The Courier - March 2021

The

COURIER

St. Joseph March 19

Rite

March 2021

Election

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

of

How Does a Parish Behave?

By FR. WILLIAM THOMPSON

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Submitted by TODD GRAFF

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n the above photo, Bishop Quinn signs the “Book of the Elect” during the livestream celebration of the diocesan Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona on February 21.

This special diocesan celebration, held each year on the First Sunday of Lent, marks a significant moment

on the pilgrimage of faith for our catechumens and candidates as they begin their Lenten journey of “purification and enlightenment” and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. They will become full members of the Church, the Body of Christ, and our parishes and diocese will be deeply blessed and enriched by their presence and witness among us!

More on pg. 5

ast month, I described what a parish is. This month, I encourage you to reflect on how a parish behaves. The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish Community in the Service of the Evangelizing Mission of the Church offers insights into parish behavior in our current times. Toward the beginning, the document quotes Pope Francis in Evangelium Gaudium when he says “the Christian community must make a determined missionary decision ‘capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her selfpreservation’” (5). The Pope is encouraging us to focus not on what seemed to work well 50 years ago, or even 5 years ago, but on what is needed today to fulfill the evangelizing mission of the Church. This directive may call to mind Jesus’ own admonishment that “those

Parish, cont'd on pg. 4

INSIDE this issue

New Initiatives from Parish Social Ministry page 6

Catholic Schools Week 2021 pages 8-9

The Life of a Lasallian Brother page 11

Pope Francis Watch

Articles of Interest

A Team Effort____________________________5

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New Initiatives from Parish Social Ministry____6

The Courier Insider

Stewardship Saint for March: Saint Joseph___7 Catholic Schools Week 2021_______________8 Growing in Holiness at SEEK21____________10 The Life of a Lasallian Brother____________11 Diocesan Headlines______________________13

The Holy Father's Intention for

Pope Francis Says He Is Coming to Iraq as a 'Pilgrim of Peace'

VATICAN CITY, March 4, 2021 (CNA) - A day before he departed for Baghdad, Pope Francis sent a video message to the Iraqi people, saying that he was coming to Iraq as “a pilgrim of peace.”

“I am coming as a pilgrim, as a penitent pilgrim, to implore from the Lord forgiveness and reconciliation after years of war and terrorism, to beg from God the consolation of hearts and the healing of wounds,” the pope said in the video message released March 5.

“Yes, I am coming as a pilgrim of peace, seeking fraternity and prompted by the desire to pray together and to walk together, also with our brothers and sisters of other religious traditions, in the steps of Father Abraham, who joins in one family Muslims, Jews and Christians,” he said.

Pope Francis expressed his desire to see his “dear brothers and sisters in Iraq” and to visit “an ancient and extraordinary cradle of civilization.”

The pope said that he felt “honored to meet a martyr Church,” and expressed gratitude to Christians in Iraq “who have witnessed to their faith in Jesus in the midst of very hard trials.”

“You still have in your eyes the images of

destroyed houses and desecrated churches, and in your heart the wounds of affections left behind and abandoned houses,” he said.

“I would like to bring you the affectionate caress of the whole Church, which is close to you and to the tormented Middle East and encourages you to move forward.”

In the video message to the Iraqi people, Pope Francis said two phrases in Arabic: “As-salamu alaykum,” which means “peace be upon you” and “shukran,” which means “thank you.”

“Dear brothers and sisters, I have thought so much of you in these years, of you who have suffered so much, but you have not been despondent. To you, Christians, Muslims; to you, peoples, like the Yazidi people, the Yazidis, who have suffered so much, so much; all brothers, all. Now I come to your blessed and wounded land as a pilgrim of hope,” the pope said.

“From you, in Nineveh, the prophecy of Jonah resounded, which prevented the destruction and brought a new hope, the hope of God. Let us allow ourselves to be infected by this hope, which encourages us to rebuild and start over.”

'Pilgrim of Peace,' cont'd on pg. 4

The Courier is the official publication of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 112 - 3

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

(ISSN 0744-5490)

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March 2021

Sacrament of Reconciliation Let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God. Officials The Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, announces the following appointments: Presbyteral Council Rev. John Evans: elected to the Presbyteral Council as the Winona Deanery Representative, to serve the remainder of the current three-year term vacated due to priest reassignments, through December 31, 2021.

Rev. Swaminatha Pothireddy: elected to the Presbyteral Council as an At-Large Representative for a three-year term, effective January 1, 2021.

Rev. Andrew Beerman: elected to the Presbyteral Council as the Mankato Deanery Representative for a three-year term, effective January 1, 2021.

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

Rev. Kurt Farrell: elected to the Presbyteral Council as the Austin / Albert Lea Deanery Representative for a three-year term, effective January 1, 2021.

Where to Find the Courier

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

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

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

Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving

Bishop John M. Quinn

�ear Friends in Christ, Lent

On February 17, we celebrated Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Many of us went to Mass and received ashes on our heads. This mark of our mortality reminds us that we are dust, and to dust we will return, and of our need to repent and believe in the Gospel.

Our Triune God has given us the precious gift of life. In doing so, He has also given us freewill to choose by our daily actions whether to turn toward God, or away from God. At the end of our life, we will receive what we chose in this life: eternity with God and all the saints in heaven for those who sincerely loved God and strove to serve Him and follow His commandments in this life; or eternity separated from God in hell, for those who permanently turned away from God and the commandments, in favor of their own will. Our loving Father does not send anyone to hell, and desires all of His children to be with Him forever in heaven, but it is up to us to respond to His invitation to know, love, and serve Him.

our parishes and communities that provide financial and hands-on assistance to the poor and needy. Lent is a perfect time to get involved and see how we can support them in their ministry.

The Light Is On

Regardless of how ardently we are striving to follow Christ, there will be times when we fall short and sin. It is for this reason that Christ instituted the Sacrament of Penance, giving His apostles and their successors the authority to forgive sins. When you go to confess your sins to a priest, you are confessing them to Christ Himself, and it is Christ, through the person of the ordained priest, who absolves you from your sins.

Confession is a powerful way to reorient our lives toward the Triune God, and get back on the right path.

Whether you have been away from this Sacrament of mercy for one year or 50, Jesus Christ is waiting for you to return.

We are all sinners in need of God’s mercy, and Christ Himself said that there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over 99 righteous people who have no need of repentance (Luke 15:7).

This year, instead of a particular weekend in Lent on which to promote and encourage the Sacrament of Penance, parishes are encouraged to advertise when the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered, and offer resources to assist people in approaching the sacrament. If you do not know when Confession will be offered in your area, feel free to contact a nearby parish to find out. You are also always welcome to contact a priest to set up an individual appointment.

The website www. thelightisonsouthernmn. org has a wide variety of information on the Sacrament

of Penance, including examinations of conscience, “how-to” guides for those wondering what to do or say in the confessional, and real-life stories from people who have experienced the powerful grace of forgiveness, mercy, and freedom through the Sacrament of Confession.

