The Courier, October 2013

THE COURIER

October 2013

Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona

Opening My Heart to Life

By Mary McClusky

INSIDE

“Do you have kids?” my co-worker asked as he looked at an old family photo of me surrounded by nieces and nephews. He was helping me move into a new office, and my mind was focused on the many other duties that were piling up. He went on to mention that he and his wife had adopted twin sons from Guatemala. However, I was distracted and simply said, “that’s great” before moving the conversation along.

As I turned my mind towards promoting the theme of this year’s Respect Life Program, “Open your hearts to life!” I realized what I had done. The phrase, borrowed from Pope Francis, reminds us that the culture of death begins with a culture of rejection. In seemingly trivial ways, we often place our desires over the needs of others. I had placed my to-do list ahead of my co-worker’s desire to share the details of his children’s adoption. As Pope Francis said recently, “We must all care for life, cherish life, with tenderness, warmth... to give life is to open our hearts, and to care for life is to give oneself in tenderness and warmth for others, to have concern in our hearts for others.” Christ calls us to open our hearts, sacrifice our own wants, and love others with generosity and mercy.

After realizing my hurried response did not reflect that call, I went back

to my colleague and asked him to tell me his family’s story. I listened as he described the pain of his wife’s ectopic pregnancy and how they chose adoption over the unacceptable choice of IVF that was presented by their physician. The couple tackled mounds of paperwork and received visits from fire marshals and social workers. Even after they were approved for adoption, there was still a great deal of uncertainty. They accepted the risks associated with not knowing the history of their children’s biological parents and the challenge of accepting that an adoption could be mere months or several years away.

The couple checked “yes” to accepting more than one child, including the possibility of siblings. The adoption agency told them they had never had twins from Guatemala because they usually don’t survive, so they were surprised a few months later when they received the call that they had been chosen to adopt twin sons. In February of the following year, they traveled to Guatemala to meet their sons and bring them home. “It was amazing.

We were a family,” said my co-worker.

“The adoption experience was a challenge, but it was worth it,” he went on to explain.

Opening our hearts to life means loving those whom God puts in our paths, even when it seems inconve-

Capital Campaign New Seminarians Exciting News!

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nient or time-consuming. Listening to my co-worker’s story not only enabled him to feel supported and affirmed, but I also gained a great deal from the experience. I learned more about adoption and grew in my desire to advocate for adoption to others. And by loving the person in front of me at that moment, my heart Open Your Hearts to Life, cont. on pg.4

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End of Year of Faith Celebration On October 11, 2011, when Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI issued Porta Fidei, the Apostolic Letter proclaiming a Year of Faith to begin October 11, 2012, he encouraged, “May this Year of Faith make our relationship with Christ the Lord increasingly firm, since only in Him is there the certitude for looking to the future and the guarantee of an authentic and lasting love.” How is this certitude experienced?

The words of Saint Peter shed light on this faith: “In

By Sr. Mary Juanita Gonsalves, R.S.M.

Year of Faith

this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Without having seen Him you love Him; though you do not now see Him you believe in Him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls” (I Peter 1: 6-9).

During the Year of Faith, the Diocese—priests, deacons, religious, parish leaders, teachers, catechists, students and the faithful-at-large—has had the opportunity to rediscover the content of the faith at local and diocesan levels. With the universal Church, we have seen the election of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who continues to shepherd the People of God amidst suffering and joy. The purpose for the Year of Faith Closing Celebration in the Diocese of Winona is to give Celebrating the End of the Year of Faith, YOF insert pg 1

2 - The Courier, October 2013

BISHOP QUINN

Most Rev. John M. Quinn: Making God First in Our Lives Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

New Evangelization

Pope Francis has gotten the attention of the world by his honest and sincere pastoral style. All of us have seen his love for the poor and his desire to touch hearts with God's love. The images of the Holy Father washing the feet of youth in a detention facility on Holy Thursday, the 3 million people who participated with him in the Mass on Copacabana Beach during World Youth Day, and his plea for peace in the Middle East, during a prayer vigil in St. Peter's Square, show his impact on the world.

Pope Francis wants us to reach out to people, who have left the Church, have become alienated from the Church or who have lost hope in humanity, to come and have a personal relationship with Jesus.

The Holy Father wants us to know Jesus and to experience His mercy and love. Once a person has a deep friendship with Jesus Christ, then the teachings of the Church about life, morality and marriage make sense.

Our Holy Father has reaffirmed the doctrinal and moral teachings of the Church. What he is asking is that we become on fire with the Holy Spirit and invite people to have a deep encounter with Jesus Christ, that will change lives and fill people with His love.

Respect Life

October is Respect Life

month. The Church is strongly committed to protecting human life from all attacks, starting from the moment of conception until natural death.

Abortion remains a consistent attack on life and I am very proud of the many faithful women, men and children in our diocese who have already begun to gather to pray to end abortion outside abortion clinics in Rochester and Mankato.

They are there as part of the 40 Days for Life campaign and will be praying day and night until November 3. If you can join them in prayer, either physically or spiritually, I encourage you to do so. It is my hope that the Seminarians from Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary will join with me in praying in Rochester during the 40 Days for Life.

However, abortion is not the only attack on life. The attacks on life also include capital punishment, euthanasia, contraception and even on the institution of marriage. As we observe this month committed to respecting life, let us remember that human life comes from God and is the fruit of a marriage between one man and one woman. Let us pray for the protection of the institution of marriage in order to protect the gift of life for future generations.

days of the Church (cf. Acts 6:1-6, 1 Timothy 3:8-13). The care of the poor, especially widows and orphans, was a concern of the early Christian community, and deacons were directly responsible for this ministry. During the apostolic age and for several centuries following, the diaconate had a significant position among the ministries of the Church.

During the Second Vatican Council, steps were taken to restore the diaconate as a distinctive order and permanent ministry within the Church.

As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Deacons share in Christ’s mission and grace in a special way. The Sacrament of Holy Orders marks them with an imprint (“character”) which cannot be removed and which configures them to Christ, who made himself the ‘deacon’ or servant of all” (CCC, #1570).

I invite you to read the article concerning these aspirants on page 12.

The aspirants will be meeting one weekend each month, beginning at the end of September. I encourage you to keep these twelve aspirants, their wives, and their families in prayer as they continue their discernment and begin formation.

Permanent Diaconate

Every year, all the priests join together for prayer, formation and fraternity for three days in Okoboji, Iowa. These days are especially important for the priests and for me because the Diocese of

I have accepted twelve men as aspirants for the Permanent Diaconate Program in the Diocese of Winona. The history of the Order of Deacon can be traced to the earliest

Priest Convocation 2013

Winona is so large geographically. During this gathering, which happened September 23 – 25 this year, the priests had the opportunity to see each other and to renew the bonds of priestly ordination and friendship. I was so blessed to be able to be with the priests, pray the Liturgy of the Hours, and celebrate the Eucharist together. Special emphasis was placed upon vocations and inviting young men and women to hear the call from the Lord.

Lourdes High School

What a blessing it is to have a new beautiful, state of the art building and campus for Lourdes High School. When I blessed the new campus, I saw this great event, as an affirmation of all of our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Winona. It is my strong conviction, that Catholic schools are needed now more than ever, because they are strong agents of evangelization and catechesis.

Our young women and men are living through immense cultural changes, that I never thought would ever happen, such as the redefinition of marriage, gender choice and cyber bullying. The investment of a Catholic school education is worth the sacrifice, because Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Faith, are at the center of the formation of the students in a Catholic school.

Our youth need a solid foundation, as they live in a changing culture, that is increas-

Bishop John M. Quinn ingly secular and antagonistic to religion. May all of our Catholic schools continue to grow and flourish.

The Month of the Holy Rosary

As we enter October, the Church invites us to renew our practice of praying the Rosary every day. When we ask Mary to pray for us, she will always lead us to her Son, Jesus Christ. When you pray the Rosary, it is an opportunity to meditate on the great events of salvation, which we find in each of the Mysteries of the Rosary. It is a cherished custom to pray the Rosary together as a family or even one decade of the Rosary after dinner. I find that praying the Rosary brings peace into my life and deepens in me my surrender to God’s providential care of the Church and of all creation. May Our Lady of the Rosary protect us and intercede for us.

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

Bishop's Calendar - October 2013 October 1, Tuesday 7:45 – 9 a.m. – Teaching, St. Mary’s University 12 p.m. – Mass at St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea, followed by lunch and presentation for Principals and Pastors of Diocese of Winona Catholic Schools at St. Theodore School, Albert Lea October 2, Wednesday 10 a.m. – Mass followed by lunch with Hermits of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel, at Hermitage in Houston 4:45 p.m. – Evening Prayer, Mass and Dinner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona October 3, Thursday 7:45 – 9 a.m. – Teaching, SMU 10 a.m. – Holy Hour (Bishop’s

Cabinet) 5:45 p.m. – Volunteer Training for Rochester Federal Medical Center and Waseca Federal Correctional Institution, at Destiny Church, Rochester October 4, Friday 7:30 a.m. – Mass, prior to Digital Church Conference at St. John the Evangelist Church, Rochester 9 a.m. – Digital Church Conference, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester 1 p.m. – Mass at New Lourdes High School, Rochester October 5, Saturday 11 a.m. – Mass for Winona Council of Catholic Women and installation of new officers, St. Catherine

Church, Luverne 5 p.m. – Mass at St. Martin Church, Woodstock October 6, Sunday 8 a.m. – Mass at St. Joseph Church, Jasper 10 a.m. – Mass (bilingual) at St. Leo Church, Pipestone 1100 a.m. – Lunch, followed by presentation for “Feed Your Faith Series” - Pillar II, Sacraments of the Church, at St. Leo Church, Pipestone October 8, Tuesday 7:45 – 9 a.m. – Teaching, SMU 11 a.m. – Diocese of Winona Foundation Board at Pastoral Center 5 p.m. – Rochester Serra Club,

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.

Priest Appreciation Dinner at Willow Creek Golf Club, Rochester October 9, Wednesday 12 p.m. – Legacy of Honor Luncheon, Madonna Living Community, Rochester Golf & Country Club 2 p.m. – “Rooted in Faith – Rejoice in Hope” Capital Campaign meeting with Clergy Committee, at St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea October 10, Thursday 7:45 – 9 a.m. – Teaching, SMU 10 a.m. – Holy Hour (Bishop’s Cabinet) 11 a.m. – Bishop’s Cabinet Mtg 5 p.m. – Mass, followed by dinner with Christian Brothers at their residence at St. Mary’s University

October 12, Saturday 11 a.m. – Confirmation at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Easton with St. Casimir Church, Wells; St. John the Baptist Church, Minnesota Lake; St. Teresa Church, Mapleton; St. Joseph Church, Good Thunder; and St. Matthew Church, Vernon Center 5 p.m. – Confirmation as St. James Church, St. James with St. Katherine Church, Truman and St. Mary Church, Madelia October 13, Sunday 2 p.m. – Confirmation at Holy Spirit Church, Rochester October 16, Wednesday 6:30 a.m. – Morning Prayer followed by breakfast with

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

The Courier, October 2013 - 3

IN THE DIOCESE

St. John Celebrates 150 Years

In thinking of the 150th anniversary, Fr. Mahon reflects, "The city of Rochester has changed and developed in a remarkable way over the past century and also the block of St. John the Evangelist has been renewed in countless ways since 1863 ... Changes to the environment are visible, but Christ as the cornerstone has been consistent with our mission to be a welcoming Catholic community in downtown Rochester. We are celebrating 150 years of announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ through the beauty and wonder of our Catholic tradition, so rich in diversity and outreach as a partner with the larger community ... Gratitude marks our way of being as Fr. McCauley and Fr. Mountain, the only two living past pas- we acknowledge all those who have created this tors of St. John the Evangelist, joined Fr. Mahon for the cele- parish community by following the Spirit of Christ bration of the 150th on Sunday, Sept. 15 with Bishop Quinn. and accepting all that has been given for the Glory

of God!" In addition to their celebration on September 15, the Church of St. John the Evangelist celebrates 150 years with a world premiere by Vocalessence Ensemble Singers.

