The COURIER
When I Was hungry you gave Me soMethIng to eat
By KAT LARSON
�ritta Blain is a parishioner at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. She is a woman of many talents; if you visit the Cathedral, you might see her singing or possibly hear her playing the flute. In addition to her musical talents, she has the gift for making sourdough bread, which she bakes in her microbakery, Castlerock Sourdough, attached to her home in rural Fountain City, WI.
I had the privilege of visiting Britta and witnessing the entire production that making sourdough bread involves. The act of making this bread is nothing less than life-giving. As I walked up to Britta's kitchen, I could feel a sense of joy filling my heart. I knew I was entering a place inhabited by the Holy Spirit.
When I walked in, I was greeted not only by Britta, but by three other women, including her youngest daughter, Fiona. All three were moving at lightning speed, performing an assortment of tasks. I was in awe; I could never manage everything as quickly and capably as they did. Some were preparing bread for the oven; Britta and Fiona were placing bread in the oven and taking bread out as they were greeting customers coming to purchase the bread. After I came in, Britta was able to not only continue with all her tasks but also tell me all the benefits sourdough bread has for the human body.
Britta has struggled with health issues throughout her life and sought ways to heal them. She found part of her answer in the sourdough itself, with its unique fermentation process making it easier to digest than
other breads; but there is also a spiritual dimension to her healing, which has come from running a business grounded in the Catholic faith.
Britta was not always a Catholic; she was Lutheran until she went through RCIA and was confirmed as a
The 'O Antiphons' of Advent
From Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
�he Roman Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.
Pope to Open Holy Door at Rome Prison at Beginning of Jubilee 2025
By JUSTIN MCLELLAN, Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY, Oct. 28, 2024 (CNS)
- Two days after opening the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica to inaugurate the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis will travel to a Rome prison to open a Holy Door as a "tangible sign of the message of hope" for people in prisons around the world, the Vatican announced.
The pope will go Dec. 26 to Rebibbia prison on the outskirts of Rome, "a symbol of all the prisons dispersed throughout the world," to deliver a message of hope to prisoners, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization's section for new evangelization and the chief organizer of the Holy Year 2025, announced at a news conference Oct. 28.
Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 24. He will then open the Holy Doors at the major basilicas of St. John Lateran Dec. 29, St. Mary Major Jan. 1 and St. Paul Outside the Walls Jan. 5.
In his "bull of indiction," the document formally proclaiming the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis wrote that during the Holy Year he will have close to his heart "prisoners who, deprived of their freedom, feel daily the harshness of detention and its restrictions, lack of affection and, in more than a few cases, lack of respect for their persons."
In the document, the pope also called on governments to "undertake initiatives aimed at restoring hope" for incarcerated persons during the Holy Year, such as expanding forms of amnesty and social reintegration programs.
Archbishop Fisichella announced that the Vatican had signed an agreement with Italy's minister of justice and the government commissioner for Rome to implement reintegration programs for incarcerated individuals by involving their participation in activities during the Jubilee Year.
The archbishop also outlined the schedule of cultural offerings leading up to the Jubilee Year, during which the city of Rome estimates that 30 million people will visit the Italian capital.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization's section for new evangelization and the chief organizer of the Holy Year 2025, presents the official mascot of the Jubilee Year during a news conference at the Vatican Oct. 28, 2024. (CNS photo / Justin McLellan)
Vatican will organize a concert of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, to be performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in Rome Nov. 3; three art exhibitions in November and December, including a display of rare Christian icons from the collection of the Vatican Museums; and a concert from the Sistine Chapel Choir two days before the opening of the Holy Door.
Archbishop Fisichella also unveiled the official mascot of the Holy Year 2025: "Luce" (Italian for light), a cartoon pilgrim dressed in a yellow raincoat, mud-stained boots, wearing a missionary cross and holding a pilgrim's staff. Luce's glowing eyes feature the shape of scallop shells, a traditional symbol of pilgrimage and hope.
The mascot, he said, was inspired by the church's desire "to live even within the pop culture so beloved by our youth."
"Luce" will also serve as the mascot of the Holy See's pavilion at Expo 2025, which will take place in Osaka, Japan, from April to October 2025. The Holy See pavilion - which will be hosted inside of Italy's national pavilion - will have the theme "Beauty brings hope," and display the 17th-century painting "The Entombment of Christ" by Caravaggio - the only one of his works housed in the Vatican Museums.
The Courier is the official publication of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester 2907 Jeremiah Lane NW, Rochester, MN, 55901 Vol 115 - 12
Most Reverend Robert E. Barron, Publisher Nick Reller, Associate Editor
Telephone: 507-361-3068 E-mail: nreller@dowr.org
Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the 10th of the month prior. (ISSN 0744-5490)
Articles of Interest
• Hard copies are distributed at DOW-R parishes on the first or second weekend of each month.
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Diocese of Winona-Rochester The Courier 2907 Jeremiah Lane NW Rochester, MN 55901 or nreller@dowr.org
The Most Rev. Robert Barron, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, announces the following: Diaconal Ministry
send all diocesan mail to our new chancery: Diocese of Winona-Rochester 2907 Jeremiah Lane NW Rochester, MN 55901
Rev. Mr. Jordan Danielson: currently with a teaching parish appointment at Holy Spirit Parish in Rochester; appointed to diaconal ministry at St. Felix Parish in Wabasha and St. Agnes Parish in Kellogg, effective October 14, 2024, through the current school year. Catholic
Child Abuse Policy Information
Charities
Ms. Linda Halbur: appointed to a three-year term on the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, effective November 1, 2024.
Ms. Lisa Kremer: appointed to a three-year term on the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, effective November 1, 2024.
The Diocese of Winona-Rochester 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 507-454-2270, 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-Rochester 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-Rochester’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Michael Gerard at 507-361-3377, or mgerard@dowr.org.
The
Where to Find The Courier
December Saint St. Lucy
Feast Day: December 13
From Catholic News Agency
�t. Lucy is a virgin and martyr of Syracuse in Sicily, whose feast is celebrated on December 13. According to tradition, Saint Lucy was born to rich and noble parents in the year 283. Her father was of
The Holy Father's Intention for December 2024
For Pilgrims of Hope
We pray that this Jubilee Year strengthen our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in our daily lives, and that it may transform us into pilgrims of Christian hope.