This Lent, come back to our Triune God in the Sacrament of Penance – the light is on for you!

Catholic Ministries Appeal

Every year, through your generosity, the diocese is able to fund and support a great number of ministries, which serve to bring people closer to Jesus Christ and His Church. From Faith Formation to Communications, Catholic Schools to Vocations, the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) raises funds to support the various programs of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

This year’s theme for the Catholic Ministries Appeal is “Share the Light of Hope.”

Although many aspects of our lives have changed this year due to COVID-19, the mission of the Church, of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, is still the same. I thank you for your generosity in previous years, and I encourage you to prayerfully consider how you are able to contribute this year. All donations to the CMA are restricted to diocesan ministries and will not be used to cover legal fees for the diocese. Thank you for using your time, talent, and treasure to help build up the Kingdom of God in southern Minnesota.

Blessed are you!

Catholics at the Capitol

April 15 will be the third Catholics at the Capitol in St. Paul. The previous two events, in 2017 and 2019, were very successful and brought together Catholics from all over the state to pray, learn about the issues affecting

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human dignity in Minnesota, and engage with their elected representatives.

This year, people will be able to attend either in-person or virtually. For those who choose to travel to St. Paul, both the Cathedral of St. Paul and state capitol are quite large and allow for gatherings with all the normal protocols in place.

During the course of the day, participants will hear from Archbishop Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and pro-life advocate Obianuju Ekeocha; have the opportunity to attend Mass; take part in a Eucharistic Procession from the Cathedral to the capitol; and meet with state legislators and advocate for policies that promote the common good. More information and registration can be found at catholicsatthecapitol.org, or by contacting Peter Martin at pmartin@dowr.org or 507858-1273. More than ever, our country is in need of faithful citizens who will bring their faith to the public square.

From the Bishop

Rejoice in Hope

Lent is a time for us to examine our relationship with the Lord and evaluate how we are living our lives of discipleship. Are we pursing a path of goodness and truth, centered on God and love of neighbor? Have we instead turned away from God and sought pleasure and happiness in the things of this world, whether through addictions to pornography or alcohol, or overindulgence in food or social media? How we choose to spend our time reveals our priorities: What priorities do our lives reflect? Are these the priorities we want to have?

If not, what changes do we need to make so that our lives reflect the priorities God desires us to have?

The three traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving help us to take stock of our lives, make necessary changes, and turn back to the Triune God. By making prayer a deliberate part of our day, we come to know our Heavenly Father’s immense love for us, and see with greater clarity those obstacles which are getting in the way of a better relationship with Him. If you aren’t in the habit of setting aside time daily for prayer, start with 10 or 15 minutes, perhaps silently sitting in Jesus’ Eucharistic presence at your parish, or slowly and prayerfully reading and reflecting on the Scriptures from the day’s Mass.

Fasting goes hand in hand with prayer. It is very easy to be distracted by the things of this world, but when we refrain from eating, or from certain foods or activities, the absence of whatever we gave up can be a reminder to pray and offer up our fasting for a specific intention.

Almsgiving helps us to think of others and their needs. Traditionally this is done by giving money to charities but it can also be expressed by acts of service.

There are many ministries in

Sincerely in Christ,

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

The Bishop's Calendar is on Page 4.

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Parish,

cont'd from pg. 1

who seek to save their life will lose it, but those who lose their life for my sake, and that of the gospel, will save it” (Matthew 10:39).

In this way, this document offers some real challenges. It quotes Pope Francis saying “my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security” (3). Saying “This is the way we’ve always done things” is a false sense of security.

The way we’ve done things may be good, but is that the direction the Holy Spirit is moving? Selfpreservation and focusing inward is not the way to be a parish. Pope Francis once told youth to go home and “make a mess.” He didn’t mean that we should abandon the Catholic faith and do what we want, but rather that we shouldn’t be afraid to think and act differently—we shouldn’t be afraid to fail.

Sometimes we need to fail in our plans in order to grow in humility and faith. None of us are God, but we are God’s instruments.

Of course, this shift should not give the impression that the evangelizing mission of the parish can ignore its own parishioners. The encouragement, rather, is to transform parish life. The document says “it would be useful to establish a mystagogical itinerary that genuinely affects existence” (23).

Pilgrim of Peace,

cont'd from pg. 2

Pope Francis’ March 5-8 trip to Iraq will take him from excavations of historical biblical sites dating back thousands of years to churches where Catholics suffered horrific terrorist attacks only a few years ago.

Bishop's Calendar

In other words, find a way to grow not only in the knowledge of the faith, but in its impact in our lives (and therefore the lives of those around us). We hear of terms like “culture of encounter,” “art of accompaniment,” and “sanctuary” in this document. Do those terms have a place in your Men’s Club, CCW, Catholic Daughters or Knights of Columbus? Do those terms describe the way that you prepare for, celebrate and depart from Mass?

The Eucharist remains the source and summit of our faith, but think of what a mountain looks like without anything in between the source and summit. The challenge of the Mass is to “glorify the Lord by your life” when we leave Mass each Sunday.

The groups I just mentioned are only a few of the time-honored gatherings of parishioners. We might also think of Fall Festivals, Faith Formation and Donut Sunday. Each of these may very well support a parish on mission. Sometimes, though, maintaining a structure becomes more important than achieving the goal of our faith. This is why our Diocese has been promoting Bible studies, Alpha, Discipleship Quads, and other forms of accompanying one another as we grow in faith. A parish is a community of communities, and not one size fits all. Even so, it is important to pay attention to the Holy Spirit to understand if you are being called out of your comfort zone in order to grow closer to Jesus.

As you read this, perhaps you are imagining a parish on mission as a larger parish—certainly one that is not your own. Maybe, you are thinking

He will visit a Catholic church in Baghdad on March 5 that was the site of a suicide attack by the Islamic State during Sunday Mass in 2010 in which more than 50 people were killed.

The following day he will meet with Muslim and other religious leaders in Ur in southern Iraq, which the Bible records as the birthplace of Abraham.