Vocalessence Ensemble Singers will premiere, under the direction of Philip Brunelle, a work written by Sebastian Modarelli (Director of Liturgy and Music and Organist at St. John's), on Saturday, November 9, at the Church of St. John the Evangelist.

Honoring the 150 years of the The Church of St. John the Evangelist (1863-2013), this hour long choral work consists of 13 a cappella pieces that revive the journey of the apostle St. John

World Premiere Celebration, cont. on pg.7

Aspirants to the Permanent Diaconate

Bishop John Quinn has accepted twelve men as aspirants for the Permanent Diaconate Program in the Diocese of Winona.

They are: Kevin (Mary) Aaker – St. Catherine, Luverne Scot (Becky) Berkley – Sacred Heart, Owatonna Scott (Monica) Burtiss – St. John Vianney, Fairmont Frank (Jacalyn) Cesario – Ss. Peter & Paul, Mankato Randy (Therese) Horlocker – Pax Christi, Rochester William (Christianne) Keiper – St. Mary, Winona Steven (Marie) Landsteiner – St. John Vianney, Fairmont John (Susan) LaValla – St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Robert (Patricia) Miller – St. Bernard, Stewartville Scott (Mary) Schwalbe – Resurrection, Rochester Terrence (DeAnne) Smith – St. Bridget, Simpson Michael (Alexis) Zaccariello – Pax Christi, Rochester.

During the Second Vatican Council, steps were taken to restore the diaconate as a distinctive order and permanent ministry within the Church. As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Deacons share in Christ’s mission and grace in a special way. The Sacrament of Holy Orders marks them with an imprint (“character”) which cannot be removed and which configures them to Christ, who made himself the ‘deacon’ or servant of all” (CCC, #1570).

As described in the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops), the initial period of formation, known as the “aspirancy,” provides “a time to discern the capability and readiness of an aspirant to be nominated to the bishop for acceptance as a candidate for diaconal ordination” (#182). The goal of this initial period of formation is “to enable the aspirant to demonstrate the possibility of a diaconal vocation The history of the Order of Deacon can be traced to the earli- and an appropriate level of readiness for eventual selection into est days of the Church (cf. Acts 6:1-6, 1 Timothy 3:8-13). The care candidate formation” (#183). of the poor, especially widows and orphans, was a concern of the There are four dimensions of formation for the permanent diaearly Christian community, and deacons were directly responsible conate that take place both during aspirancy and candidacy that for this ministry. During the apostolic age and for several centu- follows. These are: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. ries following, the diaconate had a significant position among the During the aspirancy period, these can be described as follows: ministries of the Church.

• The goal of human formation is to help the aspirant develop “his human personality in such Seminarians at Immaculate Administrators and Teachers of October 27, Sunday a way that Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona Diocese of Winona Catholic Schools, 9 a.m. – Confirmation at St. Mary it becomes 12 p.m. – Diocese of Winona at Lourdes High School, Rochester Church, Worthington a bridge Finance Council Board Meeting – 7:30 p.m. – Faith Formation pre- 2 p.m. – Confirmation at St. and not an Pastoral Center, Winona sentation for Seminarians, at Catherine Church, Luverne, with 2:30 p.m. – Diocese of Winona Immaculate Heart of Mary St. Mary Church, Ellsworth obstacle for Deposit & Loan Board Meeting – Seminary, Winona others in October 29, Tuesday Pastoral Center, Winona October 22, Tuesday 7:45 – 9 a.m.

– Teaching, SMU their meeting 7 p.m. – Diocese of Winona Review

Bishop's Calendar - cont.

Board Meeting, Resurrection Church, Rochester

October 17, Thursday 7:45 – 9 a.m. – Teaching, SMU 10:30 a.m. – Diocese of Winona Priest Pension Board Meeting – Pastoral Center, Winona 1:30 p.m. – Immaculate Heart of Seminary Finance Council Board Meeting – Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona 7:30 p.m. – Ordination Evening Prayer Service, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona October 18, Friday 12 p.m. – Mass of Priestly Ordination for Deacon Adam Joseph McMillan, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona 6:30 p.m. – White Mass, with reception following at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester October 20, Sunday 10:30 a.m. – Mass at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona October 21, Monday 9:30 a.m. Mass, followed by a morning session, lunch, and an afternoon session, “Together in Faith,” Pillar II of the Church-Sacraments, for

7:45 – 9 a.m. – Teaching, SMU 1 p.m. – Lunch, followed by Holy Hour with Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminarian Priests, Bishop’s Residence October 23, Wednesday 10 a.m. – Online video Conference for USCCB Handbook October 24, Thursday 7:45 – 9 a.m. – Teaching, SMU 9:30 a.m. – Meeting with Sr. Lois Bush, Dan Neufelder and Tom Crowley for Ministry Health, at Diocese of Winona Pastoral Center 2 - 8 p.m. – Catholic and Lutheran Bishops Retreat at Abbey Guesthouse, Collegeville, MN

October 25, Friday 7:40 a.m. – 12 p.m. - Catholic and Lutheran Bishops Retreat at Abbey Guesthouse, Collegeville, MN October 26, Saturday 2 p.m. – Confirmation at Sacred Heart Church, Heron Lake; with St. Francis Xavier, Windom; Sacred Heart Church, Brewster; St. Luke Church, Sherburn; Good Shepherd Church, Jackson; and St. Joseph Church, Lakefield

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Individual visits with Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminarians, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona October 30, Wednesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Individual visits with Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminarians, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona 5 p.m. – Mass for closing event for Year of Faith, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona 6:30 p.m. – Closing event celebration for Year of Faith, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

with Jesus Christ” (#189).

• The goal of spiritual formation is to assist the aspirant in “‘putting on the mind of Christ,’ [and] thereby establishing and nurturing attitudes, habits, and Deacon Jim Welch (far left), of the p r a c t i c e s Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, assists that provide at the Eucharist with Bishop Quinn. a set foundation for the development of an authentic and ongoing spiritual life” (#191).

• The objective and content of intellectual formation is “to communicate a deeper knowledge of the faith and Church tradition” (#195).

• The focus of pastoral formation is “the discernment of the aspirant’s gifts for the threefold ministry of word, liturgy, and charity, and of his capacity to make a lifelong commitment to these ministries” (#197).

The aspirants will be meeting one weekend each month, beginning at the end of September. The people of the Diocese are encouraged to keep these twelve aspirants, their wives, and their families in prayer as they continue their discernment and begin formation.

Bishop Quinn Receives a Candidate for Holy Orders

October 31, Thursday 7:45 – 9 a.m. – Teaching, SMU 10 a.m. – Holy Hour (Bishop’s Cabinet) November 1, Friday 12:10 p.m. – Mass for Feast of All Saints atCathedraloftheSacredHeart,Winona November 2, Saturday 4 p.m. – Mass at St. Catherine Church, Luverne 5:30 p.m. – Fall Festival at St. Catherine Church, Luverne November 3, Sunday 7 p.m. – Mass at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

Bishop Quinn received Marcus Wobschall as a Candidate for Holy Orders on August 18th at Sacred Heart Parish, Waseca.

Candidacy is the first formal step in preparing for Holy Orders and could be compared to the role of the Catechumenate in the RCIA.

4 - The Courier, October 2013

LIFE, MARRIAGE & FAMILY

40 Days of Praying for Life Submitted by Kalene Jaeger

The Office of Life,

Marriage & Family Peter Martin, STL

The day was cool, but hearts were glowing. Enthusiasm permeated the Director crowd of over 130 gathered at Ray pmartin@dow.

Erlandson Park in Mankato for their org 40 Days for Life KICKOFF RALLY. “I thought the event was most beautiful because it seemed to really incarnate “I love the quote by what this campaign is and stands for!

Martin Luther King, Jr., There were people from many differ'Our lives begin to end ent faiths present, and the ages of the the day we become participants ranged from children to silent about things that seniors. I believe it truly accomplished matter.' This is so fitting for bringing together the body of Christ” the pro-life movement as stated Beverly Miller, the local Youth 4 well.” Lisa Schwamberger, Life Leader. attendee Rally participants were able to browse area pro-life booths and had the privilege tory. of touring ICU Mobile Twin Cities, a The Mankato campaign Days for Life.

“We free mobile ultrasound unit recently purchased by will feature a peaceful 40-day know 40 Days for Alpha Pregnancy Resource Center in Prior Lake, “Being at the 40 Days for Life kickoff prayer vigil in the public right-ofLife has made a MN. The event program included a youth band, really inspired me. Getting to be united way outside the abortion-referral difference in the prayer, youth speeches, sharing of the campaign’s with other people in our Mankato comfacility of Planned Parenthood at Mankato area mission and a keynote address by Vicki Thorn. munity who love life and desire to defend 201 N. Victory Dr from 7am to and beyond,” Thorn is the foundress of Project Rachel and execuDarlene and protect it everywhere (especially the 7pm every day. All prayer vigil tive director of the National Office of Post-Abortion said vulnerable unborn and their moms and participants are asked to sign a Reconciliation and Healing. Thorn made the partici- Schorn, Campaign dads!) encourages me and makes me statement of peace, pledging to Director.

In its 2nd pants aware of the importance of prayer and fasting want to serve even more. It's especially conduct themselves in a Christcampaign held last for the many women and men who are hurt by aborawesome to have seen many of my peers like manner at all times. fall, Mankato taltion. She encouraged 40 Days for Life volunteers to here, too – young adults – realizing that Local pastor, Johnathan be angels of peace lied 26 churches standing up for life is so important.” Diane Bislew of Maranatha Campus and organizations whose compassion Butler, attendee “I was really struck by Church shared, "I believe 40 working together, would lead those all the new faces. This Days for Life is one of the most 535 individuals affected by aboris my third campaign powerful prayer movements this nation has ever participating, with 1,653 hours volunteered in the tion to find healand everywhere I looked seen to end abortion on demand.

40 Days for Life peaceful prayer vigil! ing. there were people I'd has the potential to spark a revival in churches that 40 Days for Life is a peaceful, highly-focused, 40 Days for Life never met before. People team will spread across our country!”

While the number member, from different faiths and of children and women spared from abortion are “The Planned Parenthood facility in Texas, Kalene Jaeger, generally undetermined, those who partake in the backgrounds are growdescribed abor- where 40 Days for Life started, closed as they ing dissatisfied with the tion as a “global were planning their 14th vigil. . It was the 40th peaceful vigil will experience first-hand a personal lies of abortion and want crisis”, but called abortion clinic to close since 40 Days started. transformation in themselves. “That is the cona change.” Caroline area Christians It gives me great hope, as does attending the tagious part of this campaign.” explains Jaeger, “There are so many Christians out there who know Medrano, attendee kick off yesterday.” Mary Kuznia, attendee to be part of a they are pro-life, but don’t know what to do about it. local solution—40 40 Days for Life is simple way for ordinary people non-denominational, pro-life initiative to have an extraordinary impact, and it all begins that focuses on 40 days of prayer and at the local level.”

This year’s campaign will begin on September 25 and go fasting, peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and grassroots educational out- through November 3. For more information and to sign up for reach. The 40-day time frame is drawn the peaceful vigil, visit www.40daysforlife.com/mankato or call from examples throughout Biblical his- Darlene Schorn at 507-345-8667.

