The Courier - September 2021

The

Ss. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael September 29

September 2021

COURIER

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

USCCB President Asks Bishops to Where Do Consider Special Collection in Dioceses We Go to Assist Haiti Following Earthquake from Here?

By VERY REV. WILLIAM THOMPSON

�

Downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti

From usccb.org WASHINGTON –Reports out of Haiti in the aftermath of the August 14 earthquake show immense damage and have resulted in a substantial loss of life; following in its wake Tropical Storm Grace has added to the devastation and long-standing civil unrest. The people of Haiti

are likely to see ongoing hardship in the weeks ahead as they begin recovery and rebuilding efforts. Moreover, many parish churches, chapels, schools, and clinics were devastated which will impact faith communities for years.

In response, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles,

Earthquake, cont'd on pg. 4

n February and March, I wrote articles that reflected on the Holy See’s document: The pastoral conversion of the Parish community in the service of the evangelizing mission of the Church. In those two articles, I reflected on the life of parish communities. In “What is a Parish,” I reflected on the primary components of a parish—the people of God with their pastor—as the necessary composition of a parish, while the church building is only secondary to the people. In “How Does a Parish Behave,” I suggested that local traditions and practices always need to be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit, especially as a parish fulfills its evangelizing character in making the Kingdom of God known near and far.

This month, I would like to explore the future as it relates to Pastoral Planning.

The most recent Pastoral Planning in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester was named Vision 2016, though its original title was Vision and Mission. It is important not to lose that second part of Pastoral Planning,

Pastoral Planning, cont'd on pg. 4

INSIDE this issue

Becoming Visionary

Camp Summit 2021 page 5

Thanks Be to God page 7

page 9

Pope Francis Watch

The Courier Insider

2

Pope Francis: 'Hypocrisy in the Church Is Particularly Detestable'

VATICAN CITY, Aug 25, 2021 (CNA) - Pope Francis said on Wednesday that hypocrisy within the Church is “particularly detestable.”

Speaking at the general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall on August 25, the pope underlined that hypocritical behavior damaged Church unity.

“Hypocrisy in the Church is particularly detestable, and unfortunately there is hypocrisy in the Church, and there are many hypocritical Christians and ministers. We should never forget the Lord’s words: ‘Let what you say be simply Yes or No; anything more than this comes from evil,’” he said, quoting Matthew 5:37.

“Brothers and sisters, today, let us think about the hypocrisy that Paul condemns, and that Jesus condemns: hypocrisy. And let us not be afraid to be truthful, to speak the truth, to hear the truth, to conform ourselves to the truth, so we can love. A hypocrite does not know how to love.”

“To act otherwise means jeopardizing the unity of the Church, that unity for which the Lord Himself prayed.”

The pope’s live-streamed address, dedicated to the theme “The dangers of the Law,” was the sixth in his cycle of catechesis on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians.

The pope reflected on Galatians 2:1114, in which Paul recalls that he rebuked St. Peter for ceasing to eat with gentiles for fear of conflict with strict Jewish Christians, who stressed that Jews were prohibited from eating with non-Jews under Mosaic Law. “First, Peter had been eating with the Christians of pagan origin without any difficulty; however, when some circumcised Christians from Jerusalem arrived in the city, he then no longer did so, because he did not want to incur their criticism,” the pope said.

“That’s the mistake: he was more focused on criticism, on making a good impression.

And this is serious in Paul’s eyes, because other disciples imitated Peter, especially Barnabas, who with Paul had even evangelized the Galatians.”

Pope Francis said that, without intending to, Peter was creating “an unjust division” within the community.

Addressing pilgrims who were seated in the hall and wearing face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the pope said that Paul was, in essence, accusing Peter of hypocrisy.

He suggested that hypocrisy could be defined as “the fear of the truth.”

“In an environment where interpersonal relations are lived under the banner of formalism, the virus of hypocrisy easily spreads,” he said.

He noted that hypocrisy is frequently condemned in the Bible. He highlighted the example of Eleazar, an elderly Jewish man who refused to save his life by eating meat sacrificed to pagan deities.

Quoting from the Second Book of Maccabees, the pope said that Eleazar had refused because the younger generation would conclude that he had “gone over to an alien religion” and be led astray.

“What a beautiful episode to reflect on to distance ourselves from hypocrisy,” the pope remarked. “The Gospels, too, report several situations in which Jesus strongly reproaches those who appear just externally, but who internally are filled with falsity and iniquity.”

He encouraged pilgrims to read the 23rd chapter of St. Matthew’s Gospel and note how many times Jesus refers to “hypocrites.”

He added that hypocrites are people who “pretend, flatter, and deceive” because they lack the courage to face the truth.

“For this reason, they are not capable of truly loving -- a hypocrite does not know how to love -- they limit themselves to living out of egoism and do not have the strength to show their hearts transparently,” he said.

“There are many situations in which hypocrisy is at work. It is often hidden in the workplace where someone appears to be friends with their colleagues while, at the same time, stabbing them in the back due to competition. In politics, it is not unusual to find hypocrites who live one way in public and another way in private.”

The Courier is the official publication of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 112 - 9

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)

September 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

Articles of Interest

Becoming Visionary________________________5 Guiding Our Children_______________________6 Camp Summit 2021______________________7 RCS Welcomes Principal Andrew Poterucha___7 Back to Work in Bethlehem______________8 Thanks Be to God________________________9 World Headlines__________________________10 Diocesan Headlines________________________11 Diocesan Calendar_______________________12

The Holy Father's Intention for

September 2021 An Environmentally Sustainable Lifestyle We pray that we all will make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, rejoicing in our young people who are resolutely committed to this.

Officials

Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona-Rochester, announces the following: Senior Status Rev. John Wilmot: currently Pastor of St. Columbanus Parish in Blooming Prairie, Sacred Heart Parish in Hayfield and Holy Trinity Parish in Litomysl; granted Senior Priest status, effective August 2, 2021.

Hypocrisy, cont'd on pg. 11

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.

Where to Find the Courier

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

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

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

Communion, Participation and Mission

Bishop John M. Quinn

�ear Friends in Christ,

Back to School

It is with much joy and excitement that we are embarking on a new school year, which I know we all hope will be more normal than those of the past two years. Despite lingering COVID protocols, I know both teachers and students alike are enjoying seeing one another again, and beginning a new year dedicated to learning.

I will once again be teaching theology at St. Mary’s University in Winona, with a class on the Most Holy Trinity. Throughout my time as both a priest and a bishop, I have been privileged to have the opportunity to teach our young people, and I have been thankful to continue to be able to do so in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. I pray that the coming school year may be one of much learning, and also one of growth in faith in Jesus Christ. Blessed are you!

