The Courier - September 2024

September 2024

The COURIER

New ChaNCery Chapel

By BISHOP ROBERT BARRON

�ne of the most satisfying moments in my two years as Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester was the dedication and consecration of the gorgeous chapel in our new chancery office. In describing what happened that day, I am, of course, drawing attention to our particular chapel, but I also want to shed light on the nature of any Catholic church building.

The festivities commenced with a procession from the Lourdes High School chapel across the street. A large group of us walked solemnly to our destination, singing psalms and hymns. In so doing, we were consciously imitating our distant forebears in the faith who made their way in a similar manner up to Jerusalem and the sacred Temple. In point of fact, we were chanting some of the very same psalms that those long-ago pilgrims would have sung. The purpose of the procession was to highlight that even our comparatively small chapel in Rochester, Minnesota, is intended to be a reiteration of the Jerusalem Temple, which is to say, a privileged place of encounter between God and his people. I might even press the point and say that the ancient Temple was seen as the very dwelling place of God on earth - and this is indeed the Catholic understanding of a church in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.

Once inside our chapel, we commenced to celebrate the Mass for the dedication of a church, which is one of the most complex and solemn liturgies in the Roman Rite. Permit me to focus simply on

the consecration of the altar. According to liturgical symbolism, the altar in a Catholic church represents Christ himself, and therefore it is fitting that we baptize it, just as the Lord was baptized by John. So, I sprinkled our new altar liberally with holy water. And since Jesus was anointed before his burial, it is appropriate that we anoint the altar on which the sacrifice of the cross is re-presented. Thus, I daubed with sacred Chrism the four corners and the center of the altar, and then, after carefully rolling up the sleeve of my alb, I smeared the oil all over the surface.

Camp Summit 10 Years of Graces

By MATTHEW EDENS

Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

- 1 Timothy 4:12.

�ay back in 2012, a man had a vision to create an event that would give the middle school youth of our diocese an opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ through the truth, beauty, and goodness of our Church. He recruited the help of various priests and laypeople, and, after a year of prayer, discussion, and planning, Ben Frost was able to offer Camp Summit to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. In 2013, Year 1 started with just over 50 people - 12 (a fitting number) high school leaders, around 30 campers, and a handful of adult volunteers. It was a small beginning, but seeds were planted.

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New Chancery Chapel, cont'd on pg. 3

Camp Summit, cont'd on pg. 7

As Deacon John Hust looks on, Bishop Robert Barron smears Chrism over the chancery chapel's altar.

Death Penalty Fuels 'Poison' of Revenge in Society, Pope Says

By JUSTIN MCLELLAN, Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY, Aug. 19, 2024 (CNS)

- Capital punishment promotes a deadly attitude of revenge and denies the possibility of change in the lives of incarcerated people, Pope Francis said.

"The death penalty is in no way the solution to the violence that can strike innocent people," the pope wrote in the preface to a new book on prison chaplaincy.

Capital executions, "far from bringing justice, fuel a sense of revenge that becomes a dangerous poison for the body of our civil societies," the pope wrote. And rather than continue the cycle of violence, governments "should focus on allowing prisoners the opportunity to truly change their lives, rather than investing money and resources in their execution, as if they were human beings no longer worthy of living and to be disposed of."

The book featuring the pope's preface, titled A Christian on Death Row, shares the experiences of Dale Recinella, a lay Catholic prison chaplain and licensed attorney who, along with his wife, has accompanied people on death row and in solitary confinement in Florida prisons since 1998. The book, published by the Vatican publishing house, was set to go on sale August 27.

Pope Francis called Recinella's work a "living and passionate witness to God's school of infinite mercy," and he said it is a "great gift to the church and to society in the United States."

In light of the upcoming Holy Year 2025, the pope wrote, Catholics should "collectively call for the abolition of the death penalty."

"As the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy taught us, we must never think that there could be a sin, a mistake, or an action of ours that distances us permanently from the Lord. His heart has already been crucified for us," he wrote. "And God can only forgive us."

Christians Are Called to Spread 'Fragrance of Christ,' Pope Says The

By JUSTIN MCLELLAN, Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY, Aug. 21, 2024 (CNS) - Cleansed from original sin by baptism, Christians are called to spread the "good fragrance of Christ" throughout the world by their kind actions and joyful attitudes, Pope Francis said.

At his weekly general audience Aug. 21, the pope said Jesus was "anointed with the Holy Spirit" when he was baptized in the River Jordan, whereas Old Testament kings, prophets and priests were anointed with perfumed oil.

Just as those leaders received the oil

In 2018, the pope formally changed the Catechism of the Catholic Church to unambiguously oppose the death penalty. While the previous language allowed for the death penalty in extreme cases, the revised entry in the catechism calls the death penalty "inadmissible" and states that the church "works for determination for its abolition worldwide."

In his preface, Pope Francis said that God's infinite mercy toward each person "can also be scandalous," noting the many criticisms and rejections Recinella has faced for his prison ministry. "But is it not true that Jesus welcomed in His embrace a thief condemned to death?" the pope asked.

"Even the most heinous of our sins does not mar our identity in God's eyes: we remain His children, loved by Him, protected by Him and considered precious."

Pope Francis explained that in one loving gaze, "like that of Christ on the cross," incarcerated people "may find a new meaning in their lives and indeed, in their deaths."

on their heads, "Christ is the head, our high priest, the Holy Spirit is our perfumed oil and the church is the body of Christ in which it spreads," he told thousands of people who had joined him for the gathering in the Vatican audience hall.

During the Chrism Mass each year, he said, bishops bless the sacred oils used in baptisms and confirmations by praying that recipients of the oils may "be made fragrant with the innocence of a life pleasing to you."

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Fragrance, cont'd on pg. 12 Articles of

We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live.

Where to Find The Courier

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Child Abuse Policy Information

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

New Chancery Chapel,

After these two gestures, a brazier filled with burning coals was introduced and placed on the baptized and anointed altar. I covered the coals with a copious amount of incense and then all of us, in the course of several minutes, watched as the sweet-smelling smoke filled the room. This remarkable incensation is

meant to call two things to mind. First, according to the first Book of Kings, after the priests dedicated the Temple in Jerusalem, the place was filled with thick smoke, signaling the presence of the Lord. Second, throughout the centuries of its existence, smoke went up continually from the Temple, as sacrifices were offered there around the clock. Jesus’ crucifixion was appreciated as the summation of those offerings, the great and final holocaust by which God’s justice is reestablished. So the smoking brazier on our altar speaks of the sacrifice of the Mass which will be offered there in perpetuity. I would like to make a final observation in regard to the altar. At one point in the ceremony, ministers lifted the table and I silently inserted relics of three saints: Br. James Miller, a twentiethcentury martyr from our own diocese; Mother Cabrini, the first American-citizen saint; and Thomas Aquinas, a great saint of the universal church.

This corresponds to an ancient practice whereby the saints who had joined their lives to the sacrifice of Christ are literally associated with the altar of sacrifice.

I would like also to draw attention to some particular features of our chancery office chapel. As many of you know, I am a great devotee of Rose Windows. So, I insisted that the chapel be marked by a beautiful rose, and my friend Matt McNicholas, a Catholic architect from Chicago, rose (so to speak) to the occasion. At the center of the design is the Holy Spirit, that power from which all life in our diocese flows, and surrounding the image of the Spirit are depictions of the virtues that I hope will mark all those who work in our headquarters: diligence, temperance, chastity, justice, love, etc. Accompanying the pictures of the virtues are wonderful representations of various expressions of nature in our diocese. Thus we have a turkey, a pheasant, a trout, a bison, a snowflake (of course), and a river - not to mention the tornado that led to the formation of the Mayo Clinic. We also have renditions of a peace-pipe (representing Pipestone at

the furthest western extreme of our diocese) and Sugarloaf (standing for Winona in the eastern extreme). The idea is that all of these - flora, fauna, and artifacts - situated within the glory of the rose window, represent the elevation of our diocese into the glory of God’s kingdom.

And as your eye moves around the decoration of the chapel, you are struck by the intricacy of the stenciling and tracery on the walls and ceiling. This beautiful complexity is meant to stand for

the harmonious coming together of all of the elements of creation when God’s work of redemption is complete. When one steps into a Catholic church, one is not so much stepping out of the world into heaven as stepping into “a new heavens and a new earth,” a transfigured and perfected creation.

Could I offer, in conclusion, a warm invitation to everyone in our diocese - and indeed beyond our diocese - to come to the chancery chapel. I believe that you will find your souls lifted up.

Non Nisi Te Domine

Bishop Robert Barron

Witnessing to a Politics of Love of Neighbor

Brothers and sisters: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption. All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.

-Ephesians 4:30 - 5:2

�reetings of peace!

