The Courier - July 2021

The

COURIER

St. Mary Magdalene July 22

'Beloved Son' July 2021

Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester, MN | dowr.org

Questions and Answers on the U.S. Bishops' Vote to Michael Churchill Ordained to Transitional Diaconate Draft a Document on the Eucharist Submitted by U.S. CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS

�ince the conclusion of the Spring

WINONA--On Friday, June 11, 2021, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Michael Churchill was ordained a deacon by Most Rev. John M. Quinn, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona.

The ordination marks another step toward priesthood for Deacon Michael, a Dexter native who attended St. Finbarr Parish in Grand Meadow while growing up.

In 2015, he entered Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona after previous studies at Viterbo University.

From Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, he advanced to

Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, MI. In his homily at the ordination, Bishop Quinn recounted a recent family baptism, at which the baby received an adoring welcome from relatives who had not seen each other in person for some time. He compared this to the welcome God had in store for Michael upon his ordination to the diaconate.

"From the time you came into the Churchill family ...

They looked upon you with love. Imagine, through all of

Beloved Son, cont'd on pg. 4

Plenary Assembly of the U.S. bishops last week, there has been much attention on the vote taken to draft a document on the Eucharist. The question of whether or not to deny any individual or groups Holy Communion was not on the ballot. The vote by the bishops last week tasked the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Doctrine to begin the drafting of a teaching document on the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life. The importance of nurturing an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and mystery of the Eucharist in our lives is not a new topic for the bishops. The document being drafted is not meant to be disciplinary in nature, nor is it targeted at any one individual or class of persons. It will include a section

Document, cont'd on pg. 4

INSIDE this issue

NFP Awareness Week: July 25-31

page 8

Don't Mistake Motion for Mission page 10

Supporting Education, Creating Hope page 11

Pope Francis Watch

The Courier Insider

Full Text: Pope Francis' 2 Homily on the Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul 2021 VATICAN CITY, June 29, 2021 (CNA) - Here is the full text of Pope Francis’ homily on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, delivered at Mass in the Basilica of St. Peter on June 29, 2021:

�wo great Apostles of the Gospel

and two pillars of the Church: Peter and Paul. Today we celebrate their memory. Let us take a closer look at these two witnesses of faith. At the heart of their story is not their own gifts and abilities; at the centre is the encounter with Christ that changed their lives. They experienced a love that healed them and set them free. They then became apostles and ministers of freedom for others.

Peter and Paul were free because they were set free. Let us reflect on this central point.

Peter, the fisherman from Galilee, was set free above all from his sense of inadequacy and his bitter experience of failure, thanks to the unconditional love of Jesus. Although a skilled fisher, many times, in the heart of the night, he tasted the bitterness of frustration at having caught nothing (cf. Lk 5:5; Jn 21:5) and, seeing his empty nets, was tempted to pull up his oars. Though strong and impetuous, Peter often yielded to fear (cf. Mt 14:30). Albeit a fervent disciple of the Lord, he continued to think by worldly standards, and thus failed to understand and accept the meaning of Christ’s cross (cf. Mt 16:22). Even after saying that he was ready to give his life for Jesus, the mere suspicion that he was one of Christ’s disciples led him in fright to deny the Master (cf. Mk 14:66-72).

Jesus nonetheless loved Peter and was willing to take a risk on him. He encouraged Peter not to give up, to lower his nets once more, to walk on water, to find the strength to accept his own frailty, to follow him on the way of the cross, to give his life for his brothers and sisters, to shepherd his flock. In this way, Jesus set Peter free from fear, from calculations based solely on worldly concerns. He gave him the courage to risk everything and the joy of becoming a fisher of men. It was Peter whom Jesus called to strengthen his brothers in faith (cf. Lk 22:32). He gave him – as we heard in the

Gospel – the keys to open the doors leading to an encounter with the Lord and the power to bind and loose: to bind his brothers and sisters to Christ and to loosen the knots and chains in their lives (cf. Mt 16:19).

All that was possible only because – as we heard in the first reading – Peter himself had been set free. The chains that held him prisoner were shattered and, as on the night when the Israelites were set free from bondage in Egypt, he was told to arise in haste, fasten his belt and put on his sandals in order to go forth. The Lord then opened the doors before him (cf. Acts 12:7-10). Here we see a new history of opening, liberation, broken chains, exodus from the house of bondage. Peter had a Passover experience: the Lord set him free.

The Apostle Paul also experienced the freedom brought by Christ. He was set free from the most oppressive form of slavery, which is slavery to self. From Saul, the name of the first king of Israel, he became Paul, which means “small”. He was also set free from the religious fervour that had made him a zealous defender of his ancestral traditions (cf. Gal 1:14) and a cruel persecutor of Christians. Set free.

Formal religious observance and the intransigent defence of tradition, rather than making him open to the love of God and of his brothers and sisters, had hardened him: he was a fundamentalist. God set him free from this, yet he did not spare him the frailties and hardships that rendered his mission of evangelization more fruitful: the strain of the apostolate, physical infirmity (cf. Gal 4:13-14); violence and persecution, shipwreck, hunger and thirst, and, as he himself tells us, a painful thorn in the flesh (cf.

2 Cor 12:7-10).

Paul thus came to realize that “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27), that we can do all things through him who strengthens us (cf. Phil 4:13), and that nothing can ever separate us from his love (cf.

Rom 8:35-39). For this reason, at the end of his life – as we heard in the second reading – Paul was able to say: “the Lord stood by me” and “he will rescue me from every evil attack” (2 Tim 4:17). Paul had a Passover experience: the Lord set him free.

Dear brothers and sisters, the Church looks to these two giants of faith and sees two

The Courier is the official publication of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 112 - 7

Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Publisher Nick Reller, Associate Editor Telephone: 507-858-1257 Fax:507-454-8106 E-mail: nreller@dowr.org Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the 10th of the month prior.

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Articles of Interest

'Ordinary Time' of Discipleship_______________5 School Choice Is Front and Center_________6 Seeds of Faith____________________________7 NFP Awareness Week: July 25-31__________8 Totus Tuus________________________________9 Don't Mistake Motion for Mission___________10 Supporting Education, Creating Hope_______11 Diocesan Headlines_______________________12

The Holy Father's Intention for

July 2021 Social Friendship We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.

Officials

The Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, announces the following appointments: Vice Chancellor Mr. Andrew Brannon: Appointed Vice Chancellor of the Diocese of WinonaRochester, effective May 12 – October 31, 2021.

Homily, cont'd on pg. 9

Child Abuse Policy Information The Diocese of Winona-Rochester will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507-454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dow.org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona-Rochester’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Mary Hamann at 507-858-1244, or mhamann@dowr.org.

Where to Find the Courier

Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hard copies of the Courier are currently not available in our churches.

• Hard copies of the Courier are available in the churches of the Diocese of WinonaRochester at the first weekend Masses of each month.

