The Courier - November 2021

The

COURIER

Christ the King November 21

November 2021

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

A Letter to the Faithful Courier

Parish from Bishop John M. Quinn Deliveries � Will Not Resume ear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, On Oct. 14, 2021, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota confirmed a Plan of Reorganization for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. This plan was jointly submitted by the Diocese and the Committee of Unsecured Creditors, who represent the survivors of sexual abuse.

I want to express my deepest apology to the survivors of sexual abuse in the Church. You trusted those who were to keep you safe and they betrayed that trust. When that trust was placed in a priest who took away your innocence, that experience was deeply devastating and traumatic. I am deeply sorry. My prayers are joined to countless others, as we commend you for your bravery and ask the Lord to bring you healing and wholeness.

After seeing so much pain and suffering in the lives of the survivors, the Diocese of Winona-Rochester is resolved to maintain a safe environment in every parish, Catholic school and related institutions by insisting on training for every priest, deacon, religious, teacher, employee and volunteer, who has any contact with underage persons or vulnerable adults. We are committed to staying vigilant, because training has opened our eyes both to identifying the signs of grooming behaviors with minors and to reporting concerns about possible abuse to law enforcement.

I remain very grateful to our Catholic Community across the twenty counties of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

You have taught me to be hope-filled amid the challenges of the clergy scandals in the Church and to remain committed to seek justice for the survivors of sexual abuse. You taught me to remain anchored with a deep faith in Jesus Christ and be sustained by His presence in the Eucharist.

Blessed are you for being committed to the great good done by the Church through the ministries of formation, education, healthcare and service to the poor.

Blessed are you for affirming your pastors and priests and for helping them and me, your bishop, to seek the holiness of Jesus Christ.

Blessed are you for your lives of Christian witness and faithfulness to the Gospel.

Sincerely in Christ,

+ John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona-Rochester

More information on the Plan of Reorganization can be found on page 15.

WINONA - Bulk delivery of hard copies of The Courier to parishes, for pick-up at the first weekend Masses of each month, which was suspended early in the COVID19 pandemic, will not resume.

The Courier has continued to print paper copies for home delivery, and will add any interested person to its list of subscribers, free of charge. To subscribe, send your name and address to: Diocese of Winona-Rochester The Courier 55 W Sanborn St. Winona, MN 55987 or

nreller@dowr.org

The Courier can also be read online at:

www.dowr.org/offices/courier/index. html

INSIDE this issue

Angels Without Wings

My Adoption Journey page 5

page 8

'You Are Not Alone...

You Will Be Found' pages 12-13

Pope Francis Watch

The Courier Insider

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Articles of Interest

Pope Francis Willing to Visit Canada in 'Pilgrimage of Healing and Reconciliation' with Indigenous Peoples

VATICAN CITY, Oct. 27, 2021 (CNA) - The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis is considering an invitation to visit Canada in light of the Canadian bishops’ "pastoral process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples."

A communique from the Holy See Press Office on Oct. 27 said that the pope has “indicated his willingness to visit” Canada on a future undetermined date.

The Canadian bishops’ conference welcomed the Vatican announcement stating that “Pope Francis has accepted their invitation to visit Canada on a pilgrimage of healing and reconcili-

Officials The Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of WinonaRochester, announces the following: Vice Chancellor

Mr. Andrew Brannon: reappointed to the office of Vice Chancellor, effective November 1, 2021, through April 30, 2022.

Parochial Administrator

Rev. Gregory Leif: appointed to the office of Parochial Administrator of St. Columbanus Parish in Blooming Prairie, Sacred Heart Parish in Hayfield, and Holy Trinity Parish in Litomysl, effective October 4, 2021.

Rev. Luis Vargas: currently Parochial Vicar of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Rochester; appointed to the office of Parochial Administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Rochester, effective October 4, 2021.

ation.”

“We pray that Pope Francis’ visit to Canada will be a significant milestone in the journey toward reconciliation and healing,” Bishop Raymond Poisson, the president bishops’ conference, said Oct. 27.

Pope Francis is already set to meet with delegations of different Indigenous tribes from Canada at the Vatican Dec. 17-20.

The papal meetings with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit delegations were scheduled following the discovery of unmarked graves of 215 Indigenous children at a former Catholic-run residential school in British Columbia and 751 unmarked graves at the site of the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan.

Council of Catholic Women

Rev. Msgr. Gerald Kosse: appointed Spiritual Advisor for the Diocese of WinonaRochester Council of Catholic Women, effective September 17, 2021.

Sabbatical

Rev. James Berning: currently the Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Rochester; granted a sabbatical, effective October 4, 2021.

Total Disability

Rev. Brian Sutton: having been declared impeded from the exercise of Sacred Orders on June 7, 2019, and confirmed by the Congregation for the Clergy; is placed on Total Disability in accord with the Pension Plan for Priests, effective November 1, 2021. Rev. Sutton does not have permission to minister in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

The Courier is the official publication of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 112 - 11

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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Loss of Clerical State

Ubaldo Roque Huerta: having most recently served as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Parish in Worthington from 2016 to 2018; granted by Pope Francis a dispensation from the obligations of the clerical state, commonly called “laicization,” effective October 13, 2021.

Presbyteral Council

Rev. Timothy Biren: elected Rochester Deanery representative for the Presbyteral Council, effective January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024.

Rev. John Evans: elected Winona Deanery representative for the Presbyteral Council, effective January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024.

Rev. Joseph Pete: elected Senior Priest representative for the Presbyteral Council, effective January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024.

Angels Without Wings_______________________5 Supporting Seminarians and Their Formation__6 Catholic Schools Updates_________________7 My Adoption Journey_____________________8 It Takes Two____________________________10 What's New in Missionary Discipleship?_____11 'You Are Not Alone... You Will Be Found'_12-13 Diocesan

Headlines________________14-16

The Holy Father's Intention for

November 2021 People Who Suffer from Depression We pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.

Pension Plan for Priests

Rev. Robert Schneider: elected age 70+ representative for the Pension Plan for Priests Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024.

Finance Council

Mr. James Anderson: reappointed to a five-year term on the Diocese of WinonaRochester Finance Council, effective September 17, 2021.

Mr. Andrew Kieffer: appointed to a five-year term on the Diocese of Winona-Rochester Finance Council, effective September 30, 2021.

Ms. Jessica Scully: appointed to a five-year term on the Diocese of Winona-Rochester Finance Council, effective September 17, 2021.

Loyola Catholic School

Ms. Susan Peller: reappointed to a three-year term on the Loyola Catholic Schools Board of Trustees, through June 30, 2024.

Child Abuse Policy Information

The Diocese of Winona-Rochester will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507-454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dowr.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.

Mr. Craig Theuninck: reappointed to a three-year term on the Loyola Catholic Schools Board of Trustees, through June 30, 2024.

Where to Find The Courier

Note: Delivery of hard copies to parishes, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will not resume. Any person who would like to read The Courier in hard copy should request home delivery, free of charge.