When I heard this reading on a Sunday in midAugust, it spoke to my heart. As we move through another bitter and divisive election season in our country, we are truly so far removed from this Christian vision St. Paul offers us. There is no shortage of “bitterness, fury, anger, shouting and reviling … along with all malice.”

What is a Christian to do? St. Paul offers us clear instructions: “be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another … be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loves us and handed himself over for us.”

It’s certainly daunting to write anything about politics and elections these days. But, we very much need to reflect on the connection between our Christian faith and our political life. A Catholic News Service story reports on a recent talk by Pope Francis in which he calls for Catholics “to be active participants in political life and be a force against the decline of democracy worldwide” (usccb.org/ news/2024/pope-indifference-cancer-democracy).

So, then, the question becomes: how should we, as Christians, participate and help shape the political life of our country? I would argue that our participation can be transformative if we allow the vision of the gospel to guide us. To illustrate this, I would share some reflections I have come across in recent weeks that I believe speak clearly to our Christian witness in the midst of toxic political partisanship and division.

First, I was struck by a reflection I read on the gospel reading for August 9, where Jesus teaches: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Matthew 16:24-26)

In the resource, Give Us This Day (giveusthisday. org), Justin Bartkus notes how Jesus’ words offer an alternative to the “competition and conquest” prevalent in our world:

The French philosopher René Girard, a distinctive Catholic intellectual of the twentieth century, was a theorist of violence…. In Girard’s theory of violence, desires for things like power, money, or superiority function as a twisted social fabric

that stitches people together into common ambition, even as the lust for preeminence produces an ever-simmering and sometimes eruptive hostility between people, groups, or nations.

Jesus seems to believe his mission was to unstitch this fabric of competition and conquest. Favoring instead a fabric of generosity … I take him to mean: Those who seek security inside the maelstrom of worldly ambition act against the generous abundance of the Kingdom of God.

It is Jesus’ cross that reveals the distinction between this dismal world of rivalry and his own humble way, in which greatness manifests in smallness, and power takes the form of vulnerability and service.

We are called by Jesus, Mr. Bartkus reflects, to stitch together a “fabric of generosity” in our lives and communities. As Christians, we seek to promote “the generous abundance of the Kingdom of God … in which power takes the form of vulnerability and service.” It is the way of the Cross, of humility and self-sacrifice, and not the way of “rivalry” and “greatness.”

Second, in a recent post on the Catholic news site, The Pillar (pillarcatholic.com), Ed Condon shares some thoughts on the state of our country in light of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. He writes:

Wedge issues, competing constituencies, the mechanics of campaigning and the binary choice of every ballot makes political power a zero sum game. A body politic can only survive it intact for so long if one’s neighbor becomes first rival and then enemy.

[President John] Adams understood that democracy is inherently adversarial in its practice and is "wholly inadequate" to the task of holding a nation together if its people do not, cannot, and have no reason to love their neighbor.

He then challenges the comments of a political candidate who stated, “I think our people hate the right people.”

Nothing constructive comes from hate. And nothing good is communicated through hate.

A house divided, Lincoln quoted Christ saying, cannot stand. And Lincoln’s time in office was wholly consumed with a bloody war in which half the country elected to fight for the right to enslave their neighbors. It ended with a bullet in his head from a man who hated Lincoln for ending it.

Fast forward to today, what matters more than one man’s attempt on the life of a candidate is the context: an America in which people seem broadly resolved to hate their neighbors. Until that changes, violence will find its inevitable place.

Again, the challenge for us, as Christians, is to reject the dominance of rivalry, division, and coercive power in our political life - viewing our neighbors as “rivals” or “enemies” - and to hold up and give witness to a generous love of our neighbor.

Todd Graff Director of OCIA tgraff@dowr.org

This brings me to my third, and final, point of reflection. In an article at the Catholic media site, America (americamagazine.org), the Most Rev. Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S. (Archbishop of San Antonio), challenges Catholics voting in the 2024 election to ask, “Who is my neighbor?”

Do we dare ask, "Who is my neighbor?" Or are we even bolder, so as to accept the challenge of becoming neighbors to God approaching us under the guise of the sick, the stranger, the imprisoned, the unbeliever, those who do not think or worship as we do? To whom may I become a better witness of God’s love with the help of God’s grace? How willing am I to allow for my loving outreach to turn me into an outcast?...

Love of God is made concrete through love of neighbor, and love of neighbor leads to love of God. The Lord’s law is very simple to understand but not easy to live by.

… We cannot love God and hate his children. The Lord leaves no room for us to have enemies. This requires the strength that comes from a new perception, capable of seeing the good that exists in each person. This will lead us to remember that we are all created in God’s image.

Love of God. Love of neighbor. “The Lord’s law is very simple to understand but not easy to live by.” Indeed, how true this is! And, yet, it is what we are called to, even and especially in a time when so much of our political culture (and even, most sadly, of our ecclesial culture) promotes a spirit of hostility and division. Let us, as followers of Jesus, seek to honor St. Paul’s words by giving witness to kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and to live in love. Deo Gratias!

Many people today feel as if there is no hope, as if they are powerless. God promises something new. Things can be different, but it must begin with each of us. We must change our hearts, our attitudes and then -

ers - especially the least - we can truly change the world. This transformation is up to all of us. Let’s make something

- Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller (from the article cited above)

Seeing Christ in Refugee Resettlement

Adam Jarvis Director of Refugee Resettlement Services Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota

� year ago, I began working in refugee resettlement, and since that time, we have seen almost 200 refugees from war-torn countries arrive in Southern Minnesota. I have the privilege of working with a great team who dedicates their time and energy to welcoming refugees to our community with safety and detailed care for their well-being. As imagebearers of Christ, we are most like him when we live and love as he did, and welcoming the stranger is one way Scripture teaches us to do that. Throughout this year, I have seen Christ not only in those who care for refugees, but also notably in the refugees themselves.

When groups of former refugees gather at the airport in the middle of cold winter nights to welcome new arrivals, open their homes, and provide them with culturally familiar home-cooked meals, I see Christ in their warmth and hospitality.

When a mother was tearfully and joyfully reunited with her teenage son after being separated for 10 years, I saw Christ in the unbreakable bond they had with each other.

I saw Christ in the tenacity and love of a man who arrived with his wife and six children to begin a new life in a new culture and a new language with

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nothing to his name - willing to sacrifice and provide for them no matter the cost.

I see the patient love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4 as refugees experience the agony of waiting months, years, and even decades to reunite with their mothers, husbands, and children.

When I see the courage of single mothers who are forced to parent alone in a new country, I am reminded, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18).

When I see multiple family members working multiple jobs to make ends meet as they slowly build a new life for themselves, I am reminded of the words of Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”

And when I see the many volunteers from our community selflessly donate food, furniture, clothing, gift cards, towels, blankets, silverware, teapots, toothpaste, pillows, bedding and so much more for new refugees whom they haven’t even met, I see Christ in their generosity.

I have learned much in my first year of refugee resettlement, and I continue to have much to learn. The facts and figures of this work are ever changing and can be overwhelming. With more than 43 million refugees around the world waiting for a safe, permanent place to live, our little office in Rochester seems to make such a tiny impact on such an incredibly large need. But it does make a difference. It does make an impact. It is important and meaningful work - not just for every person we serve, but also for those of us, the staff, the volunteers and the partners, who all have the extraordinary privilege to serve. Every day, in this work, I see Christ. In the

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faces of people from all over the world, and from right down the street, I see Christ. The greatest lesson I have learned this last year working in refugee resettlement is that refugee resettlement is a place where I see Christ - everywhere.

Catholic Schools

School Is Back in Session

By MICHAEL GERARD

�his time of year is filled with anticipation. As the summer days pass faster and faster, we eagerly approach the state fair. Summer-only activities are scheduled before it's too late. Bedtimes are reset to Central School Standard Time. Back to school shopping is on the to-do list. We're on the downhill slope of summer, and it's going fast. There are a lot of things that have to happen before the first students run through the school door, and we're all excited for the journey ahead.

School does not simply happen. Much planning and hard work take place before we are ready to lead our students into another academic year. Custodial staff preps the building. Floors are waxed, and doors, windows, plumbing, and electrical needs are attended to. Kitchen staff stock freezers, prepare menus, and do a deep cleaning. Colleagues sit down together and plan out the school year to fill gaps, allow for teacher prep and staff breaks, and ensure that everyone has what they need to be successful. Teachers also take tremendous pride in making their classrooms warm and welcoming. Administrators focus on the details. Details include who is teaching what, filling in last-

minute job openings, mentoring new staff members, planning and scheduling classes and services, and tying up every loose end. There are lots of moving parts that must be in sync before the first day of school.