• An online version may be viewed at www.dowr.org/offices/ courier/index.html • To be added to the home delivery list, readers should send their names and addresses to: Diocese of Winona-Rochester The Courier 55 W Sanborn St. Winona, MN 55987 or nreller@dowr.org

Be Nourished by the Eucharist!

Bishop John M. Quinn

�ear Friends in Christ, The Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives as Catholics. For those in communion with Jesus Christ and His Church, this spiritual food wipes away venial sin, provides strength in times of trial and temptation, unites us with our Triune God, and gives us the necessary graces to follow the Lord and serve Him in our brothers and sisters.

Unlike regular food that simply sustains our mortal bodies, the Eucharist strengthens our immortal soul, so we can strive for holiness in this life and be with all the angels and saints in the next.

The Eucharist is not only the source, but also the goal, or summit, of our lives as well. At Mass we encounter the living God, Christ Himself, made present under the appearance of bread and wine. To Him we come as a living sacrifice, offering Him our very lives and all our burdens, joys, and sorrows. Just as we offer the elements of bread and wine, and they are returned to us as the Body and Blood of Christ, so too when we surrender our very lives to the God who loves us, He will transform them with His grace.

Eucharistic Reflections

There are many Catholics in southern Minnesota who have discovered the joy of having Jesus Christ at the center of their lives, and they desire all people to experience the strength and power of coming to Mass and encountering and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. To this end, the Diocese has created

a special webpage dedicated to “Eucharistic Reflections.”

Here you will find explanations by diocesan staff about the Church’s teachings on the Eucharist, as well as short videos and written reflections featuring parishioners from around the diocese, sharing why the Eucharist and coming to Mass are so important to them. We also have a variety of other videos and written pieces that provide a glimpse into how the Eucharist nourishes us, and helps us to faithfully live out our different vocations.

I invite you to check these out and share them, to strengthen your own faith and encourage others to discover the great gift of the Eucharist. You can find the Eucharistic Reflection page under the Office of Divine Worship section of our diocesan website, www.dowr.org.

The Blessing of Children

In the Rite of Marriage, a man and a woman promise before God and their witnesses that they will lovingly accept children from God. This reflects the fact that marriage itself is ordered toward the rearing and education of offspring, who are a tangible sign of married love. While the Church recognizes that there can be serious and legitimate reasons to temporarily avoid pregnancy, Christians throughout the centuries have considered it a grave evil to thwart God’s plan for marriage and for married couples to close themselves off from the possibility of having children.

Children are “the supreme gift of marriage” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1652), and are to be welcomed as a gift from God. Unfortunately, in today’s secular culture, openness to life is a countercultural message. Society offers us the way of comfort and selfindulgence, and we are told that it is better to not have the “burden” of children, or to have only a few so we are not too inconvenienced and do not have to sacrifice any material

comforts. Alternatively, others choose not to have children in order to preserve the world’s resources, even though large families often live much more frugally and less wastefully than those with a few or no children.

To live out the message that every child is precious and a blessing to his or her parents and family is not always easy. Yet our Triune God calls us to proclaim and live this truth, the Gospel of Life.

Married couples are called to be open to life and welcome the children God gives them, and our whole Church must do its part to support families in raising their children.

Natural Family Planning

Natural Family Planning is the umbrella term for methods of achieving or avoiding pregnancy that cooperate with the Lord’s design for our bodies. While contraceptive devices and drugs repress or seek to control a couple’s fertility, the Church recognizes that the Lord has designed a woman’s body to naturally have fertile and infertile periods, and that if a couple truly deems it prudent to delay pregnancy for a time, they can do so all the while respecting the integrity of the human person. In this way, husband and wife recognize and respect the design of God’s plan for married love in exercising responsible parenthood.

July 25-31 is Natural Family Planning Awareness Week, a time to draw attention to the beauty of married love and ways that couples can faithfully live out that love in accord with the Lord’s design.

There are a variety of Natural Family Planning methods, which are in accord with Church teaching and respect God’s plan for marriage.

To learn more about Natural Family Planning and instructors near you, you can contact Peter Martin, Director of the Office

of Life, Marriage and Family, at pmartin@dowr.org or 507-858-1273.

Hyde Amendment

3 From the Bishop

Rejoice in Hope

Unfortunately, many Catholics have forgotten or never learned the beautiful truths about the Holy Eucharist, and that Christ is truly present in the Mass.

Many people would rearrange their schedules and make great efforts to accept an invitation to meet with the governor, president, or foreign royalty.

Yet every day we are privileged to have God Himself present on the altars of our churches.

More than ever before, our world is a broken place, with wars, violence, poverty, broken homes, and hopelessness and despair. For many people, life has become a burden.

They yearn for meaning and purpose, but do not know where to find it. Our world offers us many quick fixes, to ease our pain or make us forget about it for a time, but drugs, alcohol, pornography, food, sex, and social media are not the answer and don’t provide us with lasting joy or peace.

Jesus Christ alone offers the answer. We may experience trials and sorrows in this life, but with Jesus at our side we are not alone on the journey.

He provides us strength when we are weak, consolation when we are sad, and hope when we are despairing. When we know and trust Jesus Christ, we realize that there is a bigger picture than what we can see, one in which God can and does bring good out of evil and where there can be joy in the midst of tears. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and it is by clinging to Him and refusing to idolize the goods of this world, that we find true happiness.

For over 45 years, the Hyde Amendment has kept national taxpayer money from funding abortion.

For decades it has had bipartisan support, even from politicians and citizens who were supportive of legalized abortion.

Unfortunately, there is now a movement in Congress to do away with the Hyde Amendment and force every American taxpayer to fund abortion. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to sign the petition at n o t a x p aye ra b o r t i o n . c o m , letting Congress know that you support the Hyde Amendment and strongly oppose using taxpayer dollars to pay for abortion. It is important now more than ever to continue to pray and work for an end to abortion and for prolife protections such as the Hyde Amendment. We must never let down our guard in the cause to protect life. Blessed are you!

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona-Rochester

The Bishop's Calendar is on Page 4.

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Beloved Son, cont'd from pg. 1

that, the joy of God, who was also holding you, examining you, and waiting for you through all eternity. You know, God's a mystery to us, but we're not a mystery to God. God knows us intentionally and with love. "...And the Lord has been waiting, Michael, for you to come with your gifts and your heart, and to allow the Heart of Christ to so fill you with love and courage that there would be a boldness that says, 'Lord, with my shortcomings, with all the times I've stumbled, with my mistakes, but also with my gifts, with the hope You've put in me because You've redeemed me each time - I'm ready, Lord, to put my life at Your service and to be a deacon, a man of service, as I prepare for the priesthood, and to care for Your people with the very heart with which You've cared for your people from the beginning of time.'

"Michael, the world wants to say to you, 'Hold off. There's changes that may come about in the culture that none of us can anticipate.' The Church itself, as we know, has been through many changes.

But God is constant. God is eternal. Don't allow your heart to be disturbed. "...He has bathed you in His grace. He's given you a family, and brothers in the ministry, and a bishop and deacons, all to say, 'We don't do it alone.

