The Courier - February 2013 Issue

THE COURIER

February 2013

Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona

Volume 104, No. 2

An Unforgettable Pilgrimage For Life

by Peter Martin, Director of the Office of Life

More" is made up of women who have had an abortion and now regret it. Their leader spoke to the crowd: "if you would Having received Bishop Quinn’s have told me years ago that I would blessing, two busloads of youth, semibe loved and embraced by the pro-life narians, and Catholic faithful from the movement, I would never have believed Diocese of Winona, began their pilgrimyou." She thought pro-life people would age to Washington, D.C. They traveled judge her. She explained how she never over a thousand miles to join hundreds felt that "the other side" acknowledged of thousands faithful pro-lifers in what the pain and suffering a woman goes turned out to be the largest National through after having an March for Life event of all abortion. With an abortion time. comes such a stigma that Spending 22 hours on a most women are shamed bus may not have been the into silence and forced to most comfortable experilive alone with this deep ence, but watching inspirpain. In the "Silent No ing movies like October More" campaign, women Baby and joining together who have had abortions for Morning and Night can come forward and Prayer reminded us that receive the love, healing our journey together was and forgiveness they need. not a vacation, but a pilAfter the March we grimage. boarded the bus, thawed, Finally arriving in and enjoyed dinner at a Washington, D.C. around pizza buffet before headnoon, our first stop was a ing over to an amazing Shrine dedicated to Blessed concert with Matt Maher John Paul II. The example and Chris Stefanick. We of this saintly man and his were blessed with great constant encouragement to The pilgrims from the Diocese of Winona marching for Life in D.C. music and a great message, “Be Not Afraid!” truly set the tone for us. It awakened in us a youth groups from around the United but the hour of Eucharistic Adoration marked the highlight for many of us on deeper calling – not only are we called States. the pilgrimage. Face-to-face time with At noon, after group pictures with to promote the dignity of all human life, our Lord gave us the opportunity to rethe Bishop, we joined over 650,000 othbut we must also share with others our dedicate our lives to being more faithful ers who braved freezing temperatures faith in the One who is the Way, the to the Gospel and to ask for the courage and snow to speak for the unborn and Truth, and the Life! to live it out. to be a witness of God's love and mercy.

After attending Mass at the Basilica Saturday morning we were blessed The experience of meeting so many othof the National Shrine of the Immaculate to once again return to the Basilica ers standing for life was unbelievable; Conception, we had lunch at the Catholic University of America. From there we Catholic Dioceses from Louisiana to and attend Mass with Bishop Quinn. reloaded the buses and checked into our Washington State, thousands of churches As we wrapped up our time in D.C, hotel where we had the opportunity to from every denomination, High Schools, we spent our last few hours touring get showered and rested. That evening and scores of other groups all there to the sites downtown before departing for Minnesota. After another blessed and many of us took the opportunity to tour share the same message: Life is Good!

One such group, called "Silent No March for Life, cont. on pg. 3 the Washington landmarks and to enjoy the beauty of our Nation’s Capital by night. We were all grateful to sleep in beds that night!

Friday morning, the day of the March, we awoke early, ate breakfast on the bus, and arrived downtown for the Rally and Mass for Life at 7 a.m. We had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Confession, to pray the Rosary and to attend Mass with thousands of other

INSIDE Year of Faith Essay Contest Winners Announced!

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Journey with Christ

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Out of the Darkness into LIFE

Laura and her daughter at the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington, D.C.

One of the Catholic faithful who attended the pilgrimage to the national March for Life in D.C. with the Diocese of Winona was Laura Peratt.

Laura had been to a march in D.C. 25 years earlier, but at that time she was on the other side, she had marched for abortion. Her story is deep, painful and yet, full of hope. Laura shares, “In my college days I was not living a Christian life. I was pro-choice because at that time it made sense to me. It fit with the rebellious, do-whatfeels-good-to-you mentality that I and everyone around me seemed to have. I was a member of the Voice for Choice on my campus, trying to branch out on my own and be wise and rebellious

and grown-up. One year, the group’s president heard about a pro-choice rally/march in DC, so the group rented a bus and went. My then-boyfriend, now-husband, went along. While we were there on the Mall, listening to speeches and cheering and shouting, I looked around. I saw women carrying coat-hangers splashed with red paint that said "We will not go back!"

There were two skinhead guys in black T-shirts who looked, frankly, satanic.

That was my thought at the time, even though I didn’t practice any faith.

There was a group soliciting signatures for a petition to legalize RU486 (the abortion pill) in the US, which Darkness to Life, cont. on pg. 3

2 - The Courier, February 2013

BISHOP QUINN

Most Rev. John M. Quinn: Our Lenten Journey Dear Friends in Christ,

Ash Wednesday - St. Catherine in Luverne, MN

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 13th, as a time of preparation for the Feast of Easter.

The reasons are taken from St. Matthew’s Gospel and the Book of Joel and call us to free our lives from the attachments of sin and renew our lives in holiness through fasting, prayer and almsgiving. This year, I will begin Lent at St. Catherine Parish in Luverne by celebrating the 9 a.m. Mass.

All are welcome to join me.

We fast to imitate Christ as He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in order to grow in holiness. As we abstain, or “give up” things, we make room for another essential component of our Lenten journey: prayer. The Holy Sacrament of the Mass is the best prayer and many people make a special effort to attend daily Mass during Lent. I hope you will consider doing this - letting the Lord Jesus come into your heart in the Eucharist will surely change you in ways that will amaze you.

Of course, there are many other ways we can pray; we can make the Stations of the Cross, spend an hour in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at any of our

Perpetual Adoration chapels in the diocese, pray the Divine Office, or join a Lenten study or prayer group. Time spent in prayer will allow Christ the opportunity to reveal Himself as our Lord and Savior.

Lent is also a special time of almsgiving, which means supporting the Church and our neighbor financially, as well as with our time and talents. There are countless ways we can show love of neighbor in our parishes and communities. Through almsgiving we grow in the virtue of poverty, by becoming less attached to things.

My prayer for you is that during this Lenten journey, you will find time for silence and prayer “in the desert” to conform your will to the will of the Father, so that you too can say, “Not my will, but Thy will be done.”

Catholic Schools

The last week of January was Catholic Schools Week.

The Diocese of Winona is truly fortunate to have 22 elementary schools, 4 high schools, many preschool programs attached to a school and 4 separate preschool programs.

Many of them will have special programs in observance of Catholic Schools Week.

Watch for the announcements of events in your area and join with students, parents and

staff to participate in Catholic Schools Week.

I have a great passion for our Catholic schools. I believe they are the most effective method for communicating the faith to the next generation and showing them how to live the faith. Catholic schools have high academic standards and they graduate students who are prepared to be active, positive and contributing members of their communities.

Thank you for your support of our schools. From preschool to graduate school, I believe our qualified and gifted educators and staff offer the best educational opportunities available anywhere in the diocese.

For most, it requires a significant sacrifice to send your child to private school, especially in a difficult economy like today. Through a scholarship from the Diocese of Winona Foundation Seeds of Faith Tuition Assistance Fund, sending your child to one of our many schools may be more realistic than you think.

Please inquire at your local school as to who is eligible and how to apply.

March for Life

Msgr. Colletti and I joined with the over five hundred thousand who came to our nation’s Capitol to march

for the dignity of human life which begins at the moment of conception. Ben Frost, our diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adults, and Peter Martin, our diocesan Director of the Office of Life, organized and led two bus loads of young adults, including our IHM seminarians, who traveled through the long interstate roads to come to the Mass for Life celebrated by many bishops. The group then walked from the Mall to the Supreme Court building in the freezing, snowy weather.

I was deeply moved by all the young people and especially those from the Diocese of Winona, who stand up for life and are willing to bring their faith out into the world.

We look forward to next year, when we will have to invite even more of our young people to come and March for Life in Washington D.C.

World Day for Consecrated Life

In 1997, Pope John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in conse-

Bishop John M. Quinn crated life are called to reflect light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life in the Church is on Saturday, February 2, 2013 and in parishes on the weekend of February 2-3, 2013.

The Diocese of Winona is greatly enriched by the presence, love and work of so many consecrated brothers and sisters in our diocese.

Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation.

I pray you have a most blessed beginning of your Lenten journey.

Please continue to pray for me as I do for you.

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

Bishop's Calendar - February 2013 February 1, Friday 9:30 a.m. Liturgy of the Eucharist, Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Cotter Schools 5 p.m. – Diocesan Employee Recognition Dinner, St. Mary’s University, President’s Room

National Catholic Bioethics Workshop for Bishops, Dallas, TX

February 2, Saturday 11 a.m. Liturgy of the Eucharist, World Day for Consecrated Life, St. Thomas More Chapel, St. Mary’s University, followed by lunch at the Toner Center Lounge

February 10, Sunday 10:30 a.m. Liturgy of the Eucharist, Religion Emblem Scouting Recognition, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona 3 p.m. “Year of Faith” presentation at Sacred Heart Church, Owatonna

February 3 - 7, SundayThursday

February 9, Saturday 4:30 p.m. Liturgy of the Eucharist, St. Mary Hospital Chapel, Rochester

February 12, Tuesday 7 p.m. “Year of Faith” presentation at St. Catherine Church, Luverne February 13, Wednesday 9 a.m. Liturgy of the Eucharist, Ash Wednesday, St. Catherine Church, Luverne February 14, Thursday 10 a.m. Consultors’ Meeting, St. John the Evangelist Church, Rochester February 17, Sunday 8 a.m. Liturgy of the Eucharist, St. Mary,

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.

Caledonia 3 p.m. Rite of Election, Queen of Angels Church, Austin February 24, Sunday 10:45 a.m. Liturgy of the Eucharist, Pax Christi Church, Rochester February 26, Tuesday 6:30 a.m. Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Morning Prayer, Mass, and Breakfast 12 p.m. Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Finance Council 6 p.m. Presentation on “Morality & Ethics,” St. James Coffee House,

Rochester February 27, Wednesday 10:30 a.m. Deans’ Meeting, St. Theodore Church, Austin 7 p.m. Confirmation at St. Rose of Lima, Lewiston; with St. Anthony, Altura; and Immaculate Conception, Wilson February 28, Thursday 10 a.m. Presbyteral Council Meeting, St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea March 1-11, Friday - Monday Pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima

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, February 2013 - 3

MarchforLife,cont'dfrompg1 Marching for Life in Winona Spirit-filled bus ride back home, our pilgrimage came to an end Sunday morning with our final Mass together at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary.

