Where is Holythis Week & Easter Bishop Folda’s message mystery steeple? — Page 2 Page 4
New Earth CATHOLIC DIOCESE
OF
FARGO
September 2011 April 2014 Vol. 35 No. 32 No. 48 Vol.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth” — Rev. 21:1
www.FargoDiocese.org www.FargoDiocese.org
DECLARED
‘WITH GOD’ POPE JOHN X X III and POPE JOHN PAUL II T O B EC OM E S A I N T S
APRIL 27
Pope Francis to canonize two popes in St. Peter’s Square By Kristina Lahr
“S
anto subito!” or “Sainthood now!” was the cry of the crowd at the end of Pope John Paul II’s funeral Mass in Vatican Square, April 8, 2005. On April 27, just eight years and 18 days later, the prayer will be answered. After the shortest canonization period in history, Blessed John Paul II along with Blessed John XXIII will be declared a saint of the universal church. The celebration will occur on Divine Mercy Sunday, a feast day inaugurated by Pope John Paul II for the entire Catholic Church on April 30, 2000: the canonization of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska. He established this feast day to honor St. Faustina who had complete devotion to the Divine Mercy of Jesus.
The Vatican is preparing for what is sure be an enormous celebration as a number of pilgrims from around the world will take part in the canonizations of two of the greatest popes in modern time. An estimated 1.5 million visitors filled St. Peter’s Square for John Paul II’s beatification May 1, 2011, which means even more are expected for the joint canonization.
Good Pope John Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli — Blessed John XXIII — was born to a poor family of sharecroppers in 1881 at Sotto il Monte, Italy. He was the third of 13 children. At the age of 12 he entered the seminary but continued to visit his family regularly. The people of his hometown saw him as pompous be-
cause he left at such an early age. He enjoyed a life of study, prayer and fellowship at the seminary and later in Rome where he completed his doctorate in theology and was ordained a priest in 1904. While he continued his studies in canon law, he was also a secretary to the bishop of Bergamo, Italy. During World War I he was enlisted in the army as a hospital orderly and later as a military chaplain with the rank of lieutenant. After the war he became the director for the support of foreign missions. He served in Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece as apostolic delegate for 10 years. He protected the interest of small Roman Catholic communities in areas that Please turn to SAINTS-TO-BE on page 8
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Holy Week and Easter
O
n Ash Wednesday, Catholics Thursday, we spiritually enter the Upin the Diocese of Fargo and per Room, where the apostles joined around the world began a time Jesus for the Last Supper. of prayer, penance, and works of mercy There, we recall the poignant mothat remind us of our perennial need ment when Jesus stooped down to wash for repentance and conversion. These his disciples’ feet, the humble act of a 40 days are a graced servant and an examtime, but they lead up ple for all who would to an even more signifcall themselves his folicant time in the life of lowers. the Church: Holy Week This liturgy also reand Easter. calls the institution of the Eucharist, along These last days of with the establishLent — Holy Week and ment of the priesthood the Sacred Triduum — through the institution are an intense period of of Holy Orders. personal prayer and sacred liturgy that allow At the Last Supper, Jeus to enter personally sus gives his own body into the central mysterand blood to the aposies of our redemption. tles as a foreshadowing of his sacrificial death During these sacred the next day. He then days, we are invited to Bishop John Folda commissions them to walk even more delib“Do this in memory erately with Jesus as he of me.” In other words, he commands makes his way to the culmination of them to continue what he has begun, his mission on earth. to carry on this memorial act that will The liturgies of the Sacred Triduum, allow the faithful to partake of his sacrich in symbolism, are rooted in the rifice until the end of time. ancient tradition of the Church. Every As we receive Holy Communion at element of the Sacred Triduum puts the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we are us in touch with the saving work of present in spirit at that first Mass where Christ, and every Catholic should make Jesus first gives his body and blood to the most sincere effort to participate in the Church. these celebrations. The Mass concludes with a EuchaJust as we wouldn’t think of attendristic procession through the church ing a play without staying for the final and solemn reposition of the Blessed act, neither would we want to observe Sacrament at a place set apart from the the season of Lent without sharing in tabernacle, to remind us that Jesus was its climax. handed over by his betrayer and taken away. In a beautiful custom, believers Be there in the Upper Room often will keep vigil before the Blessed Sacrament in an act of spiritual solidarAt the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, ity with our Lord. celebrated on the evening of Holy
Bishop’s Message
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” Revelation 21:1
NewEarth (ISSN # 10676406)
Serving Catholic parishes as the official newspaper of the Diocese of Fargo, N.D. Member of the Catholic Press Association Bishop John Folda Bishop of Fargo Publisher Aliceyn Magelky Editor news@fargodiocese.org Published monthly by The Catholic Spirit Publishing Company, a non-profit Minnesota corporation, 244 Dayton Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102. (651) 291-4444. Periodicals postage paid at St. Paul, MN and additional post offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Earth, 5201 Bishops Boulevard, Suite A, Fargo ND 58104-7605. (701) 356-7900. Personal subscription rate for 11 issues of New Earth per year: $9.
Facing Jesus’ suffering and death By ancient custom, Good Friday is the only day throughout the year when Mass is not celebrated. Rather, the faithful are invited to participate in the solemn Celebration of the Passion of the Lord. In this liturgy the Passion of our Lord from the Gospel of John is proclaimed, and we come face to face with the terrible suffering and death that Jesus underwent for our sins. The faithful also join in prayers of intercession for the Church and the world, and then make a solemn act of veneration of the cross. The veiled cross is brought into the church and slowly unveiled to reveal to the faithful the wood on which our Savior was crucified and died. And finally, the faithful approach the altar to receive Holy Communion so that they might share sacramentally in our Lord’s sacrifice. The liturgy ends in simplicity and silence, the sanctuary and altar are stripped, to express the mourning of the Church for her Lord. All is still and laid bare.
From darkness to light Holy Saturday is a day of silence, a day of waiting. After the sadness and pain of Good Friday, the followers of Jesus wait and watch in expectation. In keeping with the practice of the early Christians, the Church begins the Easter Vigil on the evening of Holy Saturday, after sundown. The vigil begins in total darkness and commences with the blessing of the new fire and the Easter candle.
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Bishop Folda’s Calendar Apr. 13
10 a.m.
Palm Sunday Mass, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo
Apr. 15
11 a.m.
Chrism Mass, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo
Apr. 17 7 p.m. Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo Apr. 18 10 a.m. Stations of the Cross at abortion facility, 512 First Ave. N., Fargo 3 p.m. Celebration of our Lord’s Passion, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo Apr. 19
9 p.m.
Easter Vigil, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo
Apr. 20 10 a.m. Easter Sunday, Resurrection of the Lord Mass, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo Apr. 23 National Catholic Educational Association Convention, Pittsburgh, PA Apr. 24 12 p.m. Trinity School and Holy Cross Parish Center Groundbreaking Ceremony, 2820 Bluestem Dr, West Fargo Apr. 26
10 a.m. Confirmation/First Eucharist, St. John Church, Wahpeton
2 p.m. Confirmation/First Eucharist, St. Boniface Church, Lidgerwood
6 p.m. 30th Anniversary Shanley Dinner Auction, Holiday Inn, Fargo
Apr. 27 2 p.m. Apr. 27-29
Confirmation/First Eucharist, Sacred Heart, Carrington Spring Education Days, Carrington
May 1 5 p.m. Mass and Installation of Les Noehre as Acolyte, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo May 2
5 p.m.
Operation Andrew Dinner, Napoleon
May 3
10 a.m.
Confirmation/First Eucharist, St. Philip, Napoleon
6:30 p.m.
Confirmation/First Eucharist, St. James Basilica, Jamestown
May 4
1 p.m. Confirmation/First Eucharist, St. Catherine, Valley City
5 p.m.