• 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

Pray for Souls in Purgatory

Bishop John M. Quinn

�ear Friends in Christ, Synod

On October 10, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica to commence the two-year preparation process for the 26th Ordinary Synod of Bishops, which will convene to discuss the topic of synodality in the fall of 2023.

Pope Francis has often referred to the concept of synodality, by which he means journeying together as a Church, listening to the needs and experiences of others in order to discern the best way forward. In preparation for the discussion among bishops at the Vatican, Pope Francis has asked the entire Church to take part in the process of synodality, by listening to people from all around the world, and from all walks of life.

On October 17, I celebrated an opening Mass for the diocesan phase of the synodal process, which will take place in the following months and conclude in March / April 2022. To highlight the importance of prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit, I wore

National Vocation Awareness Week

Immaculate Heart of Mary Award

November 7-13 is the annual National Vocation Awareness Week in the United States, an opportunity to highlight the beauty of vocations to the ordained and consecrated life, and the necessity of praying for and encouraging religious vocations. Priests and religious come from families like yours, and sometimes all it takes is for someone to plant a seed by asking if someone’s considered a religious vocation, and then watering that seed through a deepening personal relationship with our Triune God. The Lord Himself says “my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8), and oftentimes the plans we dream up for ourselves are not those the Lord has in mind. However, if we follow the Lord’s path for us, then we can be assured that He will grant us His joy and peace, and that even our difficulties and sufferings will lead to our sanctification and His glory.

Do you think the Lord might be calling you to serve Him in the priesthood or consecrated life? If you are considering a religious vocation, it is important to grow closer to the Lord through daily prayer, especially Eucharistic Adoration; Sunday Mass, and daily Mass, if possible; and frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance.

It is helpful to find a spiritual director, and also speak with Fr. Kern, our Director of Vocations, who can assist you in discerning the Lord’s call in your life. Fr. Kern can be reached at jkern@dowr.org or 507-390-5785. Please continue to pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, and for those the Lord is calling, that they may have courage to follow that call. Blessed are you!

Every spring, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary holds its Bishops and Rector Dinner to raise funds for the seminary. At this event, we honor someone who has provided an exemplary witness in building up the Church and encouraging vocations to the priesthood. In the spring of 2020, the dinner was cancelled due to COVID, and so we were not able to honor that year’s recipient of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Award, Bishop William Callahan of the Diocese of La Crosse. On November 9, we will finally present him with the award, at a special dinner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. I am grateful to Bishop Callahan for his support in promoting vocations to the priesthood, and for his confidence in sending his seminarians to our Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. Congratulations, Bishop Callahan!

Month of All Souls

Every November, we start off the month with All Saints Day and All Souls Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. The first of these days celebrates all those who have attained the heavenly prize and are now enjoying eternity in the presence of the Triune God. This includes the many canonized saints throughout history, and also many souls who are known to God alone.

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed sits at the beginning of an entire month dedicated to the poor souls in purgatory. As Christians, our goal is to grow in holiness so that when our earthly pilgrimage is done, we may join all the saints in heaven. However, if we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that we fall short of the perfection to which God calls us, and that while we want to serve God and love our neighbor, our motives are often not entirely pure and we continue to cling to selfish habits and desires.

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It is for this reason that the Lord provides us with purgatory, for those who die in a state of grace but who still lack the purity and holiness necessary for heaven. Purgatory is a time of purification, when we are stripped of our earthly selves and filled even more with the love of and desire for God. Only God knows the heart, so we should be careful not to presume where a person’s soul is once they die. It is always wise for us to pray for those who have died, that they may quickly enter into the joys of heaven. If our loved ones have bypassed or left purgatory, our prayers will be of assistance to those still there. Many saints have counselled us on the importance of praying for those in purgatory, and we hope that if we are in need of purification when we die, that others still on earth will aid us with the help of their prayers.

In the month of November, let us remember to pray for those who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May their souls, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

From the Bishop

Rejoice in Hope

red vestments and used the prayers from the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, invoking the Holy Spirit for His guidance and wisdom during our time of prayer, listening, and discernment.

During this diocesan phase, dioceses will gather to pray and listen to the Holy Spirit and each other.

Gatherings will include parishioners, consecrated men and women, the poor, and those who may feel alienated from the Church for any reason. In the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, we are actively working on plans to engage in listening sessions throughout the diocese.

These will be held in the new year, and will include prayer, reflection, and discussion in regards to the complexities facing our Church today, and how the Holy Spirit is calling us to continue our mission of proclaiming Jesus Christ to the world.

Pope Francis has repeatedly stressed that this time of listening should not be about organizing events or creating solutions, as if by our efforts we might solve the problems of the world. Rather, this synodal process must stay rooted in Jesus Christ. As Pope Francis stated in the homily of the opening Mass at the Vatican, of primary importance is “prayer and adoration… listening to what the Spirit wants to say to the Church.”

As details for the various listening sessions are planned, more information will be publicized in The Courier and within parishes. Our diocesan synod committee works with pastors and parishes to come up with dates for the various opportunities for prayer, reflection, and discussion.

Check back next month in The Courier for more details, or watch for further information from your parish.

Sincerely in Christ,

+ John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona-Rochester

The Bishop's Calendar is on Page 4.

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Who is invited to the Synod?

The entire people of God! (With a particular focus on participation of the poor, marginalized, vulnerable, and excluded.)

What is the Synod?

It is a way for us to all journey together in order to discern and to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Its goal is to promote communion, participation, and mission.

When does place?

it

take

More details will be published shared in December and there will be listening sessions in January.

Where does it take place?

All throughout the Diocese (typically one session per parish/cluster).

How do we participate?

The primary way of participation is in a spirit of listening - first to the Holy Spirit, then to each other - in parish or parish cluster gatherings.

Other modes of participation are being discussed.

Bishop's Calendar

November 1, Monday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 5:30 p.m. - All Saints Day Mass - St. Casimir’s Church, Winona

November 2, Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - Mass and Brunch with Winona area FOCUS Missionaries

November 3, Wednesday 10:32 a.m. - Guest on Real Presence Catholic Radio 5 p.m. - Record the Christmas Day TV Mass - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona November 4, Thursday 1 p.m. - Holy Hour and Cabinet Meeting

6 p.m. - Real Presence Catholic Radio Annual Banquet - International Event Center, Rochester November 5, Friday 12:10 p.m. - Mass for Deceased Clergy Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester November 6, Saturday 10 a.m. - Diocesan Pastoral Council - Pax Christi Church, Rochester

November 7, Sunday 2 p.m. - Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Mass and Investiture - Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester

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November 8, Monday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University 5:30 p.m. - Evening Prayer and Dinner with Theology Class Students

November 9, Tuesday 11 a.m. - Mass - Priest Retreat - Alverna Center, Winona 5:30 p.m. - Evening Prayer, Dinner and Award Presentation with Bishop Callahan at IHM Seminary

November 10, Wednesday 6:30 a.m. - Lauds and Mass at IHM Seminary November 11, Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Workshop

- Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Mankato November 12, Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Workshop St. Cecilia Theater, Winona November 13, Saturday 3 p.m. - Confirmation at St. John the Baptist Church, Mankato November 14-17, Sunday - Wednesday USCCB November General Assembly Meeting Baltimore, MD November 18, Thursday 7 p.m. - DOW-R Ministerial Standards Review Board November 19, Friday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University

12 p.m. - Lunch with Latin American Sisters - St. Mary’s University, Winona

November 21, Sunday Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 2 p.m. - Confirmation at St. Bernard Church, Stewartville 6 p.m. - Dinner with Christian Brothers - St. Mary’s University, Winona November 22, Monday 8 a.m. - Teach at St. Mary’s University

Angels Without Wings �

zations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, volunteers, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children and young people" (Charter, Art. 12).