O p e n Yo u r Hearts to Life cont'd from pg. 1

was opened more fully to God’s plan for life.

Every day brings many chances to reflect Christ’s love for others. As we celebrate Respect Life Month this October, may each of us remember to keep our hearts open to each and every person whom God puts in our path, loving and praying for them all with an open heart.

Learn more about joining in the celebration of Respect Life Month by contacting your local diocesan pro-life office or visiting www.usccb.org/respectlife. ______________________________________________________ Mary McClusky is Assistant Director for Education & Outreach at the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. To learn more about the bishops’ pro-life activities, go to www.usccb.org/prolife.

Join the Bishops' Call to Prayer and Fasting for Life, Marriage & Religious Liberty.

Visit www.usccb.org/pray or text "FAST" to 99000. Join the Movement!

"The free fetal ultrasound is really outstanding since the going rate is about a thousand dollars at the local clinic." Tom Schlossesr, attendee

MISSION ADVANCEMENT

The Courier, October 2013 - 5

Generous and Faith-filled Hearts!

Capital Campaign Passes Midpoint

By Joel Hennessy The people of the Diocese of Winona continually reveal their generous and faithful hearts. It has been no different with the historic Rooted in Faith, Rejoice in Hope! capital campaign. The diocese-wide fundraising effort has just passed the midway point rising towards its goals of strengthening the Priests’ Retirement Plan, modernizing Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, funding the 2013 Annual Diocesan Appeal and supporting important projects in every parish.

The Rochester Deanery (Wave I) provided great momentum for the campaign with pledges and cash gifts exceeding $9,700,000 to date.

The momentum has continued with the Mankato and Worthington Deaneries (Wave II) and the overall campaign total as of this publication is over $15,000,000. On the weekend of October 12-13, the Winona and Austin/ Albert Lea Deaneries will kick-off the third and final wave of the campaign.

Bishop Quinn expresses his gratitude for the thousands of families that have already made a sacrificial commitment to this effort. “We are committed to the people of the Catholic Church in southern Minnesota as well as those who invest their lives to serve us. The Rooted in Faith, Rejoice in Hope campaign is our commitment to the future spiritual and physical health of the diocese. We rely on the dedication and financial assistance of our entire diocese – including individuals, businesses and foundations – who have already helped secure more than $15 million in funding toward our $30 million goal. As we

The Office of Mission Advancement Joel Hennessy Director jhennessy@ dow.org

continue the campaign, we ask for everyone’s continued prayers and support.”

A monumental effort such as this which geographically spans 13,000 square miles, nearly 40,000 Catholic households in 114 parishes is no little effort. It would not be possible without the help of fully committed pastors, parish staff and dedicated volunteers.

By the time the campaign concludes, over 1,000 volunteers will have contributed their time and talent to this effort. They have been led by their parish staff and their pastors. “It is truly moving to witness the diocesan church working in unity toward such worthy goals,” stated Bishop Quinn.

Campaign volunteers report many stories and inspirations of great hope which have been shared by people throughout the diocese. From memories of priests who faithfully served a community or provided great comfort in times of distress to the energy and life that comes from our young priests and seminarians, the stories all convey the same message; we love our priests and we want to do our part to support them from formation through retirement.

Parishioners also express excitement at being able to make much needed improvements and enhancements at their parishes.

Accomplishing such a lofty financial goal requires widespread support and participation. Every gift, no matter the dollar amount, is a blessing and will impact our church for generations to come. Support thus far has been very generous and has included historic gifts from our Hispanic communities in Rochester and in Worthington of $100,000 and $200,000, respectively. Donations have been made through gifts of appreciated stock, charitable IRA transfers, and through the donation of grain. Many have made generous one-time gifts while a majority of people have taken the opportunity to make a larger commitment via a multi-year pledge.

As the second half of the campaign moves forward, we encourage parishioners of Wave I and II that have not had the opportunity to make a gift to please consider joining this historic effort to assist both your parish and the priesthood of the Diocese of Winona. Your parish staff is available to assist or you can conveniently and discretely make a gift online at www. dow.org.

An abundance of information and details about the campaign, including a complete listing of parish results are available for viewing on our campaign website. Please visit the diocesan website at www.dow.org and follow the campaign link or scan the QR code on this page with your mobile device.

The campaign director, Joel Hennessy is always willing to answer questions directly via phone or email, 507-858-1249 or jhennessy@dow.org.

6 - The Courier, October 2013

VOCATIONS

Meet Our New Seminarians Ezra Lippert

My name is Ezra Lippert, and I am in my first formation year as a seminarian for the Diocese of Winona. I was born in Mankato, Minnesota, in 1994, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and I grew up thirty miles south of there on a little hobby farm, just north of the town of Easton; there I attended the parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for the majority of my life. The Lord has blessed me with a large and supportive family. I was the sixth of ten children to be born to my parents, Tim and Dixie Lippert, and I count myself extremely fortunate to have older siblings who have been examples of active faithfulness to their respected vocations. My oldest sister, Greta, is married and has recently given birth to her first son, my oldest brother, Jonah, studied in Winona as a seminarian for over three years and has recently finished his masters degree in Evangelization and Catechesis at the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado.

His twin sister, Sister Amata Christi O.P., recently professed perpetual vows with the Nashville Dominican’s of St. Cecilia, and my third oldest sister, Sarah, is working on her master’s degree in Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. As for the rest of my siblings, I excitedly await God’s plan for their future. My parents have always impressed upon us the importance of faith, making it central to our family life by surrounding us with the sacraments and by giving us opportunities to further our knowledge of church teachings through classes and retreats. Family relationships are crucial to the upbringing of every child, and, although it was ultimately my decision to discern the priesthood, it would be a lie for me to say that my family didn’t play an essential role in my upbringing in the Catholic Church, my development of faith, and my love of Christ.

The first time I remember thinking about the priestly vocation, and, in fact, the first time that I realized that each person has a specific “calling” from God, was on my first, (of what would become many) Quo Vadis Days diocesan retreat, when I was only ten or eleven years old. I still remember coming away from those yearly vocation-retreats at the seminary with a love for the priesthood (or at least what I perceived to be the priesthood) and a desire to do God’s will. I was told by one of the priests that if I kept up that attitude, that if I kept saying, “Not my will but yours be done,” that God would make clear where I was to go. I guess that’s what you could say has been happening over the last seven years. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have had my share of second guessing and wondering if I really was supposed to be a priest, and by no means have I always followed God’s will perfectly, but I have always tried to remain open to God’s plan for my life.

My pastor of two years, Fr. Niehaus, has been a wonderful aid to my understanding of what the priesthood is. His fatherly example of sacrificial love and service has greatly transformed my idea of “the priest” from my childhood ideology, to the reality of the priest’s mission to save souls by being another (mini) Christ for the world. Now that I am at I.H.M., I can look back and see how God has been working on me, how He has been calling me, even from a young age, and how He has sowed many seeds in my heart, meticulously watering and caring for them through the years. I am looking forward to the following years of formation at the seminary—the structure, discipline, and support that the seminary brings—and the chance to grow evermore in holiness and my relationship with God. My thanks to all of you for your loving prayers and generosity. Please continue to pray for our priests, religious vocations, and for those of us in priestly formation.

In Christ, Ezra Lippert

William Lehn

The Office of Vocations Rev. Will Thompson Director

My name is William Lehn and I wthompson@ dow.org am one of the new seminarians for the Diocese of Winona. I am very happy to be at IHM Seminary; I have been looking forward to this moment for a long time. And when I say a long time, I mean since I was six years old, which is 12 years ago. I was born near St. Cloud MN and spent the first 13 years of my life there before moving down to Hokah MN. I now have three siblings, one older brother, one younger brother and one little sister.

My parents have always held the priesthood up to me and my brothers as an honorable and noble choice. They have always been very supportive of me in my choice to enter the seminary. I was also blessed to have many young, energetic priests in my life from a young age. The priest that was the most involved in getting me involved and interested in the priesthood is Fr. Gregory Mastey, the former Vocations director of the St. Cloud diocese. Both Fr. Greg and other priests that I came into contact with really encouraged me to think about the seminary.

These priests also got me involved in going to vocation camps and other church activities such as the youth group and serving mass.

After moving down into the Diocese of Winona I got involved in going to the Seminary’s Quo Vadis retreats as well as the Information Weekend gatherings. These as well as the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe really kept my prayer life going through my teen years even though life for me was very stressful at points. As previously mentioned, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe was very influential. I began to serve mass there, both Latin and English, and I also got a job there working as a Help Desk attendant and cart driver, and this past summer I worked for them in the maintenance department. I really enjoyed spending time at the Shrine, whether it was to serve and attend mass, or for work. I was around many great people who really supported me in my decision to enter the seminary. And as I worked I also learned a lot from my coworkers who were all very well versed in Catholic doctrine, so I had many good, wholesome conversations even while I was working.

While I was at the Shrine I also came into contact with one of the greatest men that I now know: Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke. I loved being able to talk with him while he was at the Shrine, even though it was never for a very long time.

I look up to his intelligence, calmness and respect for the Church as something to strive for.

What finally drove the decision home was when I sustained a bad head injury in September 2012. I was playing flag football at St. Mary’s and I got hit by an elbow in the face that crushed the lower orbit of my left eye and impacted the bone in my temple into my face three centimeters in. It was by the Grace of God that I do not have serious repercussions from this injury. This hit could have ended my life, but God did not will it to be. Not only did I keep my left eye, God allowed me to keep my 20-20 vision. The realization of this really cemented the desire to go into the seminary for me.

Not all of us have this dramatic of a wakeup call, but many of us do not need that dramatic of an incident. You do not need to be perfect to be perfect to enter the seminary; you just need a desire to find God’s will for you. I am not sure of what my vocation is, and that is why I am at the seminary. God wants what will make you the happiest that you can be in life. And when you join the seminary, you are really trying to find out where God meant you to be in life. It is a win-win choice, if you find that you are going to be happiest as a priest, then you win, if you decide to leave and get married and that is where you will be happiest, then you win. There is comfort in knowing where you are supposed to be in life. And that is what I am questing for; I am searching for what will make me the happiest in life. And that is what God made me for.

Sr. Amata Christi Lippert, O.P. Makes Final Profession

August 29, 2013 (Nashville, TN) –Eleven young women made their perpetual profession of the simple vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia Congregation in Nashville, Tennessee on July 22, 2013.

Among those making final profession was Sister Amata Christi Lippert, O.P., a former member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in Easton, Minnesota and the Diocese of Winona.

Sister Amata Christi is the daughter of Timothy and Dixie Lippert, also parishioners at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. She attended Maple River High School in Mapleton, Minnesota. She received Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Aquinas College in Nashville, Tennessee. She is currently teaching at Saint Thomas Aquinas Regional School in Woodbridge, Virginia.

The Mass for the Rite of Perpetual Religious Profession was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, Tennessee. The Most Reverend David R. Choby, Bishop of Nashville, was the principal celebrant, with the Most Reverend Bernard J. Harrington, Bishop Emeritus of Winona, Minnesota concelebrating. The homilist was Reverend Gabriel Gillen, O.P., Vicar Provincial for Advancement and Director of the Dominican Foundation. Also assisting at the Mass were Reverend Monsignor Thomas Cook and Reverend Thomas Niehaus Sr. Amata Christi Lippert, O.P. of the Diocese of Winona; Reverend David Whiteside of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois; and Reverend David Meng of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia.

In addition to the sisters making final profession of vows, twelve young women professed their first vows in the Congregation of St. Cecilia on July 25, 2013.