Confirmation/First Eucharist, St. Leo, Casselton
May 6 5 p.m. Mass with Provincial Canon Law Conference, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo May 7
5 p.m.
May 8
8:30 a.m. Mass with St. Michael’s Elementary School, Grand Forks
May 9
5 p.m.
May 10
10 a.m.
Confirmation/First Eucharist, Holy Spirit, Fargo
Confirmation/First Eucharist, St. Ann, Belcourt Confirmation/First Eucharist, St. Mark Church, Bottineau
5 p.m. Confirmation/First Eucharist, St. Therese the Little Flower, Rugby
Then follows the Exultet, the great Easter proclamation of Christ’s resurrection. In the light of the Easter candle, the Church first proclaims the good news: Christ is risen! The darkness and sadness of Good Friday give way to joy and exultation. The Liturgy of the Word offers a series of readings that recall the great moments in salvation history, and the Gloria and Alleluia are sung once again, making clear to all that the somber forty days of Lent have ended, and Easter joy has come once again to God’s people. With the reading of the Easter Gospel during that night of the Easter Vigil, we hear at last what we have waited to hear: Christ, who died for our sins, now lives forever!
Emotional moments One of the most beautiful events of the Church year occurs within the Easter Vigil: the baptism and reception into the Church of the catechumens and candidates who have prepared so diligently over many months for this moment. It is always touching to witness this solemn step taken by men and women who desire fervently to be in communion with the Catholic Church. Solemnity and joy are joined together in these moments when brothers and sisters are added to our family of faith. It is difficult to be unmoved by the commitment of these newly baptized and confirmed Catholics, who also receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time. How fitting it is that these new Catholics should share fully in the sacramental life of the Church during the Sacred
Triduum, which presents the fullness of the mysteries of our redemption. Their enthusiasm for the faith, along with the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord, make this a joyous moment, and should inspire all who are present to give thanks for the gift of faith and the unmerited grace of God that we have all received. The Easter Vigil is called the “mother of all vigils,” the greatest liturgy of the year. It may be somewhat lengthier than most Sunday Masses, but why shouldn’t it be? What better use of time could there be than the joyful celebration of our Lord’s resurrection and our redemption? Hopefully, we will not be deterred by time when we would willingly spend as many hours watching a movie or a football game. As the Church celebrates our Lord’s resurrection on this holy night and then continues its celebration throughout Easter Sunday and Easter Week, we are all invited to renew our own baptismal faith and to celebrate once again the mercy of God, which conquers sin and death. It is a hope-filled time that reminds us of the love of God for all his people and of our own eternal destiny, which is to dwell forever with him in heaven. May the celebration of Holy Week and Easter be for all of us an experience of the sublime grace of our Lord, who has died and is now risen. With the early Christians, we too can proclaim: “The Lord is risen, he is risen indeed! Alleluia!” A blessed Holy Week and a joyous Easter to all!
NewEarth
April 2014 n 3 1
‘You don’t have to be anyone but yourself’ Teen speaks of the challenges facing young people today By Kristina Lahr
Rather than given the option of any truth, like moral relativism, teenagers are given a single lie, that they should seek happiness in the wrong places, Erickson said. As a result, teenagers often find themselves facing confusion, depression and anger. “But if we aspire to know God, we will be able to rise out of depression and anger,” she said. “I’ve never met someone who was angry who knew Jesus Christ. Jesus promises us that we’re created for so much more than what this world has to offer.”
Some challenges for teens haven’t changed much over the years. The pressures to look good and succeed are as prevalent for today’s teens as they were for their parents. However, additional challenges for teens have only recently sprouted as social media, Photoshopped images and an increasingly secularized society take effect on their spiritual journey. ‘Far too easily pleased’ As part of the weekly Seeker’s Forum, Erickson said that she often finds an adult education program held afinspiration in St. Thomas More and ter Sunday Mass at Holy Spirit parish C.S. Lewis and his in Fargo on March writings. One of her 9, parishioners were favorite quotes from given the opportuniWe’re told to want Lewis describes a sitty to hear about these challenges. Elizabeth to search for money. uation that teens often find themselves Erickson, a sophomore at Shanley We’re told we should in: “We are half-heartHigh School, shared be tall and thin or ed creatures, fooling her experience of about with drink and what it’s like to be a short and athletic. sex and ambition teenager of faith in a Nobody asks us if we when infinite joy is ofpost-modern world. fered us, like an ignoOne of the main want to follow this rant child who wants obstacles for teens in to go on making mud their faith is facing idea. Nobody tells pies in a slum because the idea of moral relativism, the idea that us what will actually he cannot imagine what is meant by the there can be multiple make us happy. offer of a holiday at truths and that there the sea. We are far too is no absolute moral Elizabeth Erickson easily pleased.” law that applies to all Erickson is also inpeople. Instead morspired by her parents who have encourals are considered objective and change aged her and been present in her life. depending on an individual’s personal She urges all adults to be present in the situation, culture and time. lives of teens, whatever their relation to However Erickson suggests that morthem. al relativism isn’t the biggest obstacle “We can’t do this alone,” she said. teenagers face today when it comes to Erickson encourages the youth to living out their faith. Rather, the bigpray the rosary and go to adoration so, gest problem is that the world is telling they can find the truth of the world. teenagers a single lie about what they She wants those who aren’t familiar should believe and become. with the faith to know that the church “We’re told to want to search for has a place for them in their lives. money,” she said. “We’re told we should be tall and thin or short and athletic. “The church doesn’t make you someNobody asks us if we want to follow one you don’t want to be,” she said. this idea. Nobody tells us what will ac“You don’t have to be anyone or anytually make us happy.” thing but yourself, your true self.”
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Diocese of Fargo Office of the Bishop
New Earth photo
Sophomore Elizabeth Erickson of Shanley High School, Fargo, describes life as a teen in today’s world during a presentation at Holy Spirit parish in Fargo.
Notice regarding Marian Eucharistic Congress The lay group that had been organizing and running the Fargo Marian Eucharistic Congress is not planning an upcoming Congress in Fargo for 2014. If you know of any dedicated individuals who would like to organize such an event in the future, the members of this group would be happy to pass along their information and expertise. Any interested party may contact Brad and Mary Kay at (701) 234-9019.
For more stories and information visit:
www.fargodiocese.org
Here’s what Pope Francis @Pontifex is tweeting: Dear parents, teach your children to pray. Pray with them. APRIL 1 Jesus is our hope. Nothing – not even evil or death – is able to separate us from the saving power of his love. MARCH 22 Other tweets from Catholic notables: “A convert will find many good Christians in the Church if he sets out to become one himself.” - Saint Augustine. Retweet from @Archbishop Kurtz. MARCH 20 Follow the Diocese of Fargo on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fargodiocese
Official Acts Cardinal Muench Seminary Chapel, Fargo, has been relegated to profane use. This decree is effective Dec. 23, 2013. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Orrin, has been relegated to profane use. This decree is effective Jan. 1, 2014. When a diocesan building is relegated to profane use, it is the converted from a sacred building to a secular one. During this process, all sacred items are removed and placed in the care of other parishes or the diocese. Once a sacred space is relegated to profane use, it will no longer be used for liturgical purposes, and the building can be sold for use in an appropriate and dignified manner. Typically, the money from the sale of church building will be used to directly support local parishes where parishioners now participate.
Here’s a highlight of what’s been posted: Nearly 200 students gathered in New Rockford for a one-day rally focusing on social justice. (photos) APRIL 5 And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Happy Feast of the Annunciation! MARCH 25
Like the Diocese of Fargo on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FargoDiocese Use the video, Being Catholic is Cool: U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults, produced by the United States Conference of Catholic, to help individuals, parish groups and classes deepen their understanding and practice of the faith. For this video and others, visit USCCB’s YouTube channel at www. youtube.com/user/usccb.