Associate to the Christian Brothers

Recently, I was honored by the Christian Brothers, who granted me the privilege of being named an Associate to the Christian Brothers. It is the highest honor the Brothers can give to those who work alongside them in the important ministry of Catholic

Synod of Bishops

Every three years, bishops from around the world gather in Rome for what is called an “Ordinary Synod.” This is an opportunity to discuss a certain topic with leaders from the entire Church.

The word “catholic” means universal, and although the Catholic Church throughout the world shares the same apostolic faith and is in union with the Pope, the way this faith is expressed can vary greatly from one region of the world to another. At a synod, bishops can share and discuss their experiences and concerns, and come to a better understanding of a particular aspect of the faith. Past Ordinary Synods have covered topics including evangelization, family, Penance and Reconciliation, the vocation of the laity, consecrated life, and the Eucharist. Many times, the pope will publish a “postsynodal apostolic exhortation,” which is a letter to the faithful sharing his reflections and the fruits of the synod.

The last Ordinary Synod occurred in 2018, on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment. For this next synod, entitled “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission,” Pope Francis desired to extend the process timeline, so that the bishops would not meet until 2023. This was to allow for greater participation by the entire Church, as the concept of synodality is precisely about the people of God listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and discerning the path forward together.

The opening of the synod will take place this October.

Pope Francis will preside over an opening session and Mass on October 9-10, with all other diocesan bishops of the world similarly holding an opening Mass and time for prayer and reflection the following weekend, October 16-17. Over the following six months, dioceses will engage in a time of listening to all the baptized, with various events such as listening sessions, a pre-synodal meeting, and a synthesis of all the responses received. In addition to participation from dioceses, other groups within the Church, such as religious institutes and lay movements, will also have the opportunity to give responses to Rome.

Throughout the history of the Church, there have been several councils convened in order to bring bishops together to discuss a particular issue. These have often been prompted by some concern affecting the entire Church, including confusion on some teaching such as the divinity of Christ, or the religious and social upheaval caused by the Protestant Reformation.

However, the Synod of Bishops is a more recent creation. It was instituted in 1965, at the end of the Second Vatican Council, with the aim of helping the Church and her leaders journey together as guardians of the faith in the modern era. It is precisely in order to imbue this synod on synodality with a greater awareness of the needs and desires of all those in the Church, that Pope Francis is widening the timeline and scope of this next synod.

I will soon be receiving, from Rome, more information on conducting the diocesan phase of this synod. Our local opening Mass will be at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, at 10:30 am on Sunday, October 17. In the following months, there will be various opportunities for all those in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester to participate in sharing in this process of listening and discernment. Please stay tuned as more information will be shared in the coming months. I

hope that you will come and be a part of this process in which Pope Francis is inviting all of us to share. Blessed are you!

Sr. Lauren

On August 1, I was privileged to celebrate a Mass in honor of Sr. Lauren Weinandt, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes in Rochester. Sr. Lauren turned 100 years old on August 2, and the sisters and Mayo Clinic held a beautiful celebration in honor of her long life and ministry in religious life, particularly at St. Marys Hospital / Mayo Clinic, where she currently holds the title of oldest and longest-serving employee. Sr. Lauren started at then-St. Marys in 1956, the same year she professed vows with the Franciscans. She began as secretary for two different administrators – Sr. Mary Brigh and Sr. Generose – and has gone on to assist in many other areas of the clinic since then.

Sr. Lauren always wanted to be a sister, and particularly hoped to be a missionary and help the poor. While the latter dream did not come true due to health, she has found that instead of going to see the world, the world has come to see her through her ministry at the world-renowned clinic.

Additionally, through Sr. Lauren’s many rummage sales, also known as “Sister Sales,” she has indeed been able to serve the poor, as the funds of these sales have gone to missionaries in other countries, as well as the Mayo Clinic’s Poverello Fund that assists patients in financial need. Sr. Lauren still maintains an active presence at the clinic, for all who want to come by to ask for prayers or talk, and she has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining the hospital’s archives.

Sr. Lauren’s favorite place in the clinic, however, is the chapel, where she and her fellow sisters gather every day for prayer, especially the Rosary and Mass. Sr. Lauren knows that God is in charge and that it is important to live today and not worry about tomorrow because God will take care of that. She is

a shining example of how our Triune God can powerfully use individuals who give their lives to Him. Blessed James Miller, FSC

3 From the Bishop

Rejoice in Hope

education, and it requires the consent of their Superior General in Rome. Among my Brothers of Christian Schools, I am now also known as Brother John. I give thanks each day for the numerous ways the Christian Brothers continue to be brothers to me, both at St. Mary’s University and in my work as Bishop of WinonaRochester. Thank you, Brothers, for allowing me to share in your teaching ministry. St. John Baptist de la Salle, pray for us!

Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

Two years ago, the Diocese of WinonaRochester, and particularly the De La Salle Christian Brothers, rejoiced when Brother James Miller was declared a Blessed of the Church. Br. James taught in St. Paul; Nicaragua; and Huehuetenango, Guatemala, before being shot to death in 1982 at the age of 37, while helping the indigenous people of Guatemala rise out of oppression and poverty. Normally, the Church does not publicly celebrate the feast days of those who are beatified but not canonized, unless they have a particular connection to that diocese or country. However, because Blessed James studied here at St. Mary’s University, earlier this year I petitioned the Holy See for permission to celebrate the optional memorial of Blessed James Miller, Martyr in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

This request was granted and this summer I received the special texts so that this feast day can be celebrated here every February 13. Blessed James Miller, pray for us!

Sincerely in Christ,

+ John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona-Rochester

The Bishop's Calendar is on Page 4.

September 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

4

Pastoral Planning,

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

cont'd from pg. 1

because we never lose the mission of the Church, even if the vision may change according to contemporary needs. Everyone should be involved in both the vision and mission of the Church.

The laity have both a right and a duty to bring forward to their pastors their spiritual needs. By doing so, you help your pastors at a local level to determine the vision for the parish. The mission is shared by laity and clergy alike, even if in different ways. One way in particular that laity share in the mission of the Church is by living out the grace of your Baptism and allowing the light of Christ to shine through you. When you live in the light of Christ in all you do and are, you are furthering the mission of the Church. You can find ways to do this by reading the other articles in the Courier or other spiritual reading, through prayer, and through service to your sisters and brothers.