To ensure this goal, each year the Office of Safe Environment audits the safe environment programs of the parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions. The annual audit information is then shared with the USCCB and a third-party auditing firm. In addition, every three years an onsite audit is conducted in which the auditors come to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and conduct a holistic audit of the diocese. In both the annual audit and the triennial onsite audit, the auditors will make a formal finding of whether the diocese is in compliance with the charter.

In September of this year, we completed our triennial onsite audit which encompassed the compilation of data from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2021. The charter consists of 17 articles to which all the dioceses in the United States must adhere. If a diocese is found to be out of compliance in any one of these articles, it could mean that diocese fails the audit and is placed on notice until the violation is corrected.

The Diocese of Winona-Rochester has never failed an audit, but each time we have the triennial onsite audit I am reminded of how easily one little slip in our policies and procedures could fail the diocese. This is why I think I work with angels; because, without them working so diligently in our diocese, we would not have once again passed the audit.

I will close with saying that when one of these angels asks that you complete the VIRTUS training and the background check process, they are doing so for the good of our children and vulnerable adults.

They are as committed as is the diocese to providing a safe environment so that we may never experience sexual abuse at the hands of another clergy or lay person again.

Safe Environment

implementing the Diocese of Winona-Rochester Safe Environment Policies and Procedures in their parishes. They are charged with making sure that all Mary Hamann Safe Environment Program Manager their volunteers who have any contact with children or vulnerable adults are background checked mhamann@dowr.org and have completed the VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children safe environment training, both needing to be renewed every five years.

According to the Charter for the Protection of ometimes, I think that I work with angels. These Children and Young People, the Diocese of Winonaangels do not have wings, but if I could give them Rochester is committed to maintaining Safe I would. These angels are the more than 100 parEnvironment programs in accord with “Catholic ish employees and volunteers whom I work with moral principles.” The diocese works “with parents, throughout the diocese, who are responsible for civil authorities, educators, and community organi-

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Catholic Foundation

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Supporting Seminarians and Their Formation Monica Herman

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

�he Diocese of Winona-Rochester has been blessed this year with an outstanding number of young men studying to become priests. Bishop Quinn commented that the faithful and fervent prayers, as well as an increased focus on high quality youth ministry and faith formation programs, has helped more men hear God’s call to the priesthood.

With this great blessing comes the necessity of helping these young men afford the education that they will need to become priests. Following the trend of most other higher education facilities, the cost of educating and forming the seminarians from our diocese has increased as well.

For this reason, the Seminarian Education Fund (formerly named the Seminarian Burse) was formed.

The Seminarian Burse was started in 2006 by Bishop

Emeritus Bernard Harrington to ensure that we could provide the best possible priestly formation for the future priests of our diocese.

What is the difference between the IHM Seminary’s “Hearts on Fire” Appeal and the Seminarian Education Fund?

The Seminarian Education Fund is often mistaken for other appeals aimed at assisting seminarians, namely the “Hearts on Fire” appeal held by the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary (IHMS). The two appeals differ in several ways.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary's Hearts on Fire Appeal directly supports the operations of the IHM Seminary. For over seven decades,

Congratulations!

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

Immaculate Conception St. Clair

St. Bernard Stewartville

St. Joseph Lakefield

Christ the King Byron

Resurrection Rochester

St. Columba Iona

St. Luke Sherburn

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Our Lady of Good Counsel Winona Wilmont Crucifixion La Crescent

Good Shepherd Jackson Holy Family Kasson Holy Spirit Rochester

St. Casimir Winona

St. Joseph Waldorf

Sacred Heart Heron Lake

St. Columban Preston

St. Mary Lake Wilson

St. Adrian Adrian

St. Finbarr Grand Meadow

St. Olaf Mabel

Sacred Heart Owatonna

Holy Trinity Rollingstone

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St. Edward Austin

St. Mary Winona

St. Agnes Kellogg

St. Francis of Assisi Rochester

St. Patrick Brownsville

St. Anthony Westbrook

St. John Baptist de la Salle Dodge Center

St. Pius X Rochester

St. Ann Slayton

St. Ignatius Spring Valley

St. John Nepomucene Winona

St. Patrick LeRoy

St. Rose of Lima Lewiston

Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary has helped men to encounter the living Christ and discover whether he is calling them to follow him as ordained priests.

The “Hearts on Fire” Appeal directly funds the work to make that happen.

For the 2021-2022 academic year, there are 52 men from several dioceses who send their men to IHM Seminary and the “Hearts of Fire” Appeal funds the operations of the Seminary, so that these men have a place to come for discernment and formation.

The Seminarian Education Fund was created to assist in covering the expenses of the men from the Diocese of Winona-Rochester to attend seminary and discern a life of sacred service to parishes and faithful across southern Minnesota.

As the cost of all education has risen dramatically in recent years, so too has the cost of seminarian education and formation. The Seminarian Education Fund covers the cost of room and board while the seminarians (Junior and Seniors) attend IHM Seminary and ALL the educational expenses of those who go on to attend either the Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, MI, or St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN.

The journey toward priesthood takes at least eight years to complete and includes attending both a minor and major seminary. Including the seminarians at both institutions, the cost for the diocese is over $600,000 annually.

Men from the Diocese of Winona-Rochester start this process by enrolling at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, where they work towards discovering what God has planned for them. There they work toward receiving, at minimum, a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Saint Mary's University.

Currently there are six seminarians attending IHMS. Once the men have finished their time at IHMS they attend St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, MN, or Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, MI, or participate in either a journey year, regency year, or pastoral year where the men truly hone in on forming themselves to be priests. We currently have one seminarian from the diocese studying at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and nine studying at St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, MN. In addition, there are four men who are in a journey or regency year and two who are assigned to parishes and serving a pastoral year.

The people of the diocese are always incredibly supportive of educating and taking care of their seminarians. We are tremendously blessed to have so many men journeying towards the priesthood in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Please continue to pray for these men and an increase in vocations.

Thank you for supporting the Seminarian Education Fund!

Loyola Catholic School, Mankato, Introduces

Marsha Stenzel

Superintendent of Catholic Schools mstenzel@dowr.org

Submitted by ANGIE WINCH

�

uccess in the 21st century requires knowing how to learn. Students today will likely have several careers in their lifetime. They must develop strong critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills in order to be successful in an increasingly fluid, interconnected, and complex world. Technology allows for 24/7 access to information, constant social interaction, and easily created and shared digital content.

