December 2013 Issue of the Courier

THE COURIER

December 2013

Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona

Volume 104, No. 12

NCYC: "Signed, Sealed, Delivered"

Campaign Update!

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INSIDE 40 Days for Life - A Success!

By: Kaitlyn Hennessy Today many will claim that the church is no longer relevant; they claim that the church is dying. After attending the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) this past weekend, I can confidently say that these assumptions are false. On Thursday November 21st, 25,000 young Catholics from all over the United States and Canada joined together to sing, dance, and praise Jesus. It was a glorious testament to the life that is truly present in the Church.

Our journey started on Wednesday, as 163 people from our diocese loaded into three coach busses. As my sister, my brother and I arrived in Winona to load the bus, the excitement was evident, and even more so when we picked up the oth-

ers in Rushford. But it wasn’t until a day later when we arrived in Indianapolis, Indiana that we realized the magnitude of what we were about to experience.

We followed several other coach busses into Indianapolis on Thursday afternoon, so we really couldn’t see much driving through downtown. However, when we took the final turn to the convention center, there were people everywhere! Colored tee shirts, blinking trinkets, and crazy hats adorned the masses of people. “NC-YC” was being shouted across the streets and there was joy filling the air.

When we finally unloaded the bus, we went straight to Mass. More than 1,000 NCYC participants from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa showed up to

celebrate with us Minnesotans. Bishop Donald Kettler of St. Cloud presided, and my sister and I had the honor of helping out with the music. It was a beautiful Mass and a great way to kick off the weekend.

The rest of Thursday and Friday was a blur of inspiring speakers, great bands, and an indescribable presence of the Holy Spirit. Matt Maher gave a concert and an incredible keynote speech on Thursday night; Father Stan and Father Joseph shared about forgiveness Friday afternoon in the form of rap; and Jackie Francois gave an inspiring (and hilarious) keynote speech on love and relationships Friday night. The Lord was speaking in a momentous way to many of the NCYC, cont. on pg.12

More on page 4

Beautiful Vocation Stories

More on page 6

US Bishops Stand Firm, United The bishops of this country have just concluded their traditional fall meeting in Baltimore and have spent time on issues important to them and their people: help to those suffering from Typhoon Haiyan; an update on the situation in Haiti; matters of worship and teaching; service to the poor; and comprehensive immigration reform. Among those priorities is the protection of religious freedom, especially as threatened by the HHS mandate. Pope Francis has reminded us that “In the context of society, there is only one thing which the Church quite clearly demands: the freedom to proclaim the Gospel in its entirety, even The U.S. bishops discussed many subjects, one when it runs counter to the world, even of which being the HHS mandate, which the bish- when it goes against the tide.” ops oppose because it denies religious liberty.

We stand together as pastors charged

with proclaiming the Gospel in its entirety. That Gospel calls us to feed the poor, heal the sick, and educate the young, and in so doing witness to our faith in its fullness. Our great ministries of service and our clergy, religious sisters and brothers, and lay faithful, especially those involved in Church apostolates, strive to answer this call every day, and the Constitution and the law protect our freedom to do so.

Yet with its coercive HHS mandate, the government is refusing to uphold its obligation to respect the rights of religious believers. Beginning in March 2012, in United for Religious Freedom, we identified three basic problems with the HHS mandate: it establishes a false Bishops Stand Firm on pg.16

2 - The Courier, December 2013

BISHOP QUINN

Most Rev. John M. Quinn: Preparing for the Coming of Christ, our Lord Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Advent: a Time of Preparation

The season of Advent is a time of prayerful waiting for the day the Lord will return in glory at the end of time. During November, several times we heard Jesus talk about the end of the world, and how important it is to be prepared. I am reminded of the parable that He told about the seven wise and the seven foolish virgins. The message was the same – be prepared because you do not know at what hour you will stand before God in judgment.

Advent also is a time to look back and remember his first coming, when He was born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem.

During Advent, there are no decorations in our churches, except the Advent wreath.

The sounds of Christmas and all the beautiful decorations, however, surround us everywhere else. Christmas trees, lights and holiday gatherings fill our December calendar but the Church invites us into Advent - a time of reflection and prayer. We will be caught up in the sights and sounds and traditions of Christmas, but don’t miss out on the graces of Advent.

There are several ways in which we can keep the meaning of Advent as a spiritual time of waiting, amid all the cultural expressions of Christmas which surround

us. I suggest that you begin by focusing on Christmas, the Feast of the Incarnation.

At Christmas, the Father sent his only Son, who took on flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus Christ is the gift, who is Emmanuel, God with us. Advent prepares us to receive the overflowing, unconditional and merciful love of our God. Advent, then, is a time of quiet, a time of prayer. Visit a church and pray before the Blessed Sacrament and the love of God will flood your heart. Even more intense will be your encounter with the Eucharistic Lord if you spend time in adoration during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. But, we are all so busy, I know that I am. I just go from meeting to meeting and sometimes don’t really know what’s next. If you’re like me, then Advent is the perfect time of year for us.

It’s a time of waiting, a time of patience. We always tell the young children, just wait for Christmas and for all of the lights and boxes and toys.

We need to learn how to wait patiently, to wait for the celebration of the Incarnation like Mary, who waited patiently on the promise of the Lord.

Advent is about slowing down, prayerful waiting, patient waiting. I guarantee that you will have time for prayer if you speak to the Lord during a walk outside or when driving a car or by simply turning off your cell

phone. St. John the Baptist reminds us to “prepare the way of the Lord.” If you prepare the way of the Lord and observe Advent there will be joy in your heart, instead of anxiety and fatigue over too much shopping and celebration come the great Feast of the Incarnation.

This is such a mysterious gift, that the Son of God became one of us and took upon himself our humanity to redeem us. Advent is a way to open up in us a space in our hearts for prayer and quiet gratitude. On these December days, when daylight is less, I am also reminded to get my life in order, to prepare to meet the Lord when he calls me home after death. When my life is over, I will meet the Lord and, one day, at the end of time Jesus Christ will return in glory and transform all of creation.

In that spirit, I encourage you to receive the Sacrament of Penance during Advent.

Many of our parishes have special Reconciliation services during Advent where we can receive forgiveness of our sins. Sin causes darkness and Christ, in the sacrament of Penance, delivers us from sin, darkness and heals us from the wounds of sin and fills us with peace. Be sure to receive the Sacrament of Penance frequently and for sure this Advent.

Let me offer one final thought. It is a beautiful custom to have an Advent wreath

in our homes and to light the candles that remind us of the ever closer Feast of the Incarnation on Christmas.

Try doing it before the evening meal and, after lighting the candle, pray for people by name, for peace, for your priests, for the sick, for vocations and for me. If you don’t have an Advent wreath, just use four candles. Light them every evening and spend a few minutes in prayer. Watch the light from these candles grow as Advent progresses, and the light leads us to the joy of Christmas.

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishopsration

Once again I met with my brother bishops of the United States, as we do every November, for three days for prayer, discussion of matters of pastoral concern, and to identify priorities. This year we stressed the importance of helping those suffering from the Typhoon Haiyan, keeping abreast of the situation in Haiti, as well as discussing matters of worship and teaching, service to the poor and comprehensive immigration reform.

Amidst all the pressing issues, one of great priority is the protection of religious freedom, especially as threatened by the HHS mandate.

Pope Francis has reminded us that “In the context of society, there is only one thing which the Church quite clearly demands: the freedom to pro-

Bishop John M. Quinn claim the Gospel in its entirety, even when it runs counter to the world, even when it goes against the tide.”

Our great ministries of service and our clergy, religious sisters and brothers, and lay faithful, especially those involved in Church apostolates, strive to answer this call every day, and the Constitution and the law protect our freedom to do so. Yet with its coercive HHS mandate, the government is refusing to uphold its obligation to respect the rights of religious believers.

Beginning in March 2012, in United for Religious Freedom, we identified three basic probBishop, cont. on pg.13

OFFICIALS The Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona, announces the following: Appointments: Mr. Juan M. Valencia, appointed to a three-year term on the Diocese of Winona Social Concerns Committee, effective November 7, 2013.

Bishop's Calendar - December 2013 December 3, Tuesday 7:45 – 9 a.m. – Teaching, St. Mary’s University 11 a.m. – Holy Hour, followed by meeting with Presbyteral Council, St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea December 4, Wednesday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Minnesota

Catholic Conference Meeting, St. Paul Chancery, St. Paul 5:30 p.m. – Reception, with leaders of State Catholic Healthcare Institutions, St. Paul December 5, Thursday 7:45 – 9 a.m. – Teaching, St. Mary’s University 1 p.m. – Holy Hour (Bishop’s

Cabinet) 2 p.m. – Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting 5 p.m. – Prayer with St. Vincent de Paul Conferences, followed by Soup Supper, Pax Christi Church, Rochester December 6, Friday 5:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer

Diocese of Winona - Child Sexual Abuse Policy Information The Diocese of Winona will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries.

The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dow.org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Peter Martin, at 507-858-1264, or pmartin@dow.org.

and Dinner with Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminarian Seniors, at Bishop’s residence December 7, Saturday 4:30 p.m. – Holy Hour, Evening Prayer and Dinner with Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminarians at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona

December 8, Sunday 10 a.m. – Mass and Installation of Fr. Jason Kern as Pastor of Mapleton Cluster Churches, at St. Teresa Church, Mapleton 5 p.m. – Vespers and Dinner with Winona Deanery Priests and Saint Mary University Christian Brothers,

THE COURIER (ISSN 0744-5490)

Official Publication of the Diocese of Winona 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 949, Winona, MN 55987

Telephone: 507-454-4643 Fax: 507-454-8106 E-mail: courier@dow.org Subscription Rates: $5 per year in the U.S. Parishioners in the Winona Diocese subscribe through their parish. Periodicals postage paid at Madelia, MN Postmaster.

Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the 15th of the month prior.

