August 2014 Issue of The Courier

The

COURIER

August 2014 Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona, MN

www.dowcourier.org

IHM Seminary Enrollment Hearts Changed: 1,500 Youth at on the Rise Brings Hope Stubenville North by: Ben Frost, Director of the Office of Youth and Young Adults Each summer we like to highlight our local Steubenville Conference which draws 1500 youth to Rochester.

We’ve shared about the exciting music, the engaging talks, and fun activities, but this year we want to focus in on the way it is changing hearts. There Changing Hearts, cont'd on pg. 9

The Diocese of Winona is blessed with seven new seminarians studying for our diocese this fall at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. (You will meet these men over the course of the next few issues of The Courier.) The Diocese of Winona has a total of sixteen seminarians studying for our diocese. It makes one wonder, what does it mean to have a strong new class of men for our diocese? What is the impact of a seminary on its diocese? What is in store for men who decided to enter seminary? Our staff at The Courier tracked down a few of the priests on staff at IHM Seminary to find out answers to these questions and more.

Fr. Martin Scheafer, Vice-Rector of the seminary answers the question of where does a vocation come

from? “What’s instrumental in new vocations particularly to the priesthood is a young man’s ability to be open to God’s working in them and their faithful response. Basically it is true conversion of heart. When they arrive at the seminary it’s because they desire to know God’s will for them and to follow it. We help them to cultivate a deep relationship with the Triune God. The question then I would ask is “who” is instrumental in new vocations. The simple answer is the Holy Spirit.

God continues to call men to the priesthood. God not only calls but he forms the one whom he calls. This is the work of seminary formation and discernment.

“Parents, parishes all the faithful can be instrumenA Thriving Seminary, cont'd on pg. 6

Bishop Quinn celebrated Mass with other priests at Steubenville North.

INSIDE this issue

Saints chosen for World Meeting of Families read the story on page 4

Celebrating Jubilarians more on page 12

Speaker & Performer Spotlight more in the special edition insert

Pope Francis Watch

The Courier Insider

2

Pope Laments Exodus of Last Christians from Mosul

Articles of Interest

Patron Saints for World Meeting of Families

page 4

Inaction is not the Answer to Immigration

page 5

Vatican City, Jul 21, 2014 / 05:55 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his weekly Sunday Angelus address Pope Francis mourned the fleeing of Ask, and You Shall Receive page 6 the last Christians from the Iraqi city of Mosul, who were told by ISIS forces last week to either convert, pay the Jizya tax or leave according Catholic Ministries Appeal Update page 7 to the Thursday declaration.

“They are persecuted; our brothers are persecuted, they are driven Pope Calls for "An Ecclesial Renewal" pages 8 out, they have to leave their houses without having the possibility of taking anything with them,” Pope Francis voiced in his July 20 Angelus Answers Come when we Follow God page 10 address.

“I want to express my closeness and my constant prayer to these “A sower went out to sow” page 11 families and these people,” he continued. “Dear brothers and sisters who are so persecuted, I know how much you suffer, I know that you Celebrating Jubilarians at Assisi Heights page 12 are stripped of everything. I am with you in the faith of the one who has conquered evil!”

Life and Dignity of the Human Person page 13 Following Thursday’s declaration, the houses of Mosul Christians were marked with an “N,” signifying “Nazarenes.” As a result, the few page 14 remaining Christians have left, marking the first time in history the city Works of Love, Works of Justice has been without Christians. page 1 of Insert Pope Francis encouraged those gathered in St. Peter’s Square as Presenter and Performer Spotlights well as those watching on television to pray for “the situations of tension and conpage 2 of insert flict that persist in different parts of the world, especially in the Middle East and in Parishes of the Diocese Ukraine. The God of peace will awaken in all the authentic desire for dialogue and page 4 of insert reconciliation. Violence will not win over violence. Violence is won over by peace!” Video Contest! & Top Ten Reasons he said, and led the pilgrims in a moment of silent prayer.

Bishop's Calendar During his address, the Roman Pontiff recounted the parable of the day’s Gospel, in which the owner of a August 13, Wednesday August 17 – Sunday field plants wheat, but one of his 4 p.m. – Mass at Camp Summit 8 a.m. – Mass at St. Ann Church, enemies comes during the night for Junior High Youth, Eagle Bluff Slayton and plants weeds in the field as Camp, Lanesboro 9:30 a.m. – Presentation on “Creed” well. Observing a twofold meanto parishioners, St. Ann Church, August 14, Thursday ing to the parable, the pontiff Slayton 8:30 a.m.

– Mass with new noted that first of all it reveals to Seminarians, Bishop’s residence August 19 – Tuesday us that “the evil in the world does 11 a.m. – Campaign Clergy 11 a.m. – Mass, meeting and not come from God, but from his Committee, St. Theodore Church, lunch with Tribunal Auditors, St. enemy, the devil.”

Albert Lea Theodore Church, Albert Lea Another lesson we learn is 5 p.m. – Mass and dinner with August 20 – Wednesday when we look at “the contradicSeminarians, Immaculate Heart of 12 p.m. – Lunch, adoration and tion between the impatience of Mary Seminary, Winona meeting with young priests of the servants and the patience of August 15, Friday – Feast of Diocese of Winona, at St. Theresa ISIS forces set fire to a 1,800-year-old Christian the owner of the field, who reprechurch in Iraq’s second largest city of Mosul, the Assumption of the Blessed Church, Mapleton sents God,” he continued, refera photo released Saturday shows.

Virgin Mary August 21 – Thursday ring to how the servants wanted The Church was only 200 years younger than 11 a.m. – Harvest Mass, Ken & 11 a.m. – Mass and lunch for Christianiy itself. to burn all the weeds, but the Marlys Knuth Farm, 1014 140th Catechetical Day, Lourdes High field owner instead waited and Avenue, Slayton School, Rochester had the wheat and weeds grow together so that he could save the good seeds later.

August 16 – Saturday 5:30 p.m. – Saint Mary’s University “Sometimes we are very quick to judge, classify, put the good over here, the bad 8:30 a.m. – Mass at St. Ann Church, Faculty/Staff Picnic, University over there,” the Bishop of Rome noted, stating that instead “God knows how to wait.

Slayton Plaza God is patient” and “waits with heart in hand in order to welcome, to forgive. He 4 p.m. – Mass at St. Columba August 22 – Friday always forgives if we go to him. It is thanks to this patient hope of God that the same Church, Iona 1:30 p.m. – Mass for First Profession weed, which is the evil heart with many sins, in the end can become wheat,” he said, 5:15 p.m. – Mass at St. Ann Church, of Vows, Sr. Agnes Pia, Cathedral “But be attentive: evangelical patience is not an indifference to evil; we cannot conSlayton of the Holy Trinity, New Ulm fuse good and evil! In front of the weeds present in the world the disciple of the Lord is called to imitate the patience of God, and nourish the hope of the ultimate good, which is God.” Concluding his address, Pope Francis explained that “we will be judged with the same measure Child Abuse Policy Information we have judged others. The mercy that we have shown to others will also be shown to us,” he stated, Diocese of Winona - Child Sexual Abuse Policy and prayed that Mary, “our Mother,” help us “to grow in patience, in hope and in mercy with all of Information our brothers.” (edited to fit, read full story: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-laments-exodus-of-last-christians-from-mosul-48952/ The Diocese of Winona will provide a prompt, appropriate and The Courier is the Official Publication of the Diocese of Winona 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 949, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 105 - 02

Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Publisher Joel Hennessy, Editor Theresa Martin, Associate Editor 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. (ISSN 0744-5490) Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the 15th of the month prior.

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August, 2014 w The Courier

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.

Rejoice in the Lord Always Dear Friends in Christ,

Rejoice in Hope Bishop John M. Quinn

Diocesan Marriage Retreat I am pleased that our diocese is able to offer the first annual marriage retreat this month.

There is still space available and I would encourage all married couples to prayerfully consider attending. With a society that is working to erode the significance and meaning of marriage, it is more important than ever before to strengthen your marriage. We must all continually seek a deeper understanding of our vocation. For married couples, taking time to focus on your vocation as spouses, parents and witnesses of God’s love to the world can have a profound impact on your lives and those who your lives touch.

The Married Couples

sin, Mary was taken up into heaven bodily, when her life on earth came to a close. Due to her unique and unrepeatable role in salvation history, Mary was given the privilege of being free from original sin and given a full participation in the bodily resurrection of her Son, Jesus Christ.

The Knuth family recOfficials The Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, announces the following:

Appointments: Father Adam McMillan, parochial vicar of Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Saint Casimir and Newman Center cluster, Winona, MN to be parochial vicar of Queen of Angels parish cluster, Austin, MN and All Saints parish cluster, New Richland, MN effective August 1, 2014.