It is for this reason that the administration and high school staff at Loyola Catholic School have created an engaging and personalized environment to meet the emerging educational needs of this generation. No longer does learning have to be one-size-fits-

all or confined to the classroom. The opportunities afforded by technology should be used to reimagine 21st-century education, focusing on preparing students to be learners for life. This new opportunity for Loyola students is referred to as Flexible Fridays.

Taking place on Friday of each week, Loyola 10ththrough 12th-grade students now have the opportunity to take courses such as Introduction to Theater, Lifetime Fitness, Film Studies, Environmental Science, Engineering, Cooking, Broadcasting, Auto Mechanics, and Mechatronics. Loyola freshmen take part in enrichment opportunities such as career exploration, personal finance, developing leadership skills, drivers education, life skills, and service-learning opportunities.

Friday afternoons are reserved for club meetings such as yearbook, student council, and Key Club.

Students also have the opportunity to connect one on one with teachers, work on group projects, and finish up homework before heading into the weekend.

Angie Winch is the director of marketing and communications for Loyola Catholic School in Mankato.

Growing Through Service at St. Mary's School, Owatonna Submitted by JEN SWANSON

� t St. Mary’s School in Owatonna, we believe in empowering students to become productive citizens

and future leaders. One of the ways we do this is to offer our students a variety of service opportunities throughout the school year to make a difference in the community and world in which we live. We have found that engaging students in service activities not only has a lasting, positive impact on society…it also impacts our own students and staff in a positive way.

Community service activities enable people of all ages to acquire life skills and knowledge. And, much satisfaction comes from sharing our gifts and talents as disciples of Christ.

Service is a part of who we are at St. Mary’s School, allowing us to live our core values of Love, Learn, Lead, Give and Pray. For our annual Marathon

Catholic Schools

Flexible Fridays

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for Nonpublic Education, we have implemented a school-wide community service day. It is a fun-filled, empowering day where our students become active members of our community. Our different grade levels participated in the day by doing the following activities: •

Preschool: Made Thank You cards for families who foster animals

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1st Grade: Decorated the sidewalks around our school and churches with positive messages

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Kindergarten: Made fall wreaths for local care center

2nd grade: Made Halloween decorations for the local assisted living center 3rd grade: Cleaned up the fairgrounds

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4th-5th grade: Cleaned up six local parks

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7th-8th grade: Stenciled around street drains for the City of Owatonna as part of their Storm Sewer Stenciling Program

•

6th grade: Cleaned up around school, the churches, and neighborhood park

Our Marathon is a rewarding experience not only for the recipients of the service, but also for our students who felt they made a difference...and had some fun doing so. The event also allows our students to contribute to our annual fundraising goal. Our Marathon was an all-around great event of making a difference and giving back to our community...a community that has supported Catholic education for more than 140 years. At St. Mary’s, we are proud to follow Mother Teresa’s advice of “Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love.”

Jen Swanson is the principal of St. Mary's School in Owatonna.

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My Adoption Journey �he day I found out I was pregnant

Catholic Charities

with my second child was a day filled with many mixed emotions. I had been a single mom raising my son, who was almost 2 years old. I was living on my own in an apartment struggling to make ends meet. My mom was supportive and helpful when I needed it.

My name is Amanda, and I am going to tell you my story.

I met Ian! He was handsome, perfect and fun to be with. Things were going well until we found out I was pregnant.

That is when the stress started. I was working to support my home, my son, and now him. Ian was unemployed and didn’t seem to have the ambition to get a job. One night, the stress took over and landed me some time in jail. I told Ian to leave and not return.

While I was in jail, I started to think a lot about my life. I thought about my son and the things I wanted to do for me and him. I wanted to go to school and earn a degree to help me improve my situation. A second baby was not a doable plan at this time. After my hearing, I was released with probation. Finally I was able to talk to my mom, Jeanne.

I talked to my mom about what I wanted to do with myself as far as going to school. I told her a second baby was not going to make it easy for me, as I was already struggling. Financially and emotionally, I struggled. Also, once the baby was born, I was not wanting to battle the issues of child support, visitations, or custody issues. I told my mom I was considering adoption. My mom, knowing me well, told me she would be supportive of my decision, whatever it was to be.

Soon, I found myself reaching out to Catholic Charities. I spoke with a counselor who discussed with me the adoption process. She helped me to understand how it works for me and the families who adopt children.

After I reached out to Catholic Charities, I informed

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Amanda

my mom of it. She grabbed the computer and we went on a search of the families profiles. I found a few families I would consider. I again contacted Catholic Charities asking them to set up a meeting with a couple who I felt was promising, as I liked their profile. I told my mom I was meeting a couple and she wished me good luck. Upon meeting this couple, I was now for sure they were the ones I was to give my baby to. I again contacted the agency and told them they could let this couple know.

My pregnancy journey continued with the couple, Ryan and Kate, attending doctor appointments with me every chance they could. They were able to hear their baby’s heartbeat. Finally the day came for the ultrasound! I was now 20 weeks pregnant and this was a big day for Ryan and Kate, as they would be able to see their baby. Kate was in the room with me, and the technician doing the ultrasound was not going to let Ryan in. I am stubborn and was ready to get off the table to bring in Ryan, but the tech stopped me and let Kate bring him in from the waiting area. I explained to the tech that this was their baby and they would both be in the room to see it.

Our journey together continued for another 20 weeks, as I was

due December 25th. My mother, knowing this time would be exciting and difficult was with me during the delivery and stayed with me for a week so I would not be alone so soon following the event. After that I had the support of my sister staying with me, and of course my son.

The day came, December 22. My mom and I went to the hospital and contacted the couple. Ryan came to the hospital while Kate finished working the morning hours of her shift. My mom, me and Ryan were waiting, talking and laughing with each other. Kate got to the room and I could see the look of excitement as they awaited the arrival of their little one. As things started to progress, Ryan left the delivery room and Kate stayed, along with my mom.

Kate got gowned up and was ready to meet and welcome her baby. The couple was greeted with their first child, a daughter, who was a Christmas blessing to them and me.

This took place in 2014. Today still my family keeps in contact with Ryan, Kate, and Amelia. We get together for birthdays, holidays, and whenever else we want to. We have a great family relationship.

Ryan and Kate not only adopted a daughter that day, they welcomed a family, my family.

Many thanks have been expressed by Ryan and Kate and their families for the courage I had to make this decision for my daughter and for them. I think what the adopting family doesn’t realize is that without people like them, willing to bring a child into their home and love her as they do, that this would not have been an option for me or Amelia. I am so thankful for this family, Ryan, Kate, their parents, their siblings, and cousins for loving this baby and giving her a chance at life.

Names have been changed to respect the privacy of everyone involved. If you would like to learn more about placing a child for adoption, Catholic Charities provides pregnancy counseling at no cost. Reach a social worker any time of day at 800-222-5859.

