January 2013 Issue of Courier

THE COURIER

January 2013

Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona

Volume 104, No. 1

A Powerful Voice for the Silenced

Rebecca Kiessling, an internationally renowned Pro-Life speaker, agreed to an interview for our Courier with associate editor, Theresa Martin. The following is the story she shared so graciously with us.

If you saw her on the street or with a ‘product of rape’, I am a child of God. her precious children, Rebecca Kiessling Though my mother and father forsake looks like any other happy, beautiful me, the Lord will receive me.” She said, mother. Yet, her story will rock you to “I look to the Cross … He must have your core. Can you remember what your thought I was pretty valuable.”

She is now a lawyer and married to a parents told you about your birth? My parents spoke about it with such love, and most of you probably have similar experiences. How would you feel if you found out that your life started a different way? In a very sad way? That is Rebecca's story.

Adopted from birth, when she was 18, she wanted to find out who her birth parents were. However, on the birth certificate it had her mother’s name, but only “Caucasian, large build” for her father.

Rebecca needed more answers. “I had to know,” she said.

When she finally met her birth mother, Joann, “she told me that I had been conceived in brutal rape at knife point by a serial rapist.” Her mother told her she had tried to abort her. But because abortion was illegal at the time, her mother could not find a trustworthy place that would perform the abortion. And after two different abortion attempts, she decided to give the baby up for adoption. Rebecca Kiessling works to be a hero for the The news devastated her. “I felt like unborn, since pro-life activists saved her life. garbage, worthless, because of people wonderful man (for fourteen years) and who tell me I am disposable. If abor- homeschools their five beautiful children tion was legal, she would have aborted (3 theirs by birth, 2 through adoption me.” She recalls, “(I) felt targeted and and she has 3 other children in heaven, de-valued, and I felt I needed to prove two through miscarriage and their secmy worth to the world.” Whenever she ond adopted baby Cassie who died in our heard the words: “except in cases of rape, arms at 33 days old, born with a seriincest or life of the mother,” it cut her to ous genetic disorder). She is very active in the Pro-Life movement and speaks the heart.

Then something wonderful happened. on behalf of the unborn. “I wasn’t just She grew in her faith and got to know lucky, I was protected,” she said, “My our Lord Jesus. She realized, “I am not mother chose abortion for me, but pro-

life activists who didn’t even know me, recognized that mine was a life worth saving. Abortion was illegal in Michigan - no exceptions, no compromises.” She explained that her birthmother has since changed her views on abortion and is thankful for the laws that were in place that saved her and Rebecca from the horrors of abortion.

Rebecca knows it was the pro-life activists who saved her life. They valued her, she said, “they got it, and said, ‘you matter; yours was a life worth saving.’

They are my heroes.”

So, be bolstered in your ministry to save the unborn! Rebecca reminds us that we must not condemn anyone, but gently and resolutely challenge them.

Challenge them to remember that abortion hurts women and kills children.

Children who could grow up and be as beautiful a person as Rebecca.

As we work to protect all life from conception to natural death, let us all remember Rebecca. She is a voice for those who are silenced without even a chance to learn to speak, without being valued enough to deem worthy of life at all. Conceived in rape, she was one of those children especially targeted for abortion. Her voice is a real reminder that a child is a child no matter the circumstances of his or her life’s beginnings. Christ came to save those children too! God’s love and life lives in every one of them.

Let us be fortified in our Pro-life mission as Rebecca is in hers; determined to be heroes to the next child; telling them, “Your life is worth it! Your life is worth saving! Your life is precious! You have immense, immeasurable value!”

INSIDE Vocation Awareness Week

More on page 6

40th Anniversary of Roe v Wade

More on page 4

Immigration Sunday Minnesota

More on page 10

Self-Righteousness, A Luxury We Can No Longer Afford Comparing Abortion and Slavery as Issues Dividing our Society

By Rev. James F. Buryska, S.T.L.

There are two issues that are deeply divisive for our nation. It seems we could learn from a comparison of the societal and political dynamics of two issues as well as an examination of the quality of our discourse about them.

Parallels between slavery (prior to and during the Civil War) and abortion (in the last quarter of the Twentieth Century and up to the present) are striking. Both are issues over which the minds and hearts of people are deeply divided, seen as fundamental moral issues. The rhetoric of debate is surprisingly similar in tone. Civil War historian Bruce Catton observes, “Slavery was the one issue that could not be compromised,

that made men so angry that they didn’t want to compromise.”

The view that black slaves are not human persons in the sense of having rights, seemed self-evident to its adherents and self-evidently wrong to its opponents in the 19th century; the same applies to abortion today.

Each issue is framed by a landmark Supreme Court decision (Dred Scott and Roe v. Wade, respectively), which had the effect of withholding the legal status and protection accorded the human person from an entire class of beings.

From Chief Justice Roger Taney’s Dred Scott Decision: “On the contrary, they (negroes) were at that time (when the U.S. Constitution was adopted) consid-

ered as a subordinate and inferior class of beings, who had been subjugated by the dominant race, and, whether emancipated or not, yet remained subject to their authority, and had no rights or privileges but such as those who held the power and the Government might choose to grant them.”

Justice Blackmun in Roe v. Wade: “The Constitution does not define ‘person’ in so many words. But in nearly all … instances, the use of the word is such that it has application only postnatally … All this … persuades us that the word ‘person’ as used in the Fourteenth Amendment does not include the unborn.”

Divisive Issues, cont. on pg. 4

2 - The Courier, January 2013

BISHOP QUINN

Most Rev. John M. Quinn: A New Year to Deepen our Faith Dear Friends in Christ, The Feast of the Epiphany brings to close the celebration of the Christmas season in all of its richness. The coming of the Magi is the coming of all the nations and cultures to adore Jesus Christ, who is the Savior of all people. I especially appreciate the faith of the Magi and their willingness to follow the star on a pilgrimage of faith to the Child, Jesus. We have begun the pilgrimage of 2013 and much lies ahead on the journey. In particular in this Year of Faith, we, like the Magi, follow the star, who is Jesus Christ, who will lead us through the coming months, no matter the challenges, the joys or the sorrows. As our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI said, “The Magi set out because of a deep desire which prompted them to leave everything and begin a journey.” “It was as though they had always been waiting for that star.”

Immigration

The Catholic Church also commemorates January 8th as Immigration Sunday. As we hear the Gospel message of the Magi traveling from foreign lands, let us reflect upon the plight of Joseph and Mary who fled to Egypt with Jesus.

Let us also remember those who have fled their native lands and come to us looking for sanctuary, economic opportunity, religious liberty or other blessings which we take for granted. Immigration Sunday gives us an opportunity to put debates aside and take time to welcome strangers and to recognize his or her value as a fellow child of God.

During the past few months, we’ve opened our hearts and minds to the coming of the Lord, now we should do the same for those who are in need. We must continue to work more effectively for just solutions to our broken immigration system.

Vocations

In the United States, we celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, January 9-14. The purpose is to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education. I am grateful for the many individuals and dedicated organizations that focus on praying for vocations. I am most grateful when I hear of parents encouraging their children to consider ordination and religious life just as freely as they would any other calling from the Lord. We’re all able to be vocations directors simply by speaking to our young people and helping them recognize a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life as a viable and fulfilling life pursuit and an invitation from the Lord.

We are so blessed to have so many wonderful priests, deacons and religious men and women in our diocese.

But as you know, we are facing a serious shortage and we all must do our part in encouraging our young people. So, please continue to pray for vocations and please take courage in offering your prayers for young people so they may better hear God’s voice speaking to them.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of the

Bishop Bernard J. Harrington Seminarian Burse. Please know of my prayers for you and for providing financial assistance for our Winona seminarians.

March for Life

Every January, the March for Life takes place in our nation’s capital to call attention to the rights of unborn babies to enter into the human family. From the moment of conception, life begins and it is our responsibility to defend human life from the womb to the natural end of life when God calls a person home. I will be concelebrating the Pro Life Mass, held at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC, which is always filled to capacity with people of all ages and especially young people. I am convinced that the pro-life movement is gaining momentum and that the younger generations are solidly pro-life. I want to thank everyone, the priests, deacons, religious and dedicated lay people, who spread the Gospel of Life and offer assistance to women who are struggling with a pregnancy and need counseling, encouragement and material help to bring a new child into the world. This year, the seminarians, from Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, will join me, Msgr. Colletti and Msgr.

Melvin for the Mass and the March for Life.

Rooted in Faith, Rejoice in Hope!

By now you are aware that a capital campaign to strengthen our priests’ retirement fund and to update the facilities at Immaculate Heart

of Seminary is underway. I am encouraged that so many of you took the time and offered your insights during the feasibility study phase. Your input gave me the courage to move forward in faith that God will complete the good work that He has begun in us.

Extensive study and planning has been occurring for months and I’m grateful to announce that a number of major gifts have already been pledged. Over the course of the coming months, you will be asked to consider a sacrificial gift to help meet the needs of our retired priests and our future priests. I realize it is an uncertain financial time and that I am asking you to make a true gift of faith. I trust that God will lead you, and that you will respond generously in faith when the opportunity is presented to you.

Diocesan Pastoral Planning Another major undertaking has also been underway for months. Through the Diocesan Pastoral Planning initiative, I seek your help in planning for the future of the Diocese. With professional guidance, we will begin assessing our Diocese, our parishes and schools and explore ways to maximize the resources, talents and gifts that God has given to us. With careful and diligent planning, your parish, our Diocese – Christ’s Church in the Diocese of Winona - will be stronger and more prepared to respond to Jesus’ commission to spread the Gospel message. Much more information will be coming in future issues of the Courier. Please stay informed and offer your suggestions when requested.

Bishop John M. Quinn Thank you to all of you that have volunteered to serve as parish representatives throughout the Diocese.