Father Brian Sutton, parochial administrator of Good Shepherd parish cluster, Jackson, MN to be parochial vicar of Sacred Heart parish cluster, Owatonna, MN with Sacramental responsibilities at the Waseca Federal Correction Facility, Waseca, MN effective August 13, 2014.

Father Michael Cronin, parochial vicar of Sacred Heart parish cluster, Owatonna, MN to be pastor of Saint Ann, Janesville, MN and Saint Joseph, Waldorf, MN effective August 13, 2014, for a six year term..

Father Chinnappa Pothireddy, parochial administrator of Saint Ann, Janesville, MN and Saint Joseph, Waldorf, MN to be parochial vicar of Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Saint Casimir and Newman Center cluster, Winona, MN effective August 13, 2014.

Father Peter Schuster, pastor of Saint John Vianney parish cluster, Fairmont, MN in addition to be parochial administrator of Good Shepherd parish cluster, Jackson, MN effective August 13, 2014 until a pastor is named at a future date.

Retreat will be at the Alverna Center in Winona (August 22 – 23). Please pray to see if the Lord is inviting you to attend.

You can find more details about the retreat on page 4 of this Courier.

Annual Catholic Ministries Appeal Thank you for your support of the 2014 Annual Catholic Ministries Appeal either through prayer or financial support. The Appeal provides the only financial support for many ministries within southern Minnesota – thousands of lives are affected by the good work that occurs through these ministries.

If you have not had the opportunity to support the Appeal this year, I ask that you please consider a gift – any level of support is a true blessing.

Our Youth on Fire What a joy filled and faith filled celebration occurred at the Steubenville North Youth Conference in Rochester in July! 1,500 youth gathered at the Mayo Civic Center for three days of catechetical talks, daily Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacrament of Penance. The theme this year was “God Is” and the speakers encouraged the young people to make God the highest priority in life. The youth came from across the Midwest and from

Canada, to renew their commitment to living for Jesus Christ and as Catholics in an increasingly secular culture.

Thank you to all of our youth ministers and priests who sent their high school youth to the program and especially to all the priests, who heard over a thousand confessions!

I was honored to celebrate the Holy Mass for the closing of the conference. Young people need to know and show the world that they are the Church today! These young men and women are filled with energy and vitality. They look for guidance and for the truth, and are a great blessing to our Church. port is a true blessing.

for the law is certainly an important value. Yet, I urge those who quickly dismiss immigrants as “lawbreakers” to get to know some of these beautiful people and their stories of unimaginable hardship, extreme poverty, and danger that compelled them to come to the United States.

We have approximately 22,000 immigrants throughout our 20 counties of the Diocese of Winona. I invite you to read an OpEd I wrote that is re-published in this month’s Courier on page 5. Inaction is not the answer to an issue that is not about politics as much as it is about people, their dignity and how we can best love and support them.

Immigration It is easy to view immigration reform through the lens of abstract policy debates and heated political rhetoric. Yet, much like the Christian faith, which centers on the person of Jesus Christ, this discussion is about persons—real people—and what policies justly and fairly address the basic needs and dignity of people.

I often hear people argue that creating a roadmap to citizenship for undocumented persons “rewards” people who break the law. The road to citizenship would include a rigorous 13 year process. Respect

Christians Under Persecution Christians are being persecuted around the world, and their Churches are being burned down or desecrated. Recently in Iraq, Christians were told to leave, convert to Islam or face death in areas controlled by ISIS, a radical group of Muslim extremists. Please make your voices heard and be a voice for persecuted Christians by contacting your elected legislators here in Minnesota and in Washington. These are our sisters and brothers in Christ, and

3 From the Bishop

Assumption of Mary, August 15 Holy Day of Obligation This year is the 25th Anniversary of the annual Harvest Mass, and it will be celebrated at the Knuth’s Sudden Creek Shire Horse Farm.

Mary is unique because, not only was she free from original

ognizes that Mary has been a role model for them with her patience and love of family. All are welcome to come join us for the Harvest Mass at 11:00 a.m., at the Knuth’s Sudden Creek Horse Farm (1014 140th Ave., Slayton, MN 56172). The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a holy day of obligation. As Catholics, it is our responsibility and duty to attend Mass.

Even more, it is our joy to come to Mass, to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord and honor Mary on her special feast.

Bishop, cont'd on pg. 5

Bishop's Calendar cont'd August 23 – Saturday 5 p.m. – Confirmation, Sacred Heart Church, Adams; with St. Peter Church, Rose Creek; St. John Church, Johnsburg; and Queen of Peace Church, Lyle August 24 – Sunday 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. – Masses at St. John the Evangelist Church, Rochester August 26 – Tuesday 7:45 a.m. – 9 a.m. – Teaching at Saint Mary’s University, Winona August 27 – Wednesday 4:45 p.m. – Vespers and Mass of Holy Spirit, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona August 28 – Thursday

7:45 a.m. – 9 a.m. – Teaching at Saint Mary’s University, Winona August 28-30 Region VIII Bishops’ Provincial Gathering, Medora, North Dakota August 31 – Sunday 8 a.m. – Mass at St. Patrick Church, West Albany September 2 – Tuesday 7:45 a.m. – 9 a.m. – Teaching at Saint Mary’s University, Winona September 3 – Wednesday, 4:45 p.m. – Vespers and Mass, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona September 4 – Thursday 7:45 a.m. – 9 a.m. – Teaching at

Saint Mary’s University, Winona 10:45 a.m. – Mass of Holy Spirit at Saint Thomas More Chapel, Saint Mary’s University-Winona, followed by lunch September 5 – Friday 9:30 a.m. – Holy Hour 10:30 a.m. – Consultors Meeting, followed by Lunch, Pastoral Center, Winona 6 p.m. – Catholic Charities Donor Recognition and Video Roll-out, Assisi Heights, Rochester September 6 – Saturday 5:15 p.m. – Confirmation at St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea, with St. James Church, Twin Lakes August, 2014 w The Courier

Life, Marriage & Family

4

Patron Saints Named for World Meeting of Families

Saint John Paul II and Saint Gianna Molla chosen as patrons to guide all in preparation and participation of this international event.

St. John Paul II and St. Gianna are the patron saints for the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia next year, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput announced during the Sunday evening Mass July 20 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. He made the announcement

during the exposition of the first-class relic of St. John Paul II over the weekend at the cathedral.

St. John Paul is linked closely to Philadelphia as he became the first pope ever to visit the city. In 1979 he celebrated Mass on Logan Circle for nearly 1 million people. Fifteen years later he celebrated the first World Meeting of Families, which aimed to Peter Martin, STL strengthen the Director bonds of fampmartin@dow.org ily across the world.

At his canonization last spring at the Vatican, he was declared “the pope of the family.”

St. Gianna Beretta Molla was a pediatrician and mother of four who gave her life to bear her fourth child in 1962. She was beatified in 1994 — the year of the first World Meeting of Families — by St. John Paul and canonized by him in 2004.

She is the patron saint for mothers, physicians and unborn children.

“St. John Paul II and St. Gianna have been chosen as the two worthy patron saints to guide all in preparation and participation of this international event as they fully embody the history, mission and theme of the World Meeting of Families 2015,” said Archbishop Chaput.

The theme of the meeting is “Love is our mission: the family fully alive.”

The archbishop said the two saints “had a deep and abiding commitment to strengthening the family and sustaining it with love. This historic event will give thousands from around the globe the opportunity to share in the same commitment of our patron saints.”

To commemorate the announcement, Archbishop Chaput concluded Mass with a blessing of the relic of St. John Paul II asking for his heavenly intercession. The relic is of his blood, which remains in a liquid state.

Used with permission from CatholicPhilly.com

Are you or a loved one experiencing same sex attraction and looking for answers?

Diocese of Winona Office of Life, Marriage & Family 55 West Sanborn Street Winona, Minnesota 55987 (507) 858- 1264 E-mail: courage@dow.org

EnCourage -- a ministry dedicated to the spiritual needs of parents, siblings, children, and other relatives and friends of persons who have same-sex attractions -- is also available. Contact us for more information!

August, 2014 w The Courier

Inaction is not the Answer to Immigration Reprinted OpEd by: Most Rev. John M. Quinn, bishop of Winona

Bishop,

cont'd from pg. 3 they look to us and our government to speak up for them and defend them.

Diocese of Winona’s 125th Anniversary of Faithful Service We continue to celebrate our diocese’s 125th Anniversary year and I hope you can join us for the 125th Anniversary Celebration on September 12 – 13 at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato.

During this Year of Thanksgiving, we remember 125 years of faith filled service, and we look back to remember all God has done through his people and we look forward in hope! You can find out more about the celebration and all the performers, speakers and activities in the 125th Anniversary insert of The Courier or online: http://www.dow.org/anniversary Pray for Vocations In closing, I would like to ask you to pray for vocations to the priesthood.