Bishop Quinn hopes that each year the number of pilgrims grows, and that next year we will fill three buses! He emphasizes the importance of standing up in a prayerful, respectful, but bold way for those who are silenced before they even have a chance to speak. It was indeed a pilgrimage to remember and one that each of us will treasure for a long time.

In addition to joining in with the National March for Life, local pro-lifers joined in a March for Life in Winona on Sunday, January 20. They took a stand to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, which marks the grave injustice of over 55 million lives of pre-born babies lost to surgical abortion. A Prayer Service for Life followed at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, with the Most Rev. Bishop John M. Quinn presiding.

The group from our diocese getting ready to head to the March.

Darkness to Life, cont'd from page 1 I signed. Everywhere I looked were people shouting; raucous, brazen, and strident. The atmosphere was one of anger, rebellion, darkness; though I didn't understand it at the time, I felt it, and became uneasy.

“When I found myself pregnant in the fall of 1988, the “choice” seemed obvious to us, because we truly felt that we had no other choice. After all, we were smart, mature people who would never get “caught” that way.

How could we tell our families that we had been so irresponsible, so stupid? Besides, we were in the middle of college, had no money, were not ready to get married nor be parents.

I could not face the embarrassment of carrying a baby to term and the emotional turmoil of placing him or her for adoption. I knew it was a baby and not “tissue” ... I had seen my little brother’s ultrasound. But what guarantee was there that the baby would be placed with a loving family and grow up happy? Wouldn’t it be better off dead than living a miserable life?

Such is the rationalization of desperation. Our baby would have been born in July of 1989. With our fateful decision, made out of ignorance, selfishness, and desperation, we began a life of buried pain. My boyfriend also was hurting, though we rarely spoke of it.

“We married in 1992 and two years later, we became “born again” Christians. The first time we went to church with the friends who had been praying for us, I felt an immense love and “welcome home” from the Lord. It was also made very clear to me that abortion is wrong. Not unlike the scales falling from St. Paul’s eyes, suddenly I just knew. Here, for the first time, every argument and justification melted away in a sense that it was just plain wrong, because every life is precious ... because God made and loves us all, and He alone has the right to decide when we live and when we die. I felt no condemnation, just

love. I would ask forgiveness many times over the years. God showed me that He had forgiven me, and that I needed to forgive myself.

“When my husband and I moved to Winona in 1996, we joined the local pro-life movement. We still dealt with deeply-buried pain. One day as I was driving, I pondered something I’d heard about naming the baby and going through the grieving process.

I asked the Lord to suggest a name, since I had no idea whether my child had been a boy or girl. I heard a voice say distinctly, “Stephen”. It seemed so appropriate – this baby had been martyred by our selfishness and desperation. So I named the baby Stephen Timothy (Timothy means, “beloved by God”), and began the process of healing. But as we became more involved and informed about pro-life issues, I began to regret more and more and more my signature on that RU486 petition.

“Eventually, for other reasons entirely, my husband began studying the Catholic faith and was received into the Church in 2005. I followed the next year. Our attitudes about many other issues began to change, such as our attitude toward contraception.

The Lord was cleaning out of our lives every action and attitude that followed the Culture of Death we live in, and orienting us to His life and Heart. We also found it a great com-

fort to pray to the saints and other departed faithful. For the first time we prayed and asked Stephen directly to forgive us ... and he had.

“Going to the March for Life for the first time this year was, for me, more than a pilgrimage. It was a penance, a way to try to atone for what I'd done, though I know that God has already forgiven me, and that I can never completely atone for it myself.

It was almost like a completion of the process of being reborn, remade.

It was a blessing, a grace from God. I had come full-circle, from rebellion to surrender, from death to life.

What an incredible experience to be there with my oldest daughter, surrounded by a half-million people who were joyfully, prayerfully shouting in support of life! There were Sisters and Brothers in full habit, signs from churches everywhere, people singing hymns, children, balloons. The atmosphere was entirely different from the march I had been to 25 years before. If anyone was angry, it was a righteous anger, but there was no darkness, only love, exuberance, joy, and hope. I was able to join that exuberance and joy, and, for the first time, feel whole and healed.”

4 - The Courier, February 2013

LIFE

Join the Journey with Christ!

A Call to Prayer

The Office of Life Peter Martin, STL Director pmartin@dow. org

The U.S. Catholic bishops have launched a major pastoral initiative calling for prayer and penance to help build a culture that is favorable to life, marriage and religious liberty. The call to prayer and penance includes monthly Eucharistic Holy Hours in cathedrals and parishes, a daily family rosary, special Prayers of the Faithful at all Masses, fasting and abstinence on Fridays, and a second observance of a Fortnight for Freedom.

Focused on the New Evangelization and the Year of Faith, the initiative emphasizes that life, marriage, and religious liberty are foundational to Catholic social teaching and fundamental to the good of society.

Join the movement!

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

The Call to Prayer includes:

• 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 • observance of a Fortnight for Freedom June/July 2013

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1-888-277-7575 ext. 7262 CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES Giving hope to a world of need.

• Why: The well-being of society requires that life, marriage, and religious liberty are promoted and protected. Serious threats to each of these goods, however, have raised unprecedented challenges to the Church and to the nation. Two immediate flashpoints are the following: First is the HHS Mandate, which requires almost all employers, including Catholic employers, to pay for employees' contraception, sterilization, and abortifacient drugs regardless of conscientious objections. This is a clear affront to America's first freedom, religious liberty, as well as to the inherent dignity of every human person.

Second, current trends in both government and culture are moving toward redefining marriage as the union of any two persons, ignoring marriage's fundamental meaning and purpose as the universal institution that unites a man and a woman with each other and with the children born from their union. These challenges call for increased awareness and formation, as well as spiritual stamina and fortitude among the faithful, so that we may all be effective and joyful witnesses of faith, hope and charity.

• When: In this Year of Faith, starting on the feast of the Holy Family (Dec. 30, 2012) until the feast of Christ the King (Nov. 24, 2013) • Who: All of the Catholic faithful are encouraged to participate • Where: Throughout the entire country; at your local parish, cathedral, school or home

Resources from the U.S. Catholic bishops can be found at: www.usccb.org/life-marriageliberty.

MISSION ADVANCEMENT

The Courier, February 2013 - 5

Rooted in Faith - Rejoice in Hope

The “silent phase” of the Diocese of Winona’s $27 million fundraising campaign is under way. The Rooted in Faith, Rejoice in Hope fundraising effort seeks to raise monies so that Bishop Quinn may address some important challenges in our Diocese: • Strengthen the priest retirement fund so that our clergy can be appropriately cared for during their retirement years.

• Upgrade and improve the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Seminary so that our future priests can be educated in safe and modern facilities.

• Fund the 2013 Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA).

• Address local needs by returning 25% of all funds raised to parishes.

Bishop Quinn feels the campaign is off to a great and promising start. “Though we are still in the preliminary phase of our campaign, I am very encouraged by the initial response and feedback we have received,” Bishop Quinn said.

The parish phase of the campaign will begin in the Rochester deanery. There will be a series of orientation meets in mid-February, followed by volunteer training in April. The public kick-off for this phase will occur in May. Bishop Quinn intends to visit a handful of parishes during these months to share the vision for the campaign and answer any questions parishioners might have. These visits will be promoted in the weeks leading up to his arrival.

“The campaign goals of ‘Rooted in Faith, Rejoice in Hope’ are important to our Diocese,” Bishop Quinn said. “They give us a chance to acknowledge our priests’ generous service

through their lifetime of ministry, address current needs Joel and strengthen our foundation for the future,” Bishop Quinn Hennessy added.

Funding seminarian education to support a new generation Director of pastors, while caring for retired priests, are critical needs, jhennessy@ Bishop Quinn stressed.

“We are blessed to have yet another great class of seminardow.org ians. We need to continue to promote and support vocations to the priesthood so that our parishes will have pastors as more and more of our elderly priests retire. But the facilities at IHM are in drastic need of an upgrade,” he said.

The current “silent phase” of the campaign will continue through the Spring of 2013.

Diocesan leadership, led by Bishop Quinn, will travel throughout the Diocese and talk to donors who have greatly impacted the different goals of the campaign in the past and ask them to continue their generosity.

CAMPAIGN PRAYER If you would like to God our Father, we thank You receive email updates about the progress of the campaign, for Your many blessings. please visit dow.org.

From age to age, You gather a people to Yourself

ROOTED IN FAITH REJOICEINHOPE

Winona Diocese Pastoral Planning

by Msgr. Rick Colletti, Vicar General/ Chancellor Our five Winona Diocese Deaneries began their individual planning process for each deanery this past January 2013.

I explained the overview of our Diocesan planning in my December article of the Courier.

This Parish Pastoral Plan Process is intended to provide a clear, consistent, simple and straight-forward process of organizing and reporting our assessment of our parishes. Together we will set goals towards Vision 2016 that will help us be the light of Christ in the world. This diocesan-wide and parish level assessment, reflection, planning and action will enable us all to live holy lives, rooted in Jesus Christ. We will grow in our faith and be strengthened in our Catholic identity so we can enable our parishes and schools and thus the entire Diocese of Winona to indeed become a

The Office of Mission Advancement

stronger, more visible presence of Christ in southern Minnesota.

Our deans are working with each deanery facilitators in this process over the next four months. The Winona Deanery is facilitated by Peter K. Walsh; Austin/Albert Lea Deanery by Deacon John Kluczny; Mankato Deanery by Deacon Gene Paul; Rochester Deanery by Deacon Joe Weigel; and the Worthington Deanery by Deacon Vern Behrends.

After the Worthington Deanery meeting parish reps shared with Fr. Scepaniak they thought their first meeting went well, but that all are going to be confronted with the reality of the data as they tried to grasp all the information complied for their deanery. This data can be very overwhelming, but the parish representatives seem to understand that it is used for a reference point and to help us all understand what is changing within our Catholic communities in regards to our population demographics – where do we live, how many of us are there, how old are we, what is our racial and ethnic make-up, and the parish to which we belong.

Parish reps from the other deaneries also realized the importance of studying the deanery information for the next meeting in February. All involved in this pastoral planning process will refer to these data charts as we explore more precisely how we want to change our clustering

and parish affiliations to better provide for our spiritual care.