When discussing Pastoral Planning, the impression may be given that its only real intent is to close (that is, merge) parishes. While that does happen, it is not the goal of Pastoral Planning. Church buildings are meant to foster the support and growth of the people of God, the Church. It is always important to remember that our faith is in God, not in buildings.

Nevertheless, buildings become a principal place where we encounter God, especially as a commu-

Earthquake,

cont'd from pg. 1 president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has sent a letter to all U.S. bishops asking them to consider taking up a voluntary special collection in their dioceses for the Bishops Emergency Disaster Fund.

The funds collected for this special appeal will be used to support the pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church as well as the efforts of Catholic Relief Services and/or Catholic Charities USA, the official relief agencies of the U.S. Catholic Church,

Bishop's Calendar

September 1, Wednesday 12 p.m. - Virtual Meeting with the USCCB Institute on the Catechism 4:45 p.m. - Evening Prayer and Mass of the Holy Spirit - IHM Seminary September 2, Thursday 1 p.m. - Holy Hour and Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting September 7, Tuesday 11 a.m. - Holy Hour and Deans Meeting 2:30 p.m. - Clergy Personnel Board Meeting September 8, Wednesday 9-3 p.m. - Minnesota Catholic Conference Study Day - University of St. Thomas, St. Paul September 9, Thursday 1:30 p.m. - Catholic Higher Education Working Group Conference Call September 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

nity. Any decision about a church building should be made in faith and as a result of the gift of conversion.

Faith gives roots; conversion keeps us focused on the mission.

Think about the need for conversion in your parish in a collective sense. Where is there need for conversion in the vision? How does the culture of your parish need conversion? What would it look like to see a conversion in the budgeting process?

These questions can help determine where we go from here. What’s more is that we are in a great time to engage in this process of conversion: as we re-engage parishioners this Fall, how will that be done? Will everything be the same as normal, or will we allow this past year to bring a conversion to the vision we have for each of our parishes? Will the culture of our parish mirror the general culture, or will we find ways to be leaven in society? Will our budgets start with buildings and grounds (maintenance mode) or the pastoral and spiritual needs of the parish (missionary discipleship mode)? It is necessary, but also difficult, for us to answer these questions.

Why? Because change is difficult. Even when the normal way of operating is frustrating and inefficient, we tend to stay with that path because it is what we know. Several years ago, many of the pastors in the diocese took part in a program called

as they and their local agencies respond to immediate emergency needs and aid in long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts. The funds will be used in response to the earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace calamities in Haiti and any other disasters that occur and will be distributed where they are most needed. However, if such purpose(s) become unnecessary, impractical or impossible to fill, USCCB may use such contributions for other emergency disaster relief where it is most needed as determined by the Committee on National Collections using its emergency response protocol.

In his appeal, Archbishop Gomez acknowledged that many of the dioceses in the United States continue to be impacted financially by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic but also recognized the gener-

September 11, Saturday 4 p.m. - 100th Anniversary Mass and Dinner - St. Luke Church, Sherburn September 12, Sunday 1 p.m. - Confirmation - St. Mary Church, Worthington September 13, Monday 8 a.m. - Class - St. Mary’s University, Winona September 13-16, Monday– Thursday DOW-R Presbyteral Retreat - Okoboji, IA September 18, Saturday 10 a.m. - Memorial Service for the Unborn - St. Mary's Cemetery, Winona

“Good Leaders, Good Shepherds.” One of the strong images that remains with me from that program is the game “Whack-a-Mole.” That is how many of our parishes operate (though, truth be told, that is how most of our lives work!). Experiencing a conversion in vision, culture and budgeting can help a parish to be more purposeful, rather than reactionary, in their mission.

What can a parish do about this? As the Diocese worked through Vision 2016, each individual parish was asked to prepare their own plan. Even if a parish did that five years ago, it may be time to consider making a parish pastoral plan again or, at the very least, reviewing the plan to see if it is still appropriate and effective. The goal of this process is to gain clarity in a parish’s vision as it seeks to fulfill its mission.

Jesus said “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). We want to be fit for the kingdom of God. There is often a tendency to revert to the norm, even if that norm is frustrating and inefficient. Parish Pastoral Planning offers an opportunity to take a step toward a new way of imagining the life of the parish; it helps us to see the work needed to enter into the unplowed field ahead of us. osity of the faithful and their deep care for those in need as confidence in their prayerful consideration and response to this effort.

In addition to the appeal being made by Archbishop Gomez, the Committee on National Collections’ Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America has approved $10,000 grants to three dioceses in Haiti that have been most heavily impacted. Additionally, Catholic Relief Services is on the ground in Haiti responding to immediate humanitarian needs and is expected to be there through the extensive recovery period.

For more information on the Catholic Church’s work in Haiti, please visit: www.usccb.org/committees/church-latin-america and www.crs.org/ourwork-overseas/where-we-work/haiti.

September 19, Sunday 2 p.m. - Diocesan Marriage Anniversary Mass - St. John the Baptist Church, Mankato 5:30 p.m. - St. Thomas More Newman Center Gala, Mankato September 20, Monday 8 a.m. - Class - St. Mary’s University, Winona September 22, Wednesday 6:30 a.m. - Morning Prayer and Mass IHM Seminary 5 p.m. - Blessing of Campus - St. Mary’s University, Winona September 25, Saturday Mass - Diocesan Council of Catholic Women 80th Anniversary - Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona

September 26, Sunday 2 p.m. - Confirmation - St. Leo Church, Pipestone; with the parishes of St. Adrian, Adrian; St. Catherine, Luverne; St. Anthony, Lismore; and Our Lady of Good Counsel, Wilmont September 27, Monday 8 a.m. - Class - St. Mary’s University, Winona September 28, Tuesday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Holy Hour and DOW-R Presbyteral Council Meeting September 30, Thursday 9:30 a.m. - Holy Hour and College of Consultors Board Meeting October 4, Monday 8 a.m. - Class - St. Mary’s University, Winona

Becoming Visionary Director of Missionary Discipleship swindley@dowr.org

�

r. William Thompson, our Vicar General, mentioned the importance of vision in his article in this edition of The Courier. I wanted to expand a bit on the priority of vision as we pick up from the (ongoing) pandemic, cultural, demographic, and Church challenges.

Some Catholics will see the word “visionary” and think of people who have been graced to see apparitions of Mary, the Mother of God. Others will see the word and think of people who have “seen” a society of justice before everyone else, and have led the way (thinking of some of our civil rights movement heroes, like Martin Luther King, Jr. - and his “I have a dream” speech). Others will think of idealists that rise above the pragmatic day-to-day, looking ahead to a perfection that seems impossible. All understandings of the word visionary point to the same thing: people who can SEE something beyond, and in some ways within, the present.

