July 2014 Issue of The Courier

The

COURIER

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

Confidence in Church Brings Increase in Attendance With summer upon us, there are so many activities for children to participate in. What might be surprising to know is that thousands of youth in our area spend many summer days participating in Catholic youth events.

One may think with the 1970’s scandals that still seem to haunt our diocese, the Catholic Church’s faithful would be declining in support, but it’s unexpectedly the opposite. Starting at the beginning of June in Lewiston, the Totus Tuus program kicked off an array of Catholic summer activities whose attendance grows each year. Totus Tuus (Latin for “Totally Yours”) is a Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through catechesis, evangelization, Christian witness and Eucharistic worship. The goal of Totus Tuus is to help young people grow in the understanding of, and strengthen their faith in, Jesus Christ. Forty-one parishes in the Diocese of Winona are participating in Totus Tuus this year with over 700 children attending! Yet, in addition to Totus Tuus, there are also Vacation Bible School programs at twenty other parishes throughout the diocese.

Camp Summit is a growing new program. It is a middle school camp at Eagle Bluff Nature Center that was begun by Ben Frost, Director of the Office of Youth and Young Adults. The youth spend 4 days and three nights at Camp Summit immersed in physical challenges and Catholic heritage.

Rochester will also welcome just under 2,000 Catholic youth from all over the region for the Steubenville Youth

Conference for teens and young adults; over 250 of those attending are from the Diocese of Winona.

This does not even include other programs such as TEC Retreat for high school and young adults and the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference that will happen in connection with our 125th Anniversary Celebration this year.

It seems each year brings more, not less, attendees to every event. Where does this unpredicted attendance and excitement come from? We asked Joel Hennessy, director of mission advancement and Confidence in the Church, cont'd on pg. 9

www.dowcourier.org

Diocese Holds Press Conference for Transparency and Healing WINONA, MN – June 23, 2014 – In an unprecedented effort for transparency and healing, today the Diocese of Winona voluntarily released an abuse summary of details and facts surrounding 13 priests who have been credibly accused of child sexual abuse while serving in the Diocese of Winona decades ago. Nine of the thirteen priests on the list are deceased, two have been laicized, and two are pending laicization. No priests of the Diocese of Winona who have been credibly accused of child sexual abuse are still in active ministry. The Diocese concern is for the rights of everyone involved and the abuse summary complies with legal restrictions about privacy of medical and mental health information and protects the victims and the innocent. There is full disclosure of the identity of abusers.

“We are committed first and foremost for the compassionate healing for the victims and their families. We remain steadfast to finding and telling Press Conference, cont'd on pg. 7

INSIDE this issue

Bishop Fabio of Colombia Visits read the story on page 14

Celebrating Graduates more on pages 12 - 13

Natural Family Planning week learn more on page 5

Pope Francis Watch

The Courier Insider

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Pope Francis to parents: Do you make time for your children?

posted June 17, 2014, Rome Excerpt from a RomeReports. com video of the Holy Father: Thousands of priests and catechists from the Diocese of Rome met with Pope Francis at the Vatican. They told him of the troubles they deal with in their parishes. In response, the Pope focused on a danger families and society face today: living in a hurry.

Pope Francis said, "When I hear the confession of young couples and they start talking about their children, I always ask them the same question: do you make time to play with your children? The fathers usually say: 'But Father, when I go to work in the morning they are sleeping, and when I'm back home they're also in bed.' This is no way to live.”

Not only parents, but especially children pay for this lack of time and attention, the Pope went on, because they might grow up as 'orphans,' who don't get support from neither their family, parish nor society.

The Holy Father said, "This is a society of orphans. Let's think about this, eh?

It's important. Dad is tired, mom is tired, they go to sleep... And the children remain orphaned.”

As a way of fighting this downward spiral, Pope Francis proposed gratuitous love: if children perceive the uninterested love of their parents, teachers and priests, they

Articles of Interest

Diocese to Hold First Annual Marriage Retreat

page 4

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week

page 5

Quo Vadis Days Comes to an End

page 6

Our Parishes as “Evangelizing Communities”

page 7

Becoming a Pencil of God

pages 10

An Invitation to Catechetical Day Congratulations to all Graduates

won't feel alone.

"The gratuity of that dad or that mom who know how to spend time with their children. We need more of this gratuity in families, parishes and in society,” said Pope Francis.

The Pope encouraged Catholics to revive the concept of an open Church, that welcomes everyone as a mother. He concluded that it will help parishes revitalize, and recalling Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, added that Church will grow as longs as it remains attractive. During a speech to Abbas lis and Palestinians alike to "refrain from initiatives and actions which contradict the stated desire to reach a true agreement."

http://www.romereports.com/pg157314-pope-swarning-to-parents-do-you-make-time-for-your-children-en

CORRECTION In the June 2014 issue of The Courier, a short story was printed about Matthew Kelly visiting St. Bernard's Church in Stewartville. The story was released too soon and without the proper dates attached.

We apologize to St. Bernard's parish and Fr. John Wilmot for the great inconvenience this has caused. The event will not take place until next summer, July of 2015. Please do not call the parish for information. We will update the story as needed, when the time gets closer to the event.

page 11 page 12-13

Bishop Fabio of Colombia Visits the Diocese

page 14

Diocese of Winona Pastoral Planning

page 16

125th Anniversary Celebration FAQs

page 1 of Insert

Presenter and Performer Spotlights

page 2 of Insert

Past Shepherds of the Diocese

page 3 of insert

Commemorative History Book

page 4 of insert

Bishop's Calendar July 13, Sunday 10:45 a.m. – Closing Mass – Steubenville North Conference, Rochester Civic Center, Rochester July 13, Sunday 11:15 am – Closing Mass – Steubenville North Conference, Rochester Civic Center, Rochester July 16, Wednesday – Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel 11:30 am - Mass, followed by lunch, at Annunciation Hermitage, Austin July 19, Saturday 8:30 p.m. - Ramadan Dinner at Rochester Community and Technical College July 20, Sunday 10 a.m. – Mass at Holy Spirit Church, Rochester, for Scouts’ “Pillars of Faith Award”

12 p.m. – Teams of Our Lady Family Picnic, Chester Woods Park, Rochester July 21, Monday 5 p.m. – Social and Dinner, Rochester Serra Club Priest Golf Outing, Willow Creek July 25, Friday 9:30 a.m. – Mass for Perpetual Profession of Vows, Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecelia Congregation, Cathedral of the Incarnation, Nashville, Tennessee July 26, Saturday 4:30 p.m. – Candidacy Mass at Holy Spirit Church, Rochester for Seminarians, The Hoang, Brian Mulligan and Daniel Ward

Child Abuse Policy Information

The Courier is the Official Publication of the Diocese of Winona 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 949, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 105 - 02

Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Publisher Joel Hennessy, Editor Theresa Martin, Associate Editor Telephone: 507-454-4643 Fax:507-454-8106 E-mail: courier@dow.org Subscription Rates: $5 per year in the U.S. Parishioners in the Winona Diocese subscribe through their parish.

Periodicals postage paid at Madelia, MN Postmaster. (ISSN 0744-5490) Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the 15th of the month prior.

(ISSN 0744-5490)

July, 2014 w The Courier

Diocese of Winona - Child Sexual Abuse Policy Information The Diocese of Winona will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dow. org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Peter Martin, at 507-858-1264, or pmartin@dow.org.

Christ at the Center of our Lives The month of July brings a family time of vacation for many.

Whether the vacation is local or several states away, I pray attendance at Mass will be a priority. With technology, we can have access to Mass times at all parishes, and

Rejoice in Hope Bishop John M. Quinn most young people can operate that technology easily. Mass is a priority every weekend, even during vacation. My parents, no matter where we went on vacation, never missed Mass, because the Lord was more important than sleeping in or getting an early start to the day. Keep Christ the

center of your vacation.

Fortnight for Freedom Thank you to all who participated in the Fortnight for Freedom.