Families also have a lot of work to do before the first day of school. The move from summer day to the school day is not an easy transition. Pick up and drop off, bus schedules, lunch planning, and shopping for supplies and clothes are exciting and taxing at the same time. With most families having both parents working these days, extended day program registration may be part of the back-to-school considerations.

So far, I have described the planning at any school in America. For the most part, what I have described is wholesome and good. On the other hand, there is not much glue holding this story together. I want to focus lastly on what makes our Catholic schools unique.

I have marveled over the years as I have worked the drop-off line day after day and watched students gleefully run into the building with the same enthusiasm as the first day of school. What makes our Catholic schools unique? We offer the full truth of the love of Jesus Christ. Our schools can be described in one word: love. Without the love of Jesus, there is no reason to have an alternative to our government schools. Our Catholic schools are unique in the world. Everything we do in our Catholic schools flows from the love God has for each one of us. If we

Transformative Service

Cotter Schools' Journey to Jerusalem Farm

Submitted by JANA KORDER

�

n mid-July, seven members from Cotter Schools embarked on a transformative service trip to Jerusalem Farm in Kansas City. Jerusalem Farm describes itself as "a Catholic intentional community ... built on the four cornerstones of Prayer, Community, Service and Simplicity. We strive to transform our lives and those around us through service retreat experiences, sustainable living and home repair."

The Cotter team comprised senior Bryan Sullivan, junior Myles Brummer, sophomores Jacob Moore and Jaxson Greshik, alumni chaperones James Greshik ('22) and John Corcoran ('95), and staff member Marisa Corcoran.

The trip was filled with meaningful work and memorable experiences. One of the highlights was ripping up the old carpet in Shirley’s house and replacing it with bamboo flooring. The group cherished Shirley's company as they worked alongside her from Tuesday to Thursday. Myles Brummer reflected, “My favorite part of the trip was talking to Shirley and being able to help her house look better by putting new flooring in.”

Another significant task was identifying and removing invasive species at Cliff Drive in the Pendleton Heights neighborhood. The team also helped move and integrate six new baby goats with the existing herd of five adult goats, all of whom

play a crucial role in eating the invasive species. Jacob Moore found joy in this task, saying, “I enjoyed working with the invasive species and learning how to identify other things, like wood sorrel.”

The group also embraced the local culture and cuisine, trying new foods such as a traditional breakfast in Jerusalem and the adventurous "Jeruben sandwich," which included one of everything in the lunch cooler. They tended to the gardens, harvested produce, and made delicious dishes like tomato soup.

Spiritual growth was another cornerstone of the trip. The group engaged in new forms of prayer, sharing reflections on simplicity, prayer, community, and service. Bryan Sullivan shared, “I learned new ways to pray and I also learned more about the other people that went with us from Cotter and their interests.”

Despite the sweltering heat, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees on Monday and Tuesday, the group’s spirits remained high. They played countless games, including Spicy Uno, Spoons, Mafia, Pickleball, Soccer, and Code Names, fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie.

Sullivan found personal growth in the manual labor, stating, “The most impactful part of the trip for me was putting in the flooring at Shirley's because I learned more about flooring and found out that I like it. Which is helpful for me because I want to do construction in the future.” He added,

Deacon Sean Costello Superintendent of Catholic Schools scostello@dowr.org

embrace that love and pass it along, our schools will thrive. If we take our eyes off our Catholic faith and focus on “just” academics, specials, sports, or some other temporal concern, we utterly fail. We, humans, made in the image and likeness of God, are eternal beings built for salvation. This truth is why our schools are different.

I am excited for the beginning of a new year. I am looking forward to working with parents, teachers, priests, and principals. I am grateful for our common vision and the commitment to bring the gospel to the world. I am grateful for your support. If you have a child who you would like to send to one of our schools, please email Danyel Herzog at dherzog@dowr.org for more information. Let us all pray, through the intercession of St. John Neumann, that our schools continue to thrive in serving our Lord's children and share his love with the whole world. God bless!

Michael Gerard is the assistant superintendant of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

“This was a good experience to meet new people and strengthen friends and new things.”

Chaperone Marisa Corcoran praised the group’s dedication, saying, “It was a joy to accompany these young men to Jerusalem Farm. They dove into the experience with good attitudes and worked so hard, despite the hot days. We had a lot of fun, laughed a lot, and grew in our faith together during this week. I'm already looking forward to next year's trip!”

The trip was a testament to the values of Catholic Social Teaching, as the group explored its principles in the context of Kansas City and the wider world. The week was a blend of hard work, spiritual reflection, and deepened relationships, leaving a lasting impact on all involved. As Brummer wisely noted, “Even if you think you won’t like something, you need to try it! Chances are you'll like it!”

Jana Korder works in communications, marketing & brand identity for Cotter Schools in Winona.

Zach Rawson Director of Youth Ministry & Faith Formation zrawson@dowr.org

Camp Summit, cont'd from pg. 1

For those of us on the leadership team that first year, it was so clear that the Holy Spirit was working. Each one of us brought something specific to the table, whether it be logistics, knowledge of the faith, or knowledge of how to work with high school students or with adults. This trend has continued throughout the years with countless others offering their time, talents, and prayers to help make Camp Summit what it is today. Thank you!

Although we began in 2013, due to the pandemic, this year marks the 10th anniversary of offering Camp Summit! In 2024, we had 400+ people involved over the two weeks - 97 high school students, 215 campers, and a huge number of chaperones and volunteers! Through the lives and witness of our young people, Jesus Christ is transforming southern Minnesota. How so? We could fill The Courier with stories of how he has worked in hearts at camp, but we only have room for a few:

Camp Summit holds such a special place in my heart. It is the place where my faith really started to become my own. It has changed my life forever. I feel at home with the people there who I had met only a week ago. It is the place where I have felt the most real genuine love. If I can be a part of that and help bring the love of Jesus to others then that is where I want to be.

- Molly Eversman, Fiat

Dream Team showed me how powerful prayer really is. And I met some truly amazing people. The connection I saw between the FIAT members and the campers was so inspiring. I couldn’t wait to become that leader for the campers. Camp Summit changed my spiritual life for the better. And improved my prayer habits significantly!

- Sydney Cusick, Fiat

We also now have a number of adult helpers who started way back as campers, went through the Dream and Fiat Teams, graduated from college, and are now here giving back:

Camp Summit had an immediate effect on my life because, as a camper, I was given the opportunity to seek Christ with kids my age, creating this beautiful community of friends. As I grew up, going through Dream Team and then Fiat, I had the opportunity to grow in my prayer life, then share that with the campers and ultimately, point them to Jesus. And now, as a member of the core team, it really sets in stone the reality and responsibility that adults have: to uphold the values of the Catholic Church, and make those known and apparent throughout the whole camp. This awareness further strengthens my everyday walk with Christ. Luke 17:2.

-Joe Knorr, Year 1 Camper, 2025 Core Team

Camp Summit has always been focused on 3 foundational pillars that are about creating an encounter, not just an event.

1. The name comes from the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. This is the center of everything. The week is immersed in opportunities for Mass, adoration, and confession.

2. It is discipleship at its core. High schoolers come having already been disciples of their parents, youth ministry and faith formation leaders, priests, etc. After a few days of training, they then help to disciple the campers. Following camp, they all go back to their own parishes, further growing our diocesan community.

3. Growth is the goal. The campers are challenged physically with activities, intellectually with talks and small groups, and spiritually with Bible study, adoration, and confession.

From the beginning, we gave it to the Lord in prayer and knew that good would come from it, but we never imagined the impact that it would have on ourselves, the students, or the diocese.

Camp Summit fulfills its mission. It gives people - and definitely not just the campers - an encounter with Jesus Christ and his Church, all wrapped in the mantle of Mary our Mother, strengthened by the prayers of St. Joseph. The past 10 years have been filled with blessings and grace. Keep us in your prayers as we push toward Year 20! Fiat Fiat - Amen amen!

Matthew Edens is a founding member, Core Team member, and Fiat coordinator for Camp Summit.

Vocations

Back to School at IHM

�he Diocese of Winona-Rochester is blessed to welcome seven new seminarians for this fall. They have already started their first year of formation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. The first year of formation has the men start in July, when they are given the introduction to seminary formation and form an intentional community without launching into the academic semester for the first couple months. One of the weeks, we even took them up to the Boundary Waters for a camping adventure. Not only is this an opportunity for fun, but it intentionally challenges the men to get out of their comfort zones by both relying on others’ strengths and growing in friendship. Beyond this, it is a great way to detach from cell phones and technology, which is an emphasis of the first year. Both the vice rector at IHM, Fr. Marty

Schaefer, and I went with the men so we could have Mass with our camping group each day. There is nothing like hearing loon calls and being out in the great wilderness or watching the sun set over the waters. It was a truly blessed time.