We are all called to become visionaries in this present moment because as Christians, we can ask the Lord in prayer to receive the grace to see with his eyes. It is a grace because we’re not God, but we are temples of the Holy Spirit, and God wants our will to be in concert with his will. He doesn’t want to hide

Personal Pilgrimage Opportunity

St. Joseph's Church in Owatonna is open to people who wish to make a personal pilgrimage in this Year of St. Joseph (ending Dec. 8, 2021). There are prayer cards and St. Joseph medals available for pilgrims, as well as a kneeler before the St. Joseph statue for prayer. A small receptacle of St. Joseph oil from the St. Joseph Oratory in Montreal, Canada, is on the side altar, below the statue, for those with ailments.

St. Andre Bessette would invite the sick to use the oil (externally, on their person) for healing. All are welcome.

Inaugural

Holy Spirit Alive

diocesan conference Save the Date: November 12-13

Main speaker: Barbara Heil, international missionary and Catholic convert, From His Heart Ministries St. Theodore Church, Albert Lea Spanish translation available.

September 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

ramental life, and a dedicated and growing prayer life. They like to share the fruits of that sacramental life and prayer with people. The Mass is beautiful and people participate with devotion. Nearly everyone is involved in a small faithsharing group (Bible studies, marriage enrichment, or many other options).

Children are welcomed within families and in liturgy. Many work on evangelism outreaches in the community, meeting people where they are and offering invitations to discover Christ. The RCIA process is exciting and the whole town is invited. The parish is known as a place of healing, as members host 12-step groups, grief support, and more. Young adults get married in the Church, and a healthy number spend time discerning consecrated life. The parish has a vibrant social outreach to the community and the world, striving to be a Church of the poor for the poor. They know each other. They enjoy each other.

They forgive each other. They help each other. They serve together. They grieve together. They strive to rise together.

Whew, you say. No one parish can do all that!

But this is the gift of vision. It gives you something concrete for which to aim. You start with a single step - but you need to know where you are walking. And there is Scripture: Nothing is impossible with God. Why wouldn’t we aim for all the truth, all the beauty, all the joy?

Pray to become visionary, for eyes to see. Be that persistent widow in the gospel, and ask, and listen, again and again and again. God wants that vision realized more than any of us do, and will clue us in! Of course vision realization doesn’t happen overnight, but...with God’s grace, we can, parish by parish, be that city on a hill. We are called to be the light to the world by Jesus himself. Let’s take the time and courage to ask God for his vision for southern Minnesota.

Missionary Discipleship

Susan Windley-Daoust

from us his will that we’re called to walk in! We are, in fact, called to live a visionary life.

When it comes to parishes, God has a plan for each particular parish. Parishes are the people living in a particular region (not just the Catholics, not just the registered parishioners, and not just the building - but instead, all the people in a region). And we know the missionary call - ”go and make disciples of all nations,” “be my witnesses,” be Christ’s hands and feet. But becoming visionary means being able to see what the outcome of the mission looks like! It’s a gift of inspiration and goal-setting. And you need to take time to become visionary. God has a vision of what your parish looks like. In prayer, ask him to share it with you.

Typically, because many cradle Catholics are comfortable, familiar, and largely satisfied with how a Church community serves them, it is hard for them to visualize the mission-focused parish. We tend to think comfortably - ”let’s do what we do, but a little better.” So for fun, I am going to shake things up and describe a sample VISION of a mission-focused parish.

Everyone in town knows of the parish’s kindness and generosity to all. People attending have a devotion to the Eucharist, a consistent and frequent sac-

5

Lay Formation

6

Guiding Our Children

into the Heart of the Church

By CAMILLE WITHROW

Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me .

-Mark 9:36-37

�his August I had the opportunity to

participate in the “National Gathering on Christian Initiation” (NGCI), joining online with over 130 people from around the country for two days of virtual workshops and conversation.

The focus for this year’s conference was, “Implementing the RCIA Adapted for Children.” This initiation process is not as familiar as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). But, there are children joining the Catholic Church in our diocese every year, and there are also wonderful RCIA coordinators and team members that are walking with them on this journey.

I would like to share with you some information about this process and what I learned from being part of the conference.

Rita Burns Senseman, one of the conference presenters and the author of A Child’s Journey, The Christian Initiation of Children, describes The RCIA adapted for children as, “a journey of conversion that transforms children and their families” (Senseman, 2). This rite “is intended for children, not baptized as infants, who have attained the use of reason and are of catechetical age” (“Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” (RCIA), #306).

The Church generally considers catechetical age to be the ages of 7 to 14.

Children that are partaking in the RCIA adapted for children are capable

of receiving and growing in their personal faith.

Although parts of the RCIA adapted for children mirror the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, these children do need to be treated differently due to the stage in life that they are at. Children in the age range associated with RCIA adapted for children are still dependent on their parents/guardians and are strongly influenced by their peers and social surroundings.

When considering the process of Christian initiation for children, it is important to have a process that progresses gradually, incorporates the guidance of their parents/guardians, and includes a supportive group of companions. If possible, it would be helpful to gather a group of several children in similar situations in order to support each other as they progress through the initiation process. In addition to the support of their peers, it is hoped that children will receive help and example from their parents.

Therefore, it is beneficial for the process to provide opportunities for the child’s family to have contact with the catechists involved in their journey and with the pastor of the parish. While children may be going through this process with their peers, rather than in an intergenerational setting, permission from the parents is still required for the child to receive the Sacraments of Initiation.

Any RCIA process, whether for adults or children, is a process of conversion. The RCIA ritual text explains that for children, this rite, “requires both a conversion that is personal and somewhat developed, in proportion to their age, and the assistance of the education they need” (RCIA, #307). Focus on one’s relationship with Christ, along with the change of heart this brings about, should be at the center of the RCIA process.

As a child journeys through the RCIA adapted for children, their peers and the RCIA team should be able to witness this growth in their relationship with Christ, which is reflected in a change in their actions,

Todd Graff

Director of Lay Formation & RCIA tgraff@dowr.org

attitude, and life-style so that it increasingly portrays that of Jesus Christ. Just as each person is unique, the process of the RCIA for children will need to be adapted to the needs of each individual. Likewise, the conversion that is witnessed will look distinct based on the maturity and personal circumstances of each child.