The prayers, fasting and educational programs about religious freedom, were a great blessing for all who participated.

If we sit quietly, then we are giving the impression of consent. The Church has a unique identity, that comes from Jesus Christ and it must be free to proclaim its identity without interference from the government. Religious liberty is the first and most cherished of our freedoms.

Keep praying for the Lord to give us the courage to defend religious liberty for all the generations yet to come. We are proud to be Americans and proud to be Catholic, and to make our voices heard in the public square and by our elected government officials.

Supreme Court Decisions Recently the Supreme Court upheld freedom of speech for pro-life Americans in a June 26 decision in the case of McCullen v. Coakley.

The Court unanimously declared unconstitutional a Massachusetts law imposing criminal penalties on pro-life Americans who peacefully pray for and offer alternatives

to pregnant women approaching abortion clinics. This discriminatory law barred these citizens from gathering on nearby public sidewalks, while exempting ‘clinic escorts’ trained to expedite women into the facility. Clearly this was an attack on prolife Americans’ freedom of speech, and we welcome the Court’s decision to overturn the law.

On June 30, the Court had another important ruling. The Court ruled that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) “preventive services” mandate violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) as applied to these employers to the extent that it would have forced them to provide insurance coverage for drugs and devices that violate their religious convictions on respect for human life. We welcome the Supreme Court’s decision to recognize that Americans can continue to follow their faith when they run a family business. In this case, justice has prevailed, with the Court respecting the rights of the Green and Hahn families to continue to abide by their faith in how they seek their livelihood, without facing devastating fines.

Now is the time to redouble our efforts to build a

culture that fully respects religious freedom.

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week Every year in July, we celebrate Natural Family Planning Awareness Week. The dates of this 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. Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the general title for the scientific, natural and moral methods of family planning that can help married couples either achieve or postpone pregnancies.

NFP methods are based on the observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy. Where contraception destroys God’s design by separating the unitive and procreative acts of the marital union, the methods of NFP respect the love-giving (unitive) and life-giving (procreative) nature of the conjugal act, they support God's design for

married love. I encourage you to learn more about this proven method.

Ministry Days In June, the priests, deacons, religious, and laity of our Diocese came together at our annual diocesan “Ministry Days” event to learn, to share and discuss, and to act upon this renewed call to evangelization which is at the very heart of our Church’s mission.

This year’s event will bring a team from the Augustine Institute in Denver, CO, to begin a formation process, called Symbolon, which seeks to “transform parish leaders to become effective instruments of the New Evangelization through doctrinal, spiritual, and pastoral formation.”

These days also included workshops, opportunities for socializing and time each day to pray together and to celebrate the Eucharist. I thank Todd Graff, our Director of the Office of Lay Formation, for orchestrating the event and all those who so willingly gave of their time and energy.

From the Bishop

Dear Friends in Christ,

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

Officials

The Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, announces the following: Appointments: Deacon Richard Quinn, Holy Spirit-Rochester, Ordained in 2005, has been granted Senior Status in the Permanent Diaconate Program of the Diocese of Winona, effective June 1, 2014.

Deacon Jonathan Fasnacht, appointed to serve at the parishes of Saint Mary of the Lake-Lake City; Saint Patrick-West Albany; and the Oratory of Saint Joseph-Theilman for the summer, effective June 8, 2014.

Rev. Msgr. Richard Colletti, to continue as rector of Cathedral of the Sacred Heart-Winona and pastor of St. Casimir-Winona, for an additional six-year term.

Rev. John Kunz, to continue as pastor of St. John the Baptist-Mankato, for an additional six-year term. In addition, permission granted to go on a sabbatical from December 29, 2014 to April 28, 2015.

Rev. John Sauer, to continue as pastor of Sacred Heart-Owatonna and Holy Trinity-Litomysl, for an additional six-year term.

Rev. Msgr. Gerald Kosse, to continue as pastor of St. Leo-Pipestone, St. Joseph-Jasper, and St. Martin-Woodstock, for an additional six-year term.

Rev. Gregory Havel, to continue as pastor of Crucifixion-LaCrescent and Holy Cross-Dakota, for an additional six-year term.

Mr. Terry Painter, appointed to serve on the Rochester Catholic School Board of Trustees for a three-year term, effective July 1, 2014.

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Life, Marriage & Family

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Diocese to Hold First Annual Marriage Retreat Continuing education units, annual seminars, monthly company newsletters, license renewals, work-place safety videos… and that’s just a short list of the things that are required of us at work so that we might offer the highest quality of service.

What things are we doing in order to ensure that our marriage is of the highest quality? Employers know that their employees need a break from the day-to-day grind in order that they can learn new tricks of the trade and to get a chance to sharpen their skills. They know that sometimes their employees need to be reminded of the things they may have learned in the past, but have

forgotten (or have neglected to put them into practice.)

How much more important is it, then for you and your spouse to take some time together! As co-CEOs of your family, your children need the stability of your relationship. In The Joy of the

Gospel, Pope Francis recognizes that “[t]he family is experiencing a profound cultural crisis, as are all communities and social bonds. In the case of the family, the weakening of these bonds is particularly serious because the family is the fundamental cell of society, where we learn to live with others despite our differences and to belong to one another; it is also the place where parents pass on the faith to their children.” (66) For this reason and to honor the Diocese's 125th Anniversary, the Office of Life, Marriage & Family will be hosting an annual marriage retreat (see advertisement for details).

We hope you will consider joining us!

25th Anniversary of the Harvest Mass

You’re not going to want to miss this year’s Harvest Mass – especially as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Harvest Mass in the Diocese of Winona. This year the Mass is hosted by Peter Martin, STL Ken and Marlys Knuth.

Director The Knuths pmartin@dow.org are parishioners of St. Ann’s in Slayton and own a 25 acre horse farm just one mile west of Slayton. They raise beautiful Shire horses which are a large draft horse originating in England. Ken and Marlys have been married for 47 years. They raised their four children on the farm, noting that “working with animals provides an opportunity to teach teamwork and responsibility.”

Their daughter Shannon and her family live in Arlington, MA. She works for a Bio-tech company and her husband Jeff works at one of the Children’s Hospitals in the Boston area.

Nathan, their oldest son, and his family live in Sebastopol, CA. Nathan does software development and design and Rachel works part-time as a Youth Minister.

Ben lives in Paris, France. He is a writer and an independent consultant. Nick and his family live in the Baltimore, MD area. Nick is a professor at Towson University and Jen, his wife, is a professor at John Hopkins University. All the children and grandchildren will be coming home for the Harvest Mass – to participate in Mass with Bishop Quinn on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven.

The family recognizes that Mary has been a role model for them with her patience and love of family.

Please make plans to come join us at the Knuths on Friday, August 15 at 11:00.

The Mass at the farm with Bishop Quinn as celebrant and the wonderful lunch that follows is the perfect way to celebrate Rural Life and to pray to God through Mary for a bountiful harvest!

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

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

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Natural Family Planning Awareness Week: July 20 - 26

In the Diocese

The dates of Natural Family Planning Awareness Week highlight the anniversary of the papal encycli- cal Humanae Vitae (July 25) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexu- ality, conjugal love and responsible parenthood.

The dates also mark the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), the parents of the Blessed Mother.

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 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-to-day 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.

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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.

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 • 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 http://www.dow.org/ Departments/Life-Marriage-Family/Natural-Family-Planning for a listing of instructors in the Diocese.

Isn’t NFP just the Church’s form of contraception?

NFP methods are different from and better than contraception because they: • cooperate with, rather than suppress, a couple's fertility • can be used both to achieve and avoid pregnancy • call for shared responsibility and cooperation by husband and wife • require spousal communication • foster respect for and acceptance of the total person • have no harmful side effects • are virtually cost free.

NFP is unique 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.

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.

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Quo Vadis Days Comes to an End

Vocations

The promotion of vocations is a many and varied endeavor.

