The Courier - February 2017

The

COURIER

Presentation of the Lord February 2

H eart of Jesus C J C W February 2017

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www.dowcourier.org

Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona, MN

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By LEANDRA HUBKA

�his past November, Cor Jesu

(core yay'-zoo) was held for the first time at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona.

Latin for "Heart of Jesus," Cor Jesu is held on the first Friday of each month and is an evening of Eucharistic Adoration, Praise and Worship music, and the opportunity for Confession. More than 120 people attended the inaugural Winona Cor Jesu, and subsequent months have continued to be well-received and attended.

Our world is thirsty for the love of Christ, and Cor Jesu allows people to encounter the Lord's love and mercy through adoring Him in the Blessed Sacrament, listening or singing along to songs of worship, Photo credit: Carly Radke and being able to receive forgiveness through the Sacrament of Penance.

I was blessed to attend the original Cor Jesu in St. Paul when I was in college. It was started in 2006 by then-Father Andrew Cozzens, who is now Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis. Cor Jesu has spread to other locations and

dioceses, but it was not until the fall of 2016 that Cor Jesu first came to the Diocese of Winona.

After moving to Winona in 2014, I thought it would be wonderful to someday bring Cor Jesu to Winona, and fitting to have an evening dedicated to the Sacred Heart right at the Cathedral Cor Jesu, cont'd on pg. 4

US Bishops: Refugee Order Will Harm Victims of War, Terror WASHINGTON D.C., Jan 30, 2017 (CNA/ EWTN News) - Catholic bishops and relief leaders were among the critics of President Donald Trump’s order to implement stricter vetting on refugees and lower the cap for the number of refugees who can enter the United States.

Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, TX, in his role as chairman of the US Bishops’ Committee on Migration, said the US bishops “strongly disagree” with the halt on refugee admissions.

“We believe that now more than ever, welcoming newcomers and refugees is an act of love and hope,” he said Jan. 27.

“We will continue to engage the new administration, as we have all administrations for the duration of the current refugee program, now almost forty years. We will work vigorously to ensure that refugees are humanely welcomed in collaboration with Catholic Charities without sacrificing our security or our core values as Americans, and to ensure that families may be reunified with their loved ones.”

The bishops said they believe in aiding everyone vulnerable who is fleeing persecution, regardless of their religion, the Austin bishop said.

“We need to protect all our brothers and sisters of all faiths, including Muslims, who have lost family, home, and country,” Bishop Vasquez continued. “They are children of God and are entitled to be treated with

Refugees, cont'd on pg. 4

INSIDE this issue

Meet Sister Mara

Marching for Life in St. Paul page 5

page 7

Seeking the Lord page 10

Articles of Interest

The Courier Insider

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Photo Credit: CNA

Abbas Visits Vatican

By ELISE HARRIS

VATICAN CITY, Jan 14, 2017 (CNA/ EWTN News) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited the Vatican before inaugurating his country’s new embassy to the Holy See. He met with Pope Francis for a discussion focused largely on peace efforts in the Middle East.

Described as “cordial” in a Jan. 14 communique from the Vatican, the discussion between the two began by making note of the good relations they enjoy, which were “sealed” by a Global Agreement made by them in 2015 recognizing the “essential aspects” of the life and activity of the Church in Palestine.

“In this context, mention was made of the important contribution of Catholics to favoring the promotion of human dignity and assistance for those most in need, especially in the fields of education, health and aid,” the communique read.

Conversation then shifted to the peace process in the Middle East, and hope was voiced that direct negotiations between the different parties “may be resumed to bring an end to the violence that causes unacceptable suffering to civilian populations, and to find a just and lasting solution.”

“To this end, it is hoped that, with the support of the international community, measures can be taken that favor mutual trust and contribute to creating a climate that permits courageous decisions to be made in favor of peace.”

An emphasis was also placed on the importance of “safeguarding the sanctity” of Holy Sites, which are frequently a source of division and conflict between the different faiths in the area, as well as other conflicts affecting the region.

After his 23 minute meeting with the Pope, Abbas then met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

He arrived at the Vatican at 10:10a.m. with his 10-15 person delegation and was met by the Pope, who told him in Spanish “It is a pleasure to receive you.” The president responded, saying “I am happy to be here.”

Pope Francis gifted the president with the official medal for the Jubilee of Mercy as well as a copy of Amoris Laetitia and Laudato Si, telling Abbas they had been translated.

For his part, Abbas gave the Pope five gifts: February, 2017 w The Courier

an icon of the face of Jesus, a stone from the site of Golgotha in the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, a golden icon of the Holy Family, the book “Palestine and the Holy See” and a documentation of the work being done in restoring the Basilica of the Nativity.

When they sat down at the desk before the start of the meeting, the Pope told Abbas “things are arriving to me [from your area]," and at a certain point in the discussion the president spoke to the Pope about the new embassy, telling Francis it’s a “sign that the Pope loves the Palestinian people and loves peace.”

The president was in Rome to inaugurate the new Palestinian embassy to the Holy See, just one year after the Holy See-Palestine agreement, signed May 13, 2015, took effect and made official the Holy See's recognition of the State of Palestine.

The fact that the Holy See referred to its agreement with “the State of Palestine” rather than the Palestinian Liberation Authority or another title, immediately gained international attention.

It was hoped that the agreement will encourage the international community to acknowledge an independent State of Palestine, alongside Israel.

In addition to referring to Palestine as a State, the Vatican-Palestinian agreement also recognized freedom of religion in Palestine, and outlined the rights and obligations of the Church, its agencies, and its personnel in the territory. The comprehensive agreement followed upon a “basic agreement” that was signed in February 2000.

The bilateral commission was established after the Holy See and the Palestine Liberation Organization strengthened official relations.

After the 2000 agreement, negotiations between the parties picked up again in 2010, with the aim of completing the basic agreement.

In his Jan. 9 speech to the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to the Holy See Pope Francis renewed his appeal for Israel and Palestine to resume dialogue aimed at “a stable and enduring solution that guarantees the peaceful coexistence of two States within internationally recognized borders.”

“No conflict can become a habit impossible to break," Pope Francis said. "Israelis and Palestinians need peace. The whole Middle East urgently needs peace!”

Meet Sister Mara__________________5 Working for Peace: the Church's Role_6 Marching for Life in St. Paul_________7 Hello from Cotter and WACS_______8 Seeking the Lord_________________10 On Later Vocations_______________11 Renew Faith. Extend Mercy...________12 ...Come to the Capitol!____________13 Diocesan Headlines________________14 Diocesan Calendar________________15

The Holy Father's Intention for February 2017 Comfort for the Afflicted: That all those who are afflicted, especially the poor, refugees, and marginalized, may find welcome and comfort in our communities.

Corrections On page 8 of our January 2017 issue, we attributed a quote to "Principal Lori Datta" of Crucifixion School in La Crescent. In fact, Ms. Datta is not the principal of Crucifixion School but a sixth grade teacher.

The Consecrated Life graphic on the back of our January 2017 issue lists "Sr. Ann Stiles" Sr. Ann Imaculee as a Novice for the Sisters of Life. In fact, her proper name is now Sr. Ann Imaculee, and she wears a veil, as shown in this updated photo.

In the same graphic, Br. Ryan Anderson is listed as a second-year postulant. In fact, Br. Ryan professed his first vows in July of 2016.

See his updated photo to the right.

The Courier regrets these errors.

Child Abuse Policy Information

Br. Ryan Anderson

Diocese of Winona - Child Sexual Abuse Policy Information The Diocese of Winona will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 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 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 Mary Hamann at 507-858-1244, or mhamann@dow.org.

The Courier is the Official Publication of the Diocese of Winona 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 108 - 2

Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Publisher Nick Reller, Associate Editor Telephone: 507-858-1257 Fax:507-454-8106 E-mail: nreller@dow.org Subscription Rates: $5 per year in the U.S. Parishioners in the Winona

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Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the 10th of the month prior.

(ISSN 0744-5490)

Celebrate Catholic Schools! �

ear Friends in Christ, Catholic Schools Week

Rejoice in Hope Bishop John M. Quinn Bishop's Calendar

SEEK 2017 Conference Last month I was privileged to spend a few days in San Antonio, TX, at the SEEK 2017 Conference sponsored by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS).

FOCUS trains missionaries to serve on college campuses, where they share the joy of being in relationship with Christ and His Church, with the students they encounter. FOCUS started with two missionaries at one college in 1998 and now has 550 full-time missionaries at 125 colleges. The Diocese of Winona is blessed to have FOCUS missionaries at both Winona State University and Minnesota State University, Mankato. I was able to join them as they gathered with almost 13,000 college students and FOCUS missionaries from all over the country for prayer, inspiring talks, and time to build relationships with others who are striving to follow Christ on secular college campuses.

It renews my faith to see so many young people on fire for the Lord and ready to tell others about the good news of Jesus Christ. Christ is the only One who can fulfill the longing of the human heart and I am happy to extend my support and gratitude to FOCUS and its ministry of evangelization.

Catholic

Ministries 2017

The annual Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) is the primary source of funding for many of the ministries in our diocese, schools, and parishes, and this year it begins in most parishes on the weekend of February 18/19. It is because of your generosity to CMA that we can sponsor retreats and conferences for men, women, and youth; offer catechetical training for hundreds of priests, parish staff, and school staff; support our young people with vocational discernment; provide resources to strengthen marriages and families; and engage in various ministries to assist the poor and marginalized in our society.

I thank you in advance for your support of CMA17. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, and by giving to the Catholic Ministries Appeal, you are helping to build up the Body of Christ, the Church.

It is one of the ways that you can assist in sharing the Gospel, giving Catholics the opportunity to delve deeper into their faith and to share that faith with others.

The Catholic Ministries Appeal reminds us that we are a part of not only our local parish, but of the Catholic Church, which extends to our diocese and beyond. While not everyone is able to give a large amount, all of our gifts added together make the ministry of the Church possible. I encourage you to please be generous!