As with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the process for children is marked by several liturgical rites which are significant moments in the children’s formation. Rita Burns Senseman explains that “for children especially, the rituals speak at a level that verbal language cannot. The signs and symbols, the sights and sounds, the gestures, prayers, processions, music and movement engage children in a profound way” (Senseman, 7). In this way, the liturgical rites play a critical role in the child’s formation journey.

During the NGCI Conference, Rita also discussed the importance of giving children a space to share and process what each liturgical rite meant to them in a setting of their peers or family members. Although these rites may need to be done in a smaller and more “low-key” way, the major rites still play an essential role in the Christian initiation process for children.

While this is just a small share of the information that was provided during the NGCI Conference, I feel that these key points are important to better understanding what the RCIA adapted for children may look like. After having the opportunity to learn more about this important ministry, I am so grateful for the Church’s wisdom in adapting the RCIA to bring these precious children into the heart of our loving God through a process that has been carefully laid out especially for them.

Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.

-Proverbs 22:6 Camille Withrow is a program associate for the RCIA in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

September 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

Camp Summit 2021 More than Conquerors (Romans 8:31-39)

Youth Catholic Schools

Dana Petricka

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

�amp

Summit is a middle-school adventure camp that takes place every summer at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro.

During “normal” years, Camp Summit is a weeklong camp that empowers high school and adult leaders to witness the love of Christ to middle schoolers through powerful testimonies, talks, small group discussion, outdoor activities, Mass, eucharstic adoration, confession and much more.

This year we were grateful to be able to have Camp Summit again after not holding the camp during 2020. However, Camp Summit looked much different this year as a day camp. Our theme of "More Than Conquerors" (Romans 8:31-39) was very appropriate as the campers worked on conquering different challenges throughout the day, such as high ropes, rock climbing, and group challenges. Our day camp ended with time in prayer with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist to break open the Scripture theme in adoration, confession, and praise and worship.

The young Church is alive and well in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester! Some beautiful memories from camp this year include a young middle school girl who went to confession for the

7

first time in many years and a young man whose favorite part of camp was eucharistic adoration. I always think middle and high schoolers who attend Camp Summit are there because of the perks: high ropes, rock climbing, hanging out with friends, etc.

However, time and time again they never cease to amaze me by saying that prayer and being with Jesus in the sacraments is their favorite part of Camp Summit.

This is also refreshing to know, considering every parish in our diocese has that to offer the young Church: prayer and the sacraments. We don’t have to wait for Camp Summit, a retreat, or a conference to encounter the Lord. Please pray that all of our parishes become schools of prayer for all members and find ways to engage the young and old in the channels of grace, which are the sacraments, so readily available to us.

RCS Welcomes Principal Andrew Poterucha Marsha Stenzel

Superintendent of Catholic Schools mstenzel@dowr.org

By MATT LANGSDALE

�ochester Catholic Schools is extremely pleased to

announce that Mr. Andrew Poterucha has accepted the position of Principal at St. Francis of Assisi School.

“It is an incredible blessing for our students and families that Mr. Poterucha is assuming this leadership position at St. Francis of Assisi School,” said Dr. John Wald, Co-Chair of the RCS Board of Trustees.

“He is deeply committed to the advancement of Catholic education and the mission of Rochester Catholic Schools.”

His experience in education includes several years at Holy Spirit Catholic School where he taught science and physical education in addition to embracing leadership responsibilities. Mr. Poterucha served on the school’s Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association team, was a member of the

science curriculum writing committee through a partnership of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE), and held the position of athletic director.

Mr. Poterucha is a graduate of RCS and has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He later continued his education at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, where he earned a Graduate Certificate in secondary education and a Master of Arts degree in instruction with concentration on instructional strategies for English language learners. Mr. Poterucha then obtained a Graduate Certificate in education administration for K-12 principal after completion of an extensive administrative internship at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

“I have had the privilege of not only teaching at Rochester Catholic Schools, but also attending RCS from kindergarten through high school graduation,” said Mr. Poterucha. “I believe Catholic education develops the whole child in the image of God through teaching Christian values and cultivating spiritual growth. We as educators are preparing students to serve God’s world and those in it.”

Matt Langsdale is the principal of St. Pius X School and St. John the Evangelist Middle School in Rochester.

September 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

St. Joseph Project Hopes to Put Christian Carvers

Life, Marriage & Family

8

Back to Work in Bethlehem Peter Martin

Director of Life, Marriage & Family and Communications pmartin@dowr.org

Misaad Misaad, a Christian carver from the Holy Land, carves an original St. Joseph statue as part of the St. Joseph Project.

The following was published by the Diocese of Saginaw on August 3, 2021. It is reprinted here with permission. Quotes by Saginaw's Bishop Robert Gust have been replaced with quotes from Bishop John M. Quinn, and information regarding the ordering of statues has been updated.

�ith the inspiration of St. Joseph … and olive

wood, Rami Qumsieh is trying to put Christians in Bethlehem back to work.

“There is no consistency of any work,” said Christians of the Holy Land founder Rami Qumsieh.

“The hardship for families is exponential. It’s hard enough raising a family, and to add to it lack of income puts tremendous stress on the fabric of the family.”

The pandemic has devastated the Christian community’s ability to earn a living since early in 2020.

The statues are blessed by Fr. Issa Hijazeen at the Church of Nativity and the Church of Shepherds Town (Beit Sahour).

September 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

Travel restrictions brought Holy Land pilgrimages to a halt, and along with it the income generated by pilgrimage related businesses (which employ nearly 80 percent of the Christian population in the area).

Support Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ

“When I received the olive wood, hand carved statue of St. Joseph, I realized that we have another wonderful opportunity to support our fellow Christians in the Holy Land,” said Bishop John M. Quinn. “These beautiful statues help provide financial support for our brothers and sisters in Christ, so they can remain in the Holy Land as a living and worshiping Christian community.”

The statues are being carved during the Year of Saint Joseph (December 8, 2020, through December 8, 2021) which was proclaimed by Pope Francis.

During this year, all are invited to discover, anew, St. Joseph and his role as a hidden, though loving and beloved father who showed courage and obedience.

Every St. Joseph statue that is carved is blessed

by Father Issa Hijazeen at the Church of Nativity and the Church of Shepherds Town (Beit Sahour).

“With this St. Joseph Project, Mr. Qumsieh is promoting the re-assuring slogan among the wood carvers, ‘If you carve it, you'll be paid,’” said Father Issa Hijazeen, parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church Beit-Sahour, Palestine. “During this very difficult period in the Holy Land, all work opportunities are welcomed and needed. We pray for Mr. Qumsieh, to succeed in this project and for all his efforts to continue yielding fruit, as he represents a direct and sustainable source of revenue for our local Christian community.”