Roman origin, but his early death left her dependent upon her mother, whose name, Eutychia, seems to indicate that she was of Greek heritage.
Like so many of the early martyrs, Lucy had consecrated her virginity to God, and she hoped to devote all her worldly goods to the service of the poor.
Her mother, Eutychia, arranged a marriage for her, but for three years she managed to postpone the marriage. Lucy prayed at the tomb of Saint Agatha to change her mother’s mind about her faith. As a result, her mother's long hemorrhagic illness was cured, and she consented to Lucy's desire to live for God.
Saint Lucy’s rejected bridegroom, Paschasius, denounced Lucy as a Christian. The governor planned to force her into prostitution, but when guards went to fetch her, they could not move her even when they hitched her to a team of oxen. The governor ordered her to be killed instead.
After a gruesome torture which included hav ing her eyes torn out, she was surrounded by bundles of wood which were set afire, but the fire quickly died out. She prophesied against her persecutors, and was then executed by being stabbed to death with a dagger.
According to later accounts, Lucy warned Paschasius he would be punished. When the governor heard this he ordered the guards to gouge out her eyes; however, in another telling, it was Lucy who removed her eyes in an attempt to discourage a persistent suitor who greatly admired them. When her body was
being prepared for burial, they discovered her eyes had been restored. This and the meaning of her name ("light" or "lucid") led to her patronage with eyes; the blind, eye
This Month in The Courier Archives
Todd Graff [present-day director of Adult Christian Initiation], who has headed the Social Action Office for Catholic Charities for the past nine years, has been hired as the new Director of Ministry Formation for the Diocese of Winona. ...
Todd has been involved in parish social ministry, rural life ministry and HIV-AIDS ministry. As head of the Social Action Office, he coordinated the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Relief and Disaster Relief services. He has also served as the interim Director of Pastoral Planning and is curently on the planning team for Jubilee 2000. ...
Reprinted from December 1999.
For the third consecutive year, the churches at Ellendale will have a joint Christmas commemoration. Members from all of the churches fill the roles of the Holy Family, the shepherds, the angels, the Kings, and the spectators.
The choir is ecumenical, too.
Mary and Joseph begin their walk at the bottom of the hill at the east end of town. Their destination is the large white barn on top of the hill. All of the other members of the Christmas story cast take the walk, too.
When the time is ready the doors of the barn open and Mary and Joseph show the infant to the townspeople, the shepherds and the kings.
The infant this year is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Nelson, who will portray Mary and Joseph.
The Christmas story will be played out for all who wish to come on the evening of the 23rd. The people of Ellendale love their pageant. You will too if you are lucky enough to get there for it.
Reprinted from December 20, 1974.
Winona - The Marian Chapter of the National Honor Society of Cathedral High School sorted and packed 3010 pounds of clothing, shoes and soap for the St. Thomas Pro Cathedral Thanksgiving drive for the needy of Europe. ...
Ninety-eight cartons were packed, 70 with clothing, 20 with soap, 6 with shoes and two with bedding. The students estimate that approximately 900 pieces of soap were packed. Clothing was sorted for men, women, boys, girls and children under three years of age. Men of the St. Thomas Pro Cathedral Parish roped the boxes for the students. ...
The object of the Marian Chapter of the National Honor Society is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service and to develop character. The Clothing project fulfills the service program of the organization.
Reprinted from December 11, 1949.
Some Thoughts Upon Returning from the Second Session of the Synod
� returned at the end of October from the second session of the Synod on Synodality in Rome, and I will confess to feeling a tad exhausted. As I’ve mentioned before, the synod is a full four weeks long, and the workdays are intense. So, though it was, to be sure, a rich experience, I’m glad that it’s over, and I’m glad to be home. I would like to share with you some general impressions and assessments of the experience and also look at a few particular issues that were discussed in the synod’s final document.
The second session of the synod was an improvement over the first in the measure that it returned with greater focus on the topic meant to be under considerationnamely, synodality itself. The first session last October had a sort of omnium gatherum quality about it, as topics ranging from outreach to the LGBT to women’s ordination, married priests, and ecclesiastical reform were brought forward. By placing
*indicates event is open to the public
December 1, Sunday
*8:30 a.m. - Mass and Installation of Fr. Tojy Jose, OFM, as Pastor - Immaculate Conception, Kellogg
December 3, Tuesday
*8:30 a.m. - Staff Mass - The Chancery, Rochester
12 p.m. - Presbyteral CouncilThe Chancery, Rochester
December 4, Wednesday
Minnesota Catholic Conference Board Meeting - St. Paul
these issues aside, the pope allowed us to concentrate on the matter at hand. Many times over the past couple of years, people have asked me what “synodality” means. The discussions we had around the tables and at the plenary sessions this year helped me to clarify my own thinking on the matter. Far too often, even the advocates of synodality resort to vague generalities and clichés - “walking together,” “going to the margins,” “listening,” etc. - as they try to explain the term. When we really get down to it, we mean by “synodality,” first, the conscious and institutionally instantiated attempt to allow more of the people of God, especially those whose voices have not typically been heard, to participate in the decisionmaking and decision-taking process. Second, we mean the establishment of protocols for accountability and transparency in regard to the governance of the Church.
I will be for the rest of my life grateful for the opportunity to have had this vivid experience of the Church's universality.
of the post-conciliar popes. For it is a summons for all of the baptized to take real responsibility for the life of the Church. The vast majority of the discussions and interventions at the synod had to do with fleshing out this idea. Accordingly, we spoke of parish councils, diocesan pastoral councils, finance councils, review boards, greater involvement of women in seminary formation, renewed commitment to ecumenical consultation, the holding of local synods, establishing protocols of accountability, etc. All of this, it seems to me, is healthy, and I’m glad the synod encouraged it.
A point that I made frequently is that most if not all of these are already at play in the American church. So, in some ways, the synod discussions were geared toward making what we take largely for granted here more widely available around the world.
