The
COURIER
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, June 12
June 2015
www.dowcourier.org
Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona, MN
St. John the Evangelist Catholic School–Pukuka, South Sudan, Awaits Opening This is the story of two women’s journey to a distant land where their hearts will be forever bound to the people who live there. Five years ago, Cindy Krueger and Melissa Schmid joined Fr. Lugala John Lasuba, currently living in Rochester, in his dream to build a Catholic school in his homeland of Pukuka, South Sudan. After many prayers, hard work, and hundreds of helping hands, St. John the Evangelist Catholic School-Pukuka is in its final preparations for opening. Cindy and Melissa traveled to South Sudan in April to visit the school and meet the people of the Pukuka community. The following is an excerpt from their travel journal.
lives will be touched by an encounter with Christ through the school. To be a wellspring of the love and mercy of Jesus Christ is the greatest blessing we have received. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for gloriously triumphing in the work of Seeds of Wisdom in South Sudan. Continue to grant us strength on our journey.
by: Melissa Ann Schmid
26 April 2015
23 April 2015 “Let us sing to the Lord, for He has gloriously triumphed. The Lord is my strength and my might; He has become my salvation, alleluia.” --Exodus 15: 1-2 What a beautiful mantra to begin our journey! We are well on our way to South Sudan to visit the school that has been five years in the making and to meet the local people God has connected us with in collaboration through Seeds of Wisdom, the non-profit organization based in Rochester. At the moment, Cindy and I are sitting at the Amsterdam airport waiting to board our flight to Entebbe, Uganda. The total travel time is approximately 40 hours to our destination—a long and strenuous journey, but well worth the effort. We are both anxious with anticipation to see the school and meet the people of Pukuka, South Sudan. Thus far during the trip, we have reminisced about how far we have come with respect to Seeds of Wisdom. Five years ago, with little knowledge and a lot of heart, we found ourselves embarking upon this venture with Fr. Lugala John Lasuba in Rochester. Cindy replayed her memory of the potluck that took place at St. John the Evangelist Catholic
Church one Sunday afternoon, where Fr. John gave a presentation about his life’s story and his homeland of Pukuka, a village near Yei. Fr. John is a refugee living in the United States since 2004, having fled from Sudan when his life was in danger due to the violent Civil War between the Sudanese Military and the People’s Liberation Army, one of two civil wars that persisted for more than fifty years. More than 200 St. John’s parishioners attended the presentation to learn more about the quiet African who had graced them with his presence for the past several years. Afterward, he told Cindy that he wanted to do something for the Kakwa people of Pukuka. The next day, he had the same conversation with me. Both Cindy and I answered "yes" to God’s call to love and serve our global neighbors. We did not know anything about building a school in a foreign country. But when the people of Pukuka heard of our desire to serve, they came forward with a most generous portion of land to use for the school campus. We took this as a sign from God that we were meant to do this. From then on, our faith has been tested and He has strengthened Seeds of Wisdom every step of the way. Now, we will come face-to-face with the very children whose
We arrived in Yei yesterday late in the morning. The flight from Entebbe was both uncomfortable and exotic. It sounds like an oxymoron, but I am not exaggerating. The airplane was a propeller plane small enough to only hold about twenty people, including the pilot and co-pilot. Any slight amount of wind rocks the plane from side to side. The cabin air is stuffy and hot. There is no toilet. That is the uncomfortable part. The exotic part is peering out the window down at the land—the beautiful African land—rolling hills of green, the vast Nile River, tiny villages with grass huts called tukuls, fields of fertile ground, dense jungle, and thick forests. The flight gave us time to rest after our hard work of transporting construction materials made of steel in seven oversized suitcases. Such materials will be used to install the windows –Matthew 13:8 in the school buildings. Steel is difficult to acquire in central Africa and twice as expensive to ship from the States. After attempting to ship these supplies earlier last year and having them disappear somewhere along the way in customs, we did not want to risk another failed
“The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.”
South Sudan School Awaits Opening, cont'd on page 5
INSIDE this issue
Summer Youth Events Planning your summer? Don't forget to include diocesan youth events. Page 12.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Learn more about the Sacred Heart of Jesus on pages 15 and 16.
Matthew Kelly Read about his inspirational speech and challenge on page 18.
Pope Francis Watch
The Courier Insider
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Christian Marriage — It's 'Demanding but Magnificent,' Pope Says
Articles of Interest
Pope Francis Explains the Beauty of Marriage............................... 4 God is Faithful.......................................... 6 Commemorating the Voting Rights Act.............................................. 7 Parlin Named MISF Honor Teacher of the Year............................................. 8 School Snapshots...................................... 8 Characteristics for Diocesan Priesthood............................. 9 Celebrating Our Priests' Anniversaries of Ordination...... 10–11 Summer Youth Events: A Word to Parents........................................... 12
Credit: Khánh Hmoong via Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)
(CNA/EWTN News) - In his audience closing out the Togolese bishops’ ad Limina visit to Rome, Pope Francis encouraged solid faith formation for the young, especially those preparing for marriage. “I encourage you to persevere in your effort to support families in difficulty … and to prepare couples for the commitments, demanding but magnificent, of Christian marriage,” he said, according to a Vatican report. Even with many different religions making up Togolese society, marriage remains “a pastoral reality that is well accepted in your country,” the Pope said, though some “ideological and media attacks” increasingly seek to present family models that are “incompatible with Christian faith.” African family life, especially the reverence and care shown for the elderly, serves as an example to the rest of the world, the Holy Father told the bishops from the small West African nation. “In particular the African family welcomes life, and respects and takes into consideration the elderly. This heritage must be preserved, and serves as an example and impetus for others,” he said. While Christians and Muslims make up nearly equal parts of the population, over half of the Togolese people practice indigenous religions. Pope Francis praised the “peaceful co-existence” among different religions, especially with Islam in light of “the current situation in Western Africa,” where the radical Islamist group Boko Haram has been carrying out violent attacks on Christian communities. As vocations to the priesthood grow in Togo, the Holy Father said the formation that seminarians receive now is key to helping them later “in their battle against ambition, careerism, jealousy, worldliness, the seduction of money and worldly goods, and in living a sincere and joyful celibacy.” With about 60 percent of the population under the age of 25, formation of the young is an important part of the answer to many societal challenges that Togo faces, Pope Francis emphasized. “It is crucial that the young learn to live their faith with coherence, in order to bear witness to it with authenticity and to contribute to a more just and fraternal society,” he said. The Pope encouraged men and women religious of Togo to “always show paternal care” in their endeavors with the young, as they “play an indispensable role in the proclamation and transmission of the faith.” The Courier is the Official Publication of the Diocese of Winona 55 West Sanborn, P.O. Box 588, Winona, MN 55987 Vol 106 - 06
Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Publisher Theresa Martin, Associate Editor Telephone: 507-454-4643 Fax:507-454-8106 E-mail: courier@dow.org Subscription Rates: $5 per year in the U.S. Parishioners in the Winona Diocese subscribe through their parish.
Periodicals postage paid at Madelia, MN Postmaster. (ISSN 0744-5490) Publishing Schedule: Monthly - Deadline for advertising & articles is the 10th of the month prior. (ISSN 0744-5490)
June, 2015 w The Courier
Marking the Tenth Anniversary of Co-Workers......................................... 13 They Cried Out for Lack of Wine.......... 14 Saint Mary's University Presents Signum Fidei Award to Pope Francis....................................... 14 The "School" of the Sacred Heart of Jesus............................................... 15 Religious Life: Identity.......................... 15 Jesus' Divine and Human Love for Us.................................................. 16 Refugees Find Safety, New Opportunities, and Challenges......... 17 An Invitation to Discover Who "Our Neighbor" Is....................................... 17 Dynamic Catholics................................. 18 For Family of Disabled Teen, Daily Struggles Teach "Incredible Love"................................ 20
Child Abuse Policy Information Diocese of Winona - Child Sexual Abuse Policy Information The Diocese of Winona will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dow. org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona’s implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Peter Martin, at 507-858-1264, or pmartin@dow.org.
Keeping the Spirit of the Gospel
Rejoice in Hope
Fortnight for Freedom The struggle for religious freedom continues to grow in intensity, and we are all invited to join the nation in prayer during this year’s Fortnight
for Freedom. The Fortnight for Freedom: Freedom to Bear Witness will take place from June 21 to July 4, 2015, a time when our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power: St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher, St. John the Baptist, SS. Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. The theme of this year's Fortnight will focus on the "freedom to bear witness" to the truth of the Gospel. Information is available for all the parishes on how to celebrate the Fortnight for Freedom by going online to the website Fortnight4Freedom.org for resource materials. Archbishop Lori, who is chairman for the Fortnight for Freedom committee, reminds us, “Keeping the spirit of the Gospel means that Catholic institutions are to bear witness in love to the full truth about the human person by providing social, charitable, and educational services in a manner that fully reflects the Godgiven dignity of the human person.”
Quality Time with God Summer finally has arrived, and I hope it brings to each of you a time to turn down the volume and the pace of life and spend some time reflecting on the more important questions of life. Summer is a great time to reflect on our faith. What do we believe? How well does our behavior reflect what we believe? We know the two great commandments, love God first and always, and love our neighbor as ourself. If someone watched us for a week, would it be clear that we love God? Would it be clear that we love our neighbor? God is always present to us, so we turn our thoughts and hearts to Him. If you travel this summer, please continue to respect the Lord’s Day and attend Mass every weekend. With modern technology, it is relatively easy to find a nearby Catholic Church; go to its website and find Mass times and an address or directions. Ministry Days Priests, deacons, religious, and laity of our Diocese will come together at our annual diocesan “Ministry Days” event to learn, to share and discuss, and to grow in our faith and evangelization. Ministry Days 2015 will be held on Thursday, June 18 – Friday, June 19, at Saint Mary's University in Winona. The theme for this year's gathering is: "The Joy of the Gospel" ~ A Vision for Personal and Parish Renewal.
June 4, Thursday 5:30 p.m. – Confirmation at the Federal Correctional Institute, Waseca June 5, Friday 6 p.m. – Catholic Schools Foundation Dinner, Winona June 6, Saturday–June 11, Thursday USCCB Lay Ecclesial Ministry Summit and Spring General Assembly, St. Louis, MO June 14, Sunday 4 p.m. – Mass and Rite of the First Scrutiny with Neocatechumenate Community, Rochester
Bishop Quinn, cont'd on pg. 18
Officials
Bishop's Calendar June 3, Wednesday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. – Minnesota Catholic Conference, St. Paul 6 p.m. – Dinner with St. Paul Area Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre Knights and Ladies
From the Bishop
Ordination of Deacon Jonathan The most important privilege I have as a bishop is to confer ordination to the priesthood on a man who is prepared to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. On Friday, June 19, 2015, at 2 p.m., at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, I will ordain Deacon Jonathan Fasnacht, a priest, through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit. He will be ordained to the one, eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. The whole Diocese of Winona rejoices, along with the Presbyterate of Winona, to have a new priest to serve God’s people. In the Scriptures, Jesus has called blood brothers to be His apostles, such as St. Peter and St. Andrew and St. James and St. John. To the Presbyterate of Winona will be added two more brothers to Bishop John M. Quinn the priesthood, Fr. Matthew Fasnacht and, soon, his brother, Fr. Jonathan Fasnacht. God is always calling men to the priesthood and there should not be a shortage of priests. I ask that all of our parishes pray even more intensely for men to answer the call to priesthood. It will be at least two more years before the Diocese of Winona will have a seminarian who is prepared and is willing to be ordained as a priest. If you see a young man who is attending Mass every weekend, is active in serving people and is healthy and well-adjusted, please send me his name and I will invite him to become part of the discernment process, and I will assure him of my prayers. Priests come from families. The Church needs healthy, well-adjusted men who are capable of, and desire to be, a loving spouse and a father and yet be willing, at God’s invitation, to renounce this natural desire, to serve Jesus Christ as His priest and become a spiritual, life-giving father for all of God’s people. I invite you to pray and send me their names. Pray that the harvest master will send workers to gather in the harvest.