Certainly prayers are needed, but it is also necessary to let people know what life God may be inviting them to. In order to do this, a hands-on approach can work very well. In 1993, the Diocese began a new program for boys called Quo Vadis Days.

Fr. Tim Reker offered a reflection on the beginning of this endeavor: “After hearing of the success that other dioceses, espeYoung men who participated in last Quo Vadis Days, 2013. cially Peoria, experienced with a summer program for vocations, Father Jim Timm and a few others of us decided to give it a the same. The meals would later be provided by St. Mary’s cafeteria try in our diocese. We felt that we had an ideal setting: a seminary and then by local Serra Clubs. Originally, eligibility to participate located on a college campus. Seminarians from the other dioceses ended in tenth grade and was later extended to twelfth. The Middleshared what worked for them School portion of QVD ended about three years ago as it became and we arranged a schedule that clear that a new event would be planned (Camp Summit). In the Rev. Will Thompson sought to balance faith and fun. final years of QVD, the focus shifted slightly to a retreat atmosphere Director We prayed together, ate delicious (while retaining plenty of opportunities for games and fun!) to help wthompson@dow.org food prepared by Sr. Barbara, the young men discern their vocation. Many priests, seminarians and had a lot of fun – hiking in assisted throughout the years, and about ten QVD participants would the bluffs, a campfire with scary later return as seminarians. Given the nature of many boys gathering together for a few days, we had the generous assistance of a few stories, sports clinics and dodge ball. What we needed was our own name for the “voca- women who served as nurses. Many thanks go to Martha Siska, Betty tions summer camp.” The legend of St. Peter fleeing Rome during the persecutions and Kneusel and Susan Hart for their dedication to keeping us all healthy! encountering Jesus on the Appian Way came to mind. Peter asked Jesus, “Where are Over twenty years after its inception, Quo Vadis Days has reached you going?” or “Quo vadis?” in Latin. We felt it was a perfect theme to help the young its end. The first two years of QVD brought in over 100 boys from men begin to consider that important vocation question: Where are you going with your across the Diocese and by this year, less than ten had applied. life? What is God asking you to do? With the help of the young priests, seminarians, Decreasing numbers and increasing opportunities elsewhere have Sister Barbara and the volunteer nurses, we launched the program and were amazed contributed to this change, yet the promotion of vocations will go with the response. It was almost more than we could handle the first year, but we had on. As vocations director, I enjoy visiting parishes for Mass, Faith a great time. Some of the participants, (QVDers) returned again and again. Quo Vadis Formation classes and other events, but it is also a good thing to let Days strengthened the fraternity of the priests and seminarians, too.” young men visit with their peers as they consider their vocation and After that first Quo Vadis Days, some things have changed, and some have remained whether that might lead them to the seminary.

Social Action Needs Two Strong Feet to Stand by: Sr. Ruth Snyder, OSF, member Diocese of Winona Social Concerns Committee

A healthy person, needs two good feet to walk correctly. In our efforts to live out our Christian commitment two good feet are also necessary. We can call them “Charity” and “Justice.”

Charity can be seen as focusing on the needs of individuals and families and meeting immediate needs. It is another name for practicing the corporal works of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and the imprisoned, and burying the dead.

Daily in our parish communities we see countless number of “good Samaritans” who practice such charity. They are those who, for example: • contribute to food shelves/ drives • serve in soup kitchens • visit the sick • give generously to collections to help the poor and vulnerable • are members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in their parish, etc.

But what about the other foot, that of

July, 2014 w The Courier

“Justice”? Those who use this foot accom- that ever has”. Perhaps our God-given pany “CHARITY” with work for long-term gifts are more suited for one foot than the social change to eradicate the need for other…but both are urgently needed in charity by addressing the root causes of our world today. social problems. That begins with studyThe Catholic Church, through papal ing and analyzing the situation so that encyclicals and conciliar and episcopal any action taken is based on facts and is documents, has articulated 7 principles to in tune with gospel values. Actions taken guide us as we try to live out our faith and might be: work for a just world. Future articles will • Speaking out on issues that can bring explore these Seven Principles of Catholic about change Social Action.

• Working with groups to change legislative and budget priorities • Participating in the election process so that candidates who best stand for Christian principles are elected.

• Supporting organizations working for justice.

How much can one person do? Surely, not everything, but as Margaret Mead has said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citiCatholic Charities volunteers making a difference through social action. zens can change the world.

Indeed, it’s the only thing

Press Conference, cont'd from pg.1

7 Mission Advancement

Prevention programming in our the truth and are vigilantly commitCatholic schools and in our Parish ted to ensuring these unspeakable Religion Education programs crimes against children never hapthrough the Circle of Grace propen again,” said Most Reverend John gram. The national program helps M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of children to identify what their Winona. physical Circle of Grace is, and are Nearly all of the sexual abuse taught to identify and maintain committed in the information made appropriate physical, emotional, public today happened in the 1970’s spiritual and sexual boundaries; and early 1980’s. Many of the priests recognize when boundary violawho had sexually abused children tions are about to occur; and demwere sent for treatment and diagonstrate how to take action when nosis when the accusations of abuse boundaries are threatened or viowere made known to the Diocese. lated. Last year more than 12,000 In many of the cases, priests were children participated in ‘Circle of assessed, diagnosed and treated Bishop John M. Quinn shares how "parishes are vibrant and safer than Grace’ Diocesan educational proby medical professionals and were ever before." photo by Andrew Link/Winona Daily News grams. Additional information on recommended they could return to the Diocese Safe Environment proactive ministry.

“Today, we know much more about the priest with even one substantiated allegation grams and other resources can be found on diagnosis and treatment of pedophilia than of sexual abuse of a minor can serve in public our website www.dow.org “There are no words to offer which can ministry. The Diocese of Winona has a zero tolerance policy for child sexual minimize the harm that has been perpeabuse and has adopted a policy that trated upon the youth in our Diocese by Joel Hennessy goes above and beyond the legislature’s some of our former priests. It is difficult to Director mandatory reporting requirement, by be reminded about the crime of sexual abuse jhennessy@dow.org reporting all accusations of child sex- yet it presents an opportunity to heal and ual abuse to law enforcement, not just move forward,” said Bishop Quinn. “Today, those within three years of the report, our parishes are vibrant and safer than ever before as we are more informed, more aware as required by statute. we did twenty years ago. The compulsion to The Diocese has taken extraordinary mea- and better-equipped to prevent child abuse. abuse is present in 4 percent of the general sures to ensure that all of the schools, parish- Our priests, deacons, religious, volunteers, male population, about the same percentage es and programs administered in the Diocese lay leaders and parishioners are of one heart. you see in the priest population,” said Nelle adhere to the policies so that those entrusted A heart fully committed to reflecting the love Moriarty, Chair of the Diocesan Review Board to our care are safe. Since 2002, over 30,000 of Jesus Christ through everything we do in and member to the United States Conference thorough criminal background checks and worship, faith formation, education and serof Catholic Bishops (USCCB) National screenings have been run on clergy, employ- vice,” said Bishop Quinn.

Review Board. “The USCCB’s Charter for the ees and volunteers that work with children Protection of Youth and Young Persons rec- in the Diocese. Each year, every priest and ognizes that second chances cannot be given deacon, and thousands of lay employees and when the safety of our children and young volunteers are trained through VIRTUS Safe persons are at risk,” said Moriarty.

Environment, a nationally recognized proThis knowledge and awareness has empow- gram aimed to educate adults how to recogered the Church to take extensive measures nize and prevent abuse. This ongoing proto ensure that our children are safer than gram strengthens the stringent policies and ever before. The Diocese of Winona is in full procedures that the Diocese has had in place compliance with the Charter, adopted by the for more than a decade.