Feedback from the other deanery meetings also mentioned the importance of using this planning process as an evangelizing moment for our diocese and to get people more engaged in their parishes so as to enliven our parishes, and energize our catholic populations. To this end Bishop Quinn will give all those involved in pastoral planning the latest book by Matthew Kelly, The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic. This study can help us engage others and educate the laity and leadership in our parishes regarding their abilities to evangelize and reach out to others with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The next steps for the DOW Pastoral Planning will be to invite each participant is to become familiar with the material in the Pastoral Vision and Planning Development manual; review the current Deanery Cluster Plan and be prepared to discuss it at next meeting; and to use Prayer to guide you in this process. To this end, each meeting begins with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Please keep our planning process in your prayers in the weeks ahead.

so that an offering may be made to the glory of Your name.

Blessed is Your Son, Jesus Christ who is present among us and whose love gathers us together.

Enliven us with Your Holy Spirit and open our eyes and our hearts to the needs of all.

Bless our efforts to provide a secure future for our senior priests and for our future priests.

We rely on Your guidance and bounty to remain rooted in faith and to rejoice in hope.

May our generosity bring honor to Mary, our Mother and Heavenly Queen.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Prayer based on adaptation of Eucharistic Prayer for Masses for Various Needs and Occasions and Eucharistic Prayer III. The Roman Rite

6 - The Courier, February 2013

VOCATIONS

World Day for Consecrated Life

by Fr. Will Thompson

On February 2nd, the Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord, which is also known as Candlemas.

There is a blessing for candles on this day that signifies Jesus Christ as the light of the world. For several years now, the following day or the following Sunday has been designated as World Day for Consecrated Life. This year’s Day falls on the weekend of February 2-3 and is a day to reflect on those who have dedicated their lives to imitate Christ our light in a particular way.

Consecration to God is not new.

There are several examples in the Old and New Testament of individuals making temporary or permanent vows of consecration to the Lord. Generally, they would be distinguished by characteristics shown both exteriorly and interiorly, such as refraining from alcohol, not cutting one’s hair and a disposition to radically give their life over to God. These types of vows remain part of the Church today.

Paragraph 931 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church describes consecrated life in this way: “Already dedicated to him through Baptism, the person who surrenders himself to the God he loves above all else thereby consecrates himself more intimately to God's service and to the good of the Church. By this state of life consecrated to God, the Church manifests Christ and shows us how the Holy Spirit acts so wonderful-

Fr. Bernard Kerrigan

March 15, 1921 — Jan. 7, 2013.

The funeral Mass for Father Bernard A. Kerrigan was held at 10 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 14, at St. Felix Catholic Church in Wabasha, Minn., with Bishop John M. Quinn and Monsignor Richard Colletti officiating.

Fr. Kerrigan, 91, of Wabasha died Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at St. Elizabeth’s Health Care Center in Wabasha.

Bernard Ambrose Kerrigan was born March 15, 1921, in New Hartford Township, Winona County, to Francis and Ellen (Flanigan) Kerrigan. He attended rural Winona County Schools and graduated from Cotter High School in Winona.

He attended Crosier College in Onamia, Minn., from 1938 to 1943 and then entered the Saint Paul Seminary in Saint Paul until 1945 when he entered Saint Mary of Baltimore. On May 6, 1948, his ordination was at the College of Saint Teresa in Winona.

Father Kerrigan served the following parishes from June 1, 1948, until his retirement Dec. 1, 1992. He was a Parochial

ly in her. And so the first mission of those who profess the evangelical counsels is to live out their consecration. Moreover, ‘since members of institutes of consecrated life dedicate themselves through their consecra-

Vicar for Saint John Vianney in Fairmont, Saint Theodore in Albert Lea, Sacred Heart in Owatonna and Saint Francis of Assisi in Rochester. A Chaplain for Saint James Hospital in Saint James, Parochial Administrator for Saint Joseph in Monterey and organized the parish of Saint Katherine in Truman. He went on to serve these parishes: Saint Rose of Lima in Avoca and Saint Mary in Lake Wilson, Saint Patrick in Lanesboro, Saint Mary in Ellsworth, Immaculate Conception in Conception (Kellogg), Saint Joseph in Theilman, Saint Patrick in West Albany (Millville) and Saint Clement in Hammond. He retired to Millville, Minn., and then entered Saint Elizabeth Health Care Center in Wabasha in 2000.

Fr. Kerrigan is survived by three sisters, Kathleen Burdick of Janesville, Wis., Rita Husman and Marian (William) Burns both of Winona; two brothers, James (Marlene) Kerrigan of Little Rock, Iowa and Greg (Joyce) Kerrigan of Minnesota City; and one sister-in-law, Doreen Kerrigan of Rochester, Minn. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Leo, John, Dennis and Eugene.

tion to the service of the Church they are obliged in a special manner to engage in missionary work, in accord with the character of the institute.’”

There are a few points in this paragraph that I would like to point out. First of all, consecration to God flows from our Baptism and is directed to the service of the Church.

All of us are called to live out our baptismal call to holiness and to live as daughters and sons of God, but some make a special promise to live as a witness to what our relationship with God will be like in heaven. This is done by living the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience. Whenever an individual is consecrated to God, there is a special ritual of the Church in which they promise to live these counsels. While the degree to which they are lived out may vary, consecrated persons dedicate their lives to the same selfemptying that allowed Jesus to die on the

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

cross and so give us life.

As the above quote from the Catechism states, all consecrated persons are missionary by their nature, but live this out “in accord with the character of the institute.” This is what makes consecrated life so unique: each religious order has a particular character, or charism, by which they live out their consecration.

This is also what can make discerning a vocation to the consecrated life so difficult. There are Orders for women and men.

Some are cloistered and are not very visible, others are very public.

There is also consecrated virginity, which does not belong to any particular Order but lives celibately for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven and is dedicated toward service in the Church in a general way. There are sisters and brothers, nuns and monks, and hermits. There is an array of options, but also points toward the many different ways that a person can be called to radically live out their baptismal call to holiness. Pray for those who are called to consecrate their lives to God that they may give a public witness to the communion that the saints have with Jesus in heaven.

Obituaries Sister Conall O'Connell

March 16, 1927 — Jan. 29, 2013.

Sr. O’Connell, 85, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, MN, died at Assisi Heights on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013.

Helen Patricia O’Connell was born to John F. and Phoebe M. (McConnell) O’Connell on March 16, 1927 in Simpson, MN. Helen entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1944 and made profession of vows in 1947.

Sr. Conall received a BS from College of St. Teresa in 1964 and a MTS in Mathematics in 1970 from Catholic University, Washington, D.C. Over a span of twentyseven years, Sr. Conall taught in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Winona 1947-1974: St. Joseph School, Winona; St. Adrian School, Adrian; St. Mary School, Ellsworth; Sacred Heart School, Waseca; St. Mary School, Owatonna; Pacelli High School, Austin. She also served as principal at Sacred Heart School, Waseca, 1964-1966. Following her years of teaching in 1974 she served for five years in ministries at Assisi Heights. Sister Conall

then moved to Vanceburg, KY, where she served as Outreach Coordinator and Pastoral Worker at Holy Redeemer Parish (1979-1987) and as the Director of Christian Community Center, Appalachian Apostolate, Inc. (1987-1998). She also served in many other capacities until her retirement at Assisi Heights.

Sr. Conall is survived by her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for sixtyeight years, and her siblings: Charles O’Connell, Boulder City, NE; Theresa Helgerson, Rochester, MN; Rosella Jech, Elgin, MN; Phoebe Whistler, Mesa, AZ and Marlene (Jerry) Towey, Rochester, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: bothers: Walter, John, Nicholas, Clarence, Richard and Edward; sisters: Mary Margaret Bischoff, Elaine Stokes, Catherine Fitzgerald and Alice Fuhmeister.

Sister Marie Hilgers

Nov. 7, 1909 — Dec. 29, 2012.

Sr. Marie Hilgers (formerly Sr. Mary Brunella) died on December 29, 2012. Sr. Marie was a great Vikings fan and recently received a hat and plaque by some of the Viking players in honor of her 103rd birthday (Nov. 7th, 2012).

Sr. Marie was born on Nov. 7, 1909 to Albert and Frances Hilgers in Eagle Lake, MN. She was one of six children. She grew up on her parent’s farm near Mankato, MN. She joined the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother on October 18, 1939 in Milwaukee, WI. She professed her First Vows on Aug. 12, 1942 and her Final Vows on Aug. 12, 1947. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee on Oct. 17, 1999; and her 70th Jubilee on August 12, 2012.

Sr. Marie took nurses training at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Oshkosh, WI in 1942-1945. In 1951 she obtained a B.S. in Nursing at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. She served at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh, WI. Later on she went to Mankato, MN where she was asked to set up the pharmacy at the newly built St. Joseph Hospital in Mankato, MN in 1953. In 1983, Sister Marie retired from her employment at the then Immanuel-St. Joseph Hospital but continued to do volunteer work at the hospital.

Later she spent her retirement years at Mother of Sorrows Convent in Milwaukee, WI. She came to Franciscan Court in Oshkosh, WI on October 17, 1989.

February 2013

In this Issue The Lord's Prayer

From Individualism to Charity More on YOF page 3

Endow Spolight

Year of Faith Special Edition Insert of The Courier

Year of Faith Essay Contest Winners!

The Diocese of Winona is grateful for the generous response of all the students who submitted essays for the Year of Faith Essay Contest. The students were asked to read Section 13 of Pope Benedict’s letter for the Year of Faith Porta Fidei, to choose a specific canonized Saint of the Roman Catholic Church, and to explain why this Saint is a role model of faith for the whole Diocese of Winona. The winners of the essay contest are listed below: 1st place winner for the 4th-6th grade, home school division, goes to Isaac Drees from Queen of Angels Church, Austin. Isaac’s chosen saint is St. Gianna Molla.

1st place winner for the 4th-6th grade, school division, goes to Claire Nichols from Saint Stanislaus Elementary School, Winona. Claire’s chosen saint is St. Dominic Savio.

L to R (Back Row) Fr. Steffes, John Ethen, Nathan 1st place winner for the 7th-8th grade school division goes to Megan Schwartzhoff from Saint Mary’s Drees, Marsha Stenzel, Sr. Mary Juanita (Front Row) School, Caledonia. Megan’s chosen saint is St. Cecilia.