Your work is vitally important, know that you are supported by many prayers. We begin this planning process with grateful hearts for all the blessings of God bestowed upon our Diocese and for the faith and generosity of God’s people, sustained by the Eucharist and confident about the future.

A New Year

A new year has begun, our 2013 pilgrimage is underway and once again we have a fresh opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, our Catholic faith, and the moral teachings of the Church.

We continue to be faced with many challenging issues, but especially important this year is seeking a deeper personal conversion during this Year of Faith, educating yourself in the faith, and sharing your faith with others. Please pray for me and be assured of my prayers for all of you.

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

Bishop's Calendar - January 2013 January 3 - 5, Thursday Saturday SEEK (gathering of college students), Orlando, FL

January 14-16, MondayWednesday USCCB Conference, Washington, DC

January 5 - 11, Saturday – Friday Region VIII Bishops’ Retreat, Redemptorist Renewal Center, Tucson, AZ

January 17, Thursday 10:30 a.m. – Priest Pension Board, Diocesan Pastoral Center, Winona 1 p.m. – Holy Hour (Bishop’s Cabinet members) 2 p.m. – Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting

January 13, Sunday 10 a.m. – Liturgy of the Eucharist, Sacred Heart Church, Waseca

January 18, Friday 12 p.m. – DOW Finance

Council, Diocesan Pastoral Center, Winona 6 p.m. – St. James Coffee House Fundraiser International Event Center, Rochester January 20, Sunday 10:30 a.m. – Liturgy of the Eucharist, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona 1:45 p.m. – Prayer Service for Life, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

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.

January 21, Monday 9:30 a.m. – Liturgy of the Eucharist, St. John the Evangelist Church, Rochester “Together In Faith,” with Teachers and Administrators of Winona Diocesan Catholic Schools January 22, Tuesday 1 p.m. – Liturgy of the Eucharist, Chapel of St. Mary of the Angels, for Cotter Students

January 23, Wednesday 11 a.m. – Liturgy of the Eucharist, at Priests’ Retreat – Alverna Center, Winona January 24-25, ThursdayFriday March for Life, Washington, DC January 26, Saturday 2 p.m. – Liturgy of the Eucharist, in Thanksgiving for Canonization of St. Kateria Tekakawitha and

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, January 2013 - 3

Cub Scout Parvuli Dei Award The Power of the

Rosary

Passing on the Legacy of the Rosary

By Karen, "dedicated to my mother, Jane, and Babczi (grandma in Polish)."

Religious Scouting Awards: Father Gregory Leif, St. Mary's Parish in Caledonia, presented the Cub Scout Parvuli Dei Award to Austin Schellsmidt and Devin Vonderohe. The scouts belong to Pack 51 in Caledonia.

St. Felix Christmas Musical

Joseph (Ben Solberg), Mary (Maia Fries), and Baby Jesus (Annabelle Danckwart).

This year the students at St. Felix School did their annual Christmas musical called The Christmas Chronicle by John Jacobson and Roger Emerson. The Christmas Chronicle is about the Bethlehem Chronicle Newspaper and how it was in big trouble. If they didn’t find a story to sell enough newspapers, the paper would have been shut down forever. It was up to Scoop Early (Claire Gosse), Sally O’Callahan (Claire Busch) and Rock Gibraltar (Elizabeth Avilez) to search for the biggest news story in Bethlehem to save their paper.

With the St. Felix Student Singers, as angels and shepherds, helping Scoop along the way she discovered the greatest story of all time, saving the paper and the world! The students did a phenomenal job, showing the true meaning of Christmas and how thankful we all should be. Watching the children put on this musical was inspirational to the community and faculty of St. Felix. They made everyone realize we need to go share the Good News about Jesus’ birth.

Bishop's Calendar - cont.

St. Mother Marianne Cope – Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC January 27, Sunday 8:30 a.m. – Liturgy of the Eucharist, St. Rose of Lima Church, Lewiston 5:30 p.m. – Operation Andrew Dinner, St. John the Evangelist Church, Rochester February 1, Friday 9:30 a.m. – Liturgy of the Eucharist, Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Cotter AllSchools 5 p.m.

– Employee Recognition Dinner,

St. Mary’s University, President’s Room 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 February 3-7, SundayThursday National Catholic Bioethics Workshop for Bishops, Dallas, TX February 9, Saturday 4:30 p.m. – Liturgy of the Eucharist, St. Mary Hospital Chapel, Rochester, with dinner following

Few memories are impressed on my mind as strongly as the picture of my grandmother (my mom's mother) sitting in her chair on the porch, rosary in hand. I say “in hand” and not “praying” because when we arrived, she would stop praying and focus her attention on us. She was a prayer warrior who taught her children the value that their Catholic faith and prayer are in staying close to God. I didn't understand the significance of this next experience until years later, but I now see the lasting impression it has had on my life. When I was a thirteen year old girl, my grandmother lay dying in her room in our house. My mom called her siblings over and they all came immediately. Knowing that she was in the last stages of her life, they knew prayer was all that was left.

Mom called my brother and me inside and as a family we prayed the Rosary once again with and for my grandmother. As we finished, my grandmother peacefully breathed her last breath surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren. What an amazing blessing God gave our whole family in those last moments before she entered eternity!

Today, I see the legacy passed on to my mom when she visits us, as she sits by the front window, rosary in hand, praying until one of us drifts in to talk.

Then, we have her full attention. She, too, is a prayer warrior and I'm humbled knowing that many of the blessings our family has are due in part to her constant prayers.

Can I continue the legacy? Will my kids see in me what the beauty and power of our Catholic faith can do in their lives. Will I be a witness to them of a true love and devotion to Jesus through Mary? I don't know the answers to these questions but I can take my rosary beads in hand....

Dear Readers: We are resuming publishing the series of stories written by readers on the impact of the Rosary in their lives. If you have a story to share, you may send it to the Office of Faith Formation, Diocese of Winona, P.O. 588, Winona, MN 55987, or e-mail faithformation@dow.org. We will publish stories as space permits, and they may be edited for readability or length.

4 - The Courier, January 2013

LIFE

40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

By Peter Martin, S.T.L. This January our nation will reach a heart-wrenching milestone. Forty years of legalized abortion that has resulted in the death of over 55 million unborn children. That is an average of 3,300 per day. To put this into perspective, the total population of Winona is wiped out in eight days.

This silent holocaust not only leaves one dead, but it also leaves one wounded.

Recently Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in America, tried to run a campaign which invited women to stand up and speak out about how proud they were of their “choice.” The result? There was little response.

The truth is, these women are holding onto a pain that is so deep that they do not know how to handle it and so it gets shoved deep inside. This is exactly why the Catholic Church offers support like Project Rachel

(hopeafterabortion.com).

Although I have outlined a very bleak view of where we are concerning abortion, we are a people of Hope!

Here are a few points to remember: the number 40 is significant in Biblical history: after 40 days and nights of rain, Noah and his family were allowed to repopulate the earth; the Ninevites were given 40 days to repent in order to save their city from destruction; Jesus was tempted and fasted for 40 days in the desert before He began His public ministry; the Israelites were forced to wander

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

in the desert because they sinned against God. Afterward, they were allowed to enter into the Promised Land. Let us continue to be a people of hope and recognize that through our prayer and fasting and our faith in God, we too can return to becoming a people that respects all human life.

Divisive Issues, from pg. 1 Both slavery and abortion are inextricably intertwined with other political and social issues (the economics of cotton production, preserving the South’s social order and the Constitutional issue of states’ rights, in the case of slavery; and issues of women’s rights, privacy and self-determination, and the philosophical question, “When does human life begin?” in the case of abortion).

There are passionate adherents on either side of both issues. William Lloyd Garrison, a leading spokesman of the abolition forces stated: “On this subject, I do not wish to think, or to speak, or to write, with moderation.

No! No! Tell a man whose house is on fire to give a moderate alarm; tell him to moderately rescue his wife from the hands of the ravisher; tell the mother to gradually extricate her babe from the fire into which it has fallen; - but urge me not to use moderation in a cause like the present. I am in earnest – I will not equivocate – I will not excuse – I will not retreat a single inch – AND I WILL BE HEARD.” The stance of proslavery advocates was no less vehement. The following, from T. W. Hoit’s The Right of American Slavery, illustrates: “But the question of emancipation is started and agitated on the ground of human equality. It is the supposed equality of the African with the white race, that is the pretext for emancipation, and the foundation of the assumed right and expediency of emancipation. It has been supposed by some, that the enunciation of human equality in the American Declaration of Independence was intended for all the races of men in the world.

Such a supposition is totally unfounded, and unwarrantable in the very nature of things.

In the first place, it is not true; and in the next place, the writer of the Declaration meant no such thing, for he held slaves and knew their inferiority. What a mon-

strous act of hypocrisy and folly it would have been in the author of that instrument … to declare that all men are created free when they knew millions are born slaves, or when they knew no equality existed … between the barbarian and the man whose sense of justice and perception of RIGHT secured to him the approbation of Heaven and his own conscience…”

Arguments on both sides of the abortion issue are so numerous and familiar that I will not cite comparable examples. Self-righteous rhetoric did much to bring the issue of slavery to a point at which it could not be resolved short of armed conflict. The perils of being condescending when holding what one assumes to be the moral high ground, are eloquently pointed out in Don Fehrenbacher’s Pulitzer Prizewinning study of the Dred Scott case: Slavery, Law and Politics: the Dred Scott Case in Historical Perspective.

“By 1837…the defense of slavery as a positive good was replacing the old argument that it was an unfortunate but inescapable legacy. More and more, southerners regarded every attack on the institution as an impeachment of their decency, virtue and honor.

“With increasing frequency and bitterness as the years passed, southerners protested that they were being degraded by northern sanctimony. In the end, it may have been the assault on their self-respect – the very language of the anti-slavery crusade – that drove many of them over the edge.”