“Let us not give up in the face of the spread of evil: the ancient sources of wisdom of your lands direct us elsewhere, to do as Abraham who, while leaving everything, never lost hope; and trusting in

March 1, Monday 8 a.m. - Teach at SMU

School Administrators - Zoom 4 p.m. - Evening Prayer with Presbyterate - Zoom

March 2, Tuesday 11 a.m. - Deans Meeting 3 p.m. - Clergy Personnel Committee Meeting 4 p.m. - Evening Prayer and Fraternity with Presbyterate - Zoom

March 11, Thursday 9:45 a.m. - Mass - Lourdes High School 4 p.m. - Meeting with MN Bishops and Jason Adkins from MCC - Zoom

March 3, Wednesday 4 p.m. - Evening Prayer with Presbyterate - Zoom March 4, Thursday 3-7 p.m. - Parish Civil Corporation Virtual Board Meetings March 5, Friday 11 a.m. - Diocesan COVID-19 Task Force Meeting 7 p.m. - Cor Jesu - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

March 12, Friday 11 a.m. - Funeral Mass for Fr. Ed Mountain Sacred Heart Church, Owatonna 12:30 p.m. - USCCB Committee on Catholic Education Meeting - Zoom March 13, Saturday 10:30 a.m. - Irish American Mass - Sacred Heart Church, Waseca March 14, Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Mass - Resurrection Church, Rochester

March 7, Sunday 8 a.m. - Mass - St. Patrick Church, Brownsville

March 15, Monday 8 a.m. - Teach at SMU

March 8, Monday 8 a.m. - Teach at SMU 10:30 a.m. - Seminarian Evaluations

March 16, Tuesday 1-3:40 p.m. - Parish Civil Corporation Virtual Board Meetings 4 p.m. - Evening Prayer and Fraternity with Presbyterate - Zoom 5:40-8 p.m. - Parish Civil Corporation Virtual Board Meetings

March 9, Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. -Parish Civil Corporation Virtual Board Meetings 4 p.m. - Evening Prayer and Fraternity with Presbyterate - Zoom March 10, Wednesday 6:30 a.m. - Lauds and Mass - IHM Seminary 8:30 a.m. - Seminarian Evaluations 3:30 p.m. - Meeting with DOW-R Catholic March 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

March 17, Wednesday 4 p.m. - Evening Prayer with Presbyterate - Zoom March 18, Thursday 9 a.m. - Diocesan “Mission Forward” Virtual Event 10:31 a.m. - Real Presence Radio Guest

Very Rev. William Thompson Vicar General vicargeneral@dowr.org

“this is easy for the big parishes, but how could we do it?” First of all, this pastoral conversion is no easier for large parishes than small. What seems to be difficult is responding to the nudge of the Holy Spirit. As I wrote last month, this pastoral conversion cannot rely entirely on the work of the pastor, even if he has a particular role. Do not be afraid to take on the responsibility of evangelization in your parish! It may seem daunting at first, but so does the prospect of going on a mission trip. If you ask anyone who has made one of these trips, the majority will share how their fear melted as they worked with people in need (often feeling like they received more than they gave).

The parish should not act like a high school clique, paying attention only to the “in” crowd of invested or long-time parishioners. Nor should it act like a social club—a group of like-minded individuals that do not need to exert effort to maintain unity. The parish is to act as the Body of Christ, who came to serve, not to be served, and to imitate God’s action of loving the world so much that He sent His Son. Go out to all the world, starting with your parish, and tell the good news.

God, he gave birth to descendants as numerous as the stars of heaven,” Pope Francis said in his video message.

“From you, millennia ago, Abraham began his journey. Today it is up to us to continue it, with the same spirit, along the paths of peace together,” he said. “For this reason, upon all of you I invoke the peace and blessing of the Most High. And I ask all of you to do the same as Abraham: walk in hope and never stop looking at the stars. And I ask everyone to please accompany me with prayer. Shukran.”

12:30-2:30 p.m. - Parish Civil Corporation Virtual Board Meetings 4 p.m. - Zoom with MN Bishops and ACE 5:20-6:20 p.m. - Parish Civil Corporation Virtual Board Meetings

March 19, Friday 10:15 a.m. - Conference call with USCCB Higher Education Working Group 11 a.m. - Diocesan COVID-19 Task Force Meeting 6:30 p.m. - Mass for the Feast of St. Joseph - St. Joseph Church, Owatonna March 22, Monday 8 a.m. - Teach at SMU March 23, Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Parish Civil Corporation Virtual Board Meetings 2:30 p.m. - Holy Hour and DOW-R Civil Corporation Board Meeting 4 p.m. - Evening Prayer and Fraternity with Presbyterate - Zoom 5-5:30 p.m. - Parish Civil Corporation Virtual Board Meetings March 24, Wednesday 4 p.m. - Evening Prayer with Presbyterate - Zoom March 25, Thursday 1 p.m. - Holy Hour and Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting 4 p.m. - Evening Prayer with Presbyterate - Zoom March 26, Friday 2 p.m. - School Mass and Visit - St. Felix Church and School, Wabasha 7 p.m. - Holy Hour with New Deacons and

Wives - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

March 28, Palm Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord - Livestreamed from Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona March 29, Monday 8 a.m. - Teach at SMU 2 p.m. - Chrism Mass - Livestreamed from Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Winona March 30, Tuesday 6:30 a.m. - Lands and Mass - IHM Seminary, Winona 1:30 p.m. - New Pastor and Mentor Check-in - Zoom 4 p.m. - Evening Prayer with Presbyterate - Zoom March 31, Wednesday 10 a.m. - Mass - Loyola Catholic Schools, Mankato 4 p.m. - Evening Prayer with Presbyterate - Zoom April 1, Holy Thursday 7 p.m. - Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper Livestreamed from Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona April 2, Good Friday 12 p.m. - Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord Livestreamed from Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona April 3, Holy Saturday 8 p.m. - Solemn Easter Vigil - Livestreamed from Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona April 4, Easter Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Solemn Easter Mass - Livestreamed from Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

Todd Graff

Director of Lay Formation & RCIA tgraff@dowr.org

By CAMILLE WITHROW

But we were gentle among you, like a nurse taking care of her children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

-1 Thes 2:7-8

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ne of the best groups that I have ever had the privilege of being a part of is that of my parish RCIA team.

Through my experience on this team, I have gained the support and encouragement from other members, been inspired by their witness to the faith, and through their witness grown in my own spiritual journey. To have another to journey with in parish ministry is life-giving and helps us to carry out our responsibilities as leaders in the parish and as disciples of Christ.

All parishes will differ in how their RCIA program and teams look, but I would like to share some thoughts on what this valuable team may look like in terms of its members and resources.

What Is an RCIA Team?

An RCIA team is made up of faithful parishioners who offer witness, fellowship, and support to those going through the RCIA process. The team represents the parish community and is often the first representation of the broader parish to those entering the RCIA process.

This team also carries out a variety of responsibilities of the parish community that are listed in the Rite of Christian Initiation text. Having a team in place helps to ensure that the candidates and catechumens that are entrusted to our care are given sufficient pastoral care, gospel witness, and hospitality. While this is no small task for a coordinator, the benefits to those in RCIA is a great gift.

Who Makes Up the RCIA Team?

The size of an RCIA team is going to vary from parish to parish, but in all teams it is good for the RCIA team to be comprised of a variety of people. For those working with or developing a team, it is important to ask who makes up the parish and who is not represented

on our team? Do we have people from different walks of life? Young adults? Older couples? Those who have gone through RCIA? Those that have been Catholic their whole life? Having this representation of the parish along with a sufficient team size helps to ensure that the RCIA process can be carried out effectively.

Having a variety of RCIA team members can also help each catechumen/candidate feel more comfortable as they go through this process, and in many cases a team member may continue to be a part of their faith journey even after they receive the Sacraments of Initiation.