Isaac Drees, Emma Keenan, Lori Walz, Mary Holtorf.

1st place winner for the 9th-12th grade school division goes to John Ethen from Pacelli Catholic These are the Award recepients from Austen.

School in Austin. John’s chosen saint is Saint Joseph.

The Grand Prize Winner is from the 7th-8th grade division: Nathan Drees, from Pacelli High School, Austin. Nathan’s chosen saint is St. Joseph of Cupertino.

Therefore, the Year of Faith Saint for the Diocese of Winona is St. Joseph of Cupertino.

Congratulations to all the winners! Winners will be recognized during Catholic Schools’ Week. The Grand Prize winner and his class will take a class pilgrimage sponsored by the Diocese of Winona to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and the Basilica of Saint Stanislaus, in Winona, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Lacrosse. The winning essay in each division will be published in The Courier. The essay that follows is by Grand Prize Winner Nathan Drees.

Living our Lives as Jesus Did

by Nathan Drees, Essay Contest Grand Prize Winner

An Evening to Remember More on YOF page 4

Ask a Canon Lawyer

What about publicly "pro-choice Catholics"?

More on YOF page 3

Year of Faith 2012 - 2013

We should live our lives like Jesus and pray to God every day, love everyone and let God lead our lives. One of the saints that would help the Diocese of Winona would be Saint Joseph of Cupertino.

He prayed to God every day, loved everyone, and relied on God to lead his life.

To begin with, St. Joseph prayed so often he became very close to God. He prayed with such compassion and love for God that God allowed him to levitate. It was documented that he levitated 70 times in public view! The Diocese of Winona would benefit from the people praying more often. Pope Benedict

XVI said in Section 13 in the Year of Faith letter that "By faith, countless Christians have promoted action for justice so as to put into practice the word of the Lord, who came to proclaim deliverance from oppression and a year of favour for all (cf. Lk 4:18-19)."1 If we pray more often with compassion like St. Joseph we will become closer to God. Secondly, St. Joseph loved everyone because everything and everyone made him think of God. But in his youth he was absent-minded and had anger issues, so he didn't always love everyone. "At the Franciscan monastery he was given the monks' habit and put to hard work taking care of the horses. About this time,

Joseph began to change. He grew more humble and gentle, more careful and successful at his work."2 In Matthew 22 "Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment.

The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."3 From these two examples we should learn to love all people and God like Joseph did.

Finally, St. Joseph let God lead his life by letting God place him at the Franciscan monastery to later become a priest. If he didn't let God place him he might have

never been a priest and wouldn't have been able to spread God's word. By faith, everyone led by God will go to where He wants us to go.

Then we would live in a God led community.

In conclusion, we must learn to pray more often so we can become closer to God. If we love everyone we will see God in everyone. If we let God guide us through our life we live in a better community. So if we follow St. Joseph's example we will lead a better life.

1. Pope Benedict XVI, "Porta Fidei" www. vatican.va 2. "www.catholic.org/saints/saint. php?saint_id=72" Catholic Online.

3. New American Bible. Iowa Falls: World Bible Publishers, Inc., 1970. 1047. Print.

From the Holy Father ... Porta Fidei Part 5 of excerpts from "Porta Fidei" by Pope Benedict XVI.

13. One thing that will be of decisive importance in this Year is retracing the history of our faith, marked as it is by the unfathomable mystery of the interweaving of holiness and sin.

While the former highlights the great contribution that men and women have made to the growth and development of the community through the witness of their lives, the latter must provoke in each person a sincere and continuing work of conversion in order to experience the mercy of the Father which is held out to everyone.

During this time we will need to keep our gaze fixed upon Jesus

Christ, the “pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:2): in him, all the anguish and all the longing of the human heart finds fulfilment. The joy of love, the answer to the drama of suffering and pain, the power of forgiveness in the face of an offence received and the victory of life over the emptiness of death: all this finds fulfilment in the mystery of his Incarnation, in his becoming man, in his sharing our human weakness so as to transform it by the power of his resurrection.

In him who died and rose again for our salvation, the examples of faith that have marked these two thousand years of our salvation history are brought into the fullness of light.

By faith, Mary accepted the Angel’s word and believed the message that she was to become the Mother of God in the obedience of her devotion (cf. Lk 1:38). Visiting Elizabeth, she raised her hymn of praise to the Most High for the marvels he worked in those who trust him (cf. Lk 1:46-55). With joy and trepidation she gave birth to her only son, keeping her virginity intact (cf. Lk 2:6-7). Trusting in Joseph, her husband, she took Jesus to Egypt to save him from Herod’s persecution (cf. Mt 2:13-15). With the same faith, she followed the Lord in his preaching and remained with him all the way to Golgotha (cf. Jn 19:2527). By faith, Mary tasted the fruits

of Jesus’ resurrection, and treasuring every memory in her heart (cf. Lk 2:19, 51), she passed them on to the Twelve assembled with her in the Upper Room to receive the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:14; 2:1-4).

By faith, the Apostles left everything to follow their Master (cf. Mk 10:28). They believed the words with which he proclaimed the Kingdom of God present and fulfilled in his person (cf. Lk 11:20). They lived in communion of life with Jesus who instructed them with his teaching, leaving them a new rule of life, by which they would be recognized as his disciples after his death (cf. Jn 13:34-35). By faith, they Holy Father, cont. on next page

Calendar Of Events

2 - Year of Faith, February 2013

Events in the Diocese for the Year of Faith Color Key: General Youth Adults School Teachers/Catechists

February 17, 2013: Rite of Election for RCIA, Queen of Angels Church, Austin CONTACT: Sr. Mary Juanita Gonsalves, RSM, Office of Faith Formation, faithformation@dow.org March 1-11, 2013: Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima CONTACT: Corporate Travel Services, Inc., (313) 565-8888 March 4-5, 2013: Lenten Retreat Days for Faith Formation, Youth Ministry and Catholic School administrators, with Fr. James Kubicki, S.J. CONTACT: Sr. Mary Juanita Gonsalves RSM March 16, 2013: Diocesan Women’s night with Vicki Thorn, St James Coffee House, Rochester.

CONTACT: Theresa Martin, Endow@dow. org March 23, 2013: Together in Ministry program on Vatican II. Third session, Alverna Center, Winona CONTACT: Todd Graff

April 4-5, 2013: Theology of the Body for Teens facilitator training. St. Theodore Church, Alberta Lea. CONTACT: Ben Frost April 12, 2013: Diocesan “Together in Faith” program for Catholic school teachers and administrators (Mankato) CONTACT: Marsha Stenzel April 27, 2013: Together in Ministry program on Vatican II. Final session, Alverna Center, Winona CONTACT: Todd Graff

July 19-30, 2013: World Youth Day Pilgrimage for the Diocese of Winona to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

CONTACT: Ben Frost August 12-15, 2013: Junior High Catholic Summer Camp at Eagle Bluff in Lanesboro CONTACT: Ben Frost August 26, 2013: Catechetical Day 2013 CONTACT: Sr. Mary Juanita Gonsalves, RSM

E vent of the M onth

Rite of Election and The Call to Continuing Conversion On February 17, the Diocese of Winona will celebrate the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. Queen of Angels’ Parish in Austin, MN, will host this liturgical celebration at 3 p.m.. Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona, will preside over the liturgical celebration.

The Rite of Election marks a change for the catechumen, who begins the final stages of preparation for initiation at the Easter Vigil of 2013.

The Call to Continuing Conversion is the rite in which the Bishop acknowledges baptized candidates who continue their journey in faith during the Lenten season and eventually profess their faith and receive first communion within the Catholic Church. As the catechumens and candidate prepare for their full communion into the life of the Church during the Lenten season, all Catholics are invited to support them through their prayer. Everyone is invited to participate in this celebration!

November 24, 2013: Official Closing of the Year of Faith for the Universal Church

Holy Father, cont. from YOF special edition pg. 1 went out to the whole world, following the command to bring the Gospel to all creation (cf. Mk 16:15) and they fearlessly proclaimed to all the joy of the resurrection, of which they were faithful witnesses.

By faith, the disciples formed the first community, gathered around the teaching of the Apostles, in prayer, in celebration of the Eucharist, holding their possessions in common so as to meet the needs of the brethren (cf. Acts 2:42-47).

By faith, the martyrs gave their lives, bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel that had transformed them and made them capable of attaining to the greatest gift of love: the forgiveness of their persecutors.

By faith, men and women have consecrated their lives to Christ, leaving all things behind so as to live obedience, poverty and chastity

with Gospel simplicity, concrete signs of waiting for the Lord who comes without delay.

By faith, countless Christians have promoted action for justice so as to put into practice the word of the Lord, who came to proclaim deliverance from oppression and a year of favour for all (cf. Lk 4:18-19).

By faith, across the centuries, men and women of all ages, whose names are written in the Book of Life (cf. Rev 7:9, 13:8), have confessed the beauty of following the Lord Jesus wherever they were called to bear witness to the fact that they were Christian: in the family, in the workplace, in public life, in the exercise of the charisms and ministries to which they were called.

By faith, we too live: by the living recognition of the Lord Jesus, present in our lives and in our history.

3. Why does Pope Benedict ANSWERS to January's explain the truths of the faith.

Questions: 2. How does the Catechism say that there “cannot be any conflict between faith 1. What is the the relationship between the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Second Vatican Council?

The Catechism is considered a fruit of the Second Vatican Council.

The Second Vatican Council called for regular meetings of representatives of the world’s bishops, in what are called “synods”. The Synod of Bishops in 1985 asked for a catechism to explain and summarize the contents of the Catholic faith for the purpose of catechesis and evangelization. Besides referencing Scripture and the Fathers of the Church, the Catechism also draws heavily on the documents of the Second Vatican Council to

lead us to an encounter with Christ?

The Catechism is the summary of the content of our Faith, the source of which is Jesus Christ.

In the first part of the Catechism, we learn what Jesus Christ reveals about both God and Man, especially as expressed in the Creed.

In the second part, we learn about the Sacramental life, by which Jesus Christ imparts grace, so that we may live the Christian life which is described in the third part of the Catechism. Finally in the fourth part of the Catechism, in Christian Prayer, we encounter Jesus in an intimate conversation of adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving and praise.