National Marriage Week February 7-14 marks National Marriage Week, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the beauty of marriage and the benefits strong marriages provide to children, spouses, and society. Healthy marriages have been proven to be the best environment in which to raise children, with children much less likely to be in trouble, struggle with mental illness, or suffer from

February 2, Thursday 10 am – Mass – Rochester Catholic Schools – Lourdes High School, Rochester 1:30 pm – Chapel Blessings at Madonna Towers in Celebration of 50 Year Anniversary, Rochester 5 pm – Holy Hour for Vocations with Winona Serra Club and FOCUS Missionaries – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

February 12, Sunday 6 pm – Mass – Holy Spirit Parish, Rochester

February 3, Friday 7:45 am – Teach at St. Mary University 10 am – Mass, signing of the Collaborative Education Memorandum, and Blessing of Throats – Winona Area Catholic Schools and Cotter – St. Stanislaus Kostka Basilica, Winona

February 15, Wednesday Community Mass and Seminarian Meeting at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary – Philadelphia

February 9, Thursday 10 am – Holy Hour and Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting February 10, Friday 7:45 am – Teach at St. Mary University February 11, Saturday 4:30 pm – Mass for World Day of the Sick – St. Mary Hospital Chapel, Rochester

Appeal

February 13, Monday 4 pm – Sacred Heart Major Seminary Board Meeting – Detroit February 14, Tuesday Faculty and Individual Seminarian Meetings – Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit

February 17, Friday 7:45 am – Teach at St. Mary University 10 am – Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminarian Visits – IHM Seminary, Winona February 18, Saturday 10 am – Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminarian Visits – IHM Seminary, Winona February 19, Sunday 8:30 am – Mass – St. Rose of Lima Parish, Lewiston 10:30 am – Mass – St. Anthony Parish, Altura

poverty. Healthy marriages lead to healthier and longer lives for spouses and decrease poverty and crime in society. Thus, strong marriages are a blessing to everyone!

In addition to the many practical benefits of marriage, the Sacrament of Marriage is a gift of grace from our Triune God. A man and a woman united in marriage are called to make visible to the world the selfless love that Christ has for His Church. Let us pray for all married couples and families, that they may be strengthened by Christ and by the Holy Family to live lives of holiness. I encourage all of you who are married to take the opportunity to strengthen your marriage, for yourself, your spouse, your children, and society. Let us not tire of defending the beauty and truth of marriage!

Dispensation for St. Patrick's Day - March 17, 2017 It is an important Lenten practice that, on Fridays of Lent, the Catholic community abstains from eating meat and meat products, as an act of penance. I am aware, however, that this year, the Feast of St. Patrick, March 17, falls on a Lenten Friday.

I realize that many parishes and organizations have planned corned beef dinners and other social events along with family dinners and celebrations of St. Patrick's Day. So that all can freely celebrate, I grant a dispensation from abstinence from meat and meat products to all Catholics on March 17, 2017, in the Diocese of Winona. I encourage, however, that those who take advantage of this dispensation egage in another act of penance or charity on that day.

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we remember and celebrate Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem, 40 days after His birth. The Church has chosen the Presentation as the day on which to celebrate the World Day for Consecrated Life. We thank the Lord for the gift of consecrated life, and for those men and women who have chosen to give their lives to Christ. Thank you to all those who have said yes to the call of consecrated life!

This year, our annual celebration for those in consecrated life is May 19. In past years we have held this Mass and Luncheon on the Feast of the Presentation, but we are moving the gathering to May to avoid winter weather for those traveling long distances. This year’s event will be hosted by the Franciscan Sisters at Assisi Heights in Rochester, and all consecrated living in the diocese will receive an invitation at a later date.

February 2 is also known as “Candlemas Day.” On this day candles are traditionally blessed and carried in procession at Mass, symbolizing Christ, the Light of the World, and His first entry into the temple in Jerusalem. It is a reminder to us that Christ desires to be the light of our lives and we are called to share His light with those around us. May Christ dispel the darkness of our lives and world!

From the Bishop

Every year at the end of January the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates National Catholic Schools Week. It is observed from the last Sunday in January through the following Saturday, which this year is January 29 – February 4.

The theme of the week is Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service. This week is a wonderful opportunity to spread the word about how vital Catholic schools are to the mission of the Church, as they assist parents in teaching their children, especially about our Catholic faith.

I personally have a great passion for Catholic schools. I have spent many years involved in Catholic education, and now, as Bishop of Winona, I continue to teach at St. Mary’s University in Winona. Catholic schools have high

academic standards and graduate well-rounded students who use their faith and knowledge to contribute to their communities.

I know that, for many parents, it is a sacrifice to send kids to Catholic school. I thank those of you who have enrolled your children in one of our Catholic schools, and those in our parish communities who support our families and Catholic schools. I encourage everyone to take part in one of the many events during Catholic Schools Week and to learn more about the vibrant role Catholic schools play in our communities, helping our children grow in faith, knowledge, and service.

Sincerely in Christ,

World Day for Consecrated Life February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, when

February 21, Tuesday 11am – Holy Hour and Deans Meeting – Albert Lea 2:30 pm – Clergy Personnel Board Meeting – Albert Lea February 22, Wednesday 9:30 am – Holy Hour and College of Consultors Meeting 7 pm – Evening Speaker for the St. Teresa and St. Peter Leadership Community from Saint Mary's University, Winona February 23, Thursday 1 pm – Holy Hour and Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting February 24, Friday 7:45 am – Teach at St. Mary University 11 am – Presbyteral Gathering – St. Theodore Parish, Albert Lea February 25, Saturday 4 pm - Mass - Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Winona February 26, Sunday 8:30 am – Mass – Immaculate Conception Parish, Kellogg

Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona

10:30 am – Mass – St. Joachim Parish, Plainview February 28, Tuesday 11 am – Holy Hour and Presbyteral Council Meeting – Albert Lea March 3, Friday 10 am – Priest Pension Plan Board Meeting 4 pm - Mass - Sauer Memorial Home, Winona March 4, Saturday 5 pm – Mass and Celebrate with the Saints – St. Casimir Parish, Wells March 5, Sunday 3 pm – RCIA Rite of Election – Queen of Angels Parish, Austin March 7, Tuesday 8:30 am – DOW Seminarian Evaluations 6 pm – Record Easter Sunday TV Mass – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona – All are welcome to attend!

February, 2017 w The Courier

Cor Jesu, Refugees, 4

cont'd from pg. 1

of the Sacred Heart. This fall that dream became a reality when the Holy Spirit brought together myself and a few other people who had also been to Cor Jesu in St. Paul and were enthused with the idea of bringing Cor Jesu to Winona. Once a team was together and we had the blessing of the Cathedral Rector, Fr. McNea, details fell into place very quickly, and the inaugural Cor Jesu on November 4 was a beautiful evening with Exposition and Benediction, moving Praise and Worship music, long lines for Confession, and an engaging time of fellowship at the end. Bringing Cor Jesu to the Cathedral in Winona was truly the work of the Lord and has already touched many people's lives!

Cor Jesu begins at 7 p.m. with solemn Exposition, a Scripture reading, and a short homily; followed by time for silent Adoration, music, and the Sacrament of Confession; and concludes with Benediction, after which everyone is invited to the gathering space for fellowship and refreshments. Cor Jesu is held on the first Friday of the month September through May, and all are invited; all ages are welcome, and one does not need to be Catholic or regularly attending church to come. Our Lord desires us to spend time with Him, and I encourage you to come to Cor Jesu at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and experience the mercy and love of Christ's Sacred Heart. The March Cor Jesu will be on Friday, March 3. For more information, search for "Winona Cor Jesu" on Facebook, visit winonacorjesu.gitlab.io, or call Leandra Hubka at (507) 990-3402 or Steven Lehn at (507) 312-9041. We hope to see you there!

Leandra Hubka is a parishioner of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona and is the Team Leader for the Cor Jesu Cor Team.

February, 2017 w The Courier

cont'd from pg. 1

human dignity. We believe that by helping to resettle the most vulnerable, we are living out our Christian faith as Jesus has challenged us to do.”

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, VA, said the US bishops’ statement “highlighted our nation’s long and proud tradition of welcoming newcomers and refugees in a humane manner, even as we have pursued a strong vetting system to ensure our safety and security.”

Bishop Burbidge encouraged Catholics to contact their elected officials to oppose the new policy. “(O)ur communities have been and will continue to be hospitable to refugees, in keeping with our legacy of welcoming the stranger,” he said. “Together, we also pray for comprehensive immigration reform and for peace, safety and harmony within our nation and throughout the world.”

The bishops responded to a new presidential executive order announced on Friday.

“I’m establishing new vetting measures to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States,” President Trump had said signing the order. “We don't want ‘em here. We want to ensure we aren’t admitting into our country the very threats that our men and women are fighting overseas.”

The executive order itself does not mention Islam. It bars U.S. entry for visitors from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia for three months and places broader restrictions on the U.S. refugee program.

Before signing the executive order, President Trump told Christian Broadcasting News that he would prioritize persecuted Christian refugees.

“We are going to help them,” the president said. “They’ve been horribly treated. Do you know if you were a Christian in Syria it was impossible, at least very tough to get into the United States?”

The executive order’s text does not mention Christianity either. It instructs officials involved in refugee entry “to prioritize refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individual’s country of national origin.”

The executive order also said the entry of more than 50,000 refugees in 2017 is detrimental to US interest and should be suspended until further notice. Last year, the U.S. legal cap on refugees was 117,000 people, the U.K. newspaper The Guardian reports.

However, only about 85,000 refugees actually entered the U.S. that year, the Pew Research Center reports. Of these, 38,901 were Muslim and 37,521 were Christian.

Some critics have voiced concern that the lower cap on refugees would mean fewer persecuted Christians could secure legal entry even if given priority treatment.

The president raised the possibility of a ban on Muslim immigration during his presidential campaign, but has objected to depictions of his new policy as a “Muslim ban.”

The executive order swiftly drew several legal challenges and prompted several mass protests at airports around the country, but it is unclear how unpopular it will prove with Americans as a whole.

Catholic relief leaders also criticized the order.

“People seeking refuge in the United States and elsewhere are victims – often

Photo Credit: CNA

of the same terrorists from whom we must protect ourselves,” Sean Callahan, Catholic Relief Services president and CEO, said Jan. 27.

