The Courier - June 2017

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COURIER

Ss. Peter & Paul June 29

June 2017

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Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona, MN

Discipleship Encouraged at Pentecost, Pentecost Masses Seminarians Anticipate Renovations to Immaculate Heart of Mary Vigil WINONA--Bishop John Quinn celebrated

for

the renovations, which focuses on Kelly Hall, the seminary's original structure built in 1950. In addition to the kitchen remodeling, phase one includes updates to the plumbing, heating, ventilation, and electricity of the building, and also expansion of office and fellowship spaces.

"With the renovation, we'll really be able to engage in fraternity more," said Daniel Hammer, another seminarian.

Pentecost Vigil Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona and the Diocesan Pentecost Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church in Rochester on June 3 and June 4, respectively.

The Vigil Mass included scriptual readings in French, Italian, German, Spanish and English, as well as testimony from representatives of ecclesiastical groups, as parishioners prayed for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Some notable groups present at the Vigil Mass were the Neocatechumenal Way; the Communion and Liberation movement; the St. Vincent de Paul Society; St. Paul Street Evangelization; the Presidio movement; Teams of Our Lady; Lay Carmelites; Benedictine Oblates; and the Diocese of Winona's Institute of Lay Formation, whose 2017 class was commissioned and received certificates at the end of the liturgy.

"This is one of those days when we're allowed to see the work of the Holy Spirit," said Bishop Quinn as he recognized the groups.

In his homily, Bishop Quinn recalled the Apostles who hid behind locked doors at the first Pentecost.

"Without the Holy Spirit, and the flame of that Holy Spirit, how would those doors have ever gotten open?" he asked.

Home, cont'd on pg. 4

Pentecost, cont'd on pg. 4

Bishop John M. Quinn (center) and seminarians Daniel Hammer (left) and Adam Worm (right) discuss renovations outside Kelly Hall on May 5, 2017.

WINONA--One thing that excites Adam Worm, a seminarian at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, about moving back into Kelly Hall in the fall is that he will return to a more spacious kitchen.

"It was always kind of a wrestling match to get breakfast in the morning and get to class on time," he said in a May 5 interview at the seminary regarding the renovations.

The kitchen is just one area to be improved by phase one of

INSIDE this issue

On We Go!

From Our Graduates page 6

Anniversaries of Priesthood page 8

page 16

Articles of Interest

To Discover One's Vocation..._________________5 On We Go!________________________________6 From Our Graduates________________________8 Youth & Young Adults Headlines_____________10 Guiding Factors___________________________11 Sow Bountifully!__________________________12 Locks of Compassion______________________13 Immigration and an Easter People___________14 V Encuentro______________________________15 Happy Anniversary!________________________16 Diocesan Headlines________________________18 Diocesan Calendar_________________________20

The Courier Insider

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Appointments

John the Baptist Parish in Minnesota Lake; transferred to the office of Pastor of St. Teresa Parish in Mapleton, St. Joseph Parish in Good Thunder, St. Matthew Parish in Vernon Center, and St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish in Mankato, effective July 1, 2017.

Rev. Jason Kern: currently Pastor of St. Teresa Parish in Mapleton, St. Joseph Parish in Good Thunder, St. Matthew Parish in Vernon Center, and St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish in Mankato; transferred to the office of Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Winona, Member of the Formation Faculty of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, and member of the Diocese of Winona Curia, effective July 1, 2017.

Rev. Donald J. Schmitz: appointed Parochial Administrator of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in St. Charles, Holy Redeemer Parish in Eyota, and St. Aloyisius Parish in Elba, effective July 1, 2017.

Rev. Chinnappa Pothireddy: currently Parochial Vicar of Pax Christi Parish in Rochester and Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Mazeppa; appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Pius X Parish in Rochester, effective July 1, 2017.

Very Rev. Russell Scepaniak: currently Pastor of St. Theodore Parish in Albert Lea and St. James Parish in Twin Lakes; transferred to the office of Pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Rochester, effective July 1, 2017.

Rev. Jonathan Fasnacht: currently Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Parish in Winona and St. Casimir Parish in Winona and Director of the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center in Winona; appointed Parochial Vicar of Pax Christi Parish in Rochester and Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Mazeppa, effective July 1, 2017.

Officials President Donald Trump is greeted by Archbishop Georg Ganswein, prefect of the papal household, at the Vatican on May 24, 2017. Photo credit: CNA.

Trump Visits Vatican

By HANNAH BROCKHAUS

VATICAN CITY, May 24, 2017 (CNA/EWTN News) -- After months of anticipation, Pope Francis and US President Donald Trump met at the Vatican in a friendly encounter which included an emphasis on protection of life and freedom of conscience.

According to a May 24 Vatican communique, Pope Francis and Trump expressed satisfaction "for the good existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America, as well as the joint commitment in favor of life, and freedom of worship and conscience."

The Pope and Trump met at 8:30 a.m., immediately before the weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

Trump arrived to Italy May 23 after stopping in both Saudi Arabia and Israel as part of his first international trip. He is also attended a NATO meeting in Brussels on May 25 and a G7 summit in Sicily on May 26 before returning to the U.S. President Trump arrived to the Vatican via the side entrance by Casa Santa Marta around 8:15 a.m. and was greeted by a group of Swiss Guards in the San Damaso courtyard. After stepping out of the car, Trump and First Lady Melania greeted Archbishop Georg Ganswein and other Vatican dignitaries before entering the Apostolic Palace.

Pope Francis and Trump sat down at the Pope’s desk in the papal library. Pope Francis said, “Welcome!” and Trump responded, “Thank you very much, this is such a great honor.”

Francis explained that he doesn't speak English well and needs a translator, but added that he was “very happy to meet” Trump.

After the cameras left, the two began the private portion of their conversation, which lasted about 30 minutes. In addition to Pope Francis and Trump, only the Pope's English translator, Msgr.

Mark Miles, was present.

During the "cordial discussions," the two expressed hope for peaceful collaboration between the government and the Catholic Church in the United States, that it may be "engaged in service to the people in the fields of healthcare, education and assistance to immigrants," a Vatican communique on the meeting said.

Pope Francis and President Trump also exchanged views "on various themes relating to international affairs; the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and interreligious dialogue, with particular reference to the June, 2017 w The Courier

situation in the Middle East; and the protection of Christian communities."

After their formal conversation, gifts were exchanged between Francis and Trump. There were 12 people in the president's entourage, including his wife Melania and his daughter and son-in-law, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, both of whom are advisors in his administration.

Also present for the meeting with Pope Francis were US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs H.R. McMaster, and Louis Bono, American chargé d'affaires ad interim to the Holy See until Calista Gingrich is officially approved as ambassador.

Pope Francis gave Trump a copy of his environmental encyclical, Laudato Si, as well as copies of his 2015 Apostolic Exhortation on the family, Amoris Laetitia, and his 2013 exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium.

In addition to the customary gift of these three documents, Francis also gave President Trump a copy of his message for the 2017 World Day of Peace, saying, “I signed it personally for you.”

Trump responded that he would be reading them.

The Pope also gifted the US president with a medallion he said symbolized peace and unity. After the translator explained as much in English, the Pope added in Spanish, “Have it so that you become an instrument of peace.”

In response, Trump said that “we can use peace.”

On his part, President Trump gifted Pope Francis a set of books by Martin Luther King, Jr., saying, “I think you’ll enjoy them; I hope you do."

Members of the delegation each received a medal and a rosary from the pontiff.

When greeting Francis, First Lady Melania told him that she would afterward be visiting the hospital. Joking, the Pope asked her if they had given her potica, a traditional Slovenian dessert, to eat, to which she responded, “yes, potica,” as they both laughed.

Departing with a handshake, Trump said to Francis, "Thank you, thank you. I won't forget what you said."

After meeting with Pope Francis, Trump met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, as is customary

Visit, cont'd on pg. 4

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

Rev. Kurt Farrell: currently Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in St. Charles, Holy Redeemer Parish in Eyota, and St. Aloysius Parish in Elba; transferred to the office of Pastor of St. Theodore Parish in Albert Lea and St. James Parish in Twin Lakes, effective July 1, 2017.

Rev. William Thompson: currently Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Winona and Member of the Formation Faculty of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona; transferred to the office of Pastor of Pax Christi Parish in Rochester and Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Mazeppa, effective July 1, 2017.

Rev. Patrick Arens: appointed Master of Ceremonies for the Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, for the Western Part of the Diocese of Winona, effective May 10, 2017.

Rev. Shawn Haremza: appointed Master of Ceremonies for the Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, for the Eastern Part of the Diocese of Winona, effective May 10, 2017.

Deacon Robert Yerhot: appointed to diaconal ministry at St. Patrick Parish Rev. Andrew Vogel: currently Pastor of in Brownsville, in addition to his St. Casimir Parish in Wells, Our Lady of appointments at Crucifixion Parish in Mount Carmel Parish in Easton, and St. La Crescent and Holy Cross Parish in Dakota, effective April 20, 2017.

Child 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 Mary Hamann at 507-858-1244, or mhamann@dow.org.

The Courier is the Official Publication of the Diocese of Winona 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 108 - 6

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

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

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Thank God this Summer! �

ear Friends in Christ, Diaconate Ordination

Vocations As we prepare to celebrate Thé and Brian’s diaconate ordination, it is important to remember that the Lord calls many people to serve Him as priests, deacons, religious, and consecrated men and women. Our Church and world need the dynamic witness and service of those who have given their lives completely to

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

opportunity to thank Fr. Thompson for his exemplary work as the Director of Vocations for the past five years. He has helped many young men as they have discerned the call to priesthood and have gone through formation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary and Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, and he has also helped young men and women who are discerning a call to the consecrated life. I am grateful for his tremendous effort in promoting vocations throughout the diocese, especially on our college campuses. Earlier this spring I announced that Fr. Thompson will be moving to Rochester to be Pastor of Pax Christi Parish, starting July 1. At that time, Fr. Jason Kern, who currently is Pastor of three parishes near Mankato and the Mankato Newman Center Parish, will be the new Director of Vocations for the diocese and a faculty member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. I know Fr. Kern will continue the excellent work of our Office of Vocations in promoting vocations and assisting those discerning a call to priesthood or the consecrated life.

Refugees Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has repeatedly spoken of our need to welcome the stranger, and has reminded us that refugees and migrants are our brothers and sisters made in the image of God. During the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday last year, Pope Francis reflected, “How can we not see the face of the Lord in the face of the millions of exiles, refugees, and displaced persons who are fleeing in desperation from the horror of war, persecution, and dictatorship?” After asking every parish in Europe to take in a refugee family, Pope Francis brought three Syrian refugee families to the Vatican upon his return from the Greek island of Lesbos. Now that those original families have moved on and no longer live in the Vatican apartments, three new families have recently taken their place. Two of them are Christian families who

June 1, Thursday 1 pm – Holy Hour 2 pm – Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting

June 5, Monday Ordination and Installation Mass of Bishop-elect Steven Biegler – Diocese of Cheyenne, WY

June 2, Friday 3 pm – Hispanic Ministry Meeting, Rochester 7:30 pm – Lourdes High School Commencement Ceremony – Lourdes High School Gymnasium, Rochester

June 7, Wednesday 11 am – 3 pm – MCC Meeting – St. Paul Chancery, St. Paul

June 3, Saturday 10:30 am – Deacon Derek Weichmann Ordination to the Priesthood – St. Mary Cathedral, St. Cloud 7 pm – Pentecost Vigil Mass with Commissioning of Lay Formation Group – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona June 4, Sunday 11:15 am – 2nd Annual DOW Pentecost Mass – St. John the Evangelist Church, Rochester

June 8, Thursday Diocese of Winona Ministry Days – St. Mary’s University, Winona June 9, Friday Diocese of Winona Ministry Days – St. Mary’s University, Winona

have suffered persecution because of their faith.

It has long been clear that the U.S. needs comprehensive immigration reform. In 2012, the Catholic bishops of Minnesota issued a statement on this issue, entitled Unlocking the Gate in Our Hearts. In it, I, along with my brother bishops, stressed the need for wideranging immigration reform at the federal level. We firmly believe that it is possible to uphold the dignity and rights of all human persons, while also respecting the rights and obligations of nations to protect and control their borders. As the leader of the free world, the U.S. has the responsibility to set an example of welcoming the stranger and helping refugees integrate into our society. May we continue to call on our lawmakers to enact comprehensive, just, and merciful immigration reform.

Religious Freedom and Health Care From June 21 – July 4, the Catholic Church in the U.S. will once again observe Fortnight for Freedom.

During this time, we celebrate the feast days of many saints who died rather than compromise the Truth, and we are invited to pray for an increase of religious freedom, particularly in our country. It is also a time to bring awareness to the importance of religious liberty, of having the freedom to not only worship but to also live out our faith in the public square.

Recently, President Trump signed an executive order on religious freedom, which was an encouraging sign that our new administration is willing to let people abide by their religious convictions and not be forced to act against their consciences.