Publisher: Most Rev. John M. Quinn Editor: Joel Hennessy Associate Editor: Theresa Martin

IN THE DIOCESE

The Courier, December 2013 - 3

Our Lady of Guadalupe: Patroness of the Americas and the Unborn This month we will celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe -Dec. 12. Of all the Marian apparitions, this is the only one where she appears to us in the manner of a pregnant mother. She holds within her the unborn Christ and remains the ultimate proclamation of the sanctity and blessedness of life within the womb.

On December 12, 2008, the Memorial to the Unborn was dedicated at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in LaCrosse, Wisconsin as a way of invoking our Lady’s protection over all nascent life. In order to instill in everyone the truth of the dignity of life at all of its stages, the Memorial contains instructional plaques which explain the teaching of the Catholic Church on such topics as contraception, abortion, embryonic stem cell research.

As we celebrate this wonderful feast dedicated to

Our Lady of Guadalupe and as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, let us take time to pray for the unborn and to recognize the dignity of all life, and pray especially for all mothers. Plenary indulgences may be gained at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe: 1. On the patronal feast day of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome: August 5, with which the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is now affiliated; 2. On the patronal feast day of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse: December 12; 3. On all solemnities of the Virgin Mother of God: January 1, March 25, August 15, Dec. 8; 4. On any day chosen by a pilgrim once a year; 5. As many times during the year as the faithful

Bishop's Calendar - cont. at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona December 9, Monday 2 p.m. – Mass of Installation of Most Rev. Andrew Cozzens, at St. Paul Cathedral, St. Paul December 10, Tuesday 7:45 – 9 a.m. – Teaching, St. Mary’s University 2 p.m. – Blessing of outdoor Nativity Set at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester 6 p.m. – Mass with inmates at Federal Correctional Institution, Waseca December 11, Wednesday 11 a.m. – Holy Hour, followed

by Lunch and Meeting, for Hispanic Ministry, at St. Joseph Church, Owatonna 4:45 p.m. – Evening Prayer, Mass and Dinner with Seminarians, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona December 12, Thursday 7:45 a.m. – Study Day at St. Mary’s University, Winona 10 a.m. – Holy Hour followed

by Diocesan Foundation Board Meeting, at Pastoral Center, Winona December 13, Friday 9 a.m. – Sacrament of Confession for Winona Area Catholic School students, at Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Winona 10:30 a.m. – Final Exam at St. Mary’s University, Winona December 14, Saturday 11 a.m. – Mass of Ordination to Priesthood of Anthony Trung Nguyen, O.Carm., at National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Middletown, NY

December 18, Wednesday 2:30 p.m. – Golden Jubilee Mass for Frances Cardinal George, at Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago December 19, Thursday 1 p.m. – Holy Hour (Bishop’s Cabinet) 2 p.m. – Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting December 20, Friday 10:30 a.m. – Mass and Anointing for residents of Callista Court, Winona 7 p.m. – Mass with Filipino Community of Southeast Minnesota, at St. John the Evangelist Church, Rochester December 21, Saturday 5 p.m. – Mass and Installation of Fr. Raul Silva for New Richland Cluster Churches, at All Saints Church, New Richland December 22, Sunday 8:30 a.m. – Mass at St. Aidan Church, Ellendale 10:30 a.m. – Mass at St. Mary Church, Geneva 1 p.m. – Confirmation of Hispanics at Sacred Heart Church, Owatonna December 24, Tuesday 9:30 p.m. – Christmas Eve Mass, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

Our Lady, cont'd on pg.8

God Chose to Come as a Baby In a time when the by: Theresa Martin, Endow Coordinator unborn are not given

full dignity and women’s ability to bear children in her womb is undervalued, Advent gives us an opportunity to once again reflect on the great dignity God has given to the unborn and women (and indeed all persons) by sending His Son to us as a baby.

God is all-powerful; He could have sent His Son as a full grown man. He could have, but He chose not to. He chose to send His Son, the 2nd Person of the Holy Trinity to humanity through a woman. Doesn’t it just boggle the mind to think that at one point God was a fetus? He sanctified every stage of human development by embracing and taking on each

stage from the smallest cells to being born to his mother to growing into an adult. Jesus Christ elevated humanity by taking on our Baby Jesus, cont'd on pg. 7

National Night of Prayer for Life What: Prayerful occasion to pray for the sanctity of all human life Where: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 360 Main Street, Winona, MN When: Sunday, December 8th from 8:00pm to 9:30pm It was on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (then celebrated on December 9th) that Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and the preborn, first appeared to St. Juan Diego.

The National Night of Prayer for Life bridges these two feasts to honor Our Blessed Mother and to pray for the sanctity of all human life. This event takes place across the country.

December 25, Wednesday 10:30 a.m. – Christmas Day Mass, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

The National Night of Prayer for Life is a pro-life prayer service consisting of exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Rosary, silent prayer and hymns. Call Lynn at (507) 450-0112 or Kathy at (507) 452-1922 for more information.

January 4-10, 2014 – Saturday-Friday Region VIII Bishops’ Retreat at Mater Dolorsa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, CA

If my people….humble themselves and pray, and seek my presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land.

- 2 Chronicles 7:12

America Needs the Blessed Mother’s Intercession!

4 - The Courier, December 2013

LIFE, MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Pope Francis Meets Families from Around the World As part of the Year of Faith, Pope Francis invited families from around the world to Rome for a Pilgrimage of Families. The theme of the celebration was: "Family, live the Joy of Faith!" In speaking to these families, he reaffirmed their importance for the world: “the family is a community of life... it is the place where one learns to love, it is the natural center of human life. It is made up of faces, of people who love, dialogue, make self-sacrifices for one another and defend life, especially of the most vulnerable and the weakest. One could say, without exaggeration, that the family is the driving force of the world and of history. Our personality develops in the family, by growing up with our mom and dad, our brothers and sisters, by breathing in the warmth of the home. The family is the place where we receive our name, it is the place of affection, the space of intimacy, where one acquires the art of dialogue and interpersonal communication. In the family the person becomes aware of his or her own dignity and, especially if their upbringing is Christian, each one recognizes the dignity of every single person, in a particular way the sick, the weak and the marginalized.”

Pope Francis reinforced beautifully the importance of two stages of family life: “childhood and old age. Children and the elderly are the two poles of life,” he said “and the most vulnerable as well,

By Peter Martin, S.T.L.

The Office of Life,

Marriage & Family Peter Martin, STL Director pmartin@dow. org

often the most forgotten.” He continued with a rather serious warning: “A society that neglects children and marginalizes the elderly severs its roots and darkens its future… Every time a child is abandoned and an elderly person cast out, not only is it an act of injustice, but it also ensures the failure of that society. Caring for our little ones and for our elders is a choice for civilization. And also for the future, because the little ones, the children, the young people will carry society forward by their strength, their youth, and the elderly people

will carry it forward by their wisdom, their memory, which they must give to us all.”

As always, Pope Francis strengthens us with great hope for the future: “…the family is a very important part of evangelization, which Christians can communicate to all, by the witness of their lives; and already they are doing so, this is evident in secularized societies: truly Christian families are known by their fidelity, their patience, their openness to life, and by their respect for the elderly... the secret to this is the presence of Jesus in the family. Let us therefore propose to all people, with respect and courage, the beauty of marriage and the family illuminated by the Gospel!”

As we prepare for the Birth of our Lord, let us welcome the presence of Jesus into our lives in a way that will communicate the Gospel to all those we encounter!

40 Days for Life a Success!

Two 40 Days for Life Campaigns were run in the Diocese of Winona this past fall. The participants of the Campaign who prayed, fasted, and offered community outreach regarding the evil of abortion, helped to add to the AMAZING statistics that 40 Days for Life has produced in its short history:

- 40 Days for Life Campaigns have taken place in 522 cities in 21 countries!

- 16,000 Churches have participated with over 575,000 participants worldwide!

- 476 babies saved from abortion during this fall’s Campaign alone (that we know of)!

- 8,012 babies’ lives were spared during all the 40 Days for Life Campaigns.

- 87 workers have quit their job in the abortion clinic!

- 42 clinics have closed their doors for good!

“By their fruits you will know them.” Matt. 7:16

LIFE, MARRIAGE & FAMILY

The Courier, December 2013 - 5

Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage and Religious Freedom Have you participated in the Call to Prayer during this Year of Faith? Do you know what it is? Well, if you haven’t participated, and if you don’t know, there is no need to worry! The Call to Prayer will continue until 2016!

So what is it? Well, it’s meant to be a simple way we can pray for our Church and our society. It is essentially a call to prayer, penance, and sacrifice for the sake of renewing a culture of life, marriage, and religious liberty in our country.

The suggested ways to participate (stay tuned as this will need to be updated) are:

• Monthly Eucharistic Holy Hours in cathedrals and parishes • Daily Rosary by families and individuals • Special Prayers of the Faithful at all Masses • Fasting and abstinence from meat on Fridays • A Fortnight for Freedom in June/July 2014

Join the movement!

Pray for our nation. Pray for life, marriage and religious liberty.

www.usccb.org/life-marriage-liberty

Obituaries Sister Jane Frances Gregoire

Sister Jane Frances Gregoire, 73, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, MN, died at McGraw Hospice in Jacksonville, FL on Friday, October 18, 2013.

Jane Frances was born to Milton C. and Viola Ann (Telaak) Gregoire on October 31, 1939 in Buffalo, N.Y. In 1957 she joined the Sisters of St. Francis at Stella Niagara, N.Y. where she made her first profession of vows in 1960 and perpetual vows in 1965. As a member of the Stella Niagara Franciscans, S. Jane Frances taught school in New Monmouth, New Jersey; New Lexington, Ohio and Eggertsville, New York. She also served as director of the affiliate program for the Sisters of St. Francis in the early 1970s. After nine years of teaching she moved back to the congregational center where she worked for twenty years in housekeeping and as director of maintenance. It was during this time that S. Jane Francis met S. Margeen Hoffman and several of the Rochester Franciscans who lived and ministered in the eastern area of the United States.

Sister Jane Frances' greatest contributions included establishing excellent order to the interior efficiency of the Gift of Life Transplant House -- from the organization of the kitchens to the overall care of the heating and plumbing.

Her talents extended outside as well, to the beautiful flower gardens, manicured lawn and efficient snow removal in the winter.