U.S. Bishops in 2002 and requires that no Children in grades K-12 have Child Abuse

Peter Martin, STL, Director of the Safe Environment Program, Joel Hennessy, Director of the Office of Misson Advancement & Communications and Nelle Moriarty, Chair of the Diocesan Review Board and member to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) National Review Board join Bishop Quinn at the Press Conference. photo by Andrew Link/Winona Daily News July, 2014 w The Courier

Lay Formation

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Seeing Our Parishes as “Evangelizing Communities”

In fidelity to the example of the Master, it is vitally important for the Church today to go forth and preach the Gospel to all: to all places, on all occasions, without hesitation, reluctance or fear. The joy of the Gospel is for all people: no one can be excluded. (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, #23) Last month, I described our recent Institute of Lay Ministry pilgrimage which took Pope Francis’ statement, “The Joy of the Gospel,” as its theme and focus.

In early June, over 200 priests, deacons, and lay leaders from across the diocese gathered at Saint Mary’s University for the annual diocesan “Ministry Days” gathering. At the heart of this event was also the theme of evangelization as developed in Pope Francis’ writings, homilies, and talks. This fall, our diocese will gather again – to celebrate our 125th anniversary – and Pope Francis’ call “to go and bring Christ into every area of life” will serve as a central theme for the celebration. In the midst of these “Pope Francis-inspired” gatherings and events, it may be fruitful to examine more deeply some of the message he offers our Church in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”).

This month, I would like to focus on what our Holy Father says about the characteristics of an “evangelizing community.”

First, it is important to note that Pope Francis sees the Church as a community called to “go forth” – to go forth to preach the gospel, to give witness to Christ’s love, to serve the needs of our sisters and brothers, and to share with all the “good news” and great joy of God’s mercy and Christ’s saving love for all people.

It is at its heart a message of joy, a “missionary joy” which impels “each Christian and every community” to “go forth and preach the Gospel to all: to all places, on all occasions, without hesitation, reluctance or fear.” In taking up this great task of evangelization, the Church becomes “a community of missionary

disciples.”

What, then, Todd Graff are some of the Director ways we can identgraff@dow.org tify the marks of such an “evangelizing community”? Let’s explore what Pope Francis teaches us in this regard.

–An evangelizing community knows that the Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first (cf. 1 Jn 4:19), and therefore we can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast (#24).

Out of the Church’s own experience of God’s infinite mercy comes the deep desire to show and to share this same mercy with others. We do this by becoming involved in the lives of our sisters and brothers, especially through service to the most wounded and vulnerable among them.

–An evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary, and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others (#24).

In his now famous phrase, Pope Francis speaks here of the Church’s evangelizers taking on “the smell of the sheep” as they stand with people in the midst of their often broken and messy lives.

And, we stay patiently with people in their suffering for as long as they need our presence, “no matter how difficult or lengthy this may prove to be.”

–An evangelizing community is always concerned with fruit, because the Lord wants her to be fruitful. It cares for the grain and does not grow impatient with the weeds (#24).

The Church, as the sower, knows that some weeds will grow up with the grain but “does not grumble or overreact” at this. She finds a way for the word to “take flesh” in a particular situation so that it bears fruit and brings new life, recognizing that these fruits will be “imperfect and incomplete.” The disciple may encounter opposition and persecution in this work, and accepts these knowing that “the goal is … to see God’s word accepted and its capacity for liberation and renewal revealed.”

–Finally an evangelizing community is filled with joy; it knows how to rejoice always. It celebrates every small victory, every step forward in the work of evangelization (#24).

This joy coming from the work of evangelization is both expressed in and nurtured by the celebration of the Church’s liturgy. In the words of Saint John Paul II, “The Church draws her life from the Eucharist” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, #1). By the Eucharist, the Church receives and is formed into the Body of Christ.

We “go forth” from each celebration of the Eucharist to be the loving, transforming presence of Christ in the world.

We are truly blessed by this deep pastoral wisdom of our Holy Father.

I will close with a gentle challenge he extends to all of us: “Let us try a little harder to take the first step and Hospital • 507-282-6572 to become involved.” Deo Gratias!

Generations of Love, One Serving at a Time.

For more than a quarter of a century, our family has been preparing the freshest recipes to create some of your most memorable meals. All made from scratch.

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Special Anniversary Edition July, 2014

Upcoming Events & News

Frequently Asked Questions About the Celebration What are we celebrating?

Bishop John Quinn announced last fall that our diocese would celebrate a “Year of Thanksgiving” in 2014, to continue the blessings from the Year of Faith and to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Diocese of Winona. It was on December 27, 1889, that Archbishop John Ireland laid his hands on Father Joseph B. Cotter, ordaining him as the first bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Winona. 125 years later, we look back and rejoice at the history and goodness that has come from the Diocese of Winona.

We look back with thanksgiving, but we also look forward in hope and seek to call our diocesan Church to a deeper response to Jesus’ invitation to proclaim the Gospel and to bear witness to the faith through loving service of our neighbor. The theme of our diocesan celebration event, Where Does Jesus Send Us?, is from Pope Francis’ homily at World Youth Day, where he said: "The Gospel is for everyone…

Do not be afraid to go and to bring Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those who seem farthest away."

When are we celebrating?

While our 125th anniversary is being celebrated throughout the year, the focus event will be held on the evening of Friday, September 12th, and on Saturday, September 13th.

Where will the celebration event be held?

• Commemorative Book of the History of the Diocese and Parishes for the 125th Anniversary - This beautiful book will be available to purchase at your local parish in September!

• Preview for 125th Celebration - Presenter Spotlight on Joan Rosenhauer & Performer Spotlight on Saint Mary's University's Chamber Singers- page 2 of this insert.

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

• Diocesan Anniversary Celebration! September 12-13, 2014, at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato.

• New Feminism Conference - embracing the call of the 125th Anniversary Celebration to bring the Gospel to everyone, the Office of Faith Formation hosts a Conference day to understand the challenge of St. John Paul II to promote a “New Feminism” and the dignity of women, November 8 at St. Augustine in Austin.

What is the cost?

"Where does Jesus send us? There are no borders, no limits – he sends us to everyone. The Gospel is for everyone...

Do I need to register?

(Pope Francis, Closing Mass for World Youth Day 2013)

The celebration event will begin with a program of sacred music and prayer to be held on Friday evening at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Mankato. The Chamber Singers of Saint Mary’s University will be featured on the program that evening. On the following day, a program of speakers, music, activities, displays, etc. will be held at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato. We will also celebrate the Eucharist together, with Bishop Quinn presiding.

Who is invited to the celebration?

Everyone! There will be programs for children, for youth, and for adults. The sessions and music will feature both English- and Spanish-speaking presenters and performers.

The event is free. There is no registration fee. Food will be available for purchase at the event, and at area restaurants.

Yes, registration is requested, and required for participants in the children’s program and youth track.

You can register online at the anniversary page of our diocesan web site: www.dow.org/anniversary.

Who planned this celebration?

A committee of leaders – clergy, religious, and lay – from across the diocese has been meeting over the last several months to envision and plan this anniversary celebration. Much of the detailed work on the event is also being done by the members of the Bishop’s staff, who are meeting and working with the diocesan anniversary committee.

Where can I find more information about the celebration?

Go to our diocesan anniversary web page: www.dow.org/anniversary. You can find information about the program and schedule for the celebration, learn more about the speakers and performers, check out hotel accommodations relating to the event, etc. Also, continue to look for more information in “The Courier” each month, and at your local parish.

To Register for events, enter the video contest or find out more about what's going on, please visit the Diocese of Winona's website: www.dow.org or call (507) 454-4643

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125

Anniversary Celebration

Presenter Spotlight Joan Rosenhauer Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations for Catholic Relief Services (CRS), is responsible for leadership of the agency’s mission of assisting Catholics in the U.S. to act on their faith by helping people in need around the world. Through Catholic Relief Services, the Catholic community in the U.S. brings Christ love to our brothers and sisters who are suffering—families who don’t have enough food, children who are dying of preventable diseases, communities devastated by natural disasters, and many more.