In the next month or two The Courier will feature the new seminarians and introduce you to them! New seminarian posters and prayer cards will be issued soon as well.

Bishop Barron has been in our diocese for over two years now. He has consistently made known his two priorities: evangelization and vocations. We need to continue to encourage the hearts of young men and women to consider how God is at work in their lives. We must encourage them to listen to God, who speaks to them in an intimate way and invites them to serve him and his Church. Our Catholic life is beautiful. We have a way of life that is full of grace, truth and beauty. It is attractive, and we do not have to be bashful about the faith. Rather, it becomes imperative that we help our young people discover this and experience the Church in this light.

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

If it wasn’t for an active youth group and going on mission trips and to World Youth Day as a young man, I don’t know if I would have had the wherewithal to keep growing in my faith by just going to Sunday Mass. It becomes vital that we help answer the questions of young people with truth, teach them to grow in relationship with God through prayer and beautiful liturgy, and give them a community where they feel encouraged to live out their faith in a secular culture. We must band together to do this as a diocese. We can work with those around us to create a culture where Catholic life is encouraged and cultivated. This is the pathway forward that can give all young people a chance to hear God call and to grow in their faith.

Rochester Franciscans Celebrate Jubilees

Submitted by KATHY GATLIFF

�n August 11, 2024, eight Sisters of St. Francis celebrated Golden (50 years) and Diamond (60 years & 75 years) Jubilees with the Rochester Congregation.

Sister Betty Kenny celebrated her Golden Jubilee (50 years). The daughter of Ed and Betty Kenny (deceased), she was born in Chicago, IL. She entered the Sisters of Saint Francis Congregation from Queen of All Saints parish in Chicago, professing first vows in 1974. Sister Betty received a Bachelor of Science degree in business education and secondary education from the College of Saint Teresa, Winona, and a Master of Science in business education and office administration from Winona State University. Sister Betty’s primary career was spent as a secondary education teacher at Resurrection High School in Chicago, IL; Lourdes High School in Rochester; Cotter High School in Winona; Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School, Minneapolis; and various charter schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Sister Betty’s additional ministries include serving in an AIDS ministry as project manager at Open Arms, Minneapolis, from 1998-2001, and as the project manager for Sisters Online in St. Paul from 2002-18. Currently, Sister Betty is retired and resides in West St. Paul, where she is actively working on justice issues, such as human trafficking awareness; immigration reform; and encouraging corporate responsibility as it pertains to climate change and other environmental issues. Sister Betty currently volunteers at a local food shelf on a weekly basis.

Sister Judi Angst , formerly Sister Davida, celebrated her Diamond Jubilee (60 years). The daughter of Willard and Bunny Angst (both deceased), she was born in Winona and entered the Sisters of Saint Francis Congregation from Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Parish, professing first vows in 1964. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from the College of Saint Teresa, Winona; a Master of Arts in religious education from Creighton University, Omaha, NE; and a Master of Arts in pastoral studies from Loyola University, Chicago, IL. Sister Judi spent much of her career in religious education and parish ministry in Adrian, Clements, Lamberton, Morgan, Sanborn, Springfield, Wabasha, and Winona, MN; and in Green Valley and Sahuarita, AZ; and Rock Rapids and Larchwood, IA. Currently, Sister Judi is retired and resides at Assisi Heights in Rochester.

Sister Mary Goergen, formerly Sister Wilma, celebrated her Diamond Jubilee (60 years). The daughter of Delbert and Margaret Goergen (deceased), she was born in Caledonia and entered the Sisters of Saint Francis Congregation from St. Peter’s Parish in Caledonia, professing first vows in 1964. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the College of Saint Teresa, Winona. For 25

years, Sister Mary served as a primary grade teacher in Austin, North St. Paul, Owatonna, and Waseca, MN; as well as Portsmouth, OH. From 1977-80, she assisted with activities and served as a coordinator for a group of retired Sisters at Assisi Heights. Currently, Sister Mary works as an archival assistant at Assisi Heights (for the past 24 years), and for over 20 years, she has been caring for the gardens and flowers on the grounds of Assisi Heights.

Sister Jan Halbach, formerly Sister Brenda, celebrated her Diamond Jubilee (60 years). The daughter of Ronald and Hildegard Halbach (deceased), she was born in Stacyville, IA, and entered the Sisters of Saint Francis Congregation from Visitation Parish in Stacyville, professing first vows in 1964. Sister Jan received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the College of Saint Teresa, Winona, and she earned a Certificate of Achievement in holistic therapies from St. Catherine’s University, St. Paul. Her entire career has been in health care, beginning as a nurse at Mayo Clinic-Saint Marys Hospital, Rochester, and at a medical clinic in Minneapolis. Since 1987, Sister Jan has been self-employed as a practitioner of holistic bodywork and energy healing, and is a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and Instructor and a Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry Practitioner and Instructor. She is a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association and Healing Beyond Borders (formerly Healing Touch International).

Jubilees,

cont'd from pg. 8

Sister JoAnn Haney, formerly Sister Mary Myles, celebrated her Diamond Jubilee (60 years). The daughter of Almon and Lurena Haney (deceased), she was born in Mapleview and spent her childhood in Austin. She entered the Sisters of Saint Francis Congregation from Queen of Angels, Austin, professing first vows in 1964. Sister JoAnn received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education, with a minor in math, from the College of Saint Teresa, Winona; and a Master in Theology in Christian spirituality, spiritual direction, and retreat work from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. From 1964-76, she taught elementary and junior high students at schools in Minnesota; Chicago, IL; Norfolk, NE; and Las Animas, CO. In the 1980s, Sister JoAnn moved into campus ministry, serving at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus; and the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. From 1996-98, she served as a rector at the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN. Sister JoAnn also served as spiritual director/program director while on staff at Sangre de Cristo Center in Santa Fe, NM (1990-96); and Tau Center in Winona (1998-2002). From 2000-04, she served as co-minister of the Common Franciscan Novitiate. For over ten years, Sister JoAnn served at the former Holy Spirit Retreat Center, Janesville, offering spiritual direction and holding retreats. She also volunteered with the Prison Visitation and Support program at the Waseca Federal Institution. Most recently, she served as the candidate liaison for Cojourners. Currently, she resides in Rochester and continues to offer spiritual direction, both in-person and via Zoom.

Sister Marlys Jax , formerly Sister Annora, celebrated her Diamond Jubilee (60 years). The daughter of Leo & Martha Jax (deceased), she was born in Osage, IA, and grew up in McIntire, IA. She entered the Sisters of Saint Francis Congregation from St. John the Baptist Parish in Johnsburg, professing first vows in 1964. Sister Marlys received a Bachelor of Science degree in theology, history, and elementary education from the College of Saint Teresa, Winona. She received further education in leadership training from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, and has an advanced degree in architectural & interior design in the field of commercial design from the Dakota County Technical College/ University of Minnesota in Rosemount. Much of her career was spent in education and community development in Adrian, Delano, Burnsville, Golden Valley, Rochester, and St. Cloud, MN; Spokane, WA; Sioux Falls, SD; and Cambodia. Sister Marlys has also served as a human trafficking community educator for southeastern Minnesota. Her current ministry is developing programs for the Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, serving as the hospitality and outreach coordinator.

Sister Christine Stanoch , formerly Sister Mary Pedro, celebrated her Diamond Jubilee (60 years). The daughter of Peter and Delores (Janiga) Stanoch (deceased), she was born in Chicago, IL, and entered the Sisters of Saint Francis Congregation from St. Juliana Parish in Chicago, professing first vows in 1964. She received a Bachelor of Science in education from the College of Saint Teresa, Winona; a Master in Pastoral Studies and a Master in Pastoral Counseling, both from Loyola University, Chicago, IL. Sister Christine served as a teacher at many parish schools in Minnesota, including in Rochester, Austin,

Owatonna, Delano, and Tracy, as well as in Norfolk, NE. She was a member of the Pastoral Team at the College of Saint Teresa, Winona, and served as director of religious education at St. Edna Parish in Arlington Heights, IL, and at St. Bernadette in Evergreen Park, IL. Sister Christine spent time as a religion studies instructor at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL. While teaching, she also served as a pastoral counselor and later continued into full-time counseling from 1998-2011. In 2012, Sister Christine served as a resident chaplain in the Mayo Clinic Health System. Most recently, she is serving her second term as a councilor on the Leadership Team for the Sisters of Saint Francis at Assisi Heights in Rochester, with the responsibility of supervising the liturgical coordinator and pastoral care associate. She also serves as a Mayo hospice volunteer, prepares spiritual programs, and serves on a bereavement team with Mayo staff.