The Congregation of Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia was established in Nashville in 1860. The Sisters of St. Cecilia are dedicated to the apostolate of Catholic education. The community of 280 sisters serves in 33 schools throughout the United States, with mission houses also in Sydney, Australia; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Aberdeen, Scotland. The community has recently opened a house of studies in Washington, DC, for its members who serve or study in the capital city. St. Cecilia Motherhouse is located in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information on the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation, please visit their website at www.nashvilledominican.org.

IN THE DIOCESE

The Courier, October 2013 - 7

Premiere Celebration Courage/ EnCourage World cont'd from pg 3

By Deacon Bob Yerhot, MSW, LICSW

I recently had the opportunity to attend the 25th annual Courage Conference in at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, accompanied by several priests from the Diocese of Winona. A few years ago, Bishop Quinn desired to establish a Faith in Action – Courage chapter in our diocese, as has been done in over 100 other dioceses in the United States and throughout the world. I was asked to become involved in this diocesan ministry both as clergy and as a clinical therapist.

Courage -

You may be asking, “What is Faith in Action-Courage?”

Faith in Action-Courage is spiritual support for Catholic men and women with samesex attractions who desire to live chaste lives in accordance with the teachings of the Roman Church. It is also an expression of the Church’s maternal concern for samesex attracted individuals who have this often unique and difficult struggle and who desire to experience the grace of Jesus Christ and his Cross.

Faith in Action- Courage extends the Church’s care for men and women with samesex attraction, many of whom feel isolated and misunderFaith in Action, cont. on pg.12

through some of the most moving stories of his Gospel, such as the creation, the incarnation, the encounter with the first two disciples, the Samaritan woman, the discourses of the good shepherd and the last supper, Judas' betrayal, the resurrection and many others.

The Oxford Times (UK) has declared that the Vocalessence Ensemble Singers "have a blend that could - and should - be the envy of every choir in the business."

Founded in 1991, the Ensemble Singers are acclaimed for their "superbly blended sound" (Birmingham Post, UK), their "exemplary technique" (Minneapolis Star Vocalessence Ensemble Singers.

Tribune) and as "polished, bright and brilliantly balanced," (Times of London).

Enjoy the exclusive Gala at 6 p.m., where you may enjoy exquisite hors d'oeuvres and personally greet Philip Brunelle. Tickets are $100 and they include the concert ticker with preferred seating. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. Concert tickets are $20. For more information visit www.sj.org.

A Presidential Farewell Submitted by Harveen Gluf, CCW President

Things are getting down to the wire as I am in my final days as your Diocesan President.

It has been my pleasure to serve the women of the Winona Diocese as your Council of Catholic Women President. It has been an educational, inspirational, emotional and challenging journey these past 2 years.

Why did God call me to do this job? Well, I said YES because I felt I could do something for this great organization that does so much for so many. My theme, “Go Out and Do Good” was inspired by the

works of Mother Theresa, to inspire all of you to go out and do something for your Parish or others.

If you are in a slump and needing a pick me up for doing something for others be sure to come to the Diocesan Fall Convention Saturday, October 5 starting at 8am at St. Catherine’s Parish, 203 W Brown Street, Luverne, MN. It will be a great day. And help you get on the right track.

You will get to meet Cindy Meling, she will be installed as the new President. And I am excited about her theme: “Rediscover CCW”. So stay tuned and get involved with Council of Catholic Women and Pray for CCW.

Serra Club of Winona hosts Annual Cookout for Seminarians and Priests at IHM Seminary

The Serra Club of Winona held its annual Cook-out for the seminarians and priests of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary on the seminary grounds on the evening of Sept 10. A few Serra Club members grilled the bratwurst while others had prepared salads, hot dishes, desserts and beverages. After the Cook-out the Serrans were invited to join the seminarians and priest in their beautiful chapel for evening prayer. The Serra Club members and the seminarians always look forward to this event each year.

Submitted by Mary Nix

LAY FORMATION

8 - The Courier, October 2013

Course on the Role of the Laity to Begin this Month

By Todd Graff

In an address to new Cardinals in February, 1946, Pope Pius XII spoke of the importance of the laity within the life of the Church: “Lay believers are in the front line of Church life; for them the Church is the animating principle of human society. Therefore, they in particular ought to have an ever-clearer consciousness not only of belonging to the Church, but of being the Church.… They are the Church.”

During this year in which we are celebrating the 15th anniversary of our diocesan INSTITUTE OF LAY MINISTRY, the Office of Lay Formation will offer a course on the essential and important role and vocation that lay women and men have within the Church. Entitled, “The Call of the Laity,” the course will explore the Church’s teaching and theology on the role of the laity within the life of the Church and of the world, and guide participants in reflecting on their own call to discipleship and ecclesial service.

There has been much development within the Church’s teaching on the laity since Pope Pius XII’s strong and affirming words in the mid 20th century.

In particular, the Second Vatican Council recognized the essential role that the laity plays in bringing the gospel to life in the everyday world: “[Lay people] live in the world, in the ordinary circumstances of family and social life, from which the very web of their existence is woven. … [They] are called in a special way to make the Church present and operative where only through them can she become the salt of the earth” (“Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy,” #31, #33).

The Council Fathers taught that, while living out their distinct call to holiness within the “ordinary” events of their lives, lay women and men also share in the mission of Jesus: “Lay people, too,

sharing in the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ, play their part in the mission of the whole people of God in the church and in the world” (“Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, #2).

What followed the Council as well was a much greater participation of the laity in the activities and ministry of the Church. Pope Paul VI recognized this new reality within the life of the Church and within the lives of its lay members. In his 1975 statement on the Church’s mission of evangelization, he wrote: “The laity can also feel called, or be in fact called, to cooperate with their pastors in the service of the ecclesial community, for the sake of its growth and life. This can be done through the exercise of different kinds of ministries according to the grace and charisms which the Lord has been pleased to bestow on them” (Evangelii Nuntiandi, #73).

And, of course, there has been much further development of this teaching on the laity during the pontificates of Blessed Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI….

The course, “The Call of the Laity,” is being offered to the alumni of the Institute of Lay Ministry, to prospective students of the Institute, and to anyone interested in learning more about the role of the laity in the Church.

Course sessions will include presentation of and reflection on the Church’s teaching on the laity, and sharing by and discussion with theologians and lay leaders actively living out their lay vocations.

Four Saturday course sessions will be held during the 2013-14 year: October 19, 2013; November 16, 2013; February 22, 2014; and March 29, 2014.

All sessions will be held at the Alverna Center in

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

Winona. Participants may attend any or all of the sessions. A modest registration fee is requested to participate in the course.

To learn more and/or to receive course registration information, contact Todd Graff in the diocesan Office of Lay Formation (507-8581270 / tgraff@dow.org). …Our Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, in a 2009 address to church leaders in the Diocese of Rome, echoed the words of his predecessor, Pius XII, as he stated: “There is still a tendency to identify the Church unilaterally with the hierarchy, forgetting the common responsibility, the common mission of the People of God, which, in Christ we all share…. This demands a change in mindset, particularly concerning lay people. They must no longer be viewed as ‘collaborators’ of the clergy but truly recognized as ‘co-responsible’ for the Church’s being and action.”

As laity, let us embrace more deeply this invitation to be “co-responsible” for the Church’s mission and ultimately for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Deo gratias!

The Laity's call to holiness is a gift from the Holy Spirit. Their response is a gift to the Church and to the world. – U.S. Catholic Bishops, “Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium”

Join veteran tour leader Father John Vakulskas for a special

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

Moser Rides

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

Prayer for Priests

O Jesus, Eternal Priest, keep Thy priests within the shelter of Thy Sacred Heart, where none may touch them. Keep unstained their anointed hands, which daily touch Thy Sacred Body. Keep unsullied their lips, daily purpled with Thy Precious Blood. Keep pure and unworldly their hearts, sealed with the sublime mark of the priesthood. Let Thy Holy Love surround them from the world's contagion. Bless their labors with abundant fruit, and may the souls to whom they minister be their joy and consolation here and their everlasting crown hereafter. Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for us: obtain for us numerous and holy priests. Amen.

October 2013

Year of Faith Special Edition Insert of The Courier

Year of Faith 2012 - 2013

Celebrating the End of Year of Faith In this Issue Cont'd from page 1

A Year of Faith Closing Celebration

All the Details!

More on YOF pages 2-3

The Time is Now

gratitude for the many gifts received from the Father this Year of Faith; to proclaim our treasure of faith—a personal and transforming relationship with Christ; and to receive the strength to continue in our journey of faith. The Year of Faith will officially end on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, on November 24, 2013. On Wednesday, October 30, all the faithful are invited to come together for an evening and celebrate their journey of faith in smaller communities, by deanery, while being united with the whole diocesan community.

As the diocese celebrates the closing of the Year of Faith, the faithful are invited to reflect on how the treasure of our faith can continue to impact the world we live in. On September 7, 2013, Pope Francis led a day of fasting and prayer for peace in light of the suffering in Syria. In his homily, he said, “My Christian faith urges me to look to the Cross. How I wish that all men and women of good will would look to the Cross if only for a moment! There, we can see God’s reply: violence is not answered with violence… In the silence of the Cross, the uproar of weapons ceases and the language of reconciliation, forgiveness, dialogue, and peace is spoken…. Look upon your brother’s sorrow—I think of the children, look upon these—look upon your brother’s sorrow, and do not add to it, rebuild the harmony that has been shattered; not by conflict but by encounter!” In response to Pope Francis’ call for peace in Syria, free-will offerings received at the closing celebration events will go towards the efforts of Catholic Near East Welfare Association in Syria. If offering checks, participants may write checks out to the “Diocese of Winona” with a notation “For Syria.”

Teams of persons serving different parishes came together during the year to plan these events (see page 4) based on the perceived needs and diversity of the faithful in each deanery. Although the events in each of the deaneries may differ, there is no difference as to whether they increase or diminish the one faith. In the encyclical, Lumen Fidei, by Pope Francis, we read, “by professing the same faith, we stand firm on the same rock, we are transformed by the same Spirit of love, we radiate one light…” Come with family and friends to celebrate the closing of the Year of Faith with Holy Mass, the Rosary, catechesis on the saints, presentations on vocations, the Second Vatican Council, or through other

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis guided the church in rediscovering the content of faith during the Year of Faith. faith-filled activities. Uniting all the events in the Diocese in the faith is a diocesan wide airing of Bishop John M. Quinn’s message for the closing of the Year of Faith. Following the celebration, Bishop Quinn’s message will be available on the diocesan website (www.dow.org). For more information on the schedule of events, volunteering opportunities, and registration for meals, please visit the diocesan website: www.dow.org/YearofFaith/Events.aspx.

The Rosary, Our Help in Need

As part of the Marian Day of celebration during the Year of Faith, Pope Francis will consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on October 13, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. Cardinal Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, remarked in a letter to Bishop Antonio Marto of Leiria-Fatima that, “The Holy Father strongly desires that the Marian Day may have present, as a special sign, one of the most significant Marian icons for Christians throughout the world, and, for that reason, we thought of the beloved original statue of Our Lady of Fatima.” At Fatima, Our Lady urged prayer and devotion to her Immaculate Heart. In this month of the Rosary, we reflect on the power of the Rosary, especially through indulgences, for the salvation of souls.

Eleven years ago this month, Pope Bl. John Paul II issued an Apostolic Letter on the Holy Rosary. What he wrote in that document could have been written today, when our hearts are preoccupied about Syria and the multiplying threats to the Christian family. Drawing attention in particular to the tragedy of 9/11/01, unrest in the Holy Land, and the disintegration of the family, he celebrated the Holy Rosary as “a prayer for peace” and a devotion to be carried out by the family and for the family (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, October 16, 2002, nn. 6, 39-42).