We have a wonderful group of seven new seminarians at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary this year! Yet, there is still time for a young man to enter this year. Please join me in continuing to pray that every young man and woman would prayerfully consider what God’s will is for his or her life. The total number of seminarians studying for the Diocese of Winona this year is sixteen.

May God bless your August and the end of your summer!

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

5 In the Diocese

Pope Francis recently said that “the measure of the greatness of a soci- ety is found in the way it treats those most in need.”

Today, undocumented children and families—who are our neighbors, service providers, coworkers, and friends—are among those most in need. They are living on the margins of society, often in fractured families and vulnerable to exploitation. The current humanitarian crisis of unaccompanied children fleeing to the U.S./Mexican border due to the violence in their countries of origin is a stark reminder of how desperate the situation has become.

While specific policy questions may remain as to how to fix our immigration system, as well as the current border crisis, inaction is not the answer.

Last summer, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan immigration reform bill, which was endorsed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Although the legislation is not perfect, it goes a long way towards protecting vulnerable children and families who are currently

living in the shadows of our communities. Unfortunately, since then, the U.S. House of Representatives has failed to act on a comprehensive immigration reform bill, further exacerbating the urgent problems caused by our broken immigration system.

I remain hopeful that Congress will enact meaningful immigration reform that provides millions of aspiring citizens with a roadmap to citizenship. Yet, this will require that we all look beyond fears and false rhetoric to find common ground.

I believe this common ground can be found at the heart of the immigration debate: the migrant families and their children. They are families, human beings, who are trapped in a broken system that often lures them here, exploits their labor, and then pushes them deeper into the shadows of society where they are unable to become full members of our community.

We have approximately 22,000 immigrants throughout our 20 counties of the Diocese of Winona. We see the human face of a broken immigration system daily. We see families with children who are U.S. citizens and parents who are still in the process of getting their green cards, and live in fear of being deported.

Children live in fear that they might not see their parents again.

The families, children, and U.S. workers, like those I have met, deserve more than the ineffective immigration system they currently face. They moved here to the “land of freedom and opportunity” in order to provide a better life for their children. They contribute to our economy, work, and pay taxes like the rest of us (various reports estimate undocumented immigrants pay more than $10 billion a year in federal, state, and local taxes) and yet live in fear of their family being torn apart, without notice, through detention and deportation.

I often hear people argue that creating a roadmap to citizenship for undocumented persons “rewards” people who break the law.

Respect for the law is certainly an important value. Yet, I urge those who quickly dismiss immigrants as “lawbreakers” to get to know

some of these beautiful people and their stories of unimaginable hardship, extreme poverty, and danger that compelled them to come to the United States.

Similarly, the comprehensive immigration reform legislation passed by the Senate is sometimes inaccurately portrayed as rewarding illegal immigration, or constituting “amnesty.” Though the bill creates a needed roadmap to citizenship, it is hardly a reward for crossing the border illegally.

Before even being considered for citizenship, undocumented persons must complete a rigorous 13-year process which, among other things, requires paying multiple fines, avoiding all criminal activity, becoming proficient in speaking English, and learning American civics.

It is easy to view immigration reform through the lens of abstract policy debates and heated political rhetoric. Yet, much like the Christian faith, which centers on the person of Jesus Christ, this discussion is about a person—real people—and what policies justly and fairly address his or her basic needs and dignity.

Minnesotans share a responsibility to advocate for policies that recognize the dignity of all people, including the aspiring citizens living in our communities. I challenge all of us in Southern Minnesota to do better for our immigrant brothers and sisters; to learn their stories and be part of the answer to the question of immigration reform. I also urge us to keep calling on the leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform.

While my fellow bishops and I recognize that there is room for disagreement on this complicated issue, we pray that Congress justly and swiftly addresses the plight of our immigrant brothers and sisters immediately, for the migrant families in our community and for all Americans.

Masses of Reparation for Sins

Christ the King Retreat Center Buffalo, Minnesota

Many parishes throughout the diocese are committed to offer consolation to the Heart of Christ through a Mass of Reparation.

Please go online to visit dowcourier. org to see the complete Mass list.

The readers of The Courier are cordially invited to a beautiful inexpensive lakeside retreat of wonderful relaxation and spiritual rejuvenation.

The theme for the retreats is "Blessed are the Peacemakers." For a free brochure please call 763-682-1394, email: christtheking@kingshouse.com, or visit us at www.kingshouse.com.

August, 2014 w The Courier

Vocations

6

Ask, and You Shall Receive There is no doubt that we need to beg the Harvest Master to send out laborers for his harvest. There is no doubt that God calls each of us to a specific vocation to grow in holiness. There is some doubt as to our own willingness to participate in God’s action of calling young men and women to their vocation. A recent study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate found that 69% of Catholics would not encourage a young man to consider the priesthood or a young woman to consider religious life. Roughly one-quarter of Catholics would ask, but have not. Only 6% of Catholics have asked a young man to consider the priesthood and 4% have asked a young woman to consider religious life.

Why is this? Many of those who would not ask simply believe that it is not their place to ask or that they don’t feel religious enough to ask. I also think Rev. Will Thompson t h a t Director many do not know wthompson@dow.org how to ask or are afraid of a negative response. In my experience, those who are asked to consider priesthood or consecrated life feel noticed and cared for, even if they have no desire to follow God in these ways of life. However, one invitation can go a long way.

As I hear priests’ vocation stories and even as I tell my own, almost everybody at

You don't have to have a strong faith to ask someone to consider priesthood or consecrated life. Yet, your faith in that person could make the difference for his of her life. some point was invited to consider the priesthood by another priest, a religious sister, a family member or a parishioner. Almost all of these same priests said no, at least initially.

The invitation will not necessarily change someone’s life immediately, but it will create an opening for God’s call to become clearer.

When asking someone to consider a vocation to priesthood and religious life, it is always good to give reasons why you think they should do so. Celibacy is not the only reason that young people think that priest-

hood or religious life would be difficult. Many see “seasoned veterans” doing extraordinary work and doubt that they could do the same work. It is easy to forget that we all start out young and inexperienced and only after time gain the wisdom and ability we currently have. Seminarians will even occasionally remark that they could not do the work that they see priests doing; and they’re right! At least not now. But God works in all of us to give us the gifts and strength we need when we need them.

We are all members of the Body of Christ and we all have the responsibility of receiving and responding to the work of the Holy Spirit. If that means we need to focus more on living our faith, then that becomes our goal.

If it means giving direction and encouragement to young people to know how they will continue the work of building up the Church, then it is our privilege to help them consider their vocation. Vocations work does not fall on one person, but on the entire Church. If we want to have Mass, Baptism, Reconciliation, Marriage and the other Sacraments offered, that includes the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

Asking someone to consider priesthood or consecrated life does not make you a hypocrite if you don’t feel you are strong in your faith. A negative response does not mean that no fruit will come from the invitation.

We all have a responsibility to one another to strengthen the faith of the Church, particularly by raising up young men and women to their respective vocations.

A Thriving Seminary, cont'd from pg. 1

tal in a young man’s life. The art of invitation and encouraging vocations is needed more than ever. There are men in parishes that may be called and no one is asking them if they considered a vocation to the priesthood.

“What is often overlooked is the impact that the pastor of a parish has on influencing vocations to the priesthood. Living out his priesthood daily the pastor of a parish has great influence of the faithful’s desire to grow in holiness and for some pursuit for holiness may take them to consider priesthood or consecrated life.

“God has blessed the Diocese of Winona with a long history of good and faithful priests that pray and serve with great love. I know local pastors have been instrumental in inspiring young man to consider priesthood. Pope Francis has inspired the faithful to grow in faith and live out their holiness.”

As Vocations Director for the Diocese of Winona, Fr. Will Thompson shares his unique view as well, “As vocations director, I get to know young men as they grow in their faith and occasionally get to be a part of their faith journey as they discern a call to the priesthood. I always remind them that the first step is seminary, not the priesthood itself! I become acquainted with many young men considering the priesthood through priests, youth ministers and parents. I get to know them through different youth events and the one's who speak to me about vocations seem to be the one's who have support at home August, 2014 w The Courier

and in the parish to consider priesthood. Many young men also have their vocation awakened through vibrant Newman Centers and the work of FOCUS.” If the first step is seminary, not the priesthood, does this influence the life of the seminary? Fr. Thompson said it does. “Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary is strong and thriving seminary because we want all of the men to follow their vocations, not just because we want them all to be priests. It is healthy because the men are challenged to be increasingly aware of God's presence in their lives and God's invitation to service by their lives.”