The carvers, themselves, have expressed their gratitude for work and are hopeful of support. With the majority of families out of work for more than a year, and without the equivalent of PPP loans or stimulus checks, Christians in the Holy Land are having a difficult time making ends meet.

“It’s a struggle,” Rami said. “The community is suffering.”

“I pray this project is a success,” said carver, Misaad Misaad.

A desire to help the Christian community, who represents less than 2 percent of those living in Bethlehem and surrounding areas, led Rami to turn to St. Joseph and olive wood. His hope is to put carvers like Misaad to work, empowering them to earn money by carving St. Joseph statues. Those who support the project will own a handmade, original and blessed St. Joseph statue.

“A purchase serves as a Spiritual and Corporal Work of Mercy as it employs, feeds and comforts those in need,” Rami said. “A purchase also demonstrates solidarity, loyalty and prudence towards the Christian identity of our Holy Land."

St. Joseph statue order forms have been shared with parishes across the Diocese of WinonaRochester. Those who are interested in placing an order and supporting this project are encouraged to make their orders directly through their parish, where possible, as collective shipping can save each parishioner $10. Look for your order form in next week’s bulletin or contact your parish office for a form.

Keeping in mind the suffering of our Catholic and Christian community in the Holy Land, and giving honor to Saint Joseph's profession as a woodworker (carpenter), this olive wood statue will memorialize this Year of Saint Joseph and increase devotion to him, while helping our faithful Christians in Bethlehem.

Bishop Quinn prays that this initiative not only help sustain the Christians in the Holy Land, but that it also may bless our Church: “May St. Joseph, protector of the universal Church, guard all of us from every danger and evil, as he protected the Holy Family.”

Christians of the Holy Land Founder Rami Qumsieh holds St. Joseph statues, which are available for purchase in two sizes.

Thanks Be to God

for a New Year of Seminary Formation

Vocations

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

�

n thanksgiving to God for so many blessings and graces, we are back to a new year of seminary formation. It is with joy that I let you know that this year many of our seminarians will be attending theology studies and formation programs at St. Paul School of Divinity (St. Paul Seminary) located at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Over the last number of years, many of our men have attended seminary at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, and this year most of them will transfer to St. Paul Seminary.

We are grateful to have them closer to home and they will engage in a Teaching Parish Program that allows them to come back to a parish in the diocese once a month to experience parish life locally before they are ordained priests. There will be six seminarians in theology school in St. Paul and three more attending a formation program there this fall as well.

In total, we are blessed to have 20 seminarians studying for the priesthood for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Look for our diocesan poster and prayer cards coming out in the next month or two!

Before the seminarians scattered to their respective seminaries and programs for the year, we had a

Screen capture of Sister Mary Dominic Guggisberg from a video by Openlight Media.

Congratulations to Sister Mary Dominic Guggisberg, a Jackson native who, on July 21, 2021, made her final vows with the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, in Ann Arbor, MI. Sister Mary Dominic came to know her vocation during her time at Winona State University and her work with FOCUS missionaries on the campus there.

To view a video of Sister Mary Dominic's profession of vows or a video of Sister Mary Dominic sharing the story of her vocation, visit the Dominican Sisters of Mary's professions webpage at: https://openlightmedia.com/vocations/professions/

9

gathering with all 20 of the men. It was graciously hosted by the parishes of Jackson, Sherburn, and Lakefield at the Religious Sisters of Mercy Convent property. Parishioners from the parishes generously supplied more than we could eat! We had a great time of fraternity and fellowship, which included reflection and conversations on authentic fellowship and sharing of graces from the summer months. We also played our annual baseball game with one of our seminarians hitting a bottom-of-the-ninth walkoff double. One family hosted us for an afternoon lake day at their cabin on Spirit Lake. We are beyond grateful for our time together and are ready to engage the formation year with hope and trust in God. On Sunday, August 29, 2021, during 10:30 Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, Ezra Lippert (far left), a DOW-R seminarian, was installed to the Ministry of Acolyte. During the same Mass, seminarians Adam Worm (second from left), Brian Klein (second from right), and Nicholas Gawarecki (far right) were installed to the ministry of Lector. They are picture here with Director of Vocations Rev. Jason Kern (left in green) and Bishop John M. Quinn (right in green).

A week earlier, on Saturday, August 21, during 5:15 Mass as the Cathedral, DOW-R seminarians Isaiah Olsem, Benjamin Peters and Timothy Welch underwent the Rite of Candidacy.

September 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

In the World

10

Vatican Urges Countries to Accept Refugees from Afghanistan

Photo Credit: Mohammad Rahmani via Unsplash

VATICAN CITY, August 25, 2021 (CNA) - A Vatican diplomat has urged countries to “move from declaration to action” by welcoming refugees from Afghanistan.

In a speech to the emergency session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the situation in Afghanistan, Msgr. John Putzer said that the Holy See was calling on all parties to uphold the “human dignity and fundamental rights of every person.”

He underlined that this included “the right to life, the freedom of religion, the right to freedom of movement and the right to peaceful assembly.”

“At this critical time, it is of vital importance to support the success and safety of humanitarian efforts within the country, in a spirit of international solidarity, so as not to lose the progress that has been made, especially in the areas of healthcare and education,” Putzer said in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 24.

Putzer serves as the chargé d’affaires of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations in Geneva. A native of Wisconsin, the American priest served in the Vatican diplomatic corps in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before moving to Geneva.

He said that the Holy See had been following the situation in Afghanistan with “great concern” and was hoping for a “peaceful and swift resolution” through dialogue.

“The Holy See ... remains convinced that inclusive dialogue represents the most powerful tool for achieving such peace and calls on the entire international community to move from declaration to action by welcoming refugees in a spirit of human fraternity,” he said.

Taliban fighters swept through large swathes of the country and captured the capital, Kabul, on Aug. 15. The group’s rapid advance came as many Afghan civilians and U.S. citizens were still seeking

September 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

to leave the country before the complete withdrawal of U.S. and other forces.

The U.S. has facilitated the evacuation of more than 70,000 people from the Kabul airport, with 21,600 people evacuated from Afghanistan over the course of 24 hours on Aug. 24, according to the Pentagon.

President Joe Biden has said that he plans to stick to an August 31 deadline for evacuations, despite requests from allied forces to extend the deadline to ensure that their citizens and at-risk Afghans can get out safely.