Sister Faith Huppler celebrated her Diamond Jubilee (75 years). The daughter of Wallace and Anna Roche Huppler (deceased), she was born Eileen Cecilia Huppler in Watertown, SD, and entered the Sisters of Saint Francis Congregation from Immaculate Conception Parish in Watertown, professing first vows in 1949. She received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the College of Saint Teresa, Winona; a Master of Science in religious education from Fordham University in New York, NY; and a Master of Arts in counseling/psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpenteria, CA. Sister Faith began her nursing ministry at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester and St. Francis Convalescent Home in Denver, CO. Later, she served for 18 years (1970-88) in parish ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Ames, IA; St. Theodore Parish in Albert Lea; and at the Cheyenne Reservation in Ashland, MT. She then served as a counselor in psychotherapy in Bernalillo, NM, from 1992-2002. Since then, Sister Faith has been retired and currently lives at Assisi Heights in Rochester.

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

Congratulations to the following parishes, who have met their goals for the 2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal:

All Saints Madison Lake Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Winona

Christ the King Medford

Good Shepherd Jackson

Holy Redeemer Eyota

Holy Trinity Litomysl

Immaculate Conception

St. Clair

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Easton Pax Christi Rochester Resurrection Rochester

Sacred Heart Hayfield

Sacred Heart

Owatonna

St. Ann Janesville

St. Ann

Slayton

St. Bernard

Stewartville

St. Bridget

Simpson

St. Casimir

Winona

St. Charles Borromeo

St. Charles

St. Columban

Preston

St. Felix

Wabasha

St. Finbarr

Grand Meadow

St. Francis of Assisi

Rochester

St. Ignatius

Spring Valley

St. John the Baptist Minnesota Lake

St. Joseph

Good Thunder

St. Joseph Waldorf

St. Luke

Sherburn

St. Mary Chatfield

St. Patrick LeRoy

St. Rose of Lima

Lewiston

St. Thomas More

Newman Center

Mankato

Pro-Life Events

Peter Martin Director of Life, Marriage & Family pmartin@dowr.org

Diaconate Formation Update

Deacon John Hust Director of the Permanent Diaconate jhust@dowr.org

�s we begin the month of September, we are aware of schools and colleges beginning a new year; so it is with those from our diocese discerning the Lord’s call to the Diaconate for the Diocese of WinonaRochester. Bishop Robert Barron has approved eight men to proceed with Year Two of Aspirancy in the formation process.

This cohort of men are Steve Breiter from Mapleton, Justin Carlin from Rochester, Tim Clements from Fairmont, Arlo Drees from Austin, Mark Engesser from Rose Creek, Tim Gossman from Chatfield, Joseph Mytych from Rochester and Brian Zogg from Albert Lea.

Classes begin in September and go through June. The men, their wives, and the presenters meet Friday evening and Saturday once a month. Some topics this year include scripture, dogmatic theology, philosophy, and introduction to canon law. The dimensions of diaconate formation are human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral.

At the end of this year, the men will request to be accepted into the Candidate stage for the Diaconate Vocation. Candidacy is three years in length with evaluations each year. The Lord willing, these men

Jesus, Truth, and the Eucharist

By DEACON ROBERT YERHOT, MSW

�ave you ever had to walk a long way without food or water? To travel long distances without food and water is extremely dangerous; you soon will collapse and be unable to continue the journey. Yet, you regain your strength quickly after eating and drinking.

If someone were to tell you, “Prepare yourself to eat and drink this once a week, every week, and you will live forever,” what would you think? What is it that sustains you, especially when life may seem dry and exhausting? What is the source of your strength?

God’s holy people, the Hebrews, grumbled in the desert against God and Moses because they were hungry and thirsty. They were unprepared for the long journey. God prepared them, told them what they needed to do. They were to eat the manna and the quail flesh he would give them, which would sustain them on their long 40-year journey through the desert.

The older I get, the more I can identify with desert experiences. The older I get, the more I need to be frequently fed and refreshed. The older I get, the more I realize, in other words, how much I need the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation which sustain and refresh me.

My friends, we cannot spiritually live without the Eucharist, without receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus. It is the source of our lives. It is the source of our strength.

Jesus is the Bread of Life. He sustains us with his very Body and Blood. If we worthily eat his Body and drink his Blood, we will have life, now on this earth, and forever in eternity. If we worthily receive him, we will be refreshed and strengthened, even if we live in a desert, so to speak.

Somewhere it is written: Truth stands alone, but error requires the grumbling of many people. God’s Word is truth. The Body and Blood of Jesus is Truth. Truth is powerful; grumbling and murmuring are weak. So, do we grumble about our lives when the going gets tough? Do we grumble against God and his Church, even though each day we can be fed with

will be ordained to the Order of Deacon at the end of the fifth year of formation. Please keep these men, their wives and their families in your prayers as they continue to discern their vocation to the Diaconate. Thank you.

Inquiry Phase Diaconate Program

If you are interested in finding out more about a Diaconate Vocation, we will begin the Inquiry phase in September of 2025, which will consist of informational meetings and discussion surrounding this vocation. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at: jhust@dowr. org. Have a blessed fall!

the Body of Christ and refreshed with his Blood? Why do we murmur and grumble? Is it because we don’t listen to Truth?

We all need to stop grumbling against God and the Church and start listening and believing! If we listen to Truth, then we will have faith and our hearts will be open to receive Jesus’ Real Presence and to the graces given to us in the Eucharist. If we refuse to listen, we will turn away from Truth himself.

God draws us and then lifts us up in the Eucharist. Jesus takes us and raises us up to new life by our partaking of his Body and Blood which is a sharing in his life. This is such a mystery! It is a gift to which we must respond with faith, acceptance and gratitude. Jesus gives us himself in the Eucharist which sustains us on our journeys of faith.

My friends, God wants to feed you. Jesus gives us living bread from heaven. That bread is Jesus himself. We must come to believe and eat his Body and drink his Blood in order to have life. The bread that Jesus gives is in fact his Flesh and Blood, his very Soul and Divinity.

Deacon Robert Yerhot serves the parishes of St. Mary in Caledonia and St. Patrick in Brownsville.

In the Diocese

Fragrance,

cont'd from pg. 2

He related the prayer to a passage from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians: "For we are the aroma of Christ for God."

"We know that unfortunately, sometimes Christians do not spread the fragrance of Christ, but the bad odor of their own sin," the pope said.

"Let us never forget: Sin distances us from Jesus; it makes us bad oil," he added. "And the devil -- do not forget this -- usually enters through one's pockets. Be aware."

Sin, however, "should not distract us from the commitment of realizing, as far as we are able and each in their own environment, this sublime vocation of being the good fragrance of Christ in the world," Pope Francis said. Referencing St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians, the pope said that the "fragrance of Christ emanates from the fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

"If we strive to cultivate these fruits, then, without our being aware of it, someone will notice some of the fragrance of the Spirit of Christ around us," he said.

After his main talk, Pope Francis told his guests that Aug. 21 is the feast of St. Pius X, patron of catechists, and noted that many places celebrate catechists on that date to commemorate the saint. In 1905, Pope Pius mandated all parishes to teach catechism classes, and he compiled a simple, brief catechism, known as "The Catechism of Pius X," which was used around the world for instructional purposes.

"Let us think of our catechists who advance so much work and who are, in many places in the world, the first to carry forward the faith," Pope Francis said. "Let us pray for catechists today that the Lord may make them courageous and that they may continue."

The pope also asked attendees at his audience to pray for peace in Ukraine, "which suffers so much," as well as in Myanmar, South Sudan, Congo, Palestine and Israel.

RCS Welcomes Tina Monosmith as President

Submitted by KATHRYN BESTOR

�ollowing a thorough and deliberate search process, Rochester Catholic Schools (RCS) proudly announces and welcomes Tina Rosenthal Monosmith as our new president. Monosmith began employment August 12, coming from her roles as director of technology and executive cabinet member at Saint Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, and professor of education/contracted faculty of practice at Concordia University, Saint Paul, and Saint Mary's University.

"Tina Monosmith joins RCS with many years as a Catholic school educator and administrator," said Pamela Zeimetz Bowman, co-chair of the RCS Board of Trustees. "Her mission-focused journey to support the enhancement of Catholic education will further strengthen the RCS mission to provide an exceptional education that’s rooted in truth and ignited by faith."

Monosmith has 20 years of experience in supporting Catholic educational institutions. She has played a crucial role in collaborating with administrative and executive teams, organizing aspects of accreditation processes, and designing professional development courses in technology and school leadership.

“As a student, I had the privilege of attending Catholic Schools in the Diocese of WinonaRochester that were led by the Rochester Franciscan Sisters. The Sisters provided me with deep roots in servant leadership and a commitment to the mission of Catholic education that has been my lifelong vocation,” said Monosmith.