Fr. Scheafer said, “Since 1948, IHM Seminary has guided over a thousand men from various dioceses and religious communities in following God's call to the priesthood. These men continue

on to become outstanding leaders in the Roman Catholic Church and community. They become not only pastors but also community leaders, friends and brothers in Christ. The Program of Priestly Formation followed by IHMS prepares the men with the essential tools to best serve God and the needs of His people.

“Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary is a beacon of Christ Himself, inviting men to follow His call to be holy, virtuous, men of love and service, preparing a new generation of priests for leadership and service. The fundamental focus of the formation program at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary is discernment. Living in community, seminarians discern God’s will for them through four inter-related areas (or pillars) of priestly formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral.”

The seminarian is a man in discernment, Fr. Scheafer continued, “The discerning man in formation must be a person of deep prayer. For the seminarian, discernment is the essential link between prayer and active Christian living that will move him through life’s journey to his Godgiven vocation.”

Fr. Scheafer was asked what it means for the Diocese of Winona to have a thriving seminary.

“A thriving seminary is a reflection of a thriving church,” Fr. Scheafer answered, “Seminarians come from families and parishes that worship and serve the living God. IHM faculty under the A Thriving Seminary, cont'd on pg. 8

Eleven Parishes Exceed 2014 Goal

Catholic Ministries Appeal Update

Appeal is tracking behind historical giving

Congratulations and thank you to the first parishes to exceed their 2014 CMA goal!

St. Columba Iona 144% of Goal Our Lady of Loretto Brownsdale 138% of Goal

Holy Cross Dakota

Challenges following a major capital campaign

124% of Goal

The results to date are significantly behind previous years’ results. Picking up the momentum of an Appeal following a major capital campaign such as the highly successful Rooted in Faith, Rejoice in Hope! campaign is often a very challenging task. Many of you reached very deep to make significant and generous multiyear gifts to the campaign. The sacrifice you made and the blessings you provided

St. Mary Geneva 123% of Goal

St. Vincent de Paul West Concord

Mission Advancement

The 2014 Annual Diocesan Catholic Ministries Appeal (Appeal) was launched in March and continues making progress toward the 2014 goal of $2,000,000. The funds raised in this Appeal are the primary source of funding for critical Catholic ministries in southern Minnesota.

As of the report date 6,060 families and/or individual parishioners have contributed $1,251,676 to the Appeal. Thank you to all who have taken the opportunity to support Catholic ministries through your financial gifts and prayers.

7

116% of Goal

Joel Hennessy

St. John the Evangelist Rochester

Director jhennessy@dow.org

110% of Goal

St. Patrick Brownsville 109% of Goal

St. Finbarr Grand Meadow 102% of Goal

Holy Family East Chain 101% of Goal St. Rose of Lima Lewiston 101% of Goal St. Joachim Plainview 100% of Goal

will benefit our priests, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary and our parishes for decades to come.

Your gifts to that campaign were also the source of funding for the 2013 Catholic Ministries Appeal.

We need to humbly ask for your support of the 2014 Catholic Ministries Appeal as well. It is understandable to feel overwhelmed at the prospect of making an additional annual gift, but without your support the ministries funded via the Appeal will suffer. There has been amazing progress in the Catholic ministries of the Diocese of Winona - as you’ve read about in the pages of this newspaper.

What is the Annual Diocesan Catholic Ministries Appeal? Your continuing support of these vital ministries is more important than ever.

Formerly known as the Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA), the Annual Diocesan In the coming weeks and months, you will Catholic Ministries Appeal is a primary source of funding to help sustain and be given additional opportunities to support the expand ministries in the 114 parishes, 30 schools, seminary, and Catholic organizations within the geographic region served by the Diocese of Winona.

Appeal either at your parish or through the mail.

The Annual Diocesan Catholic Ministries Appeal is one of the major efforts of the If you are ready today, please visit our website to Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota in fulfilling its mission to financially make an immediate online gift or simply place your support spiritual, educational and social needs of the Catholic community in gift in your parish offertory this Sunday. southern Minnesota.

Participation by as many as possible is key to reaching our goal and continuing the great momenWhy do we need these ministries? tum in building God's Kingdom. Please prayerfully The Catholic Church serves the needs of many people in our local diocese and consider supporting this Appeal. Your gift, in any beyond. While some of these services are offered at the parish level, it is often amount, joined with the support of others makes a more effective when many join together in ministry and service of the people significant impact. of the diocese. Each diocesan ministry exists to support the work of our local parishes.

FR E QU E N T LY AS K E D QU E S T I O N S

What should I give?

A Gift of Prayer - pray for the Church, for our diocesan family and for all people who support or are supported by the Appeal.

Time and Talent - volunteer in your parish, school, community and in diocesan ministries.

A Sacrificial Gift - consider making a pledge or onetime financial gift.

Please continue working toward your Stewardship Commitment of 10%; designating 5% to your parish, 1% to the diocese, and 4% of annual income to other charities.

Can I still donate? How do I donate?

Yes, if you did not receive a gift form or have misplaced your original form, your parish has extra forms. Or, you may donate online (see info at right).

How do I know that my donation goes where I intend it to go?

The Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota is an independent Minnesota nonprofit corporation that is tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Contributions will be used for the benefit of designated ministries of the Appeal and for no other purposes. You can see a Scan here with smartphone to summary of designated ministries above or you can see all the details at www. DONATE ONLINE or visit catholicfsmn.org. Or, please call the Foundation at 507.858.1275 for more www.catholicfsmn.org information.

August, 2014 w The Courier

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Pope Francis Calls for "An Ecclesial Renewal"

Lay Formation

summons to friendship with himself.”

L e v e l s of “Pastoral Renewal” G u i d e d by this spirit, Pope Francis declares that every pastoral activity of the Church must be made “more inclusive and open” (#27). He, then, reflects on how this missionary spirit and impulse would shape the Church’s activity and ministry “on every level.”

• He first identifies the “great flexibility” that parishes possess in the life of the Church, and affirms that the parish is not an “outdated institution.” Each parish must strive to be “in contact with the homes and lives of its people,” and not allow itself to be “out of touch with people” or “a self-absorbed group made up of Todd Graff a chosen few.” These are strong words indeed, Director and offer a great challenge to all of us active in tgraff@dow.org parish life.

Our parishes, in Pope Francis’ view, must provide God’s people in a given place “an environment for hearing God’s word, for growth in Hearkening back to the teachings of Pope the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, Paul VI and the Second Vatican Council, Pope charitable outreach, worship and celebration” Francis reflects on the need for what he calls (#28).

• The Pope also speaks of “each particu“ecclesial conversion.” He writes that the call to renewal he is describing “does not only concern lar church … under the leadership of its bishop,” or what we would more commonly call a diocese.

"Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to These local churches abandon the complacent attitude that says: “We must seek in their ministry to bring “the light and have always done it this way.” I invite everyone life of the Risen Christ” to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking to wherever the need is greatest in their area, and the goals, structures, style and methods of evanto go “to the outskirts” gelization in their respective communities." of their territory and into “new sociocultural set- Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium tings.” In order to do this in a “more focused, generous and fruitful” way, he encourages each diocese to “undertake a resoindividuals but the entire Church” (#26).

The Church, “in so far as she is a human institution here on lute process of discernment, purification and earth” [quoting Vatican II], must examine herself “with penetrat- reform” (#30).

The bishop, as shepherd of the diocese, will ing eyes” to compare her “ideal image” as Christ envisioned his Church and her “actual image” as she is presented to the world follow various paths in his leadership: sometoday. And, she must engage in that “continual reformation” times going “before his people, pointing the way”; at other times, simply being “in their midst” which seeks to correct the “flaws introduced by her members.”

This ecclesial conversion is an “openness to a constant as an “unassuming and merciful presence”; and, self-renewal born of fidelity to Jesus Christ.” Again and again at yet other times, walking “after them” … [and] throughout this document, the Pope is calling the Church back allowing the flock to strike out on new paths” to its primary mission of preaching the Gospel and seeking to (#31).

• And, finally recognizing that “I am called bring the mercy of God and the joy and hope of Jesus Christ to to put into practice what I ask of others,” Pope the world. Where we fall short in this mission by focusing on our Francis speaks of a “conversion of the papacy.” own internal needs and our “self-preservation,” we must seek to As the Bishop of Rome, he seeks “to be open be purified, converted, and renewed. to suggestions which can help make the exerWhat keeps the Church anchored in her true identity is to nurcise of my ministry more faithful to the meanture a “missionary impulse” in all of her activities. This missionary ing which Jesus Christ wished to give and to focus is “capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language the present needs of evangelization” (#32). In and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization calling for “the papacy and the central strucof today’s world rather than for her self-preservation” (#26). To tures of the universal Church … to hear the call keep this focus, the Church needs to inspire in her pastoral work- to pastoral conversion,” he warns against an ers “a constant desire to go forth … [to] all those whom Jesus “excessive centralization … [which] complicates As we move closer to our diocesan 125th anniversary celebration, with its theme of reaching out to others in witness and service, I want to examine further some aspects of Pope Francis’ recent teaching in his statement, The Joy of the Gospel. Specifically, I will focus on a section entitled, “Pastoral Activity and Conversion” (paragraphs 25-33).