Unfortunately, however, the order mostly expressed the desire for greater religious freedom, while leaving the details of how this is to be accomplished up to federal agencies. I am grateful that the executive order highlights the fact that no one should have to choose between obeying the government

June 12 – 16, Monday – Friday USCCB Spring Assembly – Indianapolis, IN June 18, Sunday 10:30 am – Mass at St. Mary Parish – Winona June 21, Wednesday 5 pm – Convocation of Catholic Leaders Participant Planning Meeting – Rochester June 22, Thursday 9:30 am – Holy Hour 10:30 am – College of Consultors Meeting – Winona

June 10, Saturday St. Paul Street Evangelization Basic Evangelization Training – St. John the Evangelist Parish, Rochester

June 23, Friday 2 pm – Thé Hoang and Brian Mulligan’s Ordination to the Diaconate – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

June 11, Sunday 10 am – Church of the Resurrection 50th Anniversary Mass, Rochester

June 24, Saturday 4 pm – Final Liturgy for St. Martin Parish – Woodstock

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or one’s faith, yet it remains to be seen as to how this promise of greater religious liberty will unfold.

This spring, there has been health care legislation proposed that would replace the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010.

The U.S. Catholic Bishops are urging our lawmakers to make sure any health care bills passed into law continue the current Medicaid expansion, so as to not compromise the coverage or affordability of health care for those currently covered by Medicaid; continue providing coverage for those with preexisting conditions; provide robust conscious protections for health care providers, doctors, and hospitals who find themselves being asked to provide services they believe to be immoral; and avoid the use of federal funds for abortion or health care plans which include abortion. Please pray for our elected officials, that they may seek to provide quality, affordable access to health care for all, while ensuring protection of consciences and life in all its stages.

From the Bishop

On Friday, June 23, the Feast of the Sacred Heart, I will have the privilege and honor to ordain Thé Hoang and Brian Mulligan to the Order of Deacon. Thé and Brian are currently in formation at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit and will return for their final year of theological studies in the fall.

All are welcome to attend their diaconate ordination, which will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Please continue to keep Thé and Brian in your prayers as they prepare for ordination.

Him for the sake of the Gospel, and it is important that we encourage young men and women to consider whether God is calling them to the priesthood or consecrated life. It is also important that we support those who are currently discerning or have chosen to follow Christ’s call in this way.

To those discerning God’s will for your life, I encourage you to not be afraid to go where He leads you!

Take time for prayer and reading Scripture, as these are ways that the Lord speaks to us. Spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, especially in Eucharistic Adoration, helps us to open our heart to the Lord and gives Him the chance to show us what He desires for us. Despite what the world tells us, it is only when we are following God’s will for our lives that we will experience true peace and joy.

For all parents, teachers, relatives, and friends of young people, don’t be afraid to speak to them about the beauty of the priesthood and consecrated life, and to let them know that they have your support in pursuing a religious vocation. So many times family members and friends discourage young people from saying yes to the Lord’s call to give themselves totally to His service. It is important that those of us who are around young people let them know that following the Lord’s call to the priesthood or consecrated life is a beautiful choice. Let us pray that all of us may make an effort to foster a culture of vocations, teaching our children about the many vocations in the Church, and encouraging them to seek God’s will for their lives.

As we head into summer, I know the next school year feels far away. However, if any young man feels called to enter the seminary and discern the priesthood, there is still time for him to apply and join the seminary this coming fall. Fr. Thompson, our vocations director, will be happy to meet with any interested young man and help him to begin the application process. He can be contacted at wthompson@ dow.org or 507-858-1266.

I also want to take this

Summer Blessings As we head into summer, I encourage you to join me in thanking our Triune God for His many blessings, and to take time for family and friends, and also more time to reconnect with God in prayer. May the Lord bless you and your families during these summer months.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona

June 25, Sunday 11 am – Final Liturgy for Holy Cross Parish – Dakota June 26, Monday 5 pm - Catholic United Financial Priest Golf Outing Dinner – Willow Creek Golf Course, Rochester June 28, Wednesday 11 am – Senior Priest Luncheon – St. John the Evangelist Parish, Rochester June 29, Thursday 7 pm – Final Liturgy for St. James Parish – Twin Lakes June 30 – July 4, Friday – Tuesday USCCB Convocation of Catholic Leaders – Orlando, FL June, 2017 w The Courier

Meeting, 4

cont'd from pg. 2

for heads of state.

Pope Francis went immediately to begin the Wednesday general audience with thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.

After the meeting, First Lady Melania paid a visit to the Vatican-owned pediatric hospital, Bambino Gesu, also known as the “Pope’s Hospital.”

Bambino Gesu sits next to the Pontifical North American College on top of Rome’s Gianicolo Hill and is among the most important pediatric hospitals in the world.

Founded in 1869 by the Duchess Arabella Salviati, the hospital was donated to Pius XI in 1924, with the aim of giving it a more stable future.

While Melania visited Bambino Gesu, Trump’s daughter and adviser, Ivanka, visited the Roman neighborhood of Trastevere to meet with the Community of Sant’Egidio to discuss efforts to oppose human trafficking.

The Sant’Egidio Community is often praised by Pope Francis for their work with the poor and refugees, in particular.

Ivanka participated in each of the seven days of Trump’s first trip abroad as president, and was also present for the public portion of his meeting with Francis.

Before leaving with her father on his first international tour, Ivanka hosted an anti-human trafficking roundtable discussion at the White House May 17.

During her meeting with Sant’Egidio, she met with several women who were victims of trafficking, and discussed various ways in which the Church and the US government could collaborate on the issue.

H o m e , cont'd from pg. 1 Worm also looks forward to once again welcoming guests, such as the Serra Club, to the seminary's gathering spaces.

Phase one renovations are on track for completion in July, and seminarians will be able to start next school year back in Kelly Hall after being housed for a year in St. Mary University's Watters Hall on the other side of Highway 14.

"It's had its challenges with the space," said Worm. "I think the fraternity has taken just a little bit of a hit, just not being able to use the same areas we were used to being able to use back at Kelly Hall."

"It's been challenging, but that's good," added Hammer. "When we grow is when we're challenged. We have to be more intentional as far as fraternity goes."

Bishop John Quinn called the renovation "a statement of our commitment to prepare men for the priesthood, not only for our Diocese of Winona, but for 12 other dioceses here in the upper midwest."

Community support for the renovation has been robust, the three men agreed, and as the renovation approaches phase two--the addition of an annex to Kelly Hall, with an elevator for barrier-free access--that support is as important now as ever.

"As the bishop, I am always dependent on the generosity of the people here in the Diocese of Winona, and I find them very supportive of the priesthood. They love their priests. And they love their priests so much that they want to invest in the lives of those who are going to be their future priests. ...They want to do what they can--especially with providing an elevator."

"Many were surprised that we didn't have one--even a freight elevator," Bishop Quinn

Pentecost,

cont'd from pg. 1 "When would the assurance that they're safe enough to go out-when would that have occurred?

Probably, most of us would have to almost be pulled out before we would leave. And yet, Jesus

The Holy Father's Intention for June 2017 National Leaders: That national leaders may firmly commit themselves to ending the arms trade, which victimizes so many innocent people.

June, 2017 w The Courier

Adam Worm shows where an elevator will be added to Kelly Hall in phase 2 of the IHMS renovation project. continued. "We've had no way to move things through the building, but most of all this is about people. How does someone get around? ...An elevator really says, not only within this community but to everyone who comes here, that everyone is welcome, and everyone is valuable and important."

Worm, who suffered a broken leg as a Kelly Hall resident before the renovation began, knows first-hand the impact an elevator--or lack thereof--can have on the daily routine of a person who needs one.

"It would have been a little bit nicer to have the elevator rather than having to go up and down the steps every morning, and it would have given me a little extra time as well," he said.

The funding necessary to bring to completion phase two of the IHMS renovation has nearly been raised, and now the Diocese of Winona asks its parishioners to continue with the support they have already shown their future priests.

"Whenever [seminarians are] with me, as we travel around the diocese, ...people always look forward to meeting them, because they are our future priests," said Bishop Quinn.

"And once in a while, when I don't have one of

the seminarians with me, their first question to me is, 'Where is the seminarian?' They really see in [seminarians] the future, but they see it now. They see these young men, and they're great signs of hope ... They're our springtime."

Hammer added, "The people have been very generous, and we can give back to them.

God willing, we are ordained and we can give back our lives to Christ and His Church."

Of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Bishop Quinn said, "Almost every priest of the Diocese of Winona has begun the journey to priesthood right here. ...The building is the place, but the 'who' are these great young men. ...It's really a seminary when they fill its halls and rooms."

Donations to the next phase of renovation to IHM Seminary--barrier-free access with the addition of an elevator and annex to Kelly Hall--can be made by visiting ihmseminary. org/about-ihm-seminary/ihm-renovation, by calling the development office at 507-4948844, or by mailing checks to the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota, 55 W Sanborn St, P.O. Box 30098, Winona, MN 55987, with specification as to what the check is for.

Christ comes through locked doors. He stands in their midst, and He breathes the Holy Spirit into His Church."

Bishop Quinn then called his audience to missionary action.

"In our time and in our day, I think you know how easy it is to say, 'Keep it in the church,'" he said. "But that cannot be the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit says, 'Unlock the door.' Get out there when it's uncomfortable. Go to the peripheries, as Pope Francis says. Go to those who are lost, those who feel abandoned. Get out there in a The Institute of Lay Formation class of 2017 world that is increasingly secular, and bring the Gospel. Because got to stick. When we're too Rochester, Bishop Quinn celthe Church has always had to slick, grace slides off. When we ebrated the work of the Holy bring the Gospel, not into a com- think we know it all, when we Spirit in the lives of those who munity that was ready, but to a begin to compare ourselves with had recently entered the Church. community in need." others, or when we think, 'I'm Their sponsors and families were "In order to do this," Bishop pretty happy; I don't need to also especially welcomed.

Quinn continued, "you have to get messed up in this world of In his homily, Bishop Quinn open to the power and mys- so many needs,' then we're not encouraged the Church's new tery of grace, and grace unsettles being a piece of velcro; grace is members to share their muchus. ...It helps us to know our not going to attach. In fact, when needed gifts; to "assemble" their true, authentic self; and the self [we're] slick, that grace and all lives in Christ, through the grace that we try to pretend we are that God wants to give us is going of the Spirit; and to keep a discieventually has to go away. ...I to slide right off. Along will follow pline of prayer, scripture reflecthink sometimes the best image our slickness." tion, and participation in the The next morning at the sacraments as part of their new for me is you've got to be a piece of velcro; something's Diocesan Pentecost Mass in Catholic lives.

To Discover One's Vocation, to Fulfill One's Mission Director of Lay Formation & RCIA tgraff@dow.org

The diocesan Institute of Lay Formation (formerly

the Institute of Lay Ministry), founded in 1998, calls lay women and men to a deeper living out of their Christian vocation in the world, and prepares them for more faithful and effective lay leadership in the Church. During their three years of formation, Institute students study Scripture and Church history, as well as Church teaching on the Creed, sacraments and liturgy, moral theology, and prayer.

They spend time together in prayer, reflection, and conversation and learn about spiritual development and the different expressions and traditions of spiritual practice in the Church. Time is also devoted to building their skills as lay leaders in such areas as communication, collaboration, and group dynamics.

Institute students serve in both volunteer and professional positions in the Church, and they are active in a variety of ministries such as faith formation, liturgical ministry, pastoral care, parish administration, etc.

Commissioning of the Class of 2017 The members of our current Institute class will be formally “commissioned” by Bishop John Quinn during the diocesan Pentecost Vigil Mass on Saturday, June 3, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona.

This commissioning is a recognition of the students’ work in the Institute and an affirmation of the knowledge and skills for discipleship and ministry they have received through their participation in the Institute. It expresses the Diocese’s expectation that they will use the fruits of this formation process for active service as lay leaders ministering within the Church and giving witness to Christ in the broader community.

This is the sixth class of the Institute of Lay Formation in our diocese. Including this current class, more than 300 lay people have now participated in the Institute’s formation process, representing 67 parishes and four church institutions of the diocese. In addition to these lay leaders, 17 of the deacons of our diocese participated in the Institute before entering diaconate formation, and 10 more are presently in formation for diaconal ministry.

Emmaus Program on Evangelization to Launch this Fall Our present Holy Father, Pope Francis, teaches that, by virtue of our baptism, “all the members of the People of God have become missionary disciples [and] agents of evangelization” (Evangelii Gaudium #120).

[I]n order to be saints, there is no need to be bishops, priests or religious; no, we are all called to be saints!

So many times we are tempted to think that sainthood is reserved only to those who have the opportunity to break away from daily affairs in order to dedicate themselves exclusively to prayer.

But it is not so!

Some think that sanctity is to close your eyes and to look like a holy icon.

No! This is not sanctity!

Sanctity is something greater, deeper, which God gives us. Indeed, it is precisely in living with love and offering one's own Christian witness in everyday affairs that we are called to become saints... ...Be a saint by becoming a visible sign of God's love and of his presence alongside us.

This is it: every state of life leads to holiness, always! In your home, on the street, at work, at church, in that moment and in your state of life, the path to sainthood has been opened.