As such, synodality represents a practical instantiation of the communio ecclesiology that arose from the documents of Vatican II and the teaching
December 5, Thursday
*5 p.m. - Christmas TV MassThe Chancery, Rochester
December 6, Friday
10:30 a.m. - Cotter Schools Board Retreat - Cotter Schools, Winona
1 p.m. - IHM Seminary Finance Council - Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona
*7 p.m. - Simbang Gabi Mass - Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester
December 7, Saturday
*4:30 p.m. - Mass - Holy Trinity, Rollingstone
were from all six inhabited continents. If you were paying the least attention, it was practically impossible to remain parochial. The African style is not the Asian style; Latin Americans face very different problems than North Americans; southern Europe is decidedly not northern Europe; a Ukrainian and a person from East Timor experience the liturgy in very different ways; etc. My friend John Allen, the experienced Vaticanista, observed over dinner one night that you can tell at a glance the difference between a bishop who has attended a synod and one who has not: the former is just more attuned to the international Church than the latter. I will be for the rest of my life grateful for the opportunity to have had this vivid experience of the Church’s universality.
Another feature of the synod was the exposure to the bracing complexity of the Catholic Church. There were roughly 400 people participating in the conversations, and they
December 8, Sunday
*9:30 a.m. - Mass and Installation of Fr. Tom Loomis as Pastor - St. Felix, Wabasha
December 10, Tuesday
2 p.m. - Clergy Personnel Committee - The Chancery, Rochester
December 12, Thursday
*9 a.m. - Real Presence Radio Live Interview - St. James Coffee, Rochester
1 p.m. - Catechetical Formation for School AdministratorsZoom
*6 p.m. - Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass - Sacred Heart, Owatonna
When the synodal process commenced some three years ago, some were concerned that essential moral teachings of the Church would change. None of those fears was realized. The synod, under the guidance of the Holy Father, came to certain practical determinations in regard to the way decisions are made and accountability is guaranteed - and, as I said, this is all to the good. It changed nothing with respect to doctrine or morals. The reason for the synod’s stability and success is the Holy Spirit. Something
December 13, Friday
*8:30 a.m. - Staff Mass - The Chancery, Rochester
2 p.m. - Bishop's Cabinet - The Chancery, Rochester
December 15-17, Sunday-Tuesday Catholic University of America Board Meeting - Washington, D.C.
December 19, Thursday
4:30 p.m. - Loyola Catholic School Board and Pastors Meeting - Loyola Catholic School, Mankato
December 20, Friday
9 a.m. - Tour of the Jeremiah Project - Rochester
that struck me during both sessions was the prominence of prayer. We prayed at the beginning of each day; we paused for four minutes of prayer every half hour or so during our discussions; we commenced each module of the synod with a solemn Mass at the altar of the chair; we had a particularly beautiful ecumenical prayer session one evening on the site of Peter’s crucifixion; and we closed with a magnificent Mass under the newly restored baldacchino in St. Peter’s Basilica. None of this was merely decorative; all of it belonged to the essence of the synodal experience. The Spirit guided us where he wanted us to go, and he prevented us from wandering from the right path.
December 22, Sunday
*10 a.m. - Mass and Installation of Fr. Marreddy Pothireddy as Pastor - St. Joseph, Owatonna
December 24, Tuesday
*9:30 p.m. - Christmas Eve Mass - Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester
December 25, Wednesday
*9 a.m. - Christmas Day MassCathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona
December 29, Sunday
*10 a.m. - Opening Mass for the Jubilee Year - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona
Non Nisi Te Domine
Bishop Robert Barron
Bishop's Calendar
Algunas reflexiones al regresar de la segunda sesión del Sínodo 5
Por EL OBISPO ROBERT BARRON
�
finales de octubre regresé de la segunda sesión del Sínodo sobre la Sinodalidad en Roma, y confieso que me siento un poco agotado. Como ya he mencionado antes, el Sínodo dura cuatro semanas completas, y las jornadas de trabajo son intensas. Aunque ha sido una experiencia enriquecedora, me alegro de que haya terminado y de estar en casa. Me gustaría compartir con ustedes algunas impresiones y valoraciones generales de la experiencia y también examinar algunas cuestiones particulares que se debatieron en el documento final del sínodo.
La segunda sesión del sínodo supuso una mejora con respecto a la primera en la medida en que volvió a centrarse más en el tema que se pretendía examinar, a saber, la propia sinodalidad. La primera sesión, celebrada el pasado mes de octubre, tuvo algo de omnium gatherum, ya que se trataron temas que iban desde el acercamiento al colectivo LGBT hasta la ordenación de mujeres, el casamiento de los sacerdotes y la reforma eclesiástica. Al dejar de lado estas cuestiones, el Papa nos permitió concentrarnos en el asunto que nos ocupa. Muchas veces, en los últimos dos años, la gente me ha preguntado qué significa «sinodalidad». Los debates que mantuvimos este año en torno a las mesas y en las sesiones plenarias me ayudaron a aclarar mi propio pensamiento al respecto. Con demasiada frecuencia, incluso los defensores de la sinodalidad recurren a vagas generalidades y clichés - «caminar juntos», «ir a los márgenes», «escuchar», etc. - cuando intentan explicar el término. En realidad, por «sinodalidad» entendemos, en primer lugar, el intento consciente e institucionalmente instanciado de permitir que un mayor número de miembros del pueblo de Dios,
especialmente aquellos cuyas voces no han sido habitualmente escuchadas, participen en la toma de decisiones y en su proceso. En segundo lugar, nos referimos al establecimiento de protocolos de responsabilidad y transparencia en relación con el gobierno de la Iglesia.