Pope Francis begins this section with a word of humility and self-understanding: “I am aware that nowadays documents do not arouse the same interest as in the past and that they are quickly forgotten” (#25). While this brief comment is not central to his message, it demonstrates the willingness of our Holy Father to be honest and self-critical in his reflections. He is not afraid to see things as they are, and to face them with honesty and with humor as well. It is an open and engaging spirit that is present throughout this document.

“Ecclesial Conversion,” not “Ecclesial Introversion”

August, 2014 w The Courier

"I hope that all communities will devote the necessary effort to advancing along the path of a pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are…. Throughout the world, let us be “permanently in a state of mission."

- Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, #25 the Church’s life and her missionary outreach” (#32).

In closing this section, Pope Francis invites the members of the Church to be “bold and creative” in taking on the task he’s laid out. And, he concludes with the encouragement that we do not seek to do this by “walk[ing] alone,” but rather by “rely[ing] on each other as brothers and sisters, and especially under the leadership of the bishops” (#33). Deo Gratias!

A Thriving Seminary, cont'd from pg. 6

guidance of the Bishop works to have a formation program of excellence to guide young men to mature and grow in becoming holy and virtuous men of love and service.

“Our Church and diocese is blessed by a thriving seminary because it is a reflection of a Church that is alive in Christ. The faithful support IHM seminary because of their faith in Christ and understanding that it is everyone’s responsibility to support vocations. The faithful desire to have holy and happy priests serving the Diocese of Winona for years to come bringing about the kingdom of God.” A current seminarian, Matthew Wagner, sees the new seminarians as an encouragement to his own faith. “It’s really incredible to see how our prayers as a Diocese are being answered. The Seminarians of the Diocese pray each week for an increase in vocations to the vowed and ordained ministries, and to see how God has blessed us and answered our prayers is truly powerful. Because of how small our Diocese is, we as Seminarians are all very close, and to have an additional 7 brothers joining us at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary this year is very exciting!”

Wagner added, “My hope is that the young people of this generation will see places like IHM and recognize that the Priesthood and Religious Life aren’t these antiquated, foreign concepts; Christ has been, and still is calling men and women to these vocations of sacrifice. We simply need to listen for that call, and respond with generosity.”

Please continue to pray for vocations!

Special Anniversary Edition August, 2014

Presenter Spotlight Fr. Mike Schmidt Father Michael Schmitz, the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth as well as the Chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of MinnesotaDuluth, inspires and educates through his priesthood and preaching. His Newman Center focuses on being fed through the Sacraments as well as study and knowledge of the Church and has thrived under his humble and Spirit-filled guidance. Ordained in 2003 at St. Paul Seminary, he has preached to youth and young adults across the country about the love of God and the call of Jesus Christ for saints to be raised up in the Church. Father Mike's hope is that these saints will redeem the entire world for Christ. Known nationally for his inspiring homilies, consistent hilarity, and genuine coolness, Father Mike is quickly becoming a Catholic household name in America.

Fr. Schmitz will speak at the Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, at a general session on Saturday morning of the anniversary celebration. His presentation will be, Where Does Jesus Send Us? … To Proclaim the Good News. He will also speak at the youth track that morning on, Where Does Jesus Send Us As Young People? … To Give Witness and to Share the Truth.

Performer Spotlight Tony Melendez Tony Melendez is a “toe-pickin' guitar player and vocalist.” Born without arms and with a club foot, Tony is an inspirational Catholic musician and speaker and has been performing for over 20 years in forty countries. He performed for Saint John Paul II, has received numerous Unity Music Awards, and continues to challenge and inspire others with his music and his courage.

Mr. Melendez will speak at the Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, on Saturday morning of the anniversary celebration. He will present for a general session in Spanish, and to the Youth Track in English. He will also perform a bilingual concert on Saturday evening at the Center.

http://www.tonymelendez.com/English/Welcome.html http://www.tonymelendez.com/Espanol/Bien_Venidos.html

m u b l A o t o h P y l i m a F n Diocesa

Parish Families Connected By Faith We will share images of the parishes over the next four issues of the Courier. Our photo album begins as it should - at the beginning...

Sts. Peter and Paul, Mankato, Est.1854

St. Aidan, Ellendale Est.1857

St. John the Baptist, Johnsburg, Est.1859

Sts. Peter & Paul, Blue Earth, Est.1866

St. Mary, Minneiska, Est.1867

St. Francis de Sales, Claremont, Est.1869

St. Bridget, Simpson Est. 1855

St. Mary, Geneva, Est.1858

Sts. Peter & Paul, Mazeppa, Est.1860

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Easton, Est.1866

St. Columbanus, Blooming Prairie, Est.1868

Corpus Christi, Deerfield, Est.1869

Crucifixion, LaCrescent Est.1856

St. Felix, Wabasha, Est.1858

Immaculate Conception, Kellogg, Est.1861

St. Mary, Lake City, Est.1866

St. Joseph, Good Thunder, Est.1868

St. Agnes, Kellogg, Est.1869

St. John the Baptist, Minnesota Lake, Est.1856

St. Patrick, Brownsville, Est.1859

St. John the Evangelist, Rochester, Est.1863

St. Patrick, LeRoy, Est.1866

St. Joseph, Rushford, Est.1868

St. Columban, Preston, Est.1869

St. Augustine, Austin, Est.1857

St. Peter, Hokah, Est.1859

St. Patrick, West Albany, Est.1865

Sacred Heart, Owatonna, Est.1866

St. Charles Borromeo, Saint Charles, Est.1868

Holy Trinity, Rollingstone, 1869

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th

125

Anniversary Celebration

Program & Schedule Overview Friday Evening…

7:00 p.m. - Program of Sacred Music and Prayer featuring the Chamber Singers of Saint Mary’s University (@ Ss. Peter & Paul Church, Mankato)

Saturday…

9:00 am Day-long celebration event (@ the Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato) • Dynamic speakers and uplifting music (in English and Spanish) • Children’s program, youth track, and family activities • Displays, resources, and service opportunities • Stories and items from our diocesan history 4:00 pm Celebration of the Eucharist (bilingual) (@ the Verizon Wireless Center) 7:00 pm Concert featuring Tony Melendez (bilingual) (@ the Verizon Wireless Center)

IN SEPTEMBER!

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August, 2014

Special Anniversary Edition PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING For the 125th Anniversary of the Diocese

God most provident, we join all creation in raising to You a hymn of thanksgiving through Jesus Christ, Your Son. For generation upon generation the people of southern Minnesota have sung of Your bounty; we too offer You our praise for the rich harvest of faith, hope, and charity our Diocese has received at Your hands for these past 125 years.

Continue to make our land and our diocese fruitful, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, let our love for You be seen in our pursuit of peace and justice and in our generous response to those in need.

Praise, Honor, and Glory to You, Most Holy Trinity, now and forever! Amen.

Adapted from the Book of Blessings, additional blessings for use in the dioceses of the United States of America Š 1988 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Changing Hearts, cont'd from pg.1

are actually two distinct retreat experiences which go into Steubenville. The first experience is a leadership week called “Lead” where 30 of the conference attendees gather together to go deeper in faith and become more equipped to share the gospel. These individuals work on their prayer life, giving testimony, living in community and growing in their understanding of our Church. The Lead experience then flows into the actual conference where they help to share the Lord’s love with

Ben Frost Director bfrost@dow.org

their peers. The second retreat experience is the conference itself. Steubenville North is a three day event aimed at intensifying faith in young people. This year’s theme was “God Is” and the speakers encouraged the attendees to make God the highest priority in life. It is always a beautiful sight to see how the Lord manifests throughout the weekend, and here

are a few words from some of our young people who attended: "I love Steubenville! The first time I went before I started high school, it totally changed my life! Now that I'm going off to college, I am quite sure that, with the Lord's help, I can conquer anything!" - Kristen Salinas, St. Francis in Rochester "It was the best weekend of my summer and the happiest I've ever been. I feel like a better person now." -Michelle Gran ,St. Francis in Rochester “Inspirational. We should do this more than once a year” - Gabby Nett, St. James parish in St. James "Steubenville was really a great experience. It showed how important Jesus should be in my life." - Joseph Miller, Ss Peter and Paul in Mankato "LEAD was the most life changing week of my life! I grew way closer in my relationship with God through Adoration, talks, and Mass throughout the week. I also met 26 amazing other teens who are on fire about their faith and will help me stay faithful through good and bad times. Steubenville was also incredible because there were so many other people that love God too. Seeing everyone encounter Christ through Adoration and Mass was so powerful." - Cassidy Krueger, Ss Peter and Paul in Mankato “My LEAD experience was one that I will never forget. It was a week that dramatically changed the curve of my life. The lectures we had during LEAD were all relatable and relevant to our lives as teens… like relationships.