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Diocese of Fargo
Official
Appointments/ Announcements An artist’s rendering depicts the anticipated aerial view of Trinity Elementary School, including placement of the new Holy Cross parish addition. Bishop John Folda will participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the school and parish hall at noon, April 24 at the construction site, 2820 Bluestem Dr., West Fargo.
Most Rev. John T. Folda, Bishop of Fargo has made the following appointments, announcements, and/or decrees: Very Rev. Phillip Ackerman has been assigned as administrator at St. Stephen’s Parish in Larimore. This appointment is effective March 17, 2014, and continues until June 24, 2014. This is in addition to his other assignments. Rev. Leo Kinney has resigned as pastor of St. Stephen’s Parish in Larimore, effective March 16, 2014. He is taking time to address health issues. Rev. Thanaiah Marneni has been appointed parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish in Grand Forks, effective March 17, 2014, and continues until June 24, 2014.
Trinity School and Holy Cross parish project bids approved; groundbreaking planned for spring Bishop John Folda approved a recommendation of the Diocese of Fargo building committee to accept a $15.3 million bid package to begin construction on both Trinity Elementary School and Holy Cross Church parish hall and administrative offices. This approval signifies the next step in a seven-year process to effectively meet the expanding needs of Catholic families in the West Fargo area. “As one of the fastest growing areas in the state, and by far the fastest growing in the diocese, we saw a real need for a Catholic presence in the southwest corner of the metro area, specifically in West Fargo,” Bishop Folda said. “Catholic education is a mission of the church, has been and will continue to be a priority of the diocese. It makes perfect sense to meet the needs of families in that area,” he continued. Representatives from the Diocese of Fargo; Blessed John Paul II Catholic Schools Network; Holy Cross Church,
West Fargo; Blessed Sacrament Church, West Fargo and St. Benedict’s Church, Horace, met March 19 to discuss and recommend a bid package to construct a state-of-the art complex for students entering pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The new site, located at 2820 Bluestem Dr. in West Fargo, will include room for two classrooms in each grade, a fullsized gymnasium, media center and two outdoor activity spaces.
Long-anticipated step In addition to classrooms, recreation and other learning spaces, the project includes an adjoining kitchen to conduct a school lunch program and a shared parish hall to celebrate Mass on Sundays and to host other parish events. The bid package included contracts for new administrative offices for Holy Cross Church and a daily Mass chapel to seat about 70 individuals.
For several years, church leaders and committee members have been examining ways to tackle the needs of a growing population in the West Fargo, Horace and Wild Rice communities. “It’s been talked about for a long time and different options were explored including building on the current location,” Bishop Folda said. “Unfortunately the space there was inadequate and wouldn’t work for the current needs and anticipated growth. “With the additional elementary school and facility upgrades, we can successfully support Catholic advancement in this area. The entire faith community will benefit. A strong Catholic school system tends to lead to a stronger vitality within a diocese,” the bishop added. “I’m not interested in simply putting up buildings, but rather my focus is making sure we have a presence of faith, formation and spiritual growth where needed.” To date, Holy Cross parishioners and supporters have set aside approximately $4 million to share the cost of the parish hall and construct their offices. Nearly $8 million has been raised through the Together Campaign directed by the Blessed John Paul II Catholic Schools to pay for the school building project, improve current structures at Shanley High School and eliminate current debt. The JPII schools network has secured a loan from the Catholic Church Deposit & Loan Fund of Eastern North Dakota to finance the remaining costs. A ceremonial groundbreaking will be held at noon April 24 at the construction site.
Correction In the story “Windows from Bremen inspire now in Kindred” (March 2014 New Earth), the donation of the original St. Isidore window was incorrectly attributed to the aunt and uncle of Kathy O’Connor’s husband. However, it was his grandparents who had given the funds for that window. New Earth sincerely regrets the error.
NewEarth
April 2014 n 5 1
Seventh in series
Comfort in grief found in subtle action of God’s creatures By Father Bert Miller
Eighteen years ago, my brothers and I were preparing for our parents 60th wedding anniversary. The party would be held on Sunday, April 14, at St. Cecilia Church in Harvey, N.D. I was trying to arrange a pulpit swap with the priest in Harvey. I was in Michigan, N.D. at the time. I had been working on this for months but to no avail. The priest just couldn’t do it. So, I planned to go to Harvey after my Sunday morning rounds. I could get there about 1 p.m., help my brothers and families set up for the event and enjoy our family and friends. On Saturday, April 13, I went to the country parishes for liturgies. I had returned home and packed the van for the Sunday trip. I was settling in for my night rest around 11:45 p.m. when the town fire whistle began to bellow. Then, I heard the fire trucks leave; they seemed to go north out of town. About 1 a.m., my phone rang.
Ominous call The phone had never rung in the night before; this certainly was not a good omen. I answered. The parish trustee and town fire chief said: “Are you awake? I have something to tell you.” I quickly awoke. He told me there had been an accident and that a young member of our parish had died. The chief said he had a handful of friends of the young man with him and that they needed someone to talk to. Would I get up and receive them at the rectory?
A while later the entourage arrived. We talked. They left assured of God’s love for them and for their friend, the young man who had cut the grass at the church and rectory all of his four years of high school. Then, I went to see the parents of the young man who had died. As you may suspect it was a sad scene. Many friends were there to comfort the parents as they awaited the arrival of their other sons. There was talk of a funeral, when, and what to do next. I left about 4 a.m.
A busy day When I got up at 7 a.m., I found someone who would drive me to Harvey. I could get a little sleep on the twohour drive each way. It was a beautiful day in Harvey. Our whole family was together. I wish I could have stayed longer, but duty called at my home. It was time to leave. I struggled with what to say at the wake, but many of the parents’ friends stopped by to give me advice. The church was packed for the wake, the message was received, the stories were told of a great young man, and we went home with a lighter burden on our shoulders. God was taking it from us. The next day, after the funeral, a long line of cars journeyed to the burial place at the stone church in the country. The young man’s grandparents had lived on the homestead just north of the church and cemetery. Arrangements had been made for the hearse bearing the casket and the family cars to detour for a drive through the farmstead yard while the rest of us waited on the road.
File photo
A sign?
God was speaking, “Your son is saved; he is with me in paradise.” When we all got parked and out of our cars, the family related what they had seen on the road to the cemetery and how the last deer brought a stillness to their hearts where there had been only loss and fear. Now, they could live the joy of their son’s wonderful life, even as we lowered him into the sacred ground not far from the family’s land.
I was in the first car waiting for the return of the hearse and family cars. Later, I learned that it had been an emotional trip to the farm where the young man had spent so much of his short life with his grandparents. When the line was reassembled, we made the last mile to the stone church and cemetery. Suddenly, we were stopped. I could see up ahead some deer were crossing the road. I thought nothing of it. But, to a hunting family and their friends, a pack of whitetail deer crossing the road at this particular moment was most comforting. And when the last deer stopped and looked back over his shoulder at the family car, they knew
(Editor’s Note: This article is the seventh in this series: Stories of Faith. If you have a faith story to tell, contact Father Bert Miller at bert.miller@fargodiocese.org.) Father Bert Miller is a pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in West Fargo.
ANNOUNCING! “Patrick Dolan has been appointed as General Agent in the state of North Dakota. Pat comes to us having successfully served as a field agent for the Knights of Columbus in North Dakota since June 1995. Pat is replacing Bob Wolf as he is retiring.
Please join us in wishing Bob a happy retirement!”