As a member of the CRS executive team, Ms. Rosenhauer has visited villages around the world where our community of faith is making a difference-- lives are being improved and hope is being renewed—from East and Central Africa, to the Middle East, to Eastern Europe, to Southeast Asia, to the Caribbean and South America. CRS invites Catholics in the United States to join in witnessing our commitment to love our neighbors by meeting human needs and promoting justice and peace in more than 100 countries.

Prior to joining CRS, Ms. Rosenhauer spent 16 years working for the justice and peace office at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. She has a B.A. in Social Work from the University of Iowa and a Master’s degree in Public Policy Management from the University of Maryland. She is the 2009 recipient of the Harry A. Fagan Award from the Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors.

Ms. Rosenhauer will speak at the Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, at a general session on Saturday morning of the anniversary celebration. Her presentation will be, "Where Does Jesus Send Us? … To Be Servants of Charity in a Suffering World."

Performer Spotlight Chamber Singers (Saint Mary's University) The select Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Patrick O'Shea, consist of 24 to 28 advanced singers. The Chamber Singers focus on challenging repertoire from the Renaissance to the present, especially a cappella works. The ensemble performs at least 6 times per year in formal concert settings, liturgical settings, and various other venues. Yearly concert tours have most recently included Washington, DC (2002), the Republic of Ireland (2003), New England (2004), and France (2005).

The Chamber Singers will perform a concert of sacred music at Ss. Peter & Paul Church, Mankato, on the Friday evening of the anniversary celebration.

July, 2014 w The Courier

Remembering Ou r Heroes Past Shepherds of

Diocese of Winona

Bishop Joseph B. Cotter (1889-1909)

Bishop Patrick R. Heffron (19101927)

Bishop Cotter was born in Liverpool, Great Britain on November 19, 1844 and ordained on May 3, 1871. He was ordained a Bishop on December 27, 1889 in the Cathedral at St. Paul. Ten days later he was installed in the pro-cathedral of St. Thomas, Winona, MN. In the first days of Bishop Cotter's term (1889), there were 45 diocesan priests, 4 religious, 109 parishes/missions, and 19 parish schools. By 1909 there were 85 diocesan priests and 7 religious, 124 parishes/missions and 28 parish schools.

Bishop Cotter died on June 28, 1909 in Winona, MN. Cotter High School and Cotter Junior High School in Winona, MN are named after Bishop Cotter.

Bishop Francis M. Kelley (1928-1942) Bishop Francis Kelley was born in Houston, MN to James and Ellen Kelley. He was ordained to the priesthood on November 1, 1912. He became secretary to Bishop Patrick Richard Heffron in 1914, and taught philosophy at St. Mary's College and St. Teresa's College between 1915 and 1926. He was chancellor of the diocese (1919–26) and vice-rector of St. Mary's College (1918–26). On March 22, 1926, Kelly was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Winona by Pope Pius XI. On February 10, 1928, Pope Pius XI appointed Kelly Bishop of the Winona; he retired on October 17, 1949.

Born in New York City in 1860, Bishop Patrick Heffron spent his boyhood near Rochester, Minnesota. He was ordained on 22 Dec., 1884, and became pastor of the cathedral, St. Paul, in 1889.

In 1896 he was made vice-rector and in the following year rector of the St. Paul Seminary. He was consecrated as Bishop of Winona, 19 May, 1910, and installed at Winona, 24 May, 1910. Bishop Heffron also established a diocesan journal entitled "The Winona Courier", a monthly Catholic newspaper for the Diocese of Winona. "The Courier" is the oldest newspaper in the state of Minnesota.

Archbishop Leo Binz (Coadjutor Bishop 1942-1949)

Archbishop Leo Binz was born in Stockton, Illinois, the third child of Michael and Thecla (née Reible) Binz.The family lived on a small farm near the Mississippi River, east of Dubuque, Iowa. On March 15, 1924, Binz was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Rockford at the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

On November 21, 1942, Binz was appointed titular bishop of Pinara and coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Winona, Minnesota, by Pope Pius XII. As coadjutor bishop, he served as apostolic administrator of the diocese under Bishop Francis Martin Kelly, who was in poor health.

Edward Fitzgerald was born in Cresco, Iowa, to Edward and Just a year after Bishop Binz's request for advice from Archbishop Emma (née Daly) Fitzgerald. He graduated from Loras College Cicognani, Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Seminary was founded and in Dubuque in 1913. He was ordained a priest for the Roman canonically erected on July 16, 1948. The following year, 1949, the first Catholic Archdiocese of Dubuque on July 25, 1916. seminarian, Paul Halloran, graduated from IHM Seminary.

Pope Pius XII appointed Fitzgerald auxiliary bishop of the Dubuque On October 15, 1949, Binz was appointed Titular Archbishop of Silyum Archdiocese, and he was ordained a bishop on September 12, and Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Upon the res1946. On October 20, 1949, Pope Pius XII appointed Bishop ignation of Archbishop Henry Rohlman, Binz succeeded him as the sixth Fitzgerald Bishop of the Winona Diocese; he retired on January 8, Archbishop of Dubuque on December 2, 1954.

1969. He attended all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council On December 16, 1961 Pope Blessed John XXIII named Binz the seventh between 1962 and 1965, and implemented the Council's reforms bishop and fifth archbishop of Saint Paul. He was installed on April 28, in the diocese, including introducing English into the Mass.

1962. Pope Paul VI accepted Archbishop Binz's resignation on May 25, 1975. He died four years later on October 9, 1979, in Maywood, Illinois.

Bishop Watters was born in Dubuque, Iowa on October 14, Archbishop Binz was buried with other archbishops of the archdiocese at 1915. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1941 in the Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.

Archdiocese of Dubuque. He served as an auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Dubuque until being appointed Bishop of Winona on January 8, 1969. Bishop Waters was installed as Bishop of The Most Reverend Bishop Bernard J. Winona on March 13, 1969.

Harrington was installed as the seventh Bishop Waters died on March 30, 2009 in Winona.

Bishop of Winona on January 6, 1999. Bishop Harrington was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 6, 1933. He was ordained a priest at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Archbishop John Vlazny was born in Chicago, IL on February 22, Sacrament in Detroit on June 6, 1959.

1937. His parents, John and Marie Vlazny, were of Czech ancesOn November 5, 1998 Bishop Bernard J. try. He was ordained on December 20, 1961 in the archdiocese of Harrington was appointed Bishop of the Chicago, where he later served as an Auxiliary Bishop.

Diocese of Winona by Pope John Paul II. Pope Archbishop Vlazny was installed as the Bishop of Winona on July 29, Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Bishop Harrington on May 7, 1987. He was installed as the Archbishop of Portland in Oregon on 2009, which was also the date Bishop Harrington celebrated his 50th December 19, 1997. His resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict anniversary of Ordination. Bishop Harrington is currently serving the XVI on January 29, 2013..

Diocese of Winona as Bishop Emeritus.

Bishop Edward A. Fitzgerald (1949-1969)

Bishop Loras Joseph Watters (1969-1986)

Bishop Bernard Joseph Harrington (1999-2009)

Archbishop John George Vlazny (1987-1997)

These are just a few facts; get the History book to read more about the lives of our bishops!

July, 2014 w The Courier

July, 2014

Special Anniversary Edition

125th Aniversary Commemorative Book of the History of the Diocese & Parishes PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

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

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

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

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

Confidence in the Church, cont'd from pg.1 nity as Children of God who are never to be taken advantage of by another person. We know the program works because we are aware of situations where a child reveals to a teacher that they have been abused. Children are getting the help they need and adults are made aware of the warning signs of a problem."

Laura, a parent and parishioner in the Diocese of Winona, says that despite the past, she has trust in the Church: “We have to move forward. Our children's safety is very important to me and it is my responsibility first and foremost to guard my children from all types of harm. So I've learned to understand the policies and procedures that the Church has in place to protect all children. I have and will ask questions of my children as well as the people they will be interacting with at various Catholic events, and events in general; it's my duty as a parent. Yet, forgiveness is also essential in moving forward.