Don't be discouraged to pursue this path. It is God alone who gives us the grace. The Lord asks only this: that we be in communion with Him and at the service of our brothers and sisters.

-Pope Francis, General Audience, 11/19/2014

To support and promote our diocesan Church’s ministry of evangelization, the Institute of Lay Formation is offering – through its Emmaus component – a year-long formation program on Forming Missionary Disciples for Gospel Witness. (The Emmaus - Together in Christ component of the Institute provides continuing formation and renewal for lay leaders serving in the Diocese of Winona.)

This program is open to Institute alumni and to all other leaders in our local parishes, schools, institutions, and lay movements and associations.

Set to begin this fall and to take place during the 2017-18 academic year, the program will include prayer and reflection, study and discussion, and discernment concerning our call – both as individuals and as a community – to live out our Christian witness more deeply and fully.

The content of the formation program will include: • a study of Scripture and Church teaching on evangelization and discipleship • study and reflection on the call to holiness and discipleship, and the spiritual formation which leads to a deeper communion with Christ and with His Church • training on effective forms of evangelization within the parish community • training on techniques and practices for evangelization of the broader community.

• September 15-16 / November 3-4, 2017

Lay Formation

Todd Graff

Participants in the Emmaus program will meet for five weekend sessions (i.e., from Friday evening through mid afternoon on Saturday), which will be held at the Alverna Center in Winona. Overnight accommodations are available at the Center, and there is also a Saturday-only option for participants. The sessions will be held on the following dates:

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• January 12-13 / March 2-3 / April 27-28, 2018.

For more information on the Institute of Lay Formation’s 2017-18 Emmaus program, please contact me in the diocesan Office of Lay Formation (507-858-1270 or tgraff@dow.org). Applications to the program are due by Tuesday, August 1.

To close on a personal note: as we conclude another class of the Institute of Lay Formation, I would affirm that it is the greatest privilege and blessing to work with and get to know our Institute students who are people of such deep Catholic faith, who love Christ and desire sincerely to be of service to His people.

May God continue to bless and be with each of them as lay leaders of our Church. Deo Gratias!

Life according to the Spirit, whose fruit is holiness, stirs up every baptized person and requires each to follow and imitate Jesus Christ in embracing the Beatitudes, in listening and meditating on the Word of God, in conscious and active participation in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church, in personal prayer, in family or in community, in the hunger and thirst for justice, in the practice of the commandment of love in all circumstances of life and service to the brethren, especially the least, the poor and the suffering.

-Pope St. John Paul II, Christifidelis Laici #16 June, 2017 w The Courier

Faith Formation

6

On We Go!

�n J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, The Fellowship of the

Ring, Bilbo Baggins says, “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door. You step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.” As parents, my wife and I often paraphrase that when our boys find that things have not gone the way they planned.

Being no stranger to following God’s will (or at least attempting to), the one thing that remains constant after all these years is this: I have no idea where God might call me next!

As many of you know, I served the Diocese of Winona for almost six years as the Director of the offices of Life, Marriage & Family and Safe Environment. Last fall, our family moved to Bismarck, where my wife and I worked at the University of Mary. We believed that would be the last move, and it happened in one of the

June, 2017 w The Courier

Peter Martin

Director of Faith Formation Director of Life, Marriage & Family pmartin@dow.org

most difficult moments of our lives: we lost our seventh son, PierGiorgio Matteo. Instead of the “gender reveal/going away” party we had planned, we gathered with our family and friends at the Memorial of the Unborn at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and had our son (and a part of our hearts) entombed there. Our hearts were shattered.

Most sane people would say at that moment, “Wait a minute! We just lost a child!

We can’t move under these circumstances!”

Well, my wife Theresa and I decided early on in our relationship that we would follow God no matter what, so we placed our hands to the plow and moved forward in faith. Packing boxes, finishing projects, and saying goodbye to friends and to a house that was perfect for six rowdy boys made for the most difficult month of my life, but Theresa and I knew that if God called us to this, He would give us the grace to get through it.

As with any loss, time is needed. We were blessed in Bismarck to be given that time and friendships needed to heal. We recognized that God was taking care of us, and we placed our hope in Him. We were anxious to move on with our lives and prayed fervently to St. Joseph for the sale of our house, a sale that would never come. Another blessing was given to us, and this time, the gender reveal party took place with pink!

We knew that we could not go on living in a dorm apartment with another baby due this summer, but our house still did not sell. Even though we had no idea how it would work out, we trusted that it would.

As is usual, it did not end the way we thought it would; it was even better! God knew what was best for us. He knew we needed time and a change of scenery for our hearts to mend.

He gave us our house back, our friends, and because He could, a daughter (born May 31)! I look forward to serving the Diocese of Winona again as the Director of Life, Marriage & Family and Faith Formation. How merciful is our God! As our friend Bilbo says in another of Tolkien’s works: “’Go back?’ he thought.

‘No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!’”

By MATT HADRO

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 29, 2017 (CNA/EWTN News) - At 21 years old, Millie Lopus was pregnant and scared.

A rising college senior at Loyola University, Maryland, she was being pressured into having an abortion by her ex-boyfriend, the father of the child.

But after he drove Millie to a nearby Planned Parenthood to set up an abortion appointment, she recalled having “a sliver of grace,” and she “did not set up an appointment that day.”

“I chose instead to go through with the pregnancy,” she recalled, and gave the baby up for adoption. “I am eternally grateful that I have been spared the abortion experience,” Lopus said at a May 15 panel on “Adopting Life.”

The Catholic Information Center in Washington, D.C., hosted a threepart panel series on adoption on May 8, May 15, and May 22. The goal was to discuss how the pro-life movement can create a “radical culture of hospitality” for those facing a crisis pregnancy, and for their children.

Lopus’ story reflects countless other narratives of young mothers who are pressured against giving their baby up for adoption.

Today, mothers choose abortion at a far greater rate than adoption. In 2014, there were almost 1 million abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institute, but there were only 18,329 infant domestic adoptions, according to numbers provided by the National Council for Adoptions.

“Adoption as a real solution is often overlooked,” said Elizabeth Kirk, a writer and researcher who spoke on one of the CIC panels.

There are several reasons for this, she explained. Women have said in studies that “adoption is not a realistic option for them” and that they would suffer more guilt in leaving their child to an unknown future than in terminating the pregnancy.

They may also be facing pressure from loved ones or advisors against adoption. There are reported instances of Planned Parenthood workers “advising women that adoption is more traumatic than abortion,” Kirk said. Even crisis pregnancy centers may be reticent to bring up adoption to a mother because they fear that broaching the topic may “drive her to abort her child.”

Yet if a women is truly incapable of raising her child, and adoption isn’t in the picture, then abortion may seem

Italian Nun Runs Used Wedding Dress Shop UMBRIA, ITALY (CNA/EWTN News)--Italian brides are finding wedding dresses at an unusual spot hidden in the Umbrian hills, where they are able to pick out their special gown all for the cost of a donation.

Sister Maria Laura at the Augustinian Monastery of St. Rita in Cascia, Italy, began running the thrifty wedding dress service out of a surplus of donated wedding dresses.

"It gives me great joy to see a young woman who can fulfill her dream of love with a dress appropriate for the happiest day of her life," she said, according to the Daily Mail.

Since about 1950, brides have been making pilgrimages to St. Rita's to ask for her special intercession in marriage, and would leave their wedding dresses at the monastery in gratitude. Over the years, the monastery has collected hundreds of dresses.

The monastery is a special spot for brides, as St. Rita of Cascia is the patron saint of difficult marriages. When Rita was 12, her parents forced her into a marriage with a husband who abused her for years.

After her husband died, Rita, then 36, entered the monastery of St. Mary Magdalene in Cascia, which is now the same place brides visit to pray for their own marriages and try on wedding dresses.

Sister Maria Laura entered monastic life at the age of 28, having previously been a seamstress and designer in Tuscany. She has been running the bridal dress collection at the

monastery for the past few years with the help of other nuns, and uses her skills to alter the dresses to fit each and every bride who comes through.

Only by appointment does the sewing sister see brides-tobe, who often bring family members and bridesmaids for their opinion. But Sister Maria Laura noted her own special intuition about each of the dresses.

"I know which one she will take; you can tell from their faces," she said, according to the New York Times. "If you have a dream and we can make it come true, we'll do our best."

Currently, the monastery has about three women a week visit to pick out wedding dresses, while up to 10 dresses a month are donated. All of the dresses are offered for free, but the monastery does ask for a simple donation. According to the New York Times, one donation amounted to $1,200.

As Italy continues in their recession, the monastery considers their service a charity for economical brides who are getting married but trying to keep costs down.

One bride explained that the secondhand gown service was her only option to buy a dress, saying, "If I can't find it here, I simply can't afford to buy one."

Another bride explained that she had "felt at home here from the very first minute."

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Life, Marriage & Family

Groups Promote Adoption

like “the only real choice,” she said.

As for Millie Lopus? After she decided to carry the baby to term, she returned to school for the fall semester of her senior year. She played the entire tennis season, where she finished first in the conference in the doubles tournament. She left Loyola in the spring to have her baby daughter, and gave her up for adoption to a Catholic family.

Her daughter is now 24 years old, an actor and singer, and Lopus has three other children of her own. She now directs the New Women’s Care Center in Baltimore, a Catholic prolife crisis pregnancy resource center offering free pregnancy tests, sonograms, and resources for pregnant mothers. For post-abortive women, they also refer for retreats through Project Rachel.

Yet within the pro-life movement, there still exists a debate over how much emphasis to place on the option of adoption. Many mothers may be emotionally or financially unable to raise their child and some, like Kirk, argue that far too little is said to these mothers about their option to give their child up for adoption.

Negative stories from the foster care system may be responsible for much of the stigma against adoption, even though mothers have the choice of offering a child for adoption privately or through a small center. There are almost 112,000 children waiting to be adopted in the foster care system, the average wait time being 31.8 months.

Around 55 percent of the children have been placed with families three or more times, Kirk noted.

Studies show detrimental effects on children the longer they stay in the system, deficits in education, relationships, and an uptick in future criminal activity.

As a result, pregnant women “think their children are better off dead than placed with an adoptive family,” Kirk said.

Yet many Catholic parents are waiting to adopt and love a child, especially if they are not able to have any of their own, panel members insisted.

Once the prohibitive costs of the process are removed from the equation, “everyone starts looking at adoption for what it really is, it’s the greatest act of love,” Mary L. Ball, J.D., founder of Holy Family Adoption Agency, said at the May 15 CIC panel.

Birth mothers “want more for their child than they can give them,” she said, while a married couple is also looking to give a child unconditional love.

“I really think that adoption is the missing link in the pro-life movement,” she said. “We don’t talk enough about it.”

Adoption, cont'd on pg. 19 June, 2017 w The Courier

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From Our Graduates

Catholic Schools

�ongratulations to the graduating classes of

the Diocese of Winona's four Catholic high schools: Loyola in Mankato, Pacelli in Austin, Lourdes in Rochester, and Cotter in Winona!

Each year, our Catholic high schools send forth graduates who have been raised up on the

Faith in Action

By KIT KRMPOTICH

�efore I started going to Loyola in fifth

grade, being Catholic meant going to church, praying before your meals, and Sunday School. I was really just going

firm foundation of Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. Through these schools, God's blessings flow to our diocese and to the world beyond. And what better witnesses have we to the power of our schools than the graduates? This month, let's hear from three of them.

through the motions. It wasn’t until I enrolled at Loyola that I really put my faith into action.

Loyola has taught me so much about the significance of prayer, and how it can really affect people’s lives. Praying isn’t just about saying the words; it’s about the communication. My prayers have changed from repeating memorized paragraphs to conversations with God. I feel as though I’ve developed a personal relationship with Him, and I’m amazed at how it’s changed

Marsha Stenzel

Superintendent of Catholic Schools mstenzel@dow.org

my life. Whenever I have a problem, a question, or a moment of sadness, God is always there for me to talk to. I now know that even though He doesn’t respond verbally, His answer always comes through in little ways throughout my day.

Every year starting in seventh grade, we have been required to turn in service hours. At first I thought it would be the worst project ever; I couldn’t believe that we had to do community work all the way through graduation. It wasn’t until my freshman year that I really started putting in the effort to better the community.

As it turns out, the harder I worked, the more I enjoyed doing service hours. Putting aside my phone and helping out others felt really good. It was even more fun to do with my friends. I could finally see how much I could do to help my church, school, and community through God’s will.

Having a religious education has also expanded my knowledge of the Bible and the people surrounding it.

I have learned about how all the stories are connected and how important the miracles and lessons are. The thing that has had the most value in my life is learning how the passages of the Bible relate to my life. Because of this, I can turn to any Bible verse in a time of trouble or need and see that God is there for me. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Having faith in God and being a good Christian go hand in hand, and through Loyola, I’ve learned how to achieve both. If I had stayed at a public school, I think I would still be going through the motions of the Catholic religion, but because of my Catholic education, I know that it’s not about what you do, it’s about carrying out God’s will with all of His love in your heart.

Kit Krmpotich is a 2017 graduate of Loyola High School in Mankato.