Ryan Brunner Wayne Cherney Grand Forks Devils Lake (701) 757-0523 800-906-6780 ryan.brunner@kofc.org wayne.cherney@kofc.org
Pat Dolan General Agent, Fargo (701) 298-9922 patrick.dolan@kofc.org
Ryan Geigle Jamestown (701) 251-9019 ryan.geigle@kofc.org
Jeff Reisenauer Fargo (701) 356-8889 jeff.reisenauer@kofc.org
Agent Positions are available. Contact Pat Dolan for info.
1417 South University Drive, Fargo, ND 58103
DOLAN AGENCY Serving the Fargo Diocese
Life Insurance • Annuities • Long-Term Care • Disability Income
Nation/World
6 n April 2014
NewEarth
Pope and president meet At the Vatican, Francis and Obama discuss religious freedom, life issues, immigration By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service
In their first encounter, Pope Francis received U.S. President Barack Obama at the Vatican March 27 for a discussion that touched on several areas of tension between the Catholic Church and the White House, including religious freedom and medical ethics. During an unusually long 50-minute meeting, the two leaders discussed “questions of particular relevance for the church in (the U.S.), such as the exercise of the rights to religious freedom, life and conscientious objection as well as the issue of immigration reform,” the
Vatican said in a statement. The mentions of religious freedom and conscientious objection presumably referred to the contraception mandate in the new health care law, which has become a major source of conflict between the administration and the church. According to the Vatican statement, Pope Francis and Obama also had an “exchange of views on some current international themes, and it was hoped that in areas of conflict there would be respect for humanitarian and international law and a negotiated solution between the parties involved.” In September, Pope Francis launched a
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high-profile campaign against Obama’s proposal for military strikes to punish the government of President Bashar Assad for its presumed use of chemical weapons. The pope wrote to Russian President Vladimir Putin, host of a G-20 summit, decrying the “futile pursuit of a military solution,” and a few days later led a prayer vigil for peace in Syria that drew some 100,000 people to St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican did highlight two points of harmony with Obama in the discussions: immigration reform, on which the administration’s position is closer to that of U.S. bishops than that of the Republican opposition; and a “common commitment to the eradication of trafficking in human persons in the world.”
Poverty and peace Later in the day, at a joint news conference with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Obama said he had spent the “largest bulk of the time” with the pope discussing “issues of the poor, the marginalized, those without opportunity and growing inequality” and the “challenges of conflict and how elusive peace is around the world,” particularly in the Middle East. Obama said Pope Francis “did not touch in detail” on the contraception mandate, but that in the president’s subsequent meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, “we discussed briefly the issue of making sure that conscience and religious freedom was (sic) observed in the context of applying the law.” “I pledged to continue to dialogue with the U.S. conference of bishops to make sure we can strike the right bal-
ance on the issue,” Obama said. At the end of their talk, Pope Francis gave Obama a bound edition of his apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (”The Joy of the Gospel”), published last November. The gift prompted the president to respond: “You know, I actually will probably read this in the Oval Office when I am deeply frustrated, and I am sure it will give me strength and will calm me.” “I hope,” the pope replied with a laugh. In a December speech, Obama quoted a passage from the exhortation in which the pope lamented: “How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points?” Pope Francis also presented Obama with a pair of bronze medallions, one commemorating the 17th-century construction of the colonnades around St. Peter’s Square; another portraying an angel that brings together the world’s North and South in “solidarity and peace founded on justice.” “This gift is from the pope,” Pope Francis said of the first medallion. “But this other one is from Jorge Bergoglio. When I saw it, I said, ‘I’ll give to Obama, it’s the angel of peace.’ ” The president’s gift to the pope was a selection of fruit and vegetable seeds from the White House garden, in a box made from reclaimed wood used to build Baltimore’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first Catholic cathedral in the United States. “If you have a chance to come to the White House, we can show you our garden as well,” Obama said. “Of course,” the pope replied. Organizers of the September 2015 World Meeting of Families have voiced hopes that Pope Francis will attend that event, which could be the occasion for a state visit to the U.S. “I invited and urged him to come to the United States, telling him that people would be overjoyed to see him,” Obama said later.
Meeting at the Vatican Archbishop Georg Ganswein, prefect of the papal household, greeted the president in the San Damaso Courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, then led him upstairs to the pope’s private library, followed by Obama’s entourage, which included U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry; Susan Rice, the national security adviser, and Ambassador Ken Hackett, the U.S. envoy to the Holy See. The pope greeted the president outside his library a few minutes before the appointed time of 10:30 a.m. “Wonderful meeting you, I’m a great admirer,” Obama told the pope as they shook hands. Inside the library, the two leaders sat down on either side of the pope’s desk, each with an interpreter beside him. Through his interpreter, Monsignor Mark Miles, the pope, who spoke in Spanish, could be heard telling the president, “I’d like you to feel really at home here.” During an extended handshake at the end of the meeting, Obama told the pope, “My family has to be with me on this journey. They’ve been very strong. Pray for them. I would appreciate it.”
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Worldwide Christian persecution a growing trend, report shows By Carl Bunderson Catholic News Agency
In a recently-released summary report called “Persecuted and Forgotten?” Aid to the Church in Need has revealed a worldwide growth in discrimination against Christians in scope and frequency. The persecution of Christians “has increased over the last 10 to 15 years,” said Ed Clancy, director of evangelization and outreach at Aid to the Church in Need, in an interview with CNA, adding that “persecution has many faces, unfortunately, and many places.” Since there is no single threat to Christians across the world but myriad forms of oppression, Clancy said, “It might become more incumbent on the Catholic Church, and Christians in general, to be aware of the many dangers that Christians face in the world . . . in other places (than the U.S.) they’re facing many, many challenges.” Late last year, the international charity issued “Persecuted and Forgotten?” as a nearly 200-page report. The executive summary condenses the information into a concise 32-page booklet. “It’s a matter of delivering it in a format and in a size that allows people to get a good grasp of what’s happening, and to perhaps seek more information,” Clancy explained.
Widespread across globe While it may be easy to focus on the oppression of Christians in such places as Syria and Nigeria, the phenomenon is not restricted to the Middle East, the report shows. “There are place where communism unfortunately is still in control, like Vietnam and Cuba,” he noted. Citing Vietnam as a country unlike “more radicalized places like Iran” where Christians face overt persecution, “there they use bureaucratic red tape, and the power of the government, to control and limit the church, and essentially bother people.” “In Vietnam, we have a lot of seminarians, or seminarian candidates, and they could spend 10-15 years waiting to enter seminary while the government reviews their application,” Clancy said. “That’s something unheard of here in the West: we don’t think of a young man saying, ‘OK, I want to become a priest,’ and then waiting for the IRS and the treasury department to approve them before they can even submit the application. That’s what it’s like in Vietnam.” He also noted Venezuela, where there is yet another sort of persecution: “They might attack the church or church leaders because they speak out against tactics the government is using.” Also in South America, Clancy point-
ed to Colombia. “Of all the aid workers in the world who were killed, almost half were killed in Colombia,” he said, saying “there, the attacks are mainly because of drugs and politics,” citing the prominence of drug cartels.
Christians moving away Clancy also focused on de-Christianization “in the Middle East and parts of Africa,” where Christians are emigrating in the face of militant Islamists. In his forward to “Persecuted and Forgotten?” Gregorios III, Melkite Greek Patriarch of Antioch, wrote that “Christ is on the Cross still, sharing in the pain that the people of God undergo. In all the countries around the world where Christians suffer for their faith, Our Lord is persecuted too.” The report’s importance is in providing information to spur both prayer and action on the part of Christians who enjoy religious freedom.