But with you, Lord, we can accomplish great things

Document,

cont'd from pg. 1 on the Church's teaching on the responsibility of every Catholic, including bishops, to live in accordance with the truth, goodness and beauty of the Eucharist we celebrate.

Below are a few commonly asked questions on the meeting and on this topic at issue.

Why are the bishops doing this now?

For some time now, a major concern of the bishops has been the declining belief and understanding of the Eucharist among the Catholic faithful. This was a deep enough concern, that the theme of the bishops' strategic plan for 2021-2024 is Created Anew by the Body and Blood of Christ: Source of Our Healing and Hope. This important document on the Eucharist will serve as a foundation for the multiyear Eucharistic Revival Project, a major national effort to reignite Eucharistic faith in our country. It was clear from the intensity and passion expressed in the individual interventions made by the bishops during last week's meeting that each bishop deeply loves the Eucharist.

Bishop's Calendar

July 8, Thursday 1 p.m. - Conference Call - Catholic Higher Education Working Group 2:30 p.m. - Annual Meeting with Real Presence Catholic Radio Executive Director July 13, Tuesday 1:30 p.m. - Meeting - Discussion of Bishops’ Synod July 15, Thursday 1:45 p.m. - Annual Meeting - Catholic July 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

for the kingdom of God.' ... Don't be afraid, Michael.

The Lord, when He calls people, will never abandon them. He will give you more of His grace to carry out His mission ... You're his child, and, even more, a beloved son in Jesus Christ, and, one day, His priest...

Live that identity - the beloved son who knows the promise of the Father and can share it with his brothers and sisters. God bless you, Michael, and

Did the bishops vote to ban politicians from receiving Holy Communion?

No, this was not up for vote or debate. The bishops made no decision about barring anyone from receiving Holy Communion. Each Catholic - regardless of whether they hold public office or not - is called to continual conversion, and the U.S. bishops have repeatedly emphasized the obligation of all Catholics to support human life and dignity and other fundamental principles of Catholic moral and social teaching.

know of the love of all of us here today as we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart and ordain you to the servanthood of Jesus Christ."

Deacon Michael Churchill will serve at Resurrection Parish in Rochester over this summer and return to seminary to complete his studies in the fall. God willing, he will be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester next summer.

The Televised Mass Is Offered Every Sunday Sioux Falls - KTTW Channel 7 at 7 a.m.

Sioux City - KPTH Channel 44 at 8:30 a.m.

Mankato - KEYC Channel 12 at 7:30 a.m.

Digital Channel 12.2 or Charter Channel 19 NEYC at 9:30 a.m.

Digital Channel 7 (DirecTV) or Channel 11 (DISH) KMNF at 9 a.m.

Are the bishops going to issue a national policy on withholding Communion from politicians?

No. There will be no national policy on withholding Communion from politicians. The intent is to present a clear understanding of the Church's teachings to bring heightened awareness among the faithful of how the Eucharist can transform our lives and bring us closer to our creator and the life he wants for us.

Did the Vatican tell the bishops not to move forward on drafting the document?

No. The Holy See did encourage the bishops to engage in dialogue and broad consultation. Last week's meeting was the first part of that process. It is important to note that collaboration and consultation among the bishops will be key in the drafting of this document.

Charities Executive Director 4 p.m. - Weekly Zoom Meeting with Minnesota Bishops

July 21, Wednesday 3 p.m. - Conference Call - Catholic Higher Education Working Group July 22, Thursday 1 p.m. - Holy Hour and Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting

Rochester/Austin/Mason City KIMT Channel 3 at 7:30 a.m.

MyTV 3.2 at 9 a.m.

NEW Twin Cities - WFTC Digital Channel 29 or Channel 9.2 at 11:30 a.m.

Southeastern MN - HBC Channel 20 at 3 p.m. (repeated Wed. at 3:30 p.m.)

Winona/La Crosse/Eau Claire - WLAX/WEUX Channel 25/48 at 7:30 a.m. and on our website, dowr.org (click "Weekly Mass")

July 23, Friday 10 a.m. - Anointing Mass - Callista Court Senior Living, Winona July 25, Sunday 9:45 a.m. - Mass at Steubenville North Youth Conference - Mayo Civic Center, Rochester July 26, Monday 6 p.m. - Rochester Serra Club Priest Golf Event Dinner, Willow Creek Golf Course, Winona

July 30, Friday 11 a.m. - Anointing Mass - St. Anne's of Winona August 1, Sunday 8:30 a.m. - Mass at St. Marys Hospital Chapel, Rochester August 2, Monday 5 p.m. - Premier Banks Golf Outing Dinner, Owatonna

Moving Back into the

'Ordinary Time' of Discipleship

�

presence with and for us. Our pandemic time has given us a new appreciation of this as well, as most of us have longed for the Eucharist and the presence of one another at Mass for many months. The presence of Christ in the Eucharist is an immeasurable treasure.

Lay Formation

us nowhere because we are running from who we are called to be and what we are called to do.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Remain in me, as I Todd Graff remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on Director of Lay Formation & RCIA its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can tgraff@dowr.org you unless you remain in me.’ (John 15:1-8) Running away is not true to our deepest nature as people who are created in God’s image, after God’s very likeness.

In our most perfect self, we are so close to God there A selfish faith would be an unreal faith. Whoever is no distance between us. When we are faithful to our believes in Jesus Christ and enters into the dynamic of baptism, we are united to Jesus and to one another. As love that finds its source in the Eucharist discovers true disciples, we find the strength we need in the power of joy and becomes capable, in turn, of living according to the Holy Spirit to remain rather than run. the logic of gift. God is not isolation, but glorious and “Remaining with Jesus roots us in God’s love. Like joyful love, spreading outward and radiant with light. branches on a thriving vine, we gain sustenance and -Pope Benedict XVI life in the Lord who remains in us, as we remain in him.

It is difficult for us to grasp the immensity of God’s love reetings of Peace, Friends in Christ! and the abundance of God’s grace that is offered to us As I write this in mid-June, we have just finished through Jesus Christ. Yet, this abundant life is freely celebrating the great 50 days of the Easter Season – given us. We have only to accept it and to live it. culminating in Pentecost Sunday – and the beautiful Rooted in God’s love, we will bear good fruit. St. and profound feasts of the Most Holy Trinity, Corpus John Neumann captured our call to bear the fruit of Christi, the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the God’s love profoundly: "God sees every one of us; He Immaculate Heart of Mary. This is such a rich time in creates every soul … for a purpose. He needs, He deigns our liturgical year! to need every one of us. He has an end for each of us; As we move through Ordinary Time during these we are all equal in His sight, and we are placed in our summer months, I want to hold onto and savor a bit different ranks and stations, not of the spiritual riches offered to to get what we can out of them us from the past few weeks of our Impact is a monthly resource for ourselves, but to labor in them liturgical life so as to guide us in our for parishes which seeks “to form for Him. As Christ has worked, we “ordinary” and day-to-day lives of people as disciples and good stewtoo have but to labor in them for discipleship. ards who share their gifts and Him. As Christ has His work, we To do this, I will share some con- faith, making an impact in their too have ours; as He rejoiced to do tent from the May and June issues of lives and the life of the world.