Year of Faith Webpage!

A Year of Faith webpage (www.dow.org/YearofFaith.aspx) has been created on the Diocese of Winona website. Go Check it out TODAY! We want to hear about your experiences during the Year of Faith, too. Please email photos to faithformation@dow.org with a short description on the photos.

and genuine science”?

Both faith and science seek truth.

God is First Truth and therefore the source of all truth. (CCC #2465).

Faith seeks spiritual truth, while science seeks the truth displayed in the physical world. God created the physical world which science seeks to understand as well as the human mind and human reason by which we seek to understand the physical world. (CCC #159) God does not create conflict. The source of any perceived conflict between faith and science is sin, which either blinds us to the true good of faith or causes us to misuse science for purposes other than truth or good.

PORTA FIDEI - Questions for Study and Reflection:

(Answers will be found in next month’s Courier.)

1. What does Pope Benedict mean by saying that the history of our faith is marked “by the unfathomable mystery of the interweaving of holiness and sin?” (#13) 2. In #13, Pope Benedict tells us what we can learn from a variety of groups of saints. What does he say are the characteristics of faith in each of these persons or groups: Mary?

The Apostles? The early disciples? The martyrs? Men and women religious? Holy men and women?

Questions for Prayer and Action: 1. How does my life reflect “the unfathomable mystery of the interweaving of holiness and sin”?

2. When is the last time I sought the mercy of the Father in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Why not go to Confession this week?

The Truth of Our Faith

The Lord's Prayer:

Moving from Individualism to New Relationship with God's People

By Sr. Mary Juanita Gonsalves, RSM In the last Courier issue, we reflected that we can pray, “Father,” because Christ revealed God as “Father” in his words and actions. Christ suffered death and rose from the dead so that all people can experience the love of the Father and call God, “Father.”

This month, we enter into the Lenten season on February 13. In his 2012, Lenten message, Pope Benedict XVI said that, “The Lenten season offers us… an opportunity to reflect upon the very heart of Christian life: charity.

This is a favorable time to renew our journey of faith, both as individuals and as a community… by prayer and sharing, silence and fasting…” In this issue, we see how the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that when we pray “Our Father,” we move away from individualism to a new relationship with all God’s people; a relationship marked by prayer and sacrifice.

Depending on where you live, you may experience the spread of individualism in different ways. Maybe in the city, a person seeking a job has a preference for prestigious work or an absolute priority of one’s personal aspirations. In the local farm community, a person may have a desire to take center stage or have an exaggerated insistence on personal well-being regardless of the good of others.

When we pray, “Our Father,” we are asked to truthfully overcome our conflicts and oppositions (CCC 2792).

Overcoming divisions is easier said than

done, and sometimes our feelings make it difficult for reason to bear and for us to make choices in charity. The Lord understands our limitations and “He supplies.” It is in Jesus Christ, that God has resolved to “re-establish all things,” meaning that through Christ, we are given the gift of being “his” people and God is “our” God (CCC 2787). For this reason, the Catechism teaches us that the new relationship with God that was made possible through Jesus is the gift of belonging to each other (CCC 2787).This reality of “our” God is common to more than one person. In praying “our” Father, each of the baptized is praying in this communion and seeking that all Christians be united (CCC 2790, 2791). Pope Benedict XVI emphasized this call to unity when he said in 2007, “ The Christian does not say ‘my Father’ but ‘our Father,’ even in the secrecy of a closed room, because he knows that in every place, on every occasion, he is a member of one and the same Body.”

The month of February offers us many opportunities to sacrifice any desire for individualism as we celebrate the gift of belonging to each other, especially through the National Marriage Week, World Day for Consecrated Life Observance, Valentine’s Day, and the Lenten Season. As we look forward to Lent, is our heart a fitting dwelling place for God or does it need to be swept clean? In the next issue of the Courier, we will reflect on seeking to have God dwell in our heart when we pray, “Who Art in Heaven.”

Right of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion

By Sr. Mary Juanita Gonsalves, RSM

On February 17, the divine election, in which God initiates the Diocese of Winona will call to conversion and the individual receivcelebrate the Rite of Election and Call to ing the call responds with love and faith.

Continuing Conversion. How The Rite of Election calls the does this liturgical celebration elect forward to that sacraaffect all Christians? This celment of initiation. The catebration is a significant moment echumen is an unbaptized on the pilgrimage of faith for participant who is “part of the persons seeking full communion household of Christ, since the with the Church. We note this Church nourishes him or her pilgrimage of faith even from the with the word of God and susBook of Genesis with the electains the person by means of tion of the patriarch, Abraham. liturgical celebrations” (Rite of Throughout the Old Testament, Christian Initiation of Adults, we read about Israel as the n. 47). The Rite of Election “chosen” people. In the New marks a change for the catTestament, Jesus is the “Christ,” echumen, who begins the final the “anointed one.” Jesus chooses stages of preparation for inithe twelve apostles and sends tiation as “the elect.” The Call them out to exorcise, heal and to Continuing Conversion is proclaim the reign of God (Luke the rite in which the Bishop 6:13, Luke 9: 1, 2).

Christ acknowledges baptized canchooses Peter to shepherd His didates who continue their Church (Matthew 16:18). Today, journey in faith during the under the guidance of the Holy Lenten season and eventually Spirit, the Church continues profess their faith and receive its mission of proclaiming the St. Ambrose was a catechu- first communion within the men who was later conseKingdom of God. Throughout Catholic Church. The Bishop crated a bishop. He baptized this salvation history, we see Saint Augustine, and wrote presides over the celebration the central role of election in extensively on the peri- of the Rite of Election and Call God’s plan. od of the catechumenate. to Continuing Conversion.

Baptism is at the center Last year in the Diocese of of the Church’s celebration of Winona, 38 catechumens and

Year of Faith, February 2013 - 3

Ask a

Canon Lawyer

By Mr. William Daniel

Q: "With the Catholic Church preaching such a Pro-life message and calling to end the evil of abortion, there are still politicians who call themselves Catholic and yet support abortion. Why does the Church allow this or is there anything a priest can do in this situation?"

Reply: Those who hold public This would ideally result offices are morally obliged to in the Catholic altering his act not merely in a way that public views and actions in represents the will of the citi- favor of abortion. If, however, zens who elected them, but to the politician is obstinate in act in accord with the natural publicly supporting abortion, moral law (Catechism of the his actions would continue Catholic Church, nn. 1897- to cause public scandal (i.e., 1904). In particular, the sup- to lead others into confusion port or promotion of activi- and immorality), and thus ties that are intrinsically and his regular participation in gravely immoral, such as the sacramental life of the abortion, by a Catholic leg- Church would cause further islator has serious ramifica- scandal. Thus, the priest is tions for his or her life as a obliged to deny the politician Holy Communion, should he Catholic.

The Church has a body of present himself to receive our penal law, which includes a Lord during Mass (c. 915). list of crimes punishable by This is not so much a judgChurch authority. A Catholic ment of the person’s conpolitician who speaks and science as it is a judgment acts contrary to the Church’s of the public consequences teaching on abortion could be of his actions and the false guilty of a number of these and harmful impression that crimes. For example, if he would be given in his receppublicly denies that abortion tion of Holy Communion. is evil and defends it as per- However, the priest would be missible or even good, he may in a position to judge the be guilty of the crime of her- person’s conscience within esy, which carries with it an the Sacrament of Penance; automatic excommunication, it would be just to deny the forbidding the reception of politician absolution if he all the sacraments and sac- planned to continue his pubramentals (cc. 751; 1364, §1). lic measures in favor of aborHe could also be guilty of the tion (cf. c. 987). Such a person crime of gravely injuring good who, to the end, obstinately morals, for which one is to be and publicly supported aborpunished with a just penalty tion should be denied a funer(c. 1369). Such penalties are al in the Church (cf. c. 1184, declared or imposed by the §1, 3º), since a proper funeral individual politician’s bishop, would bear the impression vicar general or local tribunal that the deceased died in the or by the tribunal of the place favor of the Church, while in in which the crime was com- fact he continued to support in a public way the murder of mitted (cc. 136, 1412).

There are other measures the innocent unborn.

Mr. William Daniel is a that can and should be taken by parish priests that do not canon lawyer of the Diocese of involve the imposition of Winona, serving as a Tribunal penalties. The parish priest Judge and Vice-Chancellor. If should approach the Catholic you have a canon law question politician, inform him of the which may be considered in nature, gravity and conse- a future issue, you may send quences of his actions, and them to the Associate Editor ask him to make public repa- at tmartin@dow.org. ration for the wrong done.

118 candidates representing 45 parishes participated in this celebration. This year, Queen of Angels’ Parish in Austin, MN, will host this liturgical celebration at 3:00 p.m. on February 17, 2013. Everyone is invited to participate in this celebration.

The catechumens will sign their names in the Book of Elect and will be initiated at the Easter Vigil 2013. As the catechumens and candidate prepare for their full communion into the life of the Church during the Lenten season, all Catholics are invited to support them through their prayer. What makes the Easter Vigil celebration in which new members are added to the Body of the Church awe inspiring? We witness God’s love and mercy as evidenced by those who were seeking meaning in their life hear God’s invitation, and through the support of the Church are able to enter into this pilgrimage of faith.

4 - Year of Faith, February 2013

Living Our Faith in Society

DOW Women Are Inspiring

The Office of Faith

Formation

Seriously, there is not the direct connection between Sr. Mary any other way I can put it: abortion and breast cancer. The Juanita women from the Diocese science she explained was simGonsalves, of Winona are inspiring. ple, clear and mind-blowing.

RSM We had our first Diocesan How is it that we do not hear Director Women's Night on January about this from our doctors? All faithformation 19 and I was blown away. political and even moral senti@dow.org A week before the event we ments aside, is it not only fair that they are doing and how we had 12 women registered. that a doctor inform his patient can get involved.

Having gone to an Endow if something has been listed as It was an unforgettable night, We heart DOW women! event last May in the Twin a class 1 carcinogen? Hormonal and we cannot wait for the next one! Mark your Cities where there were only contraceptives are even listed as carcinogens (along Theresa Martin, 25 - 30 women in attendence, I with things like tobacco and asbestos). Yet, women calendars nows! On March 16 at the St. James Endow Coffee house in Rochester, we will host our 2nd wasn't expecting a lot, but I had are not told about this.