Gifts of RCIA Team Members

As St. Paul states, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one” (1 Cor 12:4-5). Every person on the RCIA team brings a personal contribution to the team that only they can provide in their own unique way. This individuality enables many essential tasks to be completed, whether it be catechesis, hospitality, or another critical aspect of the RCIA. The RCIA and Christian Fellowship

My experience each year in working with the RCIA team and candidates/catechumens is that we all become like one family, getting to know each other’s lives and supporting each other as our brothers and sisters. The Association for Catechumenal Ministry RCIA Leader’s Manual states, “The Holy Spirit seems to reserve a special grace for RCIA team members. This grace is as an apostolate of influence, by which every team member exerts a quiet but continually effective impact on the thoughts and actions of the participants. A mutual closeness gradually develops, and the outcome is the growth of a remarkable family spirit.” (p. 148). The main role for each member on the RCIA team is to establish and grow in friendship with all persons who come seeking to learn more about God and his Church.

By creating this fellowship, the RCIA group becomes, “a true image of what the Church is called to be” (p. 150).

ers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” (Pope Saint Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, #41). This witness is an essential step in fostering conversion in RCIA inquirers. Whether it be through giving a testimony of their faith journey or by an example of the way they live their life, “persons of living faith have a quiet strength because they know the God who created and sustains them, despite trials, suffering, and sorrow” (ACM, p. 148). For team members to share their faith and trust in God is an invaluable gift to those that are going through the RCIA process.

Lay Formation & RCIA

A Team Effort to Support the RCIA Journey

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I would offer a comment as well to those who serve as RCIA coordinators and have had challenges creating a team… I would encourage you to find at least one person to collaborate and share this ministry with. To have another person whom you can turn to for support and advice is a great and valuable gift.

I feel very blessed to have been able to participate on an RCIA team in a number of ways. To be able to witness the conversion of the RCIA catechumens and candidates is an experience that has helped me grow deeper in my own faith, and to have had the opportunity to walk with them and the rest of the team as we journey closer to God is an experience that always transforms my life. If you have an interest in journeying with others in their faith, I encourage you to look into helping in your parish’s RCIA ministry. And to all those already serving in this vital role – thank you for the difference you make in the lives of so many!

Therefore the community must always be fully prepared in the pursuit of its apostolic vocation to give help to those who are searching for Christ… They should therefore show themselves ready to give the candidates evidence of the spirit of the Christian community and to welcome them into their homes, into personal conversation, and into community gatherings.

-RCIA, 9

Camille Withrow is an RCIA program associate for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

The Witness of Team Members

Inquirers in the RCIA have traveled their own unique paths. They come to the RCIA team with their own experiences, opinions, and history, and each person’s journey of conversion will look different. Each team member has an important role in giving witness to the Christian way of life. As Pope Paul VI stated, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teach-

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Catholic Charities

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New Initiatives from

Parish Social Ministry

By LISA KREMER, OFS and ISAAC LANDSTEINER

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f you aren’t familiar with Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota’s Parish Social Ministry Program, allow us to introduce ourselves. Parish Social Ministry “advocates, educates, and provides leadership and service to the people in their task of bringing the church’s social mission to life” (ccsomn.org). We bring to life the social ministry of the Church within our diocese. This takes many forms, from supporting ministries of charity and justice at a parish level, to our Catholic Social Teaching studies which we have been offering throughout the pandemic on Zoom with tremendous response and participation. We seek to find ways to offer help to those in need in our communities, such as the Worthington Deanery COVID Relief Fund that we implemented last June. This fund has helped more than 90 families with assistance for rent and/ or utilities, those who have “fallen through the cracks” because of COVID. We are always seeking ways to bring the Gospel to life – and we’d like to share with you a couple of new projects we hope you will support and pray for.

PSM Round Tables

One new pilot program in the Worthington and Mankato Deaneries is our PSM Round Tables. We are setting up a virtual format on Zoom for people from any of the parishes in these two deaneries to come together on a regular basis to discuss

Francis Fund for Eviction Prevention

Catholic Charities of Southern MN is pleased to announce that we have received a grant from Catholic Charities USA to help those who are facing eviction or mortgage foreclosure because of the pandemic.

Assistance will be granted to those who live in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester...

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whose income has been reduced because of COVID,

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and who will not be able to sufficiently get caught up before the eviction moratorium is lifted.

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who are at least two months behind in rent or mortgage payments,

For more information or to apply, contact: Lisa Kremer

507-360-3423

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our initial meetings in February, so please contact issues of social concerns in their communities, us soon. to share ideas, to learn more about issues, and to We are also blessed with the recent addition of support one another in this very important parish Chad Cagle to our PSM staff. Chad is working part ministry. time in the Winona Deanery. If you live in that area One of our main objectives is to assist and and would like to get involved with the work that support the parishes in their work to help those Chad is beginning, you can contact him at: ccagle@ in need within their own communities, and to ccsomn.org bring information and education on related issues.

Our hope is that our Round Tables will help us to provide this, especially in reaching parishes and Mercy in Motion clusters that don’t have committees established Each Lent we hear the exhortation: "Turn away for parish social ministry. In many places, espefrom sin and be faithful to the Gospel." Many cially our small parishes, just a few people are respond to this call with a particular Lenten resocarrying out this mission, which might include lution, whether it’s giving up chocolate, coordinating parishioner involvement or making a commitment to attend in programs like Meals on Wheels, Often, we are weekday Mass more often. If you are food shelves, parish service projects, still undecided on what you feel called special collections for the poor, really hindered by to do this Lent, I humbly invite you to anything that the parish does to help geography, but consider focusing on mercy. As much those in need. This also includes advoone thing we as mercy is never out of season in cacy on issues of importance to us as the Catholic Church, it seems to be a Catholics: abortion, immigration, end have gained particularly appropriate focus in our of life issues, the death penalty, and from COVID times. The Coronavirus pandemic has so many more. Our hope is not only to only increased the number of hungry, reach out to the people who are living is that, using homeless, sick, and poor in our comtheir faith daily in service to others, technology, munities and around the globe. Add but also to connect them with people we can bring to that the increased division in our in other communities so that we can learn from and support one another. people together nation: the blaming, the name-calling, the unwillingness to listen or extend Often, we are hindered by geograwithout them the benefit of the doubt to others, and phy, but one thing we have gained the misery of the situation becomes from COVID is that, using technology, having to drive clear. Yet we know that our misery we can bring people together without to a meeting. attracts God’s Mercy. And once we them having to drive to a meeting. We receive it, it overflows from our hearts can all get together from the comfort to those around us, setting mercy in motion. of our own homes. We hope to expand our success Saint Teresa of Calcutta said, "If you can’t feed with Bible studies on Zoom to our Parish Social a hundred people, then feed just one." Inspired Ministry Round Tables. by this "little way," Catholic Charities is inviting If you are interested, please reach out to us! you to join us in our Mercy in Motion Campaign.