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Youth Ministry & Faith Formation

10

It Takes Two �hat is the most common problem

plaguing youth ministry and faith formation today? I believe it is burnout.

In fact, I would boldly make the claim that the biggest problem facing ministry in general today is burnout. I have experienced this myself many times as a youth minister, young adult ministry coordinator, and as a lay person wanting to evangelize. Our intentions are pure, but we feel alone, overburdened, and overscheduled. Unfortunately, many of us do this to ourselves and many of our parish structures lend to burnout, both unintentionally.

Perhaps you have heard the statistic that 93 percent of the work at a parish is done by 7 percent of the people. Out of those 7 percent, how many of them are going at it all alone? In our parish staff, how many people hire just one person to do the work of many? I talk to multiple youth ministers and faith formation coordinators frequently about how they aren’t sure if they can keep going. The hours they are asked to work and the pay they receive are completely out of whack with what is healthy. We can often feel like the world rests upon our shoulders, but we neglect to remember that Jesus Christ is the savior, not us!

Jesus himself didn’t minister alone, and he is God. Why do we think we can do more than God can?

Instead, he invested in twelve, training and equipping them to lead and minister to his flock. In fact, we see in Luke 10:1-2 that Jesus sends out 72 of his followers two by two ahead of him and says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Jesus knew that one person alone cannot bear the weight of evangelization.

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He also knew the importance of prayer and work, uniting the spread of the Gospel to petition and prayer.

How can we better apply the method of Jesus Christ to our parishes? Jesus is the one who founded the Catholic Church, so why do we think we can create methods and modes better than he?

First, we need to pray that the Lord of the harvest sends workers into his field. Pray that the Holy Spirit opens the hearts of those who are called to serve in his vineyard for the salvation of souls. Really, this is the most important quest Jesus has called us to as a church, not to raise the most money, have the most dynamic priest, the best youth group, the most parishioners, etc. If we are not about the salvation of souls, we are completely missing the point.

Second, we need to be sent out two by two. This could be figurative or literal and can look many ways.

For parish staff, I would suggest building up a team of people to help you. We can sometimes feel bad about entrusting too much to our volunteers, but how will we know if that is actually the case if we don’t ask? They are welcome to say yes or no, but if we don’t give them the opportunity to say yes we will most likely not have anyone to help us. Most people don’t volunteer without being invited. We should also cast the net wide to avoid asking and re-asking the same people over and over again. You may be surprised who the Lord is inviting into ministry with you!

If you are a lay volunteer, you should also not feel alone. This can be a bit more difficult to do, but you can also invite others to help you in ministry even if you are not the “official head” of the area of ministry in which you are serving. Parish staff love when a lay leader takes the initiative to invite another worker to the vineyard.

Ministry also goes beyond the confines of the parish walls and into every aspect of our daily life.

Perhaps at this moment you are called to minister to your family. You will need the help of your spouse, parent, or trusted friend or family member to lead

Dana Petricka

Director of Youth Ministry and Faith Formation dpetricka@dowr.org

your family closer to Christ. The famous adage, “It takes a village to raise a family,” is true in the church as well. Being connected to a parish community allows your family to see they (and you) are not alone.

If you work outside of the home, you are definitely called to minister to those you work with. If you know other Catholics in the workforce, invite them to be partners with you in this ministry, to go two-by-two into every place Jesus wants to go (including your workplace). Even if they don’t work with you, you can support and encourage one another outside of work. Invite people you meet at work to your parish either for something entry level (like a spaghetti dinner) or to something deeper (like Mass or a Bible study). If you don’t feel comfortable inviting “outsiders” to your parish, that may be an open door to talking with your pastor or parish staff about truly being an inviting parish.

Bottom line: we are all called by the virtue of our baptismal call to evangelize in the way the Lord is asking us to, but we do not have to do this alone.

Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you, your parish, your friends, and your family to pray about how the Lord is calling you to love and lead others to Him. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send you laborers, and ask for the strength of the Spirit to labor together. “When two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them,” says the Lord in Matthew 18:20. You are not alone.

What's New in Missionary Discipleship?

Susan Windley-Daoust

Director of Missionary Discipleship swindley@dowr.org

Congratulations to Catholic in Recovery for winning the 2021 OSV Innovation Challenge! Out of 600 applicants, Catholic in Recovery was one of three to win, which results in coaching and funding to expand their work. We are proud of Scott Weeman

and CiR, and pleased we were one of the first dioceses to partner with them!

If you are a Catholic in Recovery-or love someone who is--we need team leaders! Please call Susan WindleyDaoust for more information: 507454-4643 ext. 277.

Unbound Prayer

Missionary Discipleship

Catholic in Recovery

11

If you are interested in Unbound prayer ministry - receiving prayer or offering an Unbound prayer day at your parish - we have trained teams ready to support you! Contact us at unbound@ dowr.org.

If you are interested in learning more about Unbound prayer, Heart of the Father Ministries has a new podcast, Open Doors: Conversations with Heart of the Father. Is it excellent, inspiring, and available for free on Google Play and Spotify. Check it out!

Thanksgiving Dinner Conversations

Do you have family or friends with whom you disagree--about matters of faith or something else?

Are you thinking you'll have to talk about football or the Food Network for hours on Thanksgiving to keep family peace? One way to get past the roadblocks and gauntlets is to create genuine conversation... and open people to considering your point of view.

If someone drops a bit of a bomb on you in conversation, instead of changing the subject or throwing your own bomb back, maybe you could take a deep breath, pray to the Holy Spirit, and ask three questions/invitations: 1. Tell me about that....

2. Why do you believe that....?

3. Have you considered...?

Big changes in matters of faith rarely happen in one conversation, but people who need to know Christ and his Church need to know you are a person who can talk calmly about these things. And it is critical to "feel heard." Try it! These three invitations come Greg Koukl's book Tactics.

Deacon John Hust addresses participants at Unbound Prayer Day: Finding Freedom in Christ, held October 16, 2021, at St. Charles Borromeo Church in St. Charles.

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Lay Formation & RCIA

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'You Are Not Alone...

You Will Be Found' Today, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, I would like, to remember our brothers and sisters affected by mental disorders and also the victims, often young, of suicide. Let us pray for them and for their families, so that they are not left alone or discriminated against, but welcomed and supported.

-Pope Francis, Angelus Address October 10, 2021

�reetings of Peace, Friends in Christ!

Recently, I was blessed to see the movie, Dear Evan Hansen. The movie is based on the very successful Broadway musical of the same title. The story revolves around an anxious and isolated high school student, Evan Hansen, seeking to find a place of acceptance and belonging in a world that often feels cold and cruel. He briefly encounters another student, Connor Murphy, shortly before Connor ends his life by suicide.

The story speaks to much of the emotional and mental health challenges that young people are experiencing in today’s society. And, it also focuses attention on the tragedy and trauma of suicide among young people, and its devastating effects on those who lose a loved one in this way. It tells a complex story, and there are many twists and turns for Evan throughout. But, there is, at the core of the story, the central message that “you are not alone”, and that “you will be found.”