His work, we must rejoice in ours the faith resource Impact, created Each month, Impact focuses on also.” by my colleague and friend, Leisa themes found in the Sunday readThe primary way that Christ Anslinger, and produced by Catholic ings, connecting Mass with the call to discipleship, growing as remains with us, and we are Life and Faith. I am most grateful for good stewards, and sharing faith united with him, is through the her permission to reprint from this in daily life.” celebration of the Eucharist. We excellent resource! celebrate the Eucharist in every In the latter weeks of the Easter For more information and to see a season of the church year, and in Season, our gospel readings for sample issue, go to: a special way on the Solemnity of daily Mass are taken from the “Last www.catholiclifeandfaith.net/ the Most Holy Body and Blood of Supper Discourse” in the Gospel discover-impact.

Christ (“Corpus Christi”).

In the of John. Jesus is speaking with his celebration of the Eucharist, we disciples in a very intimate way as ‘become what we receive – the he prepares them for what will take Body of Christ’ (Saint Augustine). We are united to place in the coming events of his death, resurrection, Christ in this most personal and intimate of ways. and ascension. He urges them to “remain in [him],” And, through our Holy Communion with him, he as branches on a vine. By remaining in him, they will invites us to be his “Body,” his presence, to the world. “bear much fruit and become [his] disciples” [see John 15:1-8].

“Without Measure” From the June Issue of Impact “Remain, Be Rooted, and Bear Fruit” From the May Issue of Impact What is the greatest gift we can give another person?

When we really reflect on this question, our deepest We might say it is in our common human tendency to response will most certainly be ‘presence’. To give run away. As toddlers, many of us packed a few of our another the gift of our attention, care and love is a most precious belongings and left home in search of present that is never outdated and is everlasting. We freedom or simply because we had to see what was may be more aware of this now than ever before. If beyond the doors of the familiar and loved. Our tenthere is one lesson we may carry from the pandemic it dency to run doesn’t stop as we mature. We fight the is that we need others. There is something significant temptation to run away – from difficulties, commitmissing in our lives when we are unable to be present ment, even from God – throughout our lives. or to know another’s presence.

Jesus knows how often we resolve to follow him Our presence is a share of our self, as Christ’s only to backtrack when the going gets tough. He love is a share of the immense love of God. We who understands how easy it is for us to turn away from have been baptized into Christ offer that love to othGod’s divine plan and will. We may for a time feel we ers through our presence as stewards of all we are are heading somewhere. Yet Jesus knows that we will and have and will be. Through participation in the only find fulfillment and peace when we are close to Eucharist, we are given all we need in Christ’s gift of him. The Lord knows that ultimately our running gets

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And what is the measure of God? Without measure! The measure of God is without measure. Everything!

Everything! Everything! It’s impossible to measure the love of God: it is without measure! And so we become capable of loving even those who do not love us: and this is not easy. To love someone who doesn’t love us…. It’s not easy! Because if we know that a person doesn’t like us, then we also tend to bear ill will.

But no! We must love even someone who doesn’t love us! Opposing evil with good, with pardon, with sharing, with welcome (Pope Francis, June 22, 2014).

Our prayers, our gifts of time, talent and our material resources are signs of our awareness that we are blessed beyond measure. Recognizing that we are ‘fearfully, wonderfully made’, the gift of self, our presence, is a true sign and blessing that cannot be diminished over time.

“When Tiny Becomes Mighty” From the June Issue of Impact

Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed - the smallest of all the seeds on the earth, which springs up and becomes a large plant. If God’s kingdom is the reign of love, then even our smallest actions on behalf of love can grow beyond our imagining. Think of all the opportunities we have to show and to share love every day. Times when we put impatience aside, linger with someone who is struggling, give our time in service.

These small acts expand our hearts and make Christ’s presence known. Tiny seeds of mercy, compassion, and caring grow into mighty expressions of the incredible love of God. Doing this is simple but it is not always easy. It requires us to make the perspective of the Lord our own, to have as our greatest desire that all will know and share love.

What tiny seed of love will you plant today? How does the Eucharist shape and nourish you to be a sower of the seeds of Christ’s presence? What might be the mighty impact of your sharing in the lives of others and for the life of the world?

Deo gratias!

Thanks to Jesus and to his Spirit, even our life becomes ‘bread broken’ for our brothers. And living like this we discover true joy! The joy of making oneself a gift, of reciprocating the great gift that we have first received, without merit of our own. This is beautiful: our life is made a gift! This is to imitate Jesus. I wish to remind you of these two things. First: the measure of God’s love is love without measure. Is this clear? And our life, with the love of Jesus, received in the Eucharist, is made a gift. As was the life of Jesus. Don’t forget these two things: the measure of the love of God is love without measure. And following Jesus, we, with the Eucharist, make of our life a gift.

-Pope Francis

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School Choice Is Front and Center as Capitol Reopens to the Public

By MINNESOTA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

�

Catholic Schools

atholics are back at the Capitol making their voices heard in-person now that the doors of “the people’s house” have reopened to the public. A 15-month closure amid the pandemic shifted most legislative business and public advocacy online.

When the doors reopened on June 10, Minnesota Catholic Conference staff joined parents and others asking Governor Tim Walz to sign school choice legislation. The rally was led by Exodus Minnesota, an organization started by five black mothers who believe expanding school choice is essential to ensuring all students can access quality education. They are advocating for the creation of education savings accounts that would allocate educational funds to the child instead of to school systems, thereby enabling parents to decide how their education dollars are spent.

After Gov. Walz had refused to meet with them following an invitation they hand delivered to his residence, the Exodus moms marched from their press conference and joined Gov. Walz at his press conference. Although he refused again to listen to

Schulze and Ausdemore Retire from Crucifixion School, La Crescent

Marsha Stenzel

Superintendent of Catholic Schools mstenzel@dowr.org

Photo Credit: Minnesota Catholic Conference Staff

their concerns, the presence of school choice supporters has become the enduring image of this month’s special session, and a reminder to lawmakers that the school choice movement is not going away.

Not only are citizen advocates and lobbyists back inside the Capitol, but lawmakers have also returned to the chambers for a special session. The special session, called by Governor Tim Walz to extend his COVID-19 peacetime emergency powers by 30 days, is expected to continue until the legislature passes the state’s $52 billion biennial budget.

It is expected that public officials will come to an agreement by the July 1 deadline, but that, other than COVID relief, very few items on each party’s wish list will get accomplished because our Legislature is divided on partisan lines. Senate Republicans are focused on lowering or keeping taxes flat, and Gov. Walz, Lt. Gov. Flanagan, and House Democrats are focused on boosting public school spending.