June, 2017 w The Courier

From Head to Heart

By REBEKAH CROWLEY �n old Sioux legend states, “The longest journey you will ever take is the one from your head to your

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the Peace Prayer and applied it to the world today, looking at how we can bring love in a world full of so much hate and how we can shine our light in times of darkness. Throughout this class, I was challenged to employ and reform my mind in discussions and presentations.

However, the class was about more than memorizing facts. It was also about having experiences that stimulated my spiritual life, and about journeying deeper into my heart. One aspect of this pilgrimage that I found beautiful is that I experienced it with 20 other students by my side. I walked away from the pilgrimage not only with many memories, but also with friends who would keep this new flame of faith burning within me. The ability to celebrate daily Mass on my pilgrimage reminded me of the blessing I have to be able

Presence of God

By Connor Hagarty

�

“ et us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.” This is how prayer begins every morning at Cotter High School. This Christian-Brother-based prayer is a simple reminder to us all that God’s unchanging presence is here with us, wherever we may be.

My school has a weekly men’s prayer group where we discuss whatever is on our minds. We talk about subjects ranging from doubting our faith, to how God views all the people on earth, to even learning about the different types of angels. The group meets before school, and each week I look forward to our time together because it allows me to think outside the box and be completely honest with my peers, even talking about why I have a heavy heart that morning.

Our prayer group has changed my life for the good.

Not only do I have the group members to call my brothers, but each person has helped me grow closer to God and has opened my eyes to the works of the Lord in everyday life. Had I not attended a Catholic school, I would not be a part of this group. It is fair to say the prayer group has been one of the most eye-opening activities I have enrolled in during high school.

It is the little things that count in my school. When I am scheduled for all school announcements, I get to choose my own prayer or reflection. There are little prayer books by the microphone, and I choose one that I think applies to the school. I picked one recently that spoke, “the divine in me celebrates the divine in you,” and for the rest of the day I was mindful of this phrase and gave more respect and acceptance to everyone I saw than I would usually give on a regular day. I even

saw this phrase written on one of my teachers’ chalk boards later in the day, and we discussed the meaning of the phrase. Religion class begins with an offering of intentions for classmates, teachers, friends or family, or for a “special one” which is an intention that is held in the quiet of the hearts but will not go unnoticed.

Spiritually, attending a Catholic high school has strengthened my faith. It is so much easier to have a rooted religious faith when you are around peers who follow the same values as you. Some of my closest friends are devoted Catholics, which makes it easier for me to ask them questions regarding my faith, or, if I

Catholic Schools

heart.” I have seen this statement ring true in my life through the blessing of Catholic education. Over the years I have seen the formation of both my head--my academics--and my heart--my spiritual life--by attending Rochester Catholic Schools. One such experience I can point to that gave me the opportunity to enrich both my academic and spiritual life was the Franciscan Pilgrimage that I participated in through Lourdes High School (LHS) this past year. This pilgrimage is offered to juniors and seniors at LHS every other year and consists of two parts. The first part of the pilgrimage is a class taken in the fall semester which allows the students time to learn about their Franciscan heritage before embarking on the journey. The second element is the pilgrimage itself, which takes students to Assisi and Rome, Italy, in late December.

While preparing for the time I would spend in Rome, I found myself engaged in learning about events that occurred 700 years ago and 5,000 miles away from where I was learning about them. I studied Saints Francis and Clare, what their lives were like, and why it was important to come to know these saints even though they lived many years ago. As a class, we discovered the important moments that led Francis and Clare to live their lives the way they did. Instead of doing this simply through reading stories or listening to lectures, we learned about their lives by viewing a dossal, a piece of art that presents important parts of a saint’s life to the viewer. We were challenged to see how St. Francis influences the lives of people today by putting Saint Francis and Pope Francis side by side and discussing how many of Saint Francis’ qualities are lived out in the life of Pope Francis. To further the discussion of the impact that Saint Francis’ life has on us, we took

to attend Mass freely and without limit.

One particular Mass was celebrated with a group of Italian pilgrims alongside us.

The priest was fluent in both English and Italian, and took the opportunity to celebrate a bilingual Mass for us. Though I was initially irritated because we would not be able to celebrate the Mass “comfortably” in the language I was used to, I was soon blown away by the ability we had to share something so sacred with someone I could not even share a conversation with. In celebrating Mass in a different language, I was truly reminded that our Church is universal. On one of our days in Assisi, we were invited to spend time in front of the San Damiano Cross, the cross where Francis received the call to rebuild the church.

Here I was reminded that we all have a role to play in building up the Kingdom of God here on Earth. The cumulative effect of all the experiences on my pilgrimage allowed me to take time and develop my personal relationship with Christ.

My time in Italy helped me to turn facts and knowledge I had learned in the classroom into experiences and memories that helped to deepen and enrich my faith.

My time as a student at Lourdes has been filled with many experiences, such as my pilgrimage, that have helped me begin the journey between my head and my heart. Opportunities and memories from throughout my high school career will stick with me long after I have graduated. Lourdes has helped me to take the first step, and now, as I leave LHS, I am challenged to continue this journey from my head to my heart in all I do.

Rebekah Crowley is a 2017 graduate of Lourdes High School in Rochester. need them to pray for me or someone special, I can ask them without feeling awkward. My teachers also are very open to conversations about faith. When a family member became sick, I was able to talk it through with one of my teachers whom I am close with, who in turn had a large group of people praying for my family member. We are all believers, but when you bring forward something precious and special to you, the amount of love, support and prayers from people you look up to is incredible, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

When I walk down the heavily worn marble hallways in my high school, I can’t help but feel protected.

The school building is my safe haven where I can be myself, pray out loud, and think deeply, where I do not feel judged. The thick walls act as protection for me, just as the Lord protects me everyday. I feel at home in my school, where I can sit and read the bible without snickering students who walk by me. I can enter the Chapel any time of day and clear my mind, focusing on the true and unchanging ways of God, or even play soothing instrumental church hymns on the piano in the Chapel.

All of these things work together to make me feel good and think positively, with the Lord always by my side, and I don’t even need human interaction for some of these things because the school invites me to do it on my own.

My Catholic education, and simply entering in my school building, allows me to be open with myself and live my life in positive ways. There is freedom attached to my experience at Cotter; a freedom that lets me be who I am whenever I want, where God sees me smiling in pure content because “the Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126).

Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

- Saint John Baptist de La Salle Christian Brothers Connor Hagarty is a 2017 graduate of Cotter High School in Winona.

June, 2017 w The Courier

F O C U S t o Consecrate 10 Mission to Mary Youth & Young Adults

By KEVIN J. JONES

DENVER, CO (CNA/EWTN News) - In the centenary year of Our Lady of Fatima, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students has decided to consecrate its mission to the Virgin Mary in perpetuity.

“It was the natural thing to do,” Curtis Martin, the organization’s founder and chief executive officer, told CNA. “We at FOCUS have always had a deep devotion to Our Lady. Since its founding, FOCUS has attracted staff, missionaries and students who have a devotion to the Blessed Mother, which has been cultivated during their time with FOCUS. Marian devotion is simply part-andparcel of being Catholic, so it is part-andparcel of FOCUS.” FOCUS, headquartered in Colorado, has grown to nearly 600 missionaries on 125 campuses since 1998.

“God has allowed our efforts to be fruit-

Cardinal Mueller to Grads: "Dare to be Great"

By MATT HADRO

FRONT ROYAL, VA (CNA/EWTN News) - With God’s grace, you can accomplish great things, Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, told young Catholics at Christendom College at their 2017 commencement ceremony on May 13, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima.

“The summary of all natural and Christian anthropology is to say, ‘Dare to be great in the grace of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen’,” he said.

Cardinal Mueller received an honorary doctorate from the college before his commencement address. He is the president of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, appointed to that post and as prefect of the CDF by Pope

June, 2017 w The Courier

ful, and we are seeking the grace for deeper sanctification of the individual missionary or staff member and the special blessing of their missionary work by petitioning Our Lady for assistance,” Martin said.

The perpetual consecration will take place at a June 13 Mass at the Oratory of Ave Maria University in Florida, where FOCUS will be holding its new staff training.

June 13 marks the centenary of the second Marian apparition at Fatima. In that vision, Fatima seer Sister Lucia said, the Virgin Mary told her, “Jesus wishes to make use of you to make me known and loved. He wants to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart.”

The consecration will be live-streamed on the organization’s Facebook page.

FOCUS plans to renew the consecration each year on June 13 and on December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Martin said he wanted to make sure the organization does not see the consecration as a oncea-year event. Rather, FOCUS is encouraging its staff and missionaries to live the consecration throughout the year.

In 2016 the organization consecrated its efforts to Our Lady of Guadalupe for a year while discerning more deeply what the Virgin Mary and Christ desired.

“Ultimately, we discerned that Our Lady’s call at Fatima was still for our time and for us,” Martin said.

The prayers will consecrate FOCUS “to Jesus through Mary, petitioning especially the graces offered at Fatima and Guadalupe.”

Martin said the wording recognizes that the consecration ultimately is to Christ through his Mother.

“It also emphasizes our need for the totality of her help, while recognizing that FOCUS as an apostolate is especially in need of particular graces,” he added.

Martin sees Our Lady of Fatima as representing a focus on a missionary’s interior life, while Our Lady of Guadalupe represents a focus on the exterior life.

“Both are directed toward the same end: the salvation of souls through the fulfillment of the Great Commission to know Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations,” he said.

He cited Our Lady of Fatima’s request to pray, especially the rosary and devotions to the Sacred Heart, as well as her encouragement to make sacrifices for souls. He said devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe is an opportunity to pray for spiritual fruitfulness, given her precedent of inspiring the conversion of 10 million people.

Martin said he has a particular devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, saying she “played an instrumental role in breathing new life into my dead faith.”

He said FOCUS reaches out to students “at a pivotal time in their lives” when they face the pressures of contemporary campus life.

“We share the gospel of Christ’s love, the truth of the Catholic faith and our very selves to help reach the world for Christ through our families, vocations and parishes,” he said.

Benedict XVI. “Gerhard Cardinal Mueller has been a strong, consistent voice in defense of the Church’s perennial teaching in the midst of so much confusion in our modern world,” the college’s president, Dr. Timothy O'Donnell, stated before the prelate’s appearance.

The cardinal focused his address on “Christian anthropology,” and exhorted the graduates “to be salt and light in the midst of the contemporary world.”

The Christian, he insisted, can only bring about the Kingdom of God on earth by performing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy through God’s grace, not solely through his own merits.

“No, the Kingdom of God is grace, and grace brings the Holy Spirit in the world, a new spirit, the spirit of charity that sanctifies and assists, the spirit of understanding, of love, that changes our hearts and introduces in all human relations a movement of freedom,” he explained.

This movement of the Holy Spirit, he continued, includes the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, as well as the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance, and “other gifts and charisms.”

Through these virtues and gifts, men can be “collaborators with God in the bringing about of His Kingdom,” he said, where “the Church, with the arrival of the Messiah, carries out her mission in the Holy Spirit to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”

He warned against seeing Christianity as a “bourgeois” practice of “interiority, only love of neighbor, and individual philanthropy” where salvation is reduced “to the world alone in the sense of social and purely humanitarian NGOs.” However, he also taught against seeing God’s kingdom “only as above and outside of the world.”

Rather, he continued, “reverence toward God and the responsibility for the world are inseparably connected in Christ, Who did not come into this world to free us from the world, but to lead men and the world to their authentic destiny in the salvific plan of God.” This does not mean the rejection of non-Christians who perform “good works,” he insisted, as “it would appear wrong to divide in an exaggerated manner Christianity from the rest of humanity.”

“Whomever does the good, even if they do not yet recognize God explicitly, is the mediator of the goodness of God,” he said. “For us grace and nature are belonging together, and are not in a contradiction. Grace and nature, faith and reason, must be distinct (but) not separate.”

Cardinal Mueller also exhorted those in attendance to be on guard against totalitarian ideologies that set themselves up against the vision of God and the Church.

Many ideologies of the 20th century were totalitarian in that they sought to establish their own vision of creation, a “humanism without or humanism against God,” he said.

Forms of totalitarianism exist today, he explained, like “the concept of designing one’s baby,” and the promotion of “euthanasia for those who are too tired to live, or who have become unuseful, up to the sociological laboratories that want to make humanity happy with their political and economic theories, but in reality only enslave to their fantasy for omnipotence.”

Christians must fight injustices in the world in the name of human dignity, he insisted.

“Nobody may divert their gaze while the number of souls who go hungry grow, are deprived of their rights and recused to slavery, while the trauma of the refugees arriving on the European shores and the American border increase, and while being in a unified world, the risks and the challenges of globalizations are ever present,” he said.

“At the foundation of this dignity,” he added, “are the rights to lodging, food, and clothing, as well as the right to earn a living for himself and for the well-being of his family.”

The cardinal also warned against what Pope Francis has called the “ideological colonization” of the developing world, where developed countries try to force programs like abortion, birth control, sterilizations, and the approval of same-sex marriage onto developing countries.