Como tal, la sinodalidad representa una instanciación práctica de la eclesiología communio que surgió de los documentos del Vaticano II y de la enseñanza de los papas postconciliares. En efecto, es una llamada a todos los bautizados para que asuman una responsabilidad real en la vida de la Iglesia. La gran mayoría de los debates e intervenciones del sínodo tuvieron que ver con el desarrollo de esta idea. En consecuencia, se habló de consejos parroquiales, consejos pastorales diocesanos, consejos de finanzas, juntas de revisión, mayor participación de las mujeres en la formación del seminario, compromiso renovado con la consulta ecuménica, celebración de sínodos locales, establecimiento de protocolos de responsabilidad, etc. Todo esto, me parece, es saludable, y me alegro de que el sínodo lo haya fomentado. Una cuestión que he planteado con frecuencia es que la mayoría, si no todas, de estas cosas ya están en marcha en la Iglesia estadounidense. Así que, en cierto modo, los debates del sínodo se orientaron a hacer que lo que aquí damos por sentado esté más ampliamente disponible en todo el mundo. Otra característica del sínodo fue la exposición a la estimulante complejidad de la Iglesia católica. En las conversaciones participaron unas cuatrocientas personas de los seis continentes habitados. Si se prestaba la menor atención, era prácticamente imposible permanecer parroquial. El estilo africano no es el estilo asiático; los latinoamericanos se enfrentan a problemas muy distintos de los norteamericanos;
el sur de Europa es decididamente distinto del norte de Europa; un ucraniano y una persona de Timor Oriental experimentan la liturgia de maneras muy distintas; etc. Mi amigo John Allen, vaticanista experimentado, observó una noche durante la cena que se puede distinguir a simple vista entre un obispo que ha asistido a un sínodo y otro que no: el primero está más en sintonía con la Iglesia internacional que el segundo. Estaré agradecido el resto de mi vida por la oportunidad de haber tenido esta vívida experiencia de la universalidad de la Iglesia.
Cuando comenzó el proceso sinodal, hace unos tres años, algunos temían que cambiaran las enseñanzas morales esenciales de la Iglesia. Ninguno de esos temores se hizo realidad. El Sínodo, bajo la guía del Santo Padre, llegó a ciertas determinaciones prácticas respecto al modo en que se toman las decisiones y se garantiza la responsabilidad, y, como he dicho, todo esto es positivo. No cambió nada con respecto a la doctrina o la moral. La razón de la estabilidad y el éxito del sínodo es el Espíritu Santo. Algo que me llamó la atención durante ambas sesiones fue el protagonismo de la oración. Rezamos al comienzo de cada día; hicimos una pausa de cuatro minutos de oración cada media hora aproximadamente durante nuestras discusiones; comenzamos cada módulo del sínodo con una misa solemne en el altar de la cátedra; una tarde, tuvimos una sesión especialmente hermosa de oración ecuménica en el lugar de la crucifixión de Pedro; y terminamos con una magnífica misa bajo el baldaquino recién restaurado de la basílica de San Pedro. Nada de esto fue meramente decorativo; todo pertenecía a la esencia de la experiencia sinodal. El Espíritu nos guió hacia donde quería que fuéramos, y nos impidió desviarnos del camino correcto.
There Is Still Time!
Nex� mon�h, we will publish our final list of parishes that met or exceeded their goals for the 2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal. There is still time to make your annual gift. Your parish keeps 100% of the funds raised over its individual goal!
Make your CMA gift today to support:
• Youth Ministry & Faith Formation
• Lay Formation
• OCIA
• Vocations Discernment
• Life, Marriage, & Family
• Catholic Schools
Scan the QR code to donate online.
• Communications
• Hispanic Ministries
• Newman Centers
• Cemeteries
• Parish Support
• Evangelization
OR mail your gift to CFSM at P.O. Box 30098, Winona, MN 55987.
All gifts the the 2024 Appeal must be received on or before December 31, 2024.
Any questions? Please contact Morgan Lowney at 507-494-8844 or mlowney@catholicfsmn.org.
Cracking the Codes
By CAROL FISHBUNE
o
n the morning of Saturday, November 9, 25 Catholic parishioners came together at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church to view the video Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequality. Present were parishioners representing all six of our Rochester Catholic parishes. The 50-minute
Boxes of Joy
By CINDY HEIMER
�he Austin Area Council of Catholic Women has completed another successful Box of Joy campaign.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Johnsburg has been the drop-off center for the past six years. This year, a total of 1,020 boxes were collected at the center, with the help of the fifth grade students of Sacred Heart Catholic School in Adams; the students of St. Benedict's Catholic School in Decorah, IA; the Southwest Area Council of Catholic Women; faith formation students and CCW of the Blue Earth area; plus various churches and individuals throughout the diocese. We are looking forward to greater participation next year.
Cross Catholic Outreach conducts this nationwide program yearly, with Boxes of Joy being distributed to children in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Malawi, and Nicaragua. A Box of Joy may be the only gift a child has ever received. Box of Joy "is an extension of our Church's mission activities; it becomes a tool of God's hands, a way to lift up the Gospel and touch lives in Christ's name and for his glory."
Each child who receives a Box of Joy also receives a booklet in his or her own language, telling the story of Jesus, and a rosary. This ensures each child receives the message of the eternal hope found in Christ while furthering evangelization of the Catholic Church around the world.
Cindy Heimer is a member of the Austin Area Council of Catholic Women.
video was followed by small group discussion questions and then large group brainstorming about next steps.
Here are the next steps that we discussed:
1. Find a way to get the support of our diocese to recognize that this is a pro-life issue that should be addressed by the Catholic Church in Rochester.
In �he �e��on of �h�nk�g�v�ng and gratitude, the students at Sacred Heart School set a goal to fill 50 boxes for children in Central and South America and Africa with the Box of Joy campaign, a ministry of the Cross Catholic Outreach.
As they often do, our students smashed their goal and stuffed 63 boxes! Thank you, Sacred Heart School students and families, for being gracious stewards to those less fortunate.
Student Council members organized and hosted the event at our school. Students pictured in no particular order include: Weston Schneider (President - Grade 8), Hannah Thome (Grade 8), Carter Koenigs (Vice President - Grade 7), Molly Wiste (Grade 7), Maizee Bottema (Grade 6), Eli Wiste (Grade 5), Ansley Huff (Grade 4), Tucker Bottema (Grade 3) and Halle Jax (Grade 2).
Photo and caption submitted by KATIE SCHAEFER, principal of Sacred Heart School in Adams.
2. Repeat this event during the Lenten Season so that more Catholics have the chance to participate. This event will once again be hosted by the Faith Justice Committee of Saint Francis of Assisi parish and will once again include the video, small group discussion and large group brainstorming about next steps. If you feel that more of your parishioners would attend if it was held in their own parish, please let us know and we will assist you in getting that done.
3. The participants were sent home with a list of possible resources to continue their education on this topic. All participants were encouraged to read documents on the USCCB website, including the document Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love.