In the meantime, Minnesota Catholic Conference staff continue to advocate for several issues to be included in the final budget. Among those are: nonconforming drivers’ licenses and identification cards for immigrants, education savings accounts for students, nonpublic school aid, payday-lending reform, earned sick and safe time, driver’s license suspension reform, emergency services and shelter program funding, a strong safety net for our state’s poorest families, and an expansion of medical assistance program to include at least six months of coverage for postpartum women.

Submitted by LORI DATTA

�n Monday, May 24, Mrs. Pat Schulze and Mrs.

Janine Ausdemore (Mrs. A.) received the Bishop’s medal in recognition of their retirement from Crucifixion School in La Crescent. Friends and family, including Mrs. Schulze’s 99-year-old father, a WWII vet, were present to see them receive this award.

Mrs. Schulze has been at Crucifixion School for 43 years. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in 1978 with an elementary education degree and a minor in special education.

She has taught 4th and 5th grade at Crucifixion as well as social studies to grades 4, 5, and 6. Mrs. Schulze wanted only the best for her students. If they were having trouble, she met with them before school, during recess, and after school. She encouraged them to do their best and to be the best person they could be.

Mrs. Schulze was not one set in her ways and unwilling to learn new things. She was the first one to tackle new ideas that will help her students learn.

When the pandemic hit, most of the schools in the state had two weeks to prepare for on-line learning. Crucifixion had three days. Mrs. Schulze, who sometimes had issues with computers (she says they don’t like her), was right there learning new ways to teach her students virtually. She met with her class several times a day and kept them on track for the rest of the year.

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Pat Schulze (left picture) and Janine Ausdemore (right picture) take a "retirement ride" after teaching at Crucifixion School for 43 years and 15 years, respectively.

Catholic faith is what gets Mrs. Schulze through everything. She starts everyday with the “Morning Prayer” and encourages students to pray daily.

Religion is incorporated in her lessons daily. Her faith keeps her going no matter what is going on in her life. Whether it is family issues, school issues, or computer issues, she never loses faith. She raised two sons with this faith and is now teaching her grandchildren this, too.

Mrs. Ausdemore has been at Crucifixion School for 15 years. Prior to coming to Crucifixion, she taught in multiple Catholic schools. She graduated from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood.

Mrs. Ausdemore is enthusiastic about teaching her students religion. She incorporates the Catholic faith in all her lessons and finds unique ways of doing this. She teaches giving thanks by hosting a Thanksgiving Feast every year. Her kindergarten class prepares the meal, writes invitations, meets guests at the door, and puts on a small show for 100-

150 parents and grandparents. A lot of work which is done by her class goes into this event.

Mrs. Ausdemore taught about life given by God by having her students care for and hatch baby chicks in the classroom. The kindergartners checked the eggs daily waiting for the eggs to hatch. Some eggs do not make it. Mrs. Ausdemore then explains the concept of death to her students. The chicks that do make it are given to a local farmer. The circle of life is taught in a way that young students understand.

Mrs. Ausdemore taught the gift of laughter to her students. The kindergarten class puts on a circus at the end of the year. There are clowns, “animals,” circus acts, etc. The children have a great time performing for their parents and grandparents.

Mrs. Ausdemore and Mrs. Schulze will be missed at Crucifixion School.

Lori Datta teaches sixth grade at Crucifixion School in La Crescent.

Tuition Grants to be Awarded for the 2021-22 School Year Monica Herman

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

�

atholic education realizes a threefold purpose of proclaiming God’s message of love, building community, and providing service. The Seeds of Faith Tuition Assistance Endowment, established in 2004 and stewarded by the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota, was created to aid families who seek a Catholic education for their children and who demonstrate a financial need.

An endowed fund is a way of giving that creates a permanent, continuous source of income for a ministry or mission, as designated by donors.

The Seeds of Faith Tuition Assistance Endowment was established with a $2 million allotment from the extensive Seeds of Faith Campaign, which the Foundation prudently invests by following Catholic Responsible Investing principles. From investment earnings, more than $1.13 million has been granted to families with financial need since 2012. The endowment will continue to grow, and with investment earnings each year, available funds for tuition assistance grants are expected from year to year.

The distribution of funds for the 2021-2022 school year will follow the Seeds of Faith Campaign case statement. It promised that “…we will establish a $2,000,000 endowment fund designated to provide tuition assistance to parents who seek a Catholic education for their children and who demonstrate a financial need. This endowment also will respond to a special need to provide tuition funding

Congratulations!

Since our kick-off, the following parishes have met their goals for the 2021 Catholic Ministries Appeal: All Saints New Richland

St. Adrian Adrian

St. Ignatius Spring Valley

Good Shepherd Jackson

St. Ann Slayton

St. Joseph Waldorf

Christ the King Byron

St. Agnes Kellogg

Holy Family Kasson

St. Casimir Winona

Immaculate Conception St. Clair

St. Finbarr Grand Meadow

Holy Spirit Rochester

Our Lady of Good Counsel Wilmont

St. Joseph Lakefield St. Luke Sherburn

St. Edward Austin

St. Mary Lake Wilson

St. Francis of Assisi Rochester

St. Rose of Lima Lewiston

St. Patrick LeRoy

Catholic Foundation

Seeds of Faith

7

for the newly arrived immigrants in our diocese.”

Last year, 219 families received tuition assistance totaling $135,800. This year, 187 families will receive assistance totaling $145,000. Funds are also available specifically for Hispanic families who demonstrate financial need through the Foundation’s Rothwell endowments. This year’s earnings will allow us to distribute $16,100 to 15 families for the 2021-2022 school year. The application and process is the same for both the Seeds of Faith funds and Rothwell funds.

It is important to note that the funds “...will supplement, not replace, local efforts in providing parents with financial assistance. The Foundation will distribute annual earnings from this endowment in grants as assistance in tuition payments” (Seeds of Faith Case Statement). The intention of the Seeds of Faith Endowment is that “...no family shall be denied access to Catholic education because of the inability to pay.”

Each year, the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota receives letters from families who wish to pass along their thanks to those who contributed to the Seeds of Faith Campaign. To those who generously contributed to the Seeds of Faith Campaign over a decade ago, thank you for touching the lives of others in this unique and much-needed way.

The Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota is committed to maintaining and preserving the endowment for generations of Catholic students to come.

The Seeds of Faith Tuition Assistance Endowment is stewarded by the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota (EIN: 41-11691198), 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 endowment statement of purpose and for no other purposes. To learn more about the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota, visit www.catholicfsmn.org.

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July 25-31

Life, Marriage & Family

8

NFP Awareness Week Peter Martin

Director of Life, Marriage & Family and Communications pmartin@dowr.org

What are the benefits of using NFP? In NFP both spouses are taught to understand the nature of fertility and work with it, either to plan a pregnancy or to avoid a pregnancy. Couples who use NFP soon learn that they have a shared responsibility for family planning. Husbands are encouraged to "tune into" their wives' cycles and both spouses are encouraged to speak openly and frankly about their sexual desires and their ideas on family size. Other benefits include: • Low cost

• No harmful side effects

• Effectiveness for achieving, spacing, or limiting pregnancy

�

he dates of Natural Family Planning Awareness Week highlight the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love and responsible parenthood. The dates also mark the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), the parents of the Blessed Mother.