A little known fact about the Rosary, moreover, is its power to liberate souls from Purgatory and to satisfy all of the damage we have caused in ourselves by our sins.

That is, the Church, in her tender love for her children, has attached indulgences to the devout praying of the Rosary. Indeed, when one who is detached from sin receives Holy Communion and sacramental absolution and prays an Our Father and Hail Mary for the intentions of the Holy Father, a plenary indulgence can be obtained for praying the Holy Rosary in the following circumstances: - In a church or public chapel (oratory); - In a family, religious community, or association of the faithful; - In a gathering of the faithful for some honest purpose; - Together with the Holy Father’s recitation of it broadcast on radio or television.

And in all other circumstances, even a partial indulgence can be obtained if it is recited without interruption (Manual of Indulgences, no. 17, §1).

During this month of the Holy Rosary, let us give gratitude for Our Lady’s protection of our diocese and seek to deepen our understanding of the mysteries of her Son, Christ Jesus.

By: Sr. Mary Juanita Gonsalves, R.S.M. and Mr. William Daniel, J.C.L.

Become an Endow facilitator!

More on YOF page 4

2 - Year of Faith, October 2013

Calendar Of Events

The Truth of Our Faith

Year of Faith, October 2013 - 3

4 - Year of Faith, October 2013

Living Our Faith in Society

Finding Truth

In a world with an "information superhighway," it is often difficult to sort through all the noise and find the truth. The secular media ran wild with accusaTheresa Martin, tions of what they Endow believed Pope Coordinator Francis meant in the interview he gave. "Finally changing archaic beliefs," "the pope is not against abortion anymore" and many other false, but catchy headlines can be unsettling to some.

What gets to me is when someone says, "finally a pope who will change the Church's view on women." This person is greatly misinformed. The loud secular opinion of what the Church's "view on women" is could not be further from the truth.

We don't need a pope who will change the Church's view on women; we need the faithful of the Church to take a hard look at the Truth of what the Church truly believes about women. The gentle, beautiful truth is that once you begin to honestly dig into the teachings of the Church, you will see that the Catholic Church holds women and womanhood

on a higher pedestal than society ever has. You will see that what the Church preaches about the beauty of the feminine resonates with the heart of each woman. You will see that of all the Saints, it is a WOMAN who holds the highest place, Mother Mary most holy.

Throughout Church history, women have played enormously powerful leadership roles. For one quick example, we can look to St. Catherine of Siena. She convinced the pope to return to Rome and ended the schism, but there are many more.

The mere fact that women cannot be priests does not make their role or importance in the Church any less. Are men considered less because they can not bear the immense gift of God placing a new human person in their womb?

There are many leadership roles women do play in the Church and many more that Pope John Paul II urged us to consider as well as a recent suggestion by Pope Francis to further develop these ideas.

We need to educate ourselves with the facts. This is what ENDOW does.

It goes through the Church documents so you can see for yourself what the Church thinks about women ... and be prepared to be blown away.

How beautiful you are! Register TODAY for the Endow training! (Info to the right.)

Some ladies have been having trouble signing up with a group or for the Facilitator Training, so let me take you step by step. (Also, please note that more groups will be beginning after the November training. So, if you don't see a group in your area just yet - check back soon! Or come to the training so you can start your own!)

Step 1: go to www.endowgroups.org

Step 2: Click on the box that says "Join A Group" Step 3: Double-click on the State of Minnesota on the map.

Step 4: Click on "Letter to Women - MN" for a Study Group OR click on "Letter to Women Facilitator Training" to Sign Up for our November 9 Training!

Step 5:

Find a group near you and "Add to Cart" to join!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

Act of Faith

O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches because you have revealed them who are eternal truth and wisdom, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. In this faith I intend to live and die. Amen.

The Courier, October 2013 - 9

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Meet our New Administrators All biographies were submitted by the new principal or his or her staff.

Deborah Beach St. Felix, Wabasha

Kari Smith St. Mary's Catholic School, Worthington

The Office of

Catholic Schools Marsha Stenzel Superintendent mstenzel@dow. org

Kathleen Segna

St. Felix Catholic School in Wabasha is honored and blessed to welcome Mrs. Deborah Beach as their new elementary principal. Mrs. Beach comes to us from Winona with 26 years of experience in education.

She has outstanding credentials in the area of teaching with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She furthered her studies to add coursework in Special Education and a Masters in Teaching and Learning.

This past June, she attended the ACE Principal’s Academy at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend Indiana.

Mrs. Beach just recently finished 18 years of teaching at St. Mary’s Primary in Winona and has been a remediation specialist, preschool and kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Beach has a strong commitment to Catholic education and building strong, faith relationships in the students of St. Felix.

Mrs. Beach is an asset to the St. Felix School and has great visions and expectations for the school family. She wants to continue to offer a strong faith-based education, where prayer is integrated throughout the day. Next, she would like to encourage positive relationships that foster respect and trust in a learning community that will stay with the children well beyond their formative years. Lastly, Mrs. Beach wants to create an environment where children feel a sense of belonging and want to be active members of the St. Felix Catholic School community.

Mrs. Beach exemplifies the values and standards that St. Felix’s school system has strived for and has held for many years.

Deborah has been happily married for twenty-six years to a wonderful man named Bill. Together they have two children named Zach and Emma.

They reside in rural Winona.

Greetings from Southwest Minnesota.

My name is Kari Smith and I am the newest addition to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Worthington, Minnesota. Growing up in the small town of Wilmont, and graduating from Worthington Public Schools, I found myself choosing the University of South Dakota to further my education, where I obtained a Bachelors degree in education, Masters and Specialist Degree in Administration.

My life took many turns over the years including time at the Great Plains Zoo as an Education Specialist, a stint as a Librarian at Augustana College and tenure as a Special Education teacher in Sioux Falls and Harrisburg South Dakota. My experience as a teacher lead me to administration. Having had two years of assistant administration experience, I felt a calling to utilize my administrative skills and experience in a faith based school. As the Principal of St. Mary’s school, my mission is to create an atmosphere that is rich in education, family and faith.

Kathleen Segna St. Mary's School, Owatonna I am Kathleen Segna, the principal of St. Mary’s School’s School in Owatonna. This is my first year at St. Mary’s and I am excited to be here! I received my pre-k through elementary degree from Mankato State, my Masters in Education from St. Scholastica in Duluth and my Ed. Specialist degree through the College of St. Thomas.

I live outside of Montgomery with my husband, Logan. We have two adult children, Bryce and Rachel. My

son Bryce, his wife Stacey and their son Aiden, 1 ½, live in Chaska, and my daughter Rachel and her husband Brandon live in Winona. Presently I am in a Spanish cohort through the College of St. Thomas. This past June I had the opportunity to visit the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the site where Our Lady spoke to Juan Diego.

St. Mary’s School has implemented a new part time elementary position for this fall, a Learning Center Coordinator/teacher. This position will help St. Mary’s better serve our students. The coordinator/teacher of the Learning Center will help identify student needs and provide and coordinate interventions. This teacher will also review and breakdown the data of our AIMS, NWEA, DRA, Fluency Probes, SOAR and Title programs.

This fall we are excited to implement our chromebooks with our jr. high students. We are also looking forward to having our grade 8 students participate in a ‘first ever’ week long mission trip following their 8th grade graduation in May. The St. Mary’s School community will also be busy this year as we begin the self study for the renewal of our accreditation.

St. Mary’s is excited to begin the 2013-2014 year living out our mission: Partnering with families to develop a student’s full potential in Mind, Body, and Spirit through Catholic values.

Dr. O'Toole Lourdes High School, Rochester Hi! I am Joe O’Toole Jr., the Interim Principal at Lourdes High School. I am beyond excited to be in my new role and present to a wonderful student body, a gifted faculty and staff and an engaged, supportive community of parents. My faith and family are the center of my life. It is with the grace of faith and the support of

Dr. O'Toole the lovely and talented Mrs. “O” that I am able to do what I do.

My work history includes time spent as a police officer, successful business developer and owner, elementary education leader, college professor and a long enthusiastic history of involvement in Catholic education.

I had the best educational experience of my life with the Christian Brothers and Franciscan priests. I have postsecondary degrees including undergraduate degrees in Police Science and Administration, Organizational Management and Ethics, a Graduate degree in Theology and Ministry and a post-graduate degree in Theology and Spirituality. In my Philadelphia experience, I developed and prepared an adult faith formation program entitled S.T.A.F.F. 4 Life that was eventually copyrighted. I developed, designed and prepared curricula for both Cabrini College and the Diocese of Camden (NJ). The courses – Contemporary Spirituality and Ecclesiology – that I designed, implemented and taught became my doctoral thesis work for which teaching manuals were published.

Of course, my most cherished teaching experience happened last academic year when I joined the Faculty here at Lourdes in the Theology Department teaching my favorite of all courses – Ecclesiology.

Lourdes High School- what a blessing to our community. Our new home is beyond description, a graced filled home to our students and staff. I sit here looking out the window of the Principal’s office and I am in grateful awe, of the giants, the visionaries, who have gone before us to provide us with our new home and to position us at the threshold of the next golden age of Lourdes. We are eternally and prayerfully humbled and excited to continue our journey.

Come see us. I’ll give you the Principal’s tour.

10 -The Courier, October 2013

Ask Father Vogel:

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

good. God created us with the ability to perceive the true good. However, original sin and actual sin (sin we commit ourselves) clouds our judgement. It is like looking at a foggy bathroom mirror. The further we are from God, the more trapped in sin we become, the foggier the mirror Fr. Andrew Vogel becomes, the better the chances of us choosing something that appears Science can attempt to tell us how (human) life good, but is actually evil. The closer we are to exists, but it can't tell us why. Am I here by accident God, the more holy we are, the clearer the mirror or is there a reason why I'm here? All our searches becomes, the better our ability becomes to choose for truth is in some way an attempt to answer the question, "What is the meaning of life?" According the true good, the better our ability to recognize to the Baltimore Catechism, God made us to know and choose to do the right thing.

The first sin was committed by Lucifer, the Angel Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, of Light.

He was the highest, greatest, smartest being and to be happy with Him forever in heaven. This is the meaning of life to. To know, love, and serve in creation. However, pride got to him and he decidGod in this world and to be happy with Him forever ed not to be obedient to his Creator, God. He talked in heaven. So the end goal is heaven. Now as with other angels into making war against St. Michael the all journeys, there are things that help us reach and our destinations and there are things that prevent angels who us from reaching our destinations. Prayer, Mass stayed true to attendance, receiving Communion and Confession God. Lucifer on a regular basis, doing corporal works of mercy, lost and the being loving to others...these things help us get to angels that with heaven. Sin in some ways is anything that leads were him were us away from our goal of reaching heaven. Or as the New Saint Joseph First Communion Catechism b a n i s h e d says, "Sin is disobedience to God's laws." Or sin is from heaven went simply, saying “No� to God. You could also say sin and down to Hell is saying "No" to God's love and goodness. with him But why does sin and evil even exist? If God is Goodness itself, love itself, and He created the and became and universe, how is it that sin and evil exist? These Satan the demons. questions come up more readily when tragedies is happen. The answer is God took a gamble and won. Satan In order to allow us to love Him, we have to be able obsessed with to choose Him. In order to choose Him, we have to dragging as have the ability to reject Him, to reject His love for many souls with us. Therefore, one could argue philosophically that down sin is not something in and of itself, but rather a him. So he lack of God's goodness and love. Just as darkness caused Adam is the absence of light. Or that coldness is a lack and Eve to sin, of heat. Or that black is the absence of color (light) thus hoping to being reflected back to our eyes. Thus sin is the drag all of humanity down with him. In some ways, Lucifer accomplished his goal. The sin of Adam and absence of God. Philosophy says we always choose a perceived Eve closed the gates of heaven. However, God had other plans: the incarnation of the Second Person

What is the meaning of (human) life?