If any local parishes or area priests would like to have a preview of this event, the Faith Justice Committee at St. Francis of Assisi Parish would gladly provide that for you.
Carol Fishbune is the chairperson of the Faith Justice Committee at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Rochester.
O Antiphons,
cont'd from pg. 1
December 17
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!
December 18
O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!
December 19
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!
December 20
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!
December 21
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
December 22
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
December 23
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!
The 25 participants of Cracking the Codes at St. Francis of Assisi Church on November 9 represented all six Rochester parishes.
National Religious Retirement Office Announces Annual Retirement Fund for Religious Collection
Submitted by ROBIN CABRAL
WINONA-ROCHESTER (October 31, 2024) - The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) is announcing the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection, scheduled in parishes throughout the Diocese of WinonaRochester on the weekend of December 7-8. In 2023, parishioners contributed $67,693.54 to the collection.
Mr. John Knutsen, director of the NRRO, expressed his gratitude: “The unwavering support of the Catholic faithful in the United States continues to inspire us. Every contribution to the Retirement Fund for Religious makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who have given so much to our Church and communities.”
Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests have often worked for little to no pay, leaving them with limited retirement savings. Today, religious communities face the challenge of caring for an aging population, with more than 20,000 religious being past the age of 70. The annual cost of their care exceeds $1 billion, highlighting the critical need for the Retirement Fund for Religious.
Since its inception in 1988, the collection has raised over $1 billion. Nearly $870 million has been distributed for direct care, while over $103.5 million has funded self-help projects like collaborative health-care facilities. The collection also supports educational programs, enabling religious communities to plan for their longterm needs.
“By contributing to the Retirement Fund for Religious,” Knutsen emphasized, “members of the Catholic Church in America not only provide for the care of aging religious but also empower their communities to continue their vital ministries.”
In 2023, the appeal raised $29.3 million, providing financial assistance for the retirement needs of 286 U.S. religious communities.
About the NRRO
The NRRO coordinates the annual national appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious and distributes financial assistance to eligible religious communities. It is sponsored by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
For more information, visit retiredreligious.org, or contact Campaign Director Robin Cabral by phone at (508) 685-8899 or by email at: robincabral@retiredreligious.org.
Something
to
Eat,
cont'd from pg. 1
Catholic on December 14, 2019. Her journey with the Lord centered around the Holy Eucharist in the adoration chapel, where she had become a regular visitor during a life crisis. Her experience there, receiving such peace and assurance that God would see her through, was what drew her to Catholicism.
Britta has always been a baker, and her children grew up baking as well. Fiona, Britta’s youngest daughter, started baking when she was three years old, and is now the manager of Castlerock Sourdough. Linnea, a trained artist and Britta’s second-youngest daughter, rendered a beautiful mural, inspired by the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels at Winona's Alverna Center, in a grotto-like area of the bakery where Britta’s mixer, Maja, is located. Many of Britta’s children have helped at the bakery at one time or another, forming dough, creating artwork, or performing music for guests to the bakery on weekly Wednesday “Buy it HOT Out of the Oven” nights.
After becoming a Catholic, Britta's sourdough bakery became her focus and it flourished. She went to farmers markets where she established longlasting community connections. These connections were evident during my visit; as I made my way up a small hill to her home, I was greeted by several of her regular customers. Everyone knew Britta and loved her bread, but, more importantly, they loved Britta.
I felt as though I was seeing the word of God being lived out: "When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat" (Matthew 25:35). Britta literally gave me bread and water - focaccia and mineral water, in fact. While there was a general atmosphere of "hustle and bustle" in the kitchen, there was also an overarching sense of peace I can only attribute to Britta's faith in the Lord.
"You always have to burn some bread," she remarked, hinting at real trust in the Lord's plan.
We are sinners and not perfect just as the process of making bread does not always turn out a perfect loaf. Britta was always the first one to admit her mistakes in the kitchen and she was also the first person to compliment another when a loaf was made exceptionally well.
Britta's is a true example of giving your life to the Lord, knowing that it will bear good fruit - or good bread in this case. Starting in the adoration chapel and laying her fears in front of Jesus even when she did not know how to make the sign of the cross, she trusted in him and, slowly, the Lord transformed her life. Her sourdough business had humble beginnings. She baked in leaky 50-year-old home ovens and mixed the dough in big Rubbermaid bins by hand, selling from her front porch, making 4-8 loaves a week. Today, she has a licensed commercial bakery with state-of-the-art ovens and can make several more loaves a day.
From my perspective, Britta's business is thriving, but it might be better said that Britta is flourishing. She is even working toward a two-year diploma in sourdough bread baking from Vanessa Kimbell, The Sourdough School, which is devoted to educating people about the healing properties of sourdough.
At the end of one of Britta's reflections on eucharistic adoration, she quoted Psalm 27:4: "One thing I ask of the Lord, this I seek: to dwell in the Lord's house all the days of my life, to gaze on the Lord's beauty and visit his temple." If you visit Castlerock Sourdough, you will see the Lord's house with Britta dwelling there as his devoted servant.
Kat Larson is an administrative assistant to the Office of Evangelization in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
If you know a person in the Diocese of WinonaRochester who is living out the Catholic Faith in a distinctive way, and who wouldn't mind being featured in The Courier, please email Nick Reller at nreller@ dowr.org.
The S�. Serr� Clu� of �he Ow��onn� Are� had a celebration commemorating 25 years of praying for vocations on October 22, 2024. We had a Mass of Thanksgiving with three priests - Msgr. Thomas Cook, Fr. Marreddy Pothireddy, and Fr. Joshua Miller - concelebrating; our chaplain, Deacon Scot Berkley, assisting; and Lee Jardine serving.
Then we had a wonderful luncheon, featuring a video from Bishop Barron congratulating us on 25 years and challenging us to do more. This was followed by Judy Cozzens, former president of Serra U.S., speaking about what the St. Serra Club does, and about new ideas for projects we can do to promote vocations and our own spiritual life.
We also had a table displaying the eight people from our Owatonna area who have followed God's call in their ordained and vowed religious vocation in the last 25 years: Deacon Scot Berkley, Fr. Raphael Christianson, Seminarian Gabe Rysavy, Fr. Thé Hoang, Fr. James Stiles, Sr. Ann Immaculée, Fr. Jason Kern and Fr. Joshua Miller. These new vocations are some of the fruit of our prayer. Praise God! He listens to all of our prayers!
and caption submitted by JoAnn
Photo
Eichten, a member of the St. Serra Club of the Owatonna Area.