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In the midst of the often harsh and sometimes debilitating emotional realities facing our young people, and people of all ages, there remains the enduring possibility of hope. As Christians, we carry this same hope and our own “story” embodies it. Christ always walks with us through both the most joyful and the darkest moments of our lives.

And, like the “lost sheep” of the gospel, we have a Good Shepherd who will always come looking to find us whenever we stray from His love.

As I write this, we have just observed World Mental Health Day (as noted above by Pope Francis).

Christ’s ministry was one of healing, and so His Body, the Church, carries on this same faith-filled work of healing today – healing of mind, body, and spirit, through God’s grace. I would like to share with you, this month, two reflections on such healing: first, a deacon’s call for compassion and care for those dealing with mental illness; and, second, a young woman’s story of healing after the suicide of a close friend.

'Called to be a healing presence'

[The text in this section is taken from a homily given

by Deacon Ed Shoener who serves at Saint Peter’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Scranton. It appears on the website of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability: https://ncpd.org/resources_and_toolkits/homily-about-mental-illness.]

Todd Graff

Director of Lay Formation & RCIA tgraff@dowr.org

“What if someone told you that you or your child has schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, clinical depression or some other type of serious mental illness?

“Serious mental illness affects over 1 in 20 people–it is a common illness, but we don’t like to talk much about it. And nearly 50 percent of us will have to deal with some type of psychological disorder during our lifetime.

“When serious mental illness strikes you do everything that people did in ancient Israel when there was a diagnosis of leprosy. As a parent you would be concerned beyond belief. As the one with the diagnosis, at first you would try to hide it.

“You are overwhelmed by the stigma–the social stigma. So many people do not understand - some will be afraid of you - you will be looked at differently. You will be worried about being lonely and misunderstood and not being able to find work. And then the realization

cont'd on next page

cont'd from pg. 12

down I want you to know that there is hope. It is not easy, but one day I hope that you will be able to smile thinking about your loved one and the beautiful moments you shared. And, I do hold in prayer those who have struggled in this way as I have.”

To learn more, I would encourage you to consult the resources offered by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability which “works to accompany our brothers and sisters with mental illness and their families while assisting the Catholic community by providing resources and education for spiritual and pastoral support.” You can find more information here: https:// ncpd.org/disability-ministry/mentalillness.

And, let us share the good news with our sisters and brothers suffering from mental illness that, “You are not alone … You will be found.” Deo Gratias!

13 Lay Formation & RCIA

will sink in that there is no real cure. If you are lucky there may be medicines and therapy that will allow you to live with the mental illness–but not everyone is so lucky.

“If you have never experienced a serious mental illness it is hard to understand what such illnesses can do. How the illness can totally disrupt a person’s life….

“So, what should we, as Christians, as members of the Catholic Church do about this?

“Well, as in all things, we should look to Christ.

In [Mark’s] Gospel, when the leper asked for help Christ reached out to him. Christ saw him as a person in need and he was moved with compassion.

(Mark 1:40-45)…

“The Church is not called to cure mental illness – that is the task of medical science. We are called to be a healing presence to help people find wholeness and peace in the midst of the illness.

The Bible uses the word “Shalom” – which is a right relationship with God. Our call is to help people with a mental illness find a healing presence, to experience God’s Shalom.

“Here at St. Peter’s we offer a spiritual support groups for anyone living with a mental illness and for the parents and family members who support people with a mental illness. You can find information about these groups in the bulletin, in our brochure and on our web page.

“Our goal is to share our stories, support each other and pray together so that no one feels alone in their struggle with mental illness. You know, people who live with a mental illness are some of the most courageous and brave people I know.

They deserve our respect. They do not want our pity – they simply want to be welcomed and loved.

They carry a cross that is so heavy and hard to fully understand – but Christ understands.

“We pray to God, the Lord of Mercies, to comfort and relieve those who are troubled in spirit because of a mental illness. Bring them hope. Bring them peace and bring them the consolation of a loving Church community. Amen.”

that I would live my life doing things that would make Matt proud. That was the start of a long and still continuing journey for me.

“As I went through my own grieving process I learned what was helpful for me, and what wasn’t.

The first thing that I needed to learn was to let God in and know his love and unfathomable mercy.

Before Matt passed, I had very little experience with faith and my approach to God in this situation was to be angry and turn away from him. It wasn’t until I could learn and accept that God loved me and Matt, and could forgive both me and Matt that I could start to heal.

“A good friend of mine passed on a resource to me about praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in relation to suicide. In reading this resource, I learned that God’s “time” is outside of our earthly time, and that I could still pray for Matt and others who have lost their lives to suicide.

“Through this devotion, time, supportive friends and family, and knowing what my “triggers” were, I was able to find joy again and remember the good and happy moments I spent with Matt without the pain of grief setting in ever again.

“While I have come a long way, at times the grief still comes back… sometimes with a song, always on anniversaries, and at times for no reason at all. Everyone’s story of loss is different, and our paths toward healing all look different. But I do want anyone out there who is struggling to know that you are not alone.

“If you are searching for answers, or think there is something you could have done, or are just trying to make it through the day without breaking

Christ took all human suffering on himself, even mental illness. Yes even this affliction, which perhaps seems the most absurd and incomprehensible - configures the sick person to Christ and gives him a share in his redeeming passion. Whoever suffers from mental illness always bears God's image and likeness.

-Pope St. John Paul II

‘Finding Joy Again’ After Suicide

[The following section includes a story and witness that were shared by a friend of mine at her parish a couple of years ago in support of the parish’s suicide prevention efforts. I am printing it here with her permission.]

“On May 1st, 2008 I received the news that one of my closest friends, whom I had dated for two years, had ended his life by suicide.

“For anyone who has lost someone in this way, I am sure that the questioning I am about to describe will sound familiar. The weeks and months after Matt passed away I found myself burdened and preoccupied with all of the “why’s” and “what if’s”. Is there something I could have done? Is there something I should have said? Should I have stayed with him and just hoped things would get better? What was even more difficult than wrestling with the questions in my mind, was dealing with the guilt and the great sorrow that came from losing Matt.

“It took two years before I finally decided that I had to make a conscious effort to start living my life again. I had to come to realize that it was okay to try to be happy again, and that Matt would have wanted that for me. I decided from that point on

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In the Diocese

14

Celebrations and Milestones for the

Rochester Franciscans

Submitted by KATHY GATLIFF

�he month of October was filled with celebrations and milestones for the Rochester Franciscans.

Cojourner Covenant Ceremony

On Sunday, October 3, 2021, we welcomed seven new Cojourners into the Rochester Franciscan Community!

Cojourners are women and men from various professional backgrounds and faith traditions who commit to living the mission of the Rochester Franciscan Sisters within the context of their own lives and responsibilities.

They are not vowed, but seek to build community with each other because of a desire for spiritual growth.