Don’t let inexperience with Zoom stop you, we Each week, we will focus on one of the Corporal can help you with that. If you live in the Mankato Works of Mercy, offering simple, concrete ways Deanery, contact Isaac Landsteiner at ilandsteinin which you can live out the Lenten call to Pray, er@ccsomn.org and if you are in the Worthington Fast, and Give Alms. Check your parish bulletin, or Deanery, you may contact me at lkremer@ccsomn. our Facebook page (Catholic Charities of Southern org These are pilot programs, but if the other Minnesota), for weekly updates. To learn more, 3 deaneries (Austin/Albert Lea, Rochester and visit www.ccsomn.org/mercyinmotion.

Winona) express interest, we may expand to those deaneries as well. Both Isaac and I plan to set up Lisa Kremer and Isaac Landsteiner are parish social ministry coordinators for Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota, in the Worthington Deanery and the Mankato Deanery, respectively.

Stewardship Saint for March

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

From catholicstewardship.com

�

ext to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph is the most honored saint in the Catholic Church for being the foster father of Jesus and the husband of Mary.

His traditional feast day is March 19. Joseph’s life is depicted in the gospels, particularly in Matthew and

The Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota Welcomes

Ryan Henry Marketing and Communications Associate

My name is Ryan Henry, and I live in La Crescent, MN with my wife Maria and 4-year-old daughter, Kenley.

I am a lifelong member of Crucifixion Parish and a graduate of Crucifixion School. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, boating on the river, and photography. I’m excited to be at the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota and look forward to getting to know many of you.

Catholic Foundation

Monica Herman

Luke. He was born in Bethlehem and is described as being a descendant of King David.

Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but was pregnant with the Christ child before Joseph took her into his home. According to Jewish law at the time, Mary could have been stoned to death if she was believed to have been unfaithful to her betrothed. An angel of the Lord told Joseph to take Mary into his home, that the child was conceived through the Holy Spirit, and that his name would be Jesus.

After Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem, in yet another dream, Joseph was told to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt and remain there until Herod’s slaughter of newborns had come to an end with Herod’s own death. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus returned to the region of Galilee and settled in Nazareth where Joseph

7

taught his craft of carpentry to Jesus.

Joseph is last mentioned in the Gospels when, on their pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he and Mary frantically searched for the lost Jesus in Jerusalem, and found him in the Temple (Luke 2:42–52).

Saint Joseph was declared patron saint and protector of the universal Church by Pope Pius IX at the close of the First Vatican Council in 1870. He is also considered a spiritual model for families and Christian teaching frequently stresses his patience, persistence, and hard work as admirable qualities Christians should reflect upon and embrace. He is the patron saint of fathers, foster fathers, husbands, the unborn, working people in general and social justice.

Saint Joseph is the patron saint of several countries including Canada, China, Korea, Mexico and Peru. Many cities, towns, and other locations are named after Saint Joseph as well; and it has been noted that the Spanish form of Saint Joseph, San Jose, is the most common place name in the world.

The website catholicstewardship.com is the official website of the International Catholic Stewardship Council.

More Information on Page 13!

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Rochester Catholic Schools Marsha Stenzel

Superintendent of Catholic Schools mstenzel@dowr.org

Catholic Schools Week 2021 �he Diocese of Winona-Rochester's Catholic schools celebrated National Catholic Schools Week January 31

through February 6. This year marks the 47th year of celebration. This year's theme was Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service. The National Catholic Education Association reports that Catholic schools in the United States enroll 1,626,291 students annually.

The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is proud to promote our 18 preschool - elementary schools, 4 Child Care Centers, 9 Junior High Schools, and 4 High Schools. A total of 4,900 students attend the elementary and secondary schools in our diocese. DOW-R schools are located across the state from Winona to Pipestone. Each school provides Catholic teaching, community worship, sacramental participation, and evangelization and service opportunities to their communities. The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is blessed with a long history of strong faith, academics, and service from our Catholic schools.

The United States Catholic Bishops believe that Catholic schools continue to be “the most effective means available to the Church for the education of children and young people” who are the future of the Church (To Teach as Jesus Did, no. 118).

Catholic schools continue the work begun by Jesus and his disciples. Sustained by the Holy Spirit and by the intercessions of Mary, the Mother of God, and all the angels and saints, our schools strive to be vibrant faithfilled communities. Our Catholic schools' identity stands boldly as a reminder to all who study, work, or visit; that these are communities of faith and learning that are proudly and unquestionably part of the mission of the Catholic Church!

A typical Catholic Schools Week would involve encouraging each of you to visit your parish/community Catholic school and thank the educators and staff who are committed to the vocation of Catholic education and who encourage our children to center their lives around the Eucharist. With great regret this year, due to the pandemic, our schools celebrated within their own buildings, socially distanced, and, at times, virtually. Guidelines and protocols eliminated invitations for family, parish, and community members to visit. Bishop Quinn recorded the annual Catholic Schools Week Mass, which was shared with each of the schools for all staff and students to view. In a pre-pandemic year, Bishop Quinn would travel throughout the diocese to celebrate Mass and join activities with the students.

The past year has presented many obstacles for our staff and students, which was evident during Catholic Schools Week. The COVID-19 outbreak forced administrators and teachers to work through painful disruptions in order to keep our schools open. The opportunities for our students to remain in-person learning was appreciated by students and parents. Several of the schools with larger enrollments remained in hybrid and distance learning. By February 18, 2021, all of our schools had returned to in-person learning. All precautions are taken into consideration when planning the 2020-2021 school year and the approach from the administrators was to keep our schools open whenever safety and protocols allowed.

A well-deserved thank you to our bishop, pastors, principals, staff, families, and communities that have dedicated their time and efforts to form our students in the faith. We are grateful for excellent education and continue to provide the Catholic faith to future generations.

May our children and their families love and live their Catholic faith.

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St. Felix, Wabasha

Loyola

St. T Sacred Heart, Adams

Pacelli, Austin

St. Mary’s, Owatonna

St. Mary’s, Caledonia

St. Mary’s, Worthington

a, Mankato

St. John Vianney, Fairmont

Crucifixion, La Crescent

Sacred Heart, Waseca

St. Peter’s, Hokah

Theodore, Albert Lea

St. Mary’s, Madelia

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Youth & Young Adults

Growing in Holiness at 10

SEEK21

By EMILY BRUNS

�ore than 30,000 souls - includ-

ing 90 college students, missionaries, and parishioners in the Winona area - were touched more deeply by the Gospel as they attended SEEK21 in early February.

FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) puts on an annual national conference that gathers people from all

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over the world, drawing them into a deeper encounter with Christ and increased zeal for evangelization. This year, SEEK21 sparked a renewal in the faith and a stronger sense of community so desperately needed in today’s disconnected and anxious world. As the early disciples modeled in the Acts of the Apostles, SEEK21 was built on a foundation of in-person, small group experiences among friends and family members who listened to talks together and dove deep into conversations about faith, the Gospel and missionary discipleship.

Aaron Lofy

Director of Youth & Young Adults, alofy@dowr.org

Our students at Winona State University who attended SEEK21 left with a renewed sense of hope and authentic community, something many of them had not felt or experienced since before the pandemic began. Normally, thousands would gather in a large convention center in January for SEEK, but this year, FOCUS missionaries and other local groups each planned their own unique SEEK21 experience.