Neither the pro- nor the anti-abortion forces can draw much comfort from this comparison: the anti-abortion activists, because of the dangers of selfrighteousness already mentioned; and for the pro-abortion proponents, there remains the sobering reflection that, in the judgment of history, the abolitionists were right.

Even apart from principle, as a simple matter of strategy it would appear from the example of the slavery controversy that denouncing the views and/or motives of one’s opponents is counterproductive. The most extreme rhetoric on both sides of the abortion debate, far from convincing or otherwise moving those of a differing viewpoint, tends to accomplish precisely the opposite of what is intended: a hardening of attitudes and a closing of ranks.

To the extent that impugning the motives or virtue of one’s opponents produces negative rather than positive results, the search for common ground in the abortion debate appears Divisive Issues, cont. on pg. 12

MISSION ADVANCEMENT

Diocesan Capital Campaign Gearing Up! CASE STATEMENT REVIEW AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

By Joel Hennessy

The Courier, January 2013 - 5

The Office of Mission Advancement Joel Hennessy

which begins in January, 2013, will be divided The Preparation Phase of the Diocese of into three parish waves. (All dates are in 2013.)

Director Winona’s Rooted in Faith, Rejoice in Hope Wave Dates Deaneries jhennessy@ fundraising campaign continues to progress #1 Jan. – June Rochester dow.org according to our timeline. For the past several #2 April – Sept. Worthington and Mankato months, we have accomplished many important #3 July – Dec. Winona and Albert Lea/Austin objectives as we prepare for the active fundrais2. Will my parish keep any of the money raised?

Once we get into the parish waves, our coning component of the campaign. A “silent phase” During the Feasibility Study, both the clergy sultants at the Steier Group will create translated was initiated which is when parishioners with a and parishioners expressed a strong interest materials and work with parishes to customize strong capacity to support the campaign at a sigin keeping some of the funds raised so that an appeal to the Spanish-speaking parishioners. nificant level are invited to make leadership gifts. parishes can address local needs through this If you would like to receive periodic This phase will continue as the public campaign campaign. In response to that feedback, Bishop updates about the campaign, please visit waves are launched.

Quinn decided that each parish will receive 25% www.dow.org and provide your email Over the past 3 months, a comprehensive 60 years old and lacking basic modern necessi- of all funds raised from its parishioners, unless address. program and architectural study was conducted ties such as an elevator, handicap accessibility, specifically designated otherwise by the donor.

The Diocese of Winona is blessed with at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. Bishop air conditioning, efficient heating/ventilating and Quinn and IHMS Rector Msgr. Thomas Melvin plumbing, classrooms and a computer/media 3. Will the annual appeal be a part of the great priests. Let’s help Bishop Quinn seize Diocesan fundraising campaign? the opportunity at hand. Let’s help ensure are very encouraged by the outcome and are center.

Yes. After much deliberation, it was decided the dignity our priests and future priests ready to share the detailed plans for the future 2013Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA) that the best course of action would be to include deserve.

We are “Rooted in Faith” with a of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary – a true With the funds raised through the ADA, the 2013 annual appeal (ADA) as a line item in “Future of Hope!” treasure and gem right here in the Diocese of many Catholic ministries and social outreach the Diocesan camWinona. programs are positively impacted. Every gift to paign. No separate In addition to the study, we have conducted the ADA benefits: parish campaign many interviews with priests, retired priests and • Family and Life or assessments for seminarians gathering their stories, dreams, and • Catholic elementary and high schools hopes to share with you. The story is so simple, • Training and support for catechists involved in the ADA will occur in 2013. The ADA yet so amazing – these men, our priests and parish religious education programs is not being susseminarians – have responded to the call of • Hispanic ministry outreach pended in 2013, it Jesus Christ and given their life as a “gift” to all of • Faith formation services is simply included us. It is now our time to respond to their needs. • Youth and Young Adult ministry programs as part of the These needs are not extravagant, not many, • Diaconate formation capital campaign and not difficult to meet - fulfilling these needs • Prison ministry to make it simpler simply ensures that we meet our responsibil- • Catholic evangelization and more conveity to provide a dignified and more comfortable • College campus ministry nient for all. The future for our priests – those discerning Christ’s • Catholic Newman Centers Annual Diocesan Priesthood and those in a well-deserved retire- • Marriage and Tribunal Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools President Appeal will take its ment phase of their Priesthood.

In order to ease the burden on volunteers, normal offering in Diocesan Needs A PK-12 grade school system with 1,600 donors, pastors and parishioners, the 2013 ADA early 2014.

As we look to the future of our Diocese, will be included as part of the Diocesan fundraisstudents is conducting a search for the position we must address several challenges in order ing campaign. In 2014, the ADA will resume its 4. How will of President for the 2012-2013 school year.

S p a n i s h to seize the opportunities the present moment traditional cycle. s p e a k i n g offers us. These important needs cannot be Email: staciat@scdiocese.org addressed through the Diocese’s annual appeal Bishop Quinn and Diocesan leadership are parishioners be www.bishopheelan.org or ordinary stewardship. To accomplish them, committed to providing transparent and open approached for support? we will all need to go above and beyond our communications regarding the campaign. As normal tithing. part of those efforts, we want to answer Priest Retirement some common questions which have arisThe average age of priests in the Diocese en as we make these preparations. is 63. The Diocese has the responsibility to provide all health care and retirement benefits 1. When will my parish actively particifor our priests. At the current rate of expense, pate in the fundraising campaign?

The public phase of the campaign, the endowment of the priest retirement fund must be replenished. If CAMPAIGN PRAYER not addressed, we will be required God our Father, we thank You to either cut critical benefits to our for Your many blessings. priests or pass on the substantial From age to age, You gather a people to Yourself cost to the parishes. We must honor the dignity and care our so that an offering may be made priests deserve after a lifetime of to the glory of Your name. service to parishes, the Diocese, Blessed is Your Son, Jesus Christ and the Church. who is present among us Immaculate Heart of Mary and whose love gathers us together.

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

Church in the Diocese of Winona, Bless our efforts to provide a secure future we must encourage, educate and for our senior priests and for our future priests. provide vibrant formation for a new We rely on Your guidance and bounty to remain generation of priests. The Diocese rooted in faith and to rejoice in hope. is blessed with a first-class and May our generosity bring honor to Mary, nationally recognized college our Mother and Heavenly Queen. seminary and program of priestly Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. formation that has educated nearly Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. every priest in the Diocese for the past 65 years. However, the Prayer based on adaptation of Eucharistic Prayer current seminary buildings, locatfor Masses for Various Needs and Occasions and ed adjacent to the campus of St. Eucharistic Prayer III. The Roman Rite Mary’s University, are more than Please proofread very carefully. Once you okay this proof, your job goes into production, and we are not responsible for any errors in typesetting The Archdiocese or layout.

This is your Proof for An uPcoming issue – PleAse re of

6 - The Courier, January 2013

VOCATIONS

Let Greatness Shine

By Rev. Will Thompson

As the Christmas season comes to a close the Church celebrates the Epiphany of the Lord on the Sixth of January. This year’s Feast dwells on the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God to the Magi. Through them, we also see the long-awaited Messiah of the Israelites to the entire world. The Magi, or Wise Men, came from afar to seek the newborn King because they were able to interpret the signs in the sky and the ancient prophecies. While we may not have such universal evidence as to our own future, there are signs that each of us can read in our lives or the lives of others to help us understand what vocation God has prepared.

Interpreting these signs (or, in other words, discerning God’s will) takes practice, patience and a willingness to grow. As children need practice to read books, we require practice to read our own hearts. This practice comes through prayer.

When seeking to know what we are to do with our lives, we enter into a journey much like the Magi when they left the comfort of their homes to find Jesus.

We are faced with challenges, some which are great, and enter into the unknown. Yet in the end, we will discover Jesus and realize the depths of God’s love. Sometimes, however, we become convinced that this quest is not worth the effort. We can,

after all, be quite happy just as we are. This is an attitude

that was promoted rather clearly in Lady Gaga’s 2011 album “Born This Way.” In this proclamation, the singer boldly announces that she is who she is and has no need to change. By doing so, she declares greatness as doing

National Vocations Awareness Week, January 13th - 19th

An annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations. NVAW began in 1976 when the U. S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for NVAW. In 1997, this celebration was moved to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls on January 13 in 2013. Beginning in 2014, NVAW will be moved to the first full week of November.

what comes naturally. This is a self-satisfied approach that does not seek heaven but settles for how things are. As Christians, we are called to the greatness that is found not purely at birth, but in Jesus Christ.

Jesus revealed himself to the world as its Savior, and yet he still had to grow up, mature, and work to gain followers that would carry on his gospel after he ascended into heaven. We have a similar task in front of us: To grow in maturity, holiness and self-awareness.

When we open ourselves to this path, we realize that we certainly are born a certain way, but our highest calling is not birth, but heaven. There are some characteristics that

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

I may have from birth that may need to be overcome, some refined and others perfected. In this way we will not always live in self-defense of our actions but in an active search for the path to salvation. That path always includes Jesus, but He may ask you to follow him in different ways.

Pray that you will know how God wants you to follow him: whether as a married man or woman, priest or consecrated person. Then your greatness will shine for all to see.

Operation Andrew Dinner "Come, and you will see."

dinner begins at 5:30pm

January 27

at St. John the Evangelist, Rochester This dinner is an opportunity for pastors to bring young men out for an evening of fellowship, prayer and to hear priests' vocation stories.

Please consider joining us!

For more information, please contact Fr. Will Thompson: (651) 380-6512 or email: wthompson@dow.org

Padre, escucha las oraciones de tu pueblo, y haz madurar la semilla que tú sembraste en el campo de tu Iglesia. Haz que mucha de tu gente escoja servirte dedicándose al servicio de sus hermanos y hermanas. Elige ministros dignos de tus altares y ardientes pero bondadosos servidores del Evangelio.