“We know the people most affected by extremists and conflict. They are people like all Americans, seeking safety and a better life for their families. In fact, in our work around the world, we depend on many of them for our own safety. They need our help - now!”

“People fleeing violence all suffer the same irrespective of their religion. Refugee admissions should not depend on religion.

As Catholics we feel the responsibility to help all those in need,” added Bill O’Keefe, Catholic Relief Services’ vice-president of government relations and advocacy.

“The most vulnerable people fleeing violence will suffer the most because of these restrictions,” he said. “The Iraqi women I met have already suffered from ‘extreme vetting’ just getting out of Islamic State controlled areas in the middle of the night with their children.”

“Taking fewer refugees betrays the trust of refugee hosting allies as well as vulnerable refugees,” he added. O’Keefe said that security assessments by new presidential administrations are expected but should be “conducted in good faith and rapidly.”

Bishop Vasquez said over 65 million people have been displaced from their homes worldwide. He said the Catholic Church will respond to this “extraordinary level of suffering.”

Meet Sister Mara Sr. Mara Lester, R.S.M.

My name is Sister Mara Lester, RSM. I am a mem-

ber of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, MI, and the new interim director of the Office of Faith Formation and RCIA. I was born in Florida and raised in the rather opposite climate of Brainerd/Baxter, MN. I attended public school until my freshman year of college at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona. I credit the Diocese of Duluth for much of my initial faith formation, leading me to reflect upon how much a diocese can affect individual faith development.

I was initially introduced to the possibility of a religious vocation in my latter high school years. At

"Endow" Launches Outreach to Latinos, Millennials DENVER, Jan 25, 2017 (CNA/EWTN News) - In an effort to meet the Church's g ro w t h i n d i v e rs i t y, t h e Catholic women's apostolate Endow has announced a n ew p ro g ra m t h at w i l l cater to various demog ra p h i c s i n t h e c h u rc h , including Latino women and millennials.

“With the advent of new technologies, rapidly changing social issues, and changing demographics in the Church, we recognize the need to remain flexi b l e , l e v e ra g i n g t h e n e w t o o l s a n d d a ta ava i l a b l e via digital to test unique approaches, while continuing to support the core audiences who have come to benefit from our ministr y,” said Martha Reichert, the president of Endow, in a re cent press release.

E n d o w w a s fo u n d e d in 2003 in a collaborative effort between lay women and Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles and Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia.

N o w, the program is a leading w o m e n ' s a p o st o l a t e t h a t is present in over 130 dioceses and reaches approxi-

mately 33,000 women.

Endow's goal is to inspire, upli ft and educate women through the teachings of the Catholic Church, mainly drawing from Pope S t . J o h n Pa u l I I ' s L e t t e r to Women. Their programs also offer a space for comm u n i t y a n d e n c o u ra g e ment, where women from all areas of life can meet and learn more about themselves through the lenses of church teaching.

“Endow has paved the way over the last 15 years, bringing the Church's beautiful teaching on the 'genius' of women and the 'new femini sm' to women all across the United S t a t e s ,” s a i d A rc h b i s h o p Gomez in the press release.

Now, Endow is revamping their outreach in a big way to include programs in Spanish, which has already been implemented in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles – an area that is about 70 percent Lati no. “ Through our Hispanic Program, developed on the ground in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and our new visual identity and socialdata driven approach fo r o n l i n e o u t re a c h , w e believe we have found the right strategy to allow us to reach new women, while at the same time providing a b e tte r way to co n n e c t with our core constituency of women across the countr y,” Reichert stated.

So far, the program has produced about 45 groups, reaching over 2,000

women.

A rc h b i s h o p G o m e z o f L o s A n g e l e s s p o ke h i g h ly of Endow's new effort, s ay i n g t h at h e h a s b e e n inspired by the Latino program, and has high hopes for future endeavors. “ The great success of Endow's outreach to Hispanic women and parishes here in Los Angeles a n d t h ro u g h o u t S o u t h e r n California has been inspiring. I am hopeful that we can continue to grow and

religious women who were beacons of the Gospel. They lived the essentials of religious life, and expressed perennial lives radiant with joy and love, knowing their identity fully and only in Christ.

My initial years of religious formation were in Alma, after which I was assigned to various locations to complete academic studies. I received a B.S. in Human Biology from Michigan State University and a Medical Degree at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and I completed a Psychiatry Residency at Washington University in St.Louis, MO. I find it a loving surprise from the Lord to be back in Winona, where I was so many years ago. I deeply value the Winona Diocese and have much gratitude recognizing the privilege it is to assist in its faith formation.

bring this beautiful teaching to Hispanic women in ever y diocese in the count r y,” A r c h b i s h o p G o m e z said.

In addition to the H i s p a n i c p ro g ra m , E n d ow has also made steps to u p d a t e t h e o v e ra l l d i g i ta l u n d e r wo r k i n g s o f t h e program, giving a facelift to their website and kick sta r t i n g a n e w l y re v i s e d social media strategy.

By implementing these

Faith Formation

Interim Director faithformation@dow.org

that time, the Diocese of Duluth offered a vocations camp, where, having met several consecrated women, I learned about not only the existence of religious life but also its tremendous beauty.

Although I had long been attracted to pursuing a career in medicine and service, it was this encounter, along with others, that indicated I sought more than just a career.

In my senior year of high school and freshman year of college my discernment became more serious. I purposefully set more time aside to pray about where my heart was being guided, and this time allowed me to know more of God’s invitation to religious life. I learned that I did not need to have all of the answers or a clearly defined future, but to seek the peaceful and loving plan God desired for my life, knowing that ultimate fulfillment and true happiness are only found in God’s Will! I came to know a great desire for this life rooted in prayer and community, lived for the life and holiness of the Church.

My heart was drawn to the lives of these authentic

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steps, Endow hopes to also reach the new millennial g e n e ra t i o n o f w o m e n i n t h e C h u rc h , w h i l e m a i n taining their current audience of women.

Endow is hopeful that their new steps in creati n g a m o re d i v e rs e o u treach will only bring more women together in the name of Christian educat i o n . M o r e i n fo r m a t i o n about Endow can be found at www.endowgroups.org.

February, 2017 w The Courier

Lay Formation

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Working for Peace

The Church's Role

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

- Matthew 5:9

�wrote n last month’s Lay Formation column, I about Pope Francis’ recent World

Day of Peace message on nonviolence.

Toward the end of the article, I described how Pope Francis stated that the work of peace needs to be embedded in every level of society: i.e., nurtured in families, practiced in relations among peoples, and built up by our society’s leaders.

I also referenced the US Catholic Bishops’ 1983 pastoral letter on war and peace, The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Response. Within this letter, the bishops speak to the role of the Church in supporting and promoting the work of peace.

In today’s world, in which the threat of nuclear holocaust remains, the scourge of terrorism has intensified, and civil and regional conflicts are leading to massive dislocations of people from their homelands, the work of peace is a critical and essential aspect of ministry and discipleship. I would like to revisit here the bishops’ message, in their pastoral letter, to guide us in honoring Christ’s call to be “peacemakers,” and so to be “children of God” (cf. Matthew 5:9).

Discipleship, Stewardship, Reverence for Life First, the bishops state their desire “to spell out some of the implications of being a community of Jesus’ disciples in a time when our nation is so heavily armed with nuclear weapons and is engaged in a continuing development of new weapons together with strategies for their use” (#275). We must recognize our profound responsibility both as children of God and as followers of Jesus.

God created us to be stewards of the earth (cf.

Genesis 1:28), and the bishops are clear that “we cannot escape this responsibility.” We must grapple with the reality that the fate of the planet, God’s creation, rests largely on decisions made by our country and its leaders about how to deploy our military resources and whether and how to use our weapons.

As Catholics, we must educate ourselves on issues of war and peace, and seek always to speak and bear witness both personally and publicly to the profound moral dimensions of such issues. Each human life is sacred, and the Church seeks to defend and protect the sanctity of human life wherever it is under threat – whether due to abortion, exploitation, oppression and violence, etc.

Clearly, the threat to human life posed by warfare is included here as well. As the bishops write: When we accept violence in any form as commonplace, our sensitivities become dulled. When we accept violence, war itself can be taken for granted.

Violence has many faces: oppression of the poor, deprivation of basic human rights, economic exploitation, sexual exploitation and pornography, neglect or abuse of the aged and the helpless, and innumerable acts of inhumanity…. Pope Paul VI was resolutely clear: if you wish peace, defend life” (#285, 289).

As Jesus’ disciples, we must oppose all forms of violence and all assaults on human dignity. This is not an February, 2017 w The Courier

easy task in a society becoming increasingly secularized and where consumerism and individualism weaken our bonds of human relationship and community. “To obey the call of Jesus means separating ourselves from all attachments and affiliation that could prevent us from hearing and following our authentic vocation. To set out on the road to discipleship is to dispose oneself for a share in the cross” (#276).

Prayer and Penance

How do we, then, allow ourselves to be formed for this vocation to be peacemakers in our families, our communities, and our society? The resources for this are easily known within our Catholic tradition – by entering into the disciplines of prayer and penance.

We begin by recognizing that the establishment of peace is ultimately God’s gift, and that we must open ourselves to allow God’s grace to work in us. As the bishops write, “All of the values we are promoting in this letter rest ultimately in the disarmament of the human heart and the conversion of the human spirit to God who alone can give authentic peace” (#284).

And, it is prayer that allows our hearts to be open to God’s work in us. In prayer, both personal and communal, we encounter our Lord and we “learn from him the way to peace” (#290). Reading and praying with Scripture, Marian devotions such as the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Morning Offering and Evening Examen, the Liturgy of the Hours, contemplative prayer, etc. are all ways to open our spirits to the working of God’s Spirit within us.

And, for us as Catholics, the Eucharist is the most profound way for us to encounter our Risen Lord, who promised us his peace. As the priest prays in each Mass, “Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days.” Without this divine assistance offered to us in prayer and liturgy, peace – both within ourselves and within our communities – will elude us.

An essential complement to our prayer is the practice of penance. As Pope Francis has reminded us so often, we are all sinners in need of God’s great gift of mercy.