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June 15, Monday Premier Bank Golf Day for Priests, Rochester June 17, Wednesday 12:30 p.m. – Senior Priest Luncheon, The Clarion Inn, Rochester June 18, Thursday–June 19, Friday DOW Ministry Days, Saint Mary’s University, Winona June 19, Friday 2 p.m. – Ordination to the Priesthood for Deacon Jonathan Fasnacht, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona June 23, Tuesday 5 p.m. – Vespers and Dinner with DOW International Priests, Rochester
June 25, Thursday 1 p.m. – Holy Hour 2 p.m. – Bishop’s Cabinet Meeting June 26, Friday–June 27, Saturday St. Vincent de Paul North Central Region Meeting, Green Bay, WI June 28, Sunday 8:30 a.m. – Mass at St. Columbanus, Blooming Prairie 10:30 a.m. – Mass at Sacred Heart, Hayfield June 29, Monday 12 p.m. – Catholic United Financial Annual Golf Tournament, Rochester June 30, Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – Holy Hour 10:30 a.m. – Consultors Meeting 5 p.m. – Holy Hour and Picnic with Winona Serra Club
The Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, announces the following:
Appointments Rev. Mark McNea, appointed Parochial Administrator of Resurrection in Rochester while Very Rev. Kevin Connolly is on medical leave, in addition to his current assignment as Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Rochester. Rev. Thomas Niehaus, currently Pastor of St. Casimir in Wells, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Easton, and St. John the Baptist in Minnesota Lake; appointed Pastor of St. Columbanus in Blooming Prairie and Sacred Heart in Hayfield, effective July 1, 2015. Rev. Raúl Silva, appointed Pastor of Queen of Angels in Austin and Our Lady of Loretto in Brownsdale, in addition to Pastor of All Saints in New Richland, St. Aidan in Ellendale, and St. Mary in Geneva, effective July 1, 2015. Rev. Andrew Vogel, currently Pastor of St. Gabriel in Fulda, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Currie, and St. Anthony in Westbrook; appointed Pastor of St. Casimir in Wells, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Easton, and St. John the Baptist in Minnesota Lake, effective July 1, 2015. Ms. Betsy Singer, appointed to a five-year term on the Diocesan Ministerial Standards Board, effective March 9, 2015. June, 2015 w The Courier
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Pope Francis Explains the Beauty of Marriage
Life, Marriage & Family
In preparation for the discussions that will continue during the Synod on the Family in October, Pope Francis has been using his Wednesday audiences to discuss the importance of marriage. In case you missed it, here are some of the things he mentioned. In the same way St. John Paul II did with his Theology of the Body, Pope Francis recalled that the Book of Genesis insists that both man and woman are made in the image and likeness of God. Pope Francis says, “Not only man as such, not only woman as such, but rather man and woman, as a couple, are the image of God. The difference between them is not a question of contrast or subordination, but instead of communion and generation, always in the image and likeness of God.” After the fall of Original Sin, the Holy Father recognized that we now have to work on the relationships between man and woman: “We are made to listen to each other and to help each other. We can say that, without mutual enrichment in this relationship—in terms of thought and action, in
personal relationships and in work, and also in faith—the two cannot even fully understand what it means to be a man and a woman.” “This leads to the great responsibility of the Church, of all believers, and above all of Christian families, to rediscover the beauty of the Creator's plan that inscribes the image of God also in the alliance between man and woman. The earth is filled with harmony and trust when the alliance between man and woman is lived well. And if men and women seek this together between them and with God, without doubt they will find it. Jesus explicitly encourages us to bear witness to this beauty, which is the image of God,” the Pontiff explained. Pope Francis, recognizing the disappointing trend where people are no longer coming to the Church to get married, encourages the world: “Do not be afraid of inviting Jesus to the wedding celebrations! And also His Mother Mary!” exclaimed Pope Francis. “Christians, when they marry 'in the Lord,' are transformed into an effective sign of God's love. Christians do not marry only for themselves: they marry in the Lord in favor of all the community, of society as a whole.” The sacrament of marriage “is a great act of faith and of love: it bears witness to the courage of believing in God's creating act and of living that
love that drives us always to go onwards, beyond ourselves and even beyond the family itself. The Christian vocation to love without reserve and without measure is such that, with Christ's grace, it is at the base of the free consensus that constitutes marriage.”
Peter Martin, STL Director pmartin@dow.org
Pope Francis praises married couples because in them he recognizes the great faith they have in God and also the wonderful witness they are to God’s love: “Men and women, courageous enough to place this treasure in the clay vessels of our humanity, are an essential resource for the Church, and also for all the world. May God bless you a thousand times for this!” May all married couples take to heart their vocation to be God’s image to the world by their love of one another and may they all feel the love, encouragement, and blessing of Pope Francis!
The Commission on Certification of the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals recently granted Pamela Mueller certification as a FertilityCare Practitioner. Certification by the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals recognizes Ms. Mueller’s professional competence in providing FertilityCare services. It also offers the community the assurance of quality services with a strong ethical base. The American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals is a professional organization dedicated to fostering, advancing and promoting quality natural family planning through service, education, leadership and research. For more information on professional FertilityCare services contact: Pamela Mueller, RN, CFCP, FertilityCare Services of Stewartville by phone at 507-254-9478 or by e-mail at fertilitycare4u@gmail.com. ed n! oo limit s a er ist for ly! g e R red e on e off tim
Are you or a loved one experiencing same sex attraction and looking for answers? Diocese of Winona Office of Life, Marriage & Family 55 West Sanborn Street Winona, Minnesota 55987 (507) 858- 1264 E-mail: courage@dow.org
EnCourage -- a ministry dedicated to the spiritual needs of parents, siblings, children, and other relatives and friends of persons who have same-sex attractions -- is also available. Chapters are active and meeting monthly. Contact us for information! June, 2015 w The Courier
South Sudan School Awaits Opening
beautiful people of Yei, the Deick family, Cindy, and me. It humbles me to experience God’s love and mercy in such a profound way. The people here are rather tentative. They stare in wonderment at us, and some who are more brave ask, “How are you?” in broken English. When I respond and ask them the same, their faces light up and they smile. Some laugh giddily. I could swear they are blushing, although, I cannot see it in their dark skin tone. Relationship-building takes time. People learn to trust one another by taking baby steps. Those who carefully plant the seeds of friendship and nurture those seeds will reap a fruitful harvest. Unfortunately, I do not believe our week here presents enough time to do much in the area of relationship-building. But we can still show mercy in our little ways—a smile, a short “How are you?” conversation, a handshake, a helping hand, a prayer…. 27 April 2015 Today was a heart-warming day at the school. As we drove along Pukuka Road, I stared out the window of our vehicle, waiting in anticipation for the school to come into view. Cindy sat in the front seat and Steve drove. This would be my second visit to the school but Cindy’s first. She has been ill the last several days and was finally feeling better today. As the bush cleared and the school came into view, Steve stopped the vehicle, and we all sat in silence to let the moment sink in. Cindy began to cry and through tears
choked out, “It’s just so wonderful!” As a tear trickled down my cheek, I added, “It is like the sun breaking over the horizon.” The vehicle lurched forward and we pulled into the compound. Alfred, School Administrator, and Evalino, Deputy Head Teacher, were there to greet us. There were a number of local workers rigorously digging out tree stumps and mixing concrete. I noticed much progress had been made since my visit two days ago. All the chalkboards had been hung and a crucifix was mounted in each classroom. Windows had been installed, thanks to the materials we had brought with us from the States, and more of the land had been cleared. Steve hopes to have the entire lot cleared prior to his departure in four weeks. He also wants to plant some trees and has arranged the job of caring for the trees with Joseph, the night watchman from the house. The landscape plan for the school was created by Andrew, Steve’s eldest son, who will turn fourteen on Friday. He is a bright young man and, I am happy to learn, he has found a unique way to share his talents with Seeds of Wisdom. Steve proceeded with the grand tour starting with the chapel. We all wished we would be here for the first Mass celebrated in this chapel. As we walked out of the chapel, a woman was coming toward us. Alfred remarked, “Ah, here comes Cecilia, Fr. John’s sister.” I immediately dropped my notebook and ran to embrace her. We were laughing and hugging. Then Cindy joined in. Alfred and Evalino jumped in to help with interpreting. We were so happy to meet each other. Cecilia spoke of Fr. John’s rough childhood. As an infant, his father and brothers were killed by Sudanese military soldiers. As a boy, he had to hide in the bush with his mother. When he was about twelve years old, his mother became ill. She soon
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died, and he and his sisters went to Juba where they had relatives. There, Fr. John was able to attend school for the first time. I asked Cecilia if she also went to school in Juba. “No, I had to work to support Fr. John through school,” she replied. Cecilia went on to describe how Fr. John had to flee his homeland when his life was in danger. The Sudanese government targeted him as a potential threat to their regime because people would gather for Mass or to pray as a community with him. This was viewed as an uprising against an Islamic government. After a few failed attempts on his life, he fled through Uganda to the United States. Later on, when Cecilia learned of his safe arrival in the States, she was relieved because she knew the people in the U.S. were generous and welcoming. “I knew he would gain a new family. That family is you.” We all cried some more. As we wandered through the classrooms, I decided to try out the desks. Brenda told me that school children usually sit up to four hours at a time. After an hour, my buns couldn’t take it anymore! Alfred and Evalino sat down with me, and I began to ask them about their lives. They and Fr. John were all children together. Because of the war, they did not spend very much time together, but through the years they’ve all kept track of one another. Both Alfred and Evalino have traveled and worked in a number of countries. Evidenced by their work, they share a passion for the youth, and it wasn’t long before they started talking about the school. “I believe we cannot change the adults—their way of thinking—but we can change the children. They are tomorrow’s leaders. It will take a long-term commitment,” Alfred remarked. “Yes, this school will be something great. It will not only change the lives of the people in the surrounding community but also affect the country over time,” Evalino added, “This place will be a safe haven. When we add the boarding quarters, we will enroll children from all over the country, bringing them together and teaching them to live in harmony, accepting one another for their differences.” There was a commotion outside. I went to peer out the classroom window and, to my surprise and delight, I saw a group of children excitedly clamoring to peek inside the window of a classroom on the other side of the compound. I excused myself and went to greet them. As they saw me approaching, they became rather quiet and turned to face me. Smiling and holding out my hand, I said hello and introduced myself. As I shook each hand, they stated their names. They ranged in age from five to fifteen. The eldest was a girl who seemed to be the leader of the pack. She explained in rather articulate English that they currently go to school and live nearby our school. The younger children will most likely be students at our school. I asked the group of children if they would like a tour of the school. “Yes, please!” “Then, please, come!” As I walked toward the classroom where I had left Alfred and Evalino, they followed behind, still a little timid to get too close to me. Cindy had wandered into the classroom and jumped up to meet the children. They shuffled in, shook hands with her, and took their seats at the metal desks. All smiles, they appeared as if they were anxiously awaiting class to begin. We talked more with them and snapped some photos.