Que aquellos que siguen las huellas de Cristo, tú Hijo, crezcan y provean por su forma de vida una señal convincente de tu reino para la Iglesia y todo el mundo. Que todos los ministros de tu Iglesia aumenten en números, y sean persistentes en sus oraciones, y que desempeñen su ministerio con generosidad e interés por otros.

Padre, consérvalos fieles al llamado del Evangelio; que el mundo vea en ellos la imagen viviente de tu Hijo, Jesucristo, quien es Dios por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.

January 2013

In this Issue The Lord's Prayer

We Dare to Say: "Our Father" More on YOF page 3

Endow Spolight

Women share their experience More on YOF page 4

Ask a Canon Lawyer

What exactly are indulgences?

More on YOF page 3

Year of Faith Special Edition Insert of The Courier

Year of Faith 2012 - 2013

Sacred Liturgy - Manifesting Our Faith

By: Rev. John Sauer

“The Sacred Council has set out to impart an everincreasing vigor to the Christian life of the faithful; to adapt more closely to the needs of our age those institutions which are subject to change; to foster whatever can promote union among all who believe in Christ; to strengthen whatever can help to call all mankind into the Church’s fold. Accordingly, it sees particularly cogent reasons for undertaking the reform and promotion of the liturgy.” With those words, the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council promulgated their first document, “The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy,” which is known by its Latin opening, Sacrosanctum Concilium.

The Council Fathers chose to begin with the liturgy because it is at the very heart of the Church’s life. They knew that the renewal of the liturgical life of the Church would touch all aspects of the Church’s life and mission. They give four reasons for this: through the liturgy the “work of our redemption is accomplished,” the liturgy enables the faithful to express in their lives and manifest to others the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church, the liturgy builds up those who are in the Church, and the liturgy increases the power of the lay faithful to preach Christ and reveal the presence of the Church in the world.

In the century preceding the convening of the Second Vatican Council much had been done to uncover the sources of our liturgical life and to reflect on the meaning of common prayer. The Constitution became a fruit of the liturgical movement and the basis for further reflection and learning.

The Constitution was approved by a

vote of 2147 in favor, four opposed and four abstentions. This overwhelming approval can be taken as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s guidance of the Council and its intention to renew the liturgy.

The document is divided into seven chapters: General Principles for the Reform and Promotion of the Sacred Liturgy; The Most Sacred Mystery of the Eucharist; The Other Sacraments and the Sacramentals; Divine Office;

The Liturgical Year; Sacred Music; and Sacred Arts and Furnishings. Each chapter offers both principles and guidance for work that would be done in shaping the rites in the period following the Council. Over the next fifty years the Church has endeavored to put these principles into practice in our celebration of the liturgy.

Sacrosanctum Concilium introduces theological foundations that would be explored in subsequent documents of the Council in areas such as ecclesiology (the nature of the Church) and church structure. In a sense, the principles laid out in this document become a measure for what would come after.

When reading the document today we see that not all of the insights are fully developed. There is also a mixture of broad principles and minute details.

Over the last fifty years subsequent documents have taken up these elements and brought further clarity to them.

Most recent papal documents such as Sacramentum Caritatis, Redemptionis Sacramentum and the third edition of the Roman Missal are the fruits of the seeds the Council planted.

The Constitution reminds us that the liturgy is bound up in the saving work of Jesus Christ. His dying, rising and ascension (the paschal mystery) lie at the heart of the liturgy. Because of this, every liturgy is an exercise in the priestly office of Jesus Christ who is present in a variety of ways. The document’s seventh paragraph lays out four ways that Christ is present in the Mass: “in the person of his minister [the priest], “he is present in his word,” “he is present when the Church prays and sings”, Christ is present “especially in the Eucharistic species.”

By this presence, Christ “associates the Church with himself in this great work in which God is perfectly glorified and men are sanctified.”

One of the most quoted phrases of Sacrosanctum Concilium is found in paragraph 10 which states that the liturgy is the source and summit of the Church’s life. All that we do should lead us to come together to give praise and thanks to God. At the same time, the liturgy prepares us to give witness to our faith in word and deed in our daily living.

For liturgy to have its desired effect we are reminded that we must come to Sacrosanctum Concilium, cont. on YOF pg 3

From the Holy Father ... Porta Fidei Part 4 of excerpts from "Porta Fidei" by Pope Benedict XVI.

11. In order to arrive at a systematic knowledge of the content of the faith, all can find in the Catechism of the Catholic Church a precious and indispensable tool. It is one of the most important fruits of the Second Vatican Council. In the Apostolic Constitution Fidei Depositum, signed, not by accident, on the thirtieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, Blessed John Paul II wrote: “this catechism will make a very important contribution to that work of renewing the whole life of the Church ... I declare it to be a valid and legitimate instrument for eccle-

sial communion and a sure norm for teaching the faith.”[21] It is in this sense that that the Year of Faith will have to see a concerted effort to rediscover and study the fundamental content of the faith that receives its systematic and organic synthesis in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Here, in fact, we see the wealth of teaching that the Church has received, safeguarded and proposed in her two thousand years of history. From Sacred Scripture to the Fathers of the Church, from theological masters to the saints across the centuries, the Catechism provides a permanent record of the many ways in which the Church has meditated

on the faith and made progress in doctrine so as to offer certitude to believers in their lives of faith.

In its very structure, the Catechism of the Catholic Church follows the development of the faith right up to the great themes of daily life. On page after page, we find that what is presented here is no theory, but an encounter with a Person who lives within the Church. The profession of faith is followed by an account of sacramental life, in which Christ is present, operative and continues to build his Church. Without the liturgy and the sacraments, the profession of faith would lack efficacy, because it would lack the grace which supports

Christian witness. By the same criterion, the teaching of the Catechism on the moral life acquires its full meaning if placed in relationship with faith, liturgy and prayer.

12. In this Year, then, the Catechism of the Catholic Church will serve as a tool providing real support for the faith, especially for those concerned with the formation of Christians, so crucial in our cultural context. To this end, I have invited the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, by agreement with the competent Dicasteries of the Holy See, to draw up a Note, providing the Church and individual believers with some Holy Father, cont. on next page

Calendar Of Events

2 - Year of Faith, January 2013

Events in the Diocese for the Year of Faith Essay contest.

CONTACT: Marsha Stenzel

Color Key: General Youth Adults School Teachers/ Catechists

January 19, 2013: Diocesan Women's Night with Sr. Marie Paul Lockerd, RSM, at Fairmont.

CONTACT: Theresa Martin, Endow Coordinator, Endow@dow.org January 19, 2013: Together in Ministry program on Vatican II. Second session, Alverna Center, Winona CONTACT: Todd Graff, Office of Lay Ministry, tgraff@dow.org January 21, 2013: Diocesan “Together in Faith” program for Catholic school teachers and administrators (Rochester).

Announcement of Essay Contest winners.

CONTACT: Marsha Stenzel, Office of Catholic Education, mstenzel@dow.org January 23-27, 2013: March for Life/Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. CONTACT: Peter Martin, Office of Life, pmartin@dow.org or Ben Frost, bfrost@dow.org January 27 - Feb. 3, 2013: Catholic Schools Week.

Prizes awarded to winners of Year of Faith

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

CONTACT: Todd Graff

March 16, 2013: Diocesan Women’s night with Vicki Thorn, St James Coffee House, Rochester.

CONTACT: Theresa Martin

April 4-5, 2013: Theology of the Body for Teens facilitator training. St. Theodore Church, Alberta Lea. CONTACT: Ben Frost

March 23, 2013: Together in Ministry program on Vatican II. Third session, Alverna Center, Winona

E vent of the M onth Diocesan Women's Night

April 12, 2013: Diocesan “Together in Faith” program for Catholic school teachers and administrators (Mankato) CONTACT: Marsha Stenzel

Join us for the Diocesan Women’s Night on January 19th, 2013, at St. John Vianney Parish in Fairmont. Women from across the Diocese of Winona are invited to an evening of faith, inspiration and friendship. As we mark the Roe v. Wade court decision in the month of January, we will reflect on its influence on our society. Sister Marie Paul Lockerd, RSM, will be the special guest speaker and present on, “The Hidden Link of Abortion.” Sister Marie Paul Lockerd, RSM, DO, is a general practitioner at Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center in Jackson, Minnesota.

This event is hosted by Endow. It is $4 per person, but free for women in Endow. Come and learn more about Endow and how to start an Endow study group. Endow, which stands for Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women, is dedicated to the promotion of a New Feminism based on the teachings of Blessed Pope John Paul II. The Endow adult program consists of study groups of women who meet in local parishes or members’ homes. Mothers and daughters, sisters and friends come together to grow in the teachings of the Church and so deepen in their faith. The influence of this deepening in faith is seen in how their family life and community is transformed.

The Women’s Night is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It will include a wine and cheese social, a powerful speaker, and fun give-aways. Theresa Martin, Endow Coordinator for the Diocese of Winona, will have her brand new book, “Woman, How Great Thou Art” in paperback available to be signed and taken home.

Please RSVP Theresa Martin at Endow@dow.org by January 11th, 2013, if you are interested in attending this event.

Year of Faith Webpage!

A Year of Faith webpage (www.dow.org/YearofFaith.aspx) has been created on the Diocese of Winona website. This section of the website provides information about events planned for the Year of Faith, ways to study the Church documents, resources and links. The witness to faith section offers the opportunity for parishioners and schools to send in photos of a saint, whose painting, statue, or other replica is in their parish or school. We will post the picture and description of the saint during the month of the saint’s feast day. We are also looking to post any art in your church or school that holds a special place in your church or school. Please email photos to faithformation@dow.org with a short description on the photos.

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

Holy Father, cont. from YOF special edition pg. 1 guidelines on how to live this Year of Faith in the most effective and appropriate ways, at the service of belief and evangelization.