Through the various disciplines of penance – both personal and communal – we seek to “make reparation for the violence in our own lives and in our world” (#297).

As a concrete expression of this reparation and of our desire for the conversion of our hearts, the bishops call on the U.S. Catholic community to “return to a traditional practice of penance” by keeping every Friday as “a day significantly devoted to prayer, penance, and almsgiving for peace” (#298).

In giving this witness to the world, we seek to change our hearts so as to turn away from violence and the ways of war, and to “turn instead in prayer and penance toward God, toward our neighbor, and toward the building of a peaceful world” (#300). May we embrace anew our calling from the Lord to be peacemakers in the heart of the world. Deo Gratias!

We speak to you ... as people of faith. We share with you our deepest conviction that in the midst of the dangers and complexities of our time God is with us, working through us and sustaining us all in our efforts of building a world of peace with justice for each person.

-US Catholic Bishops, The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response, #308

Todd Graff

Director tgraff@dow.org

A Prayer for Peace Lord, God of Abraham, God of the Prophets, God of Love, you created us and you call us to live as brothers and sisters.

Give us the strength daily to be instruments of peace; enable us to see everyone who crosses our path as our brother or sister.

Make us sensitive to the plea of our citizens who entreat us to turn our weapons of war into implements of peace, our trepidation into confident trust, and our quarreling into forgiveness.

Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation.

In this way may peace triumph at last, and may the words "division," "hatred" and "war" be banished from the heart of every man and woman.

Lord, defuse the violence of our tongues and our hands.

Renew our hearts and minds, so that the word which always brings us together will be "brother," and our way of life will always be that of: Shalom, Peace, Salaam!

Amen.

-Pope Francis, Invocation for Peace June 8, 2014

Marching for Life in St. Paul

Life, Marriage & Family

Ben Frost

Director bfrost@dow.org

�

anuary 22nd marked the Anniversary of the Roe vs.

Wade Supreme Court decision, which legalized abortion in the United States. For years, faithful pro-life advocates have protested on this date in rallies across the country. Many faithful people from the Diocese of Winona gathered at the St. Paul Capitol this year to offer a voice for those who have none.

Several hundred from around the diocese attended this year's March for Life in St. Paul. Many groups organized buses and carpooling, all coming together at the Cathedral and Capitol. Present at the march were groups from Winona, La Crescent, Rochester, Mankato, Jackson, Lakefield, Slayton, and several other towns.

Joining our diocese's contingent were the Immaculate Heart of Mary seminarians. After Morning Prayer and Mass, the men traveled by bus to show their support for the pro-life cause.

"It was encouraging to see the young and the old and the different groups all marching for life," said seminarian Michael Churchill. "I loved hearing how Minnesota and our nation are actively working toward becoming once again a culture of life. It is always joyful to witness to the beauty and dignity of life!"

Mitch Logeais, another seminarian, said, "This year in particular, what continues to resonate is that proponents of the pro-life movement are of majority in the Minnesota House and Senate. What a great foundation for hope in the legislation that may come! It is evidence of Minnesotans' receptivity of our bishops' message regarding this past election year. Moving forward, it is

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important for us to understand that our participation in this mission has only begun."

Also in attendance from Winona was Jessy Kaufman, for whose family this year’s March had unique significance. "[With me] being seven months pregnant, the March for Life brought out an even deeper meaning for our new family of three," said Kaufman. "To be at the March with a baby in womb reminds us that the Lord already has a destiny for His child entrusted to us. We pray that our new little life, while vulnerable, is a strong testimony to the world of both God’s love and life!"

Bishop Quinn also marched, and he was encouraged to see so many faithful standing up for life. Mary Brinkman, who led a group of youth from Jackson, said,

US Bishops: Health Care Should Be Truly Universal, Affordable WASHINGTON D.C., Jan 18, 2017 (CNA/EWTN News) - Any changes to health care law under the new administration should not abandon the principle of genuinely affordable health care for everyone, said the U.S. bishops in a letter to Congress.

In American policy, they said, “we must not see health care as a luxury, but as a necessary building block to help individuals and families thrive and contribute to the good of the community and the nation.”

“We recognize that the law has brought about important gains in coverage, and those gains should be protected,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, FL, said in a Jan. 18 letter to members of Congress.

He wrote in his role as chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

For the U.S. bishops, any repeal of key provisions of the 2010 Affordable Care Act should not take place “without the concurrent passage of a replacement plan that ensures access to adequate health care for the millions of people who now rely upon it for their wellbeing.”

President-elect Donald Trump, in a press conference last week, pressed for a speedy repeal of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. He has also spoken of replacing the legislation with his own proposals that promise “insurance for everybody” and “much lower deductibles,” CNN reports.

However, some Congressional Republicans have voiced concern about any vote that would end major parts of the 2010 law that covers 20 million people without providing an

“It was so neat that Bishop Quinn came and talked with the kids. That meant a lot to them!”

During the rally at the capitol, key leaders in the Minnesota pro-life movement joined legislators who all encouraged the large crowd. The melodies of Amazing Grace and God Bless America were sung throughout the program.

We experience renewed enthusiasm in the pro-life movement as we continue to work toward healing the wounds of our culture and creating policies that protect the dignity of all human beings. Please continue to pray for the pro-life cause and advocate with your local representatives. We pray the day is coming when the dignity and rights of the unborn child are cherished and protected.

alternative, creating widespread disruptions.

The U.S. bishops emphasized that health care reform “should be truly universal and it should be genuinely affordable.”

“Every person is made in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity,” Bishop Dewane’s letter said. “A just community strives to see and address the needs of those who struggle on its margins, and each segment of society is called to build toward a common good that creates and maintains conditions aimed at true human flourishing.”

He cited Pope John XXIII’s 1963 encyclical Pacem in Terris, which speaks of the right to life and the right “to the means necessary for the proper development of life, particularly food, clothing, shelter, medical care, rest, and, finally, the necessary social services.”

Pope Francis echoed these words in May 7, 2016, remarks to a doctors’ group: “Health, indeed, is not a consumer good, but a universal right, which means that access to healthcare services cannot be a privilege.”

The bishops’ letter to Congress noted the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ support for the general goal of the 2010 health care law, but added that the conference in the end opposed its passage “because it expanded the role of the federal government in funding and facilitating abortion and plans that cover abortion, and it failed to provide essential conscience protections and access to health care for immigrants.”

“We remain committed to the ideals of universal and affordable health care, and to the pursuit of those ideals in a manner that includes protections for human life, conscience and immigrants,” the letter concluded. “We urge you to approach the important debates in the days ahead seeking also to honor these principles for the good of all.”

February, 2017 w The Courier

Catholic Schools

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Hello from Cotter and WACS! Christian Brothers Honored at Founder's Day Celebration

On November 16, Cotter Schools celebrated its third annual Founder's Day. Cotter Schools was founded in 1911 by Bishop Patrick Heffron and named in honor of Bishop Joseph Cotter (1844-1909), the first bishop of the Diocese of Winona.

This year's celebration included an allschool convocation, where we remembered and celebrated the dedication and vision of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, the first teachers and administrators of

Cotter Students Mentor WACS Students in Lego Competition Cotter High School students Aidan Beckman and Justin Franz have participated on the Winona Senior High/ Cotter High combined First Robotics team for several years. Their passion for the program led them to start a First Lego League for 5th and 6th grade students at Winona Area Catholic Schools in the fall of 2016.

They created the program over the summer by securing funding and necessary components, developing weekly course programming and communicating objectives with students and parents. The boys worked independently with minimal oversight to mentor young students over several months.

"One of the most challenging aspects," said Beckman, "was to accept that all of the students had varying degrees of skill with Legos.

We quickly learned that mentoring was more challenging than we ever epected. This experience gave great

February, 2017 w The Courier

Cotter High School (1911-1952).

(Pictured left) Cotter President Dr. Sr. Judith Schaefer presents a plaque commemorating the De La Salle Christian Brothers to Brother Larry Schaetz, a provincial for the midwest district of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

respect for teachers and how organized you need to be to lead a team to complete a task."

On November 5, 2016, the St. Stan's Blue Jays competed in the First Lego League Regional Competition in La Crosse, WI. They brought to the competition the robot that they designed, built and programmed using Lego Mindstorms bricks and components. The students also had to research problems with animal and human interactions and solve the problem in an original way. The St. Stan's students came up with an innovative idea to reduce the amount of eagles killed in roadways. Throughout the practice season and during the competition day itself, Lego League's core values of discovery, teamwork and good sportsmanship were emphasized, and for their efforts on this part, the St. Stan's students were one of three teams recognized at the competition.

Pictured are the St. Stan's Blue Jays Lego League Team. From L to R: (front row) Carson Korder, Karianna Barrientos, (middle row) Natalya Franz, Alex Matuska, Steven Pilarski, Ava Koopman, (back row) Coaches Aidan Beckman and Justin Franz. Not pictured: Lucas Allred.

(Pictured Right) Cotter President Dr. Sr. Judith Schaefer meets with representative Christian Brothers (from R to L) Br. Arnold McMullen, Br. Robert Smith, Br. Pius Nsukla, Br. Peter Killeen, Br. Mark Engelmeyer, Br. Roger Betzold, Br. Miguel Mendoza, Br. Stephen Markham and Br. Francis Carr.

Cotter Students Perform Very Well on ACT

Even with tight academic and social schedules, Cotter High School students significantly out-performed their peers statewide on the ACT. Last year, 64,145 Minnesota high school students took the ACT and earned a composite score of 21.1, which is higher than the national average of 20.8. However, Cotter students who took the ACT last year out-performed both the national and state average with an average composite score of 24.9.

“We’re obviously very happy with the results,” Vice Principal

Mary Eileen Fitch said. “I think any time you look at student test scores, it’s a combination of motivated academic students as well as supportive and dedicated teachers. I think our teachers really work on knowing their students as whole persons - knowing their interests, strengths and weaknesses.”

In the graph below, light blue represents state scores and dark blue represents Cotter scores.

Cotter Music Programs Thrive Cotter's band and choir programs got the community into the holiday spirit with their winter performances. Congratulations to Cotter's talented performing arts groups for making the holidays bright!