In the Diocese
attempt at transporting these crucial materials. Lugging the oversized suitcases in and out of airports and debating with airliners about the excess weight (an argument that dissipated as soon as Cindy pulled out the Benjamins), respectfully earned us the title of "Tough Chicks." When we arrived at the Yei airport, which consisted of a dirt runway and one small brick building, Alfred, Steve, Gianna and Charlie were waiting to greet us. Alfred is a good friend of Fr. John’s. The two men were children together and have maintained contact with each other through adulthood. Seeds of Wisdom hired Alfred last year as the School Administrator. Steve Deick, his wife Brenda, and five children, Andrew, Greta, Charlie, Gianna and Cora, are parishioners at St. John the Evangelist in Rochester who answered God’s call to serve as missionaries for three months. Steve has an engineering background and has been overseeing the construction of the school with Alfred. Brenda has a teaching background and has been working with Evalino, the hired Deputy Head Teacher, to conduct parent meetings, register students, and hire and train teachers. They will return to the States in late May. We were all so excited to see each other and finally meet Alfred! Cindy and I have been waiting a long time to meet this man. He is full of joy and embraced us in a warm, welcoming hug. He is so honored to be a part of the school, and he reminisced about the first time Fr. John called him to talk about the school project. As he spoke, I realized that the opening of the school is just as much a dream come true for him as it is for us. He has given so much of himself to work for the school, including leaving his wife and two children (Joseph, age ten and Josephine, age seventeen) behind in Canada where they live in order to travel to Yei for this job. “I am looking forward to July when my family will come to visit. My daughter is graduating from high school this year. I am so proud of her. We will celebrate her accomplishments when they come.” Alfred was full of light as he talked about his family. After lunch, Steve offered to drive us out to see the school. Cindy stayed behind to nurse her cold. I could hardly contain my excitement. The school is a few miles from the city. We drove by what seemed like hundreds of grass huts until we finally turned off the main road, drove through another stretch of land, passing more grass huts, and then, like the sun breaking over the horizon, the school suddenly came into view. I could hardly believe my eyes. As I wandered around the campus, in and out of each building, I pondered the many hours of time and resources that so many people generously gave to Seeds of Wisdom. The school is the physical monument of the dedication of people who made the decision to love our global neighbors, to live our faith by the work of our hands, and to give of ourselves without expecting anything in return. It is easy to jump to the conclusion upon first glance of life in Yei that there is no bounty here. That is not accurate. There is bounty; it is just far less bounty than we are accustomed to in the States. Do we appreciate all that God has blessed us with? At Mass today at the Christ the King Cathedral, we listened to the Gospel where Jesus speaks of Himself as the Good Shepherd. He is so good to never even leave one lamb behind to perish. He loves each of us so much. The priest confidently spoke of Jesus as the only one who can fulfill us, who brings us the most peace and happiness that no other being or thing of this world can. “Not your wife, not your husband, not your parents, not your children, not your friends…only Jesus!” I feel that it is easy to doubt this truth about our faith. But being here in this place, away from the distractions of my American life, I look around and see Jesus taking perfect care of all His little lambs—the
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South Sudan School Awaits Opening, cont'd on page 9 June, 2015 w The Courier
Deacon Jonathan Fasnacht Reflects on His Path to Priesthood and Upcoming Ordination
6 In the Diocese
On April 25, I finally graduated from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, and my time in the seminary officially came to a close. After eight years, thousands of cups of coffee, innumerable Holy Hours, and the help of so many wonderful people praying for me and supporting me along the way, I am now awaiting my ordination to the priesthood on Friday, June 19. God is so good! Truth be told, I never even wanted to go to college after high school. I forced myself to apply to RCTC in Rochester, but planned on getting out with an associates degree as soon as I could. So how on earth did I wind up here!? When I was about five or six years old, I first desired to become a priest. I told my first grade religion teacher that in class when everyone was being asked what they would like to do when they grew up. Over the years, I never stopped going to church, or praying
June, 2015 w The Courier
God is Faithful! before meals, but by the time I graduated from high school, my desire to be a priest was all but gone—a forgotten memory. I had formed my own plans, and God had very little to do with them. I was doing my own thing. However, although I ignored him, God was always there in the background inviting me back to him. When I was 18, in my first year of college, the Lord used a dear person with whom I was
very close, to draw me closer to Him than I had been since I was a little child. As I found new life in Christ, my desire to be a priest also came back to life. By the time I was 21, I had finally entered seminary in order to pray and discern whether Jesus was really calling me.
The rest is history. I am so honored and grateful that Jesus has called me to be a priest. I know that it won't all be Skittles and rainbows but God is so faithful, and he has never stopped providing for me. In this final time, as I await Deacon Jonathan Fasnacht the ordination, I have been blessed with a lot of time to rest and pray, and reflect. I am traveling to different ordinations in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Texas, which are helping me to spiritually prepare for my own. If you would like to come to the ordination, please consider this your invitation. This vocation and ordination has come about because of the support and prayers of many, many people. Let us together give thanks to God for all that he is doing!
Commemorating the Voting Rights Act By Jason Adkins
Our Justice System has Changed
Historically, a felony conviction resulted in what is called “civil death”—a concept dating back to ancient Roman jurisprudence. By committing a crime, one had offended the peace of the community and, therefore, rightfully lost the privileges of participating in civil society. Yet, when these rules barring the restoration of civil rights until the full sentence is completed were instituted, the criminal justice system looked a lot different than it does today.
voting can be a powerful, concrete, and symbolic way to contribute to one’s community and to feel invested and empowered to play a positive role. In other words, it serves the common good. Fuller integration of people into their community and involvement in civic life logically results in stronger ties and feelings of empowerment, which can help to lessen feelings of disconnection and frustration that can contribute to future crime. The Church should continue to be at the forefront of providing a policy framework that cuts through the false “either/or” rhetoric of criminal justice debates. It should emphasize the need to integrate the policy goals of restoration, rehabilitation, and responsibility—not just retribution—and highlight the themes of justice and mercy for the disenfranchised and others on the margins of society.
Social Justice
As we mark the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Voting Rights Act, one of the most important and effective pieces of civil rights legislation enacted in this country’s history, more work needs to be done to ensure that racism and other inequities do not inhibit anyone from fully participating in community life. For example, racial inequities in our nation’s criminal justice system impact voter participation. Many states, including Minnesota, disenfranchise persons with a felony conviction who have completed their time of incarceration but have not completed their full sentence, including periods of supervised release. In other words, even those who have left jail or prison and are living and working in the community and paying taxes cannot vote if they have not finished their period of probation or parole. Disenfranchising felony offenders disproportionately impacts minorities. In Minnesota, approximately 7.4 percent of AfricanAmerican and 5.9 percent of American-Indian Minnesotans are disenfranchised due to a felony conviction, as opposed to only 1.1 percent of white Minnesotans. Catholic social teaching encourages greater attention to disparities that impact voting participation. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church states that “participation in community life is not only one of the greatest aspirations of the citizen . . . but is also one of the pillars of all democratic orders and one of the major guarantees of the permanence of democratic life.” (CSDC 190).
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Jason Adkins
In 1858, when Minnesota became a state, there were 75 felony crimes enumerated in statute. Today, there are 368 (and the list continues to grow). Only 30 people were in prison in 1858, and there was no probation system. Today, there are approximately 16,000 people incarcerated in Minnesota, and 75 percent of felony convictions result in probation. 47,000 Minnesotans are on some form of supervised release and unable to vote. Fortunately, a rethinking of the punitive criminal justice policies enacted in recent decades is occurring across the ideological spectrum.
Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration
Solidarity, a foundational principle of Catholic Social Teaching, is defined as “social friendship.” (CSDC 103). In their document, “Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Responsibility” (2000), the U.S. Catholic bishops declared that in matters of criminal justice, “[s]olidarity calls us to insist on responsibility and seek alternatives that do not simply punish, but rehabilitate, heal, and restore.” The premise of supervised release programs is that an offender and society are better off by reintegrating people back into our communities. If offenders continue to be reminded, however, by the collateral consequences of a conviction that they are not like everyone else, how can we, as a society, have expectations that they will act as responsibly as everyone else? Restoring the vote to those who are out of prison and living and working in our communities under supervised release can promote successful reintegration into the community, as
Jason Adkins is executive director and general counsel of the Minnesota Catholic Conference.
Masses of Reparation for Sins Many parishes throughout the diocese are committed to offer consolation to the Heart of Christ through a Mass of Reparation.
Please go online to dowcourier.org
to see the complete Mass list.
www.dowcourier.org Please check The Courier online for access to more stories, photos, articles and events. Find them in the Only Online section of the website.
June, 2015 w The Courier
Parlin Named MISF Honor Teacher of the Year
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Catholic Schools
Pacelli High School Social Studies teacher Jim Parlin was named the Minnesota Independent School Forum’s Honor Teacher of the Year in an April ceremony at the University of Saint Thomas. Selected as one of two finalists in his category, Parlin was chosen for this honor out of educators from hundreds of private schools. Through his years of experience and a lot of hard work, Parlin has gained the wisdom that equality and individuality go hand in hand. He treats all of his students equally, yet takes into account that every student is different. This allows him to work with a vast array of students who each have unique personalities and learning styles in a manner that works for all. The students respect him, not only for his teaching abilities, but because of how he treats each of them individually. It is difficult for teachers to use, perform, or leave their comfort zone in order to best provide for their students but Parlin is a person who does exactly that. He has found that using music in his social studies classes “tells a lot of the history of what’s going on at that time or when it originated.” He knows that students love music so he uses it as a tool. It also introduces them to different kinds of music to which they may not be accustomed. For example, in the Vietnam War unit he used songs for the 60s and 70s to demonstrate the attitude concerning the war as it was reflected in the music of that era. Early in the war came patriotic songs like “The Ballad of the Green Beret,” but as the war dragged on, much of the music
changed to protest against the war. To teach about the War of 1812, he used the Johnny Marsha Stenzel Horton song, “Battle of New Superintendent Orleans” as a conversation mstenzel@dow.org piece. He also demonstrated how music changed after 9/11 to shift back toward a more patriotic message, highlighting Alan Jackson’s song “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning.” Parlin has been in education for 35 years. He taught 12 years in the public sector and then found a home in Pacelli Catholic Schools. He has continuously gone out of his way to spend time with students out of school as well as in school. Every summer, he and his wife, Pat, take students to Whitewater State Park for a week in order to improve the students’ health, knowledge, and awareness of themselves. Parlin is also the Cross Country Coach for Pacelli, and the Activities Director for Pacelli, overseeing all athletic activities in a co-op with Lyle High School. In order to motivate students, Parlin says, “If you can somehow demonstrate that you care about them as individuals, as students, as a person, they are likely to be more interested in what you have to teach them.” He knows that not all students find Social Studies to be their favorite class and that you have to be real about that. “You’re not going to turn everyone into lovers of the class you’re teaching, but you can get them to care about learning.” Parlin will be retiring in June to spend time traveling with his wife. He will still coach Pacelli’s Cross Country team, and he wants to substitute teach when he can.