Terrible things have happened but we can't move forward until forgiveness is offered for those that have done harm. I might not know any of the priests that have caused harm, but I can still offer a heart full of forgiveness.”

There is no denying that wrong was done thirty to forty years ago and that even now, the repercussions affect those involved, for which the Church continues to extend her contrition, support to the victims and condemnation of the deplorable acts. However, it seems the faith life of the Church has come through this trial like a phoenix rising from the ashes, renewed in her awareness of the problems, protection of her children and resolution in her place at the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ, our true Savior.

Christ taught that we must be as children in order to enter the Kingdom of God. With greater fervor and love, we look to the children, ready to hear the truth of the Gospel as they enjoy the programs and sunshine that summer has to offer, and we can rejoice in the New Life we have in Christ.

Youth & Young Adults

communications for the Diocese of Winona; he said families feel confident in the safety of the Church despite the negative reports.

“There is a restored trust in the Catholic Church and I attribute it to the results of a comprehensive safe environment program that has been building since the 1980s.” The Diocese of Winona has one of the most thorough programs in the United States. Over 30,000 background checks have been run on clergy, employees and volunteers since 2002. For its child sexual abuse awareness program, the Diocese of Winona started using the VIRTUS program in 2011. Since then over 600 VIRTUS sessions have taken place and over 8,000 attendees have been trained. This program educates and trains adults about the dangers of abuse, the warning signs of abuse, the ways to prevent abuse, the methods of properly reporting suspicions of abuse and responding to allegations of abuse.

Over 1,800 Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, Youth Ministers, Directors of Religious Education, School Administrators and School Teachers, read monthly VIRTUS training bulletins. Over 12,000 children attended “Circle of Grace” diocesan educational programs in 2013 alone in our Catholic Schools and Parishes. The Circle of Grace program serves the dual purpose of educating and forming youth about the values of positive relationships with God and others. Through the Circle of Grace program, children and youth are taught to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual boundaries; recognize when boundary violations are about to occur; and demonstrate how to take action when boundaries are threatened or violated.

The director of the Safe Environment program at the Diocese of Winona, Peter Martin says, “We use Ben Frost the Circle of Director Grace probfrost@dow.org gram because it offers a respectful and effective way of teaching our children boundaries. The children foster a respect for themselves and recognize their God-given dig-

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July, 2014 w The Courier

In the Diocese

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Becoming a Pencil of God At Ministry Days, one of the speakers told a great story. It is one that I have heard before, and I would like to share with you. In the nineteenth century the greatest tightrope walker in the world was a man named Charles Blondin. On June 30, 1859, he became the first man in history to walk on a tightrope across Niagara Falls.

Would you believe over twenty-five thousand people gathered to watch him walk 1,100 feet suspended 160 feet above the raging waters on a tiny rope? He didn’t even have a net nor any kind of safety harness. The slightest slip would mean his death. When he finally made it safely to the Canadian side, the crowd burst into a mighty roar of applause.

Blondin did not stop there. He would walk across the Falls many times. Once he walked across on stilts; another time he took a chair and a stove with him and sat down midway across, cooked an omelet, and ate it! Once he carried his manager across riding piggyback. And another time he pushed a wheelbarrow across loaded with 350 pounds of cement. On another

Theresa Martin Endow Coordinator Endow@dow.org

Upcoming Talks & Events for Women Talks: "Edith Stein: Seeker of Truth" - St. James Coffee, July 25, 7:30 p.m. A German Jewish philosopher turned

Carmelite nun who died as a martyr at Auschwitz, Stein is a powerful witness of God's love and understanding the dignity of women. St. John Paul II, himself a philosopher, recognized her example of holiness and canonized her in 1998: St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. Come have a ladies' night out as we hear more about this amazing woman! (This is a sneak peek into the Endow Study on Edith

Stein! Yet, you don't have to be interested in the study to come, the talk is open to all.)

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

make life-giving choices in the everyday experience of marriage and family? Nearly 50 years ago, 1968, Pope Paul VI issued this encyclical, but what does it really say? How does it affect us today? Come visit with other women and learn about this fascinating document! (This is a sneak peek into the Endow Study on Humane Vitae! Yet, you don't have to be interested in the study to come, the talk is open to all.)

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

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

July, 2014 w The Courier

occasion he asked the cheering spectators if they thought he could push a man across sitting in a wheelbarrow. The crowd cheered in approval. Seeing one man who was cheering loudly, Blondin asked, “Sir, do you think I could safely carry you across in this wheelbarrow?”

The man replied, “Yes, of course!” “Get in,” the Great Blondin replied with a smile. The man refused.

This story is a brilliant example of the meaning of faith. We can stand beside God and cheer “Yes, Lord! You can do it! I believe in you!” Yet, when He asks us to get in the wheelbarrow, what will we say? Are we “all in”? Are we ready to give up being in charge and trust completely in the Lord to lead the way even though it may look dangerous and Faith can feel like a dangerous thing. Do you illogical? Do we believe in Him as the believe enough to get in God's wheelbarrow on the early Christians did? Are we ready to tightrope? Are we ready to be "all in" for God? bet our lives on that belief? (It may be at this point we are crying out to Christ as the father of the poor child in the Gospel, “Lord, I be noticed, let go of the need to have the most likes on Facebook – when we let go of our will, believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24).

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta said to her that is when we can truly let God guide us!

It’s not always pretty. It’s not always easy. It sisters one day that “all we do is but a drop in the ocean, but if we don’t do it, that drop will be miss- might seem as scary as being pushed across ing.” Are we ready to let God lead? It might seem a giant waterfall on a tightrope. Yet, with God’s that what we are called to do in our lives is not will, we will find happiness. We will find peace. very spectacular. Maybe our job is ordinary, or Let us try to find a way to become His pencil, to perhaps we stay at home with our children and become an avenue for Him to make His love real can get drained by the exhaustion of that job? to the world. The more I contemplate this, the Yet, if that is where God has called us, then we more I pray to be able to live it and I embrace are to live out His love in that vocation. It may be where God has placed me. (Now, knowing my personality, I think I might be more of a sparjust a drop, but it is an important drop!

Mother Teresa put it in another way; she kly glitter pen than a pencil, but in God’s hand said she was not a prophet or a messenger of nonetheless!) Are you ready to be “all in”? Are Christ, nothing that special. She said she was you ready to live what you believe and climb in merely the pencil of God, she does her work but God’s wheelbarrow?

“No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, it is God who has designed it. That is getting in nor the human heart conceived, what God’s wheelbarrow. When we can let go of the God has prepared for those who love need to control everything, let go of the need to

Him”! 1Cor 2:9

Pillars of our Faith: Moral Life. An Invitation to Catechetical Day! to His life and virtues and His plan for our holiness. To do so, we will draw on the third part of the Catechism, Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and the guidance of our Holy Father Pope Francis. With this foundation, we will then conclude with practical suggestions for application in classroom and parish settings.”

Sister Mary Agnes Greiffendorf, O.P. is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia Congregation from Nashville, Tennessee, a community with the apostolate of Catholic education.

Sister has been a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia since 1997 and has taught elementary school and high school, served as a Catholic school principal, and as Director of Bethany Retreat House in Dickson, Tennessee. She is currently serving as Director of Education for St. Cecilia

Faith Formation

“Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love…” (Eph 5:1-2). Because humans are created in the image and likeness of God who is Good, the Church teaches that each person, in turn, is called to seek that which is good, true, and beautiful in his or her words and actions. For this reason virtues, which are “habitual and firm dispositions to do good” are key in the formation of the Christian moral life (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1803). This Catechetical Day, August 21, 2014, as participants grow deeper in their understanding of the Christian moral life, a special focus is placed on living a virtuous life.