In Winona, we gathered in living rooms in small groups to watch the live-streamed talks and share conversation and came together as a large group to encounter Jesus in the Sacraments at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. In the intimacy of our homes, Psalm 149 took on a new meaning for us as we sang for joy on our couches, prayed with each other and shared meals and fun activities in between sessions. Hearts were transformed and students experienced conversion moments as they were inspired by speakers to surrender to God’s will in their lives.

Dorothy Jorgenson, a Senior at WSU from Harmony, who is student-teaching this semester, came back to Winona for the weekend to experience SEEK21 with her Bible study. Dorothy shared, “SEEK21 helped me to think about ways to bring my fire for the Lord to others in practical ways.” As Dorothy prepares for graduation this May, she is leaving her time involved with FOCUS on campus prepared and equipped to share the faith with others. She has hopes of leading a Bible study and getting more involved in leadership within her parish.

Attendees were also encouraged and inspired to not let our present circumstances get in the way of becoming the saints that we were created to be. Sr. Bethany Madonna, SV, one of the keynote speakers at SEEK21, reminded everyone, “Do not be afraid, you were chosen at this unique moment in history…. you too were chosen for such a time as this, so give God permission [to love you and love the world through you].” By growing in holiness and striving to become saints of the new millennium, students, missionaries, and parishioners left SEEK21 with a renewed desire to let the Lord transform our hearts so we will be able to transform the world. Registration is now live for SEEK22, happening next December 30 - January 3, in Salt Lake City, UT. You can find out more information at www.seek.focus.org.

Emily Bruns is a team director for Fellowship of Catholic University Students at Winona State University.

Teaching Minds, Touching Hearts,

Transforming Lives Rev. Jason Kern Director of Vocations jkern@dowr.org

Vocations

The Life of a Lasallian Brother

11

By BROTHER LARRY SCHATZ, FSC

To touch the hearts of your students and inspire them with the Christian Spirit is the greatest miracle you can perform.

�

bove is one of the first quotations I encountered

by St. John Baptist de La Salle, Patron of Teachers and Founder of the Christian Brothers, or, more accurately, the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Actually, he had me at “touch the hearts of your students.”

You see, when I joined the Brothers, I was already a teacher, and I very much valued the relationship I had with my students. It almost seemed like a sacred trust, but I simply didn’t have the “spiritual infrastructure” to articulate it. St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Brothers gave that to me, and when I heard the invocation: “Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God,” I was hooked.

I knew pretty early on that I was called to be a teacher. I was very inspired by many of my teachers at Trinity High School in Dickinson, North Dakota. And many of those who most inspired me were School Sisters of Notre Dame from Mankato.

I wanted to do for my students what they did for me. Our tag line as Lasallian educators is: “Teaching Minds, Touching Hearts, and Transforming Lives since 1680." That’s the year we Brothers use as our founding date. A priest named Jean-Baptiste de La Salle from Reims, France, was unexpectedly called

by God to launch a whole new type of religious order of men in the Church: a community of teaching Brothers who would not be ordained, but who would devote their lives to teaching children, especially the underprivileged. De La Salle’s response was a sheer act of faith and a progressive life journey that has resulted in one of the largest educational charisms in the Church. Brothers and our Lasallian lay partners today are in 80 countries and touching the hearts of around a million students.

More locally, we have been at Saint Mary’s University in Winona since 1933. Over a hundred Brothers have served SMU in a variety of capacities.

But no matter what they did and continue to do— lead the university, teach, tend the ski trails, live in residence halls—the Brothers are here for the students. As a banner reads in Saint Mary’s Press here on campus: “It’s all about the kids.” Amen.

The unique vocation of a religious brother in the Catholic Church was formally—and finally—recognized with an official Vatican document in 2015: “Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church.” The title “Brother” is very important to me, and I try never to take it for granted, because it

implies a particular kind of relationship with both the young people we serve as well as our colleagues.

We Brothers strive to be builders of community and hospitality. I have seen it so often: Brothers are at their best when they are in the presence of young people. Recent studies on young adults talk about the lack of trusted adults in their lives. They just want someone to be there for them, to truly listen, to walk with them. We Brothers are called to accompany the young and gently help them discern where God is calling them.

My first placement as a Brother was in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, at the very high school which Blessed Brother James Miller attended before he joined the Brothers. And here at Saint Mary’s University where he received two degrees, a residence hall is named in his honor accompanied by an outdoor sculpture. I met Brother Jim once, when he was home in Stevens Point on his Christmas visit.

He was murdered a few weeks later in Guatemala.

“Hermano Santiago” literally gave his life for the young people entrusted to his care, and he remains a powerful role model for me and so many Brothers, especially since his beatification in 2019. In fact, I currently live with two of his novitiate classmates.

What a legacy and what a blessing to be part of a global family dedicated to improving the lives of young people in an amazing variety of settings. And it all boils down to “touching hearts,” which, when you think about it, is really what Jesus was all about.

I feel so fortunate to have found my life calling as an educator and my vocation as a Brother that I recently agreed to take on my new work as Director of Vocation Ministry for our Midwest Province. I want to do what I can to help others—especially young men with a hungry heart and a pilgrim’s soul—to explore this vocation that I’ve given my life to.

If you’re interested in hearing two of our novices talk about their lives as Brothers, tune in to their podcast “Brothers Banter.”

I conclude with the saying with which all Brothers and Lasallians end prayer: “Live Jesus in our hearts—Forever!”

Brother Larry Schatz FSC* (*Fratres Scholarum Christianarum) may be reached by email at lschatz@ cbmidwest.org. The Brothers Vocation website address is brothersvocation.org. The Brothers Banter podcast may be heard at: https://lasallianresources. org/product/podcastbrothers-banter/

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Bishops and Rector Event Going Virtual in 2021

By RYAN HENRY

honoring Archbishop Christophe Pierre during its annual Bishops and Rector event, which is being held virtually this year on Friday, April 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Archbishop Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, is this year’s recipient of the Immaculate Heart of Mary award.

In previous years, the event was held in person at the International Event Center in Rochester and included dinner. It welcomed guests from across the diocese, clergy from around the country, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary seminarians.

The event for the first time was canceled in 2020 as COVID-19 became more widespread in the United States, but still, an award was conferred to

Which Way Are You Going?

By JEANETTE FORTIER

�or grandnephews Jameson (age 7) and Theo

(age 4) and grandniece Andie (age 5), that is the question asked each time I leave their house.

At the end of 3 drive-by birthday parties and a weekly ukulele lesson, they ask the question. If I drive straight on, they run to the corner to wave goodbye. If I make a U-turn, they race to the middle of the block to shout their farewell. If the winter day is too cold, it’s a wave from the living room window.