Coordinator Sr. Marie Paul made that accute observation: Diocesan Women's Night. Our guest speaker for the hoped for more than 12!

My prayer, however, throughout the planning why do we not simply inform women? Even before evening will be Vicki Thorn, foundress of Project process was "Lord, let whomever You want to be trying to control or deny abortion or hormonal Rachel, a program that gives help and hope to women (and men) who are there, be there." My personal hope was that there c o n t r a c e p t i v e s , suffering after having an why not just simwould be at least 20 women. abortion. We are flying her Can you imagine my delight and my feeling ply give women the in from out of town, and of being overwhelmed with the joy of the Lord respect as capable we do expect a big crowd when we had 48 women come to our first Diocesan adults by informing (so get your registration in Women's Night! Forty-eight women seeking to them fully about as soon as you can to save know the Truth about their God-given femininity. the healthcare they your spot!).

Forty-eight women braving the almost subzero tem- are receiving? Only The event is free for peratures and wicked winds to gather together and then would they be everyone! However, we do able to truly make celebrate their womanhood. need a head count to know We had women from all over! They came in from well-informed dechow much food to get. So, Jackson, Fairmont, Houston, Rochester, Winona sions about their Sr. Marie Paul speaking on the link between abortion & breast cancer. please send an email to and many more towns. Some drove almost three own health. me at Endow@dow.org letting me know your name If a woman knew that her risk for breast cancer hours to attend the event! And what is even more and that you would like to register for the March beautiful is that every woman left there happy, increased so much with an abortion, would she have 16 DWN. second thoughts? We cannot know for sure, but she inspired, and grateful.

Also, you can find a video from our 1st DWN on We had quite the spread of delicious food, wine deserves to know.

Needless to say, the talk was riveting. It opened the Endow section of the Faith Formation page on and cake, and we had very little left! My first book signing happened that night as well and again, I our eyes to the science that confirmed what our gut our diocesan website: dow.org. I highly recommend instinct tells us. We also heard from Sr. Mary you check it out! was overwhelmed.

We will also be adding specifics on that section Juanita Gonsalves, R.S.M. the Director of the By the end of the Office of Faith Formation and Harveen Gluf, as to how you can participate in an Endow study night I was comPresident of the Winona Diocesan Council of group and how to get involved with the women's pletely sold out Catholic Women. Harveen explained the mis- events in the diocese. and had to even We look forward to hearing from you and cannot sion of CCW and let women know about all take some orders. wait to see you on March 16!

Sr. Marie Paul Lockerd, R.S.M., D.O., gave a fantastic presentation. She presented on the topic of Theresa sharing her story and signing books.

The Courier, February 2013 - 7

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Meet Our Catholic Schools Rochester Catholic Schools

by Michael Brennan, RCS Director of Schools

As a unified system of schools, Rochester Catholic Schools (RCS) provides quality Catholic education to nearly 1,800 students living in the greater Rochester area. Comprised of three elementary schools and one high school - Holy Spirit, St. Francis and St. John the Evangelist/St. Pius X, and Lourdes High School - RCS promotes faith formation, academic excellence and service learning experiences for all students. Delivering quality instruction of challenging curriculum, maintaining high expectations for students and faculty, and providing an inclusive, nurturing environment, Rochester Catholic Schools is committed to preparing students for success in leading Christian adult lives.

From preschool to high school, Rochester Catholic Schools seeks to inspire student creativity and transform interests into passions.

Embracing a holistic approach to education, RCS provides students through co-curricular and extra-curricular activities such as music, drama, athletics and art, mentor and leadership opportunities to grow in areas beyond traditional academic disciplines. Art

instruction encompasses age-appropriate concepts of color, line, shape, texture and skill, using a variety of art media. The K-8 music program is considered one of the greatest assets offered to the entire Rochester community. The Music Department at Lourdes High School consistently earns state-wide awards for their Marching Band, Drum Line and Choral performances. Each school in the RCS system offers opportunities for participation in theatre and dramatic arts, including the production of an annual musical or play at all levels, both elementary and high school.

Additionally, opportunities for structured physical education and health classes, coupled by school athletic teams, allow students to acquire the necessary tools for remaining active and healthy into adulthood. RCS promotes not only exceptional athletic achievement, but equally important sportsmanship, character, integrity and personal growth.

By maximizing shared resources RCS is able to offer quality instruction and support academic success for every student – meeting them where they are at and working in collabora-

tion with school and home to bring about their full potential. Students consistently demonstrate high levels of academic achievement in standardized test scores and a wide array of academic benchmarks. Rochester Catholic Schools is proud to be able to offer world language instruction in Spanish and French for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Latin is also an option for students at Lourdes. At the high school level students have the opportunity to earn college credit with successful scores on numerous Advanced Placement (AP) course exams as well as through Post Secondary Enrollment Offerings (PSEO) with partnering institutions of higher education. Additionally, RCS is committed to developing its technology infrastructure and providing opportunities to enhance curriculum instruction through this rapidly evolving medium.

Rochester Catholic Schools strives to help students develop their unique God-given gifts and talents. This process begins with a sustained commitment to educate children in the Catholic faith. All students participate in religion instruction, liturgical celebra-

National Catholic Schools Week Jan. 27 - Feb. 2 theme:

Catholic Schools Raise the Standards

We will feature only some photos and stories in this issue and more in the March issue of The Courier.

Winona Area Catholic Schools

Crucixion Elementary, submitted by Lori Datta La Crescent We started out Catholic Schools Week with Mass on Sunday. All the readings, petitions, offertory, and singing were student led.

On Monday, even though we had a late start, we had our Bible Bowl and Crazy Hair Day. Students compete in teams to win the school Bible Bowl, and as individuals to represent Crucifixion School at the Bible Bowl hosted by Aquinas.

The Office of

Catholic Education Marsha Stenzel Director

tions, mstenzel@dow. stuorg dent retreats, and service initiatives.

Religious instruction encompasses the study, knowledge and pursuit of God through Scripture, service, worship and prayer. Students attend weekly Mass and participate in service learning experiences at all grade levels.

RCS is committed to forming and strengthening each student’s relationship with Jesus Christ and seeks to provide an authentically Catholic educational experience where students learn, love and live their faith in service to others.

RCS is excited to be in the final stages of construction of it new Lourdes High School. The new stateof-the-art facility that will open in the fall of 2013 will increase capacity for student enrollment as well as the opportunity for more families to experience all that makes Rochester Catholic Schools a place where God is known, loved and served. For more information about RCS please contact the Director of Schools Office at 507218-3028, or visit the system’s website at www.rochestercatholicschools.org.

February Speaking Schedule for The Office of Evangelization & Apologetics Raymond de Souza Director rdesouza@dow.org

All talks begin at 7 p.m. sharp! following parishes in February (all talks start at 7:00 pm - sharp!): 1. Tues. 5: St Charles, St Charles 2. Thurs. 14: St James coffee Shop 3. Fri. 15: St Rose of Lima, Lewiston 4. Tues. 19: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona.

5. Thurs. 21: St Rose of Lima, Lewiston 6. Wed. 27: St Bernard, Stewartville 7. Thurs. 28: St Rose of Lima, Lewiston 8. Wed. the 6th, 13th, & 20th he will address the IHM Seminarians.

Wasaka, an American bald eagle,visited students at the Winona Area Catholic Schools during Catholic Schools Week. the event brought Wasaka and National Eagle Center guides Jennifer and Katie to the school to share information about eagle biology,ecology and physiology. All WACS students in preschool through grade six participated in this event.

Catholic School Week began with opening Mass (above).

Students participate in our Bible Bowl (left) and a couple students are showing off their Crazy Hair (below).

In March: Thurs. 14: St James Coffee Shop Fri. 15: St Rose of Lima, Lewiston Sun. 17: St Mary, Houston Tues. 19: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona Wed. 20: St Charles, St Charles There are still days available for March.

Other parishes interested in booking talks on Apologetics for the Year of Faith are invited to contact Mr. Raymond de Souza at (507) 8581265 or RdeSouza@DOW.org.

8 - The Courier, January 2013

FINANCIAL REPORT

Diocese of Winona

DIOCESE OF WINONA

Office of The Bishop

Office of The Bishop

PASTORAL C ENTER DIOCESE OF WINONA

PASTORAL CENTER

Dear People of God of the Diocese of Winona: We are celebrating a Year of Faith in order to give witness to wonderful works of God and to renew our commitment to proclaim the Kingdom of God. I am again grateful for the opportunity to share news with you about the mission of the Diocese of Winona.

Accompanying this letter is a summary of the financial activity for our diocese for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2012. The Diocese of Winona financial position continues to be sound; our diversified investments and conservative strategy continue to serve the temporal gifts of the diocese well. If you wish to review a more in-depth report, our complete audited financial report is available in the Finance section of our diocesan website: www.dow.org. Your gifts are so appreciated and come from your deep faith in Jesus Christ and your love for the Church.

The past summer, the entire diocese came together at the Turning Our Gaze Towards Christ event at the Rochester Civic Center.

What a wonderful way to celebrate our Catholic faith together and to grow in our knowledge of Church teachings.

In previous editions of The Courier I, along with my staff, have shared with you our diocesan campaign, Rooted in Faith - Rejoice in Hope. In the coming months, you will be hearing more about this opportunity to support the priests in our diocese through the campaign.

A portion of the campaign will be used to sufficiently fund the Pension Plan for Priests of the Diocese of Winona, providing a secure retirement for the men who have committed their lives to serving Jesus Christ through the ordained priesthood. A separate portion of the campaign will be used to make much needed updates and upgrades to our own Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, ensuring today’s seminarians and future generations have the resources necessary to begin their priestly journey. The campaign will also benefit your local parishes, with a portion of the campaign receipts going directly back to the parish.

When you receive my request to support Rooted in Faith – Rejoice in Hope in the mail or in person from a campaign volunteer, I ask that you prayerfully consider how you can support our current dedicated priests as they transition from active ministry into retirement, and support young men as they prepare for the priesthood.

We have also begun a pastoral vision and planning process in the Diocese of Winona. Our call to holiness, centered in the Eucharist, is our focus throughout this three year process that will be a time of grace to strengthen our parish and diocesan life in Christ. Priests, deacons, religious and lay leaders from every parish in our diocese will be meeting in the coming months to assess, reflect, and recommend a plan that will enable us all to live holy lives, rooted in Jesus Christ. Please keep our pastors and all parish representatives in your prayers throughout this important time.