Cardinal Mueller called this “an aggressive importation of a deformed image of the human person of the so-called ‘society of well-being’.”

These “developing cultures” cannot be ignored or trampled underfoot, he said, as “variety enriches,” which is also “the message of Pentecost when all peoples in diverse languages announce together the great works of God in the language of love.”

Christians, he insisted, must not only confess God with words, but work to do His will “by holding faithful to the Gospel and benefitting from its resources.”

“Not everyone who cries or confesses ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but those who do the Father’s will by taking a strong grip on the work at hand,” he continued. “Now the Father wills that in all men we recognize Christ our brother and love Him effectively in word and in deed.”

“By thus giving witness to the truth, we will share with others the mystery of the Heavenly Father’s love,” he concluded.

“As a consequence, men throughout the world will be aroused to a lively hope, the gift of the Holy Spirit, that some day at the last they will be caught up in peace and utter happiness in that fatherland radiant with the glory of the Lord.”

Guiding Factors

the priesthood, averaging about two invitations per seminarian.

Rev. Will Thompson

• Very few were involved in their parish youth group, though all who entered seminary after some time of college were active in campus ministry or Newman Centers.

�hen I first became Director of Vocations, I read the

• Slightly less than half went on mission trips.

• Slightly more than half participated in Bible studies.

• Aside from serving and singing, all but three

O w a t o n n a Native Ordained ST LOUIS--Father Raphael Christianson, O.P., a member of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), was ordained a Catholic priest on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at St. Pius V Catholic Church in St. Louis, MO, by Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis. His first Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated the next day at St. Monica Parish in Creve Coeur, MO, at 9:30 a.m. He will also celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at his home parish, St. Joseph Parish in Owatonna, at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 4.

He was ordained along with the following Dominican Friars: Brother Vincent B. Davila, O.P. (Fishers, IN); Brother Samuel Philip Hakeem, O.P. (Albuquerque, NM); and Brother James Peter

• Over half took part in faith sharing groups of some kind.

Vocations

• Over half were asked by family members, and a majority were asked by many parishioners and friends.

Director of Vocations wthompson@dow.org

results of a survey that was seeking to understand what leads youth to an openness to discerning their vocation. Because that survey was already a few years old and was taken from the entire United States, I thought it might be helpful to update the survey for youth within our own diocese. The results were more or less the same: those who are open to discerning their vocation are more apt to pray, attend Mass, read the Bible and go on mission trips. This is not surprising, because these are some of the basic tenets of living our faith.

What this means is that those who are living their faith are more likely to want to continue doing so along the path God has laid out for them.

After completing this survey and sharing the results in various venues, a few people brought the same question to my attention. What stands out in the lives of seminarians that helped them be open to a vocation to the priesthood? At the beginning of my tenure, I was more interested in projecting what activities are helpful to fostering openness to a vocation. Now that my assignment as Director of Vocations is coming to an end, I thought it was time, and perhaps helpful, to look at what helped form our seminarians’ hearts and minds to an openness to their vocation.

The following observations are purposefully vague (so as not to get lost in the numbers), but offer a telling story. First of all, seminarians participated in many of the same activities, and at the same frequency, as the general public:

11

• Half cantored or sang in the church choir.

• Surprisingly, only 8 of 14 were altar servers before entering seminary.

• Of the 14 surveyed, 10 attended Catholic schools at some point (8 attended elementary school, 3 attended high school and 4 attended Catholic universities).

volunteered at church in some capacity, especially as lectors, sacristans, greeters and snow shovelers!

• All had a prayer life of some kind, even if sporadic or inconsistent. Most prayed the rosary, took part in Eucharistic Adoration, Lectio Divina and/or intercessory prayer, taking time for silence on a regular basis or waiting for the next retreat.

While the preceding activities were expected, there was plenty of activities and experiences that set the seminarians apart from the general population, including: • Almost all were asked by a priest to consider

Aside from the number of seminarians who were altar servers and those who took part in youth group, the other guiding influences were experienced at a much higher rate than is seen in the general public.

While this doesn’t decrease the importance of prayer, the Sacraments and service, these added experiences helped our seminarians hear the call to discern the priesthood.

What stood out the most in helping them enter the seminary? All of the above, and more. When asked what was specifically most influential, there was very little agreement, though a few mentioned events like Steubenville North, Totus Tuus, and Quo Vadis Days. An equal number reflected on the human and holy sides of their pastors. Yet each seminarian focused on different aspects that have already been mentioned. In all, there is no one silver bullet in promoting a vocation to the priesthood. It is the work of grace and the accumulating effects of the Church being and doing what it is supposed to be and do.

Trares, O.P. (Ravenna, OH).

Father Raphael is the son of Brenda and David Christianson. He graduated from Owatonna Public High School before studying physics at Carleton College, where he received his B.A. After college, he worked for one year at an engineering and manufacturing firm in Evanston, IL. Father Raphael was originally drawn to the Dominicans through the example of St. Albert the Great, the patron saint of scientists and of the Dominican Central Province.

He entered the novitiate for the Province of St. Albert the Great (Central Province) in Denver, CO, in 2010 and made first profession of vows in August of 2011. He graduated May 12 from the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO, with a dual Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology degree.

Father Christianson's first assignment is at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in River Forest, IL. June, 2017 w The Courier

Sow Bountifully!

Monica Herman

Catholic Foundation

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

"Stewardship Prayer for June:" Lord Jesus Christ,

As spring ends, hopefully a pleasant one for you,

we look forward to the season of summer. We have received many gifts from God, and, as stewards, we are called to use these gifts to further God's purposes. Stewardship expresses a basic attitude of gratitude to God for all His many gifts to us.

Saint Paul says in his second letter to the Corinthians:

fully will reap bountifully. Everyone must give according to what he has inwardly decided; not sadly, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver. God can multiply his favors among you so that you may always have enough of everything and even a surplus for good works.

As we continue our stewardship journey, let us remember this message and prayerfully allocate our time, talents, and treasures and share them with others. Thank you to those that have Let me say this much: he who sows sparingly accepted the invitation to express your gratitude will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountito God by being one of the 5,869 people who have committed to sharing their treasure through the 2017 Catholic Ministries Appeal.

It is through parishioners like you that the message of Christ will be spread throughout the community.

Thank you for returning to God some of the gifts He has given you. God Since our last printing, bless you.

Immaculate Conception Parish, Kellogg I leave you with the International Catholic Stewardship Council's

Congratulations!

St. Agnes Parish, Kellogg St. Columba Parish, Iona St. Francis Parish, Rochester St. John Parish, Rochester and

Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, Blue Earth have met their goals for the 2017 Catholic Ministries Appeal!

June, 2017 w The Courier

You came to bring peace and offer reconciliation.

You sent your Spirit to heal the separation between people, and to reveal how it is possible for women and men to overcome their differences and celebrate their unity through your body and blood.

You revealed your Father as the Father of all people; a Father who cares for every single individual and embraces them with love and mercy.

It is that love and mercy, made manifest by your cross, that shines your light on us all, creates new life, offers a new way of living, and brings a Gospel message that is a sign of hope.

Give us the courage to live your Gospel fully even when it brings risk, to share your word vibrantly even if it leads to scorn, and to respond to others generously even when we feel like holding back.

Show us the way to live as good stewards of your presence among us, and in doing so, may we shine your light on a darkened world.

Amen.

Locks of Compassion

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By MARY ALESSIO

compassion, and the hope it inspired began to ripple? Considering a lock is often defined as a device that restricts access and confines, you may wonder how it could possibly be associated with compassion. But did you know a lock can also be a symbol of promise, enduring friendship, and love?

In many parts of the world, “love locks” attached to bridges and even metal trees have expressed uniting one to another.

Catholic Charities' Locks of Compassion project will re-create that symbolic expression of unity in the city of Rochester this summer. Locks decorated with signs, symbols, and words expressing compassion will be prominently displayed on the Locks of Compassion community display in the Peace Plaza (at the corner of 1st Avenue SW and 1st Street SW in downtown Rochester) beginning on June 20. Visitors to the display are invited to decorate their own locks to add, and the proceeds of the lock packages sold will benefit refugee chil-

dren and families served by Catholic Charities.

A child recently asked me what it means to have compassion, and I explained it in this way: compassion is a feeling inside of us that says, “I care about others—especially those who suffer and feel sad. In my heart, I want to help them.” Compassion starts in the heart, but what if a decorated lock could express your compassion for a refugee child in need, a lonely senior, a friend in crisis, a visitor to our community, and the hope it created began to ripple?

I have personally witnessed the transforming power of compassion in the lives of the poor and marginalized served through Catholic Charities-Refugee Resettlement office in Rochester. While many of our children have joyful memories of chain link fences surrounding their school playgrounds A model of the display to be built in the Peace Plaza and sports fields, I’ve seen refugee children who have experienced the devastation of war with vacant stares and fearful eyes. Their memories of chained fences involve being locked away from safety and joy. I am looking forward to creating my personal lock—a lock in honor of those I serve-one that will replace fear with compassion.

This initiative is being embraced by community and civic leaders as a “game changer.” Healthcare professionals in Rochester have expressed delight and support of an interactive display that visitors will see upon arriving to Rochester for care--a display that symbolizRochester Confirmation candidates decorate locks for the Locks of Compassion display's June 20 opening. es the compassion embraced in this part of the world. We hope

Catholic Charities

�hat if a decorated lock could express your

the community display will be a lifechanging experience for residents and also for all those who visit Rochester.

Enjoy creating your lock. Compassion lives here because of you!

This project is for all residents and visitors of Rochester, regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, or faith tradition. No matter where you come from or what you believe, we can all be united around a spirit of compassion. Just as compassion grows within us when nurtured and put into action, the Rochester display will grow when you “lock in” your expression of compassion! Take pictures and share your experiences with family and friends on social media and see the hope it inspires ripple to other parts of our nation and world.

We are honored to bring our vision to life for the community. It is only with the support of countless compassion partners that an idea envisioned months ago over a cup of tea is now a reality. Please check out the many sponsors of this project when you visit Rochester's Peace Plaza! A special thanks to Rochester Area Builders for building the display and Fairway Signage for the beautiful graphics that paint the picture of compassion in our city. Join us for the opening ceremony at noon in the Peace Plaza on June 20th when Mayor Brede, Mayo Clinic, and various community leaders and groups attach their locks of compassion to the community display.

June, 2017 w The Courier

Faith in the Public Arena

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Immigration and an Easter People Jason Adkins

Executive Director Minnesota Catholic Conference

�he Easter season is a time to confidently cel-

ebrate the victory of Christ over death, once and for all. But the confidence of the Resurrection is too often missing from our lives as Christians—in our commission to proclaim the Good News, yes, but also in our call to faithful citizenship.

The radical social demands of the Gospel—to welcome the stranger, to prioritize the needs of the poor and the vulnerable, to protect life at every stage—can too easily be rationalized away as “naïve” and “unrealistic.”

I encountered this dynamic firsthand as a participant in a recent debate on the proper Catholic response to the president’s immigration and refugee policies. The debate showed that Christ’s commandment to selflessly love our neighbor (and our enemy) remains the hardest part of Christian discipleship. It also exposed how easily we can turn from Our Lord (and the social doctrine He has passed on to us through the Church) when His demands involve hard work and uncertainty.

In other words, the immigration debate highlighted a crisis of confidence in Christ and His Gospel.

Principled, Not Fear-Based Let’s start with this fact: a faithful Catholic need not support the specific immigration and refugee provisions endorsed by the US bishops. As migration policy is a matter of prudence, people of good will can come to different conclusions about specific policy outcomes, so long as their conclusions are the product of a prayerful, good-faith effort to apply the Gospel and the social doctrine of the Church to complex problems.

But in my recent debate, my opponent made no such effort to ground his support for President Trump’s immigration and refugee policies in the Church’s social teaching. Instead of appeals to Scripture or the Magisterium, he built his case primarily on a foundation of idolized nationalism and fear-driven consequentialism.

For instance, his final point against a pathJune, 2017 w The Courier

way to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, delivered as if it were the decisive word on the matter, was that migrants from Latin America were an invasion force being ushered in to further the progressive agenda. Similarly, he opposed resettling Muslim refugees from Syria because Muslim newcomers, he claimed, would inevitably impose an Islamic theocracy upon us all.

Confidence, Not Consequentialism These all-too-common arguments flow from an impulse that seems less concerned with doing the hard and difficult work of loving and evangelizing our neighbors, and is instead animated more by a kind of passivity unbefitting of Christians.

The doom-and-gloom outcomes forecasted— that people or their descendants to whom we offer hospitality will respond with malice or engage the social order in a way that some find harmful--may, perhaps, be somewhere deep within the realm of possibility, but they are anything but inevitable. In fact, these scenarios seem possible only if Christians sit on their hands and do nothing.

As demonstrated by the Good Samaritan, love is a risk. Hypothetical outcomes don’t absolve us from our responsibility to do the right thing when the situation is presented.

Ultimately, scapegoating others, particularly Latino immigrants and Muslim refugees, as threats and harbingers of the inevitable downfall of the United States is a convenient way to avoid our responsibility to roll up our sleeves and do the hard work of welcoming newcomers and reclaiming society for Christ.