AAA Award Winners Announced

The WACS Way When you enter the Winona Area Catholic School you are greeted by a sign that proclaims the WACS Way. It is the school culture that we are trying to establish with our staff, students and parents every day. We believe the four principles can serve our students not only now, but can be used as a guide to help our students lead lives of Christian witness throughout their lives.

Help others succeed.

Every member of our community from teachers and staff, to parents and students should be focused on helping everyone succeed in all small and big matters. It is our primary job.

Let others know they matter.

From small acts of kindness, to large investments of our time, talent and treasure, every member of our community should feel valued and loved.

See the problem—own the problem.

Too often we take the approach in life that a problem is someone else’s concern; at WACS we want to identify problems and become part of the solution to making things better.

Honor the absent.

When we gossip or spread false information about someone who is not present, we dishonor our fellow man or woman. We also break down trust, which is critical to our ultimate goal of helping others succeed.

Top 20 Curriculum Starting in the 2015-16 school year WACS adopted the Top 20 curriculum in grades 1-6. We believe that while all schools work very hard on the IQ, the EQ or emotional intelligence is too often neglected. What makes someone an effective leader is not only their IQ, but their EQ or emotional intelligence as well. We call these skills star qualities and believe that they can be identified, learned and improved upon.

The Top 20 Curriculum is built around 9 concepts.

We teach one of them each month and educate our parents through weekly newsletters, parent meetings and books they can borrow or buy. We had Top 20 training (www.top20training.com) conduct workshops for our students, parents and staff in June and August of this past year. The 9 concepts are: Creating a culture of learning, the line, mistakes, the frame, EQ and star qualities, other people's opinions, eliminating negativity, resolving conflict, I am smart.

9 Catholic Schools

At a school assembly in December, Cotter’s AAA award winners were announced.

The girl’s AAA Award was presented to Jane Koll, daughter of Dan and Colleen Koll. The boy’s AAA Award was presented to Bryant Gernes, son of Mark and Marie Gernes.

These two outstanding young people were selected to represent Cotter High School on the state level.

The purpose of the AAA Program is to recognize and honor high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field and in the fine arts.

To be eligible for this award a student must be a high school senior at the time of nomination. Nominations are limited to two qualifying students per school: one male and one female.

Each nominee must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and must participate in league-sponsored athletics and

fine arts activities. The nominee must comply with the MSHSL's Student Code of Conduct.

Congratulations to Jane and Bryant for representing Cotter High School so well!

Pictured are (L to R) Cotter President Dr. Sr. Judith Schaefer, Dan Koll, Colleen Koll, Cotter Principal Dave Forney, Jane Koll, Bryant Gernes, Cotter Activities Director Seth Haun, Marie Gernes and Mark Gernes.

recently we decided that the school day was simply not long enough for all the fun things we wanted to do. Our 6th grade class visits the RTP Company, a thermoplastic company, six times during the year to learn about all facets of the plastics industry. Our seventh and final visit is a trip to Winona State to view the final project of engineer majors. Because there is simply not enough time during the school day, WACS has an extensive after school STEM program that had over 100 offerings last school year for students in grades 4-6. Our offerings are varied and include computer programming, electrical circuits, Legos, building wheel chairs for animals and most recently the Rube Goldberg project. With the help of Winona State University we offer a program called Math and Science Detectives for students in grades 1-3 for four weeks in both the fall and spring. STEM is so much fun that we continue to offer more programs in each area during the summer. Learning never stops at WACS.

STEM WACS has always been a strong school in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), but

National Catholic Schools Week: January 29 - February 4 Catholic Schools in the United States celebrate Catholic Schools Week January 29 - February 4. This year's theme is Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service.

Be sure to read next month's Courier for stories and pictures from the many wonderful Catholic Schools Week celebrations throughout the Diocese of Winona!

Marsha Stenzel Superintendent mstenzel@dow.org

February, 2017 w The Courier

Seeking the Lord

Youth & Young Adults

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�

niversity students from around the country gathered in San Antonio in January for the bi-annual SEEK Conference sponsored by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), a campus ministry organization. Students from Minnesota State - Mankato, Winona State and St. Mary’s joined 13,000 for a weeklong conference.

Many of the country’s best Catholic speakers and performers were present for the event, which aims to connect young adults to Christ and draw them deeper into the life of the Church. Bishop Quinn also joined our local groups and encouraged them to know God’s free gift of love and mercy.

Sacramental life was also central to the SEEK Conference; participants encountered Jesus through Mass, Eucharistic adoration and confession.

It’s difficult to express the life-changing impact of this event, so I offer a few personal testimonies from students who went to San Antonio seeking the Lord.

Ben Frost

Director bfrost@dow.org

My experience at SEEK wasn't at all what I had imagined.

I expected to feel God's presence in a tangible way such as "warm feelings," like I've had at previous retreats. But God touched my heart in a more subtle way. Through the speakers, adoration, confession, and fellowship, the Holy Spirit stirred in me a deep longing for the Lord, something that I've never really experienced before. I left SEEK feeling confident in my identity in Christ and have been committed to attending daily Mass, praying more regularly, and being more intentional with the people around me. SEEK has strengthened my relationship with Christ, and I desire Him alone.

-Jessica Bauer, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota I came into SEEK being told that I was going to hear God speak to me this week and how He was going to tell me something that I really needed to hear. Unfortunately, I went through all of SEEK not hearing God's voice until the last day when I went to adoration. I went into adoration telling God that I could not hear him and I knew that He had something that He wanted to share with me. During those moments, for the first time in months, I heard God say to me "You are my daughter, and I love you." As soon as I heard that, I started to cry because it has been so long since I heard God, and to have those be the first words He spoke to me was absolutely amazing! SEEK literally changed my life, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go!

-Shannon Halloran, Winona State University

-Kayleigh Kloncz, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Before SEEK, I was beginning to lose hope that there were very many young Catholic people who wanted to go deeper in their faith and share it with others. I felt like I was constantly surrounded by people who strongly disliked Catholics and were so against it that I didn't want to share that part of my identity with others. Being able to attend Mass and participate in Adoration and Confession with over 12,000 other Catholic college students gave me so much hope and energy to dive deeper into my own Catholic faith and shamelessly share my excitement about it with others. I no longer feel alone or embarrassed about being Catholic, and I will share that part of myself enthusiastically, hoping to impact others with the joy it brings me!

Because of this trip, I was able to understand more fully my duty as a follower of Christ. I used to think that showing up to church on Sundays and simply believing in God was good enough. I discovered, however, that we are called to do much more than just show up and believe. I was very moved by the adoration and confession night at SEEK. I am now starting to go to adoration a couple of times each week along with studying and praying from the Bible. I have a greater desire to learn about and listen to God's voice in my life.

–Tom Imhole, Minnesota State University - Mankato A testimony of mine from Seek includes realizing throughout all the talks the importance of being willing to be changed and allowing God to transform your life in order to spread and live the mission of Christ. You have to transform yourself in order to transform the world. Seek made me realize that we need to constantly keep seeking in order to find the truth and grace of Christ in the world and to make disciples of Christ. I was reminded to have a firm core with a soft edge to be on mission with Him to make a difference in the world.

-Kelsey Stenzel, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota SEEK was an experience that I will never ever forget. I came into SEEK feeling like a sinner and not feeling like I fit in with this wonderful Catholic College Community. I then left feeling refreshed and renewed; blessed by the love of Christ. Because even though I am a sinner, Jesus still loves me and cares so much about me.

SEEK gave me the courage to be more involved with FOCUS and the Catholic college community at my own university and has encouraged me to help spread the love of Christ to others.

February, 2017 w The Courier

SEEK was a whole new experience for me, as I have never attended something like it before. I soon found out that this new experience was going to be life changing. Being surrounded by 12,000+ people who were on fire for Christ was an incredible feeling. It truly helped me to recognize my own faith and to see that there are so many kind, caring, faith-filled people out there in our world, even if we do not always see them. I have never experienced Christ like I did at the conference, and I was so happy to be able to soak up all of God's love and happiness that He brought to me over the week, and bring it all back to my life here in Minnesota. At the conference, I formed new friendships, a new relationship with God, and an expanded mind and heart toward Christ. I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to attend SEEK 2017, and cannot wait to see what else God has in store in my life to help me to continue to build off of this wonderful faith-filled experience.

-Zach Higgins, Winona State University

-Olivia Gadient, Winona State University

On Later Vocations Rev. Will Thompson Director wthompson@dow.org

-Jeremiah 1:7-8

� have used this quote many times while speaking to

youth. It is a powerful response to the prophet Jeremiah when he was called by God. We often need to hear these words in our own lives to remember that God remains with us and that what we are asked to do, what we are created for, will never happen without God’s grace. However, I also realize that these words spoken to Jeremiah can sometimes make it seem as though the decision to follow God must be made in our youth.

While it’s never too early to hear and respond to God’s call, we should always be aware of the movements in our hearts throughout our lives.

There was a time when being a “late vocation” to the priesthood meant you didn’t enter the seminary until you were 20 years old. Then, in the 1980s, there was a surge of what became known as “second career vocations” that lasted into the 1990s. In our diocese and throughout the United States, these second career vocations have become much rarer, to the point that several people have asked me if the Diocese of Winona is still accepting more mature candidates for the priesthood. I probably haven’t helped matters in the way I normally write and speak about young men called to the priesthood. While all evidence points to the norm that we are discovering our vocations in our youth, a later awakening of a vocation is not by any means unheard of.

From Addiction to Ordination

A Homeless Man's Journey to Priesthood MONTREAL, Jan 17, 2017 (CNA/EWTN News) - Claude Paradis was impoverished and homeless, living on the streets of Montreal, Canada. He struggled with addiction to both alcohol and drugs, with a future so bleak, he considered ending his own life.

He did not end his life, however, and today he is a priest who dedicates his time to serving the physical and spiritual needs of those trapped in poverty, prison and prostitution.

“The street brought me to the Church and the Church in the end brought me back to the street,” the priest told the Journal Metro.