She added, “We are excited to return to southern Minnesota to raise our two sons in the same strong community where we grew up. I am so impressed by, not only the quality of education that the Rochester Catholic Schools offer, but the extraordinary faculty, staff and administrators who work at every level of school operations. I am honored and humbled to join them in furthering the mission of RCS!”

Join us in welcoming our new president!

Kathryn Bestor is the marketing & communications manager for Rochester Catholic Schools.

On July 24, B�s��p B�rr�n ��s �elc�med by Associated Crafts & Willet Hauser for a tour of their studios in Winona. The company studio, which is one of the oldest in North America, specializes in restoration, repair, conservation, and new creations of leaded stained glass and faceted glass windows. The Sacred Heart window in the gathering space of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona is just one of their many creations. During the tour, Bishop Barron was shown their library, art department, restoration department and design department. He was given the opportunity to try glass cutting and painting glass, along with collaborating on the design of a rose window that the studio will create for him in the coming weeks.

Winona is known as the stained-glass capital of the U.S., and many studios are present in our diocese. To learn more about Willet-Hauser, visit:

https://stained-glass-window.us

Photos and caption by EMILY SMITHLEY, media specialist for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

Called to an Encounter with Jesus

By SHELLY HOLT

�

s I write this, I’m preparing to leave tomorrow for the National Council of Catholic Women Convention in Oklahoma City, OK, August 13-17. These conventions have been mountaintop experiences for me for encountering Jesus. Women from all corners of the US and even internationally with representation from other countries and WUCWO (World Union of Catholic Women Organisations) coming together to share faith, pray, learn, and have fun! Resolutions we will vote on include:

• Supporting and Praying for Priests

• Mental Health Illness and Challenges Awareness

• Support of WUCWO Resolutions

• Prayer for Peaceful Elections

Speakers will include Katie McGrady, distinguished Catholic author, speaker, and host of The Catholic Channel's Katie McGrady Show and ValLimar Jansen, acclaimed performer, storyteller, and inspirational speaker. We will watch the movie Jesus Thirsts and have the option to partake in a pilgrimage tour of the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine. Father Rother is recognized as a martyr for the faith. He is the first martyr from the United States and the first U.S.-born priest to be beatified. We can also tour the Oklahoma City Memorial Museum. There are eight women from our diocese attending. I will share more of our experience in the October Courier

Some of you recently participated either in person or by watching online, as I did, the Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress coming from four corners of the US to Indianapolis, IN, in July. It definitely was a mountaintop encounter with Jesus!! You can view everything on YouTube by searching 2024 National Eucharistic Congress. My dad gave me a pin from the last Eucharistic Congress held 84 years ago in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. My aunt was privileged to ride on a float during the parade at the event and brought my grandma the pin which my dad passed down to me. What a treasure!

Other Encounters with Jesus I have experienced have been through TEC, retreats, being a catechist, proclaiming the word, singing and being an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. We can encounter Jesus wherever we are - it is in the belief, prayer, and mindset that we WILL encounter Jesus in each person we meet and the situations we find ourselves. Having an awareness of Jesus being everywhere in everything whether mountaintop, valley, or in between is where we encounter Jesus.

How and where have you encountered Jesus?

I hope you will choose to encounter Jesus at our WinonaRochester Diocesan Convention “Joy in the Journey” at the Church of the Resurrection in Rochester on Saturday, October 12. This is the feast day of Blessed Carlo Acutis who will likely be proclaimed a Saint during the 2025 Jubilee. http://www.carloacutis.com

Trucks will be available for your donations to Rochester Medical Missions and Sacred Heart Haiti Missions. The day will include two in-depth speakers, breakfast, lunch and Mass. Reconciliation and Perpetual Adoration will be available. A purse auction and door prizes are part of the fun. Questions? I can be reached at 507-381-2842 or shellyholttotalwellness@gmail.com.

Shelly Holt is the president of the Winona-Rochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

September 8, Sunday

Events

The Diocese of Winona-Rochester will hold an open house and dedication of the new chancery building from 3-5 p.m. 2907 Jeremiah Lane NW in Rochester. Holy Trinity Church, Rollingstone, will serve its 41st annual Chicken Dinner from 11 a.m. to 2p.m., or until gone. $12 for half a chicken, baked beans, cole slaw, bun, cookie, and milk or coffee. Dine in or carryout. Bingo called from noon to 2 p.m. Theme baskets, quilts and baked goods for sale. Big ticket sales with a drawing at 2 p.m. 111 Broadway in Rollingstone.

St. Anthony Church, Lismore, will hold its Parish Bazaar & Auction. Turkey dinner served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, tea rolls, cranberries, desserts and beverage. Live auction starts at 1:30 p.m. Big Ticket drawing throughout the auction. Homemade crafts, home decor, unprocessed hogs, pork & beef bundles, themed baskets. Country store with baked goods. Games for kids and adults. Nachos and beverages sold during auction.

St. Mary of the Lake Church, Lake City, will hold its annual Fall Festival. Famous chicken dinner served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Farmer's market, silent auction, bake sale, kids' games, raffle, bucket raffle and more!

September 15, Sunday

St. Felix Church & School, Wabasha, will will hold its 70th annual Fall Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the St. Felix Auditorium and School Grounds in Wabasha. Games, grilled chicken dinner, farm store, general and specialty auctions, bingo, minnow races, tootsie roll booth, lots of raffles, tons of prizes and so much more. Join us for food, fun and friendship. All proceeds go to St. Felix School. For more information call 651-565-4446.

Ss. Peter & Paul Church, Mazeppa, will hold its Fall Bazaar from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Ham & turkey dinner $15/person. Free 5 & younger. Raffle and country store.

St. Thomas More Newman Center, Mankato, will host a fundraiser gala at 4:30 p.m. at the Mayo Health Systems Event Center in Mankato, featuring International Speaker & U-Mary President Msgr. James Shea. $1,000 per table for 8. Individual tickets $125 each. All proceeds support the Newman Center. Please register by visiting catholicmavs.org/gala, calling 507-387-4154 (ext 5), or emailing joseph. bakken@mnsu.edu. Seating is limited.

September 17, Tuesday

St. Felix Church, Wabasha, will host Alan Ames at 6:30 p.m. Ames is an internationallyknown Catholic evangelist approved by his bishop in Australia. He has been graced with the gift of healing, a close union with Jesus and his passion, and a mystical prayer life. For other scheduled nights visit alanames.org.

September 22, Sunday

St. John the Baptist de la Salle Church, Dodge Center, will serve its 31st annual Turkey Dinner (with all the fixings) from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Adults $15. Kids 6-10 $6. 5 & younger eat free. $5 raffle tickets for lots of prizes. Bingo, tent sale, baked goods, produce,

bucket drawing, quilts for sale by the Common Thread Quilters. All dinner and take-out tickets sold at the door. Take-outs of 6 or more require a phone call to 507-374-6830 on September 19 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., to reserve your dinners to go. 20 2nd Street NE in Dodge Center. We are handicap accessible.

St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea, will host a Fall Concert & Reflection by Paul Koleske, an inspirational singer-songwriter and renowned speaker, at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30. 315 E Clark St. in Albert Lea. Paul has been wellreceived in 123 dioceses and all 50 states over the past 28 years.

September 28, Saturday

Church of the Resurrection, Rochester, will host the 11th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk/Run & Pancake Breakfast (free-will donation) to benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Registration at 8:30 a.m. Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m. 1600 11th Ave SE in Rochester. 100% of donations serve our friends in need. Contact: Rick Fishburne (rfishburne@charter. net). Web: svdp-rochmn.org/fop-walk-2024

September 29, Sunday

St. Joseph the Worker Church, Mankato, will hold its Fall Festival from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Hot beef commercial meal; silent auction; raffles; Bingo; bake sale; and kids' zone with food, games, face painting, corn pit and more! All are welcome. 423 W 7th St. in Mankato. More info at: sjwhf.org.

October 13, Sunday

St. Patrick's Church, West Albany, will hold its Fall Chicken BBQ Dinner. Grilled chicken, cheesy potatoes, corn, dinner roll, bar, beverage. 1/2 chicken dinner $15. 1/4 chicken dinner $10. Take outs available. Proceeds benefit St. Patrick's Church Fund. 30932 Hwy 60 in Millville.

October 20, Sunday

St. John Nepomucene Parish, Winona, will hold its annual Fall Festival from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church Hall, 603 E 4th St in Winona. Lunch, Big Ticket (drawing at 3 p.m.), quilt & cash raffle, silent auction, gift card raffles and cupcake walk. Handicap accessible. Public is welcome.