During this Lenten season, it’s a good question

to reflect on. I think about persons in the Bible whose stories make me ask the question, “Which way are you going?” I think about Mary and Joseph going back to find Jesus in the temple. In these COVID days I think about the Israelites in the desert grumbling (Exodus 16:2-3). We too grumble at the desert our lives seem to be. Yet, what will our promised land be when this event is behind us? I wonder if Martha (Luke 10:38-41) thought, “Mary, where are you going? You should be heading to the kitchen with me!” when Jesus came to their house. I think of the question when I read about the young man in Matthew 19:20-22 who

Minnesota Catholic Conference Speaks Up for Migrants and People Seeking Second Chances Submitted by MINNESOTA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

Archbishop Hebda Testifies in Support of ‘Driver’s Licenses for All’ Archbishop Bernard Hebda spoke to the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee expressing the Minnesota Catholic Conference’s (MCC) support for a bill, H.F. 1163 (Winkler), that would allow undocumented immigrants an opportunity to obtain a provisional license after passing a driving exam. The Archbishop’s testimony highlighted how, in the absence of federal comprehensive immigration reform, offering legal access to our roads is one small measure of dignity the State of Minnesota can offer those who simply want to drive to work, school, and church without fear of being separated from their families. He also pointed out the bill’s potential to serve the common good by improving accountability and safety on our roads: “Public safety is promoted by having more licensed drivers on the road, who, studies have shown, are less

likely to be involved in fatal accidents and also are more likely to be insured.” Archbishop Hebda concluded his testimony by reframing the bill as an opportunity for all of us to look beyond our political identities, saying, “too often, we let secondary relationships define our identities and how we treat others. We may see ourselves as American citizens, and immigrants as illegals or aliens. How unfortunate if those labels limit the reach of our solidarity.”

MCC Supports Second Chances

In their document, “Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Responsibility” (2000), the U.S. Catholic bishops declared that in matters of criminal justice, “solidarity calls us to insist on responsibility and seek alternatives that do not simply punish, but rehabilitate, heal, and restore.” The bishops encouraged lawmakers to redirect the vast number of public resources away from building more prisons and toward better and more effective programs aimed at crime prevention, rehabilitation, and rein-

13 In the Diocese

�oin the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in

Bishop William Patrick Callahan of the Diocese of La Crosse. As the coronavirus persists into 2021, the decision was made to hold the event virtually, which will air live from IHM Seminary, with hosts Bishop John Quinn and Rev. Robert Horihan, rector at IHM Seminary.

The event, which will be streamed live on the IHM Seminary and Diocese of Winona-Rochester Facebook pages, as well as the diocese YouTube channel, will feature remarks from Bishop Quinn and Fr. Horihan, musical selections from IHM seminarians, and an address from Archbishop Pierre.

Viewers will also see a video about life at the seminary. There is no cost to participate, but donations to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary are greatly appreciated. Those who attend will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of three prize packages from IHMS.

The Bishops and Rector event is a major fundraiser for the seminary, which is currently home to 55 seminarians from 13 dioceses across the Midwest. Financial support is more important than ever, as last year’s event was canceled in its entirety.

Your contribution will be used to continue the seminary’s work of formation of the men entrusted to its care.

Archbishop Pierre was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti in July 1995, a position he held until 1999. He then served as Papal Representative to Uganda from 1999 to 2007 and Mexico from 2007 to 2016, at which point he became Apostolic Nuncio to the United States in April 2016, a position he’s held ever since. He holds a Master’s Degree in Sacred Theology and a Doctorate in Canon Law from Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.

Ryan Henry is a marketing and communications associate for the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota.

walked away sad. Where did he go? I think of Mary Magdalene in the garden (John 20:15-16) who turned to face Jesus, not recognizing him until he said her name!

Of course, I think about myself and where I am going this Lent. How about you? I hope these days of Lent find us turning closer to Jesus. I hope for all of us it’s not “wandering” but an intentional journey to the cross, to the tomb, to the resurrection.

Which way are you going? I pray you are going to Christ. On behalf of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, I wish you a holy Lent, a blessed Holy Week, and a joyful Easter!

Jeanette Fortier is the president of the WinonaRochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

tegration.

Locally, MCC has been a perennial sponsor of the Minnesota Second Chance Coalition (MNSCC) and its annual Day on the Hill. The mission of this volunteer-run organization is to advocate for fair and responsible policies and practices that enable persons who have experienced incarceration or other involvement with the criminal justice system to support themselves, support their families, and contribute to their communities upon re-entry to society at large. This year’s Second Chance Day on the Hill focused on building support for a package of bills addressing how juveniles are treated in the criminal justice system from sentencing to expungements.

Action Alert

The Minnesota Legislature is considering a bill that mandates sweeping new statewide comprehensive sexual education (CSE) curriculum to be taught in our state’s public schools. House File 358 (Jordan) would enable schools to invite Planned Parenthood and other “community organizations” that promote harmful ideologies about human sexuality into the classroom to instruct students and/or provide them materials. The bill also specifies that the instructor does not need to be a licensed teacher or even an employee of the school. Go to www.MNCatholic. org/ActionCenter to contact legislators.

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In the Diocese

14

Catching Up with the Lay Carmelites

By TERESE HORLOCKER

Reception

On September 5, 2020, at the Pax Christi Church Grotto, Rochester, MN, Marilyn Baker, Dorothy Loftus-Nall and Niniek Pranoto were received into the Saint Joseph Lay Carmelite Community. The ceremony was presided over by the Community’s Spiritual Assistant, Father Shawn Haremza.

As Carmelites, our Brown Scapular is "an external sign of this filial relationship established between the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Queen of Mount Carmel, and the faithful who entrust themselves totally to her protection, who have recourse to her maternal intercession, who are mindful of the primacy of the spiritual life and the need for prayer.”

Profession of Promises and Installation of Officers

On December 7, 2020, during a Mass officiated

by Father Shawn Haremza at Pax Christi Church, the Community joyfully celebrated the Temporary Profession of Promises of JoAnn Siple, the Final Profession of Promises of Dianne Johnson and Paula Plummer and the Installation of newly elected officers.

In answering the universal call to holiness through the Carmelite charism of prayer, community and service, we join our voices with Saint Thérèse of the Infant Jesus and the Holy Face: “This is my prayer: I ask that Jesus draw me into

The Saint Joseph Lay Carmelite Community in Rochester Fr. Shawn Haremza blesses the scapulars of Marilyn Baker, Niniek Pranoto and Dorothy Loftus-Nall.

Previous Director Terese Horlocker (at altar) witnesses the signing of the Final Profession of Promises of Paula Plummer (middle) and Dianne Johnson (right), three years after their Temporary Profession.

JoAnn Siple receives a candle from Formation Director Michael Kacir after making her Temporary Profession of Promises, which occurs two years after reception into the Order. "May Jesus Christ, Light of the world, be your guide and your great reward."

the flames of His love, to unite me so closely to Him that He may live and act in me."

For more information about joining the Saint Joseph Lay Carmelite Community, please contact Director Marie Goihl (507-251-5012).

New Officers: L to R: First Councilor Michael Kacir, Secretary/

Terese Horlocker is a member of the Saint Joseph Treasurer Bob Robak, and Director Marie Goihl, with Spiritual Assistant Fr. Shawn Haremza Lay Carmelite Community in Rochester.