“Unlike so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, we are in the fortunate position to be able to express our opinions and views freely. We can stand up for our rights,” the document notes. “However, persecuted and other suffering Christians do not always have the freedom to stand up for theirs. That is why Christian communities who live in fear need our help to stand with them and speak up for them.” The text also highlights North Korea as the most restrictive country in the world for Christians; Christian villagers forced from their homes in Laos; and the disappearance of underground Catholics in China. “Encouraging prayerful support for the suffering church is one of the key strands of Aid to the Church in Need’s mission,” the report concludes. It encouraged readers to “select a country or person to pray for — especially during Lent.”
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Diocesan policy: Reporting child abuse The Diocese of Fargo is committed to the protection of youth. Please report any incidents or suspected incidents of child abuse, including sexual abuse, to civil authorities. If the situation involves a member of the clergy or a religious order, a seminarian, or an employee of a Catholic school, parish, the diocesan offices or other Catholic entity with in the diocese, we ask that you also report the incident or suspected incident to Msgr. Joseph P. Goering at (701) 356-7945 or Larry Bernhardt at (701) 356-7965 or VictimAssistance@ fargodiocese.org. For additional information about victim assistance, visit www.fargodiocese.org/ victimassistance.
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Saints-to-be: Miracles attributed to both John XXII and John Paul II Continued from page 1 were mostly Eastern Orthodox or Muslim. He became a cardinal-patriarch of Venice and was appointed pope five years later in 1958 at 76 years old. Many regarded him as a transitional pope, not realizing that he would be responsible for initiating a new age for the Catholic Church. He took the name of John in honor of the beloved disciple and because he believed his time as pope would be short, like many popes who also took the name John. Less than three months after his election, Pope John XXIII summoned an ecumenical council, a meeting of the bishops of the church. This gathering was the first time for such meeting to happen in almost a century. He sought spiritual regeneration of the church and a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This 1962 meeting would later be known as the first session of the Second Vatican Council. Pope John had a warm and open personality, using simple terms the general population could understand. He supported social reforms for workers, poor people and outcasts. His simple love for Jesus and mankind earned him the title “The Good Pope.” When he died of stomach cancer in 1963, he had become one of the best-loved men in the world.
John Paul II Karol Józef Wojtyla — Pope John Paul II — was born May 18, 1920 in Wadowice in the Republic of Poland. He had a great love of theater as a child. He also played soccer where the teams were divided between Catholics and Jews, but he sometimes volunteered to play on the Jews’ side to make the game more competitive. By the age of 12, his mother, brother and sister had each passed away leaving Karol with his father. They lived in a one-bedroom apartment near their parish church where Karol’s father deeply influenced his Catholic faith. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in a school for drama where he also began writing poetry, studying Greek and public speaking. In 1942, Karol entered the underground seminary of Krakow and an underground theater. He was ordained a priest in 1946 and continued his studies at the graduate level in Rome in theology, sacred theology, philosophy and earned his license to teach. Father Karol became a professor at the Catholic University of Lublin in 1956 where he was appointed a bishop two years later. He attended the Second Vatican Council sessions and was appointed Bishop of Krakow in 1967. In 1976 Pope Paul VI invited him to preach the Lenten sermons to the members of the Papal Household. Two years later, Archbishop Wojtyla became pope and took the name of his predecessors to emphasize his wish to continue the reforms of Vatican II. Pope John Paul II was gifted as a playwright, poet, philosopher and was seen as a man with a big heart. He diligently traveled around the world proclaiming a sense of urgency to the Christian message. He emphasized the importance of a culture change, stressing that art, politics, and economics certainly had room for God’s influence. With 14 encyclicals, 15 apostolic exhortations, 11 apostolic constitutions, 45 apostolic letters and five books, he promoted a culture of life, peace, true freedom and zeal. He also had a great enthusiasm for the youth and organized the first World Youth Day in 1984. Pope John Paul II died on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday in 2005. He was the second longest-serving pope in history and the first non-Italian Pope since Pope Adrian VI who died in 1523. Once a saint, he will be the patron saint of World Youth Day.
Pope John’s intercession The miracle that led to Pope John XXIII beatification occurred in 1966, to an Italian nun of the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity, Sister Caterina Capitani. Sister Caterina started suffering from hemorrhages when she was 18. Despite doctor visits and treatments, the hemorrhages only became more frequent. She eventually underwent an operation which revealed that her stomach was covered with ulcerous tumors. After an operation to remove her pancreas, spleen and most of her stomach, her situation only worsened. Sister Catherina insisted on praying to the Holy Virgin of Pompei to whom she was very devout, but her fellow sisters urged her to turn to Pope John XXIII for his intercession. A sister had brought a relic of Pope John’s from Rome, a piece of a sheet he had died upon, and placed it on Sister Caterina’s stomach as they prayed to Pope John together. Caterina says she felt a hand pressing on her stomach and the voice of a man calling her name. Pope John stood beside her bed holding his hand on her stomach and told her she was healed. In just 48 hours, she had no temperature, could eat whatever she liked and had no need for medication. Like all miracles, it was not just a single moment of healing, but an ongoing healing as she continued to thrive with no complications. Under normal circumstances, two miracles are needed for sainthood, one to be beatified and a second to be canonized. However, Pope Francis waived the requirement for a second miracle saying, “no one doubts his virtues.” In any case for sainthood, the pope has the authority to disregard a second miracle.
John Paul II’s miracles Like Blessed John, Blessed John Paul II’s first miracle was also to cure a disease familiar to him. He is credited to the healing of a sister in the Congregation of the Little Sisters of Catholic Mothers in France, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, who suffered from Parkinson’s. She became ill in her early thirties and had quickly declined to the point of barely being able to stand. Her congregation united in asking John Paul II to have God work a miracle for her. Two months after John Paul’s death, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre said something in her heart told her to take up a pen and write. She wrote Scripture in perfectly legible handwriting and after that point any medication she took only caused nausea. She ceased taking medication despite medical doctors insisting she would die if she did. Upon her medical examination, she no longer had any trace of the illness. John Paul II’s second miracle involved a 50-year-old woman named Floribeth Mora Diaz who lived in Costa Rica. In April 2011, she was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm which caused her migraines, loss of feeling in her limbs and vomiting. Her doctor told her there was nothing he could do since an operation would be too risky. She and her husband visited a relic of Pope John Paul II in their local parish the day before her miracle took place. On May 1, 2011, the day John Paul II was beatified, newspapers worldwide published special issues to commemorate the event. According to Floribeth, the two hands of a picture of John Paul II emerged from the newspaper photo. She also heard a voice that said, “Get up and have no fear.” Her headaches subsided and when she went to her doctor, he was astonished to see that she had no symptoms. There was no sign of an aneurysm in her scans.
Celebrations of Our Lord’s passion and his glorious resurrection date to earliest days of Christianity Originally printed in Our Sunday Visitor (Feb. 16, 2008)
A Guide to Holy
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n the first century, the early Christians celebrated every Sunday in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus. By the second century, they established a particular day for the celebration of the resurrection, which was connected to the Jewish Passover. Their observance began at sundown on Saturday evening. They called it the Night of the Great Vigil, a time of remembrance and expectation that lasted throughout the nights so they could sing “alleluia” at dawn on Easter morning. It was during the Night of the Great Vigil that new Christians were received into the Church. By the fourth century, it became customary for people to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem to celebrate what was called the “Great Week,” which included Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. The diary of a woman names Egeria in 381 contains the first accounts of the special rites, prayers and devotions that took place in Jerusalem during the Great Week. Today, Holy Week is the entire week preceding Easter Sunday. It begins with Palm Sunday, includes the Chrism Mass, the Mass of our Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday.
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Holy Week Timeline April 13: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion marks the beginning of Holy Week. On this day, Christians commemorate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem while people waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna,” an expression of praise and adoration. Before Mass, the parish community will form a procession to symbolize the beginning of the spiritual journey that unfolds throughout the coming week. The palms are blessed, and people are encouraged to take them home. Some families shape the palms into a cross or perform a simple ceremony and place them behind a crucifix or other sacred artwork. Remaining palms will be burned the following year, and the ash will be used during Ash Wednesday.