L to R: Leola Johnson, Romana Wesely, Katie Mullally, Fr. Joshua Miller, Judy Meier, and Jan Starman
Happy Birthday, Bishop Cotter!
Cotter Schools Honors Namesake's 180th Birthday with Wreath Laying Ceremony
Submitted by JANA KORDER
on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Cotter Schools commemorated the 180th birthday of its namesake, Bishop Joseph Cotter, with a wreath laying ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Winona. The event included a brief prayer service to honor the legacy of the first bishop of our diocese.
Bishop Joseph Cotter, renowned for his dedication to education and faith, remained a guiding figure for Cotter Schools since its inception. The ceremony paid tribute to his enduring influence on the school’s mission and community values.
Director of Mission Integration Gary Meyerl said, “As a Catholic learning community, we proudly wear the Cotter name in honor of the first Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, whose influence continues to be felt to this day.”
Students representing grades 4 through 12 participated in the event. This gathering not only served as a moment of reflection and respect but also provided students with an opportunity to connect
Annual Audit Finds Diocese Compliant
With
Charter
on October 7, 2024, StoneBridge Business Partners, of Rochester, NY, sent Bishop Robert Barron a letter that reads as follows:
Dear Bishop Barron:
Based on the results of our recently performed on-site audit of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, the Diocese has been found compliant with all audited Articles within the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for the audit period of July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024.
The conclusions reached as to the compliance of your Diocese are based upon inquiry, observation and the review of specifically requested documentation furnished to StoneBridge Business Partners during the course of this audit.
Thank you for your cooperation during this process.
with the school’s history and the legacy of the figure whose vision laid the foundation for their education.
Cotter Schools President Mary Eileen Fitch shared, “Our Catholic faith and the Winona community benefit from the work of those who have gone before us. It is important that our students recognize the contributions made many decades ago still positively impact their experience today. By celebrating the leadership, faith, and sacrifices of Bishop Cotter, we hope to impress upon our students the importance of commitment to community and using their lives in service of others.
The prayer service and the symbolic act of laying the wreath reinforced Cotter’s commitment to faith, tradition, and unity. Members of the Cotter community joined in spirit to support the students as they celebrated the life and legacy of Bishop Joseph Cotter, a leader whose values continue to inspire generations.
Jana Korder works in communications, marketing & brand identity for Cotter Schools in Winona.
St. Casimir School, Wells, Donates to Operation Christmas Child
Submitted by TERESA CHIRPICH
"let all that you do be done in love." Can this verse from 1 Corinthians be any more fitting? Twentyfive shoeboxes. This is the tally of gift-filled boxes that our St. Casimir's Catholic School students in Wells donated to children in need around the world through the international program Operation Christmas Child.
As our all-school Advent project, each family was asked to fill and donate one shoebox, but our small school received many more than that number.
We love doing this project as a school, as it truly focuses the students' attention on others during this season of giving. The question that I heard several times over from the kids? "Can I have a bigger box to use?" As mentioned, we just love this Advent project! Happy Advent, everyone!
Teresa Chirpich is the office manager for St. Casimir School in Wells.
The graves of Bishop Patrick Heffron (L) and Bishop Joseph Coter (R), the second and first bishops of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, respectively
The Holy Family
Adult Faith & Lay Formation Event Series Planned for 2025
By BRIAN HANSEN
And when [Joseph and Mary] had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child [Jesus] grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
-Luke 2:39-40
�n the winter and spring of 2025, the Diocese of Winona-Rochester will offer a series of retreats and a pilgrimage for its Catholic adult population. This diocesan event has a two-fold purpose: first and foremost, it will serve as ongoing adult faith formation for lay Catholics to deepen their knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for the Catholic faith; second, it will provide those Catholic adults who are discerning whether to join the next Institute of Lay Formation (ILF) class in the fall of 2025 a snapshot of what they can experience and expect from a typical ILF formation session.
The theme for this diocesan event is The Holy Family, and it will comprise three formation retreats. Each retreat will have a particular focus, either on the Holy Family as a whole or on one of its members. During these retreats, retreatants will not only receive important faith formation, but will also be given time for prayer, reflection, and small group discussion with their peers. The culmination of this diocesan event will be a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of
Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin. Pilgrims will participate in the annual, 21-mile Walk to Mary, a pilgrimage that concludes at the only Churchapproved Marian apparition site in the United States of America.
The hope and intended outcomes for The Holy Family retreats and pilgrimage are for Catholic men and women to develop a greater devotion to the Holy Family in their prayer life. The retreats and pilgrimage will also impart to Catholic husbands/ fathers and wives/mothers a greater awareness of and commitment to the pivotal role they have in the spiritual formation, sanctification, and salvation of their spouses and children. Consequently, Catholic families in our diocese can then strive to be intentional in practicing and living out their Catholic faith and identity inside and outside their homes. Doing so is absolutely vital. Not only does this fulfill the laity’s Christian calling to witness Jesus Christ and his Gospel in the world so as to transform it, but it also perpetuates and renews the Church’s life because the Catholic family is the wellspring of religious and marital vocations from which Holy Mother Church drinks to preserve her wellbeing. Some general information about the dates, locations, and times of the retreats and pilgrimage are mentioned here. However, in the coming weeks, more details for these events will be made available, along with access to registration, on the diocesan website. So stay tuned, and we hope many lay Catholic adults will attend and/or journey with us in the upcoming pilgrimage!
Serve as a Perpetual Pilgrim on the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
Submitted by AARON LOFY
w
e are looking for eight young adults, ages 19-29, who have a deep love of the Eucharist, to serve as Perpetual Pilgrims for the 2025 Pilgrimage.
A Perpetual Pilgrim acts as a steward of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, modeled after the Twelve Apostles who were invited to travel closely with Jesus while other disciples joined him for smaller parts of his journeys. This will be a very intense experience that is taxing spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically, but it is also a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the life of the Apostles as depicted in Scripture.