Christ is Risen!

Confidence in Christ is not stupidity, nor is it a suicide pact. We need not toss common sense and prudence out the window when it comes to crafting and enforcing just immigration and refugee policy.

But we must also not let fear obscure the fact that the millions of undocumented immigrants in

the shadows of our society and the tens of thousands of refugees on our doorstep are providing us with an opportunity: an opportunity to love Christ boldly by welcoming the stranger, confidently accepting the missionary demands that might follow.

For as Christ proved through His death and resurrection, we have nothing to fear when we follow Him. His grace is sufficient. Like the Apostles hiding in the Upper Room, we will be able to live confidently in this truth only when we allow the Lord into our midst and accept His spirit into our life, not clutching at the ring of power for temporal security.

Only we can separate ourselves from the love of Christ.

Action Alert Ask congress to give Christians in the Middle East the support they need!

Over a year ago, the U.S. government declared that ISIS was committing genocide against Christians and other minorities in Iraq and Syria. But we have not matched this symbolic language with action. Christians in the Middle East still face persecution for their faith, and are not receiving the support they need and deserve.

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to address this.

The Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act (H.R. 390) would help focus some of our aid in the Middle East to minority groups who have been targeted

by ISIS. Directing support to Christians and other minorities is not unjust favoritism, but is instead based on the recognition that these groups face death and extinction at the hands of extremists.

Take action now!

Call your senators and ask them to author a Senate companion to H.R. 390 Sen. Amy Klobuchar – 202-224-3244 Sen. Al Franken – 202-224-5641 Call your representative and ask him to cosponsor H.R. 390 Rep. Timothy Walz (1) – 202-225-2472 Rep. Jason Lewis (2) – 202-225-2271 Rep. Collin Peterson (7) – 202-225-2165

V Encuentro Hispanic Ministry program in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Strategic Plan 20172020. At the heart of the V Encuentro process is a five-week experience of reflection, evangelization, and consultation guided by five themes inspired by Pope Francis’ call to foster a culture of encounter (Evangelii Gaudium #24).

The main goal of the V Encuentro is to discern ways in which the Church in the United States can better respond to the Hispanic/Latino presence, and to strengthen the ways in which Hispanics/ Latinos respond to the call to the New Evangelization as missionary disciples serving the entire Church.

This process of the V Encuentro is unfolding in the 12 parishes in the Diocese of Winona that offer Hispanic ministry. The five themes are: 1. Called to a Loving Encounter with Jesus 2. With Words and Actions: Do It! 3. Walking Together with Jesus 4. Bearing Fruits of New Life 5. Celebrating the Joy of Being Missionary Disciples The parishes involved in this process will choose the best time to meet in groups of 7-12 between May and August 2017. After these five sessions, there will be a Parish Encuentro organized by a parish team in communication with the diocesan team coordinating the V Encuentro process. Following these five meetings and Parish Encuentro, everybody is invited to participate in the oneday Diocesan Encuentro on October 15 in Mankato (exact location to be determined).

For more information, please call Fr. Raul Silva, Vicar for Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Winona and Pastor of Queen of Angels Church in Austin, at 507-433-1888 (ext. 2). There is also more information at vencuentro.org Prayer of Encuentro

the Fifth National of Hispanic/Latino Ministry

God of Mercy, You that went out to encounter the disciples on the way to Emmaus, grant us a missionary spirit and send us forth to encounter our brothers and sisters, to walk along beside them, listen to their hopes and dreams, rekindle their faith with the fire of your Word, prepare them to recognize you in the Eucharist and send them as missionary disciples to share the joy of the Gospel to present and future generations of every race, language and culture.

We ask you this from our burning hearts filled with the Holy Spirit, in the Name of your beloved Son and through the intercession of our Mother, Mary of Guadalupe Star of the New Evangelization.

Amen.

Ministerio Hispano

�el Plan l V Encuentro es un programa prioritario en Estratégico 2017-2020 de la Conferencia

de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos. El corazón del proceso V Encuentro hay una experiencia de cinco semanas de reflexión, evangelización y consulta guiada por cinco temas inspirados por el llamado del Papa Francisco a fomentar una cultura de Encuentro (ver la alegría del Evangelio, n. 24) El objetivo principal del V Encuentro es discernir las formas en que la Iglesia en los Estados Unidos puede responder mejor a la presencia hispano-latina y fortalecer las formas en que los hispanos / latinos responden al llamado a la Nueva Evangelización como discípulos misioneros sirviendo a toda la Iglesia.

Este proceso del V Encuentro se está desarrollando en las 12 parroquias de la diócesis de Winona que tienen Ministerio Hispano.

Los cinco temas son: 1. Llamados a un encuentro de amor con Jesús en la Iglesia 2. Con obras y gestos: ¡Atrévete!

3. Caminando juntos con Jesús 4. Dando frutos de nueva vida 5. Festejando la alegría de ser discípulos misioneros Las parroquias involucradas en este proceso elegirán el mejor momento para reunirse por grupos de 7 a 12 entre el mes de mayo y agosto de 2017. Después de estas cinco sesiones habrá un Encuentro Parroquial organizado por un equipo parroquial en comunicación con el equipo diocesano coordinador del V Encuentro. Después de estas cinco reuniones y

del Encuentro parroquial, todos están invitados a participar en el Encuentro Diocesano de un día, el 15 de octubre en Mankato. Se avisará pronto el lugar preciso del encuentro.

Para más información por favor llame al Padre Raúl Silva, vicario de la Pastoral Hispana en la diócesis de Winona y Párroco de la Iglesia Queen of Angels en Austin. Tel. 507-433-1888 (ext.

2). También puede encontrar más información en este website: vencuentro.org

In the Diocese

�“encounter” he Spanish word “encuentro” means or “meeting.” It is a priority

15

Oración del Quinto Encuentro Nacional de Pastoral Hispana/Latina Dios misericordioso, Tú que saliste al encuentro de los discípulos de Emaús, concédenos un espíritu misionero para salir al encuentro de nuestros hermanos y hermanas, unirnos a su caminar cotidiano, escuchar sus tristezas y alegrías, encender sus corazones con el fuego de tu Palabra, prepararlos a reconocerte en la Eucaristía y enviarlos como discípulos misioneros a compartir la alegría del Evangelio a generaciones presentes y futuras de toda raza, lengua y cultura.

Te lo pedimos desde nuestros corazones ardientes en el Espíritu Santo, en nombre de tu Hijo amado y por la intercesión de nuestra Madre María de Guadalupe, Estrella de la Nueva Evangelización.

Amén.

June, 2017 w The Courier

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Happy Anniversary!

Very Rev. Thomas Loomis 25 years of priesthood

Father Loomis was born in St. Paul to Leo and Ann Loomis. He attended the University of Minnesota in Waseca and then studied philosophy at St. Mary College in Winona.

He completed his theology degree at the University of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, IL. On June 17, 1992, Father Loomis was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart by the Most Rev. John G. Vlazny.

Father Loomis' assignments as parochial vicar were at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, Immaculate Conception in Wilson, and Pax Christi in Rochester. As pastor, he served at St. Columban in Preston, St. Patrick in Lanesboro, St. Lawrence O'Toole in Fountain, St. Mary in Chatfield, Resurrection in Rochester, Sacred Heart in Adams, St. John in Johnsburg, Queen of Peace in Lyle, and St. Peter in Rose Creek. Other assignments include instructor for Cotter High School in Winona, chaplain and instructor for St. Pius X School in Rochester, associate vocations director, member of the Presbyteral Council and Priests Assignment Committee, chaplain for Boy Scouts of America and Serra Club, and parochial administrator for St. Bernard in Stewartville and St. Bridget in Simpson. Father Loomis is currently Pastor of Holy Spirit in Rochester, Rural Life Co-Director for the Diocese of Winona, a member of the Clergy Personnel Committee, and Dean for the Rochester Deanery.

Rev. Martin Schaefer 25 years of priesthood

Father Schaefer was born in Austin to Herbert and Dorene Schaefer. He studied philosophy at Immaculate June, 2017 w The Courier

Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and then completed his theology degree at Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. On June 17, 1992, Father Schaefer was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart by the Most Rev. John G. Vlazny. Father Schaefer's assignments as parochial vicar were at St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona, St. John Nepomucene in Winona, St. Adrian in Adrian, St. Mary in Ellsworth, and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Wilmont.

As pastor, he served at St. Leo in Pipestone, St. Joseph in Jasper, St. Martin in Woodstock, and Sacred Heart in Waseca. Other assignments include associate vocations director; priest moderator for St. Anthony in Lismore and St. Kilian in St. Kilian; member of the Presbyteral Council and Priests Committee; dean; chaplain for scouting; adjunct spiritual director for Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary; and parochial administrator for St. Teresa in Mapleton, St. Joseph in Good Thunder, and St. Matthew in Vernon Center. Father Schaefer is currently Vice-Rector and Dean of Formation for Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and is also a member of the Clergy Personnel Committee.

Rev. John Wilmot

40 years of priesthood Father John Patrick Wilmot, son of William and Maureen, was ordained for St. Joseph's Foreign Mission Society (Mill Hill) in his hometown of Mullingar, Ireland, on July 30, 1977, by the Most Rev. John McCormack at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Principally, Father Wilmot studied for the priesthood at the Society's colleges in the Netherlands and England, earning S.T.B., MA (Louvain) degrees.

Midway though his studies he also had three years teaching experience in East Africa. Father Wilmot served as a missionary priest in Zaire, now Congo, and Pakistan.

He entered the Diocese of Winona for ministry in 1993 and was incardinated in 1999. Father Wilmot's assignments as parochial vicar were at St. Pius X in Rochester; the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, which included his being chaplain and instructor for Cotter High School; and Immaculate Conception in Wilson. As pastor, he served at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Easton and St. John the

Baptist in Minnesota Lake and then at St. Joseph the Worker in Mankato and Holy Family in Lake Crystal.

Father Wilmot is currently Pastor of St. Bernard in Stewartville and St. Bridget in Simpson.

Rev. Joseph Hennen 50 years of priesthood

Father Hennen came to the Diocese of Winona in 2014 and is a retired priest of the Diocese of Honolulu, HI. Father Hennen was born in Ghent to Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Hennen. He completed his studies at the Crosier Seminary in Onamia; the Crosier House of Studies in Fort Wayne, IN; and the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. On June 3, 1967, Father Hennen was ordained to the priesthood for the Crosier order.

Father Hennen also attended the College of New Rochelle and earned a Psychology Degree, is a licensed substance abuse counselor and professional counselor in family and marriage, and ministered in an adolescent drug treatment program in New Jersey. As a priest of the Diocese of Honolulu, Father Hennen served as pastor of Malia Puka o Kalani in Hilo, on the Big Island. Since his arrival in the Diocese of Winona, Father Hennen has assisted in multiple parishes around the diocese, most notably as parochial administrator of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Harmony, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Canton, and St. Olaf in Mabel. Father Hennen is currently Chaplain of Madonna Towers in Rochester.

Rev. Andrew Olsem

50 years of priesthood Father Olsem was born in Dundee to Andrew and Margaret (Dorpinghaus) Olsem. He studied

philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and then completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On May 27, 1967, Father Olsem was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald.

Father Olsem's assignments as parochial vicar were at St. Casimir in Wells, St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona, St. James in St. James, St. Pius X in Rochester, St. Joseph in Owatonna, and St. Mary in Worthington. As pastor, he served at St. Martin in Woodstock, St. Mary in Lake Wilson, All Saints in Madison Lake, St. Mary in Worthington, St. Francis Xavier in Windom, Sacred Heart in Heron Lake, and Sacred Heart in Brewster. Other notable assignments include parochial administrator for St. Anthony in Westbrook, St. Augustine in Jeffers, St. Joseph in Good Thunder, and St. Matthew in Vernon Center; faculty for Fitzgerald Middle School in Mankato; and moderator for the Council of Catholic Women.

On August 4, 2009, Father Olsem joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese.

Rev. Anthony Pick

50 years of priesthood Father Pick came to the Diocese of Winona in 2011 and is a retired priest of the Diocese of Sioux City, IA. Father Pick was born November 20, 1941, to Lawrence and Ceil (Pletschette) Pick in Alton, IA. He received his early education at St. Mary's School in Alton, graduating in 1959. He attended Holy Cross College Seminary in La Crosse, WI; Loras College in Dubuque, IA; Creighton University in Omaha, NE, receiving a Master of Science in Education; and Mount St. Bernard Seminary in Dubuque, IA. Father Pick was ordained June 3, 1967, at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City, IA, by the Most Rev. Joseph Mueller. Upon ordination, his assignments were in Fort Dodge, Emmetsburg, and Boone (1971-75); Gilmore City (1976-82); Lidderdale and Glidden (1982-85); Sutherland and Primghar (1985-92); Royal and Everly (1992-99); and Coon Rapids, Dedham, and Glidden (1999-2011).

He also served as diocesan secretary for the National Catholic Rural Life Office and chaplain for the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Father Pick retired in 2011 and now lives in Slayton and assists at parishes in the western end of the Diocese of Winona.