Sr. Patricia is welcomed into the community with prayer and song.

husband, Jeff, of 37 years. As she companioned him through his illness, care, and eventual death, she did some deep soul searching. An encounter with Sister Linda Weiser on retreat in Racine, WI, brought her to Assisi Heights and the Rochester Franciscans. It was shortly after that meeting, that she decided she would bring her life full circle and return to her roots, so to speak, sharing life, once again, with Catholic Sisters. And so, on October 4, we welcomed Sister Pat as our newest professed Sister. Her gifts are many and she has so much more to share.

Silver Jubilee

Cojourner L to R: (back row) Roxane Chlachula, Sharon Ormsby, Lisa Ann Sotebeer, (front row) Renee Lippay, Jayne Arvold, and Arlys and John Leitzen

Profession of First Vows On Monday, October 4, during the Feast of Saint Francis, Sister Patricia Byrne George was formally welcomed into the Community, as she made her profession of first vows.

For Sister Patricia Byrne George, life has come full-circle! Born in Ireland, she spent her first twoand-a-half years in a convent with her birth mom before being adopted. Her adoptive parents raised Patricia in Chicago. She graduated from university in San Francisco, first with a bachelor’s degree in organizational development and systems, and later a master’s degree in teaching and school counseling and psychology, as well as in clinical therapy. She spent 20 years of her career in telecommunications in executive positions, serving 10 years as a vice president with AT&T Wireless.

This was followed by 15 years in the Diocese of Sacramento in pastoral care, education, and spiritual direction. So much happened during this time, but most importantly, she was married, raised a daughter (Kaitlyn) and a son (Brian), became a grandmother to 3 amazing grandchildren; Emma, Sophie, and Bentley. She subsequently, lost her

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On Friday, October 15, Sister Maria Carolina Pardo Jaramillo celebrated her 25th anniversary as a Sister of Saint Francis. She currently serves and lives in Bogotá, Colombia, and traveled to Rochester to celebrate with the rest of the Community.

Sister Carolina was born in Bogotá, Colombia, South America, and entered the Rochester Franciscan Congregation from Santa Maria de Torcoroma Parish in Bogotá, pronouncing vows in 1996. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, and a master’s degree in clinical social work from Loyola University in Chicago, IL. In addition, she obtained her specialist degree in the field of alternative medicine, graduating summa cum laude from Manuela Beltrán University in Bogotá. Sister Carolina’s primary ministry has been to serve as a human rights defender and a community developer, while also employed as a clinical psychologist and an educator at the high school and university levels. She has been active in pastoral work, and served with the Franciscan and Inter-Ecclesial Commissions of Peace and Justice — including being a member of the Inter-Ecclesial Group of Accompaniment of Communities under Armed Conflict in Colombia — and with the Center for Survivors of Torture. She has served as a psychologist and educator at Colegio Anexo San Francisco de Asis (a school in Bogotá founded by

the Sisters of Saint Francis) and also at Javeriana University, San Alfonso University, and in private practice.

Throughout her career, Sister Carolina has received the following awards: the Presidential Medal from Loyola University; the Bremen Solidarity Award for Human Rights from the senate of the City of Bremen, Germany; and a Human Rights Scholarship to the School of Human Rights Research in Utrecht (The Hague) from Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Additional studies include a summer program in Chinese Medicine in China and a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Currently, Sister Carolina is the executive director of mission and futuring for the Colegio Anexo San Francisco de Asis (CASFA) in Bogotá and is the legal representative for the Congregation in Colombia Diamond Jubilee

Prior to October, those celebrating their 60th anniversary as a Sister of Saint Francis gathered at Assisi Heights for a luncheon.

Shown below, standing: Sisters Briana McCarthy, Ramona Miller, Nancy Kinsley, and Dolore Rockers. Seated in front: Sisters Mary Pat Smith and Dominque Pisciotta. Others celebrating, but unable to join the luncheon celebration were Sisters Cashel Weiler and Mary Beth Burns.

Sr. Cashel Walker

Sr. Mary Beth Burns

Kathy Gatliff is the director of communications and public relations for the Sisters of St. Francis in Rochester.

Bishop Quinn Receives SMUMN Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit �n a night dedicated to recognizing the generos-

ity of benefactors and supporters of Saint Mary’s University, the Most Rev. John Quinn, AFSC, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, was surprised with the Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit for serving as an inspiring leader, engaging shepherd and teacher, and genuine friend of the university.

During Saint Mary’s annual Benefactor Recognition Dinner Oct. 15, Bishop Quinn was recognized for supporting Catholic education at all levels, serving as the director of Catholic Education

Bankruptcy Court Confirms Diocesan Plan for Reorganization

�he United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota confirmed a Plan of Reorganization on Oct. 14, 2021, jointly submitted by the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and the Committee of Unsecured Creditors, who represent the survivors of sexual abuse.

The Plan provides for a substantial trust to compensate survivors of sexual abuse within the Diocese.

for the Archdiocese of Detroit for more than a dozen years, regularly teaching in the Theology Department on Saint Mary’s Winona Campus, being a member, as well as serving as chair of, the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Committee on Catholic Education, and serving as chair of the Catholic Higher Education Working Group.

An ardent supporter of education, Bishop Quinn has earned three graduate degrees, written and published scholarly and pastoral essays as well as book chapters, and received an honorary Doctor of Education from Saint Mary’s in August 2012.

Inspired by the mission of the De La Salle Christian Brothers and the Lasallian Catholic educa-

The trust will be funded with up to $22,056,000 (less certain bankruptcy expenses) of Diocesan assets, which include the disposition of specific Diocesan assets, and insurance coverage settlements of $6,500,000. The Plan also includes the implementation of enhanced non-monetary protocols for the protection of children which were first implemented by the Diocese in 2002.

“I welcome today’s announcement. I want to express my sincere apology to all those who have been affected by sexual abuse in our Diocese,” Bishop John M. Quinn said. “My prayers go out to all survivors of abuse and I pledge my continuing commitment to ensure that this terrible chapter in the history of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester never happens again.”

The Diocese of Winona-Rochester filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on Nov. 30, 2018. Since then, the Diocese has worked toward an agreement with abuse survivors for a resolution of all sexual abuse claims against the Diocese and non-diocesan Catholic entities within the Diocese.

Hanratty Receives National Certified Guardian Designation Submitted by SHEILA COLLOM

Mike Hanratty

WINONA (October 25, 2021) - Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota is pleased to announce that Guardian/Conservator Program Director Mike Hanratty has recently obtained the designation of National Certified Guardian from the Center for Guardianship Certification (CGC).

National Certified Guardians are individuals who have met nationally recognized requirements, including education or experience, and have proven competency through examination for CGC Certification. All CGC certified guardians are leaders in quality and trusted guardianship service. The designation of National Certified Guardian ensures that the Guardian/Conservator Program is being trained to follow all professional standards necessary to provide exceptional guardian and conservator services.

tional mission of Saint Mary’s, Bishop Quinn was named an affiliated member of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools earlier this year.

In addition to his support of the university’s mission, Bishop Quinn has also demonstrated his dedication to its students by gifting his teaching stipend back to Saint Mary’s for scholarships for students in need of financial assistance.