School Snapshots
St. Casimir's visits Pet Expo
The kindergarte n through third grade students of St. Casimir’s Sc hool in Wells recently traveled to Pet Ex po in Mankato. At the pet store , the students w ere greeted by Josh , who introduce d them to all the furry, sc aly, flying and sw imming pets within . Students gazed upon over 100 varie ties of saltwater and freshwater fish, live rocks, cora l and invertebrates, lis tened to cockat iels, parakeets, finch es and canarie s that happily chirped, squeaked and whi stled on command, an d stroked the so ft ears of bunnies and felt the hard shel l of a turtle. A few of the braver souls in the group enjoyed fe eling the sleek, writhing skin of the sn akes.
re Pre-K
odo St. The
June, 2015 w The Courier
s out p l e h ary's St. M il' Farm l in Owatonnae L rais hoo ers to ’s Sc
Sacred Hear tS
Sacred Heart w ill us CUF Raffle to re e funds from the place gym floor .
ary each St. M iends and t m o . r r f f nts care bridge heir Stude vides s for t ted in Cam o e r n p i t t n tha chilloca t vale home bused Farm, a y bough ’ r l d i a r n L a empo y for lected mone Farm is a t to neg t n chool, e ’ l i L ironm ry’s S a v n o M e . t e saf tS ople t ader a ines for pe and a r g h t 8 nt r, an f vale dren. ’ umpe nds o to Lil Sam P ifferent ki onated grade d d e s e a r w th e made , $720 some of th st e. e sale s , h the la t a t c h g f e c j n r o i o r r t l pu u p u d s p re -u arm As a follow Lil' F , as a jects at the d n a Farm id pro ents d 8 stud May. of week
west The ne e n to th additio m at oo Pre-K r ore od e St. Th rt in Albe l Schoo Lea.
Elaine Adam t Ella Haefn s, n e d u er la st Loyo r Archer Este
chool in Adams w as the top-pe rforming scho ol in the CU F (Catholic Uni ted Financia l) Raffle and re ceived a $3,0 00 bonus grant for their firs t place finish . The $37,00 0 Sacred Heart School earned in this year's CUF raffle w ill pay for a ne w, much-need ed gym floo r. The studen ts are very exci ted for the ne w floor!
Crucifixion Celebrates May Crowning
ol Scho n o i x i f Ma Cruci Crescent Crow y La ning
Left: First grade boys bring up the gifts at Crucifixion School, La Crescent. Right: 6th grade girls put their flowers by Mary. Emma Fortsch crowns Mary.
Three Loyola Catholic School students invited to attend I-SWEEEP Mankato Loyola students Ester Archer, Elaine Adams and Ella Haefner competed at the International Sustainable World Energy Engineering and Environment Science Olympiad in Houston, Texas, May 7–10. I-SWEEEP, the largest science fair event of its kind world-wide, partners with local, national and international science fair organizations to bring the brightest STEM-focused minds from across the nation and world-wide to celebrate innovation in research and science. Only top-ranking participants with qualifying, superior projects are invited to attend each year.
Characteristics for Diocesan Priesthood
6. “A good candidate for diocesan priesthood should live and desire a life of service to others.” It is necessary for candidates for the priesthood to want to serve and to show the ability to serve others. Many seminarians will point to a service project, especially mission trips, as a time when they started to think about the priesthood or when their thoughts intensified. A servant’s heart is necessary for a priest because the priest is ordained to care for others, not to be cared for. While there is a time in every life when we need to be cared for, attitudes of entitlement and superiority do not help the priest. 7. “A good candidate for diocesan priesthood should have good people skills.” Being good with people is a desirable trait for many jobs. It is important to “read” people and know how to serve them and how to work with them. The priest needs to know what is important to other people, otherwise we just stand on a soap box. Another way to describe this trait is that the candidate for priesthood needs to be empathetic: they need to be able to understand where someone is at and modify their approach to relating with the person accordingly. 8. “A man who is called to become a priest often will have that call validated by other people.” When seeking a sign, we sometimes miss the clearest ones that God gives us. The sign of validation is one where the necessary traits for the
South Sudan School Awaits Opening We continued the tour, and I smiled as I watched their reactions to the western style toilets—hysterical giggles. Steve ordered three outhouse-like toilets for the school in order to introduce this option to the people of Pukuka. The locals are used to "squatties" as we have been referring to them, which is simply a hole in the ground that one squats over to do one’s business—not the most sanitary setup available in our modern world but most common throughout the developing world. The tour finished in the chapel. I pondered how a little bit of English goes a long way in bridging the gap between our two worlds. As I said my good-byes, they scurried away. I walked over to Steve and Cindy, who were waiting for me by the container. It was time to head home. The group of children returned to the classroom. We then heard singing—a beautiful African call and response. I smiled and turned to Cindy. “Multiply that sound by ten and that is what the school will sound like in full bloom.” As Alfred drove up in our vehicle just then, I wiped tears from my eyes and thanked God for an amazing day.
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I woke up with this song in my head, fitting lyrics on our last day in a place where I would have never wandered on my own if it weren’t for my faith. Taking in the drastic conditions of this indigenous place for an entire week is overwhelming. I feel exhausted. But experiencing the school has been entirely worth the trip. It is like a beacon of hope in a land longing for peace. I remember what Alfred said the other day, “We cannot change the adults, but we can change the children.” I wonder how much time it will
1 May 2015 Spirit, lead me where my faith is without borders. Let me walk upon the water wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander. And my faith will be made stronger in the Presence of my Savior. –Oceans by Hillsong United
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priesthood are showing themselves in the young man and other people point them out. When someone says “I think you would make a good priest because…,” they are telling the young man that he has some of the necessary qualities for the priesthood and may, in fact, have a vocation. If a young man thinks he is called to the priesthood and no one, including the pastor or vocations director, validates that call, then the person may have the necessary traits, but not the vocation. 9. “A man who is called to become a priest will find his calling validated in Scripture.” Likewise, when someone prays with the Scriptures, certain passages will stand out. Ten people could read the same passage and have ten different reactions. In the call of Matthew, for example, some may sense a call to leave behind a focus on material possessions, others may hear an initial call to live a Christian life, while others may hear a call to consider the priesthood. The way the Holy Spirit works in our prayer matters! The Bible is the living Word of God and can show us how to follow Jesus more clearly. 10. “A good candidate for diocesan priesthood should have above-average intelligence.” The priesthood is demanding. It requires the ability to work with many people who are of varying levels of intelligence. It is important for a candidate for the priesthood to know the difference and to have the confidence to lead all parishioners in the way of faith. In order to do so, this candidate must have the intelligence to make distinctions, describe aspects of the faith, and use reason to proclaim the Gospel always. There is a constant learning curve in the priesthood, and candidates have to be able to handle these demands.
Vocations
This month’s column is Part 2 of the 20 charRev. Will Thompson acter traits of a candiDirector date for the diocesan wthompson@dow.org priesthood as listed in Fr. Brett Brannen's book To Save a Thousand Souls. To see traits one through five, see the May issue of The Courier or go to dowcourier.org.
take for this country to see significant change. Our school will surely change the lives of some children. But there are many more children I have seen wandering the streets all week rather than in school. “Mel, I’m sorry to have to leave so soon. But I also can’t wait to be out of this heat!” Cindy verbalized exactly what I was thinking.
All things must come to an end. But wherever we go and whomever we meet, the memories follow. Cindy and I will cherish South Sudan in our hearts. The beauty of the land and the people will become a source of grace for us to draw upon when we are feeling dreary. When we fail to appreciate the luxuries of our American lives —air conditioning, an unlimited supply of electricity and water, comfortable homes and cars, a wealth of technology and entertainment—I pray that we remember our global neighbors who live with far less than us. When we think we need to accumulate more material goods, I pray that the faces of the children longing for education, but unable to afford it, will come to mind. When we think we do not have anything of value to offer, may we remember our time spent at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School–Pukuka, a place that may not exist if we hadn’t said yes to God five years ago when He called us. When we need to know we are loved, I pray we think of the many friends who opened their hearts to us in Yei, and especially of the one friend, Fr. Lugala John Lasuba, who opened the African world to us. When our faith wavers, may we ponder how the Spirit led us to a place where our faith is without borders, how we were taken deeper than our feet would ever wander, and where our faith was made stronger in the Presence of our Savior. To learn more about Seeds of Wisdom in South Sudan, receive updates on St. John the Evangelist Catholic School-Pukuka, or get involved, visit www.sowsouthsudan.org.
June, 2015 w The Courier
Celebrating Our Priests' An 65 Years
Rev. Clayton Haberman
Father Haberman attended Crosier College in Onamia, and Saint Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On June 3, 1950, he was ordained by the Most Rev. Edward Fitzgerald at Sacred Heart Church in Heron Lake. Father has held many assignments, including parochial vicar, area director, and pastor. On June 30, 1992, Father Haberman joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese. In 1994, he served as a temporary pastor at St. John Vianney in Fairmont. In celebration of Father Clayton J. Haberman's 65th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, a 10 a.m. Mass will be held on June 7, 2015, at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. A social with a light lunch will be served following Mass.
55 Years
Rev. Richard Engels
Father Engels did his undergraduate studies at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, and completed his theological studies at St. John Seminary in Collegeville. He later attended Catholic University in Washington D.C. for graduate studies. On May 31, 1960, he was ordained by the Most Rev. Edward Fitzgerald at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Father Engels has held many assignments: parochial vicar, instructor for Catholic schools, and pastor. Father was also the superintendent and principal of the Marian Catholic Schools in Owatonna in 1968. He also served on the Presbyteral Council for eight years. On June 30, 2000, Father Engels joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese.
Rev. Robert Herman
Father Herman did his undergraduate studies at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, and completed his theological studies at the Theological College in Washington D.C. On May 31, 1960, he was ordained by the Most Rev. Edward Fitzgerald at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Father has held many assignments: parochial vicar, parochial administrator, instructor in Catholic schools, and pastor. Father also was the principal for Pacelli Catholic School in Austin. On July 1, 2002, Father Herman joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese. After Father retired, he continued to help as a priest moderator for Christ the King in Medford, and Corpus Christi in Deerfield.
50 Years
Rev. James Buryska
Rev. James Russell
Father Russell completed his undergraduate studies at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, and attended Saint Paul Seminary in St. Paul for his theological studies. On May 31, 1960, he was ordained by the Most Rev. Edward Fitzgerald at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Father has held many assignments: parochial vicar, instructor in Catholic schools, and pastor. Father also held the position of Spiritual Director for Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona. During this time he also was the Director of Apostolic Activity. Father served many years as the Dean for the Austin/Albert Lea Deanery. In addition to being Dean, Father had served on the College of Consultors. On June 30, 2008, Father Russell joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese. In 2008, he became the Chaplain for Madonna Towers in Rochester. He is presently helping out at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Wabasha, and also filling in at parishes on weekends where pastors are in need of help.
Rev. Lavern Trocinski
Father Trocinski did his undergraduate studies at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, and completed his theological studies at Saint Paul Seminary in St. Paul. On May 31, 1960, he was ordained by the Most Rev. Edward Fitzgerald at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Father has held many assignments: parochial vicar, chaplain, and pastor. Father served for seven years as the WCCW moderator. Father also worked for Catholic Charities as a marriage therapist. In 1974, he became the Diocesan Director of Campaign for Human Development, and in 1975, he became a chaplain for the Newman Center in Winona. Father Trocinski served as the Dean of the Winona Deanery, and was appointed to be on the priests' committee for the Capital Campaign. He also served as the Diocesan Family Life Director, and was a member of the College of Consultors. On July 1, 2002, Father Trocinski joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese.
Father Buryska did his undergraduate studies at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and graduated Summa Cum Laude. Father completed his theological studies at the Gregorian University, North American College, in Rome. On December 18, 1965, he was ordained by the Most Rev. Francis Reh at St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. Father has held many assignments: parochial vicar, instructor for Pacelli Catholic School in Austin, and chaplain. Father was the Co-Director of the Mower County Christian Education Center and served as Executive Secretary to the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Father Buryska also served as the Director of the Chaplaincy Department at Saint Mary's Hospital in Rochester and continues to serve on the Chaplaincy staff of the Mayo Clinic hospitals. He also currently serves as chaplain for the Rochester Federal Medical Center.
nniversaries of Ordination 45 Years
Rev. Richard Dernek
Father Dernek completed his undergraduate studies at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and attended St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul for his theological studies. On May 30, 1970, he was ordained by the Most Rev. Loras J Watters at St. John Church in Winona. Father has held many assignments: parochial vicar, instructor at Marian High School in Owatonna, and pastor. Father also served as the assistant chaplain for Saint Mary's Hospital in Rochester. On June 27, 2012, Father Dernek joined the rank of senior priests of the diocese.