“Every day we’re on the ground is another day that we know ISIS-K is seeking to target the airport and attack both us and allied forces and innocent civilians,” Biden said at the White House on August 24.

The U.K. government has announced plans to accept 20,000 Afghan refugees in coming years, according to the BBC. Canada has also announced that it will help to resettle 20,000 Afghans.

Uganda has agreed to take in 2,000 Afghan refugees. India is granting emergency visas to Afghan nationals for the next six months, and Mexico has also already welcomed asylum seekers arriving from Afghanistan.

In Europe, some countries are more hesitant.

The Swiss government has said that it will not accept large groups of refugees from Afghanistan and Austria will not take in any Afghan refugees.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the president of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), has said that he is “ashamed” of some European countries’ responses to the situation in Afghanistan.

“We had given hope to this people and now we have left them in Dante’s Inferno. And then I feel shame. Shame on Europe and on the West. We talk so much about values. But where are our values in Afghanistan now?” Hollerich said, according to the

Italian news agency SIR. The cardinal urged EU countries to “act according to your conscience.”

The Taliban previously controlled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001. During that time, a strict interpretation of Islamic law was imposed and girls were not permitted to go to school.

Human rights advocates have expressed concern that, with the Taliban regaining control of Afghanistan and changing the country’s name to the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,” Sharia law will likely be imposed stringently.

Under Sharia, including in Afghanistan prior to the Taliban takeover, apostasy from Islam is punishable by death.

At the emergency meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council, Nasir Ahmad Andisha, Afghanistan’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, said that serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses had already been documented in the country.

“Violations are already taking place as we speak,” he said.

Another speaker at the special session made an appeal for Christians and other religious minorities whose lives are threatened by the Taliban.

Giorgio Mazzoli, a legal officer representing the Christian group ADF International at the U.N., said that he wished to call the council’s attention to “the dire plight of religious minority communities in Afghanistan.”

He said that religious minorities in Afghanistan had “already been living in a hostile legal and social environment for decades and are now at extreme risk of being targeted with deadly violence.”

“Among them are an estimated 10,000 Christians, many of whom ‘guilty’ of converting from Islam -- a crime punishable by death under Sharia law,” he said.

“As disturbing accounts of killings, harassment, and intimidation against them are rapidly emerging, we urge states and the international community to give utmost attention to these persecuted minorities and guarantee the conditions for their prompt and safe exit from the country, irrespective of whether they have valid travel documents.”

Mazzoli also called on governments to temporarily halt deportations to Afghanistan and reconsider rejected asylum applications from Afghans who fear “persecution because of their faith or beliefs.”

“The harrowing prospects for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, compounded by a deepening humanitarian crisis, are forcing thousands of Afghan men, women, and children into displacement within the country, and compelling many more to seek escape from persecution and oppression,” he said.

“The unfolding situation on the ground requires an immediate, robust and coordinated response from the international community, whereby respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is considered as an absolute prerequisite for a credible peace and reconciliation process.”

Obituaries

Hypocrisy,

cont'd from pg. 2

11

After the address, a precis of the pope’s catechesis was read out in seven languages.

In his remarks to Polish-speaking pilgrims, the pope noted that August 26 is the feast day of Our Lady of Czstochowa, who is venerated at the Jasna Góra Monastery in southern Poland.

He recalled that in 2016, during World Youth Day in Kraków, he visited the icon also known as the Black Madonna of Czstochowa.

“Five years ago, I was able to stand with young people before her black countenance and entrust to her the Church in Poland and the world,” he said.

“May her maternal protection be for you, your families, and all Poles a source of peace and every good. I bless you from my heart.”

He then sent his best wishes to athletes taking part in the Paralympic Games in Japan from August 24 to September 5.

“Yesterday, the Paralympics began in Tokyo. I send my greetings to the athletes and I thank them because they offer everyone a testimony of hope and courage.

They, in fact, show how sporting efforts help to overcome seemingly insurmountable difficulties,” he said.

The pope also greeted Catholics from Montegallo, a commune in central Italy that was struck by an earthquake on August 24, 2016.

“Dear brothers and sisters, your presence gives me the opportunity to turn my thoughts to the victims and to the communities of central Italy, including Accumoli and Amatrice, which have suffered the harsh consequences of that seismic event,” he said.

“With the concrete help of the institutions, it is necessary to give proof of ‘rebirth’ without letting distrust get in the way. I urge everyone to move forward with hope. Courage!”

The general audience ended with the recitation of the Our Father and the Apostolic Blessing.

After the audience, the pope stood up to greet individual bishops and priests, before being guided down the steps of the auditorium.

In the Diocese

Father Richard Loomis, 94, died July 14, 2021.

Fr. Loomis was born May 23, 1927, and graduated from Bethlehem Academy in Faribault in 1944.

He studied at St. John University in Collegeville and then completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On May 1, 1952, Fr. Loomis was ordained to the priesthood at the School Sisters of Notre Dame Good Counsel Convent in Mankato. Fr. Loomis’ assignments as parochial vicar were at St. Joseph in Winona, St. John in Winona, Holy Redeemer in Eyota, St. Theodore in Albert Lea, St. Adrian in Adrian, Queen of Angels in Austin, Ss. Peter and Paul in Blue Earth, St. Mary in Caledonia, Our Lady of Loretto in Brownsdale, St. John Vianney in Fairmont, and Holy Family in East Chain. As pastor, he served at St. Anthony in Westbrook, St. Augustine in Jeffers, St. Patrick in Millville/ West Albany, St. Clement in Hammond, St. Joseph in Rushford, St. Mary in Houston, St. Luke in Sherburn, St. Joseph in Trimont, St. Anthony in Lismore, St. Killian in St. Killian, St. Catherine in Luverne, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Canton, and St. Olaf in Mable. Other assignments included assistant director for Diocesan Rural Life and parochial administrator for Sacred Heart in Heron Lake, St. Joseph in Lakefield, and Sacred Heart in Brewster. Fr. Loomis spent many years in Fairmont and Austin assisting Fr. Joe Fogal. On July 1, 2003, Fr. Loomis joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese. Fr. Loomis was very involved in marriage encounters and the KCs. Fr. Loomis enjoyed family gatherings on the home farm in rural Clarks Grove as well as getting to as many weddings as possible for all his nieces and nephews. He especially enjoyed his many trips to the EAA fly-ins in Oshkosh, WI, and flying airplanes in his younger years.