The Office of Youth & Young Adults

of the Trinity, the Cross, and the Resurrection. Jesus reopened the gates of heaven. "God the Son became man to satisfy for the sins of Ben Frost all men and to help everybody to gain heaven." (Baltimore Director Catechism, 30) So bfrost@dow.org we inherit both. In our being born of the human race, as a descendent of Adam and Eve, we are born with original sin on our soul; we are born without salvific grace in our souls. While original sin is there we cannot love God as we should. However, in our Baptism, we gain the graces of Christ's saving work on the Cross. We again have the ability to love God as we should. Baptism washes original sin off of our souls. However, original sin leaves our souls weak.

Thus, we often think of pleasing ourselves more than God. (Baltimore Catechism, 20) For a human person to commit a sin, three things are necessary. First, the act itself has to be evil, a depravity of good. Second, the person has to know that it is an evil act. Third, the person has to freely choose it.

Some Protestants believe sin is sin and there is no difference in the severity of sin. In some ways they are right. All sin distances us from God. All sin deserves death. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:23 (NIV) However, as Catholics, we believe there are sins that only hurt our friendship to God and there are others that make us enemies of God. (Baltimore Catechism, 25) "If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God and he will give him life. This is only for those whose sin is not deadly. There is such a thing as deadly sin, about which I do not say that you should pray. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly." (1 John 5:16-17, NAB) The Apostle John is obviously making a distinction between two "levels" of sin. The first level, venial sin, one can just pray and God will restore the spiritual life within. However, there is a second level where praying is not enough. So Catholics would say for some types of sin, mortal sin, asking God for forgiveness in prayer is not enough. One needs to seek out the Sacrament of Reconciliation in order to get that sin, that mortal sin, forgiven.

Sin has real consequences. My sin not only affects me, but it effects everyone. Now if I commit a sin, such as stealing from a store, not only will I be put in jail, but in the end, everyone has to pay higher prices when they purchase things so that the store can still make up for the lost profit on the things that were stolen. We are all one Body, the Body of Christ. Just as in the human body, when one organ isn't functioning correctly it affects the whole body, so too when one part of the Body of Christ is not in harmony of God's will, it affects the whole Body of Christ.

In the end though, we must not think of actions in terms of simply right and wrong. Actions are right and wrong because they either help our relationship with God or they hinder our relationship with God. Christianity is not first a list of dos and don'ts, but rather a relationship of persons; the relationship of the human person with the three divine Persons of the Trinity. We must strive to purify our relationship with the three Persons of the Trinity. It is this exchange of love between us and the three Persons of the Trinity that should govern our actions. It is this love between us the Three Persons of the Trinity that should propel us to holiness and Heaven and away from sin.

EVANGELIZATION & APOLOGETICS

The Courier, October 2013 - 11

Lukewarmness - part 2: Laodicea on the Limelight.

7th Promise of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: "Lukewarm souls shall become fervant."

By: Raymond de Souza

"You guard against great faults," says St. Augustine, "but what do you do in regard to light faults? You have shaken the mountain: take care that you be not crushed by a heap of sand." What was he talking about? It was about the habit we folks tend to form of being careful to avoid grievous falls, mortal sins, but we do not fear not small ones – venial sins; you are not deprived of life by the great rock of any mortal sin, but beware, says the Saint, lest by a multitude of venial sins you be crushed as by a heap of sand. We all know that only mortal sin kills the soul, and that venial sins, however great their number, cannot rob the soul of divine grace.

Saint Alphonsus Liguori explains it well: it is also necessary to understand that the habit of committing light faults without remorse, and without an effort to correct them, gradually deprives us of the gift of the Holy Spirit called the holy fear of God; and when the holy fear of God is lost, it is

easy to pass from venial sins to mortal sins. By despising light faults we expose ourselves to the danger of falling into perfect insensibility. He that disregards small offenses is in danger of general insensibility, so that afterwards he shall feel no horror even of mortal sins.

Our Lord says to the angel of the Church of Laodicea - the diocesan Bishop - through St. John, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot”.

This is the state of a lukewarm soul, neither cold nor hot. The lukewarm person is one that does not dare offend God knowingly and willingly, but is one that neglects to strive after a more perfect life, and hence easily gives himself up to his passions.

Saint Alphonsus applies this teaching to the lukewarm priest: He ‘is not manifestly cold, because he does not commit mortal sins knowingly and delibMonday, October 14 erately; but he neglects to seek after 7:15 a.m. – Sacred Heart, Owatonna the perfection to which he is bound by 8:30 a.m. – Good Shepherd, Jackson Tuesday, October 15 the obligations of his state. He makes 8 a.m. – St. Ann, Janesville little of venial sins, he commits many of 12:05 p.m. - St. Francis Xavier, Windom them every day without scruple, by lies, 5:15 p.m. – St. John Vianney, Fairmont by intemperance in eating and drinkWednesday, October 16 ing, by imprecations, by distraction at 8:30 a.m. – St. Patrick, LeRoy the Office and Mass, by detractions, by 7 p.m. – St. Mary, Madelia Thursday, October 17 jests opposed to modesty: he leads a life 8:15 a.m. – St. John the Baptist, Mankato of dissipation in the midst of worldly 8:30 a.m. – St. Adrian, Adrian business and amusements; he cherishes 2 p.m. – Thorncrest Nursing Home,Albert Lea dangerous desires and attachments; full Friday, October 18 of vainglory, of human respect and self8:30 a.m. – Our Lady of Good Counsel, Wilmont esteem, he cannot bear a contradiction 9 a.m. – Holy Family, Kasson or a disrespectful word; he neglects men9:45 a.m. – Gladagh House, La Crescent tal prayer, and is destitute of piety’.

Saturday, October 19 Making allowances to the differences 8 a.m. – Holy Family, East Chain in vocation, I add, most if not all of this 8:30 a.m. – St. Rose of Lima, Lewiston can also be applied to us lay folks as 6 p.m. – Holy Spirit, Rochester 7 p.m. – St. Aloysius, Elba well!

Sunday, October 20 Saint Alphonsus continues: ‘The 8:30 a.m. – St. Gabriel, Fulda lukewarm Christian is like a sick man 10:30 a.m. – St. Anthony, Westbrook who has labored under many light dis11 a.m. – St. John Baptist de La Salle, eases, which, because they are incessant, Dodge Center reduce him to such a state of weakness, Monday, October 21 8:30 a.m. – St. Columbanus, Blooming that as soon as he is attacked by any Prairie serious disease, that is, by a strong Tuesday, October 22 temptation, he has not strength to resist, 8:30 a.m. – Sacred Heart, Hayfield and falls, but falls with greater ruin’.

9 a.m. – St. Theodore, Albert Lea Lukewarmness is something like Wednesday, October 23 5:15 p.m. – St. Leo, Pipestone AIDS, I suggest. It does not kill you Thursday, October, 24 immediately, but wrecks your immune 8 a.m. – St. Bernard, Stewartville system, and the anything can kill you 8:30 a.m. – St. Ignatius, Spring Valley afterwards, even a common cold.

2 p.m. - Oak Park Place, Albert Lea So the Lord continues to address 4 p.m. – St. Joseph, Owatonna the lukewarm bishop (the ‘angel’ of the Friday, October 25 7:30 a.m. – Queen of Angels, Austin Church), saying, ‘I wish you were cold 8:30 a.m. – St. Mary, Caledonia or hot, but because you are lukewarm, I Saturday, October 26 will begin to vomit you out of My mouth.’

8:30 a.m. - Sacred Heart, Waseca Let him that finds himself miserably Sunday, October 27 fallen into the state of lukewarmness, 8 a.m. – St. Vincent de Paul, West consider these words and tremble’, says Concord 6 p.m. – Holy Spirit, Rochester the Saint.

Monday, October 28 ‘I wish that you were cold! Better, 8:30 a.m. St. Mary, Chatfield says the Lord, that you were cold, that Tuesday, October 29 is, deprived of my grace, for then there 5:15 p.m. – St. John Vianney, Fairmont should be greater reason to hope for your Wednesday, October 30 recovery from so miserable a state; but 9:30 a.m. – St. Columban, Preston Thursday, October 31 by remaining in it, you shall be exposed 8:30 a.m. – St. Anthony, Altura to greater danger of rushing into griev-

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: Tuesday, October 1 8:30 a.m. – St. Anthony, Lismore 8:30 a.m. – Ss. Peter and Paul, Blue Earth Wednesday, October 2 8 a.m. – Holy Redeemer, Eyota Thursday, October 3 9 a.m. – Christ the King, Byron 10 am. – St. Paul, Minnesota City 2 p.m. – St. Johns Health Care Center, Albert Lea 5:15 p.m. – St. Mary, Winona Friday, October 4 6 p.m. – St. Mary, Geneva Saturday, October 5 4:30 p.m. – St. Augustine, Austin Sunday, October 6 8:30 a.m. – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Currie Monday, October 7 8:30 a.m. – St. Luke, Sherburn 4:30 p.m. – Holy Trinity, Rollingstone Tuesday, October 8 8 a.m. – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Easton 8 a.m. – St. James, St. James 8 a.m. – St. Pius X, Rochester 8:30 a.m. – St. Finbarr, Grand Meadow 8:30 a.m. – Resurrection, Rochester 5:15 p.m. – St. Mary, Worthington Wednesday, October 9 7 a.m. – Ss Peter and Paul, Mankato 8:30 a.m. – St. Kilian, St. Kilian Thursday, October 10 8 a.m. –St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles 9 a.m. – Immaculate Conception, Conception 9 a.m. – Pax Christi, Rochester 12:10 p.m. – St. John the Evangelist, Rochester 2 p.m. – Good Samaritan, Albert Lea 3:15 – Colonial Manor, Lakefield Friday, October 11 8 a.m. – St. Felix, Wabasha 8:30 a.m. – St. Joachim, Plainview 10 a.m. – St. Mary of the Lake Nursing Home, Lake City Saturday, October 12 5 p.m. – St. Francis de Sales, Claremont Sunday, October 13 8 a.m. – St. Francis of Assisi, Rochester 8 a.m. – St. James, Twin Lakes 8:30 a.m. – St. Mary, Minneiska 11:30 a.m. – Sacred Heart, Waseca

The Office of Evangelization & Apologetics Raymond de Souza Director rdesouza@ dow.org

ous sins without any hope of ever emerging from them.

Although he that is cold is worse than he that is lukwearm, yet the condition of the lukewarm is worse, since the danger of falling is greater, without any hope of recovery.

The great St. Bernard of Clervaux says that it is easier to convert a wicked layman than a lukewarm ecclesiastic. St Alphonsus Liguori adds that ‘it is easier to bring an infidel to the faith, to convert a Moslem, than to renew a lukewarm Christian in the spirit of fervor’. And Cassian has said that he saw many sinners consecrate themselves to God with their whole heart, but that he knew no one that had risen from tepidity to fervor.’

‘I will begin to vomit you out of My mouth.

Let us conclude the exposition of this text of the Apocalypse. Lukewarm water it is taken with great difficulty, because it provokes vomiting. This precisely is what the Lord has threatened against the tepid soul. I will begin to vomit you out of My mouth. In other words, God begins to vomit forth the tepid man, because as long as he perseveres in his lukewarmness, he creates in Jesus nausea, until finally at his death the Lord vomits him entirely, and he is forever separated from Christ. The lukewarm man is in danger of being vomited forth by God, that is, of being abandoned without hope of remedy.