October 27, Sunday

St. Agnes Church, Kellogg, will serve a Fall Turkey Dinner 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. or until gone. Turkey (with all the trimmings) & raffles in the parish hall. Country store & bake sale in the parking lot behind the church. 128 E Belvidere Ave in Kellogg.

St. Mary Church, Caledonia, will hold its 58th Annual Holiday Bazaar, starting at 11 a.m. Roast beef dinner served in Holy Family Hall 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., or until gone. Roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, dinner roll, dessert & beverage. $15 adults. $10 kids 12 & younger. Dine in or carry out. Live & silent auctions 2 p.m. in the school gym. Big Ticket Raffle drawn at 4 p.m. (Grand Prize is $5,000!) $20 per ticket. Event also includes kids' games, change tables, sweet shop, stage raffle, junk food walk and luncheon. 453 S Pine St. in Caledonia.

Obituaries

Sister Elizabeth Gillis, OSF, 93, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

Elizabeth Jean Gillis was born on February 4, 1931, in New Richmond, WI, to Joseph and Alice (Kamm) Gillis. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1951, received the name of Sister Maristella, and made perpetual vows in 1956. She received her Master of Science in nursing from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., in 1958.

Sister Elizabeth had a long and varied career in nursing and pastoral care. She served various roles

in several locations, including Minnesota, Colorado, Kentucky, Mexico, and Peru. She served as the head nurse/supervisor at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester (1955-57); assistant nursing professor at the College of St. Teresa, Winona (1966-74); and congregational health care coordinator at Assisi Heights, Rochester (1979-82); among others. Her service spanned from 1955 to 2009, when she retired. In 2014, Sister Elizabeth moved to Assisi Heights.

Survivors of Sister Elizabeth Gillis include her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 73 years, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Francis, John and Edward Gillis; and sisters, Anita Wells and Alice Casey.

A Resurrection Liturgy was held at Assisi Heights on Monday, August 19, 2024, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester.

Memorials are suggested to the Poverello Fund for patients at St. Marys Hospital, Catholic Charities of Southeastern Minnesota for the refugee program, or an organization/charity of the donor's choice.

Sister Carol Ann (M. Leogene) Gosse, SSND, 87, died June 2, 2024, at Benedictine Living Community - Windermere in Shakopee. Her funeral Mass was celebrated August 6 at Windermere Chapel with Father Joe Fogal as presider. Burial will follow at a later date in the Good Counsel Cemetery, Mankato.

Sister Carol Ann was born in 1936 in Wabasha. She attended and graduated from St. Felix Grade School in 1950. Her family then moved to Red Wing, where she graduated from Red Wing High School in 1954. In 1956 she entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato. She professed first vows in 1958. From 1959 until 1979, she taught grade levels ranging from intermediate to senior high in Minnesota and North Dakota Catholic schools, including Ss. Peter & Paul, Blue Earth (1959-61); and St. Stanislaus, Winona (1967-71). In 1979 she transitioned to parish ministry and became the director of religious education for St. Gabriel Parish in Fulda, a position she held until 1983. She continued in various aspects of parish work in the Diocese of Saint Cloud and the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis until she moved with other School Sisters of Notre Dame to Shakopee in the fall of 2022.

Sister Carol Ann is survived by her sister, Mary Pat (Jeff) Cole; her brothers, David (Vicky) and Eugene; 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, Leo and Mary (Ehlers) Gosse. A longer obituary and a recording of her funeral is available at www.ssndcp. org/obituaries.

Sister M. Carmelle Malerich, SSND, 88, died June 12, 2024, at Benedictine Living CommunityWindermere in Shakopee. Her funeral Mass was celebrated August 9 at Windermere Chapel, with Father John Kunz as presider. Burial will follow at a later date in the Good Counsel Cemetery, Mankato.

Sister Carmelle was born in 1935 in Minneapolis. Her father was a doctor, and the family moved as opportunities for his medical practice developed. She therefore called Caledonia, Shakopee and West St. Paul home. She attended Good Counsel Academy in Mankato for her high school education, graduating in 1953. She entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame

in 1953 and professed first vows in 1955. She taught students from intermediate grade levels through high school in Minnesota and North Dakota Catholic schools from 1956 through 1976, often with responsibility for the music programs in the schools and parishes. In the Diocese of WinonaRochester, she taught at St. Mary, Madelia (1960-64); and Fitzgerald Middle School (1969-74). From 1976 through 1979, she served as a liturgist and musician at Good Counsel Convent, Mankato. In 1992, she responded to an appeal for VISTA workers in the state of Virginia and spent the next 20 years serving the people of Bland County, VA, in various capacities. She retired to a residence in Jordan, MN, in 2012, providing volunteer services to the parish and the Jordan community, and then continued her retirement at Good Counsel in Mankato, beginning in 2020. She moved with other School Sisters of Notre Dame to Shakopee in the fall of 2022.

Sister Carmelle is survived by her brother, Dr. Tony Malerich, Jr.; his wife, Marge; nieces; and her sisters in community, the School Sisters of Notre Dame and SSND Associates. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph (Tony) and Phyllis (Coles) Malerich; and her sisters, Mary Malerich and Sister Anne Malerich, OSB. A longer obituary and a recording of her funeral is available at www.ssndcp.org/ obituaries.

Sister Maureen Dolan, OSF, 89, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

Maureen Margaret Dolan was born on June 29, 1935, in Chicago, IL, to Patrick and Lenore (Earley) Dolan. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1954, received the name of Sister Evin, and made perpetual vows in 1959. She received her Master of Arts in pastoral studies from Loyola University, Chicago, IL, in 1977.

Sister Maureen dedicated 51 years to teaching and pastoral ministry. She taught elementary and religious education from 1956 to 1990, and served in pastoral ministry from 1971 to 2007 in Minnesota, Colorado, and Illinois. Her roles included serving as a sacramental coordinator at St. Genevieve Parish in Chicago, IL (1982-84); a pastoral associate at St. George Parish in Chicago, IL (1984-86); and a hospital chaplain at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Chicago, IL (1993-2007). After retiring in 2007, Sister Maureen moved to Assisi Heights in 2015.

Survivors of Sister Maureen Dolan include her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 70 years; two sisters, Denise Forte and Rita Corcoran; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, James Dolan.

A Resurrection Liturgy was held at Assisi Heights on Thursday, August 22, 2024, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery, Rochester.

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

Inside the Capitol Voting with a Catholic Conscience

By MINNESOTA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

�he 2024 election will determine not only our next president but also numerous legislators at the local, state, and federal levels. As Minnesotans prepare to vote, we as Catholics are called to do so with a focus on human dignity, recognizing that every person is made in the image and likeness of God. This fundamental belief is central to how we engage in public life, including how we vote. Catholics should approach the upcoming election with this in mind, using the Church’s teachings as a guide to form their conscience and inform their vote at the ballot box.

To help Catholics prepare to vote, Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) has created a collection of resources, including specific information on Catholic Social Teaching, faithful citizenship, human dignity, and political guidelines for parishes. These resources, designed to guide and inform voters, can be found at mncatholic.org/election2024.

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) offers a framework for how to build a just society that promotes human flourishing. CST reflects the Gospel’s call to love our neighbor and uphold the dignity of every human person. The principles give Catholics the tools to live out our personal call to holiness despite the challenges of modern society and to share the truths of the faith.

When voting, it’s essential to reflect on the Catholic Social Teaching framework. It is often said that Catholics are politically homeless, as no candidate or party perfectly embodies all of the Church’s teachings. But by prioritizing issues that most directly affect human dignity and the common good, we can allow our faith to inform our vote.

Faithful Citizenship

To help form our conscience, Catholics should turn to the USCCB’s Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship as an evergreen resource to guide decisions. This does not prescribe specific votes but instead provides a foundation for forming one’s conscience. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that our conscience must be informed and moral judgment enlightened (CCC 1783). This formation is crucial, as it helps us prioritize the principles of life, dignity, and the common good in our voting decisions.

Human Dignity

In April 2024, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released Dignitatis Infinita , a Declaration on Human Dignity, and MCC distilled that into a resource for all Minnesota Catholics called On Human Dignity. This important summary offers valuable insights into how contemporary issues - such as abortion, war, poverty, assisted suicide, and gender - relate to the concept of human dignity. We urge Catholics to study this declaration and apply its teachings as they evaluate candidates and issues on the ballot.

Parish Guidelines for Political Activity

As Catholics, we must never be afraid of bringing our faith into the public square. However, because the Church is not a political entity, we must make sure that our individual advocacy efforts are kept distinct from the Church’s teaching voice. Our guidelines for parish and church organization political activity clearly lay out which activities are prohibited, and which are permissible.

Ultimately, voting is an expression of love - love for God, love for neighbor, and love for the world we inhabit. By casting our ballots with a well-formed conscience, we participate in the civic life of our community in a way that reflects our deepest values and hopes for society.