Fr. Loomis is survived by his sister, Mary McCarte of St. Paul; and his brothers: Larry Loomis of W. St. Paul; John (Connie-deceased) Loomis of O’Fallon, MO; Paul (Carol) Loomis of Winnebago; David (Michaeline) Loomis of Minneapolis; Leo (Ann-deceased) Loomis of Clarks Grove; and Jerry (Carol) Loomis of St. Cloud. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and his good friend, Dan Stewart of Austin. He is predeceased by his parents, Joe and Eleanor (Fitzgerald) Loomis; sisters-in-law Ann Loomis and Connie Loomis; and his great nephew, Henry Loomis.

Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m.

Monday, July 19, 2021, at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ann Loomis Fund for the Children and Aging in India: 750 Terrace Heights, Unit 105, Winona, MN. 55987.

Sister Eleanor Granger, OSF, 83, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died unexpectedly at Assisi Heights, on August 17, 2021.

Eleanor Ann Granger was born April 16, 1938, in Lanesboro to Benjamin and Eleanor Frances (Horihan) Granger. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1956, received the name of Sister Mary Bennett, and made perpetual vows in 1962.

Sister Eleanor excelled in academics.

She completed her studies for a B.S. degree in education at the College of St. Teresa, Winona, in 1962, and an M.S. degree in educational administration at Mankato State University, Mankato, in 1970. Further studies included Specialist in Elementary School Administration from the College of St. Thomas, St. Paul; an Honorary Ph.D. in leadership at St. Mary’s University, Winona, in 1994; and certification in Franciscan studies at Washington Theological Union, Washington, D.C., in 1995.

In 1962-68, Sister Eleanor began teaching at parochial schools in Glencoe; Chicago, IL; and Fulda. From 1968-82, she was the principal of St. Gabriel School in Fulda and St. Mary’s School in Winona. From 1975-77, she was also the director of the Office of Pastoral Planning in Winona.

Sister Eleanor was an exemplary, gregarious leader who served on many boards and rose from within religious, civic, and community organizations to regional and national prominence. She received the Teresa of Avila Award from the College of St. Teresa in 1988. She was elected to 12 years of leadership within her Franciscan Congregation in Rochester as councilor (1982-88), and served as president (198894). Sister Eleanor moved to Washington, D.C., for 12 years and became the executive director of the Franciscan Federation (1995-2001), and associate director of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (2001-07). She returned to Rochester, in 2007, and became the director of development for the Sisters of St. Francis until 2013. She was awarded a special tribute at the Annual Federation Conference in 2018 for her diligent service as the Franciscan Federation flourished across the nation under her guidance. She retired to Assisi Heights in 2018.

Sister Eleanor is survived by her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 62 years; one brother, Robert Granger, and his wife, Cat; one sister, Carole Wrubel; one brother-in-law, Richard Ogren; a niece; five nephews; great-nieces and -nephews; and 18 cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, James Granger; and one sister, Patricia Ogren.

A private Funeral Liturgy was held at Assisi Heights at 11 a.m., August 24, 2021.

Burial was at Calvary Cemetery.

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

September 2021 w The Courier w dowr.org

Parish Events Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Currie September 12, Sunday Annual Fall Dinner served 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes & gravy, vegetable, salad, pie/desserts.

St. Anthony Church, Lismore September 12, Sunday Fall Bazaar. Roast turkey & trimmings and glazed carrots served 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Live auction, big ticket raffle, country store, family fun.

St. Adrian Church, Adrian September 19, Sunday Roast beef dinner served 4-7 p.m. Adults $10. Kids 6-12 $5.

Kids 2-5 $2.50. Big Ticket and quilt raffle. Take-out deliveries available within Adrian city limits 4-6 p.m. (To order, call 4832317 between 2:30 and 6 p.m. on the day of the dinner.) 512 Main Ave in Adrian. Elevator on north side of the church.

St. Columba Church, Iona September 19, Sunday 130th Parish Anniversary Mass at noon, followed by a meal in the church hall. Celebrated by last surviving "local boy" Fr. Tim Biren, with current pastor Fr. Thien Nguyen concelebrating.

The Church will remain open with historical displays set up for viewing. All welcome!

St. Felix Church, Wabasha September 19, Sunday 68th Annual Fall Festival 9 a.m.

- 5 p.m. in the auditorium & school grounds. Fresh doughnuts, grilled chicken, farm store, general & specialty auctions, Bingo, bounce house, minnow races, kids' games, tootsie roll booth, raffles, prizes, much more. Food, fun and friendship.

Proceeds go to St. Felix School.

Info: 651-565-4446.

September 2021 St. John Baptist de la Salle Church, Dodge Center September 26, Sunday Annual Turkey Dinner served 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Turkey with all the fixings. 20 2nd St. NE in Dodge Center.

Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Winona October 17, Sunday St. John Nepomucene Parish's Annual Fall Festival 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lunch available. Big Ticket, gift card & quilt/cash raffles; silent auction; kids' games. Big Ticket drawing at 3 p.m. All are welcome. 603 E 4th St. in Winona.

Christ the King Church, Byron November 13, Saturday 12th Annual Fall Expo 9 a.m. 2 p.m. Jump-start your holiday shopping with arts & crafts and home-based businesses. Baked goods, beverages and Arby's lunch available. Contact Kathy to rent a table: 507-775-6455 or kathyckhf@gmail.com. 202 4th St. NW in Byron.

Celebrate 80 Years

with the Winona-Rochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

Saturday, September 25, 2021 Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona Celebrate the Spirit with Kristin Molitor - New Evangelization Coordinator for the Minnesota Catholic communities of Bowlus, Holdingford, and St. Anna, Kristin will energize your soul and spirit!

Celebrate your Faith with Chris Heiderscheidt - New Director of the Province of St. Paul/Minneapolis Council of Catholic Women, Chris brings a fresh and inspiring message for you!

Celebrate 80 years of Faith in Action – In a humorous and informative way, board members will share exciting details of the rich history of our DCCW. Whether you realize it or not, YOU have given dedicated service. YOU are a gift to many!

Conference Schedule

8 a.m. - Registration & Light Breakfast 9:15 a.m. - The Celebration Begins 10 a.m. - Kristin Molitor 11 a.m. - Celebration of the Eucharist 12 p.m. - Lunch 1 p.m. - Chris Heiderscheidt 2 p.m. - Board Presentation & More!

3 p.m. - Closing Prayer

Loading trucks for the Haiti Mission 8-9:15 a.m. in the Cathedral parking lot.

Bring your boxed items!

Win a purse at the Purse Auction, with a surprise worth $25 or more inside!

To register, call Jeanette (507-289-6204) by September 15!

• 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")