‘This is what the Lord means by vomiting the soul out of his mouth; because everyone have a great horror of taking back what they vomit, so God has a horror of the lukewarm whom he has vomited forth. How does God begin to vomit forth the lukewarm priest? He ceases to give him any longer these loving calls [this precisely means to be vomited forth from the mouth of God], these spiritual consolations, these good desires. In fine, he shall be deprived of spiritual unction. The unhappy man will go to meditation, but shall make it with great boredom, dissipation, and unwillingness.

‘Then he shall by degrees begin to omit it, and thus shall cease to recommend himself to God by petitions for his graces, and by neglecting to ask the Divine graces he shall always become more poor, and shall go from bad to worse. He shall say or attend Mass and the Office, but they shall be a source of demerit rather than of merit. He shall perform all his functions with difficulty and by force, or without devotion. You shall, says the Lord, be anointed all over with oil, but you shall remain without unction. The Mass, the Divine Office, preaching, hearing confessions, assisting the dying, attending at funerals, are exercises that should excite new fervor; but after all these functions you shall remain dry, without peace, dissipated, agitated by a thousand temptations. I will begin to vomit you out of my mouth.

All those who are true devotees of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – either priests or laymen – can, if they so wish, be taken away of this sorry state of lukewarmness into the state of fervor. More on that in the next article. www.RaymonddeSouza.com

12 - The Courier, October 2013

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Petition the Government on Immigration By: Deacon Eduardo Fortini

Dear Courier reader, Recalling our Constitutional Right from the 1st Amendment: “Petition the Government”, I would like to encourage you to write to the Speaker of the House and also copy the President of the United States who said “Senate immigration bill would pass House if it got a vote”.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Catholic Bishops from MN and our Bishop John Quinn, inspired by the Holy Spirit, are asking Catholics all across the Country to act to finally have the Senate Bill 744 turned into law. Let’s make effective our democratic system of checks and balances reminding the Speaker of the House that he shouldn’t make

decisions disconnecting from the Senate, the whole House and the American Latino vote who clearly spoke on this issue at the last presidential elections deter- Director of the Office mining the result. of Hispanic Ministry For your convenience I have written the draft (to the right) with the proper addresses.

Let’s do our best, under the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to convince John Boehner to put the Senate Bill on the House’s floor for a vote. Let’s have an ocean of Catholic requests by the Speaker of the House’s door.

Courage: Faith in Action cont'd from pg 7

stood within the Church and the world, individuals who are uncertain how they can find help within the Church, uncertain how to find people who will take a real interest in them and show them the love of Christ and the Church’s affection for them.

It is the aim of each chapter to help men and women live chaste lives and to learn what the Church teaches about human sexuality and the nature of the human person. Faith in Action-Courage offers the opportunity for those with same-sex attractions to come together, under the guidance of a chaplain, to develop chaste friendships, pray together, support each other, and experience God’s forgiveness and love especially in the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

Just like our Lord Jesus, the Church and the Faith in Action - Courage apostolate treat each person as a unique individual. It offers fraternal support and encouragement to persevere in virtue, and break through the isolation that often is felt even in the Church. Faith in Action-Courage members give each other the encouragement that is needed to grow in virtue, especially the virtue of chastity.

Chastity is often thought of nowadays as burdensome, but in fact it is directed toward freedom, true freedom coming from peaceful minds and hearts. It is not a worldly freedom that gives into self-indulgence, but rather a freedom oriented toward generosity and self-forgetfulness. It is a freedom to love purely, generously, and selflessly. It is a virtue necessary for true friendship. Indeed, one of the goals of Faith in Action - Courage is development of chaste and enduring friendships that serve as sources of encouragement and hope for those struggling with same-sex attractions.

In the context of chaste friendship, people with same-sex attraction need never lose hope or be locked into shame but rather rejoice in the love God has for them as men and women made in the image of God himself.

It is important to know that Faith in Action-Courage is a spiritual support apostolate. It is not a therapy group. It does not focus on changing someone’s sexual orientation. It does encourage everyone to embrace one’s masculinity (in the case of a man) or one’s femininity (in the case of a woman). Thus,we avoid the labels of “gay” or “lesbian.”

Along with Faith in Action - Courage, there is EnCourage. Whereas Faith in Action - Courage is for same-sex attracted men and women, EnCourage is aimed at the parents, siblings, relatives and friends of same-sex individuals. Many times parents will contact us expressing confusion and uncertainty how to respond to and love a child who is involved in same-sex relationships. EnCourage provides them the support needed to maintain loving relationships. It helps them come to a greater peace of mind and heart and relief from disquieting feelings of confusion and shame. It helps them understand that they are not responsible for adult children’s decisions to pursue homosexual activity but they can encourage them to live chaste lives. EnCourage offers faithful witness to Catholic teaching on sexual morality while meeting the needs of its members with charity and compassion.

In short, Faith in Action - Courage and EnCourage are reminders that the Church does not reject persons with same-sex attractions; all persons with same-sex attraction have a right to be welcomed into the Church community. We come to the Church as we are, with the intention and desire to do God’s will. To quote soon-to-be St. John Paul II, “Courage is the work of God.” We welcome anyone who may be experiencing same-sex attractions and who desire to live chastely, or family and friends of those who do, to contact us for additional information. You may do so confidentially via email at: courage@dow.org or by calling Peter Martin, Director of the Office of Life, Marriage and Family at (507) 858-1264.

John Boehner Office of the Speaker H-232 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Dear Mr. Speaker of the House, Recent news reports indicate that the House of Representative is not going to bring its own version of comprehensive immigration reform legislation forward for a vote by the full House this fall. If this is true, I am writing to ask you to allow the 435 representatives of the House to vote on the Senate’s immigration reform legislation (as passed in Senate Bill 744).

As Speaker of the House, it is your duty to put the needs of our country first, and I believe strongly that our country is best served with regard to this critical issue by allowing all 435 representatives to have a vote on the bipartisan bill passed by the Senate. The critical work done by the four Republican senators, the four Democratic senators, and the Senate Judiciary Committee resulted in the final outcome of 68 favorable votes in the full Senate for this legislation. The House of Representatives should honor this important legislative work and take up this issue as it’s been worked on in the Senate as soon as possible.

Our broken immigration system must be fixed without further delay. The President and now the Senate have both done their part to bring about comprehensive immigration reform in our nation. It is now the House’s turn to act. I appeal to you to put the Senate Bill up for a vote in the House and to provide for a truly democratic response on this issue.

Our economy, especially the productivity and success of our agricultural system, is deeply affected by our government’s lack of response on this issue over many years.

We need to provide a path for the millions of our undocumented workers to gain citizenship. These men and women, by their hard work in the fields of our country from coast to coast, help bring food to our plates every day and keep our economy going. Let us reach out with both justice and compassion to those who help to feed us each day.

Thank you for considering my views on this issue, and I urge you to act now!

Sincerely yours, CC To The President of the United States of America Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 2050

IN THE DIOCESE

Unexpected

Blessings

A Simple, Very Imperfect Fiat Submitted by: Kathy Szymanski, mother, author, and parishioner of All Saints in New Richland.

Once upon a time (1976 to be exact) my fiancé and I were sitting in a pre-Cana class listening to a very pregnant couple (something like number SEVEN! Can you imagine that?) talk about Natural Family Planning. Honestly I was paying little attention. Their presentation was brief and ended with an invitation for anyone to come and talk with them afterward at the break. My dearly beloved nudged me and said, “Let’s go talk to them….” I rolled my eyes, but simply to please HIM, I agreed.

We were both cradle Catholics, but I had never really thought about birth control. I figured the Pill or an IUD, even though I knew Catholic teaching.

It didn’t really matter much to me. My spouse-to-be had other ideas. He had no idea of the WHY behind Church teaching, but there was no way he (or me, by extension) would go against it.

So we went and chatted with the couple, got info on classes. I was quite shocked at what I learned.

What they said was TRUE. My body DID work the way they said, and I COULD chart signs! I had expected it to be hooey-fooey and would toss it out the window.

So my imperfect fiat was a yes to just GOING TO NFP classes, and only because my hubby-tobe asked me to… The idea of pleasing God in this didn’t enter my mind at all.

So what did God do? He took that little imperfect fiat, made for the “wrong” reasons and led us on a path we never would have traversed had I /we not said yes to NFP. A few of the blessings: First, we became active with CCL (Couple to Couple League) and made good Catholic friends. We became active in our new parish after we married and I moved to join him.

CCL led us to La Leche League (even before the

birth of our first). They educated me about all kinds of things, like good nutrition, mother/baby bonding and togetherness, extended breastfeeding, family bed, natural medical alternatives and more. Then came home births, and homeschooling. (Again, we’re talking about starting homeschooling in 1984, back when no one had heard of THAT.) These are major things that formed our whole lifestyle and attitudes.

Beginning with NFP, I realized that the “experts” don’t always know it all (like most docs didn’t recommend NFP unless you wanted tons of kids), and began to grow a great confidence in my OWN ability to learn and discern, process information and make intelligent decisions.

We adopted a simpler lifestyle, enabling us to live on one income so I didn’t have to work outside the home. We went (we had 3 children at the time) to Venezuela to work as missionaries (house parents) in an orphanage. We trusted God to find us a nice little niche. He tossed us into a cavern but did NOT forsake us!

We abandoned “our” family planning and let Divine Providence send the babies when He desired.

This was delightful and He even blessed us with a baby when I was 48 ½. And when we found that out, we were elated and without fear. All this I think is directly related to that little imperfect fiat decades before. (Remember that couple who presented NFP and were pregnant with number seven? I have seven living children, and four miscarried babies in heaven. Never would I have thought that.)

The blessings of that fiat extend beyond ourselves, beyond our immediate family. For various reasons, after 25 years of homeschooling, we decided to send our youngest (she has Down Syndrome) to public school. A small conservative public school.

We did this for her needs, but soon realized that God’s plan for her being in public school included

Bishop's Medal for 40 Years of Musical Service

On Sunday, September 8th, St. Aloysius, in Elba, Celebrated their 100 Year Anniversary of their current church building. Along with that, they honored Cathy Schleck, a lifelong member of St. Aloysius and master Organ player. Cathy was presented with the Bishop's medal by Bishop Bernard Harrington, Emeritus Bishop of Winona, for 40 years of Service to her parish and it's music ministry.

The Courier, October 2013 - 13 bringing Him to people- students, staff, and parents- in the school.

We took her in recently for orientation at school.

Every staff member and every student she saw greeted her and there were many hugs. She literally brings joy – Christ- wherever she goes. Rosemary is auntie to my grandchildren. In particular (right now) she enjoys spending time with my married daughter and her children. Rebecca is 12, and as a blossoming young lady, can present challenges to her parents. But when Rosemary is around, Becca

Rosemary lights up all lives around her. “automatically” sets a good example for her and is a much more …. peaceful pre-teen. And also, she can be exactly who she is with Rosemary and there will be no judgment. If she wants to watch Curious George on TV or play dress-up, Rosemary will not only not laugh at her but love joining in.

Had there been no fiat decades earlier, there would be no Rosemary and many lives would be much emptier. A ripple in the pond… one fiat and the ripples spread far and wide. Praise the Lord!

Say yes when He calls, even if you have no idea why or where it might lead you. Trust. Be not afraid.