Please accept my gratitude for your personal gifts to the Church and your response to local, national and international needs through our diocesan collections.

Although the proceeds are not listed in the report for the prior fiscal year, I am heartened to report that the special collection to support the victims of Superstorm Sandy has exceeded $160,000. Your financial assistance and prayers continue to send a powerful message of Christ’s love for our brothers and sisters in need in our country and across the globe.

On June 15, 2012, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I ordained Fr. Jason Kern into the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Please continue to pray for vocations in our diocese. The Lord calls men to work in His vineyard as priests; pray that they hear and respond to His call.

All of you are in my prayers; I humbly ask you to keep me in your prayers. May this Year of Faith continue to set an example of the richness of the traditions given to us through our faith in Jesus Christ and His teachings. And as we continue with our diocesan initiatives, may we be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit for change in our lives.

May God continue to bless you in the coming year!

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona 55 West Sanborn Street � PO Box 588 � Winona MN 55987 Special)Collections Diocese)of)Winona)Offices 507/454-4643 � Fax: 507/454-8106 � jmquinn@dow.org � www.dow.org Years)Ended)June)30,)2012)and)2011 Christian)Service:)Divine&Worship,&Youth&and&Young&Adults,&Life,&Hispanic&Ministry, 2012 2011 Catholic&Charities.

Tribunal:)Diocese&of&Winona&Tribunal Missionary&Cooperative&Plan &&&&&&&&&&&& 117,742 &&&&&&&&&&&& 113,723 Financial)Services:&Parish&Financial&Services,&Capital&Campaign Black&&&Native&Americans &&&&&&&&&&&&& 18,892 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 22,565 Chancery:&Bishop,&Vicar&General,&Moderator&of&the&Curia,&&Vicar&for&the&Clergy,& Catholic&Home&Missions &&&&&&&&&&&&& 26,444 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 30,595 Chancellor,&Finance,&Human&Resources,&Cemeteries Faith)Education:&Catholic&Education,&Faith&Formation,&Evangelization,&Apologetics, Mission&Sunday&(Propagation&of&the&Faith) &&&&&&&&&&&&& 65,133 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 63,652 Campaign&for&Human&Development &&&&&&&&&&&&& 58,369 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 66,560 Mission&Advancement,&Lay&Formation,&Media&Center,&Newman&Centers.

Vocations/Clergy)Education:&Vocations,&Clergy&Education,&Theology&Students, Retirement&Fund&for&Religious &&&&&&&&&&&&& 65,948 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 66,445 Catholic&University&of&America &&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 6,370 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 4,641 Care&of&Priests Communications:&Communications,&Courier Latin&America &&&&&&&&&&&&& 25,306 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 26,888 Catholic&Communications&Campaign &&&&&&&&&&&&& 19,983 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 18,768 Aid&to&the&Church&in&Eastern&&&Central&Europe &&&&&&&&&&&&& 50,965 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 50,720 Diocese)of)Winona)Finance)Council Operation&Rice&Bowl &&&&&&&&&&&&& 69,572 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 66,715 American&Bishops'&Overseas&Appeal&(CRS) &&&&&&&&&&&&& 80,078 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 77,260 Holy&Land &&&&&&&&&&&&& 58,306 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 59,415 Most&Rev.&John&M.&Quinn,&Bishop&of&Winona Catholic&Charities&of&the&Diocese&of&Winona &&&&&&&&&&&&& 99,820 &&&&&&&&&&&& 111,588 Rev.&Msgr.&Richard&M.&Colletti,&Vicar&General&&&Chancellor Collection&for&the&Holy&Father&(Peter's&Pence) &&&&&&&&&&&&& 55,464 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 59,762 Mr.&Lawrence&J.&Dose,&Chief&Finance&&&Administrative&Officer Haiti&Earthquake &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ` 1,404 Sr.&Jean&Keniry,&OSF,&Rochester&Franciscans Japan&Earthquake&&&Tsunami 1,898 &&&&&&&&&&&& 154,154 Rev.&Thomas&Loomis,&Pastor&Sacred&Heart,&Adams&Parish&Cluster Midwest&Flooding&&&Joplin,&MO&Tornado 56,161 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 30,796 Mr.&James&Anderson,&Trustee,&Austin Catholics&Come&Home 3,021 &&&&&&&&&&&&& 84,522 Ms.&Margaret&Michaletz,&Trustee,&Owatonna Pension&Plan&for&Priests&of&the&Diocese&of&Winona &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ` &&&&&&&&&&&&& 84,194 Mr.&Robert&Wooden,&Wabasha Mr.&Tim&Nussmeier,&Mankato Total)Special)Collections $)))))))))) 879,473 $))))))) 1,194,368

The Courier, February 2013 - 9

FINANCIAL REPORT

Annual Financial Report 2011-2012 Statement0of0Financial0Position Years0Ended0June030,020120and02011

ASSETS Cash Accounts*receivable*&*prepaid*expenses Investments Land,*buildings,*equipment**&*other*property Total0assets

Statement0of0Activities Years0Ended0June030,020120and02011

2012

2011

********* 1,688,682 ************ 743,597 ******* 16,679,538 ********* 1,985,543

********* 1,291,019 ************ 621,506 ******* 15,870,756 ********* 2,121,496

$00000021,097,360

$00000019,904,777

REVENUE Parish*Assessment Annual*Diocesan*Appeal Bequests*and*Gifts Investments Self*Insurance*Program Departmental*Revenue Priests'*Pension

LIABILITIES0&0NET0ASSETS Accounts*Payable:

Total0Revenue0&0Other0Support

Vendors*&*others Charitable*organizations Funds*held*for*others Accrued*expenses Accrued*priest*pension*cost*

2012

2011

********* 1,571,641 ********* 1,892,000 ********* 1,111,329 ************ 578,730 ********* 1,811,698 ************ 907,754

********* 1,650,667 ********* 1,855,000 ********* 1,029,275 ********* 2,239,355 ************ (70,648) ************ 803,217

****************** Q

********* 1,406,391

$0000000 7,873,152

$0000000 8,913,257

********* 1,179,225 ************ 628,980 ********* 1,117,043 ********* 1,221,796 ************ 239,982 ************ 276,201 ************ 139,070 ********* 2,697,918

************ 887,718 ************ 625,531 ************ 836,381 ********* 1,232,767 ************ 237,162 ************ 269,113 ************ 124,935 ****************** Q

************ 107,490 ************ 110,495 ************* 70,191 ************ 311,885 ********* 7,428,164

************ 320,026 ************ 260,774 ************* 82,726 ********* 1,814,808 ********* 4,730,246

Total0liabilities

$0000000 8,028,225

$0000000 7,208,580

Net0assets Unrestricted: Designated Undesignated

********* 3,321,974 ********* 7,680,617

********* 3,094,809 ********* 7,764,273

Total0Expenses

$0000000 7,500,214

$0000000 4,213,607

Temporarily*restricted Permanently*restricted*

************ 563,902 ********* 1,502,642

************ 335,843 ********* 1,501,272

Change0in0Net0Assets

$0000000000 372,938

$0000000 4,699,650

Total0net0assets

$00000013,069,135

$00000012,696,197

Total0liabilities0&0net0assets

$00000021,097,360

$00000019,904,777

Revenue:'$7.9'Million'

Departmental'Revenue' 12%' Parish'Assessment' 20%'

Bequests'&'Gi?s' 14%'

Annual'Appeal' 24%' Self'Insurance' 23%'

Investments' 7%'

EXPENSE Christian*Service Vocations/Clergy*Education Faith*Education Chancery Tribunal Communications Financial*Services Priests'*Pension

10 -The Courier, February 2013

Ask Father Vogel:

I didn’t even know the March for Life existed for most of my life. The first time I went was with my seminary classmates in 2009. I have been fully pro-life since my days of college at Iowa State in the late 90’s. However, it wasn’t until I was with hunFr. Andrew Vogel dred of thousands of others, Mark Twain, President that hope really began. When Gerald Ford, and many oth- we look at statistics, when we ers were adopted. These watch TV or read the news, people, as was I, were given it is easy to be discouraged a chance to make the most that public opinion will never of themselves, to reach their change or that Roe v. Wade God-given potential because will never be overturned. someone stepped up and loved However, when you stand them and gave them opportu- in the middle of hundreds of nities. The world would be a thousands of others from difradically different place with- ferent faiths, it gives you the out these people in our his- hope that someday we will tory. again respect all human life, We all have so much poten- no matter what. tial for great things. This year Living in southern we remember that it has been Minnesota, it can seem to be forty years since Roe v. Wade. a very lonely and impossible Who knows what greatness, fight. This lie is soon forgotten what love, what impact on us as you are marching towards and on the world we have lost the Capital building with over in the estimated 55 million 500,000 other people, mostly people who have died. youth. That was one of the This is why we need to things that amazed me. The send people, especially the March is full of vibrant, eneryouth, the policy makers of getic youth. tomorrow, to the March for In just this our second Life in Washington, DC. We year, we had two packed need to be reminded that buses go from our diocese. while we go on with our lives Youth all around the country day in and day out, there are are beginning to see the truth. thousands each day who lose By going, our youth realize their lives before they’ve even they are not alone in this. At had a chance to really start. the March there is a somber joy. A joy that comes from so

Should youth go to the March for Life in DC? You should not be reading this article. My life’s history begins when I was one. I was found on the doorstep of the police station in Mokpo, South Korea. I was cared for by people at an orphanage who merely believed it was the right thing to do. I was then adopted by a family in Iowa. Bill and Mary Kay, my parents, were loving and open enough to invite me into their family and even paid for open heart surgery soon after I arrived. I have no idea what happened during the first part of my life. I don’t know what sacrifices my biological mother made. Maybe she was told to get an abortion. Today, would she have been encouraged to abort me because of my heart condition? So, it is a minor miracle that I get to write to you today.

Steve Jobs, Scott Hamilton (Olympic ice skater), Melissa Gilbert (who played Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie), Faith Hill, Dante Culpepper, Edger Allen Poe, Eleanor Roosevelt, Aristotle, George Washington Carver,

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS many gathering for the same good cause...but a somber mood remember all the lives that have been lost and will be lost.