In 1994, Sister Jane Frances requested to begin the three-year process of transferring from her Congregation of Origin, the Stella Niagara Franciscans, to the Franciscan Congregation in Rochester. She made a final commitment in 1997.

Sr. Jane Francis is survived by her Franciscan Sisters with whom she shared life for nineteen years, by the Stella Niagara Franciscan Sisters who were significant in her life for 37 years, and her brothers: David, James, Dennis, Norbert and Philip all of New York. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Raymond and Gerard and a sister, Suzanne.

VOCATIONS

6 - The Courier, December 2013

Missionaries of Charity Gains a 'Daughter of the Diocese of Winona' Sister Maria Carmel Bute, M.C. made her first profession of vows into the Missionaries of Charity on June 7 at St. Mary’s Parish in Plainfield, New Jersey. Sr. Maria Carmel is from the Diocese of Winona and her parents, Scott and Lisa Bute are members of St. Casimir Parish in Wells.

Mr. Bute recalls how his daughter Nicole (Sr. Maria Carmel's birth name) "read some 20 books on the life of Mother Teresa and was fascinated with her life and her vocation as foundress of the Missionaries of Charity." She spent time visiting other orders, but "felt very strongly called to the Contemplative branch of The Missionaries of Charity," he said, "especially after having worked with them in India for several months." It was Msgr. Cook who arranged it so that Sr. Maria Carmel, then Nicole, could travel to Calcutta with Fr. Check and a group that he led from Connecticut to be volunteers at Mother Teresa's home for the dying, orphanage and work with lepers back in 2005 when she was just out of high school.Yet above all, Mr. Bute affirms that "it was the time she spent in Eucharistic Adoration and at Holy Mass that most helped her to discern God's will for her vocation to the M.C.'s."

At the same time that she was discerning, so was her best friend, Hannah Lippert, who is now Sr. Amata Christi (featured two months ago in the October issue of the Courier). The two friends entered consecrated life within a month of each other in the summer of 2006. Mr. Bute told us that she also had several friends enter the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary and one joined Mother Angelica's order in Hanceville, Alabama

The Office of Vocations Rev. Will Thompson Director wthompson@ dow.org

Sister Maria Carmel Bute, M.C. is pictured here with her family: her sister Monica, father Scott, brother Alex & her mother Lisa. Her sister Sarah was not able to make the trip because she was about to have a baby. all in the same year!

Many might not know that there is a contemplative branch of the Missionaries of Charity. "This branch is called to a life more focused on prayer but they do spend two days a week in apostolate working with the poorest of the poor. The active branch is more hands on with the poor through soup kitchens, orphanages, aids patients, etc.," Mr. Bute tells us. After making her profession, Sr. Maria Carmel was assigned to the regional house for the Missionaries of Charity Contemplatives in the South Bronx in New York. Her father remarks that " She is getting acclimated to the busy life of a professed sister and is an organist for their times of worship along with many other duties. She has much joy in her heart to serve Jesus in his poor and to share the love of Christ with everyone she meets."

The Missionaries of Charity were founded by Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta in 1950 and now have over 4,500 sisters in 133 countries offering whole hearted and free service to the poorest of the poor.

Sister Maria Carmel Bute, M.C. is surrounded by the prayerful support of (from Left to Right) Monsignor Thomas Cook, her former pastor and spiritual director, Father Thomas Niehaus, current pastor of St. Casimir Wells, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Easton and St. John the Baptist, Minnesota Lake, and Father Paul Check of the diocese of Bridgeport Connecticut and national director of Courage.

Meet Our New Seminarians Matthew Wagner

My name is Matthew Wagner and I’m from Stillwater, MN, which is about two hours right up the river from Winona. I grew up in Saint Paul, MN with my older brother, and my mother and father. Though I grew up and still live in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul/Minneapolis, the Diocese of Winona became my spiritual home once I began my college career at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2011. I had planned on majoring in Sports Management and earning a minor in Theology of Ministry, but quite evidently (and providentially) the Lord had different plans for my life.

I grew up with a very large extended family on my Mother’s side, thus my childhood was filled with frequent trips to Wells, MN, where most of them resided, or still reside.

My grandmother was a very faithful

woman, and the majority of our family would attend Mass with her on Sundays at St. Casimir’s when I was young. With that said, St. Casimir’s in Wells took on the role of my second “home parish,” which played a small part in my discernment to study for

the Diocese of Winona. Nevertheless, I’m very grateful that throughout my childhood my immediate and extended families were encouraging and proactive in their own relationships with God, inspiring me to eventually learn more about my faith, and the loving God we all strive to know.

I first started to think about a vocation to the priesthood my freshman year of college at Saint Mary’s.

I had a few classes with some of the I.H.M. seminarians, and a select few of them truly opened my eyes to the reality of authentic discernment.

Through their help and encouragement, I was able to start seriously discerning God’s will for my life. For a majority of my teenage years I assumed that God was calling me to be a husband and a father, so to feel a calling to the priesthood was something foreign, and certainly difficult to accept at the time.

Last November, God made it more and more evident in prayer that I should apply to enter the seminary, and to more seriously pursue the

priesthood. Initially I was very apprehensive about the entire process; I couldn’t imagine changing my major, my home diocese, and the future plans that I had for my life. However, through God’s grace, I changed my major to Philosophy, applied to the seminary, and in July was accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Winona.

When I was discerning whether or not to enter seminary there were a few people that truly inspired, motivated, and helped me get to where I am today. Initially, a young priest from the Diocese of Peoria helped me to seriously discern the calling.

He challenged me to look at my specific vocation as a gift from God, and furthermore that life in general is a gift that we are called to give away whether in marriage, religious life, consecrated life, etc. In addition, a few brother seminarians were also major influences in my discernment.

Their prayers and encouragement Meet Our New Seminarians, cont. on the next page

The Courier, December 2013 - 7

VOCATIONS

Meet Our New Seminarians cont'd from the previous page

motivated me to keep praying and discerning, and their fiat inspired me to further develop my relationship and openness to Christ.

Since my arrival at I.H.M. in Mid-August, I have been continually blessed with much growth and purification.

At first, when making the transition from Saint Mary’s to I.H.M., and from business to philosophy, things were slightly chaotic. However, through prayer, perseverance, and a lot of encouragement from my fellow brothers, the transition has been blessed, and I am very grateful to be in the Seminary, and to continue to discern God’s will in my life.

To any young men or women who are discerning God’s call in their lives, I would recommend a few things. First and foremost, pray! Through prayer we are able to develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. As we develop that relationship, we come to know how God is working in our lives, and eventually how He is calling us to serve Him. Second, be patient in your discernment. I recount a number of times over the past few years where — out of frustration — I thought, “God, why don’t you just tell me what you want me to do?!” If we truly want to discern God’s will, it is a process that takes time, and moreover takes a good deal of patience. In the words of St. Padre Pio, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” Third, be gracious. Recognize God’s many gifts, graces, and blessings in each day, hour, minute, and even second of your life, and your view of life will be radically transformed in Christ.

And last but not least, be open. Sometimes we focus only on what we desire, or on things that we think will make us happy. However, if we put Christ at the center of our lives and remain open to whatever path he may be calling us to, God will lead us to a life of true, authentic happiness.

Peter Szyszkiewicz

Hi, my name is Piotr-Krzysztof Robert Szyszkiewicz. You can call me Peter. I live near Peterson, MN and I am a part of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Lewiston. I have two older sisters and two younger brothers and my dad is a producer for Drew Marioni on Relevant Radio.

My mother homeschools my brothers and works at Good Shepherd Lutheran Services. I have been homeschooled my entire life, with the exception of doing PSEO at St. Mary's. My family made the Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Workman in La Crosse our parish and have also been very active at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, being a part of Our Lady's Knights of the Altar (a servers guild) and a very active server at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman. I believe this is what drew me to the Seminary, because in taking part in these activities, my love for the Sacred Liturgy grew stronger. I have been asked many times if I was going to be a priest, but I was hostile, in my mind, to the idea. It was not until I encountered the Seminarians at Saint Mary's that I even negotiated with the idea, because I saw what a good bunch of men they were. As my time there grew I realized that I had no idea what God wanted me to do. I had thought about going to Wyoming Catholic College or the Marines, but I figured that if I join the Seminary, I would discern whether or not God

wanted me to be priest and if not then I would not have wasted my time and would leave a better man then when I went in. So I applied and was accepted.

The Diocese of La Crosse wanted me to be a seminarian for them, but I'm here for Winona, because A) it is my home diocese in my home state (MN), B) it is in need of priests and if God is calling me to the priesthood I will be in the right place, where the priests are needed most.

Once I served for Bishop Quinn and after Mass he said to my brother and I, "Some day I will see you both at IHM." Well, I am here and I am glad I am! I have grown a lot in holiness and look forward to God's grace increasing in my life as I continue. For a closing, I want to say to all the young men who will be reading this, if you don't know what God wants you to do, pray about and consider entering the Seminary. If you are discerning a possible vocation to the priesthood, pray and look into the Seminary. Just because you go into or are in the Seminary, that doesn't mean you are automatically going to become a priest. You may discern out, but you will have a much better sense of where God wants you to go and will be better equipped to do his will.

Baby Jesus cont'd from pg. 3

nature.

He also sanctified the woman's womb. Our Blessed Mother’s uterus was Christ’s temple in the flesh. He did not brush motherhood aside and just arrive as an adult; He came to us through a woman.

As we contemplate these mysteries, let us think of the smallest baby we have seen lately: the newborn, wriggling, grasping, big eyes and tiny, frail body. The baby is completely dependent on another. That is how Christ came to earth, completely dependent on Mary & Joseph. He gave up His life in a similar way, handing Himself over to be crucified, allowing someone else to choose what would happen to Him. We live in a society that glorifies independence, to be our own person, not to need anything from anybody nor feel any guilt of having to give anything to someone else, “It’s mine; you don’t deserve it.” Let us allow this Advent Season to remind us of the example of our Lord: we need each other. We have a calling to love selflessly. We were created to be lovingly connected to others: in our families, in our parishes, in our community. Let us pray, begging God for the wisdom to learn from His Son how we can better respect all human life and how we can be broken, small, fragile, so that His life and love might enliven our souls.