14 - The Courier, October 2013

IN THE DIOCESE

“Reason for the Seasons” Salad Luncheon Donates to St. Felix

Submitted by: Mike Smith

St. Felix Church Pastor Msgr. Thomas Cook and School Principal Deborah Beach accept checks from proceeds of the “Reason for the Seasons” Salad Luncheon sponsored by the St. Felix Council of Catholic Women and St. Mary Court #208 of the National Catholic Society of Foresters. Pictured left to right are Pat Kolb, CCW Luncheon Chairman; Betty Fischer, Forester President and Ticket and Poster Chairman; Father Cook; Darlene Wolfe, Forester Treasurer; Marietta Kohn; Deborah Beach; Annette Huntoon; Jan Glomski, CCW Luncheon Chairman; and Eleanore Dick, CCW Treasurer. Msgr.

Cook received checks totaling $650 from the Foresters, representing the matching grant from the National Society of Foresters and proceeds earned on their “Reason for the Seasons” table runners and placemats fund raiser. Principal Beach accepted a check for $2,915.00 for ticket sales and donations to the luncheon. The checks, totaling $3,565.00, will be used towards the replacement of the fence around the school playground.

Owatonna, Minnesota

Join us for these outstanding adult learning opportunities . . .

The Call to Be Catholic 10th Annual Speakers Series 2013 — 2014

“ . . . well-cultivated intelligence opens man's heart to listening to the voice of God, highlighting the importance of discernment and humility."

Pope Benedict XVI

Sunday, October 20, 2013— “St. Joseph: Our Hidden Advocate” Fr. Randal Kasel, Pastor, Church of St. Paul (Zumbrota, MN) 3:00 pm., St. Joseph’s Church (512 S. Elm Ave. Owatonna)

Sunday, November 10— “Recent Challenges to Religious Liberty—How to Respond?”

Teresa Collett, Professor, University of St. Thomas School of Law (Minneapolis, MN) 3:00 pm., Sacred Heart Church (810 S. Cedar Ave., Owatonna)

Sunday, January 12, 2014— “The Gospel of Life & The Culture of Death” Raymond de Souza, Dir of Evangelization & Apologetics, Diocese of Winona 3:00 pm., St. Joseph’s Church (512 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna)

Sunday, February 9— “The Purpose & Dignity of Work in Catholic Social Teaching” Dr. Michael Naughton, Professor of Catholic Studies, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN) 3:00 pm., Sacred Heart Church (810 S. Cedar Ave., Owatonna)

Sunday, March 9— “St. John Paul II's Teachings on Sex & Owatonna, Minnesota

Sponsored by: St. Joseph’s Church (Owatonna), Sacred Heart Church (Owatonna), Christ the King Church (Medford), Holy Trinity Church (Litomysl), Corpus Christi Church (Deerfield), and the Gainey Center of the University of St. Thomas.

Contact information: (507)451-1588 or (507)444-0941

Love and Its Significance for Contemporary Moral Issues” Dr. Kevin Rickert, Assoc. Professor of Philosophy, St. Mary’s University (Winona, MN) 3:00 pm., St. Joseph’s Church (512 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna)

Free will offering ($5/person suggested)

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, 7 p.m., every Saturday.

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

Saturday.

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

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

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

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

St. Charles, St. Charles Borromeo, Spanish

Mass, 11:30 a.m., every Sunday.

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

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

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

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

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

The Courier, October 2013 - 15

IN THE DIOCESE

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

Holy Hour of Prayer, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona will host the monthly Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty on Saturday, Oct 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed and the Rosary will be offered. Everyone is welcome.

St. Patrick Parish, West Albany Instead of our annual auction, we will be hosting a Chicken BBQ Fall Festival on Sun, October 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. BBQ Chicken dinner includes baked potato, vegetable, roll, beverages and homemade dessert. There will also be our famous silent auction along with quilt raffle, other raffle and kids games with fun prizes.

Immaculate Conception Church, Kellogg Immaculate Conception Church of rural Kellogg will hold their annual fall dinner on Sunday, October 6. Serving FAMILY STYLE chicken and ham dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other activities include: Big Ticket Raffle, Bake Sale, Basket Raffle, Garden Produce, and Grocery Cart Raffle. Take-outs available.

Assisi Heights, Rochester "The Liturgical Spirituality of Advent and Christmastide: Exploring the Church's Texts and Music." Thurs, Oct 10, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Internationally known composer, author and professor, Fr. Jan Michael Joncas, will speak. $45 includes lunch and snacks. Contact Angie Grimm, AHSC Event Coordinator at 507-280-2195.

St. Mary's Parish, Minneiska Church Breakfast starts with Mass at 8:30 a.m. on October 14th. Mass will feature music by "Christian Crossings". A TexasStyle French Toast Breakfast including sausage and apple sauce and coffee, milk or juice will be served from 9:30 a.m. until Noon. Adults - $6, children age 9 and under - $3. We are having a bake sale and a raffle drawing at 12 p.m.

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

St. Francis of Assisi, Rochester would like to invite the com-

munity to come celebrate "Our Year of Faith, The Tradition Continues" on Oct 6. Cinnamon rolls and coffee at 8 a.m., followed by ethnic foods from the Hispanic and Vietnamese communities. Many activities: a quilt raffle, wine/soda toss, country store and bake sale, children's activities and entertainment on stage. Buy your tickets for the big ticket raffle which will have a top prize of $2000.00 cash. The Powers family and Canadian Honker restaurant will donate and serve a delicious Turkey dinner with all the trimmings and Bunnies coconut cake for dessert.

Meal is from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tickets will be available for purchase in the church office prior to the event. Adults: $9 and children under 10, $4 when purchased in advance. Carryout's are also available.

St. Martin, Woodstock Annual Fall Dinner on Sunday Oct 13. 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Adults: $7.50, Ages 6-12: $3, 5 and under: $1. Roast turkey, real mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, pie, desserts, coffee and milk. Raffle at 2:30 p.m. Baked goods for sale.

The Belles of St. Mary's, Chatfield Semcac will be hosting their 15th Annual "Sharing the Seasons" party, Sunday, Oct 27. This is a display of table settings for holidays and special events, with a story for each. The event will be held in Maddock hall of St. Mary's Church, from noon to 2:30 p.m. $5 admission inludes lunch and door prizes.

St. John Nepomecene Parish, Winona will hold its annual Fall Festival on Sunday Oct 13, in St. Stanislaus Church Hall. Beef Tips dinner from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. $9 for adults, $4 for children 6 to 12, no charge for children under 6. Tickets will be available at the door. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Events will include a Big Ticket, quilt raffle, basket booth, candy booth, and more. Lunch will be available starting at 1:30 p.m. The drawing for the Big Ticket winners will be at 5 p.m.

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Wilmont holds Annua Fall Bazaar on Sunday, Oct 6. A pork loin dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be a Big Ticket raffle, Quilt Chances, Silent Auction and Bake Sale.

The Big Ticket drawing will be held at 1:00 pm. Please join us!

St. Mary's, Caledonia Annual Fall Bazaar and Auction to be held on Sunday, Oct 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food being served. Free drawings every hour.

St Mary's, Winona Please join us for the annual River City Festival on Saturday,

Oct 12, there will be a Polka Mass at 4:30pm, followed by a Polish Kielbasa and Ham Dinner starting at 5 p.m. and a Polka Dance (Gary's Ridgeland Dutchmen) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Sunday, Oct 13, there's a Chicken-Q starting at 11 a.m., along with the Ping Pong Pull raffle, Basket Silent Auction, Kid's Carnival, Jewelry Booth, Bake Sale and many other activities. Pre-sale of meal tickets is strongly recommended as these meals go fast! The tickets can be purchased at the parish office. Hope to see you there!

St Peter, Hokah annual Roast Beef & Dressing Dinner on Saturday Oct 13 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Adults (dining and carryout) $10, children (6-12) (dining room only) $5, children (5 and under) (dining room only) FREE. Tickets sold at Hokah Co-op, Hokah Hardware and St. Peter's School Office.

Holy Family, Lake Crystal is hosting it's 20th annual Booya festival on Sunday Oct 6. The booya will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. Come join us for all you can eat - $6 for adults. K/ 6th $4. 4 and under are FREE. Beverage and dessert included.

St. Joseph, Rushford will hold their annual Fall Festival & Swiss Steak Dinner with all the trimmings (including home-made pie!) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct 20 at Montini Hall. Adults: $8.50; Ages 5-12: $4; Ages 4 & under eat FREE on-site. Carry-outs and deliveries available in Rushford.

Also: Bake Sale; Country Store, Cash Raffle, and Silent Auction.

St Mary's Catholic Church, Lake Wilson will serve Pork Loin Dinner Sun. Oct. 27 at the Lake Wilson Legion Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. take out or dine in menu includes Pork Loin, Baked Potatoes, Baked Beans, Applesauce, Coleslaw, Rolls and Pie or Refrigerator Dessert & Beverage.

Position Available: Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Currie Wanted: Full-time job as Director of Religious Education and Youth Minister for Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Currie and youth ministry for the 3 parish cluster. Want someone who is organized, loves working with children, and is on fire for the Catholic faith. Housing is available. Please call Father Vogel at 507-295-1030.

MCCL bringing Prolife Update to the Diocese Join others in your community at a pro-life educational gathering and learn how you can make a difference in protecting life. Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) will present meetings in October in the Diocese of Winona. Locations include Edgerton (Oct. 7),

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

Mankato (Oct. 8), Rochester (Oct. 1), and Winona (Sept. 30). Visit www.mccl.org for a complete listing, or call 612-825-6831.

St. Columbian, Preston will host Annual Pork Loin Dinner on Sun Oct 13 from 10:301 p.m. Pork loin with all the trimmings. Homemade pies and beverages included Carry outs available.

Christ the King, Byron Fall Expo on Sat Oct 19, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping by visiting Christ the King’s 5th Annual Fall Expo featuring over 40 Art-Crafts & Home-Based Businesses. Most vendors will have cash and carry items for purchase. Baked Goods, Beverages & Lunch Available.

The first 50 customers that enter after the doors open at 9 a.m. and the first 50 that enter after noon will receive a gift bag!

St. John the Baptist, Minnesota Lake will serve its Fall Turkey Supper with all the trimmings Sunday, October 6, 2013, from 4 - 7 p.m. in St. Ann's Hall. Adults $9, Children ten and under $5, preschool FREE. Menu includes turkey, dressing, potatoes, salad, and dessert. Take outs available, Country Store.

St. Mary, Worthington will have its annual fall dinne and festival on October 13.

Turkey/Pork dinner from 10:30 - 1:30 p.m. Adults: $8, children (9 and under) $5, and

children (2 & under) are FREE. Silent Auction, "Parade of Prizes," Children's Games, Country Store and much more! Come and enjoy!

Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Winona is sponsoring Fall Craft/Art/Gift Show on Saturday, October 26, from 9 AM to 3 PM in St. Stan’s School Gym. Lunch available.

Come shop with our many vendors.

Christ the King, Medford will have its 3rd annual Soup Luncheon on Oct 27 at 11 a.m. 1 p.m. $5 meal (extra soup $1/ bowl). Choice of soupes, served with crackers, sandwiches, desserts and drinks or a hot dog and chips with dessert and drink.

Bkae sale, Silent Auction, Raffle and Quilt Sale. Open to all!

St. John, Dodge Center hosts annual fall dinner Turkey and Ham Family Style raffle tickets, quilt raffle tickets, kids games, bake sale silent auction prices $9 adults $4.50 children preschool free mass at 10 a.m.

Crucifixion, La Crescent is hosting it’s annual Roast Beef Dinner, Nov 2, 2013 at 420 South Second St. in La Crescent. Dinner serving from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a bake sale and silent auction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your donations to the TV Mass

T

‘ his is my body, ch will be given up for you...”

Luke 22:19