This past December, as a sign of his closeness and solidarity with the homeless, Fr. Paradis decided to sleep on the street for the whole month, to care for the homeless people there with solidarity and charity.

His hope was that he could accompany people in a difficult situation while also making the citizens of Montreal aware of the harsh reality faced by those living on the street.

Fr. Paradis founded an institution called Notre-Dame-de-larue (Our Lady of the Street). Each night, he goes out to bring food and shelter to those living on the streets. He also administers the sacraments, celebrates the Eucharist and even presides at funerals.

The priest is accompanied by one of his co-workers, Kevin Cardin, who also was addicted to drugs, but found help, changed his life and now has a family.

Notre-Dame-de-la-rue has the support of the Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal, who has described the initiative as “a presence of the Church to give encouragement.” It also has the support of the city.

“Our mission is especially to give encouragement. Unlike the

Michael Churchill

Brian Klein

Mitchell Logeais

Robert Scanlon

When someone enters the seminary after high school or during, or immediately after, college, they are aided by the fact that they are expected to be making big life decisions. If someone has been in a career and is considering a vocation to the priesthood later in life, they run into many unique obstacles. There is, first of all, the thought that starting seminary is for the young.

Again, while this might be normal, it is not exclusive.

The Diocese of Winona does have an age limit of 50

years, but even those older would be considered after a more detailed interview.

Later vocations often have more complex lives than those who enter seminary from high school. They often have to be concerned about homes, retirement accounts and bills. We may like to say that material things shouldn’t affect our decisions, but the reality is that they often do.

This could extend beyond material things to families as well. Like any Catholic seeking to get remarried, someone considering the priesthood who has been married before must no longer be under the sacramental bond, either because their wife has predeceased them or because they have been granted an annulment. If the candidate for seminary has any children, they must be legal adults before the candidate could be accepted.

Even with all of this, the most difficult thing for a later vocation to face is giving up everything.

It is difficult for anyone to give up the possibility of a family and a career, but for those who may have already had one or both, the choice to enter seminary can be especially difficult. Once you have gained a certain amount of momentum in your life, it becomes almost excruciating to change direction. This is compounded by the process of discernment. How can I enter the seminary at this point in my life when I’m not 100 percent sure that God is calling me? The same way that anyone does: realizing that the seminary is the only place I will be able to become sure of my vocation.

God keeps calling. We may not always be aware of it in our youth, but God does call. No matter where you’re at in your life, it is important to be open to the movements of the Holy Spirit. It’s not always about a new vocation; it might be a new way to share your faith.

Yet if you are not open, as the Chinese proverb says, you may end up exactly where you’re headed.

Vocations

The Lord answered me, "Do not say, 'I am too young.'

To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you."

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shelters, we go out to the people, a bit like a doorto-door service. We talk to them, sometimes we pray together before they go back to face the harshness of the street.”

Fr. Paradis knows how hard life on the street is. After growing up in the Gaspé region and working in Cowansville as a nurse, he came to Photo Credit: Diocese of Montreal Montreal 25 years ago.

However, he was unable to find a job. “Isolation and despair took hold of me,” he said.

Living on the street, he thought about committing suicide. “I started doing cocaine and then crack,” he recalled.

In a letter posted on the website of La Victoire de l'Amour (the Victory of Love), Fr. Paradis tells how he met the Lord.

“I had the privilege of meeting God just at the moment I was doubting Him. On a little back street in Montreal, abandoned by people, there was nobody there. Passing by the old church, impelled by I don't know what instinct, I turned back in there.”

At that moment, he had a deep and intense encounter with God. He realized he did not want to die, but rather wanted to become “a man of the Church.”

Fr. Paradis went on to fight his addictions and now ministers to many people who face the same challenges he struggled with years ago.

The 57-year-old priest has dedicated the rest of his life to serving the poor, saying “on the street is where I want to be, until I die.”

February, 2017 w The Courier

Catholic Foundation

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Renew Faith. Extend Mercy. Inspire Hope.

Monica Herman

Executive Director Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota mherman@catholicfsmn.org

6. How are parish goals determined?

�aterials for the Catholic Ministries

Appeal will be mailed to homes in February. The goal for the 2017 Catholic Ministries Appeal will remain at $2 million, the same goal as in 2016. Officially the Appeal will launch the weekend of February 18th.

In the theme of our 2017 Catholic Ministries Appeal, we hear language of action: Renew Faith.

Extend Mercy. Inspire Hope. We remember that it is through our actions that we demonstrate the faith, mercy and hope Christ has planted in our hearts.

Christ is the head of our Church and the embodiment of who we are as Catholics. He offers us infinite love and mercy that flows from His Most Sacred Heart. We are strengthened through Him to renew faith, extend mercy and inspire hope as we come together as one Church. Throughout 2017, we look forward to sharing compelling testimonies that will instill confidence that our Church and its ministries continue to grow in Christ’s love.

Our Church needs you, each and every one of you, to grow ever closer to Christ and become who you are destined to be – witnesses to the truth in love.

Several questions arise each year with the Catholic Ministries Appeal, and below are frequently asked questions and answers that I hope you will find helpful.

1. Why do we need the CMA-funded ministries?

The Catholic Church serves the needs of thousands of people across southern Minnesota. While some of these services are offered at the parish level, it is often more effective when many join together in ministry and service of the people of southern Minnesota. Each diocesan ministry exists to support and further the work of our local parishes.

2. Are CMA funds used to pay legal fees or settlements from sexual abuse cases?

No. Appeal money has never been used for victim settlements or legal costs related to clergy sex abuse cases. Gifts to the 2017 Appeal will be used only for the benefit of designated ministries and programs identified. An independent board of directors stewards all funds and ensures they are distributed appropriately.

3. What can you tell me about the security of donations made to the CMA? As noted on the Catholic Ministries Appeal pledge card, “All gifts will be used solely for the restricted purposes of the 2017 Catholic Ministries Appeal. The Appeal supports specific ministries and programs of the Diocese of Winona. The restricted purposes are identified specifically on the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota website, www.catholicfsmn.org.”

4. Who administers the Catholic Ministries Appeal?

The Catholic Ministries Appeal (formerly known as the Annual Diocesan Appeal) is one of the major efforts of the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota in fulfilling its mission to financially support spiritual, educational and social needs of the Catholic community across southern Minnesota. The Foundation is an independent Minnesota nonprofit corporation that is tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c) (3). An independent board of directors stewards all funds and ensures they are distributed appropriately.

5. Why does it cost so much to run the Catholic Ministries Appeal?

It doesn’t. Only 5% of the dollars collected, or five cents of every $1.00 raised from the Catholic Ministries Appeal, are used for its administration. 5% is at or below the standard cost (state-wide and nationally) of administering a like-size Appeal in both religious and secular organizations.

February, 2017 w The Courier

The formula to calculate parish goals is based on two factors: Church Support and Registered Families. The formula takes into consideration the ability of the parish to raise money based on the number of registered families and the actual amount of money the parish generates from church support. Gifts, bequests and special fundraising are not included in the calculation. However, 50% of gambling revenues are included as church support.

Church support from the most recently completed fiscal year is calculated for each parish. If a parish financially subsidizes a Catholic school, then the amount of church support is reduced by 50% of the amount of subsidy paid to the school in the most recently completed fiscal year. The net amount of church support for a parish is then divided by the total church support for all parishes in the Diocese. The result of this calculation is the church-support percentage.

The second factor is the number of Registered Families in the parish. This number is taken from the most recent calendar year-end census report.

The number of registered families in a given parish is divided by the total registered families in the Diocese. The result of this calculation is the registered-families percentage.

The two percentages are then averaged, the average of the two factors is the percentage of the Appeal goal that the parish is targeted to achieve.

7. What happens if our parish exceeds our goal?

Again this year, 100% of every dollar exceeding the goal will be returned to the parish.

We are very grateful for your faithful and generous heart. We ask that you prayerfully consider your financial gift to the Catholic Ministries Appeal 2017 and be assured that it will be used solely for ministries such as Catholic Schools; Vocations; Lay Formation; Life, Marriage and Family; and Evangelization.

As always, please let me know what questions and concerns you have. I can be reached at mherman@catholicfsmn.org, or call me at (507) 858-1276.

The Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota (EIN: 41-11691198) is an independent Minnesota non-profit corporation that is tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).

Contributions are used only for the benefit of designated purposes identified in the statement of purpose and for no other purposes. To learn more about the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota, visit www.catholicfsmn.org.

Jason Adkins

Executive Director Minnesota Catholic Conference

�his year, the bishops of Minnesota are hosting

an exciting event in St. Paul on March 9 called Catholics at the Capitol. With critical issues such as the legalization of assisted suicide and persistent family poverty at stake, Catholics concerned with life and human dignity cannot afford to miss it.

What’s It All About?

Catholics at the Capitol is much more than a typical “Day on the Hill,” which provides advocacy opportunities but can lack opportunities for deeper formation. It is also more than a seminar or study day, which offers instruction but no clear way of translating it into action.

Catholics at the Capitol takes the best of both approaches, gathering Minnesota Catholics together to be informed and inspired about our Church’s social teaching, and then providing them with an immediate opportunity to live that out in a powerful and concrete way.

Through dynamic speakers, informative presentations, and an opportunity to join with other Catholics to visit the Capitol and share with elected officials how Gospel values translate into public policy, Catholics at the Capitol attendees will walk away with more tools in their faithful citizenship toolbox.

For every Catholic who says that she does not communicate with legislators because she does not know what to say or do, Catholics at the Capitol is an opportunity to demystify legislative advocacy and experience it firsthand.

Why Now?

Catholics at the Capitol was created first and foremost to protect life and human dignity.

There are many challenges currently facing our state: the push to legalize assisted suicide threatens the vulnerable; many kids lack true educational choices and opportunities; and too many families are trapped in a cycle of poverty. These are just a few of the many difficult policy decisions facing Minnesota. Catholics at the Capitol will give Minnesota Catholics an easy, yet effective, way to weigh in on these matters.

But beyond simply influencing important legislative decisions, the bishops of Minnesota hope Catholics at the Capitol fosters a renewed commitment to missionary discipleship through faithful citizenship, where we work in service to those at the peripheries of society.