To a greater extent than in the past, faith is now being subjected to a series of questions arising from a changed mentality which, especially today, limits the field of rational certainties to that of scientific and technological discoveries. Nevertheless, the Church has never been afraid of demonstrating that there cannot be any conflict between faith and genuine science, because both, albeit via different routes, tend towards the truth.

(To be continued in next month’s Courier.)

PORTA FIDEI - Questions for Study and Reflection:

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

1. What is the relationship between the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Second Vatican Council?

2. How does the Catechism lead us to an encounter with Christ?

3. Why does Pope Benedict say that there “cannot be any conflict between faith and genuine science”?

Questions for Prayer and Action:

1. Do I own a Catechism of the Catholic Church? If not, why not and what am I going to do about it? If so, when is the last time I read it?

ANSWERS to December's Questions:

1. What is the “profound unity between the act by which we believe and the content to which we give our assent?”

Pope Benedict answers this later in the same paragraph: “Evidently, knowledge of the content of faith is essential for giving one’s own assent, that is to say for adhering fully with intellect and will to what the Church proposes…The giving of assent implies that, when we believe, we freely accept the whole mystery of faith, because the guarantor of its truth is God who reveals himself and allows us to know his mystery of love.” Taking this further, we cannot say “I believe” during the Creed at Mass and then go out during the week and proclaim to believe differently than the Church. Saying “I believe” indicates we accept the

“whole mystery of faith.”

2. Why does the Pope say, “A Christian may never think of belief as a private act.”?

Believing is both an act of the heart and confession with the lips. (cf Rm 10:10) “Confession with the lips” implies verbal, public testimony. This testimony is proclaimed in how we behave in society and in our communal recitation of the Creed, which shows us to be in union with the Church.

3. Why do people search for "ultimate meaning and definitive truth in their lives?"

God created us in His image and likeness and with the purpose that we would ultimately share in His divine life.

For this reason we seek God, whether we know Him by that name or not. Although sometimes we seek Him in

the wrong things or the wrong ways, we would not be seeking Him in the first place if He had not created us with this innate desire to know Him and stamped us with His image and likeness. Furthermore, God did not wait for us to find Him. He came to us in the person of Jesus Christ.

Since only God can fulfill the “ultimate meaning and definitive truth” in our lives, evangelization is critical, because it leads people to the fulfillment that they inevitably seek.

The Truth of Our Faith

The Lord's Prayer:

We Dare to Say, "Father!"

By Sr. Mary Juanita Gonsalves, RSM During the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, at the prayer of the Our Father, one can hear the Church resound with the harmonious sound of prayer. As we reflected in the last article on the Lord’s Prayer, it is especially through this prayer during the liturgy, that the faithful are brought to a communion. Although this communion will be fully realized in Heaven, the faithful can share now in the Trinitarian life when, under the prompting of the Holy Spirit, they sum up all the petitions of the Church during the liturgy and entrust them to the Father using the words Christ first gave his apostles.

But, do we take this gift Christ gave us for granted? In this issue, we will reflect on how, in light of the birth of the child Jesus, the Lord’s Prayer is truly a “gift” of the Father’s love.

During the Christmas season, wishes of joy and peace surround us at gatherings. As the new year begins, hearts are filled with hope for the future. This hope, peace, and joy accompanies the birth of the child Jesus, who truly became man while remaining truly God (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 464).

In the Old Testament, Moses heard a voice saying to him from the burning bush, “Do not come near; put off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3: 5).

With the incarnation, the Word became flesh to save us by reconciling us to God, thus, bridging the distance between God and man (CCC 457-460).

In becoming man, Christ

revealed to us who God is through his relationship as Son of the Father. The Catechism indicates that not even the angels are truly able to perceive the mystery of the Son’s relationship with the Father (CCC 2780).

We bring to mind the holy angels’ joy at the mystery of the incarnation in songs of praise and readings during Christmas. If the mystery of the incarnation is incomprehensible to the holy angels who look on the face of God, who is man to participate in the life of the Trinity?

But, God, through Baptism, offers man the gift of faith in the forgiveness of sins and adopts us as His children in His only Son (CCC 2782). The faithful can invoke God as “Father” because He is revealed to us by the Son, who redeemed us, and made known to us by the Holy Spirit, with whom we are anointed at Baptism (CCC 2780). However, this gift of adoption requires a humble cleansing of the heart and a continual conversion and new life (CCC 279). The Catechism lists two fundamental dispositions that the faithful need to develop from praying to the Father: a desire to become like Him and, a humble and trusting heart to turn and become like children so as to know the Father (CCC 2784-2785).

As we begin this new year, may we seek to adore the Father for the joy, peace, and hope that comes with the birth of child Jesus. In the next issue of the Year of Faith, we will reflect more on the new relationship of God as “our” Father that the faithful share in.

Year of Faith, January 2013 - 3

Ask a

Canon Lawyer

By Mr. William Daniel

Q: "I've been hearing about indulgences in the Year of Faith. Didn't we stop that a long time ago? What exactly are indulgences?"

Reply: The Church’s disci- tion removes our offense, but pline and practice regarding we still need to be purified indulgences is many centuries from our attachment to sin old, and it has never ceased. (Catechism of the Catholic They are even today meant Church, no. 1472). This need to be a lively part of the per- to be purified is called the temporal punishment due to sonal piety of Catholics.

In order to understand sin, and it occurs in Purgatory indulgences, let us consider or even on earth. Indulgences an analogy. A child is play- are established by the Church ing baseball in his backyard out of her treasury of spiriand knows that he could hit tual goods made up of the a hardball into the neighbor’s infinite merits of Christ, Holy window. He hits the ball and Mary and the Saints; we can shatter’s one of the windows. draw out of this treasury in He knows he did wrong, but order to cleanse away this he is sorry. In order to make temporal punishment due to things right, several things sin (ibid., no. 1476). When the are done: the child goes to his boy cleaned up the glass, he father to tell him what he did; began to make up for his sin, he and his dad tell the neigh- but the father’s willingness to bor what happened; the boy pay for the damage is what apologizes to the neighbor; really made things right; this and finally he cleans up the is what indulgences do.

An indulgence is gained broken glass, while the father pays the neighbor the needed by carrying out a work of amount of money to replace piety (e.g., making a pilgrimage to a basilica, praythe window.

These steps roughly cor- ing the rosary) and fulfilling respond to the spiritual order. certain conditions: receiving After committing a sin, the Holy Communion and the sinner confesses his sin to Sacrament of Penance, and God in the Sacrament of praying for the intentions of Penance. Then, he express- the Holy Father, being freed es his sorrow by an Act of from attachment to sin. An Contrition. Next, the priest indulgence can be either parimparts sacramental absolu- tial, when it remits part of tion, by which God’s mercy the temporal punishment due solemnly descends upon the to sin, or plenary, when it penitent and restores him to remits all of this punishment. right relationship with God. They can be applied either The penitent completes the to oneself or to the dead (cc. penitential act prescribed by 992-994). the priest, which helps heal Mr. William Daniel is a the wrongdoing and bring about a change in the life of canon lawyer of the Diocese of the sinner, but it does not Winona, serving as a Tribunal Judge and Vice-Chancellor. If truly make up for the sin.

When we commit sin, two you have a canon law question things happen: we offend the which may be considered in Eternal God, and we create a future issue, you may send in ourselves an attachment them to the Associate Editor to evil. Sacramental absolu- at tmartin@dow.org.

Sacrosanctum Concilium cont. from YOF pg. 1

liturgy ready to fully, consciously and actively participate in the celebration. This participation takes place on a number of levels. Sometimes we are invited to sing and pray aloud. At other times we listen attentively. At still others our participation is an interior one. The Council tells us this active participation is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy.

In the almost fifty years since the Constitution on the Liturgy was promulgated we have been working to celebrate the Mass and Sacraments with ever greater devotion. That work is not yet complete. We continue to need both catechesis to learn what we celebrate and formation to help us embrace the liturgy more fully. In this way, the desire of the Council will come to pass when “the liturgy daily builds up those who are in the Church, making of them a holy temple of the Lord, a dwelling-place for God in the Spirit, to the mature measure of the fullness of Christ.”

4 - Year of Faith, January 2013

Living Our Faith in Society

Endow Already Making an Impact for Women in the DOW

We began the Endow program Theresa Martin, in the Diocese of Endow Winona last May. Coordinator I took two groups of potential facilitators through Endow's "Letter to Women" curriculum throughout the summer and then we had our facilitators' training in

September. There are several groups already and more will be beginning in January and February, but lives have already been touched!

We will be having the first of two Diocesan Women's Night this month to promote the program and come together to celebrate the beauty of womanhood. I do hope you can make it! We have a wonderful guest speaker, too, Sr. Marie Paul Lockerd, RSM. She will be speaking on "The Hidden Link of Abortion" and has a particularly keen view of the topic as she is a medical doctor herself.

Mostly, it is a night to learn about Endow and the richness of this great program.

You will not want to miss it! Listen to the words of women in our diocese: "The Endow experience has far surpassed any expectations I may have had. It reveals a beautiful letter that every woman

should read. The group is a way to inspire personal growth in each woman's vocation as she embraces her femininity within her everyday life. All of this, while also sharing the experience with other women of faith. This has been, and continues to be a wonderful journey. Thank you!"

- Tasha Exe "I had the opportunity to attend the Endow facilitators training in September. I was and am so excited to sit down with a group of faithful women and read through Blessed John Paul II's encyclical, Letter to Women. What an opportunity to read it, pray with it, and discuss it with other women so we can all grow in our faith and our love for Jesus Christ."

- Laura Feller "In this Year of Faith, it’s a beautiful experience to be a part of an Endow group which encourages me to deepen my understanding about the Church’s teaching on being a woman.

It’s inspiring to witness the compassion and trust that is exchanged during the discussions with a group of women at different stages of life and with a wide variety of life experiences. I joyfully look forward to our continued encounters."