Rev. Peter Brandenhoff
Father Brandenhoff attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona for his undergraduate studies, and completed his theological studies at Saint John Seminary in Collegeville. On May 23, 1970, he was ordained by the Most Rev. Loras J. Watters at his home parish of St. John Vianney in Fairmont. Father has held many assignments: parochial vicar, instructor for Catholic Schools, chaplain, and pastor. Father served as the Liturgical Commission Diocesan Chairman for many years, as well as Tribunal Defender of the Bond.
40 Years Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner
Rev. Joseph Fogal
Bishop Hoeppner attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona for his undergraduate studies and completed his theological studies at the Gregorian University in Rome. On June 29, 1975, he was ordained by Pope Paul VI at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. His Excellency later went on to complete his Degree in Canon Law at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada. Bishop Hoeppner has held many assignments: parochial vicar, chaplain, instructor for Loyola High School in Mankato, and pastor. Bishop Hoeppner was the Diocesan Director of Vocations, as well as the principal for Pacelli High School in Austin. He was also the Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Winona for ten years. In 1997, Bishop Hoeppner became the Vicar General for the Diocese as well as the Diocesan Director of Continuing Education, and the Diocesan Administrator. In 1999, he was appointed as the Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese, and became part of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. On November 30, 2007, Bishop Hoeppner was ordained and installed as Bishop of the Diocese
Rev. Gregory Havel
Father Fogal completed his undergraduate studies at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona. He attended Saint John University, School of Theology in Collegeville, and graduated with an MA in Divinity. On May 23, 1975, he was ordained by the Most Rev. Loras Watters at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Father has held many assignments: parochial vicar, parochial administrator, instructor for Loyola High School in Mankato, and pastor. In addition, he served as the Chaplain for the Newman Center in Mankato, and was a member of the Presbyteral Council. He also served as the Associate Director for vocations for the Diocese. Father was a member of the Pastoral Council, Priests' Committee for the Capital Campaign, and the Priests' Assignment Committee. Father Fogal is currently the pastor for Pax Christi in Rochester, and Saints Peter and Paul in Mazeppa.
Rev. James Callahan Father Callahan entered the Diocese from the Society of African Mission Fathers, whose provincialate is in Tenafly, New Jersey. Father was ordained on April 26, 1975. Father has held many assignments: parochial vicar, parochial administrator, and pastor. On August 30, 2004, Father Callahan was incardinated into the Diocese of Winona by the Most Rev. Bernard Harrington. Father is currently serving as pastor for St. Mary in Worthington.
25 Years Father Havel completed his undergraduate studies at St. Mary's University in Winona and graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy. For his theology degree, he attended Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Emmittsburg, MD. On June 13, 1990, he was ordained by the Most Rev. John G. Vlazny at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Father has held many assignments: parochial
vicar, instructor at Cotter High School in Winona, and pastor. He also served as the Associate Vocations Director for the Winona Deanery and was appointed to the Presbyteral Council for the Rochester Deanery. Father Havel is currently the pastor for Crucifixion Church in La Crescent and Holy Cross Church in Dakota and is serving on the Diocesan Catholic Charities Board of Directors.
Summer Youth Events: A Word to Parents 12 Youth & Young Adults
Summer is always an exciting time for young people. The school year comes to a close, and there is a time for rest, relaxation, family and friends. Here at the Diocese, we also get excited for all the same reasons, but through the context of youth programming. Young people need rest. They need time to reflect and recharge. They also need opportunities to recreate with friends. That is precisely what happens with many of the retreats and conferences offered throughout the summer. Young people gather from around the Diocese. They meet new friends and foster wholesome conversations and relationships. There are times of quiet and reflection for the voice of God to direct the heart. There are moments of encounter through music, prayer, affirmation and sacraments. Young people also have the opportunity to step away from the distractions of the world around them, and step into a time of profound love offered by our loving God who desires us to be filled with peace and joy. It’s also amazing to see youth having a ton of fun with other faithful Catholics. Scaling climbing walls and treetop courses at Camp Summit is a blast. Diving into a dance party at Steubenville will get the heart pumping. Getting drenched during the Totus Tuus water activities is certainly memorable. And Ben Frost don't forget about the Director FIAT hunt, campfires, bfrost@dow.org archery, and so much more!
June, 2015 w The Courier
If you are a parent of a child and are in the process of making summer plans, I invite you to consider our camps and events. There are so many summer activities to choose from, and many of them are fantastic opportunities that leave a good impression on your child. We like to think that our diocesan events are quite similar, but with one added bonus. Our events strive to provide an encounter with Jesus Christ, the son of God who came into this world and gave his whole life so that your children might know that they are worth dying for. Every summer, we see young people who come to us weighed down by the pressures and stresses of life, and through their own testimonies find new meaning and purpose through their encounters with Jesus. Teens opening their hearts during Adoration at Steubenville. Campers having the courage to go to confession at Camp Summit. Youth witnessing the love of Jesus through mission trips and work camps. Networks of love and support through TEC. Your child’s life might be forever changed. So, what are you waiting for? Summer is almost here, and we would absolutely love to have your child join us for programming. For more information, please visit www.dow.org. Thank you for your dedication as parents. Your love and commitment is the most effective evangelization tool. We are praying for you. Please pray for us, too!
Marking the Tenth Anniversary of Co-Workers…
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(U.S. Catholic Bishops, Introduction to Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord) This past month, as part of our diocesan Institute of Lay Formation pilgrimage, some of our Institute alumni and students travelled to Saint John’s University and participated in an event reflecting on the tenth anniversary of the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ statement, Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord. Members of the National Association for Lay Ministry, a professional association for lay leaders involved in various areas of church ministry, also gathered at the end of May for their annual conference under the theme, “Celebrating 10 Years of Co-Workers.” And, early this month, our U.S. Catholic Bishops will meet at a special gathering to mark this same anniversary and “to reexamine the current ministerial landscape and explore the realities, challenges, and opporTodd Graff tunities facing those in Director tgraff@dow.org lay ecclesial ministry.” So, what is this document, Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, and what is its significance for our Church here in the United States? We will take this article, and perhaps another one or two, to examine this statement of our U.S. Catholic Bishops and what it teaches us about the lay vocation and the participation of the laity in the life and ministry of the Church. The bishops assert the purpose of their statement in its first sentence: “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord is a resource for diocesan bishops and for all others who are responsible for guiding the development of lay ecclesial ministry in the United States.” In other words, it is a teaching document intended to guide our U.S. Church in its understanding and formation of lay people who are involved in ministry. This document arises from the reality that there are now over 30,000 lay people who “work at least twenty hours per week in paid positions in parishes,” and another 2,000 plus who do so as volunteers. And, there are many other thousands who serve “in the name of the Church in hospitals and health care settings, on college and university campuses, and in prisons, seaports, and airports”—and, we might add, in our Catholic schools as teachers and administrators. Since the Second Vatican Council, which affirmed that the laity have an important role to play in the life and work of the Church, the presence of lay women and men in church ministries such as catechesis and sacramental preparation, liturgy, pastoral care, youth ministry, social justice, etc. has grown quite significantly. Even at the time of the Council, this “new reality” in the Church was recognized: “Sharing in the function of Christ, priest, prophet and king, the laity have an active part of their own in the life and activity of the church. Their activity within the church communities is so necessary that without it the apostolate of the pastors will frequently be unable to obtain its full effect.” (“Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity,” #10) Co-Workers comes out of a history of our U.S. Bishops seeking to affirm and to guide this new and changing reality within the Church. Several documents are part of this history, beginning with Called and Gifted: The American Catholic Laity, issued in 1980. In it, the bishops state: “We are convinced that the laity are making an indispensable contribution to the experience of the People of God and that the full import of their contribution is still in a beginning form in the post-Vatican II Church.”
Fifteen years later, the bishops would update this reflection in the document, Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium, where they would again affirm the critical role of the laity in the life of the Church.
Lay Formation
Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord expresses our strong desire for the fruitful collaboration of ordained and lay ministers who, in distinct but complementary ways, continue in the Church the saving mission of Christ for the world, his vineyard.
“The new evangelization will become a reality only if ordained and lay members of Christ’s faithful understand their roles and ministries as complementary, and their purposes joined to the one mission and ministry of Jesus Christ…. For our part, we bishops cannot imagine ourselves entering a new millennium, embarked upon a new evangelization, unless we walk side by side with our lay sisters and brothers.” Other documents and statements followed, with Co-Workers serving as the culmination of this reflection on the laity’s role in the Church. In the Introduction, the bishops acknowledge that “for several decades and in growing numbers, lay men and women have been undertaking a wide variety of roles in Church ministries.” In light of this, they seek to offer this statement: 1) “as a pastoral and theological reflection” on lay ecclesial ministry; 2) as “an affirmation of those who serve in this way”; and 3) as “a synthesis of best thinking and practice.” As a pastoral reflection, the statement “does not propose norms or establish particular law,” but rather “suggests concepts, goals, strategies, resources, and ideas to consider.” And, it intends to provide “a common frame of reference” to guide the development of lay ecclesial ministry “in ways that are faithful to the Church’s theological and doctrinal tradition and that respond to contemporary pastoral needs and situations.” In our upcoming article(s), we will examine and explore the content of this statement in more detail. Deo Gratias!
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“They Cried Out for Lack of Wine…” “In the streets they cry out for lack of wine; all joy has grown dim, cheer is exiled from the land.” Isaiah 24:11 by: Stephanie Landsem, contributor to WINE: Women in the New Evangelization (Reprinted with permission)
Have you ever "cried out for lack of wine?" Perhaps you felt like you weren’t being fed in your parish, that you didn’t have a place or a program that fit your needs? I’ve been there, and some words of wisdom from an older mom changed my perspective completely. Years ago, I was a young mom of an 8-month-old girl. I had just quit my job to stay at home, was new to my parish, and was feeling a little lost and friendless. Through the grace of God, I met another young mom, Laura Sobiech, and we became friends. One day, I’m ashamed to admit, we fell to complaining about our parish. Why didn’t our parish offer young moms anything? We wanted companionship, we wanted the support of other Catholic women who were raising babies and toddlers. Why wasn’t the church serving us? We were crying out for lack of wine.
That’s when Laura’s mom, Nancy, stepped in with words I’ll never forget. “You have it backwards,” she explained. “You want the church to serve you. But it’s you girls who need to serve the church.” We looked at each other. We needed to serve? Nancy went on in her no-nonsense way, “If you want a group for young mothers, start one. You are the Church and the Church needs you.” Of course, Nancy was right. We got right on it, even though we didn’t know what we were doing. The response was amazing. Within two weeks, we had signed up over 30 women, mostly in their 20s, all with babies and toddlers, all who had been looking for the same thing we were. We started meeting in homes and parks, letting the kids play while we moms gave each other support
“You have it backwards,” she explained. “You want the church to serve you. But it’s you girls who need to serve the church.”
and muchneeded encouragement. Soon we were serving the Church by providing Mass activity bags for parents of toddlers, making meals for families welcoming new babies, and visiting nursing homes with our children in tow. In the past 20 years, this same group has continued to grow and serve by heading fundraisers, providing meals for priests, and doing service projects with our teens and tweens. If you’ve been crying out for lack of wine— wondering when you’ll be served by your parish—perhaps you should be asking how you can serve the Church with your own gifts. Stephanie Landsem is a wife, mother, lifelong Catholic, and author of authentic biblical fiction, who makes her home right here in Minnesota. The Living Water series (The Well, The Thief, and The Tomb, A Novel of Martha) published by Simon & Schuster, is based on encounters with Jesus in the Gospel of John.
