anniversary Celebration! September 12-13, 2014, at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato. • New Feminism Conference - embracing the call of the 125th Anniversary Celebration to bring the Gospel to everyone, the Office of Faith Formation hosts a Conference day to understand the challenge of St. John Paul II to promote a “New Feminism” and the dignity of women, November 8 at St. Augustine in Austin.
What is the cost?
"Where does Jesus send us? There are no borders, no limits – he sends us to everyone. The Gospel is for everyone...
Do I need to register?
(Pope Francis, Closing Mass for World Youth Day 2013)
The celebration event will begin with a program of sacred music and prayer to be held on Friday evening at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Mankato. The Chamber Singers of Saint Mary’s University will be featured on the program that evening. On the following day, a program of speakers, music, activities, displays, etc. will be held at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato. We will also celebrate the Eucharist together, with Bishop Quinn presiding.
Who is invited to the celebration?
Everyone! There will be programs for children, for youth, and for adults. The sessions and music will feature both English- and Spanish-speaking presenters and performers. The event is free. There is no registration fee. Food will be available for purchase at the event, and at area restaurants. Yes, registration is requested, and required for participants in the children’s program and youth track. You can register online at the anniversary page of our diocesan web site: www.dow.org/anniversary.
Who planned this celebration?
A committee of leaders – clergy, religious, and lay – from across the diocese has been meeting over the last several months to envision and plan this anniversary celebration. Much of the detailed work on the event is also being done by the members of the Bishop’s staff, who are meeting and working with the diocesan anniversary committee.
Where can I find more information about the celebration?
Go to our diocesan anniversary web page: www.dow.org/anniversary. You can find information about the program and schedule for the celebration, learn more about the speakers and performers, check out hotel accommodations relating to the event, etc. Also, continue to look for more information in “The Courier” each month, and at your local parish.
To Register for events, enter the video contest or find out more about what's going on, please visit the Diocese of Winona's website: www.dow.org or call (507) 454-4643