LAY FORMATION

8 - The Courier, December 2013

The “Work” of Advent and Christmas “…[T]his is essential: that we live the faith, that we bear, in our flesh, the name by which we have been called. The works of mercy, by which we must be known, are just that, works, not thoughts or – God help us – opinions, but actions…. Catholics know that the world, created by God, is good. The church is not where we go to escape the world. The church is that place in the world being made new, recreated, in God’s own image. It is through the very stuff of creation – human flesh, bread and wine, the wood of the cross – that God, in Jesus, is made known.” –Melissa Musick Nussbaum, “Teach the Children Well: A Guide to Passing on the Faith” (Commonweal magazine [September 9, 2005], pp. 22, 23)

By Todd Graff

My children know well and are a bit intrigued by the fact that I prefer the season of winter to that of summer. I like the quiet that the darkness brings with it in the early evenings. And, while the cold of these days can be harsh, the sunshine brings a gentle warmth. It is these days, and the accompanying long nights, which seem the best time to celebrate a season of waiting and longing such as Advent.

On a painful note, many of the images of this past year are as harsh as the cold of these early winter days. We have just witnessed the horrifying devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan, and the immense suffering it has brought to the lives of hundreds our sisters and brothers in the

The Office of Lay Formation Todd Graff Director tgraff@dow.org

ral disasters and our power to stop the world’s conflicts is greatly limited, we can seek to console the woman in our parish who has just lost her husband, to gently guide the teenager struggling to embrace and understand his faith, to welcome the newly arrived immigrant family into our community. And we can also find ways to reach out across the miles and even the oceans to connect in care and compassion "we can seek to console the woman in our parish who has just lost her husband, to gently with our brothers and sisters guide the teenager struggling to embrace and understand his faith, to welcome the newly whose lives have been broken arrived immigrant family into our community ... These are the “works of mercy” which we can by natural and human forces take on as the Body of Christ – in our homes, in our neighborhoods, and in our world today." beyond their control. These are the “works of mercy” which we of thousands of Syria, a bloody civil war continues to rage on, leav- can take on as the Body of Christ – in our homes, in Philippines. In ing countless men, women, and children dead, and our neighborhoods, and in our world today. many of the survivors driven from their homes and Amidst the sometimes gloom and darkness of struggling just to hold their lives together.

And, our lives and of our world, we are an Advent people “[O]ur God, within our own country, this and each night, many reaching out to embrace the Light of Emmanuel the Son of God, of our people will sleep on the streets, many of our and longing for his coming anew among us. We abased himself; he made children will go to bed hungry, and many of those trust in the presence of a God who entered into our suffering from poor health will rest uneasily won- suffering and lived humbly as one of us. And we himself poor to walk along the dering how they’ll afford the care they need. recall the words of John’s gospel, “The light shines road with us. This is our poverty: And, for many of us, there has been suffering in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome the poverty of the flesh of Christ, and heartache of a very personal nature as well this it” (John 1:5). Deo Gratias! the poverty that brought the Son past year – perhaps a loved one has died, a job has of God to us through his incarna- been lost, a cherished relationship broken.

In the midst of such suffering – both near and tion. A poor Church for the poor far – we seek as disciples of Christ and members of cont'd from pg. 3 begins by reaching out to the his Body, the Church, to “live the faith … to bear, in are part of an organized pilgrimage to the Shrine our flesh, the name by which we have been called.” of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse for the purflesh of Christ.” - Pope Francis It is, indeed, “through the very stuff of creation” – poses of devotion, reform of life, growth in holiness (Vigil of Pentecost our eyes, our hands, and our hearts – that Christ and greater communion with the Holy Father and May 18, 2013) becomes present and “is made known” again in the all the members of the Church through the intermidst of this great pain. cession of the Virgin Mother of God and Mother of While we cannot reverse the course of natuthe Church, each of the participants in the pilgrimage may gain a plenary indulgence.

Join veteran tour leader Father John Vakulskas for a special Conditions for gaining the Plenary Indulgence: visit to the Shrine Church, sacramental Confession (within eight days of fulfilling the other conditions), Holy Communion (within eight days of fulfilling the other conditions) and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father (e.g., Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be; or the Visit Venice, Assisi, Florence, Ostiglia Creed and an Our Father) during the visit to the Shrine of Our Rome Lady of Guadalupe. Memorial to the Unborn

Our Lady

Pilgrimage to Italy

February 18 - 28, 2014

$3099 - Chicago

$3199 - Omaha

&

• Price includes fuel surcharges and government taxes • Includes Round-trip air, First Class Hotels, most meals, daily tours, transfers, local guide and baggage handling.

Highlights of this pilgrimage are: audience with Pope Francis, daily Mass, Saint Peter’s, Vatican Art Museum and much more! An inspirational day in Assisi. The glories of Florence and Venice. A day in Ostiglia, home of Moser Rides, who is a friend of Father John.

Moser Rides

For more information contact: Father John Vakulskas Jr Saint Andrew Church PO Box 97 Sibley, IA, 51249 (712) 754-3311 or johnvakulskas@gmail.com

Memorial to the Unborn at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse.

Special Capital Campaign Insert December 2013 Edition of The Courier

Scan qr code for complete and updated information or visit http://dow.steiergroup.net

A D I O C E S E O F W I N O N A F O U N D AT I O N C A M PA I G N Diocese of Winona

Fo u n d a t i o n Joel Hennessy

Preparing the Way of the Lord!

Campaign surpasses $22 million toward goal

Seven months after its public launch, and Executive with many parishes Director across southern Minnesota still hard at work, the Diocese of Winona’s Rooted in Faith, Rejoice in Hope fundraising campaign has surpassed more than $22 million in pledges and gifts!! Thank you to each and every one of the thousands of families, individuals and organizations who have been supportive of this historic campaign.

There are so many wonderful examples across the Diocese of parishioners coming together, united in their faith and support for the Church. Our campaign is enjoying such great success because the faithful recognize that the goals are not luxuries or “wants”, but rather they are true “needs.” Providing for our priests in their retirement years after a lifetime of service to us must be a priority for all Catholics. And for the next generation of priests to continue to serve us, we must ensure that Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary (IHMS) – which was built in the 1950’s – meets the needs of a 21st century seminarian.

In addition, each of the 114 parishes across the Diocese will benefit from the campaign by receiving 25% of their funds raised. An investment in the Rooted in Faith campaign not only provides for our retired priests, improves our beloved seminary, and funds the 2013

PARISH SPOTLIGHT Ss. Peter and Paul, Mazeppa Rev. Joseph Fogal

The first parish in the Diocese to achieve its goal was Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Mazeppa, MN. This small parish of less than 200 members needed just a few short weeks to answer the call and hit its goal. With its apportionment of funds returned to the parish, Ss. Peter and Paul will renovate the church for improved handicapped accessibility and repair its church roof.

Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA), it also strengthens the very foundation of our Diocese by allowing every one of those 114 parishes to fund important projects. A small sample of these projects include: • Capital upgrades and improvements • Emergency maintenance funds • Improved handicapped accessibility • Parish debt reduction • Catholic education endowment funds

This campaign has been a grass roots efforts, with an emphasis on participation percentages as much as on dollars raised. Our message has consistently been that if everyone can make a sacrifice – at whatever level their circumstances allow - we will be successful. As evidenced by the response, the call is being answered.

The Hispanic communities at many of our parishes have found unique ways to support the campaign as well.

In several parishes, instead of making individual pledges, Hispanic communities have come together and made large, group pledges: • St. Francis Assisi, Rochester: $100,000 • Queen of Angles, Austin: $75,000 • St. Mary’s, Worthington: $200,000 • St. Theodore’s, Albert Lea: $20,000

People and organizations outside our Diocese are also recognizing the importance of these goals. For example, many dioceses across the region send seminarians to Winona. Bishop Quinn and Msgr. Tom Melvin, rector at IHMS, are meeting with many of the bishops of these dioceses to ask for an investment into the future of our seminary and their future priests. Thus far, the results have been very positive, with tens of thousands of dollars already pledged in support of the campaign from these diocese. Additional visits with bishops of these “feeder dioceses” are scheduled for late 2013 and early 2014.

In the weeks and months to come, there will be countless other examples of parishes and parishioners demonstrating generous and sacrificial support for this campaign. If you are still on the fence about whether you can make a difference, please know that you can! And we hope you will!

Thank you to everyone who played a part in getting the Rooted in Faith, Rejoice in Hope campaign to this incredible milestone. And thank you to the many more who will keep the momentum going as we continue to achieve great things.

Campaign Goals Priest Retirement $12 million To date: $8.5 million

IHM Seminary $7 million

To date: $4.5 million

Parish Needs $7.3 million

To date: $5 million

Annual Diocesan Appeal

$2 million

To date: $2 million

Campaign Expenses

$1.7 million

To date: $1.7 million

The Path to Our Future: Preparing the way Wave I

Wave I began in May and the active fundraising portion has concluded. Gifts may still be made at any time throughout the 5 year campaign.

Advent is a time to prepare. It is a new beginning. It is a time to remember the incredible Gift that God offered to us, His Son Jesus. It is a time also to prepare for the future when Jesus will come again.

The Rooted in Faith, Rejoice in Hope campaign is an advent for the Diocese of Winona. It is a time of preparation and remembrance.

We remember another gift that God offers to us - His priests - men, who like the Blessed Virgin, have given their “fiat” to the Lord and offered their life as a gift to God and His people. We are being asked to give something back to these priests in the form of a secure, happy, healthy and holy retirement. We are also being asked to help prepare for the future by providing a facility for our future priests that nurtures and supports the best priestly formation program possible. At the same time, we are able to address urgent needs at our local parishes.

We are asked to make many sacrifices. Like those who have gone before us, we have an opportunity to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3) by helping ensure a strong priesthood in the diocese. Over sixty years ago, the faithful of the diocese united to build Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary’s current campus. It has served its purpose well. The seminary is in serious need and now it our generation’s time to unite and address this need.