One of the things I learned: life isn’t an all the time “retreat high” but knowing that God is with you during both good and bad is important. I learned humility for the first time in my life. We did washing of the feet which really hit me hard. (We)Did a half-day of silence… I loved this. It made me appreciate my voice and appreciate how God speaks through silence.

Youth & Young Adults

Group of attendees from the Diocese of Winona stand for photos with Bishop Quinn.

9

“You can’t give what you don’t have “… this is a quote that I will never forget. Along with activities we did, our week evolved around four themes: Prayer, Sacraments, Service and Fellowship. And now I have 26 people that are my brothers and sisters in Christ and will do anything for me. I really love my LEAD family!” - Garrison Mc Dermott, St. Charles Borromeo in St. Charles “LEAD was the best experience of my life. I was taught how to pray and my relationship with God became personal. My worship was authentic. I realized that singing my heart out to the Lord was true JOY. The people I was with were on the same path as me. I have never met more genuine and encouraging youth. Also, the leaders were awesome examples. They all taught me so much. Most of all, God gave me His peace. I am His, and He is mine. With Him is where I am supposed to be.” - Katherine Smith, St. Charles Borromeo in St. Charles

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Faith Formation

10

Answers Come when we Follow God's Call FertilityCare is not just for married women

In one of the last weeks of July, we celebrated NFP Awareness Week. NFP stands for Natural Family Planning. That phrase might be familiar with some of you, but I wonder how many really understand what it means. When we say "Natural Family Planning" what do you think of?

Some people think of the “rhythm method” from decades ago that only worked for women with perfectly regular cycles. That is not what NFP is. It is a scientifically founded method that evaluates the signs of a woman’s body to determine her fertility/ infertility cycle.

This was first created to help married couples be able plan their family in cooperation with the woman’s natural fertility cycle of her body. One doctor who had the courage to read Humane Vitae (Of Human Life) in 1968 and take to heart the call to medical professionals to find natural ways to regulate fertility that work with God’s plan for the body was Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers. He is one of the founders of the Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha.

Theresa Martin Endow Coordinator Endow@dow.org

In 1976, he set out to see if the new methods of nfp were really scientifically valid. (He evaluated the Billings Ovulation Method.) He continued his research and in 1985, he and his wife’s dream became a reality as the Pope Paul VI Institute opened its doors. Living in a time where contracep-

Upcoming Talks & Events for Women Talks: (These talks are "sneak peeks" into different Endow Studies! Yet, you don't have to be interested in the study to come, the talk is open to all.)

"Of Human Life: Humane Vitae" - St. James Coffee, August 29, 7:30 p.m. How do I express dignity and

make life-giving choices in the everyday experience of marriage and family? Nearly 50 years ago, 1968, Pope Paul VI issued this encyclical, but what does it really say?

How does it affect us today?

"Setting the World Ablaze: St. Catherine of Siena" - St. James Coffee, September 19, 7:30 p.m. St. Catherine

was born in the 14th Century during a time of the plague and political and ecclesial unrest. In her mere 33 years she left such a rich legacy that she is named a Doctor of the Church. She said: “Be who you are called to be and you will set the world ablaze!”

These talks are such fun! Great info, lively conversations, inspiring stories! Come join us!

Events: (August 22-23, Theresa Martin is co-leading a Married Couples Retreat, read about it on page 4!)

New Feminism Conference: Saturday, November 8 at St. Augustine in Austin, from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.: What did Saint John Paul II mean when he asked women to promote a "New Feminism"? Spend a day with nationally renowned speakers, learning, sharing and being inspired in your own feminine genius! See the Ad for more details!

August, 2014 w The Courier

tion, sterilization, abortion and artificial reproductive technologies (ART) had taken hold of the profession of obstetrics and gynecology, he has been scorned by the majority of his medical peers, laughed at, ridiculed, and dismissed. Yet, he and his team have pursued these efforts because of their faith and the results found were more than anyone expected. (I’ll explain more on this in a moment!)

Most times when we hear NFP, we think of a married couple. Yet, what about a single woman?

Does this have any meaning to her? I am so excited to say that – YES! – there are profound answers for all women here! This is important for every woman because NaProTechnology (based on FertiltyCare designed at the Pope Paul VI Institute using the same science as natural family planning) aims at caring for the woman and actually solving the problems she is experiencing.

In his new book, "The NaProTechnology Revolution: Unleashing the Power in a Woman's Cycle", Dr. Hilgers asks the reader, “Are you one of the many women (between 12 and 50 years of age) who has been to your obstetrician/ gynecologist with recurrent ovarian cysts, menstrual cramps, long and irregular cycles, irregular bleeding, Polycystic ovarian disease and/ or other conditions related to menstrual and fertility cycles? Has your doctor given you birth control pills to treat your symptoms? Have you felt frustrated after that because the doctor did not actually do any testing to find out what the cause of the problem was? Did you feel like you had only received a Band-Aid?” “Are you a woman who has infertility problems and frustration with referring you to IVF without trying to find out what caused the infertility?”

“Are you a woman who experiences significant mood swings, premenstrual syndrome or just a feeling that your hormones are "all wacked out"? Did your doctor listen to your concerns or just prescribe either birth control pills, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications without evaluating your hormones or doing anything to find out what was wrong?”

“Maybe you experienced post-partum depres-

sion only to be treated with anti-depressants which are slow to work, make you feel drugged and never return you to normal. And yet you were never told about a simple hormone therapy that brings rapid relief in nearly 95% of cases!”

Dr. Hilgers explains that so many women with these and other complaints related to menstrual and fertility cycles have felt dissatisfied or frustrated or even abandoned when trying to seek help.

Yet, the great news is that through his nearly 30 years of work at the Institute has found a way to find the answers, bring hope to many.

“NaProTECHNOLOGY uses the CREIGHTON MODEL FertilityCare System and it is a science that actually listens to women. Instead of suppressing and destroying, it works cooperatively with a woman's cycle. It is this that allows this new science to unleash the power that exists in a woman's cycle. This power is one of knowledge, understanding and medical application.”

It approaches problem solving by looking for the underlying problem. It approaches patients by listening to them! It approaches treatment by working toward eliminating the cause or the disease, which is causing the symptoms.

To learn more about the practical application of nfp science to understanding a woman’s body and resulting in true healthcare, I would encourage to read: "The NaProTechnology Revolution: Unleashing the Power in a Woman's Cycle" by Thomas W. Hilgers, MD. (All quotes in this column are from this book.)

You can also attend the New Feminism Conference on November 8 to learn more! We will have speakers expounding on the dignity of women from three different perspectives: philosophical (how we and society think about women), medical (the dignity of a woman’s body) and spiritual (what the Saints have to say about the dignity of women). We have four speakers from across the nation coming to share with us and celebrate the great dignity of women!

Early registration will start on August 15! Go to the Office of Faith Formation page of the www.dow.org website to register.

“Hear this! A sower went out to sow” (Mark 4: 3)

Sr. Mary Juanita Gonsalves, R.S.M. Director faithformation@dow.org

the poor, the weak and the strong, the young and the old. Although the kinds of soil cannot change — rock remains rock, thorns remain thorns — it is different with rational persons. The human person, with moral formation, practice of the virtues, and the support of others, can use his or her intellect and will to cooperate with grace and choose the higher good.

At Catechetical Day 2014, participants will have the opportunity to attend a morning Keynote and two of three afternoon breakout sessions.

The keynote, breakout sessions, and various vendor displays will provide participants with the opportunity to go deeper into their understanding of the third pillar of the Catechism of the Catholic

Church — The Moral Life — and receive tools to teach it to others.

Fr. Will Thompson, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Winona, will speak on how our actions are guided by our relationship with the Triune God, particularly by the Decalogue or Ten Commandments. He will focus on virtues and the call to holiness as a means of “navigating the sometimes murky waters of decision making.”

Dr. Melissa Luedtke, Chair of the School of Education at St. Mary’s University in Winona, brings her fervor for education to discuss ways to help students with diverse experiences — age, social conditions, learning preferences…— better engage with learning materials in the classroom.

To effectively attend to the learning needs in the classroom the virtue of prudence is key as “no method, not even one much proved in use, frees the catechist from the personal task of assimilating and passing judgment on the concrete circumstances, and form some adjustment to them” (The General Catechetical Directory (#71).