The Pilgrimage will begin in mid-May 2025 and conclude in late June. Applicants must also be available for an in-person retreat February 14-16, virtual formation nights on Mondays throughout the spring semester, and for some time after the Pilgrimage for post-pilgrimage formation.
This 2025 Pilgrilmage will begin in Indianapolis and conclude in Los Angeles.
Required Values/Qualifications/Skills
• Baptized and confirmed Catholics who regularly receive the Sacraments of Communion and Reconciliation
• Uphold all the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Consistent daily prayer life and continuous striving to grow in virtue
• Flexibility with constantly changing situations and schedules
• Investment in a team that will travel in close proximity for several weeks
• Willingness to fill various roles for eucharistic processions
• Ability to give witness talks to small and large groups
• Comfort discussing the Catholic faith with others
• Ability to walk 15 miles in a day (NOTE: We will not be walking this much most days, but there may be a few days that are 15 miles.)
• Willingness to live on the road for several weeks and openness to local hospitality each night for lodging and food
• Deep love for the universal Church and appreciation for different expressions of Catholic liturgy
• Grace in receiving/giving fraternal correction from/to teammates when needed
• Has a spiritual director (or is willing to find one) for the duration of the preparation period, the time on the pilgrimage route, and the 6 months of transition after the pilgrimage
• Between the ages of 19-29 by the start of the NEP in May
Helpful Qualifications/Skills
We realize not everyone will have all the below skills, but we are looking for members of a team who can help fill some of the desired qualifications below.
Holy Family Retreat
Saturday, February 8
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
St. Edward Parish, Austin
St. Joseph Retreat
Saturday, March 15
St. Joseph Parish, Owatonna
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
St. Mary Retreat
Saturday, April 12
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, Blue Earth
Walk to Mary Pilgrimage
Friday, May 2 - Sunday, May 4
• Proficiency in conversational Spanish
• Comfort driving a 15-passenger van with trailer attached over long distances, and a clean driving record (background check required)
• Ability to lead liturgical music (vocal and/or instrumental)
• Experience with photography to capture events on the pilgrimage
• Ability to be interviewed by journalists
• Experience blogging and/or running social media for an organization
Apply using the QR code above or by visiting: eucharisticpilgrimage.org
Aaron Lofy is the director of young adult ministry in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
Inside the Capitol
Faithful Citizenship Beyond Election Day
By MINNESOTA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
e
lection Day has passed, and leaders have been chosen at every level of government. So, what happens next? This is when the real work begins.
Responsible citizenship does not end at the voting booth. In fact, the U.S. bishops remind us that responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation, in their document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. Our faith calls us to engage in public life year-round, advocating for policies that promote human dignity, justice, and the common good.
Our representative republic thrives on active engagement, especially at the local level. Decisions on issues such as education, housing, and public safety are frequently made by city councils, school boards, and county officials. Many of the big moral and cultural issues, such as religious liberty and bioethical matters related to the protection of human life at all stages, are decided in the State Legislature. These local bodies of government can have as much, if not more, impact on daily life than national politics do.
It is essential, therefore, for Catholics to practice faithful citizenship at the local level, where our influence can be profound and immediate.
The key to this ongoing engagement is relationships with elected officials. Yet many citizens do not know who represents them at the state or local level. If we cannot name our elected officials, how can we trust them to make laws that will positively influence society? Thus, it is vital to be in relationship with our lawmakers so we can ensure our values will be represented.
Most elected officials genuinely want to hear from their constituents. Simple actions, such as signing up for legislators' newsletters, following local officials on social media, and sending legislators a message, can create channels of communication to help start building those relationships. Even better than engaging electronically is meeting with our elected officials in person. Invite them to coffee with you, or with you and a group of friends.
A great way to begin establishing connections with elected officials is through the Minnesota Catholic Conference’s Catholic Advocacy Network (CAN). CAN members can easily join their voice with other Catholics to connect with lawmakers on important issues through emails, phone calls, or video messages. Making the Catholic voice heard on important issues is a tremendous support for the work of the bishops at the
Choose Kindness
By FR. TOM WASHBURN, OFM
�ear NCCW [National Council of Catholic Women] Family:
In his inauguration speech in 1989, President George H.W. Bush said, “America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in high moral principle. We as a people have such a purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world.” That might be one of the loftiest sentiments expressed by a president, and one of the greatest aspirations that we could ever hold as a people.
I think if you were to ask most Americans what kind of country we are, we would name our highest values. We would talk about our love of freedom, we would talk about the opportunities that this country provides just about anyone to make their lives better. We would talk about the melting pot that brings together so many different people from different places and yet we all become one as Americans. We would name all of the virtues and blessings that result from life, lib erty, and the pursuit of happiness.
But, if we are being honest with ourselves, we would also have to say that there are far too many times when we do not live up to the lofty ideals of our nation. Lies, and vitriol take the place of discourse and mutual concern, sadly. Who we can better villainize seems to be more important than the truth, working together, and a hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Now, for Americans who aspire to those loftiest of ideals, and most certainly for people of faith, we can do much better. If we truly believe that God is our Father - and certainly, we do - then that makes us of necessity sisters and brothers. This remains true no matter what side of the political spectrum we are on, no matter what our immigration status is, no matter
Watch MCC's How to Advocate to Elected Officials at:
mncatholic.org/howtoadvocate
RSVP to 2025 First Friday Adoration at the Capitol at:
mncatholic.org/events
State Capitol.
Beyond advocacy, prayer is also fundamental to our mission. The Minnesota Catholic Conference invites all Catholics to participate in “Adoration at the Capitol.” Held each First Friday from January through May, this initiative provides an opportunity to bring Christ to the heart of state governance and to pray for our leaders. By praying together, we bring our hopes and intentions before God and seek the grace to persevere in our civic duties.
Faithful citizenship is gradual, patient work, built brick by brick. As Alexis de Tocqueville observed, engagement in local politics is a “school of democracy.” When Catholics engage locally, we lay the groundwork for a more just and compassionate society. This commitment - to advocate, build relationships, and pray - empowers us to serve the common good, renewing our communities from the ground up.