Thank you for making your “fiat” to the Lord!

Wave II

Wave II began in late August and the active fundraising portion recently concluded. Many gifts are still in process. Gifts may still be made at any time throughout the 5 year campaign.

* The results above are reflective of reports compiled 11/25/13. Due to publi

Wave III Wave III began in October and the active fundraising portion is still underway. This wave will continue through December. Please help us in this important campaign for the priesthood.

ication deadlines. Update results are available at http://dow.steiergroup.net

BISHOP OF WINONA Most Rev. John M. Quinn CLERGY COMMITTEE Msgr. Richard Colletti Msgr. Thomas Hargesheimer Msgr. Gerald Kosse Msgr. Gerald Mahon Rev. Steven Peterson Rev. Timothy Reker Rev. Dale Tupper Rev. Timothy Biren Rev. Timothy Hall DIOCESE OF WINONA FOUNDATION PO Box 30098 Winona, MN 55987 (507)858-1249 Board of Directors Most Rev. John M. Quinn Msgr. Richard Colletti Lawrence Dose Mary Hustak Rev. Marreddy Pothiredy Laura Feller Christopher D. Nelson, Esq. Michelle Pearson-Langowski Rev. Kurt Farrell Joel Hennessy Executive Director The Diocese of Winona Foundation is an independent coprporation with a separate Board of Directors, comprised of lay persons and clergy, responsible for stewarding any gifts made to the foundation and strictly abiding by the intentions of the donor. The Directors provide oversight for all aspects of the campaign, including collection and distribution of the funds as designated by each donor via the campaign pledge card. All gifts to the campaign will be used solely for the restricted purposes of the campaign and for no other purposes.

The restricted purposes are detailed in the campaign case statement provided to every household in the diocese.

Cut out and mail this form or visit http://dow.steiergroup.net to give online

(Online-see below) (Online at http://dow.steiergroup.net/)

Cut out and mail this form or visit http://dow.steiergroup.net to give online

FUNDRAISING CONSULTANTS The Steier Group 10844 Old Mill Road Omaha, NE 68154 866.391.3244 Jim Steier Sean McMahon Matt Vuorela Shannon Gilroy

FAITH FORMATION

The Courier, December 2013 - 9

The Year of Faith Closing Celebration: A Generous Response

The Office of Faith

Formation

Sr. Mary Juanita Gonsalves, RSM

About 2500 of the faithful, includDirector ing, priests, deacons, parents, students, and catechists, gathfaithformation ered in each of the five deaneries on the evening of October @dow.org 30th to mark the Diocese of Winona’s closing of the Year of Faith. In coming together to participate in these catechetical within a faith community. As events centered on the Eucharist, minds and hearts were enlivwe close the Year of Faith ened in the journey of faith. and enter into the Year of In his message for the closing celebration, Bishop John M. Thanksgiving in the Diocese Quinn encouraged the faithful of the Diocese of Winona in of Winona, we ask the Holy these words: “Whatever the Lord calls you to do—say ‘yes’— Spirit for the gift of courage take that step of faith ‘out into the deep’ and live your faith.” to take the “step of faith”; In light of the seasons of Advent and Christmas, these words that in seeking to deepen our reflect the Church’s teaching that we are called to respond with relationship with Christ and faith to God, who gave himself to us through the birth of our his Church, we may say “yes” Savior, so that we might discover the ultimate meaning of life to whatever the Lord calls us (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 26). to with a generous and humAt the Worthington Deanery, the bilingual Holy Sacrifice of ble heart. Entering into the the Mass was a highlight for many of the participants. A parliturgical seasons of Advent ticipant commented, “People were just relaxed; they were singand Christmas, the Church ing; everybody was happy; the music just got into our heart.” invites us to look at the ways At Mankato, the rain did not dampen the hearts of the parin which God speaks to us in ticipants. Attendees were taken into prayer as they took part in Bishop Quinn leading Benediction at the Cathedral the silence of our hearts and an indoor Eucharistic Procession. A participant commented that desires to be born into our the catechesis helped him get a deeper understanding of the lives anew. symbols behind Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Please visit the Photo gallery at www.dow.org to see photos from the Year of Reflecting on the celebration at St. Joseph’s Church, Owatonna, a partici- Faith Closing Celebration. The Diocese of Winona is grateful for the generospant expressed her joy in hearing the children sing the hymn, “Christ be our ity of the faithful who donated close to $1500 towards the Catholic Near East light,” during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Welfare Association’s relief efforts for Syria on the occasion of the celebration.

Across the Diocese, students in faith formation programs attended the event. Saint Joachim’s Parish Faith Formation group, with 78 students from 7th to 10th grade, was one such group. Elizabeth Chinery, Director of Faith Formation for St. Joachim Parish, shared that students were inspired that the teenage guest speaker, Sarah Wilder, was very focused on the theme of becoming a saint.

At Winona, a mother of a 6th grade student shared with Vicky Lopez-Kaley, Director of Faith Formation for St. Stanislaus Basilica Parish, that her son was fascinated that the Living Stations of the Cross were presented by students of his age. Vicky found that students were excited to share their experiences with the vocation presentation by Sister Mary Hanah Doak, RSM, and Theresa Martin, ENDOW Coordinator. She stressed, “the topic [of vocations] for this age group [High School] helps them see that our vocation is a gift from God who wants us to live our lives with him in mind and that He is there to guide our choices.”

Each of the experiences described above express the graces encountered

By Sr. Mary Juanita Gonsalves, RSM

Parish Presentations at St. Mary Church, Worthington.

Living Stations of the Cross by St. Charles Borromeo Parish

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

10 - The Courier, December 2013

The Importance of Rituals of Connection in Family Life By: John McGuire, MSW, LICSW Clinical Social Worker, Catholic Charities, Rochester office

For many years when I was growing up, part of our celebration of Christmas was my father going out into the dark winter cold on Christmas Eve to grill steaks. One year he went out with a cup of coffee in hand to keep him warm and returned minutes later to show us the coffee frozen in his cup. I don’t remember anything about the steaks.

Years after my brothers and I had grown up we could connect with memories of Christmases past by recalling my dad’s frozen cup of coffee. Perhaps more than at any time of year, at Christmas we use rituals and traditions to help us celebrate the season, and remember rituals past to evoke treasured memories.

Or course, rituals are an important part of every day life as well. Another of my memories of childhood is my mother kissing my father every day when he returned home from work. I doubt she felt loving toward him every time. Since she did it every day, she must have done so on the day I overheard her say to her sister on the phone, “That French-German-Irishman, I feel like kicking him in the shin sometimes!” But that’s just the point.

With that kiss she was expressing not a feeling, but mon is that they are events we can come to count a commitment. John Gottman has called such rou- on to express and experience care and connection.

Perhaps now more than ever, it is hard to develtine actions rituals of connection. Some of these are embedded in the daily routines of life, like meals, op and sustain these rituals of connection. Work greetings hello and good-bye, and bedtimes. Some shifts may make it hard to pull together a family rituals may be occasional activities, like a couple meal, or even a routine goodnight kiss. Kids often reserving time every so often for a date night. need to be transported to sports or other activiOthers may be connected to a holiday. Some rituals ties at suppertime. Intrusive media, rather than of connection become habitual, while others require each other, sometimes become the focus of family planning and persistence. What they have in com- members’ attention. Moreover, valued rituals need to change as time passes. The eight year old who looked forward to family movie night may view the same activity as a dreaded obligation at fourteen. A spouse who eagerly looked forward to couple time with a husband or wife after he or she got off work from a second shift job, might find staying up that late to be a challenge after tending to two pre-school children all evening. There are newlywed couples this December who are worrying about where they will spend Christmas, after having received nervous reminders from both sets of parents that they have always spent Christmas Eve at Grandma’s. Maintaining healthy rituals of connection requires both sustaining what works and adapting as family life changes.

One focus of counseling services at Catholic Charities can be to help couples and families reestablish rituals of connection that work for them. This can involve remembering things that used to be done, or discovering ideas that year and my parents are showing signs of the difficulties will be practical given the demands of current family life. older age can bring. For those of you whose year was Sometimes more difficult discussions are needed about marked with sorrow, please believe that I understand and what might have to change to enable rituals or connection know that my prayers are united with yours in the constant to be reestablished. questioning that these times surely bring.

With Christmas at hand, and the New Year to follow, Beginnings are full of hope too. What are you hoping this is a good time to reflect on the rituals of connection for this year? Personally I am hoping to visit relatives out we have in our families. As you move through the season, east that I have not seen for twenty-seven years. It is easy reflect on both the seasonal traditions and the ordinary ritusometimes to make resolutions, and then set them aside in a als of connection in your families. A Christmas season spent short time for one reason or another. Have you ever thought savoring and experiencing prayerful gratitude for these of what the Spirit would have you accomplish this year, then would be a Christmas season well spent. As the business of asked for his guidance to make it happen? That same Spirit the season passes and the New Year begins, what rituals of who greeted the shepherds at the coming of Our Lord can connection do you want to continue, resume, or add? We all do what we ask with sincerity and purity of heart. Let us in value the spontaneous hug or unexpected romantic moment, this Advent season search our hearts and prayers for our but it is these rituals of connection that sustain us. And like own greatest wishes and spend time in prayer to help them my father’s frozen coffee and my mother’s hello kisses, some some true. of these ordinary moments will become treasured memories.

CCW: A New Year & Its Resolutions Submitted by Kathy Wilmes By the time you read this, we will be into one of my favorite seasons of the year. Definitely not winter; I have decided that when I retire I will become a snowbird and escape this frigid weather. I do love Advent, this season in which we await the coming of Our Lord on Christmas Day. Advent is also the beginning of our new liturgical year, a time filled with the genuine wonder, hope, and joy of what lies ahead, as well as a recollection of the steps in the past year’s journey.

This year I am offering a Prayer of Thanksgiving to Jesus for all he has shown me. I have met new friends through the National Council of Catholic Women convention, seen the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI at Catholic Social Ministry, and shared my faith with Congressmen and Senators of both parties. I’ve written a book about friendship and, with the help of a wonderful illustrator and publishing contract, have sent it on its way. I could never be able to do these things without the help of a Loving God and His Gifts, and I am grateful for them.