Building a Community of Saints

By SARAH DENN

�hile many young adults can often be found at a

bar, restaurant or other entertainment venue on a Friday night, this particular group of young adults is saying the rosary, praying and going to adoration followed by fellowship.

The Young Adult Catholic Mankato (YAC Mankato) group first gathered on February 18, 2017.

More than 50 people came to the initial meeting held at the Newman Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Today, the group of young adults is growing gradually larger and stronger with members from Mankato, St. Peter, Nicollet, Mapleton, Waseca

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and other surrounding areas from the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, the Diocese of New Ulm and the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The YAC group provides the Catholic community of young adults a place to faithfully live the mission of the gospel.

Prior to COVID-19, the group was gathering twice a month; they currently meet once a month.

The evening activities consist of Mass, food and education through the Intentional Disciples (ID) program. Host speakers on Theology of the Body and Hope - Growing in Faith as a Disciple were watched simultaneously with other young disciples across the country. Other meeting nights began with a rosary, followed by potluck supper and fellowship.

There are also Bible study groups, game nights and even baby showers. A memorable Christmas celebration with a white elephant gift exchange also set the scene for lots of laughter. Using online social media platforms enabled the group to stay in touch and feel a togetherness during the pandemic.

As the group expands with additional over-21 young adults, the number of children also grows. YAC Mankato meetings sometimes include these future members as well! Young families bring their children to play in the background, and perhaps even at such young ages, they may begin to understand

the importance their parents place on religion. This group provides an opportunity for parents to gather to embrace a family of faith, while keeping other single members young at heart - learning and growing with these families. Fellowship for all, bringing us closer to Christ.

YAC Mankato recently received a Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota Grant. These funds will help support the group as they continue to build a community of saints. To learn more about the group and upcoming events, you can find them at www.facebook.com/YACmankato.

Sarah Denn is a member of Young Adult Catholic in Mankato.

Obituaries

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

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

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

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

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

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

MyTV 3.2 at 9 a.m.

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

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

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

Sister M. Justin Wirth, SSND, 92, professed in 1948, died February 4, 2021, at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Mankato.

Originally from St. Paul, she attended Good Counsel Academy as a senior and graduated in 1945.

She entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame that same year and professed first vows in 1948. She taught and/or was principal in Catholic schools in Minnesota and Iowa until the mid-1970s.

In the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, she taught at St. Mary, Madelia (1948-49; St. John the Baptist, Mankato (1959-61); Ss. Peter & Paul, Blue Earth (1963-67); Good Counsel Academy, Mankato (196973); and St. Casimir, Wells (1976-77). Beginning in the early 1970s, she became active in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement, and much of her ministry from that point was related to the Charismatic Movement. In this diocese she was a member of the River of Life group based in Mankato and also worked in parish and spiritual ministry at St. Joseph the Worker, Mankato (2002-2008).

She is survived by her nieces and nephew and their families; her colleagues and former students; and her sisters in community, the School Sisters of Notre Dame and SSND Associates. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary (Gillen) Wirth; her sister, Carol Nadeau; and her brothers, Fr. Jack and Fr. Dick Wirth.

The Funeral Liturgy for Sister M. Justin will be held at a later date.

Sister Merici Maher, 94, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights, February 15, 2021.

Patricia Ann Maher was born on July 27, 1926, in Chicago, IL, to Edward and Lillian (Maddock) Maher. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in

1944 and made perpetual vows in 1950.

Professional studies included a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the College of Saint Teresa, Winona, in 1953, and a master’s degree in public health nursing from the University of Missouri, Columbia, in 1970.

Sister Merici was a dedicated and compassionate nurse who began her work as the operating room supervisor at Saint Marys Hospital, Rochester, in 1953. In 1969, she began graduate studies in public health, volunteered as a nurse in Guatemala, and, by 1971, felt a calling to use her training in community health at the Mile Square Health Center of Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago, IL. It was here that she ministered among an impoverished, inner-city population and also worked as a public health nurse for the Visiting Nurse Association. In 1974, Sister Merici became an assistant professor in Community Nursing at DePaul University for 13 years. She served on the College of Saint Teresa’s Board of Trustees in the 1980s and then worked as a quality assurance nurse for the Five Hospital Home Bound Elderly Program in Chicago. In 1989, Sister Merici began as nursing supervisor at Saint Scholastica Priory, Chicago, IL, for seven years.

Sister Merici retired from her career in 1996 and then continued to use her nursing expertise as a volunteer in Chicago at Saint Juliana School; Maryville Center for Medically Complex Children, a “home away from home” specializing in the care of medically fragile children; and Illinois Prolife. She retired to Assisi Heights in 2011.

Sister Merici is survived by her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 77 years; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Richard (Ann) Maher; and several nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Father Byron Maher and Richard Maher; and one sister, Mary McInerney; and a brother-in-law, Bill McInerney.

A private Funeral Mass was held at Assisi Heights on February 23, 2021, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.

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

15

In the Diocese

Sister Marcene Schlosser, SSND, 82, professed in 1958, died December 14, 2020, in Mayo Clinic Healthcare System Hospital, Mankato.

A native of Madison, she graduated from Good Counsel Academy in 1956. She professed first vows at Our Lady of Good Counsel in 1958.

She began her ministry of teaching primary children in 1959. In the Diocese of WinonaRochester, she taught at Ss. Peter & Paul, Mankato (1968-75), and Crucifixion School, La Crescent (1975-78).

She also worked in hospitality at the Good Counsel Education Center in Mankato (1993-96). In her

retirement years at Good Counsel, she volunteered at Mankato’s VINE Faith in Action Literacy Center, assisting refugee and immigrant elders with reading and writing skills.

She is survived by her sister Anna Marie Hagen; her nieces and nephews; her colleagues and former students; and her sisters in community, the School Sisters of Notre Dame and SSND Associates. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cletus and Sylvia (Henrich) Schlosser; her sister Margaret Ronyak; and her brother, Jude, who died at birth.

The Funeral Liturgy for Sister Marcene was presided by Fr. Eugene Stenzel, followed by burial in Good Counsel Cemetery.

Diocese of Winona-Rochester Remains Compliant with Safe Environment Audit

Submitted by MARY HAMANN

WINONA - On January 18, 2021, StoneBridge Business Partners sent a letter to Bishop John M. Quinn, stating the following: Dear Bishop Quinn: We are writing to inform you that the Diocese of Winona-Rochester is in compliance with the data collection requirements for the 2019-2020 Charter audit period. We have reviewed this information and will be forwarding the documents to

the Secretariat of Youth and Child Protection for use in the 2020 Audit Report.

Thank you for your cooperation and for participating in the data collection process.

Mary Hamann is the Diocese of Winona-Rochester's Safe Environment Program Manager. She may be reached at mhamann@dowr.org or 507-858-1244.

Mary will respond to any questions about the Diocese of Winona-Rochester’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

March 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

March 2021

• The Courier