Saint Mary's University Presents Signum Fidei Award to Pope Francis Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s second Signum Fidei Award was presented to Pope Francis April 15 in Rome. Conferring the award was Brother William Mann, president of Saint
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Mary’s University, along with Mary Burrichter and Sandra Simon, both members of the university’s board of trustees. The Signum Fidei Award is bestowed by the university on an individual, group, or organization in recognition of extraordinary service to the vulnerable and marginalized members of society. It also recognizes and honors Brother William Mann, president of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, work that promotes human along with Mary Burrichter, center, and Sandra Simon, right, Saint Mary’s solidarity. Its name, sigUniversity trustees, presented the Signum Fidei Award to Pope Francis num fidei, or sign of faith, April 15 in Rome. Photo from L'Osservatore Romano is taken from the great seal of the Institute of the Fittingly, Pope Francis is known for his humilBrothers of the Christian Schools. ity, compassion, and devotion to the underPresented to Pope Francis was a bronze served and underprivileged. In his inaugural bust of Brother James Miller, an alumnus Mass as Pope, he pledged to “embrace with tenof Saint Mary’s University who was killed in der affection the whole of humanity, especially 1982 in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, while the poorest, the weakest, the least important.” serving as a missionary. Brother James was “We are honored to present Pope Francis with murdered for his work in defense of the this award, which is given to those individuals young people he served. He is remembered who reach out to populations too often forgotten for his heroic contributions to humanity as a in society,” said Brother William. “Pope Francis Christian educator, apostle of the poor and has repeatedly urged all Christians to serve underprivileged, and advocate for justice and those marginalized by society, and he continues solidarity. to model this behavior in his daily actions.”
The “School” of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Sr. Paul Mary Rittgers, R.S.M. Director faithformation@dow.org
The month of June is specially set aside in the Church as a month of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I have heard of the Sacred Heart of Jesus described by saints and other holy men and women as that of a school, a model, and a teacher. Would you not say there is a lot to learn from such a teacher? So what exactly can we learn from the heart of our Lord and a devotion that was revealed in a particular way in the 1600s?
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St. Josemaría Escrivá moved it to feelings other than those describes eloquently the realiof compassion and affection.” ty of the school of the heart of Blessed Basil Moreau explained Jesus: “Through your work, that “one of the principal goals through the whole network of of this devotion is to present us a human relations, you ought model for imitation. The sight of to show the charity of Christ the Savior’s adorable heart should and its concrete expression say to each one of us, as in the past in friendship, understanding, when Moses was given the plan for human affection and peace…. the Ark of the Covenant and the Sacred Heart of Jesus stained glass window at the Sacred But no one can live out this tabernacle, ‘Look at this example Heart Mercy Healthcare Center love unless he is taught in the and make a faithful copy.’ This is in Jackson. school of the heart of Jesus. the heart of the One given to you Only if we watch and contemplate the heart of Jesus will as master; your duty is to conform your we ensure that our heart is freed from hatred and indif- heart to His. Study His admirable disference. Only in this way will we know how to react as positions in relation to His Father, to the Christians to the pain and sufferings of others.” world and to Himself, from His incarnaIn this school of Jesus’ Most Sacred Heart, we can tion to His triumphant ascension into heaven. ‘Look and also learn how to respond with charity and compassion make a faithful copy.’” for our enemies. As St. Claude de la Colombière, confesFinally, as St John Vianney highlighted, “The sor of St. Margaret Mary and promoter of the devotion priest continues the work of redemption on earth… to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, writes in his retreat notes the Priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus.” So as from 1674, “The love of our Lord’s Heart was in no we spend this month in special devotion to the Sacred way diminished by the treason of Judas, the flight of the Heart of Jesus, let us remember especially in our prayers apostles, and the persecution of his enemies. Jesus was the priests and seminarians of our Diocese. They have only grieved at the harm they did themselves; his suffer- the most powerful enemy in the world fighting against ings helped to assuage his grief because he saw in them them. So especially during this month of June, take some a remedy for the sins committed by his enemies. The extra time to pray for these men who strive for holiness Sacred Heart was full of most tender love: there was no and help us encounter our Lord in the Most Blessed bitterness in it; no cruelty and injustice that he received Sacrament of the Altar.
Faith Formation
Can’t you just imagine the sorrow with which Our Lord spoke those words to St. Margaret Mary? “Behold the Heart,” He says, “which has so loved men that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming Itself, in order to testify Its love; and in return, I receive from the greater part only ingratitude, by their irreverence and sacrilege, and by the coldness and contempt they have for Me in this Sacrament of Love.” As Blessed Columba Marmion poignantly highlights, “Such a soul lowers God to a level below that of created beings. ‘I will not serve,’ ‘I do not recognize you, I will not serve you’—he repeats the words of Lucifer the rebel on the day of his revolt. Does that soul cry this with his mouth? No — not always at least; he would not like to, perhaps. But he cries it by his act.”
Religious Life: Identity Those in Religious Life have been given a special gift by God to achieve His purposes, in particular “the reconciliation and the salvation of the human race” (Essential Elements in the Church’s Teaching on Religious Life, 23). When the Lord chooses one to be His beloved spouse, and dedicates that person to Himself, “he engages him or her in his own divine work. Consecration inevitably implies mission” (23). A charism is a gift from God to the Church. The charism of a religious congregation refers to the distinct spirit given to the founder or foundress that animates a religious community and gives it a particular character. It is part of the permanent heritage of a community, which includes its constitutions, the rule they follow, mission, history, and traditions kept by their institute. The charism of a community is such that if all written records were destroyed, it could be re-created through the living testimony of its members. So often, the tendency of our world today is to think only of ourselves, our own wants, needs and desires—what will profit us most. For Religious, however, “the choice of a person by God is for the sake of others: the consecrated person is one who is sent to do the work of God in the power of God…like Him (Jesus), they are called for others… entirely given to Christ's saving service of their brothers and sisters” (23). Let us think for a moment of St. Paul’s letter to the early Church when he said, “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ…. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Cor. 12:12, 27). The Church continues the mission of Christ, and each particular institute has a specific mission—a scope to its service for the health of the body, the Church. Whatever might be the community’s particular works of service, its mission is a community responsibility. This does not necessarily mean everyone in the institute is doing the same thing and that their individual gifts are not celebrated and appreciated, but “it does mean that the works of all the members are directly related to the common apostolate, which
the Church has recognized as expressing concretely the purpose of the institute…. It is so closely related to identity that it cannot be changed without affecting the character of the institute itself…” (25). The mission is entrusted to the whole institute, not to an individual Religious, and he or she participates in that mission according to the obedience given by his/her superior who sees the vision of the whole. Each individual Religious is called to be faithful to his or her part. It is according to the measure they are faithful to the constitutions of their institute that they are faithful to their vocation. Also part of maintaining the identity of the institute is remaining “faithful to the institute's approved apostolate and in collaboration with the respective ecclesiastical authorities” (25). As was mentioned in another magisterial document from 1978, Religious and Human Promotion, the renewal of any institute is marked in part by “fidelity to the Church and its mission in the world" (13). For it is in this fidelity to the Church that we as Religious can help build up Christ’s body, the Church. We as Religious rely on the Church, because it is impossible for one community to supply everything—the fullness of the mission of Christ belongs to the Church: “How strange a body would be if it had only one part!” (1 Cor. 12:19). As Essential Elements mentions, “There is a temptation to want to do everything. There is also a temptation to leave works which are stable and a genuine expression of the institute's charism for others which seem more immediately relevant to social needs but which are less expressive of the institute's identity. There is a third temptation to scatter the resources of an institute in a diversity of short-term activities only loosely connected with the founding gift. In all these instances, the effects are not immediate but, in the long run, what will suffer is the unity and identity of the institute itself, and this will be a loss to the Church and to its mission” (27). Let us pray for all consecrated men and women, may they remain true to their vocations and to the identity and mission with which they have been entrusted by the Church.
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Jesus' Divine and Human Love for Us There is in the Sacred Heart the symbol and express image of the infinite love of Jesus Christ which moves us to love in return. (Pope Leo XIII)
In o u r culture, we speak of love and of matters of “the heart” often. We speak of “giving our heart” to another as a way to express our love and commitment to them. We tell others that they are “in our heart” as a way to offer our support and consolation during times of loss and struggle. The heart has been seen throughout history as representing the center or the essence of a person, and as a place where one experiences the deepest human emotions—love, desire, joy, longing, etc. It is only natural, then, that an important part of our Church’s spiritual tradition involves a reflection on, and prayerful regard for, the heart of Jesus; or, as we commonly call it, “Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” Jesus came among us as fully divine and fully human, and so we can think of his heart in these same ways. He had, and has, both a divine and a human love for us, that we can see as flowing from his heart. Our Church’s devotion to his “Sacred Heart” is a way for us—a way that comes to us by the by: Todd Graff
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scriptures and by the holy women and men of our tradition—to ponder this great mystery of Christ’s love for us and for all of humanity, and to bind ourselves more intimately to him through a joining of our hearts to his. United with him, we can then love more deeply as he loves, and in this love serve our sisters and brothers, especially the poor and wounded, in his name. As we enter this Month of the Sacred Heart and prepare to celebrate again the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (on June 12th), it is good to reflect again on the scriptural roots and meaning of this devotion. Scriptural Tradition The Old Testament can be thought of as a “love story” between God and his Chosen People. The initiative for this loving relationship always comes from God. He pursues and seeks after his people with passion and desire, inviting them into a bond of intimacy and mutual love. Marital imagery is often used to describe the relationship between God and his people. But, the people often turn away from the God who loves them. The prophet Ezekiel speaks of a day when their hearts shall return to him: I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26) This prophecy finds its fulfillment in Christ, who showed the depth of his heart’s love for us by dying on the Cross to free us from the power of sin and death. On this cross, a lance was thrust into his side and from his pierced heart blood and water flowed. From this living water of Baptism’s rebirth, and this sacred blood of his Eucharistic presence, the Church was formed from the side of Christ to be his saving presence in the world. Over the centuries, beginning with the Church Fathers, the Church has reflected often on the meaning and significance of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, more generally, and more specifically on this image of his side (and heart) being pierced by the soldier’s spear. From this theological and spiritual reflection has come a deeper understanding of Christ’s love for us, a love represented and imaged by his wounded heart.