What has this past year offered you? Whether it’s family, friends, church, accomplishments in the work or private sphere, do we consider that each is a precious gift from God that can never be duplicated? Do we take the time to share our appreciation for these gifts to God and His Son Jesus, or to the Holy Spirit for an outreach thought that we were sure was ours, but realize that it began and ended with Him? This year, too, has been one of sorrow for my husband as well as me. We lost two of my husband’s siblings this

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

The Courier, December 2013 - 11

Service from the Children's Heart Sacred Heart School, Adams Submitted by: Darlene Boe, Principal

Generous, caring, sharing, helping. These are all words that describe the children at Sacred Heart School in Adams, Minnesota. These children share more with others than the average group of children. The missions they do help those in need not only right next door but around the world.

Thirteen years ago the fourth graders were reading in their Religion books about helping those in need. A discussion was had about what 9 and 10 year olds could do. An idea was brought up to have a Farmer’s Market. This project grew from a classroom project to a school-wide project, and is now a community-wide project. It was decided to donate the money locally. The first monies collected went to a family in the community whose home burned down. Since then, the money earned has gone to families in the community who struggle financially due to health issues, unemployment, or other circumstances. Another place the money has gone is to the local food shelf. Sometimes the money goes directly to the food shelf, or the entire student body goes to the local grocery store and buys items to take to the food shelf! In the fall of 2013, over $500 was raised and given to this worthwhile community service.

Each fall, just before Thanksgiving, the students have a food drive to support the same local food shelf. In addition to the fall food drive, some classes have donated food to give a family for a special Easter meal.

One of the most recent fall projects the students participated in is through Catholic United Financial. The students collect winter outerwear for refugees in the Rochester, Minnesota area.

People from around the world come to Rochester

The Office of

Catholic Schools Marsha Stenzel Superintendent mstenzel@dow. org

fleeing countries laden with hardships. Many of these refugees do not have warm clothing and the contributions from students and community members help alleviate their plight.

Another community service project the students participate in is the annual cleaning of the Sacred Heart Church cemetery. The entire school from kindergarten through grade 8 helps with this project.

Branches are trimmed, weeds are cut down, and the dried grass from lawn mowing is wiped off the tombstones. Families of those buried in the cemetery often say how much they appreciate how nice the students make the cemetery look.

Another fall project the fourth through eighth grade students participate in is raking leaves for elderly residents in Adams. The students rake, bag, and haul the leaves away to the local composting site. We are fortunate to have the Adams Health Care Center close by. At various times of the year,

Rejoicing in the Greatness of God

especially Christmas, the students take turns walking there to sing to the residents.

Attached to the nursing home is an assisted living facility which the students also visit to sing to the residents. Last year, all of the students made Christmas decorations to hang from each resident’s door at the Care Center.

We have done a variety of Advent mission projects throughout the years. These include bringing toys and other items for the Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots cam- paign; collecting money to purchase animals, trees, and seed for World Vision; donating books to local clinics and hospitals; and adopting a family for the Caring Tree.

Our children learn the value of helping others as we do our mission work each year. They learn that they can help no matter how old they are or how much money they have. As long as they are helping their neighbors, anyone in need, they are doing as Jesus taught: “He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’” Luke 10:34, 35.

ANNUAL "WIRED TO THE HEART" BENEFITING LOYOLA RAISES OVER $195,000

Loyola Catholic School hosts event to support technology & science

Submitted by: Teresa Chirpich The kindergarten and first grade students of St. Casimir’s School in Wells have a lot to smile about as they learned about God and His seven days of creation. After listening to the creation story in the Bible during their Religion class with Ms. Elly Benin, the boys and girls learned a joyful song about God’s goodness and created artwork to reflect their understanding of that goodness and God’s loving plan for their lives. The individual sheets of artwork were then pieced together to form the mural shown above. The students in the photo are Tegan Sonnek, Emma Johnson, Alessandra Mersman, Brooklyn Miller, Michael Oldham, Nia Loonan and Ella Overbeek. Founded in 1915, St. Casimir's School provides a Christ-centered, Catholic, college preparatory elementary education for students in preschool through eighth grade.

On November 8, 2013, over 460 people gathered at the ballroom at MSU – Mankato Student Union for the annual Wired to the Heart. The event supports Loyola Catholic School’s technology initiative and science department. By the end of the exciting evening that included a formal dinner, silent and live auction, and dueling pianos reception, over $195,000 was raised. Sponsors included Taylor Corporation (Titanium Sponsor: $7,500); Jim and Betty Sohler and Presencemaker (Platinum Sponsors: $5,000); McDonald’s Corporation and Stifel Nicholas (Gold Sponsors: $3,000). 50 additional sponsors contributed $800 to $2,000 to the event Auction items ranged from trips to Las Vegas and Hawaii to a day of driving a tank. Big winners of the evening were Janet Wingert who won a diamond pendant from Exclusively Diamonds and Carol Howard who won a diamond pendant from Williams Diamond Center. Marge Leiferman won $5000 through the evening’s raffle.

An annual event, the next Wired To The Heart will be November 14, 2014.

12 -The Courier, December 2013

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

NCYC - cont'd from page 1 youth, but it wasn’t over. Saturday was yet to come.

We started Saturday morning out in the Lucas Oil Stadium. The big sessions are always breathtaking: they truly show the magnitude and unity of the church. In three short days, a giant stadium that usually hosts football games and Superbowls was turned into a place to worship.

It became a place where we could have a blast and go crazy, while proclaiming our faith at the top of our lungs. During this mega session on Saturday, we had prayer with the Hawaiians via song, a keynote speech on trust via “step” dance with Ansel Augustine, and worship with Danielle Rose. It was nothing less than incredible.

When we arrived back at the convention center, we were ready XLT. Bishop Quinn concelebrated closing Mass for over 25,000 people in Lucas Oil Stadium.

This session is one of the most powerful and influential moments at NCYC. It is an hour of praise, worship, and ado- yet again. However, being at NCYC gave me ration led by Matt Maher and Mark Hart. We learned about the giants in our hope; it ignited a fire in my soul. I saw a peolife, and how to have an expectant faith, just as David did with Goliath. And ple unified in Jesus Christ; I saw high school to be honest, just seeing over 5,000 Catholics adoring the Lord never gets old. kids on fire for their faith; and I saw a young To close out NCYC on Saturday night, we made our way over to the Lucas church that truly realized what it means to be Oil Stadium again, but this time for Mass. Priests and bishops from all over the signed, sealed, and delivered. Our church is United States—including Father Thompson, Father Vogel, Father Kern, Msgr. not dead! We are inspired, burning with the Colletti and Bishop Quinn—came to celebrate with us. It was incredible. There love of Christ, and very much alive. were so many priests that we actually ran out of chairs for all of them!

It was a beautiful Mass that ended with high fives to the bishops and thousands of Catholics exuberantly rushing the stage as the final bishop processed out. And so we ended the week as we started. Mass was the perfect ending to another life-changing NCYC. As a sophomore in college, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to attend NCYC. I thought that I was too old, and doubted that I could be impacted

Fr. Kern and kids getting ready for the next session.

Praise and worship session

The Office of Youth & Young Adults Ben Frost Director bfrost@dow.org

Matt Maher inspired youth through his music.

EVANGELIZATION & APOLOGETICS

The Courier, December 2013 - 13

The 8th Promise of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: "Fervent souls shall rise to great perfection."

By: Raymond de Souza, KM

When Jesus says that through devotion to the Sacred Heart fervent souls shall rise to great perfection, anyone can see that this is no small promise. Christian perfection is the supreme goal of our existence, that is, the identification with the thoughts and ways of Jesus Christ Himself, Who said at the end of the Sermon of the Mount, “Be ye perfect, even as your heavenly father is perfect”.

Yes, some people retort, but Jesus loves us exactly as we are!

So there is no need to fret over perfection…

It is true that He loves us as we are, but He loves us way too much to leave us the way we are! If we have left lukewarmness for fervor, He wants us to fly higher, much higher, towards perfection.

The Saints in heaven have achieved perfection, because nothing defiled can enter heaven (Apoc. 22).

Bishop, cont'd from pg.2

lems with the HHS mandate: it establishes a false architecture of religious liberty that excludes our ministries and so reduces freedom of religion to freedom of worship; it compels our ministries to participate in providing employees with abortifacient drugs and devices, sterilization, and contraception, which violates our deeplyheld beliefs; and it compels our faithful people in business to act against our teachings, failing to provide them any exemption at all.

The current impasse is all the more frustrating because the Catholic Church has long been a leading provider of, and advocate for, accessible, life-affirming health care. We would have preferred to spend these recent past years working towards this shared goal instead of resisting this intrusion into our religious liberty. We have been forced to devote time and resources to a conflict we did not start nor seek.

We remain grateful for the unity we share in this endeavor with Americans of all other faiths, and even with those of no faith at all.

It is our hope that our ministries and lay faithful will be able to continue providing insurance in a manner consistent with the faith of our Church. We will continue our efforts in Congress and especially with the promising initiatives in the courts to protect the religious freedom that ensures our ability to fulfill the Gospel by serving the common good. I am also deeply aware of business owners who want to conduct their companies according to moral teachings and who want their consciences to be respected.

National Catholic Youth Conference

I had the great pleasure to attend the biannual meeting of the National Catholic Youth Conference, Nov 21- 24 in Indianapolis.

This year’s theme was “Signed. Sealed. Delivered.” More than 25,000 Catholic young people and their chaperones gathered to learn more about their faith and celebrate Mass every day. To see thousands of Catholic youth gathered together and filled with love for the church lifted my heart and deepened my faith. The Diocese of Winona was well represented with 163 pilgrims who came to Indianapolis by bus. Special thanks are due to the youth ministers, chaperones, volunteers and my brother priests, Fr. Jason Kern, Fr. Will Thompson, and Fr. Andy Vogel, who traveled with our young men and women, prayed with them and loved them with the heart of Jesus Christ.