Pope Francis has designated that feast as World Grandparents Day, a fitting commemoration during National NFP Awareness Week!

What is NFP?

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies. These methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. Couples using NFP to avoid pregnancy abstain from intercourse and genital contact during the fertile phase of the woman's cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy. NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife.

Isn’t NFP just the old Rhythm method?

NFP is not "Rhythm." The Rhythm (or Calendar) method was developed in the 1930s. It was based on the theory that the time of next ovulation July 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

could be determined by calculating previous menstrual cycles. This method often proved inaccurate because of the unique nature of each woman's menstrual cycle: some women have very irregular cycles and almost all women have a cycle of unusual length once in a while.

On the other hand, NFP methods are progressive. That is, they are based on progressive, day-today observations of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. NFP methods take advantage of the changes associated with ovulation, treating each cycle as unique.

Couples using NFP to avoid pregnancy abstain from intercourse during the fertile phase of the woman's cycle. Couples who wish to achieve a pregnancy can also take advantage of the fertile time of the cycle. Because it allows couples to adjust their behavior to the naturally occurring cycles of a woman's body, NFP is not a contraceptive--i.e., it does nothing to work against conception.

Who can use NFP?

Any married couple can use NFP! A woman need not have "regular" cycles. NFP education helps couples to fully understand their combined fertility, thereby helping them to either achieve or avoid a pregnancy. The key to the successful use of NFP is cooperation and communication between husband and wife--a shared commitment. NFP is unique among methods of family planning because it enables its users to work with the body rather than against it. Fertility is viewed as a reality to live, not a problem to be solved.

• Can be used throughout the reproductive life cycle

• Marriage enrichment and mutual understanding • Appreciation for the value of children

• Fosters respect for and acceptance of the total person • Moral acceptability

How effective are the natural family planning methods for avoiding pregnancy?

When couples understand the methods and are motivated to follow them, NFP is up to 99% successful in spacing or limiting births.

Where can I learn how to use NFP?

The best way to learn NFP is from a qualified instructor-- that is, one who is certified from an NFP teacher training program. Although medical professionals are gradually learning more about NFP and becoming more supportive of patients who wish to use it, they are not often trained to teach NFP. Visit https://www.dow.org/offices/ life-marriage-family/natural-family-planning. html for a listing of instructors in the Diocese.

Does the Church expect us to have as many children as we possibly can?

The Church encourages people to be "responsible" stewards over their fertility. In this view of "responsible parenthood," married couples carefully weigh their responsibilities to God, each other, the children they already have, and the world in which they live when making decisions about the number and spacing of children.

Totally Yours Aaron Lofy

Director of Young Adult Ministry alofy@dowr.org

�

9 Youth & Young Adults

Totus Tuus

otus Tuus is a Catholic summer program that works to share the faith with the youth in the parishes and others in the community.

Totus Tuus is Latin for “Totally Yours,” which was the pontifical motto of Pope Saint John Paul II. There are five pillars of Totus Tuus: •

Eucharistic Devotion

•

Vocational Discernment

• • •

Marian Devotion

Catechetical Instruction FUN!

Each of the pillars expresses a different part of the Catholic faith that is important to impart on the youth.

Ultimately the mission of Totus Tuus is to transform hearts and lives by bringing the youth closer to Jesus Christ.

Each week, we send our teams out to new parishes for a total of seven weeks. While at the parish, there are two sessions: a day session for those in grades 1-6 and an evening session for those in grades 7-12. The Totus Tuus missionaries stay with host families and join those in the parish for meals throughout the week.

In order for the missionaries to fully give of themselves to the mission, they keep their prayer life central to their day including the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Mass, and parts of the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church.

Homily,

cont'd from pg. 2 Apostles who set free the power of the Gospel in our world, only because first they themselves had been set free by their encounter with Christ. Jesus did not judge them or humiliate them. Instead, he shared their life with affection and closeness. He supported them by his prayer, and even at times reproached them to make them change. To Peter, Jesus gently says: “I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail” (Lk 22:32). And to Paul: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4). He does the same with us: he assures us of his closeness by praying and interceding for us before the Father, and gently reproaching us whenever we go astray, so that we can find the strength to arise and resume the journey.

We too have been touched by the Lord; we too

Team 1 (clockwise from top left): John Paul Bickerstaff, Jonathan Lutz, Tatiana Rios, Anna Nordquist

Team 2 (clockwise from top left): John Vrchota, Michael Szymanski, Cassidy Meyer, Faustyna Nguyen

have been set free. Yet we need to be set free time and time again, for only a free Church is a credible Church.

Like Peter, we are called to be set free from a sense of failure before our occasionally disastrous fishing. To be set free from the fear that paralyzes us, makes us seek refuge in our own securities, and robs us of the courage of prophecy. Like Paul, we are called to be set free from hypocritical outward show, free from the temptation to present ourselves with worldly power rather than with the weakness that makes space for God, free from a religiosity that makes us rigid and inflexible; free from dubious associations with power and from the fear of being misunderstood and attacked.

Peter and Paul bequeath to us the image of a Church entrusted to our hands, yet guided by the Lord with fidelity and tender love, for it is he who guides the Church. A Church that is weak, yet finds strength in the presence of God. The image of a Church set free and capable of offering the world the freedom that the world by itself cannot give: freedom from sin and death, from resignation, and from the sense of injustice and the loss of hope that dehumanizes the lives of the

women and men of our time.

Let us ask, today in this celebration but afterwards as well: to what extent do our cities, our societies and our world need freedom? How many chains must be shattered and how many doors long shut must be opened! We can help bring this freedom, but only if we first let ourselves be set free by the newness of Jesus, and walk in the freedom of the Holy Spirit.

Today our brother Archbishops receive the pallium. This sign of unity with Peter recalls the mission of the shepherd who gives his life for the flock. It is in giving his life that the shepherd, himself set free, becomes a means of bringing freedom to his brothers and sisters. Today, too, we are joined by a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, sent for this occasion by our dear brother Bartholomew. Your welcome presence is a precious sign of unity on our journey of freedom from the distances that scandalously separate believers in Christ. Thank you for your presence.

We pray for you, for all pastors, for the Church and for all of us: that, set free by Christ, we may be apostles of freedom throughout the world.

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Missionary Discipleship

10

Don't Mistake

Motion for Mission The Engagement Trap

Deacon Keith Strohm

Happy July, everyone! This month we are grateful to lend space to DCN. KEITH STROHM of M3Ministries, who is our speaker at the end of August for our Diocesan Ministry and Catechetical Days, Building a Culture of Discipleship. He has a lot of resources at www.M3Catholic.com, including a blog and podcast. If you want to hear more from Dcn. Keith, please mark August 26 and 27 on your calendar!

�

–Susan Windley-Daoust

e have a really vital parish, just look at how " many ministries there are!”