Rev. Eugene Stenzel

50 years of priesthood Father Stenzel was born in Wells to Simon and Loretta (Kalis) Stenzel. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and then completed his theology degree at Mount Saint Bernard Seminary in Dubuque, IA. On May 27, 1967, Father Stenzel was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald.

Father Stenzel's assignments as parochial vicar were at St. Pius X in Rochester, Queen of Angels in Austin, St. Francis of Assisi in Rochester, and the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. As pastor, he served at St. Mary in Geneva, St. Aidan in Ellendale, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Currie, St. Anthony in Westbrook, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Easton, Mater Dolorosa in Delavan, St. John the Baptist in Minnesota Lake, and St. Casimir in Wells. Other notable assignments include instructor for Lourdes High School in Rochester and Pacelli High School in Austin and member of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission.

On January 6, 2010, Father Stenzel joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese and in the spring of 2017, he became an associate of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Father Stenzel will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving on June 18 at 10 a.m. at St. Casimir Church in Wells.

Immediately following Mass, all are invited to an open house at his rural home, The Stone House, at 60659 200th Street. From Wells, go 3 miles east, 2 miles north, and 1/2 mile east on 200th Street. Join him for an afternoon of food, fun, and reminiscing.

Rev. Dale Tupper

50 years of priesthood Father Tupper was born in Rochester to Donald and Catherine

(Cassidy) Tupper. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and then completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On May 27, 1967, Father Tupper was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald.

Father Tupper later attended the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul and received a Master of Education.

Father Tupper's assignments as parochial vicar were at St. Casimir in Winona and St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona. As pastor, he served at St. Vincent de Paul in West Concord, Holy Family in Kasson, Queen of Angels in Austin, and was the first pastor of Holy Spirit in Rochester.

Other assignments include instructor for Cotter High School in Winona; chaplain for Catholic activities of youth organizations in the diocese, Cabrini Home in Winona, and Boy Scouts of America; principal of Loyola High School in Mankato, Cotter High School in Winona, and Lourdes High School in Rochester; vice-rector for Immacualte Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona; editor and associate publisher of The Courier; director of the Diocesan Office of Communications; assisting with ministry at Resurrection in Rochester; diocesan coordinator of SEARCH; missionary in Korea as an associate member of the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America in Maryknoll, NY; member of the Presbyteral Council; and dean. On July 1, 2015, Father Tupper joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese.

Rev. Gerald Conway 60 years of priesthood

Father Conway was born in Rochester to Patrick H. and Amelia (Clemens) Conway. He studied philosophy at Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona. He then completed his theology degree at the North American College in Rome. On December 16, 1956, Father Conway was ordained to the priesthood at the North American College in Rome by the Most Rev. Martin J. O'Connor. He later attended the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul and the Gregorian University in Rome for graduate studies. Father Conway's two assignments as parochial vicar were at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona and St. Anthony in Altura. As pastor, he served at St. Peter in Rose Creek, Queen of Peace in Lyle, Our Lady of Loretto in Brownsdale, and St. Felix in Wabasha. Other notable assignments include instructor for Cotter High School in Winona and St. Mary's College in Xavier, KS; secretary to Bishop Edward Fitzgerald; instructor and chaplain

at St. Mary's College in Winona; faculty for Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and the Catholic Seminary of Indianapolis, IN; director of the Newman Center in Mankato; vice-chancellor for the Diocese of Winona; assistant director of the Society for the Propagation of Faith; associate director of the Diocesan Bureau of Education; director of Diocesan Youth; and member of the Presbyteral Council and Retirement Committee. On October 1, 1999, Father Conway joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese.

ogy degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On June 1, 1957, Father Traufler was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald. Father Traufler served as assistant pastor for the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, St. Theodore in Albert Lea, St. Catherine in Luverne, St. Pius X in Rochester, and St. John Vianney in Fairmont, and he also provided pastoral care at Our Lady of Mercy in Guckeen.

As pastor, he served at Holy Family in East Chain, St. Peter in Hokah, St. Adrian in Adrian, St. Mary in Ellsworth, St. Gabriel in Fulda, Holy Cross in Dakota, Precious Blood in La Moille, St. Mary in Winnebago, and Mater Dolorosa in Delavan. On July 1, 2003, Father Traufler joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese.

Rev. Robert Maher

60 years of priesthood Father Maher was born in Kenneth to John and Edna (Smith) Maher. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and earned his theology degree at the Theological College in Washington, D.C. On May 30, 1957, Father Maher was ordained to the priesthood at St. Anthony Church in Lismore by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald. Father Maher served as parochial vicar at St. Anthony in Lismore, St. Augustine in Austin, and St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona; instructor for Pacelli High School in Austin; assistant principal of Cotter High School in Winona; and chaplain for St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

In 1969 he was released for active duty as a chaplain in the United States Air Force, and for the next 24 years, he served at air force bases in Texas, Alaska, California, South Dakota, Georgia, Germany, Ohio, Washington D.C., and Colorado.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1993 in the grade of Colonel, he served in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. On August 1, 1999, Father Maher retired from active ministry, and he currently resides in Las Vegas, NV.

Rev. John Traufler

60 years of priesthood Father Traufler was born in Chatfield to John and Edna (Coty) Traufler. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and completed his theol-

Rev. Msgr. Francis Galles 65 years of priesthood

Monsignor Galles was born in Iona to Charles and Virginia (Boltz) Galles on March 8, 1927.

He completed his studies at Loras College in Dubuque, IA; the Catholic University in Washington, D.C.; and the Gregorian University in Rome. On December 20, 1952, Monsignor Galles was ordained to the priesthood at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome by His Emminence Cardinal Clemente Micara. Monsignor Galles' assignments as parochial vicar were at St. John Nepomucene in Winona and St. Pius X in Rochester. As pastor, he served at St. Francis Xavier in Windom, St. Augustine in Jeffers, St. Columban in Preston, St. Lawrence O'Toole in Fountain, and St. Patrick in Lanesboro. Other notable assignments include religion instructor at Cotter High School in Winona; assistant editor of The Courier; diocesan director of Family Life and the Spiritual Renewal Program; spiritual director for Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and the North American College in Rome; advocate and notary for the Tribunal; junior clergy examiner; chaplain for the Sisters of St. Francis Motherhouse in Rochester; and parochial administrator for St. Columban in Preston, St. Lawrence O'Toole in Fountain, St. Ann in Slayton, St. Mary in Lake Wilson, St. Ignatius in Spring Valley, St. Finbarr in Grand Meadow, and St. Patrick in LeRoy. In 1962 he was named Papal Chamberlain by Pope John XXIII, and in 1968 he was named Domestic Prelate. On July 1, 1997, Monsignor Galles joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese. In retirement, Monsignor Galles lives at Traditions of Preston and continues to offer daily Mass several days a week at St. Columban in Preston.

the School Sisters of Notre Dame Good Counsel Convent in Mankato by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald. Father Loomis' assignments as parochial vicar were at St. Joseph in Winona, St. John Nepomucene in Winona, Holy Redeemer in Eyota, St. Theodore in Albert Lea, St. Adrian in Adrian, Queen of Angels in Austin, Ss. Peter and Paul in Blue Earth, St. Mary in Caledonia, Our Lady of Loretto in Brownsdale, St. John Vianney in Fairmont, and Holy Family in East Chain. As pastor, he served at St. Anthony in Westbrook, St. Augustine in Jeffers, St. Patrick in Millville/West Albany, St. Clement in Hammond, St. Joseph in Rushford, St. Mary in Houston, St. Luke in Sherburn, St. Joseph in Trimont, St. Anthony in Lismore, St. Kilian in St. Kilian, St. Catherine in Luverne, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Canton, and St. Olaf in Mabel. Other assignments included assistant director for Diocesan Rural Life and parochial administrator for Sacred Heart in Heron Lake, St. Joseph in Lakefield, and Sacred Heart in Brewster. On July 1, 2003, Father Loomis joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese.

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Rev. Msgr. Joseph Mountain 65 years of priesthood

Monsignor Mountain was born in Mankato to (William) Thomas and Margaret (Norton) Mountain.

He studied philosophy at Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On May 1, 1952, Monsignor Mountain was ordained to the priesthood at the School Sisters of Notre Dame Good Counsel Convent in Mankato by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald.

Monsignor Mountain's assignments as parochial vicar were at Ss. Peter and Paul in Blue Earth, St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, and St. Joseph the Worker in Mankato. As pastor, he served at St. Rose of Lima in Avoca, St. Mary in Lake Wilson, St. Columban in Preston, St. Mary in Winona, St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, St. John Baptist de la Salle in Dodge Center, Holy Family in Kasson, Sacred Heart in Hayfield, and Sacred Heart in Waseca.

Other notable assignments include instructor for Lourdes High School in Rochester; parochial administrator for St. Bernard in Stewartville, St. Mary of the Lake in Lake City, St. Ignatius in Spring Valley, and St. Mary in Ellsworth; regional episcopal vicar; dean; moderator for the Council of Catholic Women; and member of the College of Consultors. In 1997 he was named Domestic Prelate. After joining the rank of senior priests on August 1, 1995, Monsignor Mountain served as priest moderator for St. Teresa in Mapleton, St. Matthew in Vernon Center, and St. Joseph in Good Thunder.

Rev. Richard Loomis

65 years of priesthood Father Loomis was born in Bath to Joseph and Eleanor (Fitzgerald) Loomis. He studied philosophy at St. John College in Collegeville and then completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul.

On May 1, 1952, Father Loomis was ordained to the priesthood at

Rev. Edward Mountain 70 years of priesthood

Father Mountain was born in Good Thunder to Edward and Ada (Bowe) Mountain. He studied philosophy at St. Mary College in Winona and then completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On June 1, 1947, Father Mountain was ordained to the priesthood at St. John the Baptist in Mankato by the Most Rev. Leo Binz, Co-Adjutor Bishop of Winona.

Father Mountain's assignments as parochial vicar were at Ss. Peter and Paul in Blue Earth, St. Augustine in Austin, St. Thomas Pro Cathedral in Winona, and the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. As pastor, he served at St. Lawrence O'Toole in Fountain, St. Kilian in Wykoff, St. Mary in Ellsworth, St. Joseph in Lakefield, St. John the Baptist in Minneota/Lakefield, Sacred Heart in Owatonna, Christ the King in Medford, and Corpus Christi in Deerfield. Other notable assignments include instructor for Cotter High School in Winona, parochial administrator for St. Joseph in Monterey and St. Patrick in Lanesboro, and chaplain for St. James Hospital in St. James and St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. On October 10, 1989, Father Mountain joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese.

June, 2017 w The Courier

In the Diocese

Sisters of Saint Francis to Present 18 Musical Premiere Francis & Clare, a new musical about the lives and teachings of two extraordinary people who lived 800 years ago, will premiere at Page Theater on the campus of St. Mary's University in Winona August 4-6, 2017 (7 p.m. 8/4 and 8/5. 2 p.m.

8/6). The story is about St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, Italy, and their struggles and triumphs to envision a new world, one where people treat each other with greater mutual respect and live in peace

Obituaries

Sister Maureen (Mary Kevin) Murray, SSND, 93, professed in 1945, died May 30, 2017, at Good Counsel in Mankato.

A native of London, England, she was a teacher, a member of the Mankato Province Leadership Council, and a spiritual director. She also worked for St. Mary's Press in Winona.

She did not teach in the Diocese of Winona; however, she became acquainted with several diocesan priests and leaders during her terms in provincial leadership (1971-75 and 1979-87). At St. Mary's Press, she served as editorial director (1975-79) and in public relations and marketing (1988-91). From 1991 through 1998, she coordinated the St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocesan Retirement Fund.

and harmony.

First begun 20 years ago as a fundraising project of music vignettes to help Assisi after a devastating earthquake, the project has now been expanded into a full-length musical, featuring a cast of 20 with more than 20 original songs. The original work is the collaboration of three Sisters of Saint Francis: Eileen Haugh, Ingrid Peterson, and Ramona Miller; and the local theater and music talents of Nancy Edstrom Bachler and Bruce Ramsdell.

For a variety of reasons, the musical sat on the back burner for many years. Then, in 2013, the musical received new life with the advent of a new pope, Pope Francis. For the first time, a pope not only took the revered saint's name, but used the teachings of the Franciscans to help guide his ministry. During that same year, a local couple, who had attended one of

those early fundraising events and had been moved by the story and the music, asked if they could help bring the musical to a larger audience. When they generously agreed to underwrite the production costs of a premiere performance, the creative team got back to work.

With the help of St. Mary's University President Brother William Mann and the university's theater department, Sister Ramona secured dates in early August to stage the world premiere event. According to Brother William, this is a story for the ages, one showing how people with a vision can really change the world.

For more information about Francis & Clare, please call Sisters of Saint Francis Communications Director Kathy Gatliff at 507-529-3523.

Sister Margaret Manahan (Sister Mary Dara), 94, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on Monday, June 5, 2017.