Two events stood out for me. The first great moment of grace came during the time for the Sacrament of Penance. I was able to participate with 75 other priests and hear confessions continuously for several hours. At one point, a doublewide line stretched over 200 yards throughout the hallways of the convention center as some 500 youth waited for the Sacrament.

The other moment was during the closing Mass where myself and seven other bishops concelebrated Mass with 250 priests from around the country. We were surrounded by 25,000 young people raising their voices together in the prayers of the Mass. The gathering was so big that it needed to be held in a stadium. For God, nothing is impossible.

May you have a holy and blessed Advent.

Sincerely in Christ, Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona

Perfection is the imitation of Christ. To be able to say with Saint Paul, “I live, now not I: but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).

And the perfect imitation of Christ consists in doing only one thing: to do the will of the Father. That is why we say in the Lord’s prayer, thy will be done. We don’t say, my will be done, do we?

In the Via Dolorosa, the courageous Veronica received a unique gift: the face of the Savior was imprinted on her veil. But we are called to do immensely more than to have the picture of the Sacred Heart enthroned in our home, receive Holy Communion every first Friday or recite the litany often: The Sacred Heart of Jesus calls us is to imitate His virtues, to think as He thinks, to have His Mind, to behave as He wishes us to behave in all the circumstances of our lives. This supposes a real Catholic sense, an authentic and complete purity of customs and a profound and sincere piety. In other words, it supposes the sacrifice of an entire lifetime.

And what is the reward? "Christianus alter Christus," The Christian is another Christ. We will be in an eminent way a reproduction of Christ Himself. The likeness of Christ, vivid and sacred, will be imprinted on our own souls. Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a most powerful aid to conform our lives to that of Jesus Christ. Let us say it again: “Christianus alter Christus,” a Christian is another Christ. If we were really Christians, that is, really Catholics, we would be other Christs. But being another Christ carries some strings attached. There are three basic sentiments that hold sway in the adorable Heart of Jesus: complete dependence upon His heavenly Father, and therefore perfect humility (learn of me who am meek and humble of heart”, He said). Then secondly, a burning and universal love for all men (The Son of man came to save not to condemn). And finally a spirit of sacrifice (thy will be done, not mine). A consequence (among many others) of the imitation of Christ is to fall into the displeasure of the worldlings. Yes, it is a fact of life. When we decide to take the route to perfection, as the Sacred Heart of Jesus promises to help us in the eighth promise, we are going to displease some people. It is inevitable. The tumult of opposition that was raised against Jesus will also blow furiously against us.

Let us look at a few examples. To be en route to perfection is to admire the school boy who suffers the mockery of his classmates because he professes Jesus’ Name and refuses to profane the innocence of his lips with words of impurity. To be en route to perfection is to admire the young lady who proclaims Jesus’ Name by refusing to wear the clothing that fashion dictates because by its extravagance or immorality it clashes with the dignity of a true Catholic young woman.

To be en route to perfection is to admire the intellectual who sees the doors of fame and glory close before him because he proclaims Jesus’ doctrine and professes His Name.

The Office of Evangelization & Apologetics

To be en route to perfection is to admire the Raymond apostle who suffers the de Souza, KM merciless assault of the adversaries of the Church Director and the hostility, a thou- rdesouza@ sand times more painful, dow.org of many who are children of light, solely because he does not consent to the dilutions, the mutilations, the onesidedness with which the “prudent” buy the world’s tolerance for their ‘apostolate’.

The Christian en route to perfection does not make pacts with the world: he does not retreat, compromise, dilute, or permit that the divine integrity of Catholic doctrine be defaced on his lips. If a flood of unpopularity breaks upon him, his prayer is always that from Sacred Scripture: “I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God, rather than to dwell in the tabernacle of sinners” (Ps. 83:11).

Today the Church suffers from a serious crisis of Faith, as Pope Benedict pointed out. Millions and millions of Catholics support views and habits entirely contrary to the Mind of Jesus Christ, as preached by the Magisterium of the Church. Could it be that the spirit of the world – or ‘the tabernacle of sinners’, as Scripture calls it, has seeped into our culture, and many of us no longer desire holiness?

In his apostolic Exhortation, ‘Sacramentum Caritatis’, Pope Benedict lamented the sad situation in our days when “the faithful are surrounded by a culture that tends to eliminate the sense of sin and to promote a superficial approach that overlooks the need to be in a state of grace in order to approach sacramental communion worthily”.

The Holy Father regretted the reality in which certain type of superficial Catholics go to communion just because ‘everybody goes’ and ‘it is just part of the Mass’, and even if they are in state of mortal sin. Saint Paul (1 Cor. 11: 27-29) is very explicit about unworthy communions: “Whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep (are dead)”.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus invites us to take the road to perfection, to holiness, to imitate His virtues. That’s why frequent confession is necessary for those who struggle with mortal sin, in order to worthily receive Jesus in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

www.ProLifeKnights.com

14 - The Courier, December 2013

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Immigration Reform is a Great Moral Urgency Two months ago in the October issue of the Courier, we suggested that you petition the government concerning Immigration Reform. On November 7, Cardinal Timothy Dolan did just that on behalf of all the bishops of the United States. You can see his letter to Deacon Eduardo Fortini, Director the right. of the Office of Hispanic Ministry

Spanish Mass Schedule Albert Lea, St. Theodore, Spanish Mass, 11 a.m., every Sunday.

Austin, Queen of Angels, Spanish Mass at 11 a.m and 5 p.m. every Sunday.

Dodge Center, St. John Baptist de La Salle, Spanish Mass, 11 a.m., every Sunday.

Fairmont, St. John Vianney, Spanish Mass, 2 p.m., every Sunday.

Lake City, St. Mary, Spanish Mass, 6:30 p.m., every third Saturday.

Madelia, St. Mary, Spanish Mass, 10 a.m., every Sunday.

Mankato, Ss. Peter and Paul, Spanish Mass, 1 p.m., every Sunday.

Owatonna, Sacred Heart, Spanish Mass, 1 p.m. every

Sunday.

Pipestone, St. Leo, Spanish Mass, 2:30 p.m., every Sunday Rochester, St. Francis of Assisi, Spanish Mass, 12 noon, every Sunday.

St. Charles, St. Charles Borromeo, Spanish Mass, 11:30 a.m., every Sunday.

St. James, St. James, Spanish Mass, 12 p.m., every Sunday.

Waseca, Sacred Heart, Spanish Mass, 11:30 a.m., every Sunday.

Windom, St. Francis Xavier, Spanish Mass, 12 p.m., every Sunday Worthington, St. Mary, Spanish Mass, Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.

November 7, 2013 Dear Mr. Speaker: On behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I write to you on an issue of great importance and urgency to the nation-immigration reform. We respectfully request that the House of Representatives address the issue as soon as possible, ideally prior to the end of the calendar year. Reports that immigration reform is now delayed in the House are most troubling.

As pastors, we witness each day the human consequences of a broken immigration system. Families are separated through deportation, migrant workers are exploited in the workplace, and migrants die in the desert. In their attempts to respond to these human tragedies, our priests, religious, and social service providers in many cases are unable to help these persons without changes to the law.

To be sure, Church teaching supports the right of sovereign nations to protect their borders. In our view, immigration reform would protect that right and restore the rule of law while upholding the human rights and dignity of the person.

As a moral matter, however, our nation cannot continue to receive the benefits of the work and contributions of undocumented immigrants without extending to them the protection of the law. Studies have demonstrated that undocumented immigrants contribute substantially to our nation’s economy, working in industries such as service, construction, and agriculture. Keeping these human beings as a permanent underclass of workers who are unable to assert their rights or enjoy the fruits of their labor is a stain on the soul of the nation.

As we have communicated in the past, we urge you to pass in its final form immigration reform legislation that 1) establishes a fair and achievable path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented in the nation; 2) creates a program that permits future flows of migrant workers to enter safely and legally and with appropriate protections; 3) reaffirms family reunification as the cornerstone of our nation’s immigration system and expedites the reunification of families, based on marriage as the union of one man and one woman; 4) restores basic due process protections to immigrants, including protections against unnecessary detention; 5) enhances protec-tions for refugees and asylum-seekers; and 6) examines the root causes of migration, such as poverty and persecution, and adopts policies that address these push factors.

The House has a responsibility to debate and attempt to resolve public policy issues that challenge the nation. The Senate already has passed such a bill, which, although not perfect, improves upon the status quo.

Immigration is a challenge that has confounded our nation for years, with little action from our federally elected officials. It is a matter of great moral urgency that cannot wait any longer for action. The U.S. Catholic bishops stand ready to assist you in this effort.

Thank you for your attention to our views and we look forward to hearing from you regarding this important matter.

Sincerely, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops"

Traditional Latin Mass Schedule

Hispanic Priests/Sacerdotes Hispanos: Padre Luis Alfonso Vargas Capellán del Decanato de Worthington lukiponcho@yahoo.es Tel. 507-341-0403 Padre José Morales Capellán del Decanato de Rochester jloralesr2008@yahoo.es Tel. 507-329-2931 Padre Carlos Arturo Calderón Capellán del Decanato de Mankato fathercarlos@hotmail.com Padre Mariano Varela IVE Párroco de “SS. Peter and Paul” en Mankato mvarela@hickorytech.net Tel. 507-388-2995 ext 103 Padre Octavio Cortez IVE Vicario Parroquial de “Ss. Peter and Paul” en

Mankato Tel. 507-388-2995 Padre Raul Silva Pastor de “All Saints” en New Richland, “St. Aidan” en Ellendale, “St. Mary” en Geneva padreraulsilva@gmail.com Padre Rafael Chávez Capellán del Decanato de Austin/Albert Lea rchcanahua@hotmail.com Padre Wellington Muñoz Vicario Parroquial de “Queen of Angels” en Austin, “All Saints” en New Richland, “St. Aidan” en Ellendale, “St. Mary” en Geneva munozwel@gmail.com Tel. 507-433-1889

Alpha, St. Alphonsus Liguori, weekly and daily. Sunday: 5 p.m. except second Sunday of the month variable.

Guckeen, Our Lady of Ransom, weekly. Sunday, 11 a.m., except second Sunday of the month, 9:15 a.m.