- Allison Meisheid "Being part of an Endow group this summer was a huge blessing and has really helped prepare me to be a facilitator for a middle school group that currently has 15 girls enrolled. It’s so fun to see the young ladies excited to learn about their God given dignity! I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn from them because their curiosity and desire to have a relationship with one another and Christ really opens me up to recognizing His presence in my life."

- Megan Kelsey "The question of what it means to be a woman, married without children, is something that’s always in the back of my mind. When I heard about the opportunity to participate in Endow within the diocese, I knew I had to go check it out. What I love about Endow is that

The Office of Faith

Formation

Sr. Mary Juanita Gonsalves, RSM Director faithformation @dow.org

there’s something here for every woman - that empowers you, affirms you for who you are as a woman, and helps you see your feminine uniqueness as something good and beautiful.

Though participating Endow, my understanding of who I am and who God is has grown."

- Angie Slattery "Our little Proverbs 31 group is excited to start Endow in February. It's so timely during this Year of Faith! We are especially grateful the diocese is reimbursing some of the expense, which helps young families." - Caroline Medrano "We are a group of 8 woman of different ages meeting every other Tues. morning. So far it has been a very positive experience. Most everyone has something to share from our Study material, and the material has also given us new insight on the dignity of Woman as God intended."

- Lynn Brugh "I look forward to Endow every week. The Letter to Women written by Blessed John Paul the II has revealed to me what a gifted it is to be a woman. I am more aware of the essential and unique, feminine contributions I make to my spouse, family, and workplace."

- Sidna M. Tulledge-Scheitel, M.D. "It has been great to listen to the women in our Endow group share. Much of their sharing is related to their spiritual growth. It is great to talk with other women about "God" and His presence on earth through the Eucharist, our Catholic Church community and in each of our everyday life stories."

- Ramona Digre So, what are you waiting for? Come check it out for yourself on January 19! We will see you there!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Meet Our Catholic Schools St. Mary's, Worthington St. Theodore, Albert Lea 61 years of educating students - 1951-2013

The Courier, January 2013 - 7

The Office of

Catholic Education Marsha Stenzel Director mstenzel@dow. org

St. Mary’s School, (SMS) St. Theodore’s Catholic School mission Worthington, MN is one of the last is dedicated to educational excellence Catholic Schools to be built in the that provides a well rounded curriculum Diocese of Winona but one of the first in a Christ centered environment. St. to be accredited through Minnesota Theodore’s teaches Christian values, proNonpublic School Accrediting vides a safe environment, supports the Association (MNSAA). Currently St. education of the whole child, and prepares Mary’s School is educating 117 stustudents for a life of continuous learning dents, K-6. Brittany Larson, princiand service to the Albert Lea community. pal has called SMS home for 7 years.

St. Theodore’s School is guided under St. Mary’s has 8 full-time classthe direction of Fr. Timothy Reker, Dcn. room teachers, who are supported Mike Ellis, and Principal Shawn Kennedy. by 3 paraprofessionals. We are forThe school was founded in 1965, closed for several years, and reopened in tunate to provide Spanish classes to 1995. The system provides Catholic education for K-6 grades with a total all students K-6 every week as well! of 71 students. In addition to religion and its academic core curriculum, St. The school has been blessed to Theodore’s School provides Spanish, Art Adventure, Music, Phy Ed, and have had a School Sister of Notre Technology courses.

Dame present (as a staff member) St. Theodore’s School prides itself with the ability to educate the “whole” since 1951. Plans for SMS were laid child including spiritual, physical, emotional, and social teachings. Their out by both Fr. Monroe and Fr. J. dedicated staff promotes diversity of learning styles where individual differStanley Hale. Sr. Mary Julia Hale ences are respected. The school closely works with parents because they are was the first principal to reside at recognized as the primary educators of their child’s education. Parents set SMS. the foundation and instill in their children the values with the support of St. St. Mary’s School is dedicated to the education and Catholic faith formaTheodore’s School staff. tion of the Worthington and surrounding area’s youth. SMS prides themselves St. Theodore’s School always welcomes visitors to celebrate Mass, attend in high test scores, as all students are well-rounded in the education and the open houses, participate in school and community events and observe the preparation they receive. The secondary teachers at the public school often excellent educational programs we provide. comment, “We can always pick out the SMS kids in our classrooms, because of their self-discipline, manners, and work ethic.”

The school is proud to acknowledge that the enrollment has increased by 21% in the last 3 years. Due to Worthington’s growing diversity and the mission to provide quality education to everyone who seeks it, SMS is blessed with it’s own “mini-globe” in every classroom.

SMS is currently: 10% African-American, 32% Hispanic, 54% Caucasian, and 4% Other (Native American, Asian, Mixed Racial).

A tremendous blessing to SMS is the alumni. Many of the alumni are still very active as volunteers in the school and are the main supporters of the endowment fund, which is at a staggering $1,000,170. WHAT AN AMAZING VISION FR. HALE HAD! The school’s biggest advocate and most devote volunteer is Karen Molitor, who is an alumna of SMS and started school the first year it was open as a 1st grader, in 1951. When the younger students are asked what they think Karen’s job title is, many will respond with, “superintendent.”

This attests to her amount of self-less hours and dedication to the school.

On January 31, during Catholic Schools Week the students will enjoy a fun day of snow tubing at Great Bear Ski Lodge in Sioux Falls, SD for the hard work and dedication that they put into their annual Marathon fundraiser. They raised $19,000 and had 100% student participation. The school will do 3 major fundraisers this year to keep the cost of tuition at a minimum: Marathon, Catholic United Financial Raffle, and their 6th Annual Golf Fundraiser. 28% of SMS students receive some form of scholarship through the local Adopt-A-Student program or Seeds of Faith (provided by the DOW).

If someone would take a stroll through the hallways at SMS, one would hear the students praying the Rosary daily and notice the signs that quote our Most The theme for the National Catholic Schools Week 2013 is “Catholic Schools Raise the Rev. John M. Quinn, “When you close your eyes, does Standards.”

The annual observance starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in this sound like a Catholic School?” Catholic Identity is the focal point of SMS. The children and staff receive the 2013 is January 27 to February 2. Schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Masses, Holy Eucharist every Friday and those who participate open houses, and other activities for students, families, parishioners, and the community at large.

The 2013 theme supports the recent launch of the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective in Eucharistic Adoration on Thursdays are receiving the grace from the Lord above. SMS is grateful for the finan- Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, that ensure the effective operation and responsible cial and spiritual blessings that have been bestowed governance Catholic schools across the country, thus promoting high academic standards and upon them for the last 61 years and pray for at least Catholic identity. The logo designed for the week illustrates a chart of steady growth culminating in the highest achievement of all, a cross representing the faith that underscores all Catholic education. another 61 years to come.

National Catholic Schools Week 2013 January 27 - February 2 Theme: Catholic Schools Raise the Standards

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

8 -The Courier, January 2013

Ask Father Vogel:

part of that means going to Mass every Sunday. If you put Christ, Mass, and Church first, their is a lot better chance that they will too.

In addition to having an active relationship with Christ and being active in the Fr. Andrew Vogel church themselves, what else ger faith than the mother; it can parents do? The first is just has to be active and posi- start early. The sooner you tive. I have seen fathers going make being Catholic fun, the to church, maybe even getting more likely they will have involved in an activity, but this approach later in life. mope around while doing it. Take small or big trips to The children will pick up on Catholic areas or events. For this and will start to resent example, make a day trip to see the Shrine of Our Lady of having to go to Church.

Faith needs to pervade the Guadalupe in La Crosse, WI. parents’ lives. It has to be Take your kids to Steubenville a way of life. Do you spend North, NCYC, World Youth time together as a family? Day, other youth conferences, Do you eat dinner together or create your own events.

Don’t wait till Confirmation regularly and pray before you to teach them about the lives eat? When you go on vacaof the saints.

On the feast tion, is the first thing you do day, take some time to look is find a church nearby and find out the Mass times? Do up information about the you put getting to Mass and saint. Children yearn to be other Church functions ahead heroes. Saints are heroes; of their sports or other activi- spiritual heroes. Teach their ties? I know this is tough. young minds that these saintA lot of sports tournaments ly people are true heroes, not are played on the weekend, necessarily Lebron James or both Saturday evening and Ke$ha. Instill in them that Sunday morning. I know kids true eternal greatness is are expected to be at every achieved through virtue and game and every practice. having a relationship with However, at the child’s bap- Jesus.

At some point, when tism, parents promised God your child becomes an adult, Himself that they would raise all you can do is pray and the child in the faith and remind them.

Sometimes all we can and should do is pray

How do I get my child more involved in Church?

This is a tough question with no easy answers. The first thing to do is pray for your child. The second thing to do is to make sure, you the parents, have a positive, loving attitude towards Christ and the Church. At a child’s baptism, parents promise to raise their children in the (Catholic) faith. Parents are so important. I sometimes tell people I feel helpless when I teach a religious education class. It is so hard in an hour a week to say or do something that will help them develop a lasting relationship with Christ if everything that is done the other 167 hours of the week doesn’t support what is taught in that one hour.

This is why the parents are so important and both spouses need to make sure the faith is supported. It seems to be especially important for the father to have an active relationship with Christ and to be involved in church if the child is to be involved. He doesn’t have to have a stron-

and hope that Christ will lead them back to Himself. You are just their parent. Jesus is their eternal savior. The most important thing you can do is teach you child to spend time praying and learning about the teachings of the Catholic Church.

I will be keeping you in prayer. It’s not easy raising a good Catholic Christian child in today’s culture. God bless.

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

EVANGELIZATION & APOLOGETICS

Sixth Promise: "Sinners shall find in

The Office of Evangelization & Apologetics

my Heart the source & infinite ocean of mercy."

Question: "Where does our inclination to do evil come from?" In order to understand and benefit from the infinite mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we must understand, in the first place, the nature of sin. Our inclination to do evil, to sin, comes from three sources: the devil, the world and the flesh.