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April 14-16: Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday The first three days of Holy Week are traditionally days of preparation for the Easter feast. In many cultures, these days are designated as days for vigorous housecleaning. Spring cleaning may have come from the Jewish custom of ritual cleaning before Passover.
Monday of Holy Week The Gospel reading on this day recalls the woman who anointed Jesus with oil.
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Tuesday of Holy Week In the Gospel reading on this day, Jesus shares his prediction that Judas will betray him.
Chrism Mass celebrated The faithful across the diocese are invited to come to the Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo, on Tues, April 15 at 11 a.m. to witness Bishop John Folda bless and distribute three sacred oils - the sacred Chrism oil, the oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick - used in the sacraments performed in parishes throughout the coming year. Also, this once-a-year Mass invites all priests to join Bishop Folda in a renewal of their dedication to serve.
Wednesday of Holy Week This day has been called “Spy Wednesday” because it recalls Judas’ bargain with the high priest to hand
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over Jesus for 30 silver pieces. Judas looked or spied on Jesus to find a good time to betray him.
April 17-19: Sacred Triduum The last three days of Holy Week called Triduum encompass the most sacred days of the year. From sundown on Holy Thursday to the conclusion of Easter Sunday, the liturgies on these days commemorate Christ’s Paschal Mystery: His passion, death and resurrection.
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Sunday
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper memorializes the Passover meal that Jesus shared in the Upper Room with the apostles on the night before he died. Before the meal, he washed their feet to impress upon them the call to serve others. The church recognizes the Last Supper as the institution of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. During the meal, Jesus also instituted the Eucharist by transforming bread and wine into his own body and blood. After the meal, Jesus went to Gethsemane where he suffered the agony in the garden, the betrayal of Judas and the brutality of being arrested. The Mass of the Last Supper is a dramatic liturgy with the priest washing the feet of 12 parishioners representing the 12 apostles. After Communion, the altar and sanctuary are stripped and there is a procession with the Blessed Sacrament, which is taken to a separate altar of repose. There is no dismissal or final blessing. It is the last time the Eucharist will be celebrated until the Easter Vigil.
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
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The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus. The liturgy begins in silence. The priest will enter and lie prostrate at the foot of a completely bare altar. The liturgy is broken into three parts: Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion. The Liturgy of the Word highlights the passages from Isaiah 52:13 — 53:12, the Suffering Servant. The second part of the liturgy, the Veneration of the Cross allows each person to touch or kiss the cross. The final part is a Communion service with host consecrated the previously night. Afterward, the tabernacle is left empty and open. The candle next to the tabernacle, denoting the presence of Christ, is extinguished. People leave in silent vigil.
Former soap star shares her story of trauma, healing at FirstChoice event By Roxane B. Salonen
Even the most ardent pro-lifer can change on a dime in a moment of crisis. Such was the admission of Lauren Roman, former star of the television soap opera “All My Children,” at FirstChoice Clinic’s annual fundraising banquet in Fargo March 10. “It’s amazing how quickly during a time of crisis people can go against their conscience,” Roman said of her and her boyfriend after they learned she was pregnant at 18. “We both agreed there was no choice. We had to make it go away.” The fact that she was being raised in a faithful, Christian home, and he had been a devout, pro-life Catholic all his life, made it even harder to rectify. And yet the abortion happened, without her parents knowing. Shortly thereafter, Roman found success as an actress playing the role of Laura Kirk English on “All My Children” for three years. Successful on the outside, Roman was emotionally shattered on the inside. “Behind the scenes I was struggling with depression and an eating disorder,” she said. “Underneath was a deep sense of unworthiness and ultimately self-condemnation — something common with women who suffer with guilt and regret after aborting a child.” Even knowing abortion was wrong, she said, she went ahead with it because she felt so “scared, ashamed and desperate.” In time, Roman realized that ending a pregnancy “doesn’t undo anything; it doesn’t erase it or make it go away. There are lasting effects.” The grief, regret and self-condemnation would persist for years, she said. “I was en-
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April 20: Easter Sunday – He is Risen! Alleluia! Easter Sunday marks the beginning of the Easter season where Catholics jubilantly celebrate the Lord’s resurrection from the dead, ascension into Heaven and sending of the Holy Spirit. The season is characterized by “the joy of glorified life and the victory over death, expressed most fully in the great resounding cry of the Christian: Alleluia!”
slaved and miserable. It wouldn’t be until almost 10 years after the abortion that I would begin to understand what forgiveness and freedom meant, at a pregnancy resource center in Los Angeles.” Through the help of a post-abortion recovery group and her church, she slowly began to heal. “As comforting as it is to know my child is with God, I will always feel that loss,” she said, noting that the story might have been different if she’d known of the pregnancy-care center just a few blocks away from where she lived at the time. “Every woman and every unborn child deserves that chance, and FirstChoice Clinic is making it happen every day,” she said. “Women don’t just receive care for physical needs but spiritual needs as well. It may be the only voice of truth speaking against other voices in her life.” The evening also included staff and client testimonies, and an introduction by Tom Frei, executive director of FirstChoice Clinic, who noted some positive and encouraging trends, including that 87 abortion clinics closed in our country in 2013, and the number of pregnancy help centers have risen; from 700 in 1991 to over 2,400 currently. “These numbers tell a powerful story,” he said, adding that “the Lord is honoring the humble, patient work” of facilities like FirstChoice Clinic. Frei added, “We wish to offer the kind of radical, Christ-centered love that alone has the power to cast out fear and make abortion something that is no longer needed and wanted,” he said. “We want to make abortion in this country obsolete, not only by our law but by our love.”
Student receives Spirit of Community Award By Sherri Simon
Sullivan Middle School sixth grader Heidi Deplazes was recognized on March 19 for her volunteerism in the community with the 2014 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. As a state honoree, Deplazes receives a $1,000 award, an engraved silver medallion and an allexpense-paid trip to Washington D.C in May. First Lady of North Dakota, Betsy Dalrymple, bestowed the honor and medallion to Deplazes during a ceremony held in the GROW auditorium of Sullivan Middle School, Fargo. Deplazes is one 102 nationwide honorees being considered for the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of time to serve their community and country.
Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday The first part of the Vigil is the Light Service, which begins outside the church with the Easter fire and the lighting of the paschal candle. The candle is carried into the dark church as a symbol of the Light of Christ. Individual candles, held by participants, are lit from the paschal candle at it proceeds through the church to the altar. By the time the paschal candle reaches the altar, the church is bright with candlelight. The Exultet, an ancient song of proclamation that gives thanks and praise to God, is sung during the procession. The Liturgy of the Word, multiple Scripture readings and psalms help people reflect on all of the wonderful things God has done throughout salvation history. Then, the baptismal water is blessed, and the catechumens and candidates receive the sacraments of initiation. All share in the Eucharist.
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Banquet marks 10th Anniversary of St. Gianna’s By Joan Schanilec
St. Gianna’s Maternity Home will continue its year-long 10th anniversary celebration with its Spring Banquet held at the Ramada Plaza and Suites in Fargo. Any interested individual is invited to attend this banquet of thanksgiving to God for his many blessings to the maternity home since its founding in 2003. Over the past 10 years, hundreds of mothers and children have benefitted Monsignor from the services offered Richter by St. Gianna’s Home. The organization provides expectant mothers, without a support system, a safe place to prepare for the birth of their child. In addition
to serving women and children in the facility, the organization provides counseling, referrals for assistance, maternity clothing and baby supplies. Keynote speaker for the evening will be Monsignor Thomas J. Richter, rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck. He will share a powerful message of hope based on the organization’s 10th anniversary theme of “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10). Doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m. The event is free to attend. An opportunity to support the work of this organization will be extended that evening. For more information about the organization, how you can help or to reserve seats, please contact Joan Schanilec at 701-360-2499 or joanjrs@hotmail.com. Visit www.saintgianna home.org.