Devotional Tradition A more identifiable devotion to the Sacred Heart arose during the Middle Ages, and was embraced and developed by some of the saints of the time—Saint Bernard, Saint Bonaventure, Saint Gertrude, Saint Catherine of Siena, and Saint Francis de Sales. In the 17th century, a Visitation nun and mystic, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, had a series of visions of Christ, as she prayed before the Blessed Sacrament, who revealed to her “the marvels of his love and the inexplicable secrets of his Sacred Heart.” In the final vision, Jesus asked her to have a feast instituted in honor of his Sacred Heart. From this personal revelation to Saint Margaret Mary, several specific devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus arose in the Church, including personal and family consecration to the Sacred Heart, praying of the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the act of reparation for “offenses committed in so many ways against his Sacred Heart,” and the first Friday devotion of receiving the Sacrament of Penance and receiving the Eucharist on the first Friday of each month for nine consecutive months. Focused on God’s Love In a letter marking the 50th anniversary of Pope Pius XII’s encyclical, “On Devotion to the Sacred Heart,” Pope Benedict XVI wrote of the continuing significance of this devotion for the Church. Reflecting again on the “Redeemer’s pierced side,” he sees the roots of the Sacred Heart devotion in “the gift Christ made of his life for us on the Cross, the deepest expression of God’s love.” “Moreover, not only does this mystery of God’s love for us constitute the content of the worship of and devotion to the Heart of Jesus, but in the same way it is likewise the content of all true spirituality and Christian devotion. It is consequently important to stress that the basis of the devotion is as old as Christianity itself.” In accepting and opening ourselves to this love, we deepen our relationship with God and experience God’s love “as a ‘calling’ to which [we] must respond” and which “helps us to become more attentive to the suffering and needs of others.” The devotion, thus, leads us both inward to a deeper communion with God, and also outward to a deeper love and care for our neighbor. As Pope Benedict writes, “The experience of love, brought by the devotion to the pierced side of the Redeemer, protects us from the risk of withdrawing into ourselves and makes us readier to live for others.” A recent Vatican statement on “Popular Piety and the Liturgy” summarizes the meaning of the devotion well: “Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a wonderful historical expression of the Church’s piety for Christ, her Spouse and Lord: it calls for a fundamental attitude of conversion and reparation, of love and gratitude, apostolic commitment and dedication to Christ and his saving work.”
Refugees Find Safety, New Opportunities, and Challenges
If you have listened to or watched any news broadcasts in recent days or months, no doubt you have heard of the many crises taking place in our world. In those news reports you likely heard the word “refugee,” as in “100,000 displaced refugees flee…” or “800 refugees lose their lives trying to cross the sea….” Clearly, refugees are fleeing incredibly difficult circumstances that threaten their lives. Worldwide, the situation is enormous. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are 16.7 million refugees worldwide. Our Catholic faith calls us to respond. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Winona, working with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the United States Department of State, is part of that response. Officially, a refugee is a person outside of the country of his or her nationality who has a legitimate and genuine fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Due to this fear, the person has fled his or her country of origin and is unable, or unwilling, to return. War, famine, and political upheaval have caused many of these people within these countries to seek safety for themselves and their children.
Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement Program Staff left to right: (back row) Fatema Giwa, Hayley Williams, Ali Abdullahi, Zaid Al Showbacki, Bhakta Sharma, (front row) Huguette Mpagazihe, Kristina Hammell
The Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program assists refugees facing this reality. In order to access our services, the typical refugee has already completed a comprehensive process that can take anywhere from two to ten years. The process includes being granted “refugee” legal status, passing extensive background checks, and completing thorough medical screenings.
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We provide 90 days of one-on-one case management to newly-arrived refugee families. Our case management focuses on securing stable housing, medical care, education for children and adults, and cultural/transportation/budgeting orientations that assist families in adjusting to a new culture and environment. During this time frame, we connect families with over 25 various sources of support throughout our communities. The goal of the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills that will assist them on the road to self-sufficiency. We are always looking for special individuals in our community to volunteer to mentor and befriend newcomers as they adjust to life in the United States. Those who don’t have time to volunteer can support our program by donating items included in Welcome Baskets for children or Cleaning and Survival Kits for families. We also accept household and furniture items in good condition and will pick up items within the city of Rochester. Monetary donations to our program are also welcome. If you want to learn more about our program or make a donation, please visit our website at www. ccwinona.org or contact the Rochester Office at 507-287-2047.
Catholic Charities
by: Kristina Hammel, Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Director
Many refugees never intended to leave their homes one day, never to return. They sought safety in a refugee camp, just waiting for the crisis to “blow over” so they could return to their homes, jobs, schools, and way of life. The weeks turned into months, and the months turned into years, until they realized there was no going back.
An Invitation to Discover Who "Our Neighbor" Is by: Kathy Wilmes, Family and Community Concerns Commissioner "But he wished to justify himself, so he asked Jesus 'And who is my neighbor?'” (Lk. 10:29) Thus begins the Parable of The Good Samaritan, one of the most beloved of Jesus’ stories and one in which He makes the point that the need to practice mercy must be an essential characteristic of all those who wish to follow Him. In the story of the Good Samaritan, a priest and a Levite passed by an unfortunate man who had been robbed and left for dead. The story explained that these two people saw the victim, but chose to move to the other side of the road and continue their travels. Were these people motivated by fear, or lack of understanding, or simply did not want to get involved? No one knows. But Our Lord makes it clear that the decision of the Samaritan to see the victim and have pity on him, address his immedi-
ate need, and provide for his future care is the standard for all of us who wish to live in a community setting. We members of the Winona Diocesan Council of Catholic Women ask you to join us as we explore how we practice the Christian lifestyle in today’s fast-paced
world in which, like biblical times, it is easy to pass by others who have special burdens placed on them. At our meeting on July 8, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Finbarr in Grand Meadow, we will come to learn about ways in which we as Catholic Women
mind, body and MADONNA TOWERS • Independent Living • Assisted Living • Home Health • Memory Care • Skilled Nursing Care Center • Short-Term Rehabilitation MADONNA MEADOWS • Assisted Living • Memory Care ~ available soon MADONNA TOWERS 4001 19TH AVE NW ROCHESTER, MN 5590 PHONE (507) 288-3911
may identify and address needs on a local, state, national, and international level. We will have great food, a Mass, and speakers who will educate us on Respect Life and Community Awareness issues. These meetings are ones that constantly challenge participants to see with
spirit
new eyes, address problems with new vision, and provide us with the insight to change the lives of others for the better, both now and for always. We hope that you will come and experience our adventure in learning and fun with us; we always have a great time together!
MADONNA MEADOWS 3035 SALEM MEADOWS DR SWROCHESTER, MN 55902 PHONE (507) 252-5400
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Bishop Quinn,
cont'd from page 3
Dr. Edward Sri will serve as the main presenter for the days. Dr. Sri is a theologian, author, and nationally known Catholic speaker. He serves as professor of theology and Vice President of Mission and Outreach at the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado, and is the author of Pope Francis and the Joy of the Gospel: Rediscovering the Heart of a Disciple (Our Sunday Visitor). These days will also include workshops, opportunities for socializing and entertainment, and time each day to pray together and to celebrate the Eucharist. Program and registration information is available at the diocesan website (www. dow.org/ministrydays).
Continuing our Mission of the New Evangelization “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9). While there are many cultural challenges to living the Gospel and to embracing the life-giving teachings of
the Church, the victory is already won for us in Jesus Christ. We live in hope, because “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” John 14:26. Pentecost is the completion of the Easter celebration of the Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ, and the movement of the Church out into the world, to proclaim the Gospel to every land and culture. Jesus Christ breathed the Holy Spirit upon the Church to give His people courage to preach and teach the truth of the Gospel with love and compassion. Come, Holy Spirit, Come! Sincerely in Christ, Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona, Minnesota
Dynamic Catholics On Saturday, May 16, internationally acclaimed author and presenter Matthew Kelly hosted an event at St. Bernard’s parish in Stewartville. Seven hundred people gathered for an evening of uplifting and motivational messages centered on our Catholic faith and how we can live with more passion and purpose. The event was a huge success as the energy in the church was absolutely evident. At one point during the talk, Kelly asked the audience to gauge the level of their faith. He asked, “Are you thriving or just surviving?” His point was that it’s easy to slide into apathy within our relationship with God. The busyness of our daily lives can often lead to God becoming less of a priority. Kelly countered that this apathy is actually getting in the way of our own happiness and that all too often we say yes to activities and energies that distract us from God. “If there is one thing I want you to remember when you leave tonight, it is that you need to be able to say NO to things.” He explained that every human person has basic needs that are important. These are physical, emotional, intelby: Ben Frost
lectual and spiritual needs. However, we often spend most of our energy pursuing “wants” rather than focusing on our “needs.” It was also encouraging to hear Matthew talk about the many ways we should be proud to be Catholic. One of our Church’s objectives is to bring the love of God out into the world. He said: “Each and every day, the Catholic Church feeds more people, houses more people, clothes more people, visits more imprisoned people, takes care of more sick people and educates more people than any other institution on the planet earth could ever hope to.” This isn’t just a humanist ideal. The very fabric of faith is woven into our Catholic lives and we allow that faith to flow out into the world around us. Encountering the love of God changes our world view and allows us to live with more passion and purpose, ultimately making the world a better place. Matthew also challenged those in attendance to choose one of three “game changer” resolutions. They were: 1) Read the gospels, 15 minutes a day for a whole year; 2) Go to confession once a month for a year; or 3) Journal at Mass, asking God to reveal how we can become a better version of ourselves. He proposed that if we were serious about one of these resolutions, the Holy Spirit would take us on a journey that would lead to more joy, happiness and fulfillment. Throughout Kelly’s presentation, a nationally known music artist, Eliot Morris, gave moving per-
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Madelia, St. Mary, Spanish Mass, 10 a.m., every Sunday. Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul, Spanish Mass, 1 p.m., every Sunday. Owatonna, Sacred Heart, Spanish Mass, 1 p.m. every Sunday. Pipestone, St. Leo, Spanish Mass, 2:30 p.m., every Sunday Rochester, St. Francis of Assisi, Spanish Mass, 12 noon, every Sunday.
“If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15) Hispanic Priests/Sacerdotes Hispanos:
Spanish Mass Schedule Albert Lea, St. Theodore, Spanish Mass, 11 a.m., every Sunday. Austin, Queen of Angels, Spanish Mass at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. every Sunday. Dodge Center, St. John Baptist de La Salle, Spanish Mass, 11 a.m., every Sunday. Lake City, St. Mary, Spanish Mass, 6:30 p.m., every third Saturday.
formances. Morris, who made his way up the secular music ladder touring with “Counting Crows” and “John Meyer,” inspired those in attendance with his witness and music. Morris shared his own passion and purpose for God and his sincerity of heart came through his beautiful music. When the night came to a conclusion, there was a sense that our journey was just beginning. We are called to live with more passion and purpose and ultimately live as dynamic Catholics, visible witnesses to a world that is looking for the source of joy. I think it’s appropriate for everyone reading this article to ask ourselves…are we thriving, or just surviving in our relationship with God? Are we willing to take up one of Matthew’s challenges?
St. Charles, St. Charles Borromeo, Spanish Mass, 11:30 a.m., every Sunday. St. James, St. James, Spanish Mass, 12 p.m., every Sunday. Waseca, Sacred Heart, Spanish Mass, 11:30 a.m., every Sunday. Windom, St. Francis Xavier, Spanish Mass, 12 p.m., every Sunday Worthington, St. Mary, Spanish Mass, Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.
Padre Luis Alfonso Vargas: Capellán del Decanato de Worthington. lukiponcho@yahoo.es Tel. 507-341-0403 Padre José Morales: Capellán del Decanato de Rochester. jloralesr2008@yahoo.es Tel. 507-329-2931 Padre Mariano Varela IVE: Párroco de “SS. Peter and Paul” en Mankato. mvarela@hickorytech.net Tel. 507-388-2995 ext 103
Padre Octavio Cortez IVE: Vicario Parroquial de “Ss. Peter and Paul” en Mankato Tel. 507-388-2995 Padre Raul Silva: Pastor de “All Saints” en New Richland, “St. Aidan” en Ellendale, “St. Mary” en Geneva. padreraulsilva@gmail. com
Action with Prayer St. Mary’s Church, Winona offers a Mass for Life and Marriage on the first Thursday of the month, at 5:15 p.m.