The devil is the main promoter of sin, but not the only one. The world (peer pressure, political correctness, bad friendships, fashions, etc.) and the flesh (immorality in society and our own concupiscence) are also agents of sin.

1. The devil. Paragraph 414 of The Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Satan or the devil and the other demons are fallen angels who have freely refused to serve God and his plan. Their choice against God is definitive. They try to associate man in their revolt against God.” The evil one tries to associate man in their revolt against God by means of temptation, obsession and possession. St. Paul teaches: “Our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places” (Eph. 6:12). The devil cannot force us to do anything; he proposes, suggests, intimates, etc., but can not force our will. He can be very persuasive, because “Satan himself can disguise himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14). But when we sin we give our consent to his suggestions. Temptation comes through his perverse doctrines that act on man’s intellect through false prophets and teachers who deceive people, sometimes in the name of Christ. The devil also tempts us to sin through our imagination and bodily sensations.

He usually works by proposing two opposite concepts: First, under the guise of excessive confidence in God’s mercy (“go ahead; God is good; He will forgive you, just go to confession before Sunday Mass; nobody will know”) and then, he proposes despair and excessive fear of God’s justice (God will never forgive you, you are going to hell). The final result is practical atheism or at least indifference (“do your own thing”) to spare the psychological and moral trauma he caused. The Devil is a skillful barman; he always knows how to mix the drinks to suit the customer’s taste.

2. The world. We are afraid of what others may think of us. In the world’s view, we are pressured to believe that “good” is what the majority likes or is doing and “bad” is what the majority dislikes. Peer pressure includes political correctness, fashion, fear of others’ opinions, to follow the crowd. The Bible warns us: “You shall not follow a multitude to do evil: neither shall you yield in judgment, to the opinion of the most part, to stray from the truth” (Exodus 23:2) and “The friendship of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).

In Spain, in 1981, John Paul II said: “Learn to think, speak and act in accordance with the evangelical simplicity and clarity: yes, yes; no, no. Learn to call white, white, and black, black – to call evil, evil; and good, good; to call sin, sin, and not to call it ‘liberation’ and ‘progress’ even if fashion and propaganda are opposed to this teaching."

3. The flesh. Concupiscence manifests itself in the inherent disorder in my being, as a result of original sin. St Paul laments: “The good that I will, I do not; but the evil that I will not, that I do. … I see another law in my members, fighting against the law of my mind, and captivating me in the law of sin, that is in my members. Unhappy man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” and he himself answers: “The grace of God, by Jesus Christ Our Lord.” (Rom. 7:19-25).

Above all, remember: “Let no temptation take hold on you, but such as is human. And God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able to; but will also make with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13). Neither probation nor seduction will be greater than my strength.

Next month: Investigating the three stages of temptation: suggestion; delight and consent. www.Raymonddesouza.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. Charles, St. Charles Borromeo, Spanish Mass,

11:30 a.m., every Sunday.

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

Waseca, Sacred Heart, Spanish Mass, 7 p.m., every Saturday.

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

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

The Courier, January 2013 - 9

Raymond de Souza Director rdesouza@ dow.org

Masses of Reparation for sins in the diocese Many parishes throughout the diocese committed to offer consolation to the Heart of Christ through a Mass of Reparation. At least one Mass will be said every day: Sunday, January 1 10 a.m. St. Elizabeth Health Care Center, Wabasha 10:30 a.m. St. Joseph , Lakefield Monday, January 2 7 a.m. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona Tuesday, January 3 2 p.m. St. Johns Health Care Center, Albert Lea 6:30 p.m. St. James, St. James Wednesday, January 4 8:30 a.m. Ss. Peter and Paul , Blue Earth Thursday, January 5 4:30 p.m. Immaculate Conception, Wilson Township 5 p.m. St. Luke, Sherburn Friday, January 6 8 a.m. St. Patrick, Lanesboro Saturday, January 7 12:10 p.m. St. John the Evangelist, Rochester 4:30 p.m. Holy Trinity, Rollingstone Sunday, January 8 8:30 a.m. St. Anthony, Lismore 8:30 a.m. St. Joseph, Good Thunder Monday, January 9 7 a.m. Ss. Peter and Paul, Mankato 8 a.m. Holy Redeemer, Eyota 8:30 a.m. St. Kilian, St. Kilian 8:30 a.m. St. Joseph, Rushford Tuesday, January 10 8:25 a.m. St. Peter, Hokah 8:30 a.m. St. Adrian, Adrian 8:30 a.m. Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Harmony 8:30 a.m. Sacred Heart, Adams 9 a.m. Christ the King, Byron 2 p.m. Good Samaritan, Albert Lea 5:15 p.m. St. Mary, Worthington Wednesday, January 11 8:30 a.m. Our Lady of Good Counsel, Wilmont 8:30 a.m. St. Joachim, Plainview Thursday, January 12 5 p.m. St. Francis de Sales, Claremont 5:15 p.m. St. John the Baptist, Mankato Friday, January 13 8 a.m. St. Joseph, Jasper 8 a.m. St. James, Twin Lakes 10 a.m. Holy Family, East Chain 10 a.m. St. John Vianney, Fairmont 10:30 a.m. Good Samaritan, Pipestone Saturday, January 14 8:30 a.m. Good Shepherd Jackson

Sunday, January 15 8:05 a.m. Crucifixion, La Crescent 10 a.m. St. Elizabeth Health Care Center, Wabasha Monday, January 16 8 a.m. St. Ann, Janesville 8:30 a.m. St. Anthony, Westbrook 9:30 a.m. Fieldcrest Care Center, Hayfield Tuesday, January 17 8 a.m. All Saints, New Richland 2 p.m. Thorncrest Nursing Home, Albert Lea Wednesday, January 18 8:30 a.m. St. Gabriel, Fulda 8:30 a.m. St. Mary, Houston Thursday, January 19 8:30 a.m. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Currie 8:30 a.m. St. Mary, Minneiska 4:30 p.m. Holy Spirit, Rochester 5:10 p.m. St. Mary, Caledonia 5:15 p.m. Sacred Heart, Waseca Friday, January 20 7:30 a.m. Pax Christi, Rochester 9 a.m. St. John Baptist de La Salle, Dodge Center 9 a.m. St. Casimir, Winona 10 a.m. St. Teresa, Mapleton Saturday, January 21 8:30 a.m. St. Columbanus, Blooming Prairie Sunday, January 22 8 a.m. St. Peter, Rose Creek 8:30 a.m. St. Mary, Winnebago 9 a.m. St. Theodore, Albert Lea Monday, January 23 8 a.m. St. Bernard, Stewartville Tuesday, January 24 7:15 a.m. St. Francis of Assisi, Rochester 10 a.m. St. Paul, Minnesota City 2 p.m. Oak Park Place, Albert Lea Wednesday, January 25 8 a.m. St. Felix , Wabasha Thursday, January 26 4:30 p.m. Holy Spirit, Rochester 5 p.m. St. Martin, Woodstock Friday, January 27 9:30 a.m. St. Mary, Chatfield 9:30 a.m. St. Columban, Preston Saturday, January 28 7:15 a.m. Sacred Heart, Owatonna Sunday, January 29 7 a.m. St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles 8 a.m. St. John the Baptist, Minnesota Lake 8:15 a.m. Sacred Heart, Waseca Monday, January 30 9 a.m. Holy Family, Kasson 9:30 a.m. St. Catherine, Luverne Tuesday, January 31 8:30 AM - Resurrection, Rochester

10 - The Courier, January 2013

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Immigration Sunday January 6th

Nations shall walk by your light. Isaiah 60:3 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Matthew 2:10-11 Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Ephesians 3:6 The readings for Statewide Immigration Sunday convey a strong message about the dignity of the human person and the unity of the human family. All human beings – regardless of their nationality, race, creed, or status – are “coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus.” As Christians, we are called to treat others as sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, and temples of the Holy Spirit.

Reforming our nation’s immigration system is a matter of fundamental justice. Current immigration laws and policies do not adequately uphold the human dignity and rights of immigrants. Many immigrants live in fear, in the shadows of our communities.

Too often, immigrant families are broken or kept apart by our laws and public policies.

While Catholic social teaching recognizes a nation’s right to control and protect its borders, and does not condone unlawful entry or circumvention of immigration laws, it also upholds the right to emigrate for just reasons.

Terrible suffering, poverty and violence often impel people to flee their homelands and to seek elsewhere a better life for themselves and their families.

Of the estimated 40 million foreignborn residents in the US[1], some are naturalized citizens, some are moving along the path to citizenship, and some are students. Most are here for employment reasons. Whatever their

Forgiveness, A New Year's Resolution?

By Joye Wolf

legal status, the vast majority of our immigrant brothers and sisters are here seeking work to support themselves and their families.

As members of Christ’s Body we are called to advocate for immigration policies and enforcement practices that are humane, just, and serve the common good. Reform should include expanded opportunities to reunify families, a temporary worker program, and an earned legalization program for undocumented immigrants.

If we truly believe that “the Church is the sacrament of the unity of the human race,” let us work together to achieve justice for our immigrant brothers and sisters.

Minnesota Immigration Facts - The foreign-born share of Minnesota’s population rose from 2.6% in 1990, to 5.3% in 2000, to 7.1% in 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Minnesota was home to 378,483 immigrants in 2010, which is more than the total population of New Orleans, Louisiana[2].

- The current foreign-born populations in Minnesota are growing in number and diversity. However, only 6.3% of Minnesota’s population is foreign-born, which is less than half the national average[2].

- Today’s immigrants leave their homes for the same reasons that many of Minnesota’s early immigrants did—persecution, oppression, family separation, poverty, drought, globalization, and increased population. Today’s immigrants also come to Minnesota for the same reasons that many of Minnesota’s early immigrants did—family reunification, higher wages, jobs, availability of land, and social equality.