It’s an investment to help Minnesota Catholics

obtain the tools and build the relationships to work for the common good in our corner of the vineyard.

Why Me?

You are called to love your neighbor. And, as Pope Francis reminds us, politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it serves the common good.

In fact, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.

As the U.S. bishops state in Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, “[T]he obligation to participate in political life is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do.”

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person. ... As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life" (nos. 1913-1915).

Does All This Really Make a Difference?

Your legislators are elected to serve you, their constituents. It’s their job to find out what your

Catholics

13 Faith in the Public Arena

Catholics, It's Time to Come to the Capitol!

concerns are, and do their best to represent you in St. Paul. But you can help by approaching them and identifying challenges and solutions that work to the benefit of all Minnesotans.

Whether or not you’ve spoken to your legislators before, they’ll be happy to meet you and hear your concerns.

Meeting your lawmakers in person at Catholics at the Capitol is a great way to start a relationship with them, so that the next time you get in touch (for instance, in the middle of the legislative session with a critical vote on a key issue coming up), a connection has already been established.

What’s more, Catholics at the Capitol will offer programming that will inform you about the key issues and equip you to influence your lawmakers.

We’ll make sure you have an enjoyable and impactful visit to the Capitol! And be not afraid—unless you are a district leader or feel passionate to speak about one of our advocacy issues, you need not speak during meetings. Your presence alone speaks volumes.

This is our moment. Let’s go!

at the

Capitol

Thursday, March 9, 2017 St. Paul, MN

7 a.m._______________Doors open at the RiverCentre 8 a.m.___________________________________Mass 9 a.m.___________________Morning Program begins 1 p.m._______________Legislative Visits at the Capitol 4 p.m._________________Final Blessing and Send Off Continental breakfast and boxed lunch included.

Youth 22-and-under FREE. Diocesan transportation available (info provided upon registration).

Come see (and tour) the newly renovated State Capitol!

Learn more and register by visiting CatholicsAtTheCapitol.org or by calling 651-227-8777 February, 2017 w The Courier

RCS Faculty Obituaries Selected for 14 Pilgrimage In the Diocese

By LAURA SMITH

It is with great pleasure that Rochester Catholic Schools (RCS) and the Lourdes Foundation (LFI) announce the participants selected for the 2017 Franciscan Leadership Pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy. Congratulations to Lourdes High School Principal Paul Menard and St. Francis of Assisi First Grade Teacher Emily Welhaven.

Since 2006, RCS and LFI have partnered to sponsor RCS faculty and staff members to attend the Franciscan Leadership Pilgrimage.

Pilgrims experience first-hand the legacy of Ss. Francis and Clare and inculcate the vision and values which shape the philosophy of Franciscan institutions. We look forward to our representatives returning to our school system with a renewed spirit and understanding that will impact our learning environment and each other.

Please keep our pilgrims in your prayer as they prepare for this transformational experience in October, 2017.

Laura Smith is a communications and marketing specialist for Rochester Catholic Schools.

Paul Menard

Emily Welhaven

Monsignor Donald W. Grubisch, 91, died on January 16, 2017, at St. Elizabeth’s Health Care Center and Nursing Home in Wabasha.

He was born to Walter and Hilda (Johnson) Grubisch on January 9, 1926, in Owatonna, where he also attended school.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served in the European Theater in World War II as a member of a crew that flew B-17’s in the 8th Air Force until his discharge in 1946.

Msgr. Grubisch received his degree in Philosophy from Loras College in Dubuque, IA. After attending St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, he was ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Edward Fitzgerald on May 30, 1953.

During his active ministry, Msgr.

Grubisch served the following parishes of the Winona Diocese: St. Casimir’s in Wells (1953-55), St. Stanislaus in Winona (1955-58 and 1969-75), St. Bernard’s in Stewartville (1956), St. Ann’s in Janesville and St. Jarleth’s in Iosco (1958-60), Holy Family in Lake Crystal and St. Matthew’s in Vernon Center (1960), St. Mary’s in Lake City (1960-62), St. Joseph’s in Trimont and

St. Katherine’s in Truman (1962-67), Our Lady of Good Counsel in Wilmont (1967-69), St. Joseph’s in Rushford and St. Mary’s in Houston (1975-82), and Crucifixion Parish (1982-2008) and Holy Cross in Dakota (2001-08).

Msgr. Grubisch also served as Caledonia Area Director of Priests and Parishes and as Winona Diocesan Consultor. He was appointed as Priest Representative on the Diocesan Pastoral Council by Bishop Vlanzy. He served as the Dean of the Winona Deanery, as Spiritual Director of the Caledonia Council of Catholic Women, and on several other Diocesan Councils and Boards. He was conferred with the Papal Honor of Monsignor on December 14, 1997.

Msgr. Grubisch was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Hilda; his sister, Dolores Fisher, and her husband, Sylvester; and three young brothers. He is survived by nephews and nieces, Michael (Ronda) Fisher, Steven Fisher, Charlotte (Gregg) Radtke, David (Nancy) Fisher, Gary (Sharon) Fisher, Keith (Wendy) Fisher, Brian (Lisa) Fisher, and Terrance (Janice) Fisher; great nieces and nephews, Joshua (Colleen) Fisher, Nicole (Bill) Godbe, Timothy Radtke, Patrick Fisher, Nathaniel Fisher, Elizabeth (Robert) Fisher, Shanna Fisher, Daniel Fisher, Dakota Fisher, Makayla Fisher, Cody Fisher and Brady Fisher; and great, great nephews and nieces, Andrew and Pierce Godbe, Bryce and Hailey Fisher, Abe Book, Allie and Cyris Peterson, and Gannon Fisher.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, January 20, at the Church of the Crucifixion in La Crescent. Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona, presided, assisted by the priests of the Winona Diocese.

Rev. Gregory Havel and Rev. James Berning concelebrated, and Msgr.

Thomas Hargesheimer served as homilist. Msgr. Grubisch was laid to rest next to his parents at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna.

Sister Vincent Marie Teuber, SSND, 83, professed in 1954, died January 22, 2017, at Good Counsel in Mankato.

A native of New Trier, MN, and a graduate of Good Counsel A c a d e my, she was an elementary grade teacher and principal in Minnesota and North Dakota Catholic Schools. In the Diocese of Winona, she taught at St. John the Baptist in Mankato (1971-73) and was principal of SS. Peter & Paul in Mankato (1971-83) and St. Casimir in Wells (1983-95). She also taught one year at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Easton (1995-96). While serving in Wells, she received the Bishop’s Medal of Honor in appreciation for her work in Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Winona.

Bishop Visits St. Elizabeth's WABASHA - Bishop John M. Quinn celebrated Mass with residents, tenants and associates of St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, along with community members, at St. Elizabeth’s Chapel on Friday, Jan. 13.

Assisting Bishop Quinn were Monsignor Donald Schmitz, Father Joseph LaPlante, Father Gregory Parrott, and Deacon John Hust. During the service, Bishop Quinn and fellow clergy offered special blessings of healing and anointed the sick.

Eight seminarians from Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona were also present and, following worship, assisted the Knights of Columbus in serving pancakes to long-term care residents and assisted living tenants.

Pictured are (Left photo, L to R) front: Deb Pfeilsticker,

Students Kick Off Sales for Catholic Schools Raffle How can you turn $5 into a brand-new SUV or $20,000 in cash? The students at select schools in the Diocese of Winona know!

Starting January 13, they have been selling raffle tickets as part of the Catholic Schools Raffle. Just one $5 bill gives buyers the opportunity to win a 2017 Jeep Compass (or $20,000 in cash), vacation packages, cool gadgets or other great prizes totaling $40,000 in value.

Seven Catholic schools from the diocese and another 75 participating schools from Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota will keep 100 percent of every $5 ticket sold thanks to raffle sponsor Catholic United Financial. The St. Paul-based company covers the entire cost of the prizes and promotional materials.

February, 2017 w The Courier

Marsha Stenzel, Bishop Quinn, Jean Fries, Fr. Gregory Parrott, back: Sharon Riester, Dan Schaefer, Rod Kolb, and Mary Klees. (Right photo, L to R) front: Michael Churchill, Msgr. Donald Schmitz, Deacon John Hust, Bishop John

“If you want to support your Catholic school, this is a great way to do it,” Catholic United President Harald Borrmann says.

“Every $5 ticket buys you a chance to win a car, a vacation, or some other really great prizes. Supporting your Catholic school is really supporting your entire community.”

More than 13,400 students from 82 participating schools in the tri-state area will sell tickets from January 13 through February 26, prior to the official drawing at 11 a.m. on March 9 at Catholic United Financial’s Home Office in St. Paul.

In the Raffle’s seven-year existence, it has helped Catholic schools in the Upper Midwest raise more than $5 million. In the Diocese of Winona alone, it has helped to raise over $555,000. The money raised has allowed these schools to provide tuition assistance, improve technology and pay for special learning opportunities, such as field

M. Quinn, Fr. Joseph LaPlante, Fr. Gregory Parrott, back: Bennett Kraemer, Robert Scanlon, Brian Klein, Adam Worm, Isaac Landsteiner, Jordan Danielson and Mitchell Logeais.

trips and special guest speakers.

The seven schools participating from the Diocese of Winona are: • Sacred Heart School in Adams • Pacelli Catholic School System in Austin • St. Theodore Elementary School in Albert Lea • St. John Vianney School in Fairmont • St. Felix Catholic School in Wabasha • Sacred Heart School in Waseca • St. Mary’s School in Worthington Along with the $102,500 the schools hope to generate in ticket sales, each school also has a shot at winning a $3,000 grant from Catholic United if it is one of the top-three performing schools (based on the number of tickets sold per student). The company also awards the top-selling student at each school a Kindle Fire HD 8 and

a pizza party to each top classroom.

Raffle updates can be followed on Twitter @raffle4schools and on Facebook at facebook.com/catholicschoolsraffle.

Hopeful ticket holders can watch the drawing ceremony live online at wwwcatholicunited.org /raffle.