In the Diocese

Submitted by DEB NAHRGANG

15

Deb Nahrgang is the senior director of external relations for St. Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona.

The order confirming the Diocese’s Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization is available on the Diocesan website at https://www.dowr.org/reorganization/ index.html. This webpage includes other reorganization-related information, such as public statements, legal documents, a list of clergy credibly accused of abuse of minors, frequently asked questions, how to report abuse, and safe environment resources.

“This Plan of Reorganization represents the culmination of several years of respectful negotiations among all the parties involved,” Bishop Quinn added.

“It is our responsibility to assist survivors of sexual abuse with this financial settlement. In addition, we remain committed to the ongoing process of restorative justice. Jesus Christ started his ministry by healing others, and the Church is called to continue that ministry.”

Questions regarding the above information or the Plan of Reorganization for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester can be forwarded to Mr. Peter Martin, Director of Communications at pmartin@ dowr.org or 507-858-1273.

The CGC was initially created to enhance the quality of guardianship services through national certification. CGC certification is a means to demonstrate to the public, clients, and the courts that the CGC certified guardian has sufficient skill, knowledge and understanding of the universal guardianship principles to be worthy of the responsibility entrusted to him/her. If you want to learn more about this certification, please see the CGC website at https://guardianshipcert.org.

Catholic Charities serves the twenty southernmost counties of Minnesota spanning the territory from the Mississippi River to the South Dakota border. With a mission to serve the poor and vulnerable, the marginalized, the alienated, and the stranger, Catholic Charities’ staff and volunteers serve people without regard to religion, race, gender, or ability to pay. Offices are located in Winona, Rochester, Mankato, Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna. For more information, please visit its website - www. ccsomn.org.

Sheila Collom is the director of administrative services for Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota.

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Obituaries

Sister Catherine Ann Kallhoff, SSND, 89, professed in 1953, died October 8, 2021, at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Mankato.

Born near Elgin, NE, in 1932, she moved with her family first to the Pipestone area and then to rural Madison. She graduated from Good Counsel Academy in 1950 and entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame that same year. She professed first vows in 1953 and began an educational ministry that encompassed middle grades through college, and she also served in administration in local school systems and diocesan offices, including the Diocese of St. Cloud (1990-2005).

In the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, she taught at All Saints, Madison Lake (1953-58) and St. Casimir, Wells (1959-62).

Her work in the Diocese of St. Cloud was directed toward developing total Catholic Education – school, religious education and adult education.

Sister Catherine Ann is survived by her sisters Genevieve Adelman, Wilma Schreck and Dorothy Adelman; her brothers Leander, Dean, David and Michael; nieces and nephews; and her sisters in community, the School Sisters of Notre Dame and SSND Associates. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Katherine (Venteicher) Kallhoff; her brothers Maurice, Alfred, Richard and Robert; and twins Louis and Louise, who died in infancy.

Her Funeral Mass was held on October 13, preceded by a prayer of remembrance.

Sister Ramona Kruse, 96, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on October 12, 2021.

Jeanette Ione Kruse was born August 4, 1925, in St. Clair to Raymond and Elsie (Hollmichel) Kruse.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1944, received the name of Sister Mary Ramona, and made perpetual vows in 1949.

Sister Ramona had a passion for learning and perfected her skills in teaching and writing. She completed a BS degree

November 2021 in elementary education at the College of St. Teresa, Winona, in 1960. Sister Ramona completed an MS degree in diagnosis/remediation of reading problems at Mankato State University, Mankato, in 1971, qualifying her as a reading consultant. She also completed studies as a specialist in curriculum and instruction at Mankato State University in 1974.

From 1946-1968, Sister Ramona taught high school, junior high, elementary, kindergarten, and pre-school in Minnesota, Nebraska and Maryland.

From 1968-1972, she was a Title 1 supervisor and teacher of reading in elementary and secondary schools in Sleepy Eye. From 1972-1989, Sister Ramona was an assistant professor in the English and education departments at the College of St. Teresa. She was the director of learning lab and the college archives, foreign student advisor and program facilitator, member of several campus committees, and continuing formal education in archival administration, ESL communication, and early childhood methods for teachers. Additionally, Sister Ramona was a writer of published books and manuals for teachers, young adults, and children. From 1972-1982, she was a presenter of several scholarly papers state-wide and internationally. In the 1980s, Sister Ramona taught at Immaculate Heart College in Kagoshima, Japan.

Sister Ramona moved to Rochester in 1990, where she was the director of College of St. Teresa academic records and philatelist for the congregation. She continued devoting time to poetry writing, with publications of her poems across the USA. She received numerous honors, including a Certificate for Outstanding Poetry from Fine Arts Press, 1989. Her last published poem was in 2013. In her own words, “I see poetry as food for the soul, relaxing therapy for the body and a unique exercise for the mind.”

Survivors of Sister Ramona include her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 77 years; one brother, David (Rose) Kruse; four sisters, Mary Juliar, Catherine Harbour, Helen (Thomas) Laitinen, and Ann (James) Shimota; one sister-in-law, Jeannie Kruse; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Dennis and James Kruse; and three sisters, Geraldine Kruse, Rita Gaffer, and Evon Kruse.

A private Funeral Liturgy was held at Assisi Heights at on October 20, 2021, followed by the burial of her cremains at Calvary Cemetery.

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

You Missed a Great Day

By JEANETTE FORTIER

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he Fall Convention of the Winona-Rochester Council of Catholic Women, held on Saturday, September 25, was a wonderful day! To all those who attended we are grateful for your participation. If you couldn’t be part of us that day, we are sorry you weren’t there.

Kristin Molitor’s presentation on the Holy Spirit/ New Evangelization and Chris Heiderscheidt’s witness to being a woman of faith in today’s world were eye-opening for women of all ages.

The meals were great (thanks to Sandy Smith, secretary at the cathedral) the trucks for Haiti missions arrived and were loaded (thank you to Scott and Rita Christian of St. Bernard, Stewartville, for driving,

• The Courier

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.

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")

and to Bernie Buehler of Crucifixion, LaCrescent, and the Cathedral confirmation candidates for loading), a beautiful liturgy was celebrated (thank you Bishop Quinn, Fr. Mark McNea, servers and pianist). The purse give-away featured ten unique purses (a Mag’s Bags Cheetos purse and one with a shawl).

The most important part of this day was Catholic women from across the Diocese came together for a day of friendship and enrichment. Now we begin year 81 for the DCCW. Look for the new logo, and look for the E-News (not on the list? Contact Jeanette at fortierjeanette@gmail.com). Look for articles with information to motivate and enrich you. President Eleanore Jones and Vice President Shelly Holt are eager to meet you. LOOK FOR US! We’ve got great things to share and can’t wait for the opportunity to learn from you.

Jeanette Fortier was the president of the WinonaRochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women until September 25, 2021, when she was succeeded by Eleanor Jones.

Gabriel Rysavy received a $2,000 scholarship from the W-RDCCW, awarded to a seminarian every two years.