- Minnesota is home to the nation’s largest Somali population. Approximately 25,000 Somalis call Minnesota home[2]. Minnesota is also home to the nation’s largest Oromo population, an ethnic group from Ethiopia. 7,500 Ethiopians live in Minnesota[2].

- The Twin Cities area is host to the largest Hmong community in the world outside of Asia[2].

An estimated 60,000 Hmong live in Minnesota[3]. Minnesota also has the second largest group of Tibetans in the U.S., and a concentration of West African refugees from Liberia and Sierra Leone[2].

- The first Latinos came to Minnesota in 1860. The majority of Minnesota Latinos trace their ancestry to Mexico; others to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, and other Central and South American countries. The majority of Minnesota Latinos are not immigrants—60% are native-born U.S. citizens.

- 41% of students come from a home where one of 103 languages or dialects is spoken[2].

- In 1896, Minnesota’s election instructions were printed in nine languages—Czech, English, Finnish, French German, Italian, Norwegian, Polish and Swedish. Today, Minnesota’s election instructions are printed in six languages—English, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.

- In any given year, 25-50% of Minnesota’s immigrants are refugees; nationally, in any given year, 8% of immigrants are refugees.

[1] http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/strength-diversity-economic-and-political-power-immigrants-latinosand-asians [2] More statistics and data on the immigration population in Minnesota and federally can be found at http://www. immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/new-americans-minnesota [3] More statistics and data on the immigration population in Minnesota and federally can be found at http://www. energyofanation.org/sites/25e1f498-741c-478a-8a08-aa486d8533a5/uploads/immigration_in_minnesota.pdf

I recently read an article in which business coach Nona Jordan was quoted as saying that we make New Year’s resolutions because we are attracted to the idea of cleaning the slate and starting from scratch.

Jordan also believes that the fact that people keep making resolutions indicates a positive attitude of “hope and a certain level of belief in their ability to change and be more of who they really want to be.”

Approximately 40-50 percent of the population make resolutions each New Year. Some resolutions are realistic, and some are not. Resolutions can succeed when a person is committed to changing their behaviors and willing and committed to doing the work of changing their thinking and “rewiring” their brain, says Ray Williams in Psychology Today.

Many people make resolutions to lose weight, exercise, give up smoking, or get out of debt. But here is a New Year’s resolution that is probably not as frequently considered— forgiving someone who has hurt you.

If you haven’t yet tried a resolution to forgive, you may want to think about whether it would be right for you.

Lewis Smedes has authored two books that I recommend to help you with understanding the process of forgiveness: Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve and The Art of Forgiving: When you Need to Forgive and Don’t Know How. Smedes states that forgiveness heals us personally. He also makes it clear that forgiving does not necessarily mean you must reconcile with someone who has hurt you. In some circumstances, it may not be possible or wise to have a relationship again with the person you have forgiven. Forgiveness basically means to stop holding the person who hurt you hostage in your

brain--or put another way, taking up free rent in your brain. In fact, Smedes states, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” Smedes also says that “A healed memory is not a deleted memory. Instead, forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember. We change the memory of our past into a hope for our future.”

He further says that “You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.”

Deciding to forgive can be a lifechanging decision, yet one that should not be taken lightly. Only you can decide if the time is right for you to forgive someone, but perhaps in this new year, the time is right. Maybe you have been contemplating forgiving someone; perhaps you have tried to forgive and have been unable to do so; perhaps you simply can’t imagine how to forgive them. If you are interested in working through such an issue, counselors at Catholic Charities are available to help. Counseling appointments can be made by calling your local Catholic Charities office.

More information about counseling services can be found on the Catholic Charities Diocese of Winona website, www.ccwinona.org.

Joye Wolf is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Clinical Counselor for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Winona in the Owatonna, Albert Lea, and Austin offices.

The Courier, January 2013 - 11

IN THE DIOCESE

January Event Calendar Parish and Community Events St. Columban Church, Preston

on Jan. 13th is honoring Msgr Francis Galles for the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Open House in the church hall from 2 - 5 p.m.

Everyone is welcome.

St. John Vianney, Fairmont

Jan. 26 - Join us for our annual Dinner/ Dance! Catered meal, danc, KC raffle and basket auction. For more information contact the school at 507-235-5304.

Greater Rochester Area Citywide Middle School Lock-in

Mass for Life & Marriage St. Mary’s Church, Winona

Saturday, January 26th from 6:30-Midnight at Pax Christi Church & Youth Center. Cost is $20 by 1/23 or $25 at the door. All 6-8th grade youth are invited! Contact Angie Slattery for more info at youth@paxchristichurch.org.

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.

Holy Hour for Marriage

Sat., Jan. 12 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Austin. At 10 a.m. Raymond De Souza will be addressing us about the Year of Faith. After lunch, Allison Killeen will be speaking on the topic of Human Trafficking in the state. Join us!

Sat., Jan. 19th at 9 a.m. at St. Mary’s on 1303 W. Broadway.

The presider is Fr. Jim Berning.

The Holy Hour for Marriage will continue on the 3rd Saturday of each month and will rotate between the Catholic Churches in Winona.

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.

Winona Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Winter Meeting

Mass for Life & Marriage St. Mary’s Church, Winona

Please note: submission deadline is the 15th

for 10 weeks. To register: call St Mary’s Parish Office 452-5656

by Jan. 15. Cost: $19 to be paid on or before Jan. 15.

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) 6987443.

Human Trafficking Awareness Event, Assisi Heights, Rochester

Sat., Jan. 12, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join us. Discussions: Challenges of the System and Care for the Victims. Free will offering.

Proceeds from event will benefit the Human Trafficking ministries of Sisters of Saint Francis.

To register or for more info: www.rochesterfranciscan.org

Traditional Latin Mass Schedule

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.

Alpha, St. Alphonsus Liguori, weekly and daily. Sunday: 8 a.m. except second Sunday of the month variable.

Adult Faith Enrichment: Essentials for the Journey with Jeff Cavins

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

St Mary’s Parish, Winona.

Rediscover ten tools that help bring conversion as we seek a closer relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Jan.29 - April 2. DVD study series every Tuesday 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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.

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

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

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

Thank you for your donations to the TV Mass

The 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, January 2013

IN THE DIOCESE

An Eagle Scout is Reverent Submitted by Mark McDonnell

Pax Christi of Rochester dedicated a new ambry on October 14th. The ambry was a Eagle Scout Service Project under the leadership of Troop 210 Boy Scout Sam Fritton. Sam utilized talents from many different people; such as wood workers, metal fabricators, electricians, friends and fellow scouts. The previous ambry was difficult to see and had problems with the door. A church bake sale provided the funds necessary for the project and there were enough funds left over to purchase a new set of chrismatories for the holy oils.

Fr. Joseph Fogal of Pax Christi and Troop 210 Boy Scout Sam Fritton are pictured here in front of the ambry.

Divisive Issues, from pg. 4 Pathways TEC 62 to be a step in the right direction. For example, pro-life and pro-choice advocates agreeing that reducing the number of abortions is a legitimate goal, is more helpful than continuing the rhetoric of “abortion rights” vs. “abortion is murder.”

In short, self-righteousness has become a luxury we can no longer afford. A beautiful example of forbearance and generosity of spirit is found in the following quote from General Ulysses S. Grant’s personal memoirs, as he later wrote about his meeting with General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox: “What General Lee’s feelings were, I do not know … but my own feelings, which had been quite jubilant on the receipt of his letter, (offering to discuss terms of surrender) were sad and depressed. I felt like anything rather than rejoicing at the downfall of a foe who had fought so long and valiantly and had suffered so much for a cause, though that cause was, I believe, one of the worst for which people ever fought, and one for which there was the least excuse. I do not question, however, the sincerity of the great mass of those who were opposed to us.” (Italics mine) Approaching our conversations – even when they are disagreements about important matters – in a spirit similar to General Grant’s, cannot, it seems to me, lead us far wrong.

Interested in the

Diaconate?

A man interested in the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Winona must be a baptized and confirmed Roman Catholic who practices his Catholic Faith.

He must be a man of proven virtue, enjoy a good reputation, and adhere to the highest moral principles. He should be actively involved in his parish, and be unreservedly recommended by his pastor.

The minimum age at ordination is 35 and the maximum age is 65. If married, the applicant must live in a stable and valid marriage, and have the full support of his wife, who will also participate in the program. He should have the ability to engage in a demanding program of intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral formation, preferably with a previous background of at least 2 years of college study.

Additional requirements will be outlined in the program materials.

For more information, contact Deacon Robert Yerhot, Assistant Director of the Permanent Diaconate: ryerhot@dow.org or call the Diocese of Winona Office of the Permanent Diaconate: 507-858-1266.

Row 1: Butch Bach, Deacon John Hust, Nancy Hust, Melissa Benson, Fr. Andrew Vogel, Dominic Condon, Tonia Groeneweg, Ryan Groeneweg, Marcie Cowan.

Row 2: Shannon Reker, Daniel Nolte, Albert Rysavy, Veronica Schindler, Val Halbur, Holly Vogt, Sara Bellrichard, Dayton Peterson, Teresa Van Iperen, Mary Caron.

Row 3: James Dahlgren, Megan Langworthy, Katie Homan, Troy Anderson, Hannah Vogt, Christina Mangan.

**You are invited to a life changing TEC retreat weekend! February 16, 17, 18 in Pipestone, MN! Visit www.pathwaystec.org for more information.**

If you are a man interested in the diaconate you should: 1. Discuss the diaconate with your pastor and the deacon assigned to your parish.

2. Have already completed the diocesan Institute of Lay Ministry, or the Together in Faith program, or its equivalent.

3. Contact the Office of the Permanent Diaconate for an application packet by emailing ryerhot@dow.org or by calling 507-858-1266. .

4. Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2012.