Sister Mary Agnes Greiffendorf, O.P., Director of Education and coordinator of New Evangelization initiatives for St. Cecilia Congregation, Nashville, TN, will present on Virtues in Practice: A Pre-K to 8 Program, and provide tips for implementation in school and parish settings. With this program, students, on a monthly basis, learn about a particular virtue and a saint that is a model of that virtue.

Emphasis is placed on parental involvement in fostering development of virtue as a family.

Pope St. Leo’s encouragement, “Christians, recognize your dignity” (cited in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1691), reminds us of the faith and hope that is ours because of Christ, the head of the Church and fount of all virtues. If you or someone you know are interested in attending Catechetical Day 2014: The Moral Life, please visit the Diocese of Winona webpage at http:// www.dow.org/faithformation.

11 Faith Formation

The parable of the Sower, as recorded by the evangelist Saint Mark in Scripture, can serve both as an incentive for deeper conversion as well as a source of great hope. As the Diocese of Winona anticipates Catechetical Day on August 21, 2014, the parable of the Sower reflects the overall purpose of the event—for participants to go deeper in their understanding of how the Christian way of life can be lived out in union with Christ even in the midst of varying life situations and to receive tools for teaching on moral life in the home, parish, and school.

The Bishop and Doctor of the Church, St. John Chrysostom commented that in the parable of the Sower, the sower does not make a distinction as to where the seeds are scattered. However, the seeds fall on different kinds of soil. Chrysostom identifies the sower with Christ, who desires to give the seeds of faith to all persons: the rich and

Parable of the Sower “Hear this! A sower went out to sow.

And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up.

Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:3-9

A Treasury of Prayers:

A monthly column of prayers and their place in the tradition of the Church.

St. Augustine's Prayer to the Holy Spirit

August 28 is the feast of Saint Augustine. He became one of the greatest teachers of the faith after his profound conversion. You can read his autobiography: Confessions.

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.

Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.

Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.

Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.

Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.

Amen.

Did You Know?

St. Augustine lived rather an immoral life before his conversion. His mother, St. Monica, was Catholic and prayed for him every single day for thirty years for his conversion. She disapproved so strongly both of his loose living and of his espousal of the popular heresy of Manichaeism that she refused at first to allow him to live at home. She relented only after having seen a vision. One day as she was weeping over his behavior, a figure appeared and asked her the cause of her grief. She answered, and a voice issued from the mysterious figure, telling her to dry her tears; then she heard the words, "Your son is with you." Monica related this story to Augustine, and he replied that they might easily be together if she gave up her faith, for that was the main obstacle keeping them apart.

Quickly she retorted, "He did not say I was with you: he said that you were with me." Augustine was impressed by the quick answer and never forgot it.

It was by Bishop Ambrose that Augustine was baptized. He later was ordained a priest and then bishop.

He wrote beautiful passages of gratitude for his mother's faith in his Confessions.

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In the Diocese

12

Celebrating Jubilarians at Assisi Heights 50 Years!

Golden Jubilarians celebrating 50 years as members of the Sisters of Saint Francis.

Back row: Sister Jan Halbach, Sister Christine Stanoch and Sister Marlys Jax. Front row: Sister Mary Goergen, Sister Judi Angst and Sister JoAnn Haney.

(Not shown: Sister Janet Sieve.)

60 Years!

75 Years!

Sister Generose Gervais celebrates 75 years as a Sister of St. Francis!

Sister Gretchen Berg celebrates 75 years as a Sister of St. Francis!

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Diamond Jubilarians celebrating 60 years (to the right).

Back Row: Sister Darleen Maloney, Sister Martha Ann McGinnis, Sister Helen Haag and Sister Wanda Scherer.

Front Row: Sister Jutta Gleichauf, Sister Rogene Fox and Sister Una O’Meara.

Life and Dignity of the Human Person

Practicing it is a way of spreading the Good News by: Sr. Ruth Snyder, OSF, member Diocese of Winona Social Concerns Committee

In the Diocese

The diocese has begun a new program of evangelization. If we see evangelization as making the Good News of Jesus come alive, there is no better way of doing that than by putting into practice the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church. From Holy Scripture and papal and episcopal documents, seven main themes or principles have been identified. The first of these, the life and dignity of the human person, is the subject of this article.

We believe that each person possesses a dignity which comes from God. Let’s begin by looking at just some of the ways we are called to put that belief into practice:

1) With the elderly: Age brings diminishment of physical and sometimes mental ability, but it does not diminish the dignity of the person. We evangelize when we see beyond the curved spine and the effects of Alzheimer’s to the beauty of the person and offer him or her our love and concern.

2) With people of all races: Racism is an expression of the denial of this first principle. It grants more dignity to some than to others. If we accept that all men and women are created equal, we see beyond the color of skin or a different language to see a beloved child of God. 3) With unaccompanied immigrant children: Politicians need to consider practicalities but we need to see these children as human persons in need of food, shelter and family. Jesus saw the dignity of children when He said: “Let

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the little children come to me for of such is the kingdom of heaven”. The balance is not an easy one but the principle tells us what to keep in mind in looking for a solution.

4) With prisoners: In our diocese there are multiple jails and two prisons. We are grateful to the priests, sisters and laity who by their visits, celebration of liturgies, and letters to the prisoners recognize the dignity of the inmates. Is this something you could be doing?

5) With workers and those who serve us: How often we accept a service, whether that be from a person at the check-out counter or a receptionist at a doctor’s office, without really seeing that person. Recently a person who had waited an hour for a doctor’s appointment said she had observed Sweet, fluffy, and the receptionist’s kind and always a favorite. patient manner of giving attention to each patient and thanked her for that. A For more than 25 years, word of thanks can be a way our delicious Bunny Cake of evangelizing. has brought smiles to over 6) With the unborn: Those who work to protect the a million customers. lives of the unborn children through prayer and couraAnd counting. geous action are perhaps the first ones we think of when “pro-life” is mentioned.

They are living out the principle we have been talking about. Joining them in action or prayer could be another way we could evangelize.

But, in reality, there is no “first” or “second” or “third”.

Cardinal Bernadine talked of the “seamless garment” of pro-life activity. Every human life is to be respected and protected.

(507) 282-6572 • 1203 2nd St. SW Rochester As we move into this year Free Parking directly across from St. Marys of attention to evangelization may the principles of Catholic Social teaching be one of the ways we embrace Visit CanadianHonker.com for a complete list of menu items and packages! that effort.

The one recipe that created a million smiles

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Works of Love, Works of Justice At the 2013 World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, our Holy Father spoke to a small Community in Varginha, saying, “The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need, those who have nothing apart from their poverty.”

The words of Pope Francis ought to resonate deeply throughout the world, inviting each person to acknowledge not only the issue of poverty, but also the unfortunate reality of apathy — a lethargy when it comes to doing something about poverty.

Though the state of Minnesota fares well in comparison to the rest of the United States, the poverty rate in Minnesota is at just over 11%, meaning over 600,000 Minnesotans are living under the poverty line (which is defined as those who make $22,000 per year or less).

With these statistics and the bold words of our

In the Diocese

by: Matthew Wagner

Holy Father in mind, one might ask: “What are we doing to address this issue?” and further, “What can we do to address this issue?”

In the Diocese of Winona, there are a number of initiatives on the parish level, as well as on the diocesan level that are aiming to fight poverty and pursue a greater sense of justice in our local communities. One of those efforts to combat the issue of poverty is the Works of Justice fund. Every year, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) conducts an annual collection in order to eliminate poverty and provide grants for various groups and organizations around the United States. While 75% of what we collect goes back to the CCHD National fund, the other 25% is

returned to the Diocese and is placed in the Works of Justice fund. The Works of Justice fund is used to promote local, justice-oriented efforts around the Diocese of Winona.

The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, states, “Human activity, when it aims at promoting the integral dignity and vocation of the person, the quality of living conditions and the meeting in solidarity of peoples and nations, is in accordance with the plan of God,” When our activities and consciences are informed by a true sense of charity — a charity that comes from and directed towards God — we begin to work towards a greater, more authentic sense of justice. In the bona fide sense of charity, we more deeply encounter God, as St. Augustine noted when he said, “If you see charity, you see the Trinity.” Details about how to apply for a grant through the Works of Justice fund can be found on our website at dow.org and by clicking the “Social Justice” page.

Matthew is a Seminarian for the Diocese of Winona and is interning at the Pastoral Center this summer through a grant through the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). CCHD is the domestic anti-poverty, social justice program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. Its mission is to address the root causes of poverty in America through promotion and support of community-controlled, self-help organizations and through transformative education. Matthew will be entering his Senior Year at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary this fall.

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. 507-3292931 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. 507388-2995 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

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.

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

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

Mankato, Ss. Peter & 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.