Margaret Mary Manahan was born D e c e m b e r 23, 1922, in Minneapolis to William and Agnes (Ryan) Manahan.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1943 from Cathedral Parish in St. Paul.

Sister Margaret made first vows in 1946 and perpetual vows in 1949.

She received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the College of St. Teresa in Winona in 1961, a Master's Degree in religious education/teaching from St. Mary's College in Winona in 1974, and a Master's Degree in education/pastoral counseling from St. Thomas University in St. Paul in 1974.

Sister Margaret taught at St. Augustine School in

Austin; St. Priscila School in Chicago, IL; and Cathedral School in Winona. Following 11 years of teaching in elementary schools, she was a religious education teacher for several Minnesota parishes: St. Mary's in Chatfield, St. Pius in Rochester, and St. Patrick's in Edina.

She also served as religious education director for St. Theodore Parish in Albert Lea and St. Patrick Parish in Edina. After her studies at the University of St. Thomas, she served for five years as a pastoral associate at St. Olaf Parish in Minneapolis. Other ministries included director of SEMSCO and refugee ministry volunteer in Rochester (1981-84); organizer and resource person for Vietnamese Mutual Assistance Association in Columbus, OH (1984-87); campus minister at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH (1987-91); Tau Center minister in Winona (1991-94); and volunteer at several social service agencies in Victor, MT (1994-96). Sister Margaret returned to Rochester in 1996. She continued to remain very active in several ministries at Assisi Heights and kept her eyes on the Minnesota Twins. Sister Margaret joined the Young at Heart Singers, who perform all over southeastern Minnesota, in 2001 and gave her last performance in December of 2016.

Sister Margaret is survived by her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared her life for 73 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Frances Kucera.

Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Development, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Ste. 100, Rochester, MN 55901.

NCCW to Celebrate 97 Years at Convention

brate the gifts of women. We embrace the corporal and spiritual works of mercy as requested by His Holiness, Pope Francis, and call all women to see our joy as we live the Gospel message."

Speakers for the 2017 National Convention include: Mary Rice Hasson, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., where she directs the Catholic Women's Forum, an initiative that responds to Pope Francis' call for Catholic women to assume a higher profile within the Church; Stacy Thomlison, a missionary for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students; Dale Recinella, a Catholic lay chaplain to death row inmates as well as author of several books on the death penalty; and Mother Susan Catherine, a former Nagadoches County judge who, in 2010, founded the order of the Daughters of Divine Hope, which welcomes women over the age of 25, with a particular openness to widows and older women.

The convention early bird rate of $300 will expire on June 30, 2017. Visit nccw.org for more information and to register.

WASHINGTON, D.C.--The National Council of Catholic Women, founded March 4, 1920, will celebrate its 97th year of service to God and the Church at its annual convention September 6-9, 2017, in Dallas, TX, with the theme, Catholic Women: Living the Joy of the Gospel.

"Held at the beautiful Hilton Anatole in the Dallas Design District--minutes from art galleries, shopping and airports, and a doable drive for many--the 2017 convention allows council sisters from across the country to join in prayer and fellowship; become empowered through workshops on spirituality, leadership, and service; hear inspiring speakers; celebrate moving liturgies; and visit the jam-packed exhibit hall," said NCCW in a May, 2017, press release.

NCCW President Sheila Hopkins said, "Convention is always a special time to share, pray together, and cele-

Keep It Coming!

June, 2017 w The Courier

Thank you for answering our request for feedback. As we consider a format change for The Courier, we'd like to hear from even more of you! What do you find most interesting, helpful, or relevant about The Courier? What kind of content would you like to see printed in the future? Please tell Associate Editor Nick Reller at nreller@dow.org, 507858-1257, or 55 W Sanborn Street, Winona, MN 55987.

Adoption, cont'd from pg. 7

The Rochester Serra Club gave the Great Promise Award to these Catholic youth who exemplify generosity of service and leadership: L to R: Andrew Pham, Caleb Devillbiss, Gretts Deick, Lacy Jewson, Grace Marshall, Xavier Stevermer, and Brandon McCrady. Also pictured: Msgr. Thomas Cook. Not present: Julia Kundel and Isabelle Lukes.

Students of Sacred Heart School in Waseca have placed at the state level in the Catholic Daughters of America 2017 Education Contest.

They are (L to R) Second Place Winner Lucas McQuery and Honorable Mentions Addison Kelm, Esme Pearce, and Brayden Hesch-Priem. The entries were first judged on the local level by Waseca Court 1424, and the first place winner in each category (art, computer art, poetry, and essay) was send to the state competition.

19

In the Diocese

At the final Mass of St. Joseph Parish in Jasper, Bishop Quinn awarded the Bishop's Medal to (L to R) Carolyn Baustian, Jim Baustian, Stella Lingen, and Dick Lingen for their years of service to the parish.

Also pictured: Msgr. Gerald Kosse. Photo credit: Pipestone Publishing.

Dr. Grazie Christie, a radiologist and a policy advisor for The Catholic Association, agreed, and shared her own decision to adopt after having four children.

“We didn’t need a child. We had plenty of children,” she said of her family, yet “we had so much” and wanted to adopt as “an act of love.”

They adopted a child from outside the U.S. Yet she wasn’t ready for the skepticism and criticism she faced for her decision.

“We got a lot of negativity from people around us,” she said, including questions and observations like “You’re crazy,” “You don’t know what you’re going to get,” “You’re going out to get other people’s problems and bring them home,” and “Don’t you have enough children?”

“I was pained by it,” she said, but when she received her new daughter and began caring for her, “it was hands-down the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me.”

More married couples, upon finding that they are unable to have children, are turning to fertility treatments or in-vitro fertilization, but there are thousands of babies available for adoption, aching for a home, Dr. Christie said.

Ultimately, Christians and pro-lifers should be doing much more to promote adoption even if they themselves can’t adopt children, panel experts insisted.

“We have to very much, very specifically, very purposefully build a culture of adoption,” Dr. Christie said. “It has to be seen as yet another way that God matches children with their parents.”

“We all have a duty to practice this kind of radical hospitality” and “welcome the stranger,” Kirk said. And today’s stranger is the unwanted child in danger of abortion, she added. “Every couple is called to think about what they’re doing to help the orphan, to help the widow.”

This doesn’t necessarily mean that all couples must adopt a child, however.

For instance, Tina Andrews is CEO of ADORE Children and Family Services, which is a “therapeutic foster care agency” for children who have been neglected or abused. For prospective parents, she promotes “fostering to adopt,” where couples must undergo 40 hours of training and be involved in a foster parent support group before they can be paired with a child. ADORE monitors the placement of the child even after the family takes them in.

Many parents may “want a child,” she said, but they lack the parenting skills or the necessary support system for a child, and so her group looks to make sure that the fit will be the right one.

However, promoting adoption may be as simple as “educating people about the reality of what contemporary adoption looks like,” Kirk said. Now, a mother has more power to choose the family she will place her child with, and this growth in culture should be talked about.

Dr. Christie said that while going through the adoption process, she was struck by the fact that adoption mirrors God’s relationship with us.

“In bringing joy to others, in redeeming others” through adoption, “we allow ourselves to be redeemed in the process,” added Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin, resident research fellow at the Tikvah Fund.

“We need to live by example in this area,” he said of pro-lifers. “I think it’s a cultural change that needs to happen.”

Local Christians gathered in front of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona on Saturday, May 13, to offer a public rosary for peace in honor of the 100th Anniversary of Fatima. Photo credit: Kathy Foerster.

St. John Vianney Parish in Fairmont recognized its 2017 graduates of Fairmont High School at a Baccalaureate Mass on May 21. Per tradition of the past 15 years, the junior class parents and students organized a postMass celebration featuring a luncheon, slideshow, and gifts. Pictured are (L to R) front row: Jenna Pavich, Madison Reischl, Lily Nordquist, Taylor Nuss, Maddie Hennager, Kierra Preston, Alexa Steele, and Aschdon Birkle. Back row: Alexis Jette, Evangeline Petrowiak, Cameron Militello, Justin Schwieger, Refugio Sanchez, Shawn Busche, Kenlie Pytleski (Holy Family Parish), Tony Joseph, and Jared Larson.

June, 2017 w The Courier

SUBMISSION to the calendar

June 2017 • The Courier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Televised Mass

Other Events Holy Spirit Church, Rochester June 17, Saturday Come celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fr. Tom Loomis' ordination at a reception following Holy Spirit Parish's 4:30 p.m. Mass.

Sacred Heart Church, Adams June 18, Sunday Come celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fr. Martin Schaefer's ordination at a reception following Sacred Heart Parish's 11 a.m. Mass.

Ss. Peter & Paul Church, Mazeppa June 18, Sunday A retirement celebration for Fr. Joe Fogal will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., following 10 a.m.

Mass, which will be celebrated by Fr. Joe. The church is located at 222 1st Ave S in Mazeppa.

Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, IL June 22-24, Thursday-Saturday Annual meeting of the North

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

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

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

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

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

Spanish Mass Schedule Albert Lea, St. Theodore Owatonna, Sacred Heart 11 a.m. Sunday 11:45 a.m. Sunday Austin, Queen of Angels 11 a.m. Sunday; 5:15 Pipestone, St. Leo 2:30 p.m. Sunday Friday (bilingual) Lake City, St. Mary 6:30 p.m. each 3rd Saturday Rochester, St. Francis Madelia, St. Mary of Assisi 10 a.m. Sunday 12 p.m. Sunday & 7 Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul p.m. Thursday 1 p.m. Sunday

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

Central Region of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. This year's meeting is hosted by the Rockford Council, and follows the theme, Hearts and Hands in God's Service. $135 registration fee includes materials and 5 meals. Registration now open at npotogether.org/ncr2017. Special accomodations rate of $115 + tax available until June 9. Call the resort directly at 630-584-6300 to reserve a room.

Holy Spirit Retreat Center, Lake Elysian June 24-30, Sat. - Fri. Retreat: Wisdom of St. Francis for the 21st Century. Sr. Kathy Warren, OSF, presents. $425 (includes meals and lodging).

Commuter discount rate: $275 (includes meals). For info and registration: 507-234-5712 or retreat@frontiernet.net.

Pax Christi Church, Rochester June 25, Sunday Retirement celebration for Fr. Joe Fogal from 12-3 p.m. Fr. Joe will celebrate all Masses June 24-25 (6/24 at 5:15 p.m. and 6/25 at 7:30, 9:00 and 10:45 a.m.). Pax Christi is located at 4135 18th Ave. NW in Rochester.

St. Aloysius Church, Elba July 1, Saturday In July and August, St. Aloysius Parish will reduce its Mass schedule to only the first and third Saturday of each month at 7 p.m.

Mass times for September and onward are yet to be determined.

St. John the Baptist Church, Rural Adams July 9, Sunday Johnsburg Polka Jamboree 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Family-friendly event featuring 11 a.m. Polka Mass, food, cake walk, raffle, games for all ages. Info: 641-220-1445.

Crucifixion Church, La Crescent July 14-15, Friday-Saturday Crucifixion Parish will hold a rummage sale from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday ($6 per bag, larger items as marked) and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday ($3 per bag, larger items half price.) Lunch will be available both days. The church is located at 420 S 2nd St. in La Crescent.

Mayo Civic Center, Rochester July 14-16, Friday-Sunday Steubenville Youth Conference, featuring 2017 ministry team: Brian Kissinger, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Katie Prejean, Matt Regitz, Paul J. Kim, and Sonar. Open to youth who have completed grades 8-12. More information at partnershipforyouth. o rg /ste u b e nv i l l e - ro c h e ste r.

Registration forms at dow.org/ offices/youth-and-young-adults/ steubenville-north.html Camp Koronis, Paynesville July 23-26, Sunday-Wednesday MCCL Life Leadership Camp is 4 days of pro-life education and training to equip students in grades 9-12 to be knowledgeable pro-life advocates. The camp is part of the Life & Leadership Camps Initiative, a nationwide

pro-life program developed by the National Right to Life, Louisiana Right to Life, and Wisconsin Right to Life groups. Life Leadership Camp covers issues including abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide, and includes instruction, workshops, and outdoor activities. Students will network with other pro-life teens from across the state and acquire the tools to be pro-life leaders at their schools. The camp is located at 15752 Co Rd 181, Paynesville, MN 56362. Register at www.mccl. org/camp St. Bernard Church, Stewartville July 23, Sunday The St. Bernard/St. Bridget cluster will host a celebration for Fr. Wilmot's 40th anniversary of priesthood. Refreshments will be served at St. Bernard's in Marian Hall after a 10 a.m. Mass until 2 p.m. for all who wish to offer congratulations.

Hilton Anatole, Dallas, TX September 6-9, WednesdaySaturday National Council of Catholic Women annual convention.

Theme: Catholic Women: Living the Joy of the Gospel. Visit nccw. org for more information and to register. Early bird rate of $300 expires June 30, 2017.

St. Mary of the Lake Church, Lake City September 10, Sunday Chicken BBQ Dinner with all trimmings served 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

419 W Lyon Ave. in Lake City.