Quotable today thewas Church proposes a new Year of Faith andasaanew evangelization, it of is not to honor an anniversary, ““IfA man who completely innocent offered himself sacrifice for the good others, including his enemies, but because there is more need of it, even more than there was 50 years ago!” and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.” ― Pope Benedict XVI Mahatma Gandhi
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10 ways to make Holy Week more meaningful 1. Pray. If you have to work or attend school during Holy Week, think about how you can incorporate additional prayer breaks into your day. 2. Make an additional sacrifice. Try fasting or abstaining one or two additional days during Holy Week along with Good Friday. 3. Go to confession. During Holy Week, a few parishes in the diocese will offer Penance services as well as additional hours for priests to hear confessions.
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7. Attend all Triduum liturgies. Triduum encompasses the three most important days in the church year beginning the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. The liturgies celebrated these days include the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion and Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord. Although on separate days, these liturgies are intended to be one continuous celebration that commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Editorial
4. Forgive. Make it a point to forgive someone and pray for them.
8. Volunteer. Help decorate your parish in preparation for Easter.
5. Unplug. Try minimizing the use of or completely turning off your television, computer and other electronic devices from sundown on Holy Thursday until Easter morning.
9. Welcome the newly baptized and confirmed. RCIA catechumens and candidates will enter fully into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil. Find out who those individuals are in your parish and welcome them.
6. Pray the Stations of the Cross. Bishop John Folda will be leading this prayer at the state’s only abortion facility located in Fargo on Good Friday beginning at 10 a.m.
10. Share the joy. Use this time to invite family, friends and neighbors, especially those people who may have fallen away from the church, to come to church with you.
A clergyman hears confession from Pope Francis during a penitential liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican March 28. Pope Francis surprised his liturgical adviser by going to confession during the service. Several parishes throughout the diocese will continue to host Penance Services into Holy Week. CNS photo / L’Osservatore Romano
‘Cosmos’ and one more telling of the tired myth
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eth MacFarlane, well known athethe issue of liberal politics’ relation to religion, but I feel obliged, once more, ist and cartoonist, is the executive to expose the dangerous silliness of the producer of the remake of “Cosview that Catholicism and the modern mos,” which recently made its nationsciences are implacable foes. al debut. The first episode featured, along with the science, an animated I would first observe that it is by no feature dealing with the 16th century means accidental that the physical sciDominican friar Giordano Bruno, who ences in their modern form emerged when and where they was burned at the stake did, that is to say, in the by church officials. A Europe of the 16th cenbrooding statue of Brutury. The great founders no stands today in the of modern science — CoCampo de’ Fiori in Rome pernicus, Galileo, Tycho on the very spot where Brache, Descartes, Pascal, the unfortunate friar etc. — were formed in was put to death. church-sponsored univerIn MacFarlane’s carsities where they learned toon, Bruno is portrayed their mathematics, asas a hero of modern tronomy and physics. science, and church Moreover, in those officials are, without same universities, all of exception, depicted as the founders would have wild-eyed fanatics and imbibed the two fununthinking dogmatists. damentally theological As I watched this piece, assumptions that made Father Robert Barron all I could think was, the modern sciences “here we go again.” possible, namely that the Avatars of the modern ideology feel world is not divine — and hence can be obligated to tell their great foundation experimented upon rather than wormyth over and over, and central to shiped — and that the world is imbued that narrative is that both the physical with intelligibility — and hence can be sciences and liberal political arrangeunderstood. ments emerged only after a long twiI say that these are theological prelight struggle against the reactionary sumptions, for they are both corollaries forces of religion, especially the Cathof the doctrine of creation. olic religion. If God made the world in its entireLike the effigies brought out to be ty, then nothing in the world is divine; burned on Guy Fawkes Day, the bugand if God made the world in its enbear of intolerant and violent Catholitirety, then every detail of the world cism has to be exposed to ridicule on a is marked by the mind of the Creator. regular basis. Without these two assumptions, the I will leave to the side for the moment sciences as we know them will not, be-
Word on Fire
cause they cannot, emerge. In fact, from the intelligibility of the universe, the young Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) constructed an elegant argument for the existence of God. The objective intelligibility of the finite world, he maintained, is explicable only through recourse to a subjective intelligence that thought it into being. This correspondence, in fact, is reflected in our intriguing usage of the word “recognition” (literally, to think again) to designate an act of knowledge. In employing that term, we are at least implicitly acknowledging that, in coming to know, we are re-thinking what has already been thought by the creative intelligence responsible for the world’s intelligibility. If Ratzinger is right, religion, far from being science’s enemy, is in fact its presupposition.
Science has Catholic heroes Secularist ideologues will relentlessly marshal stories of Hypatia, Galileo, Giordano Bruno and others — all castigated or persecuted by church people who did not adequately grasp the principles I have been laying out. But, to focus on these few exceptional cases is grossly to misrepresent the history of the relationship between Catholicism and the sciences. May I mention just a handful of the literally thousands of Catholic clerics who have made significant contributions to the sciences? Do you know about Father Jean Picard, a priest of the 17th century, who was the first person to determine the size of the earth to a reasonable degree of accuracy?
Do you know about Father Giovanni Battista Riccioli, a 17th century Jesuit astronomer and the first person to measure the rate of acceleration of a free-falling body? Do you know about Father George Searle, a Paulist priest of the early 20th century who discovered six galaxies? Do you know about Father Benedetto Castelli, a Benedictine monk and scientist of the 16th century, who was a very good friend and supporter of Galileo? Do you know about Father Francesco Grimaldi, a Jesuit priest who discovered the diffraction of light? Do you know about Father George Coyne, a contemporary Jesuit priest and astrophysicist, who for many years ran the Vatican Observatory outside of Tucson? Perhaps you know about Father Gregor Mendel, the Augustinian monk who virtually invented modern genetics, and about Father Teilhard de Chardin, a 20th century Jesuit priest who wrote extensively on paleontology, and about Father Georges Lemaître, the formulator of the Big Bang theory of cosmic origins. Can we please, once and for all, dispense with the nonsense that Catholicism is the enemy of the sciences? When we do, we’ll expose the Seth MacFarlane telling of the story for what it really is: not scientific history but the basest sort of anti-Catholic propaganda. Father Robert Barron is the founder of the global ministry, Word on Fire, and the rector and president of Mundelein Seminary. He is the creator of the award winning documentary series “Catholicism” and “Catholicism: The New Evangelization.” Learn more at www.wordonfire.org.
Commentary
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To legislators and lawmakers: Look first to faith, conscience then party ideology
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his spring marks my 20th year There are a few possible explanations with the North Dakota Catholic for this apparent paradox. First, like it or Conference. People often ask what not, the two-party system is entrenched I have learned about politics and politiin the United States. It is the setting in cians during these 20 years. which any elected official must work. With that comes party discipline Three lessons stand out to me. which can curb and sometimes quash First, most people, including most the will and ability to lawmakers, are neither do what the legislator entirely “conservative” thinks is right. nor “liberal.” The truth Sometimes this comes is that most of us live in with the ultimate goal a world of shades. of doing good in mind. Even the most Frequently a legislator tight-fisted fiscal conmust decide to “go with servative will loosen the party on this one” so the purse strings for a that he or she can influcause close to her heart. ence the party on anothA self-proclaimed “proer issue. gressive” can shudder Additionally, two-parat breakdown of social ty politics has, in more norms. recent decades, tended Second, most legisto greater differences lators want to do what rather than commonalithey think is right for ties. This was not always their constituents and Christopher Dodson the case. the broader population. Political scientists preSelf-interest, powviously taught that the United States er-grabbing and revenge make for good had a history of having two only political dramas on television — and slightly different centrist parties, unthey do exist — but most legislators are like Europe. Both parties moved tothere because they care about making ward the center to capture the majority society better for others. vote. When the voters moved “left” or Third, the greatest barrier to progress “right” the center moved with them. for any area of legislation is partisanWhether the parties are following ship and ideology. the people or the people are following the parties, both parties have more reParty system one factor cently moved away from the center. This puts more pressure on legislators This might seem to contradict the to stay disciplined and to break party first two observations. After all, if most ranks less frequently. legislators are not completely conservaIdeology contributes to the problem tive or liberal and they want to do the because, even if most people are not right thing, why would partisanship completely conservative or liberal, they and ideology get in the way?