The Minnesota Catholic Conference has been the public policy voice of the Catholic Church bers of the MCC's board of directors are
Advent Hope
By DEACON ROBERT YERHOT, MSW
when you receive this issue of The Courier, Advent will have arrived with all it entails for us in our Catholic lives. For me, Advent is not only a time of preparation for the coming of our Lord Jesus, and thus renewed commitment to prayer and penance, but, most especially, it is a time of great hope. What other season of the Church year can teach us better about hope than Advent, when we await the fulfillment of God’s promised Messiah, our Savior, the child of Bethlehem?
Whenever I speak of hope, my thoughts turn immediately to Pope John Paul I, Albino Luciani. Although only pope for 32 days in 1978, he won my heart and the hearts of so many people throughout the world. Luciani, giving voice to what he believed God would say, spoke of hope in his book, Illustrissimi:
Men’s faith does not amaze me - God says - it is not surprising: I shine so in my creation, that to not see me, these poor people would have to be blind. Men’s charity does not amaze me - God says - it is
not surprising: these poor creatures are so unhappy that if they do not have hearts of stone, they cannot but feel love for one another. But hope: that is what amazes me! (Illustrissimi, pg 24).
Dear readers, I am not surprised by your fidelity to the Lord and his Church; nor am I surprised by your charity, your love, for your families and the poor and marginalized in our diocese. Your faith and your charity are consistent with your call to be Christians, and within the embrace of your particular vocations.
I do marvel at your spirit of hope for the future, despite the many challenges that lie ahead of us as followers of Christ in the world today. With so many things now before us that could easily dampen our hopefulness for the future, whether in the Church or in the world in which we live, I continue to find in you, in the people of God, a hopefulness rooted in the coming of Jesus Christ, true God and true man, and in his promises to us all. We must never lose our hope!
This hope finds its source in prayer, in communion with God, and then with each other. If you are discouraged or dispirited, humbly ask yourselves
this question: “How much time am I spending before our Lord in communion with him?” Prayer was the secret of St. Teresa of Calcutta; it was the way of St. Monica over the course of many years in her concern for Augustine; it was the life of our Blessed Mother, who never lost hope and always was in communion with her divine Son.
Let us be people of Advent! Let us be people of hope! Let us be the “amazement of God” in a world too easily overcome with discouragement. Hope always leads to the destination of our life journey, eternal life with our Triune God. God bless you all!
Deacon Robert Yerhot serves the parishes of St. Mary in Caledonia and St. Patrick in Brownsville.
The Holidays Are Brighter When We All Share the Joy
By KRISTINA HAMMELL
� can’t believe another year has gone by and we’re nearly in 2025! Let’s face it: 2024 has been quite a year. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling a deep need for Christmas and all it brings - time with family, connection, and moments of joy - perhaps more than ever.
For me, this year has been marked by loss. As I work through what loss brings, I remind myself that I’m not alone. Looking back on this year, it’s not only the loss of my father and other family members that stands out, but also the love that was shown to me. In my time of need, I was reminded of the incredible people surrounding me - my friends, my family, and my colleagues, a.k.a. my “work family,” at Catholic Charities.
For the past 16 years, I have had the honor of working with an organization that lives out its mission of helping and supporting others in their time of need. I think of all the ways I felt supported, and I am filled with a deep sense of appreciation and peaceful joy. This feeling, and what it inspires in me, is why I love working here. My job, simply put, is to share this feeling - to remind others that we truly can make a difference in people’s lives - and that the holidays are always brighter when we all share the joy.
- my “work family” - work tirelessly to provide support to individuals and families across our region: working night shifts to provide shelter on the coldest days, being on-call to counsel an expecting mother in need of support, or visiting homes to ensure a warm welcome when the world turns the other way.
ing to support our mission. We want to help as many people as possible in Southern Minnesota - sharing the joy that I hope we all feel this Christmas.
We invite you to be part of our work by volunteering with one of our programs. To volunteer or donate, visit our website at www.ccsomn.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
• Active Aging - Senior AmeriCorps
• Medication Application Services (MediAppS)
• Child & Family Services - Diaper Bank
• Emergency Shelters in Winona & Rochester
• Refugee Resettlement Services –Welcome Teams
• Parish Engagement
On behalf of Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota, we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. Let us bring joy to others, especially those in need, this Christmas, remembering that Jesus came to share his joy and peace with everyone.
- Mother Teresa
Our mission at Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota is to provide help, hope, and dignity to the most vulnerable among us. The staff
As the social service arm of the diocese, we offer services to help individuals and families in crisis, vulnerable adults, and seniors. We see and serve all. For this, we ask you to consider donat -
Kristina Hammell is the director of development and outreach for Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota.
December 2024 w The Courier w dowr.org
Obituaries
Sister Avis Schons, OSF, 85, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Avis Elizabeth Schons was born on June 27, 1939, in Tracy to Leo and Mary (Cote) Schons. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1958,
received the name of Sister Leon, and made perpetual vows in 1960. She received her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, in 1971 and her Master of Arts in spiritual formation from Holy Names College, Oakland, CA, in 1988.
Sister Avis served in various roles throughout her career, including 16 years as an elementary teacher in Minnesota and Maryland (196076). She worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester (1976-77), before teaching English at Colegio Santa Francisca Romana, Bogotá, Colombia (1978-87). She later served in pastoral ministry at the Diocese of Chulucanas, Piura, Peru (1989-90) and as Program Director at Catholic Charities, Vista, CA (1990-2000).
Sister Avis also served as Associate Minister of Congregational Leadership at Assisi Heights (2000-04), Central Minister for Incorporation/ Franciscan Life Teams (2004-06), and Channel One, Rochester (2007-08). She retired in 2009 and volunteered at Assisi Heights Ministries after moving there in 2017.
Survivors of Sister Avis Schons include her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 66 years; two brothers, Kenneth and John
Events
December 7, Saturday
St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lake City, will host a Holiday Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Famous Cookie Walk, vendors, raffles, used-a-bit Christmas items, sweet shoppe, mission sewing quilting, and caramel rolls with coffee & hot chocolate. Bring your camera for a picture with St. Nicholas!
Schons; and sister Alice Dudley. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Bernard and William Schons; and two sisters, Ruth Molitor and Elaine Ruppert.
A Resurrection Liturgy was held at Assisi Heights on Thursday, November 21, 2024, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Mission Advancement, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.