During the past two years, the Diocese of Winona has held Catechetical Day as an opportunity for everyone in the diocese — priests, deacons, Directors of Faith Formation, catechists, RCIA team leaders, Catholic school administrators and teachers, youth and young adult leaders, homeschooling parents, and interested laity — to join together in learning about the pillars of our Catholic faith. These pillars are outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): Creed, Sacraments, Life in Christ (Moral Life), and Prayer. This year, the theme of Catechetical Day is the Moral Life, which is the third pillar of our faith. Our goal for Catechetical Day is to provide participants an opportunity to go deeper in their understanding of the most basic principle of the Christian moral life: the dignity of being created in the image of God and being endowed with rational souls (CCC, #1934).

The keynote speaker for this event, Sister Mary Agnes Greiffendorf, OP, shared with the Diocese of Winona’s Office of Faith Formation and RCIA her presentation theme, “Growing in the Virtues.” She explained, “The fourth century Doctor of the Church St. Gregory of Nyssa wrote, ‘The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.’ What does it mean to live a virtuous life? Can we grow in the virtues? How can we help those whom we serve to recognize the beauty of friendship with God and to desire to grow in holiness? We will discuss these questions and more as we seek to understand what it means to live as an ‘imitator of God’ (Eph 5:1), a disciple of Jesus, and how we can grow in our conformity

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

Congregation, and coordinating New Evangelization initiatives for parents, students, and faculty in schools staffed by the Congregation.

The image of the sower sowing the seeds in the field (Mark 4: 1-20) illustrates the theme of the event. Just as the seeds fall on different soil, so every person is bestowed with the dignity to live holy lives in their diverse life situations. However, to assist persons in freely choosing to live according to their God-given dignity, the sacraments, presence of good role models, and cooperation with grace through education and practice of virtues is essential.

Priests, deacons, Catholic school administrators and teachers, consecrated religious, Directors of Faith Formation, homeschooling parents, RCIA Coordinators, youth and young adult leaders, and all interested laity are invited to Catechetical Day on August 21, 2014, at Lourdes High School in Rochester, MN, to come together and re-discover the essentials of Christian moral life and to take home tools for teaching it to others. To find out more about Catechetical Day, please visit the Diocese of Winona webpage for the Office of Faith Formation and RCIA at www.dow.org/faithformation

A Treasury of Prayers:

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

Daily Blessings of a Child One of the following short blessings may be said by the parent at various times, such as when a child is going to play or to school, but especially when the child is going to bed each night. The parent makes the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead or heart and says one of the following blessings.

May God bless you.

May God keep you safe.

God be with you.

God be in your heart.

May God bless and protect you.

July 26 is the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Mother.

Parents can ask their intercession to help them in their care of their children.

From Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers, Rev. Ed., Part IV-Family Prayers from Birth to Death

Did You Know?

In Scripture, the Old Testament has many accounts of parents blessing their child, such as Abraham blessing his son, Isaac; Isaac blessing his son Jacob; Jacob blessing each of his twelve sons and two of his grandchildren. According to the Book of Blessings, no. 18, there are some blessings that can be prayed by anyone who has been baptized, “in virtue of the universal priesthood, a dignity they possess because of their baptism and confirmation.” Because of their special calling, parents can bless their children to help them grow in holiness and to prepare them to receive the grace of the sacraments (Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers). On July 26, the Church especially remembers St. Joachim and St. Anne, parents of the Blessed Mother, Mary, as a model and intercessor for parents.

Do you have a favorite family prayer? If you would like to share the reason in a few sentences, please email: faithformation@dow.org or write to the Office of Faith Formation.

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Catholic Schools

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C otter schools

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PACELLI Catholic Schools

LOYOLA CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary

Congratulations to all of our Catholic School Graduates!

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Bishop Fabio of Colombia Visits the Diocese

We were sitting on the deck of the Restaurant overlooking Lake Peppin in Lake City when Bishop Fabio realized that it was exactly this day two years ago that he was appointed Bishop of Garzon in Colombia. Garzon is my native Diocese and is also the home Diocese of Father Luis Alfonso Vargas, who works in Worthington and Father Carlos Calderon, who is stationed in St James and Madelia. This was Bishop Fabio’s first time to visit us and he spent ten wonderful days as guest of Bishop Quinn and the people of Winona.

Friar Fabio Duque Jaramillo made his solemn vows as a Franciscan friar and was ordained a priest in 1975; he received his doctorate in Liturgy The Parish Community of St. Francis of Assisi welcomed Bishop Fray Fabio with an at Saint Anselm University in Rome. He served for enjoyable welcoming dinner, with music and dances.

15 years on the Pontifical Council of Culture at the Vatican. In 2004 he was ordained Bishop of the Diocese of Armenia in Colombia, where he served for 9 years, and on June 11, 2012 was appointed Bishop of my home Diocese of tors and brothers, they had an opportunity to discuss interested in his story because of his good personal items of concern and interest in their respective relationship with the last three Popes.

Garzon.

On June 17th, he traveled on to Texas to visit During his visit, Bishop Fabio was keen to have a first hand look Dioceses.

Bishop Fabio spent the following two days visiting another priest from the Diocese of Garzon, who is at and to learn about the pastoral services that the priests being sent from his Diocese have been able to provide in the Diocese of Winona the communities of Madelia and Saint James, where serving in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

Bishop Fabio was impressed with and grateful for since 2008. He wanted to meet Bishop Quinn, visit his Priests of Father Carlos and Father Thien welcomed him. We Garzon, those that work with them, and to spend time with the com- all celebrated Mass both days with the communi- the myriad manifestations of goodness and generosties there and ity that came his way from each and every one of munities that have been were well the communities he visited. Bishop Fabio is grateful assigned to his priests. feasted by the to Bishop Quinn, and all who organized the visit sayOn Sunday, June 8th, ing in his own words; “The only thing left to do is people. he presided at Mass with to thank God for everyone and for their Hospitality The last the Saint Francis of Assisi and Goodness”. He expressed his desire in keeping stop on his Community in Rochester. the three priests here in the Diocese of Winona and journey was Celebrating Mass with him his hope in strengthening the relationship with the Worthington, were Bishop Harrington, Diocese of Winona. He left us as a content and gratewhere he was Father Mark McNea, and ful man, having witnessed deep faith, a lot of goodw e l c o m e d I. There was an enjoyable ness, and a new realization of the importance of the with plenty of welcoming dinner, with food and joy Universal Church that Jesus yearned for. music and dances by the On a personal note, I am very thankful to the by the people Parish Community of St of St Mary’s. Diocese of Winona. First of all, to Bishop Quinn, Francis of Assisi. Present Bishop Fabio is grateful to Bishop Quinn, and all who Bishop Fabio Bishop Harrington, Msgr. Coletti, all the Priests also were Bishop Quinn, organized the visit saying, “The only thing left to do is to thank joined Fr Jim who were a part of this visit, parishioners of Saint Bishop Harrington, Msgr.

Callahan in Francis of Assisi Church in Rochester, Madelia, Saint God for everyone and for their hospitality and goodness.”

Colletti, Msgr. Mahon, p r e s i d i n g James, and in Worthington, thank you sisters of Assisi Father Mark McNea, Father at Mass on Heights. Thank you all for your generosity in hosting Connolly, Father Carlos and Bishop Fray Fabio.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at St Mary’s.

Sister Ruth Snyder, who invited us to Assisi Heights.

Finally, thank you, Bishop Fray Fabio for celebratWherever he went, was welcome with open arms, On Monday, June 9th, Bishop Fabio prayed at the Shrine of Our ing Mass with us, for your wise words, your humble whatever time of day or night, Bishop Fabio enjoyed Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, and offered Mass there. Later in the demeanor and for sharing these blessed days with us. holding court and sharing stories with the many day, Bishop Quinn welcomed him to Ministry Days that were being We will not forget. groups he encountered.