I have heard this declaration countless times over the last 20 years as a parish mission leader, speaker, consultant, evangelization trainer, and diocesan employee. On the one hand, I’m delighted to see the passion that people have for their community. On the other hand, I cringe inwardly and try to keep my eyes from rolling toward the back of my head when I hear this sentence fly out of people’s mouths.

It’s not that I think they are lying.

The people I meet in my travels are, for the most part, genuine, loving, caring men and women, and they honestly believe what they are saying.

The problem is that often times, they are wrong.

What do I mean?

Many of our parishes are trapped in a Paradigm of Engagement. Leaders working from an engagement paradigm see their primary responsibility as getting people involved in the life of the community—which usually means making sure people are present at parish events, supporting activities, and volunteering.

Obviously, these things are desirable, but in a paradigm of engagement, they become the entire focus of leadership’s time and energy. In this worldview, the highest goods are involvement, volunteering, and activity. These become ends in themselves and often are not integrally connected to developing a relationship with Jesus or to mission.

Seen from this perspective, action and activity become confused with vitality. Leaders, key volunteers, and involved parishioners often evaluate the life of the community based on its level of activity.

But if we look through kingdom lenses we discover something profound: motion is not synonymous with mission.

The human body—with its complex chemical, biological, and mechanical processes—offers some parallels in this regard. Your heart, for example, pumps blood through a network of interconnected arteries, veins, and capillaries. This cardiovascular highway has a very particular purpose: it brings oxygen to the organs and muscles of the body and removes waste, such as carbon dioxide. The arteries carry blood away from your heart, and veins carry blood toward your heart. If the arteries and veins simply decided to do whatever—for example if there was no rhyme or reason to the direction that blood flowed—your organs might die from oxygen starvation.

In short, biological activity without a particular organizing purpose can still lead to death. The same is true of a parish. Parishes with lots of activities, ministries, and socializing opportunities are not necessarily vital, alive, or transformed.

They may simply be busy.

The mission of the Church, however, is to make disciples. Therefore, if we want to gauge the vitality and life of our parishes, the real question we should be asking is not “How many ministries or activities do we have available?” but rather, “How many disciples have we produced?” Jesus called the Church into being to bear the fruit of discipleship.

Susan Windley-Daoust

Director of Missionary Discipleship swindley@dowr.org

It doesn’t matter how active a parish is if it is not producing that fruit. Therefore, the question of fruit bearing is the single most important question we can ask ourselves as parishes!

Consider the case of the barren fig tree in chapter 13 of the Gospel of Luke. This tree is alive, and yet it has not produced fruit for the vineyard owner. On some level, this tree is active. Sap and nutrients move between its roots and its branches, and yet it does not bear fruit. In a similar way, I have encountered parishes that are exceptionally active, and yet spiritually dead.

Breaking Free of the Trap

So how can parishes break free of the engagement trap? One way is for parish leadership to take an honest look at the action, activities, ministries, and areas of service to the world that make up their parish’s life. This can be a challenge because we all become attached to certain things in our parish–especially if they have been around for a decade or more. Looking at the elements of parish life through the lens of mission, however, means looking for fruit–real, tangible transformation, healing, and new life that are the hallmarks of life in Christ.

Here are some questions that can guide you to that fruit: • • •

•

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How does this particular activity or ministry foster, nurture, or support an encounter with Jesus Christ?

What are the concrete ways that this ministry contributes to the making, maturing, or missioning of disciples of Jesus Christ?

Where does this ministry or activity fit within our parish’s discipleship pathway (i.e., a linked series of processes, events, and formation designed to help people move into discipleship, mature as disciples, and be equipped as missionary disciples)?

Has this ministry or activity regularly produced intentional disciples of Jesus Christ over several years?

If you’ve applied these questions to some areas of your parish’s life, and you can’t come up with easy answers, don’t be frustrated. Chances are, you have a remarkable opportunity to reshape and redirect the focus of your parish so that it bears the fullness of fruit that the Lord desires from it.

If you’d like more help with that process, check out the latest book from M3 Ministries’ Executive Director, Deacon Keith Strohm. It’s called Ablaze: 5 Essential Paradigm Shifts for Parish Renewal. You can purchase it from Amazon.

While you are waiting for it to arrive, perhaps you could wrestle with this question: How does your parish’s registration process foster an encounter with Jesus Christ?

Because, after all . . . it should.

Supporting Education Sarah Vetter

Director of Pregnancy, Parenting & Adoption Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota

�ccording to the Annie E. Casey Foundation

National Kids Count data, Minnesota has approximately 57,000 families living in poverty, earning $25,100 or less for a family of four. More than threefourths of these struggling families are single parent households. These families face challenges in finding affordable housing, childcare, and jobs that pay a living wage.

Catholic Charities is combating this poverty through the Onward and Upward Program, which supports single parents as they pursue a degree in the healthcare field. Along with non-academic scholarships, the Onward and Upward program provides individual mentoring to the women who participate.

Each woman learns to identify her learning style, practice good time management, and create and stick to a budget. She sets personal goals, gains access to resources, and leans on her social worker for support while she balances school, work, and raising her children.

The Onward and Upward program had ten single mothers graduate in 2010. Nearly all of these mothers entered the workforce immediately, with new careers as nurses, dental hygienists and dental assistants. These mothers are suddenly earning a living wage and are proud to be supporting their families. One student shares her story: My name is Kari. I learned about Catholic Charities’ Onward and Upward program when I had just begun the Dental Assisting program at RCTC… I was paired up with someone who helped me set goals for myself, my education, my budget, and offered support in every aspect of my life.

Onward and Upward was not just a program to

help with my bills. They offered genuine support.

Due to the pandemic, I did not get to have face-toface meetings with my support person (Amber), but she was always a text, phone call or an email away. She kind of became my therapist. She never judged me but was always there for support. If I just needed someone to help me process my thoughts, fears, or anxiety, she knew exactly what to say. Amber cheered me on through my intense Dental Assisting program and always looked forward to hearing how things went, whether it was a big exam, my first day of internship, or a job interview. Amber helped me create a budget, and when I still couldn’t make ends meet Amber helped me find the resources I needed, whether it was Catholic Charities paying for my board exams, an emergency situation in my life, or helping me find other resources in the community that could give me a little boost so that I could continue to be a full-time student while balancing being a full-time mother of a 7-year-old and also pregnant with another baby boy! I was tired physically, mentally and emotionally, but Amber helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I have now graduated with my Associates in Dental Assisting, and have passed all my board exams to become licensed and certified. I have two healthy children and I have reached my goal to have a degree before the age of 30! I accepted a position in January 2021 as a Licensed and Certified Dental Assistant. My employer has already taken me on a fourday business trip to Austin, TX, for

Catholic Charities

Creating Hope

11

Kari

an emotional intelligence conference that was very valuable and eye-opening! I cannot wait to see what’s next for me in my career! Thank you, Catholic Charities, for your support, and a special thank you to Amber for being so kind, caring and genuine.