September 20 & 21, 2014 • Wells Fargo Arena • Des Moines, Iowa

World-Class Speakers: Timothy Cardinal Dolan Bishop Richard E. Pates Fr. Larry Richards Mario St. Francis Herrera Angela Perez Baraquio Grey Mark Hart Immaculée Ilibagiza Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow Tony Meléndez Tom Peterson Steve Angrisano

Store, Raffle Tickets for many items! Something for everyone! Don’t miss out on the fun!!

Catholic Daughters of Court Santa Maria #247 of St. Adrian Catholic Daughters of Court Santa Maria #247 of St. Adrian Parish will celebrate their 100th anniversary on October 19 with 10:30 Mass followed by a dinner . To reserve your dinner please sent $8.50 to Rita Domagala 126 Sunview Drive, Adrian, Mn. 56110. Everyone is invited.

Retreats Beginning Experience Retreat A Weekend Retreat for those who are suffering from a loss through Divorce, Separation or Death of a spouse is scheduled for October 24-26 at Assisi Heights. Find out details at https://sites. google.com/site/beminnesota3/

Pilgrimages Pilgrimage to Chicago Shrines Gloria Platz and Mary Schmitz from St. Raphael Church in Spingfield, MN are planning a pilgrimage September 23-26. Nat'l Shrine of St. Therese, Shrine of Maximillian Kolbe, and many others.

Mass daily. Please call to register by August 15 507-920-3859 or 507-227-7816.

15 Events in the Diocese

Hosts its annual Fall Bazaar, Sunday, September 21, Ham & Turkey Dinner, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Adults - $11, Children 5-10 - $5, 4 & under St. Mary’s Church, Winona offers a Mass for Life and Marriage on the first $1. Bingo, Raffle, Country Store, and Children’s Games. Catholic United Financial providing Thursday of the month, at 5:15 p.m.

Matching Fund Grant.

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona St. Anthony, Lismore will host the monthly Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty on Saturday, July Fall Bazaar will be held on Sunday, September 19th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. after the 8 a.m. Mass. 7. Roast beef dinner served from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. There will be a Craft Auction - beginning at Gather in the Adoration Chapel.

1:30, Big Ticket, Country Store, and fun for the Prayer Vigil and Public Witness against Abortion Semcac Clinic is a delegate of Planned Parenthood – whole family with Children & Adult games. BBQ the nation's leading abortion provider. Please consid- and hot dogs will be available. Matching Grant er joining a local group from 3-4 p.m. each Tuesday Provided by: Catholic United Financial.

St. Felix, Wabasha in front of Semcac at 62 E 3rd Street in Winona for an hour of prayer. Contact: Will Goodman 608-698-7443. will be holding their annual Fall Festival from . 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sun. Sept 14 in the St. Felix Parish Events Auditorium and School Grounds in Wabasha. The day will feature fresh homemade donuts, grilled chicken dinners, the farm store, general and speHarvest Mass, Slayton Mark your calendars for this year's Harvest Mass. cialty auctions, bingo, hoop shoot, a bounce house, Hosted by Ken and Marlys Knuth at Knuth's kids games, tootsie roll booth, lots of raffles, tons Sudden Creek Shire Horse Farm, Slayton, on of prizes, and so much more. Join us for food, fun and friendship. All proceeds go to St. Felix August 15. 11 a.m. Mass followed by lunch.

School. For more information call 651-565-4446.

Saints Peter & Paul, Mazeppa St. John the Baptist de la Salle, Dodge Center will be holding 22nd annual Turkey and Ham dinner. Sept 28 from 11 SUBMISSION for the calendar a.m. - 1 p.m. Adults $9, Children 6-10 $4.50, preschool FREE. Raffle Please note: submission deadline tickets $1 each (lots of prizes). All is the 10th of the month prior to the tickets at the door. Mass at 10 a.m. month of publication. All submissions St. Adrian, Adrian must be sent electronically on our webFall Dinner - Sunday, September 21, site: Serving from 4 - 7 p.m. St. Adrian www.dowcourier.org Church Parlor. **Elevator located on or by emailing: the north side of Church.** Adults $8, Ages 6-12 $4, Ages 2-5 $2. Come and Courier@dow.org SUBMIT enjoy a delicious meal! Roast Beef, and by the deadline in order to assure REAL Mashed Potatoes and Gravy receipt and inclusion in the Events YOUR Corn~Coleslaw~Buns Pies & Desserts Calendar. Though not all events will fit, EVENTS! Beverages. Big Ticket Drawings! we strive to include as many events as Job #: 35221-1 Color(s): 4C not beBleed?: present to win** Size: 6" **Need x 5.75" Y possible. Thank you! - Courier Staff Folded Size: NA Misc: Courier Fish Pond for the kids Country

Action with Prayer

Job Openings St. Mary's School in Tracy, Minn. Looking for the following positions: - A Director of Religious Education/Youth Ministry for St. Mary's Parish (full time). - An Elementary School Principal half time/half time teacher for St. Mary's School. - A combined 3&4 grade teacher for St. Mary's School (full time). We would be willing to mix and match the positions as needed. Contact Father Robert Mraz. St. Mary's Catholic Church, 249 6th St., Tracy, MN 56175. (507) 629-4075 phone (507) 629-3667 fax. e-mail: fatherbob@iw.net website: www.ourladyoftheprairie-afc.org Cluster of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Currie, St. Gabriel, Fulda and St. Anthony, Westbrook seek Youth Minister/ DRE. - Seeking DRE for IHM in Currie as well as Youth Minister for the Cluster.

Full-time position, free housing. Contact Father Vogel: apvpcs@gmail.com.

Traditional Latin Mass 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

Doubting Thomas 1602–1603 Caravaggio

All-Weekend Pass: $25 Adults $15 Student/Youth ChristOurLifeIowa.com 866-319-0616

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 August, 2014 w The Courier

August, 2014

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Deacons Gathered for Day of Fraternity and Vision

On Sunday, May 4, the deacons of the Diocese of Winona, along with their wives, gathered at St. John the Evangelist parish for a Spring Day of Fraternity and Vision. Bishop John Quinn, Vicar General Msgr.

Rick Colletti, and Msgr. Thomas Cook (Director of the Diaconate) were present for a splendid day of renewal and prayer.

This Spring Day of Fraternity and Vision was planned by the Deacon Senate, consisting of Deacons John DeStazio, Mike Ellis, Pat Fagan and the Assistant Director of Deacon Personnel Deacon Bob Yerhot. The Deacon Senate is in the midst of a long-term effort to renew and strengthen diaconal ministry in the Diocese of Winona and to develop and implement continuing formation for all deacons and their families currently in ministry.

Bishop Quinn addressed the group and offered his encouragement and vision for all his deacons. A vision setting process was accomplished during the afternoon.

How to best live out the deacon’s ministry as Preachers of the Servant Mysteries of Christ was discussed. The

results of this dialogue will be taken back to the Deacon Senate for refinement and reinforcement.

There are approximately 30 active deacons in the Diocese of Winona. Strengthened by the Sacrament of Holy Orders, they serve the people of God in southern Minnesota. Each deacon is active in a threefold ministry of Liturgy, Charity, and Word. They assist at Mass including proclaiming the Gospel and giving the homily; they baptize, witness marriages, perform funeral services, preside at Holy Hours and Benediction, visit the sick, homebound and the imprisoned, teach the Faith in RCIA and Faith Formation programs, advocate for peace and justice, prepare couples for Matrimony, and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their varied occupations.

As clergy, they have a special bond with their bishop to whom they show respect and obedience. All deacons extend a special thank you to Maggie DeStazio, Joann Fagan and others who provided a splendid meal for all present. They wish to thank their wives for their continued encouragement and support!

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Diocesan Events August 15 Harvest Mass - 11 a.m. Mass with meal to follow. at the Knuth’s Sudden Creek Horse Farm (1014 140th Ave., Slayton, MN 56172).

August 21 Catechetical Day - Priests, deacons, Catholic school administrators and teachers, consecrated religious, Directors of Faith Formation, homeschooling parents, RCIA Coordinators, youth and young adult leaders, and all interested laity are invited to attend Catechetical Day at Lourdes High School in Rochester. Read more on page 11.

August 22 - 23 1st Annual Married Couples Retreat - in honor of the Diocese's 125th Anniversary, the office of Life, Marriage & Family will host the 1st Annual Marriage Retreat at The Alverna Center in Winona. Learn more on page 4.

September 12 - 13 Diocesan 125th Anniversary Celebration! "Where Does Jesus Send Us?" - will be held at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato. Read the frequently asked questions about the event on page 1 of the Special Edition Insert.

November 8 New Feminism Conference: Saturday, November 8 at St. Augustine in Austin, from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.: embracing the call of the 125th Anniversary to bring the Gospel to everyone, the Office of Faith Formation hosts a Conference day to understand the challenge of St. John Paul II to promote a “New Feminism” and the dignity of women. Read more on page 10.