Prayer Vigil and Public Witness against Abortion Semcac Clinic is a delegate of Planned Parenthood —the nation's leading abortion provider. Please consider joining a local group from 3–4 p.m. each Tuesday in front of Semcac at 62 E 3rd Street in Winona for an hour of prayer. Contact: Will Goodman 608-698-7443.
Parish Events The St. Felix Church Ladies and St. Mary's Court #208, National Catholic Society of Foresters will co-host their annual Salad Luncheon Monday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in St. Felix Auditorium. The theme for this year is "Spring Has Sprung." Tables will be decorated in this theme. Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door. The Hearts and Hands matching grant from the National Catholic Society of Foresters is $750. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Easton will be hosting its annual Friendship Day celebration on Saturday, June 27, at the church grounds in Easton. Activities include a walk/ run and kids fun run followed by a kids tractor pull, country store and craft sale. The Country Auction begins at 1 p.m. and features handmade quilts, woodworking and craft items. Food will be served throughout the day and will include pork sandwiches, walking tacos, root beer floats, homemade desserts, and more. Mass will be at 5 p.m. Following Mass, enjoy a Winsor Chop Dinner. The final event of the day will be the annual big-ticket raffle drawing. St. Patrick, West Albany will be having a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, June 7, in their Parish Community Center. There will be a free-will offering to benefit the Faith Formation program. All-you-care-to-eat pancakes, eggs, sausage and beverages will be served from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Take a beautiful Sunday drive and we will feed you! Lay Carmelite Open House, St. Casimir, Winona St. John Paul II Lay Carmelite Community would like to invite those interested in learning more about the Lay Carmelites to come to an open house on Saturday, June 6, at 9 a.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church, 624 W Broadway, Winona. Join us for morning prayer with an informational meeting to follow. Please use side entrance off parking lot. If you have questions, or if you would like more information, please contact Tammy Palubicki at (507) 458-2645 or Shirley Engbrecht at (507) 452-9569.
Annual Johnsburg Jamboree St. John the Baptist, Rural Adams will be Sunday, July 12, 2015. A Polka Mass is at 11 a.m. Food, beverages, games for all ages, brats & sauerkraut and homemade pies will be available. Two dance floors. Free admission. Event ends at 7 p.m. Church of St. Michael, Pine Island Little Flowers Girls Summer Camp Many parishes across the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis host Little Flowers Girls clubs. The Church of St. Michael in Pine Island will be hosting one of only three national Little Flowers Girls Summer Camps. The cost for weekend camping, all activities and food is $50 per person. Join Little Flowers Girls and mothers from around the area to learn about saints and virtues, earn new badges, and spend time in prayer and have fun! Who: Any Catholic girl ages 5+ and their mothers When: Check-in begins 3:00 p.m. on July 10. Camp ends following 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass, July 12. For more information or to register, go to Beholdpublications.com/ SummerCamps, e-mail joan@beholdpublications.com, or call 866-305-8362
Job Openings St. Mary’s School of Caledonia, MN is looking for a dynamic Music Teacher and Third Grade Teacher. The Music Teacher position will support our Catholic Mission in our accredited Preschool through 8th Grade institution. This position includes general music instruction, participation in a bi-weekly liturgy, and directing a small choice choir. St. Mary’s School is also looking for a dynamic Third Grade Teacher to support its Catholic Mission. St. Mary’s has an excellent staff that believes in its students. Please apply by sending a letter of application, your résumé, a copy of your teaching license, three letters of reference, and a copy of your transcripts to the address below. Applications must be completed by June 5, 2015, or until the position is filled with the appropriate candidate. Father Matthew Fasnacht 513 South Pine Street, PO Box 406 Caledonia, MN 55921-0406 Email: frfasnacht@acegroup.cc
Notices The St John Vianney Cursillo Community is looking for all Cursillista in the Winona Diocese. Please contact us at dowcursillo@gmail.com.
For events at Assisi Heights: www.rochesterfranciscan.org and click on “What’s Happening/ Events.” For more info, call Angie Grimm at 507280-2195 or: ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org.
SUBMISSIONS for the calendar Please note: submission deadline is the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. All submissions must be sent electronically on our website:
www.dowcourier.org or by emailing:
Courier@dow.org
and by the deadline in order to assure receipt and possible inclusion in the Events Calendar.
19 Events in the Diocese
Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty The monthly Holy Hour of Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty will be held the first Saturday of the month so those who take part in the first Saturday Devotions can join us for the Holy Hour. Upcoming Holy Hours include June 6 and July 4 at 8:30 a.m. (after the 8 a.m. Mass) at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 360 Main Street, Winona. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed and a beautiful rosary will be offered, along with prayer and reflection. Gather in the Adoration Chapel. Everyone is welcome.
Parish Events
We thank you for understanding that due to space limitations, not all events nor story submissions will fit; however, we strive to include as many as possible. Thank you! - Courier Staff
Traditional Latin Mass Mankato, Ss. Peter & Paul, first Saturday month, 9 a.m. Rochester (Simpson), St. Bridget, first & third Sundays of the month, 1 p.m. Wabasha, St. Felix, weekly. Saturday 8 a.m. Chatfield, St. Mary's, Saturday morning, please check with the parish for the time. The Televised Mass Offered as a service for the homebound and elderly. Every Sunday on the following stations: KTTC-TV, Channel 10, Rochester at 9 a.m. KEYC-TV, Channel 12, Mankato at 7:30 a.m. Donations for the continuation of this program may be sent to: TV Mass, PO Box 588, Winona MN 55987. Thank you for your donations to the TV Mass
Kitchen Manager for the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe The Culina Mariana Café at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, WI, is seeking a co-manager with responsibility for managing the kitchen. Visit our website at www.guadalupeshrine.org for a full job description and application. Director, Office of Development The Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona currently has an opening for a Director, Office of Development, who will provide leadership and guidance for the Diocesan Development Office located in Winona, Minnesota. This senior level position will develop strategies, procedures, resources and communications in support of the pastoral plan of the Diocesan Bishop. Please see the diocesan website for more details. Résumé along with cover letter, references and salary requirements accepted until June 8, 2015. Mail to the diocese or email hr@dow.org.
June, 2015 w The Courier
Editor's note: In anticipation of the World Meeting of Families (WMF) in September, we will print a series of articles which will each focus on a WMF theme. Each piece will have a background article illustrating the Church's teaching on the theme plus a feature story putting a human face on the theme.
This month's theme: Created for Joy
For family of disabled teen, daily struggles teach "incredible love" John and Ann DeJak take their oldest son, Thomas, out in front of their Richfield home and strap him into a stroller. They make sure he’s bundled up on this brisk spring day. They also remember to take his bottle, which helps keep him calm. He coos with delight as they head down the driveway and into the street. He flashes a big smile, then purses his lips to kiss his mother. It’s an endearing scene, but a bit out of the ordinary—Thomas is 15 years old. Born with a condition affecting the joints called Arthrogryposis, he has limited use of his arms—he can do little more than swing them— and also has a developmental disability. His parents say he has the intellectual capacity of a 1-year-old, and that probably won’t ever change. Despite Thomas’ need for around-the-clock care, Ann and John describe their son with joy, and say they did not waver in their desire to have more children. Seven more came after Thomas: John Paul, 14; Helen, 12; Julia, 10; Meg, 7; Joseph, 5; Anna, 3; and Francis, 1. The family belongs to St. Agnes in St. Paul, where three of the children go to school. John is headmaster and teacher at Holy Family Academy in Monticello. “We wanted a large family,” said Ann, 41. “We were hoping for many children. That was our thought from the beginning. “[Tom’s condition] didn’t change anything, quite frankly. We didn’t even wait long until the next one came along. We were very, very open.” Thomas’ due date was Oct. 1, the feast day of Ann’s favorite saint, St. Therésè of Lisieux. Four and a half months after Thomas was born — and just three days after his release from the hospital — Ann took a pregnancy test and found out No. 2 was on the way. That child, whom they call “J.P.,” is now 14 and very close to his older brother, even though he often crawls out of bed late at night when Thomas starts banging on his bedroom door. The banging is one of Thomas’ most frequent methods of communication. He can’t use words, so he expresses himself with drumbeats on doors. “I love him, he’s awesome,” said J.P., who is homeschooled this year and plans to attend Holy Family Academy next year. “We play all the time.” For the DeJak family, tackling the daily chores associated with Thomas’ care draws them to the heart of what their Catholic faith is all about. “I think [in] taking care of such a dependent child, you get down to the nitty gritty of what love is, in terms of day in, day out caring [for him] despite the difficulty,” Ann said. by: Dave Hrbacek
...the joy is in the little things.
June, 2015 w The Courier
John put their lifestyle—and the opportunity to practice virtues such as patience daily—in simple terms. “Being heroic is changing the diaper,” he said. And washing the soiled bed sheets, Ann added, noting that laundry is a daily chore.
John, left, and Ann DeJak of St. Agnes in St. Paul enjoy a walk with their son Tom, the oldest of their eight children. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit
Despite the trials, there is unmistakable joy in their family life. It grows in the midst of chaos that often leaves Ann and John with little time for themselves,
God
and no hope of a vacation from the demands that come with a fully dependent child. “I would say the joy is in the little things,” Ann said. “The joy is on Tommy’s face. The joy is in his freely given smooches all the day long. The joy is [in] those rare moments where you see the older sister helping the first-grade younger sister with homework because they know Mom is way too busy.” And, maybe most of all, the joy is in seeing how the children have rallied around their older brother who is unable to care for himself. It was most eloquently expressed in a first-grade letter written by Margaret when her teacher asked students to describe their dreams for their lives. “Meg writes as a first-grader, ‘My dream is to help my brother. I want to take care of him when I am older.’” Ann said. “That’s something I didn’t teach. We just live it. We do it with joy. “There are some days when it’s very, very difficult. But, part of the joy is the hope that we have for Tommy in the next life. This isn’t all for nothing. His suffering has great merit, and teaches incredible love.”
made us for
Love
and
Joy
By Jean Stolpestad Since the dawn of time, people have desired to find meaning and purpose for their lives. In our age of competing and conflicting philosophies, Catholics unabashedly proclaim a deep confidence in knowing the way, the truth and the life. We fully believe that we are created out of love for love. We are made for joy. Claiming this joy means seeking the way of God, who is the source of joy both here on earth and for all eternity. In a world of anxiety and doubt, Jesus is trustworthy. In the midst of daily struggles and surrounded by temptations to follow “another way,” decidedly living God’s will produces an immeasurable gladness within us. The most foundational reason for our human dignity lies in our call to communion with God. It takes an intentional act on our part to know God, to seek Him, and then to choose His will. We have many notable examples from the lives of saints, who were more joyful when they clung to the heart of Christ, even in difficulty. We also have beautiful examples in our neighbors and friends. Perhaps you know the story of a young husband and wife who were strongly pressured to have an abortion because the doctors feared their child was going to have severe medical issues. The couple refused and chose to endure a difficult pregnancy. Yet, they did not despair. They found joy even though they were concerned about what the future would bring. God’s love never ceases to call us on. That child is now an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Bishop Andrew Cozzens. Our call to joy will be at the heart of our pilgrimage to the World Meeting of Families, September 22–28, in Philadelphia. Join us as we celebrate with the Holy Father Pope Francis. Be inspired by some of the greatest Catholic speakers and thinkers of our time. Be a part of this historic event which has the potential to shape the way we live marriage and family for generations. Jean Stolpestad is the director of the Office for Marriage, Family and Life for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.