People were particularly held at Saint Mary’s University in Winona. During this time, as pas-

In the Diocese

by: Fr. José Morales

Hispanic Priests/Sacerdotes Hispanos: Padre Luis Alfonso Vargas: Capellán del Decanato de Worthington. lukiponcho@yahoo.es Tel. 507-341-0403 Padre José Morales: Capellán del Decanato de Rochester. jloralesr2008@yahoo.es

Tel. 507-329-2931 Padre Carlos Arturo Calderón: Capellán del Decanato de Mankato. fathercarlos@hotmail.com Padre Mariano Varela IVE: Párroco de “SS. Peter and Paul” en Mankato. mvarela@hickorytech.net Tel. 507-388-2995 ext 103

Padre Octavio Cortez IVE: Vicario Parroquial de “Ss. Peter and Paul” en Mankato Tel. 507-388-2995 Padre Raul Silva: Pastor de “All Saints” en New Richland, “St. Aidan” en Ellendale, “St. Mary” en Geneva padreraulsilva@gmail.com

Padre Wellington Muñoz: Vicario Parroquial de “Queen of Angels” en Austin, “All Saints” en New Richland, “St. Aidan” en Ellendale, “St. Mary” en Geneva. munozwel@gmail.com Tel. 507-433-1889

Spanish Mass Schedule Albert Lea, St. Theodore, Spanish Mass, 11 a.m., every Sunday.

Austin, Queen of Angels, Spanish Mass at 11 a.m and 5 p.m. every Sunday.

Dodge Center, St. John Baptist de La Salle, Spanish Mass, 11 a.m., every Sunday.

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

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

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

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

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

St. Charles, St. Charles Borromeo, Spanish Mass, 11:30 a.m., every Sunday.

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

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

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

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

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

Children’s Games. Catholic United Financial providing Matching Fund Grant.

St. Anthony, Lismore Fall Bazaar will be held on Sunday, September 7. Roast beef dinner served from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. There will be a Craft Auction - beginning at 1:30, Big Ticket, Country Store, and fun for the whole family with Children & Adult games. BBQ and hot dogs will be available. Matching Grant Provided by: Catholic United Financial.

Harvest Mass, Slayton Mark your calendars for this year's Harvest Mass.

Hosted by Ken and Marlys Knuth at Knuth's Sudden Creek Shire Horse Farm, Slayton, on August 15. 11 a.m. Mass followed by lunch.

Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Winona seeking vendors for their upcoming Fall Craft/Art/Gift Show to be held Sat. Oct 25, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information or to receive an application email ststans@hbci. com or call the Parish Office at 452-5430.

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

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

15 Events in the Diocese

prices: $7/person, $25/family or At the door: $10/person, $35/family *children 2 and under are FREE. (Scholarships for the tickets are available) St. Mary’s Church, Winona offers a Mass for Life and Marriage on the first Advance tickets are available at The Church of the Resurrection parish office in Rochester, at Gifts of Thursday of the month, at 5:15 p.m.

Faith bookstore in Rochester, or by calling George Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona will host the monthly Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, at (507) 288-5526 ext. 116 or Sarah (507) 288-2371.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Rushford Marriage, and Religious Liberty on Saturday, July 19th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. after the 8 a.m. Mass. invites you to their Rushford Days Brunch on Sunday, July 20, 2014 at Montini Hall, 105 N. Mill Gather in the Adoration Chapel.

St., Serving from 8 AM to 12 PM. Eggbakes, Cheesy Prayer Vigil and Public Witness against Abortion Semcac Clinic is a delegate of Planned Parenthood – Potatoes, Fruit, Muffins, Desserts, Beverage.

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona the nation's leading abortion provider. Please consider joining a local group from 3-4 p.m. each Tuesday will be hosting MARY: A Biblical Walk with in front of Semcac at 62 E 3rd Street in Winona for an the Blessed Mother. - an Eight-Part Bible Study hour of prayer. Contact: Will Goodman 608-698-7443. Featuring Dr. Edward Sri. Begins July 8. Cost is . $30. You may reigster online at cascwinona.org.

Contact the office for more information.

Parish Events Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Litomysl Hosts its Summer Festival. Sunday, July 27.

Church of the Resurrection, Rochester will be hosting a Cat. Chat concert this summer! Polka Mass at 10 a.m. Food, Auctions, Adult & The Cat.Chat family and Moses the Cat have per- Children's Games. Raffles. Something for all!

St. John the Baptist formed over 500 concerts in the last 9 years. They Hosts its Johnsburg Jamboree. Sunday, July 13, have also filmed a TV series for kids, which consists of 8 episodes that is now airing on EWTN. Mass at 11 a.m. with Big Ben and the Brians also Sunday, July 27th at 2:30 p.m. Advanced ticket appearing that day are Malek's Fisherman Band and The DL Cajun Band. Free admission all day 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food, beverages, games for all ages.

SUBMISSION for the calendar Queen of the Americas Guild Conference Please note: submission deadline at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the 10th of the month prior to the in LaCrosse, July 25-26. Topic: month of publication. All submissions “Safeguarding Traditional Marriage in must be sent electronically on our weba Secular Culture.” Keynote Speaker: site: Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke. Other speakers: Bishop Joseph Madera, www.dowcourier.org Father Paul Check, & Maggie Gallagher. or by emailing: www.guadalupeshrine.org/queen-ofCourier@dow.org the-americas-guild-presents SUBMIT and by the deadline in order to assure Saints Peter & Paul, Mazeppa receipt and inclusion in the Events YOUR Hosts its annual Fall Bazaar, Sunday, Calendar. Though not all events will fit, September 21, Ham & Turkey EVENTS! we strive to include as many events as Job #: 35221-1 Color(s): 4C Dinner, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Adults Size: 6" x 5.75" Bleed?: Y possible. Thank you! - Courier Staff - $11, 5-10 - $5, 4 & under Folded Size: NA Children Misc: Courier $1. Bingo, Raffle, Country Store, and

Action with Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Televised Mass

Doubting Thomas 1602–1603 Caravaggio

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

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

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16

DOW Pastoral Planning

For over a year and half we have been involved in Pastoral Planning for the Diocese of Winona, so that we might continue to learn what is the best way to use our priestly and lay leadership resources in order to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ more effectively. This planning process has been centered in the Eucharist. This 3-year process we embarked upon is a time of grace to strengthen our parish and diocesan life in Christ. It has taken us through five deanery convocations with over 160 lay representatives meeting with priests and deacons in our five deaneries from January through May of 2013. This first phase concluded with our advisory team reflecting upon the data that had been discovered over the past year of reflection.

In June of 2013, the planning process formal deanery meetings with parish representatives was suspended as we entered deanery and parish meetings for our very successful Capital Campaign, Rooted in Faith, Rejoice in Hope. During that same period we studied best practices for Diocese Pastoral Planning from neighboring dioceses in the Midwest. Now, as we continue with the diocesan planning process, we will together set goals toward Vision 2016 that will help us be the Light of Christ in the world. We are now at the point of refining what we have discovered in our study and some of the recommendations given by the deaneries during Phase 1 so that we might approach particular parishes and clusters on how to plan for the future. We begin again with a July 2 meeting with TeamWorks International who guided us from the beginning of our planning process.

The Diocese of Winona is working with TeamWorks International, Inc. again to guide us in the implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan and the parish transitions that will occur in the Deaneries over the next three years. Phase 2 will focus on parish and parish cluster needs in each of our 5 deaneries. This process will include: A. Development of a Parish Transition Process and training of local lay and diocesan facilitators B. Use of a beta-test in a specific set of parishes where there is need and a bit of urgency C. Use of local pastoral leadership and diocesan facilitation D. Use of a specific process and tools in written form E. Use of a Parish Transition Leadership Team with specific roles, responsibilities and accountability to the local pastor and bishop It is anticipated that the Parish Transition Process will include input from our lay and clergy leadership in our parishes and refinement of the initial planning documentation that was created during Phase 1 of Pastoral Planning. Next month I will give the outcome of our July 2 planning session and the next step in our Winona diocese planning process. by: Msgr. Rick Colletti, Vicar General/Chancellor

July, 2014

• The Courier

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

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

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

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