Onward and Upward is changing the trajectory of the lives of single mothers and their children. This is made possible through generous donations of individuals and family foundations. Catholic Charities is honored to use these gifts to transform lives, and we are excited to join more families on their journey.

The Onward and Upward program is accepting applications for students enrolled in Rochester Community and Technical College healthcare programs for Fall 2021.

Please visit our website at www.ccsomn. org/onwardandupward for more information and to apply.

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July 2021

Why?

By JEANETTE FORTIER

� hen people talk about the National Council of Catholic Women, they will often talk about the conven-

tions, held every year in different parts of the United States. This August 25-28, the NCCW Convention will be in Arlington, VA. It will be a one-year-delayed celebration of NCCW’s 100th anniversary. Women will talk about fantastic tours, wonderful meals (that they didn’t have to cook or clean up after), no responsibility to make the bed, and much laughter. The subject came up at the June 11-12 conference of the St. Paul & Minneapolis Province. When the afternoon speaker didn’t show up, members of the province board and National President Jean Kelly stood up and talked about the upcoming convention and the fact that Minnesota will host in November 2022. A woman stood up and said, “But why should I go? What value is it to me?”

Here’s the why: Speakers – NCCW has been on the cutting edge of providing informative and inspiring speakers. From St. Mother Teresa, to Dorothy Day, to Matthew Kelly (before he was MATTHEW KELLY), NCCW has been forward-looking in the programs they provide. I remem-

ber attending a meeting in Seattle, WA, and hearing a speaker from Paulist Press on Evangelization. It was three years later that the speaker presented in our diocese.

Liturgies – words cannot express how celebrating the Eucharist with 900 women feels. These women of faith, in full and active participation, join together with bishops and priests from across the country. There is the Meditation Room for quiet, individual prayer and the opportunities for the celebration of Reconciliation.

It is the Church alive!

We are about the Father’s business – the election of officers, the updating of amendments and the passage of resolutions is serious business because NCCW is on the national stage. We have a delegate to the UN, and our NCCW president attends the meetings of the USCCB. NCCW, through its leadership and affiliates, brings direct resources to situations in today’s world from fighting for the right to life, to respite care for families; from providing resources to women (Madonna Plan) to providing wells in drought-stricken countries (Water For Life). Would you know what to do if your neighbor came to your door saying she was being beaten or you saw a woman or child being trafficked? NCCW has the resources to educate you!

You are changed – whether it be an area meeting, a province conference, or the NCCW Convention, once you witness the spirit and fire of these women and events, you are compelled to share with other

Holy Trinity, Litomysl, 49th Annual Summer Friends of the Poor Walk/Run & Festival - Sunday, July 25 Pancake Breakfast - Saturday, Polka Mass at 10 a.m. Festivities begin at 11. Food Sept. 25 booths outside. Kid & adult games with thousands of prizes. Silent auction and used-a-bit items in Parish Center. Garden produce & baked goods (prune, poppyseed & apricot buchty). Live Music.

All welcome!

Free-will donations benefit Society of St. Vincent de Paul. 5K run/walk begins 9 a.m. at Rochester's Church of the Resurrection, 1600 11th Ave SE. Registration at 8:30. 100% donations Litomysl is 8 miles south of Owatonna on Co. Rd. 45, serve our friends in need. then 2 miles east on Co. Rd. 4 (SE 98th St) to 9946 svdp-rochmn.org/fop-walk-2021 24th Ave SE, Owatonna. Info at 507-451-6616 or Contact: Rick Fishbune rfishbune@charter.net www.litomysl.webs.com

Obituaries Sister Marcan Freking, OSF, 96, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights, on June 23, 2021.

B e r n a d i n e Frances Freking was born October 9, 1924, in Heron Lake to August and Rose (Oberbroeckling) Freking. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1942, received the name of Sister Mary Marcan, and made perpetual vows in 1948. In 1957, she completed her studies for a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the College of Saint Teresa, Winona. In 1962, she completed a Master of Science degree in elementary education administration at Winona State University. Further studies included a sabbatical in 1994-95 at the School of Theology, St. Meinrad, IN. In 1945, Sister Marcan began her elementary teaching ministry at parochial schools in Austin, Winona, Glencoe, Albert Lea, and Sleepy Eye. She was the principal at St. Margaret Mary School, Golden Valley, and St. Gabriel School, Fulda. She was a

• The Courier

L to R: (front row) Eleanore Jones, Jeanette Fortier, Kathy Wilmes, Joan Betzinger, (back row) Dianne Vangness, Bev McCarvel, Cindy Meling, Cindy Heimer. Not pictured: Jackie Mickow women what you have gained. You are strengthened by the power of the women you have connected with and your heart is opened to the possibilities of God’s love flooding the world through you. In turn, you change your parish. I challenge you to go to nccw.org and learn about the National Convention. I challenge you and your parish to sponsor two women to attend. Why? Because you’ll never be the same!

The women pictured above attended the province conference in St. Augusta, MN. They provided hospitality over the two days. Their graciousness and generosity was overwhelming and I, as W-RDCCW president, am very proud of them!

Jeanette Fortier is the president of the Winona-Rochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

Assisi Heights Seeks Pastoral Associate Sisters of St Francis seek a FT Pastoral Associate to support the Director of Residential Life and the life & well-being of the Sisters at Assisi Heights. Provide spiritual life enrichment and emotional support for the Assisi Heights community. Qualified candidates have a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry or equivalency and 2 years experience in gerontology or in a longterm care facility. Requirements: minimum ¼ CPE in NACC or ACPE; well-developed relational skills; good oral & written communication; computer skills necessary to complete position's essential functions; flexibility as pastoral ministry requires; ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and reflect the mission & values of the Rochester Franciscans. Position description on our website: rochesterfranciscan.org. Send resume and letter of interest to Judy Rud, Director of Human Resources, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901.

compassionate educator for 26 years.

In 1971, Sister Marcan began her pastoral ministry for 36 years. She served in impoverished areas in Vanceburg and Grayson, KY, with the Glenmary Home Missioners, Cincinnati, OH, for 12 years. Her Franciscan heart was open to serve another Appalachian area at Holy Trinity Church in Morgantown, KY, for the next 11 years.

Sister Marcan’s pastoral work then continued at Mapleton; Sturgis, KY; Whitesville, WV; and Springfield, MO. She touched the lives of many people and retired to Assisi Heights in 2007.

Sister Marcan is survived by her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 78 years; two sisters-in-law; and generations of (500) nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; ten brothers, William, Joseph, Alois, Lawrence, Leo, August, George, Alfred, Edward, and Bishop Frederick Freking; eight sisters, Monica Bartosh, Clementine Berg, Mary Bauman, Rose Liepold, Clotilda Freking, Josephine Kreger, Margaret Henkels, and Anastasia Mathias; seven brothers-in-law; and six sisters-in-law.

A private Funeral Liturgy was held at Assisi Heights on July 1, 2021, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Mission Advancement, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.