One last thing, the next time you see a large family, go up to the parents and thank them for saying yes to life and seeing children as a blessing.

The victory of the culture of life over the culture of death begins today and it begins with us.

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

Save the date for InterMission Adrian- Saturday March 16th. Same amazing experience-New Venue. Look for the flyer in next months Courier!

The Courier, February 2013 - 11

IN THE DIOCESE

February Event Calendar Parish and Community Events St. James Church, St. James

will host its Annual Parish Festival entitled "The Magic of Mardi Gras" on Sun., Feb. 10 at Marian Hall. Mass at 10 a.m.

Parish Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fabulous food and activities including a raffle, silent auction, games, shops, etc. Everyone is welcome!

St. James Coffee House, Rochester

Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. Bishop Quinn will speak about Morality and Ethics. St. James Coffeehouse is located at 4156 18th Ave N.W. (across the street from Pax Christi Church) in Rochester.

Lenten Day of Retreat

Hosted by Carmelite Brothers at Annunciation Hermitage in Austin. Led by Fr. Tom Loomis, on Fri. March 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Mass & lunch are included.

Free will offering. Please call 507 – 437 – 4015 to register.

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. prior to the Mass. Call the office at 507-452-5656 for updates.

St. Joseph the Worker Church, Mankato

10th Annual "Mardi Gras Wine, Dine & Cabaret" Sat., Feb. 9th.

The cost $30 per person includes a gourmet dinner, wine and cabaret entertainment, featuring parish talent as well as guest artists. Tickets are available by calling the parish office 388-3766.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Houston

Annual Spaghetti Dinner.

Sunday March 3rd 2013 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Adults: $7.50.

Students: $5.50. Kids 5 & under are FREE. Spaghetti with our “special sauce”, Garlic Bread, Salad, Dessert, Coffee & Milk.

Carry-Outs are available.

Rally for Life 2013 Resurrection Church, Rochester

Sat., Feb. 23rd, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Come to learn more about the prolife movement to support God's precious gift of life. For info, contact Linda McGuire at (507) 259-4035.

Holy Hour of Prayer

Please join us for our monthly Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage and Religious Liberty on Sat., Feb. 16 at 8:35 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona. Fr. Jason Kern will pre-

side. Holy Mass precedes this at 8 am.

St. Mary's Church, Geneva

Annual Fish Fry. March 15th, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. free will donation.

2 miles north of Maple Island on County Rd 30 or 5 miles East of Geneva on County Rd 35 (320th St) then 1 mile south on County Rd 30.

St. Casimir's CHurch, Wells

Annual Valentine Carnival on Sun., Feb. 10th. From 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., various Games from 12 to 4 p.m., Bingo 1 to 4 p.m., Silent Auction 12 to 4 p.m.. Live Auction starts at 4 p.m. All proceeds go to the general fund.

Everyone welcome!

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.

40 Days For Life

40 Days For Life is now in Winona as well as Rochester and

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

Spanish Mass Schedule 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.

Hispanic Priests/Sacerdotes Hispanos: Padre Luis Alfonso Vargas Capellán - Decanato de Worthington lukiponcho@yahoo.es Tel. 507-341-0403 Padre José Morales Capellán - Decanato de Rochester jloralesr2008@yahoo.es Tel. 507-329-2931 Padre Carlos Arturo Calderón Capellan - Decanato de Mankato carlosantiguas@hotmail.com Padre Mariano Varela Parroco - Ss. Peter and Paul en Mankato

Mankato. For Winona times and info contact Patty Woodworth (507) 458-0877.

Medjugorje Pilgrimage

Have you ever dreamed of going on a spiritual journey? A place were the Virgin Mary has been appearing to six visionaries. Please consider going on a Pilgrimage with Christine Stoen to Medjugorje November 12-20.

For info, visit website: www. pilgrimages.com/stoen.

Pax Christi, Rochester

8th Annual St. Patrick's Day Bash.

Come enjoy and Irish music and sing-along with Joe Kelley and Friends, Flanagan Irish Dancers, local Rochester area bagpipers, a silent auction, and an Irish meal catered by Victoria's on Sat. March 9th from 6:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Proceeds will help fund the 2013 Pax Christi youth and adult leaders events.

Ticket includes meal, bever-

ages, liquor, and live entertainment. Ticket prices: Adult (13 & Up) $20; Children (4-12) $12; Ages 3 & Under FREE; Family Maximum $80. Prices thru Mon. March 4th. Tickets available at the parish office.

St. Pius X, Rochester

Annual Polka Mass, Dinner & Dance on Sat, March 2nd.

Mass is at 4 p.m. and features the Larry J Band.

Dinner from 5 – 6 p.m. & includes brats, beef sandwiches, German potato salad and coleslaw. Dance from 7 to 11 p.m. Dance tickets are $8 for adults; ages 18 and under are free. Beer and beverages will be available.

Traditional Latin Mass Schedule Alpha, St. Alphonsus Liguori, weekly and daily. Sunday: 8 a.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.

The Televised Mass

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.

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

Please note: submission deadline is the 15th, Courier@dow.org

mvarela@hickorytech.net Tel. 507-388-2995 ext 103 Padre Octavio Cortez Vicario Parroquial - Ss. Peter and Paul en Mankato Padre Raul Silva Vicario Parroquial - Queen of Angels en Austin Padre Rafael Chávez Capellán de Decanato/ Región de Austin/ Albert Lea-Austin Tel. 507-219-1284

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 Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend

is a positive and personal experience offering married couples an opportunity to learn a technique of loving communication that they can use for the rest of their lives. It is a chance to look deeply into their relationship with each other and with God. It is a time to share their feelings, hopes and dreams with each other. The weekend provides a conducive environment for couples to spend time together, away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life, while encouraging them to focus on each other and their relationship.

This is a special time for you and your spouse to be alone, to rediscover each other and together focus on your relationship for an entire weekend. Every marriage deserves that kind of attention! Simply put - it is one of the best marriage enrichment programs offered to married couples!

Application info for weekends in 2013

Date Location

Phone #

Feb. 8-10 Buffalo, MN 763-420-9125

Feb. 15-17 Irene, SD (Broomtree) 605-362-0924

Feb. 22-24 Shalom Hill Farm (Windom) MN 507-533-6223

March 1-3 Frontenac (Villa Marie), MN 507-563-6223

May 3-5 Buffalo, MN 763-420-9125

Oct 11-13 Buffalo, MN 763-420-9125

Nov 15-17 Prior lake, MN 763-420-9125

Nov 29-01 Marshall, MN 507-563-6223 Go to www.wwme.org to learn more and apply for a weekend online.

12 -The Courier, February 2013

IN THE DIOCESE

BRINGING FAITH TO LIFE DURING LENT Rice Bowl Program Offers Resources to Deepen Lenten Experience for All Ages

With a new name, a refreshed design, and new resources to enrich the experience of Lent, CRS Rice Bowl offers meaningful ways for Catholics to embrace Lent. By highlighting the beauty of the Lenten trio - prayer, fasting, and giving - CRS Rice Bowl connects people more closely with the global mission of the Catholic Church.

“The program’s new message, ‘For Lent, For Life: What you give up for Lent changes lives’ captures the essence of the sacred call to love thy neighbor. In this Year of Faith, as declared by Pope Benedict XVI, CRS Rice Bowl is ready made to help individuals and faith communities embark on a season of spiritual renewal,” said Joan Rosenhauer, CRS’ executive vice president of U.S. Operations.

During each of the weeks of Lent,

CRS Rice Bowl features five different countries and one U.S. diocese along with stories and profiles that demonstrate the impact CRS Rice Bowl contributions make in the fight to stop hunger and improve health for people around the world.

“The sacrificial gifts from CRS Rice Bowl play a significant role in providing effective, quality services to people in need so their lives and the lives of their children can be improved”, said Rosenhauer. “The faces of hunger may be different from one country to the next, but the needs are similar.

That’s why we address the root causes of poverty and hunger in all of our programs.”

Twenty-five percent of the monies collected through CRS Rice Bowl remain in the dioceses where it is

collected to address the needs of the local community. Often dioceses offer small grants or fund food pantries, community gardens and other hunger prevention efforts.

CRS Rice Bowl participants use a weekly spiritual guide, videos, photo galleries, or the program’s interactive website to learn more about the people from the featured countries and see how their lives are changed by the humanitarian aid provided by the Catholic Church overseas. This year’s featured countries and humanitarian success stories are: Week 1: Improving Agriculture in Burkina Faso. Week 2: Stopping Tuberculosis in East Timor. Week 3: Early Childhood Education in Lesotho. Week 4: Fostering Savings in Dominican Republic. Week 5: Providing Clean Water in Pakistan.

Week 6: Feeding Families in Oakland, CA .

A popular annual feature is the collection of recipes included in the CRS Rice Bowl materials so participants can plan a weekly, meatless meal from each of the featured countries as another way to experience Lent. This year’s recipes are: Week 1: Bean Cakes from Burkina Faso. Week 2: Batar Da’an from East Timor. Week 3: Pap with Spicy Vegetables from Lesotho. Week 4: Black Bean Soup from Dominican Republic. Week 5: Mixed Vegetable Tihari from Pakistan.

“CRS Rice Bowl is a transformative experience for families because it unites parents and children around a single theme of preventing hunger and helping people who are in need. And for school and parish com-

munities it is equally transformative because people can be so creative with the ways they use the videos, the meatless recipes, the activities, reflections and prayers. This year we are encouraging people to share photographs and videos of how they do CRS Rice Bowl in their homes, schools and parishes,” said Rosenhauer.

Each year, a detailed, CRS Rice Bowl offers a step-by-step coordinator’s guide for parishes as well as an educator’s guide that includes lesson plans for grades 1 through 12.

“We are also helping people to be more intentional about their sacrificial giving,” said Rosenhauer.

“Families and individuals can write down what they will sacrifice and their giving commitment right on the Rice Bowl box or on a slip of paper they can post somewhere in their home. I plan on putting mine on my refrigerator.”

Ash Wednesday is on February 13, 2013. Program materials for schools, parishes and individuals along with featured stories, prayers, multimedia, and meatless recipes for CRS Rice Bowl 2013 can be found on the program’s website. CRS Rice Bowl can be followed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (for photos). Use the hashtag #CRSricebowl.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency provides assistance to people in need in nearly 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. For more information, please visit www.crs.org or www.crsespanol.org.