Mankato, Ss. Peter and Paul, first Saturday month, 9 a.m.

Rochester (Simpson), St. Bridget, first and third Sundays of the month, 1 p.m.

Wabasha, St. Felix, weekly. Saturday 8 a.m.

Chatfield, St. Mary's, Saturday morning, please check with the parish for the time.

The Televised Mass Offered as a service for the homebound and elderly. Every Sunday on the following stations: KTTC-TV, Channel 10, Rochester at 9 a.m. KEYC-TV, Channel 12, Mankato at 7:30 a.m. Donations for the continuation of this program may be sent to: TV Mass, PO Box 588, Winona MN 55987.

Thank you for your donations to the TV Mass

The Courier, December 2013 - 15

IN THE DIOCESE

December Event Calendar Parish and Community Events Mass for Life & Marriage St. Mary’s Church, Winona offers a Mass for Life and Marriage on both the first and third Thursday of the month, at 5:15 p.m. Rosary at 4:50 p.m. Call the office for updates.

Holy Hour of Prayer, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona will host the monthly Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty on Saturday, Dec 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. after the 8 a.m. Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed and a beautiful Rosary will be offered, along with prayer and relfection.

Everyone is welcome.

“In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the Host. Be assiduous in the prayer of adoration…It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering.” Pope Benedict XVI National Night of Prayer for Life Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona Join us for a prayerful occasion

to pray for the sanctity of all human life. Sunday, Dec 8, 8 p.m.

- 9:30 p.m. It was on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (then celebrated on December 9th) that Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and the preborn, first appeared to St. Juan Diego. The National Night of Prayer for Life bridges these two feasts to honor Our Blessed Mother and to pray for the sanctity of all human life. This event takes place across the country.

Prayer Vigil and Public Witness against Abortion Semcac Clinic is a delegate of Planned Parenthood – the nation's leading abortion provider. Please consider joining a local group from 3-4 p.m. each Tuesday in front of Semcac at 62 E 3rd Street in Winona for an hour of prayer. Contact Will Goodman at (608) 698-7443.

St Joseph Parish, Owatonna, A Morning of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession Jan 11, Sat. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. a prayer service for the entire local community, which will

include; reconciliation, adoration, and conclude with mass.

The wounds of abortion impact each of us, we have all been affected by the loss of each child aborted and the often hidden suffering of their postabortive parents.

Crucifixion Parish Church, La Crescent Hosts 6th Christmas Gift and Craft Showcase. Saturday, December 7 @ 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Crucifixion School Auditorium 420 South 2nd Street, La Crescent, MN. Holiday Shopping for the Whole Family in one location.

Church of the Resurrection, Rochester is hosting it’s Annual Holiday Bazaar on Sunday, Dec 8, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Join us for rolls and coffee starting at 9:30 a.m., lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. featuring pulled pork, bake sale, silent auction, kid’s games, cake walk, bingo, crafts, 50” TV raffle, Big Ticket raffle, and Entertainment. Fun for all!

Please note: submission deadline is the 15th of the month prior to the month of publication. All submissions must be sent electronically (Courier@dow.org) and by the deadline in order to assure receipt and inclusion in the Events Calendar. Though not all events will fit, we strive to include as many events as possible. Thank you! - Courier Staff.

Immaculate Conception, Kellogg will host their 12th annual Christmas Cookie Walk on Saturday, Dec 14 beginning at 9 a.m. Choose from a wide variety of homemade cookies and candies; purchase for $6 per pound.

St. Mary's University, "Lessons and Carols" will be presented by the Saint Mary’s University Department of Music at 7:30 p.m. on Sat, Dec. 7. In the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, features the Saint Mary’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, directed

by Dr. Patrick O’Shea. “Lessons and Carols” reflects on the Christmas story through several short readings, hymns and Christmas carols sung by the choirs and audience. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and are available by calling the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715 or online at www.pagetheatre. org. Tickets at the door are available by cash or check only.

Crucifixion, La Crescent is having it's 6th Christmas Gift & Craft Showcase Sat, Dec 7, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. This event has over 50 vendors and local artisans. Proceeds are being used for our school's computer technology.

Medjugorje – A Call to Holiness Join us for an 11 day pilgrimage to Medjugorje and Dubrovnik May 5-15, 2015. Includes 7 nights in Medjugorje and 2 nights in Dubrovnik. The price of $3189 per person, includes airfare from Mpls., hotels, tour buses, guides, most meals, all airline & airport taxes. For more information and a brochure call Fr. Peterson at 507583-2529 or go to: www.pilgrimages.com/frpeterson .

Saint Mary’s Concert Band to present ‘Welcome Christmas’ Celebrate the music of the Christmas season with the Saint Mary’s University Concert Band and Wind Ensemble 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at SMU’s Page Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available by calling the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715 or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Assisi Heights: Umbrian Christmas: An Evening for Adults Sat, December 7, 7 -11 p.m. $50 per person. This year, we look forward to highlighting the Christmas in 1223 in the town of Greccio, Italy, when Saint Francis set out to share his understanding of the first Christmas in a way that had never been done before. All proceeds benefit the ministries of the Sisters of Saint Francis.

Register: www.rochesterfranciscan.org or contact: Barb Decramer: 507-280-2195 or development@rochesterfranciscan.org.

Assisi Heights: Umbrian Christmas: Family Event Sun, December 8, 1 - 4 p.m. $5 per person. We invite families to join us for a festive Franciscan Christmas event!

Meet St. Francis and learn about Christmas in 1223. Delight in an interactive tour; listen to storytellers; create an Advent craft; munch on cookies and drink apple cider; and enjoy Christmas games! Register: www.rochesterfranciscan.org or contact: Barb Decramer: 507-280-2195 or development@ rochesterfranciscan.org.

16 -The Courier, December 2013

IN THE DIOCESE

Pope Francis and the Necessity of Love

Since his first days as our Holy Father, Pope Francis has been a living example of how to love, personally, simply without holding back. Last month, at the end of his general audience on Wednesday November 6, he brought that message home once more when a manwith severe facial disfigurement went to him to receive a blessing. Pope Francis did not recoil at all at the sight of him, instead, our Holy Father embraced the manwith a tenderness that left the world speechless. The man was later identified as suffering from neurofibromatosis, which causes great pain and can result in paralysis, impaired vision, deafness, mental retardation, migraines and even cancer. Treatment of the condition is very complicated. People with this disease – which is genetic and not contagious – often face discrimination because of their appearance.

As he carried out his typical greeting of pilgrims at the conclusion of the general audience, Pope Francis paused for several minutes to receive the sick man in his arms.

Saturday, January 11 St Joseph Parish, Owatonna Time: 9 am - 12 pm

Recently two Italian media outlets interviewed the man Pope Francis embraced; his name is Vinicio Riva. When reflecting on the moment, Riva said, "My heart was bursting," When the pope hugged him tight, "I felt like I was in paradise."

"I'm not contagious, but (the pope) didn't know that. But he did it, period: He caressed my whole face and while he was doing it, I felt only love," he said. "First, I kissed his hand, while he caressed my head and wounds with his other hand," Riva explained.

"Then he pulled me toward him, hugging me tight and kissing my face. My head was against his chest and his arms were wrapped around me. He held me so tightly, cuddling me, and he didn't let go. I tried to speak, to say something, but I wasn't able to: I was too choked up. It lasted just a little more than a minute, but, for me, it seemed like forever," he told the Italian magazine.

"The pope's hands are so soft.

Soft and beautiful. And his smile (is) bright and wide."

Morning of Prayerful Remembrance & Intercession

Women, men, families, health care providers and all of us, directly or indirectly, have been impacted by abortion. In response, we gather to pray and to seek healing and forgiveness.

The morning will include: • Personal testimonies from those who have been affected by abortion • Intercessory prayer • Eucharistic Adoration & Rosary • Opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation • The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass For more info on this event call Mary Eisman (507) 271-3164 or St. Joseph (507) 451-4845.

For professional help call Lumina 1-877-586-4621 or email lumina@ postabortionhelp.org

Riva said, "My heart was bursting," When the pope hugged him tight, "I felt like I was in paradise."

Bishops Stand Firm cont'd from page 1

architecture of religious liberty that excludes our ministries and so reduces freedom of religion to freedom of worship; it compels our ministries to participate in providing employees with abortifacient drugs and devices, sterilization, and contraception, which violates our deeply-held beliefs; and it compels our faithful people in business to act against our teachings, failing to provide them any exemption at all.

Despite our repeated efforts to work and dialogue towards a solution, those problems remain. Not only does the mandate undermine our ministries’ ability to witness to our faith, which is their core mission, but the penalties it imposes also lay a great burden on those ministries, threatening their very ability to survive and to serve the many who rely on their care.

The current impasse is all the more frustrating because the Catholic Church has long been a leading provider of, and advocate for, accessible, life-affirming health care. We would have preferred to spend these recent past years working towards this shared goal instead of resisting this intrusion into our religious liberty. We have been forced to devote time and resources to a conflict we did not start nor seek. As the government’s implementation of the mandate against us approaches, we bishops stand united in our resolve to resist this heavy burden and protect our religious freedom. Even as each bishop struggles to address the mandate, together we are striving to develop alternate avenues of response to this difficult situation.

We seek to answer the Gospel call to serve our neighbors, meet our obligation to provide our people with just

health insurance, protect our religious freedom, and not be coerced to violate our consciences.

We remain grateful for the unity we share in this endeavor with Americans of all other faiths, and even with those of no faith at all. It is our hope that our ministries and lay faithful will be able to continue providing insurance in a manner consistent with the faith of our Church. We will continue our efforts in Congress and especially with the promising initiatives in the courts to protect the religious freedom that ensures our ability to fulfill the Gospel by serving the common good. This resolve is particularly providential on this feast of the patroness of immigrants, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.

She was a brave woman who brought the full vigor of her deep religious faith to the service of the sick, the poor, children, the elderly, and the immigrant. We count on her intercession, as united we obey the command of Jesus to serve the least of our brothers and sisters.

(From the USCCB Conference November 14, 2013)