We are called to be salt and light in the world (see Matthew 5:13-16). Voting with a Catholic conscience is one way we can bring the light of Christ into the public square, working toward a society that respects life, promotes justice, and upholds human dignity.

The Minnesota Catholic Conference has been the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota since 1967. The voting members of the MCC's board of directors are Minnesota's Catholic bishops.

MCC Reacts to Governor Tim Walz's Selection as Vice-Presidential Candidate

PAUL

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Jason

executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, issued the following statement in response to the news of Governor Tim Walz’s selection as the Vice-Presidential candidate for the Democrat Party:

“We congratulate Gov. Walz on his selection as the Democratic Vice-Presidential Nominee and

assure him of our prayers. We are proud to have worked together with him to enact a nation-leading child tax credit and promote the well-being of immigrant Minnesotans. Yet, we also have had areas of strong disagreement, including protecting the innocent unborn from abortion, the protection of children from the manifestations of gender ideology, and the importance of parental rights in education.

In some areas, such as religious liberty, we have appreciated his willingness to hear our concerns and change course.

As he steps into the national spotlight, Minnesota Catholic Conference remains committed to constructive engagement with him, ensuring that Catholic perspectives are heard and respected at all levels of government.”

SAINT

-

Adkins,

Celebrando nuestra Nueva Capilla de la Cancillería

Por EL OBISPO ROBERT BARRON

uno de los momentos más satisfactorios de mis dos años como obispo de la Diócesis de Winona-Rochester fue la dedicación y consagración de la hermosa capilla de nuestra nueva cancillería. Al describir lo que ocurrió aquel día, estoy, por supuesto, llamando la atención sobre nuestra capilla en particular, pero también quiero arrojar luz sobre la naturaleza de cualquier edificio de una iglesia católica.

Los festejos comenzaron con una procesión desde la capilla del instituto de Lourdes, al otro lado de la calle. Un gran grupo de personas caminamos solemnemente hacia nuestro destino, cantando salmos e himnos. Al hacerlo, imitábamos conscientemente a nuestros lejanos antepasados en la fe, que se dirigían de manera similar a Jerusalén y al Templo sagrado. De hecho, entonábamos algunos de los mismos salmos que aquellos antiguos peregrinos. El propósito de la procesión era poner de relieve que incluso nuestra relativamente pequeña capilla de Rochester, Minnesota, pretende ser una reiteración del Templo de Jerusalén, es decir, un lugar privilegiado de encuentro entre Dios y su pueblo. Podría incluso insistir y decir que el antiguo Templo se consideraba la morada misma de Dios en la tierra, y ésta es, de hecho, la concepción católica de una iglesia en la que se reserva el Santísimo Sacramento. Una vez dentro de nuestra capilla, comenzamos a celebrar la misa de dedicación de una iglesia, que es una de las liturgias más complejas y solemnes del rito romano. Permítanme centrarme simplemente en la consagración del altar. Según el simbolismo litúrgico, el altar de una iglesia católica representa a Cristo mismo y, por tanto, es apropiado que lo bauticemos, igual que el Señor fue bautizado por Juan. Así que rocié abundantemente nuestro nuevo altar con agua bendita. Y puesto que Jesús fue ungido antes de su sepultura, es apropiado que unjamos el altar en el que se vuelve a representar el sacrificio de la cruz. Así pues, embadurné con el Santo Crisma las cuatro esquinas y el centro del altar, y luego, tras enrollar cuidadosamente la manga de mi alba, unté con el aceite toda la superficie.

Después de estos dos gestos, se introdujo un brasero lleno de carbones encendidos y se colocó sobre el altar bautizado y ungido. Cubrí las brasas con una copiosa cantidad de incienso y, a continuación, todos nosotros, en el transcurso de varios minutos, contemplamos cómo el humo dulcemente perfumado llenaba la sala. Esta notable incensación pretende recordar dos cosas. En primer lugar, según el primer

*indicates event is open to the public

September 3, Tuesday

12 p.m. - Presbyteral CouncilThe Chancery, Rochester

September 4, Wednesday

7 p.m. - Confirmation - St. Theodore, Albert Lea

September 5-6, ThursdayFriday Word on Fire Board Meeting

September 6, Friday

2 p.m. - Safe Environment Audit

Libro de los Reyes, después de que los sacerdotes dedicaran el Templo de Jerusalén, el lugar se llenó de un humo espeso, señal de la presencia del Señor. En segundo lugar, a lo largo de los siglos de su existencia, el humo salía continuamente del Templo, ya que allí se ofrecían sacrificios en continuación. La crucifixión de Jesús fue apreciada como la suma de esas ofrendas, el gran y último holocausto por el que se restablece la justicia de Dios. Así, el brasero humeante de nuestro altar habla del sacrificio de la Misa que se ofrecerá allí a perpetuidad. Quisiera hacer una última observación sobre el altar. En un momento de la ceremonia, los ministros levantaron la mesa y yo introduje en silencio las reliquias de tres santos: el Hermano James Miller, un mártir del siglo XX de nuestra propia diócesis, la Madre Cabrini, la primera santa ciudadana estadounidense, y Tomás de Aquino, un gran santo de la Iglesia universal. Esto corresponde a una antigua práctica según la cual los santos que habían unido sus vidas al sacrificio de Cristo se asocian literalmente al altar del sacrificio.

Me gustaría también llamar la atención sobre algunas características particulares de la capilla de nuestra cancillería. Como muchos de ustedes saben, soy un gran devoto de los rosetones. Por eso insistí en que la capilla estuviera marcada por una hermosa rosa, y mi amigo Matt McNicholas, un arquitecto católico de Chicago, estuvo a la altura de las circunstancias. En el centro del diseño está el Espíritu Santo, esa fuerza de la que mana toda la vida en nuestra diócesis, y rodeando la imagen del Espíritu hay representaciones de las virtudes que espero

September 7, Saturday

*10 a.m. - Marriage Anniversary Mass - St. John the Baptist, Johnsburg

September 8, Sunday

*9:30 a.m. - Mass - Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester

*3-5 p.m. - Open House and Dedication of The ChanceryThe Chancery, Rochester

September 9-11, MondayWednesday USCCB Committee MeetingsWashington, D.C.

September 14, Saturday

*9:30 a.m. - Memorial for the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children - St. Mary Cemetery, Winona

11:30 a.m. - Women's Conference - Alverna Center, Winona

September 15, Sunday

*10 a.m. - Mass and Installation of Fr. Kevin Connolly as PastorSt. Bernard, Stewartville

September 18, Wednesday

Minnesota Catholic Conference Study Day and Board MeetingNew Brighton

que marquen a todos los que trabajan en nuestra sede: diligencia, templanza, castidad, justicia, amor, etc. Acompañando a las imágenes de las virtudes hay maravillosas representaciones de diversas expresiones de la naturaleza en nuestra diócesis. Así, tenemos un pavo, un faisán, una trucha, un bisonte, un copo de nieve (por supuesto) y un río, por no mencionar el tornado que dio lugar a la formación de la Clínica Mayo. También tenemos representaciones de una pipa de la paz (que representa a Pipestone, en el extremo occidental de nuestra diócesis) y del Pan de Azúcar [Sugarloaf], que representa a Winona, en el extremo oriental. La idea es que todos estos elementos -flora, fauna y artefactos- situados dentro de la gloria del rosetón, representen la elevación de nuestra diócesis a la gloria del reino de Dios.

Y a medida que el ojo se desplaza por la decoración de la capilla, sorprende la complejidad del estarcido y la tracería de las paredes y el techo. Esta hermosa complejidad representa la unión armoniosa de todos los elementos de la creación cuando se completa la obra redentora de Dios. Cuando uno entra en una iglesia católica, no está saliendo del mundo para entrar en el cielo, sino que está entrando en «un cielo nuevo y una tierra nueva», una creación transfigurada y perfeccionada.

Para concluir, permítanme invitar cordialmente a todos los fieles de nuestra diócesis -y también de fuera de ella- a que se acerquen a la capilla de la cancillería. Creo que encontrarán sus almas elevadas.

September 19, Thursday

10:30 a.m. - College of Consultors - The Chancery, Rochester

September 20, Friday

9:30 a.m. - Mental Health Roundtable - The Chancery, Rochester

*5 p.m. - Acolyte Installation Mass - St. Joseph, Lakefield

September 21, Saturday

10:30 a.m. - Confirmation - Our Lady of Good Counsel, Wilmont

2 p.m. - Confirmation - Good Shepherd, Jackson

September 23-26, MondayThursday

Presbyteral Days - Okoboji, IA

September 28 - October 27, Saturday-Sunday

Synod on Synodality - Rome, Italy

Bishop's Calendar