About Catholic United Financial Catholic United Financial is one of the largest fraternal life insurance associations in the Upper Midwest, serving more than 80,000 members in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Catholic United offers life insurance, annuities, and retirement savings products to its members while providing fraternal benefits for Catholic parishes, schools and religious education.

SUBMISSION to the calendar Please note: submission deadline is the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication.

All submissions must be sent electronically to nreller@dow.org by the deadline to assure receipt and possible inclusion in the Events Calendar.

Thank you for understanding that, due to space limitations, not all events nor story submissions will fit; however, we strive to include as many as possible.

A current list of events is also available at www.dow.org.

Action with Prayer St. Mary’s Church, Winona holds Mass for Life & Marriage the first Thursday each month at 8:30 a.m.

Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty is held the first Saturday of each month 8:30-9:30 a.m. (after Mass) at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 360 Main Street, Winona. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed and a rosary offered. Gather in the Adoration Chapel. All welcome.

Prayer Vigil & Public Witness Against Abortion is held 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays in front of Semcac Clinic (delegate of Planned Parenthood) at 62 E 3rd Street in Winona. Contact: Patti (507) 429-4636 Masses of Reparation for Sins in the Diocese are held daily in parishes throughout the diocese. For times & locations: cb@wabashaemail.com

Traditional Latin Mass Chatfield, St. Mary's, 1st & 3rd Sun. 1 pm Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul, 1st Sat. 9 am Wabasha, St. Felix, every Sat. 8 am

The Televised Mass

Other Events St. John the Evangelist Church, Rochester February 5, Sunday Luther College Nordic Choir to perform at 2:30 p.m. Concert is free. Freewill offerings will be accepted.

St. Casimir School, Wells February 12, Sunday St. Casimir Parish in Wells will hold their Valentine Carnival in the Raimann Family Gymnasium at St. Casimir School, located at 330 2nd Ave. SW in Wells. A pork loin lunch begins at 11:30, followed by carnival games, pull tabs, bingo and a raffle with a grand prize of $1,500, running until 4. The live auction begins at 4. Fun for the whole family!

St. Mary's Church, Minneiska February 12, Sunday Soup & sandwiches served 11a.m.-1p.m. Ham & bean soup or chicken noodle soup; ham salad sandwiches; milk, water or coffee; and a bar. Free will offering. There will also be a bake sale. More info: 507-282-7980.

Offered as a service for the homebound and elderly every Sunday on the following stations: KTTC, Channel 10 (Rochester) at 9 a.m. KEYC, Channel 12 (Mankato) at 7:30 a.m & KEYC-DT2, Digital Channel 12.2 or Charter Channel 19 (Mankato) at 9:30 a.m.

Donations for the continuation of this program may be sent to: TV Mass, PO Box 588, Winona MN 55987.

Hispanic Priests / Sacerdotes Hispanos Padre José Morales Vicario Parroquial de Sacred Heart, Owatonna. jloralesr2008@yahoo.es Tel. 507-451-1588 Padre Luis Alfonso Vargas Vicario Parroquial de St. Francis of Assisi, Rochester frluisvargasdw@gmail.com Tel. 507-288-7313 Padre Mariano Varela IVE Párroco de “SS. Peter and Paul”, Mankato. mvarela@hickorytech.net Tel. 507-388-2995 ext. 103

Padre Miguel Eduardo Proaños Vicario Parroquial de St. James, St James. frmiguel2005@yahoo.com Tel. 507-375-3542 Padre Ubaldo Roque Vicario Parroquial de St. Mary’s, Worthington. el_hermano_roque@hotmail.com Tel. 507-440-9735 Padre Raul Silva Vicario de la Pastoral Hispana en la diócesis de Winona Y Párroco de Queen of Angels, Austin.

PadreRaulSilva@gmail.com Tel. 507-433-1888

Spanish Mass Schedule Albert Lea, St. Theodore Owatonna, Sacred Heart 1 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. Sunday Austin, Queen of Angels Pipestone, St. Leo 11 a.m & 5 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Sunday (bilingual) Sunday; 5:15 Friday Rochester, St. Lake City, St. Mary 6:30 p.m. each 3rd Saturday Francis of Assisi 12 p.m. Sunday & 7 Madelia, St. Mary p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. Sunday St. Charles, St. Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul Charles Borromeo 11:30 a.m. Sunday 1 p.m. Sunday

St. James, St. James 12 p.m. Sunday Waseca, Sacred Heart 11:30 a.m. Sunday Windom,St.FrancisXavier 2:30 p.m. Sunday Worthington, St. Mary 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. Sunday; 6:30 p.m. Tuesday & Friday

St. John the Evangelist Church, Rochester February 26, Sunday Trumpet and Piano Duo Rich and Brandon Ridenour will hold a recital at 4 p.m. Free admission.

Freewill offerings will be accepted.

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona March 3, Friday On the first Friday of the month, the Cathedral hosts Cor Jesu, a night of Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and Praise & Worship.

The March date is Friday, March 3, from 7-9p.m. All are welcome to attend; invite your family and friends! The Cathedral is at 360 Main St. in Winona. For details, search Winona Cor Jesu on Facebook, visit winonacorjesu. gitlab.io, or call Leandra Hubka (507-990-3402) or Steven Lehn (507-312-9041).

Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Mankato March 5, Sunday Family Retreat Day, "Living Amoris Laetitia." From 2-6 p.m., enjoy an afternoon of prayer, Adoration, speakers, children's activities, Spanish Language Track. Event concludes with Family Stations of the Cross and a Soup Supper. Part of a nine-day series, Novena of Grace, to St. Francis Xavier. All are welcome. More details at sspeterandpaul.com.

St. Stanislaus Church, Winona March 9, Thursday St. John Nepomucene Parish will hold its annual Soup and Sandwich Supper from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the St. Stanislaus Church Hall (625 E 4th St. in Winona). Delicious homemade vegetable beef soup, ham salad sandwiches, and a variety of homemade desserts.

Adults $7. Kids 6-12 $3. 5 & under free. Tickets available at the door the night of the supper. Carryouts available. Open to the public. Info: 507-474-4864.

Christ the King Church, Byron Lenten Fridays, 3/10-4/7 Fish fry 5-7:30 p.m. All you care to eat fish, baked or fried, served with cole slaw, potatoes, beans, and desserts. Our fish fry is the one they talk about in all the schools! $11 adults, $10 seniors, $6 kids 6-12, $40 family maximum.

Hope to see you there!

Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Mazeppa March 16, Thursday Spring Dinner served 5-7 p.m. in the church hall (222 1st Ave. S in Mazeppa). Turkey & gravy over mashed potatoes, cole slaw, buns, dessert & beverage. $9 Adults. $3 Kids 5-10. $1 Kids 4 & under. Please bring a Food Shelf donation.

St. Rose of Lima Church, Lewiston March 16, Thursday Annual Mission Supper of turkey and all the trimmings served in the church hall from 4:30-7:00 p.m. or until food is gone. $10 adults. $5 kids 4-10. Free 3 & under. Carryouts available. Proceeds go to local and global charities.

St. Mary's Church, Lake City March 17, Friday St. Patrick's Day corned beef dinner served 5-8 p.m. Entertainment.

Come in costume. $15, advance ticket sales only. For tickets, call the church: 651-345-4134.

American Legion, Dodge Center March 24, Friday The women of St. John Baptist Catholic Church will hold their 12th annual fish fry from 4-8 p.m.

All-you-can-eat batter fried or baked fish, baked potatoes, baked beans, salads and dessert. $10 Adults. $6 Kids 6-12. Free 5 & under. Quilts will be for sale. The American Legion is located on Hwy 34 W in Dodge Center.

Assisi Heights, Rochester March 26 - April 1, Sun. - Sat. Retreat: 21st Century Prophets: Bearing Witness to the Gospel. Sr. Sandra Schneiders, IHM, presents.

Eucharistic presider is Fr. James Kunz. $450 (includes meals and lodging). Commuter discount rate: $250. For info and registration, call Angie: 507-282-7441, ext. 195 or ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org.

Riverview Greens Club House, Stewartville March 28, Tuesday The Men's Club of St. Bernard's

Catholic Church will host Mama Tranchita's Spaghetti Dinner.

Seating from 5-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a candlelight dinner served by authentic "Italian" waiters.

Mama's Original Recipe Spaghetti & Meatballs, fresh green Italian salad, garlic toast & spumoni ice cream. Complimentary wine with meal. Cash bar available. Nonstop live entertainment & grand prize drawing of $500 value (need not be present to win). Advance tickets $20. For tickets, call St. Bernard's Church: 507-533-8257.

Also available at Airport View & Crossroads License Bureau in Rochester and St. James Coffee House in Rochester. Walk-ins welcome, but tickets are limited.

15

St. Mary's School, Caledonia April 7, Friday Annual fish fry at St. Mary's Gym (308 E South St. in Caledonia) from 4-8 p.m. Fish dinners include 3 pieces of cod, Irish potatoes, coleslaw, bun, and coffee or milk. $10. Several basket and cash raffles available, with the grand prize of $3,000 to be given away.

Carry outs available by calling 507725-5405.

Assisi Heights, Rochester April 30 - May 6, Sun. - Sat. Retreat: Remain in My Love.

Archbishop Harry J. Flynn, D.D., presents. $450 (includes meals and lodging). Commuter discount rate: $250. For info and registration, call Angie: 507-282-7441, ext. 195 or ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org.

Holy Spirit Retreat Center, Lake Elysian June 24-30, Sat. - Fri. Retreat: Wisdom of St. Francis for the 21st Century. Sr. Kathy Warren, OSF, presents. $425 (includes meals and lodging). Commuter discount rate: $275 (includes meals). For info and registration: 507-234-5712 or retreat@frontiernet.net.

Holy Spirit Church, Rochester March 15, Wednesday You Can't Inspire Without the Fire (rescheduled). Free presentation from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Parents are called to be the primary teachers of their children in matters of faith. That's a big responsibility!

In this presentation, parents will learn the "four keys" that will inspire and equip them in their mission! Faith formation leaders and Parents of youth of all ages are invited to attend. Holy Spirit Church is located at 5455 50th Ave. NW in Rochester.

February, 2017 w The Courier

February, 2017 • The Courier