Catholic Action
“Rather than turning to the party or
philosophies, the first question a legislator should ask when confronted with a proposal should be, ‘Based on what I know about my faith and what my conscience tells me, is this the right answer?’
”
Christopher Dodson
often think they are entirely one or the other. No matter what their views, people identify themselves according to ideologies such as “conservative,” “libertarian,” progressive,” “anarchist.”
Labels, minus faith When it comes to political activities it becomes too common and convenient to think of ourselves not as Catholics, but as progressives, Republicans, conservatives or whatever. As a result it becomes too easy to let ideology and parties get in the way of what we believe is right. Pope Francis has recently reminded us that all ideologies fall short of expressing the whole truth of the human person. No ideology, whether it be socialism, libertarianism, liberalism, scientism, secularism or any other “ism” can answer the essential questions about our existence, much less provide comprehensive guidance to questions about public policy.
In turning to ideology or parties for political answers, we risk engaging in a form of idolatry. Rather than turning to the party or philosophies, the first question a legislator should ask when confronted with a proposal should be, “Based on what I know about my faith and what my conscience tells me, is this the right answer?” So, let’s pray that our lawmakers have the wisdom to discern the difference between the truth and ideologies, between following him or following parties and the strength to act according to an informed conscience. And while you are at it, pray for me and the work of the North Dakota Catholic Conference. Dodson is executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference. The NDCC acts on behalf of the Catholic bishops of North Dakota to respond to public policy issues of concern to the Catholic Church and to educate Catholics and the general public about Catholic social doctrine. The conference website is ndcatholic.org.
Your gifts help guide young adults to the fullness of God
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veryone is searching for somecloser relationship with God. thing. Whether it’s a new job, Besides sharing questions and new home, work-out program or just a ideas, SEARCH offers the opportunity bit of peace and quiet. We all yearn for to share Christ, prayer, friendships, fun something each day. and song in a warm acSometimes we don’t cepting atmosphere. By search for the right celebrating the Eucharist things or in the right and participating in the places, but SEARCH sacrament of reconciliawants to make sure that tion, these young adults our young adults in the gain a greater underdiocese are searching for standing of God’s love the one who will fill the for them. longing of their hearts. While we all have SEARCH is a hidden the ability to evangelize gem within our diocese. through our everyday It’s a diocesan prowords and actions, there gram that puts on reis something extra spetreats for young adults cial about this retreat ex16 and older and is led perience. by their peers who have It is a time for young attended a SEARCH reSteve Schons adults to get away from treat before. Who better the stresses of school, to influence and relate to friends and activities young adults than those who face simand focus only on God and what he is ilar struggles? doing in their lives. Without funding through God’s Gift As adults, we are more aware of the Appeal and the dedication of the Sisters times in our lives when we need to just of Mary, these retreats couldn’t happen. get away for a weekend, but as a teenager or young adult caught up in the Established spiritual program chaos of life, it can be hard to decipher when some extra time with God SEARCH started in the ‘70s and is is what is best, especially if time with a great faith renewal to help young God is scarce to begin with. people discover God, themselves and By no means is SEARCH a “fix all” a community: a community of those program, but it is an excellent opporwho want to learn and experience a
Stewardship
tunity for young adults to meet God one-on-one. It’s a place where young adults can open themselves up and meet Christ where they are at. It begins the process of being open to his love every day and becoming more willing to become the person they’re called to be.
Older adults have a role We can help our young adults in multiple ways. Talk to them about your experiences and trials both now and when you were their age. You don’t have to be a relative or even a close friend. Encourage our young adults to go on a retreat and be engaged in their faith, whether it’s through SEARCH or a parish or diocesan event. Sometimes we can get caught up in worrying how to encourage someone that we fail to speak up. It’s always better to try then not to try. What we perceive to be an awkward or failing invitation may actually be what someone needs to hear anyway. When God speaks through us, he is truly speaking through. We can never know the full impact of our words. If you have been on a SEARCH retreat before, consider giving your time and talents to help others experience God’s love the way you have. And, if you feel that the Lord is knocking on your door to spend more
time with him, consider attending a SEARCH or other diocesan retreat yourself. If you are questioning the role Jesus has in your life, do yourself a favor and dedicate a weekend to answer this question. Another way we can help our young adults is by supporting organizations like SEARCH. When you give, you are a huge part of what happens on these retreats. Your hand is on their shoulders. You are with them even if they don’t always realize it. And because we are spiritually present at these retreats, we share in the blessings the youth receive, whether we realize it or not. Finally, we can help our youth and young adults by participating in the sacraments. When we come to the sacraments, we affect those around us, again, whether we realize it or not. We are the body of Christ after all. In whatever we are each striving for, bringing the sacraments along in our searches is our best way to assure that we are heading in the right direction for ourselves as well as those around us. To find out more visit www.fargo diocese-search.org. Steve Schons is director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Fargo and can be reached at steve.schons@ fargodiocese.org or (701) 356-7926.
12 1 nnAA pril pril2014 2014
NewEarth
Concerning the deep south, the faith and the Jesuits
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hen speaking of pilgrimages, the Catholic tradition has a long and venerable list of places frequented by pious souls: the Holy Land, Lourdes, Rome, Fatima, Assisi, Ars and Guadalupe. Adding Alabama to that list is likely to elicit a few puzzled looks and the assumption that the pilgrimage is for the purpose of deep fried food instead of deep rooted spirituality. However, Hanceville, Ala., was the site chosen by seminarian Riley Durkin and myself for our spring break retreat/ trip. The time spent was both relaxing and fruitful, and it prompted me Eric Seitz to meditate especially on the many dimensions of the church. The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, just outside of Hanceville, is the work of Mother Angelica, founder of EWTN. It is located about an hour north of Birmingham. The shrine is run by the Poor Clare Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and the Knights of the Holy Eucharist. The sisters provide the spiritual foundation for the apostolic work of EWTN, while the Knights are responsible for the upkeep
of the grounds. In addition to their grounds keeping responsibilities, the Knights also run a retreat house for priests and seminarians, free of charge. They even picked us up from the airport. The brothers were very hospitable and friendly, and we were quickly acquainted with delicious southern cooking.
Resting with the Lord
Seminarian Life
We were ready for a break after midterm exams, and the shrine was the perfect spot. We were able to spend our time in adoration in the magnificent main chapel. Eucharistic adoration is the centerpiece of the
entire shrine. On one side of the chapel, the Poor Clare Sisters engaged in their prayer; the other side of the wall is used by visitors to the shrine. Being able to rest in the presence of the Lord in the Eucharist was a blessing after weeks of study. Other features of the shrine include a replica of the shrine at Lourdes, the John Paul II Eucharistic Center, the Stations of the Eucharist and a gift shop modeled after a medieval castle. The
shrine is a microcosm of Catholicism; the Eucharist stands at the center, with everything good coming forth from it. Another unique opportunity offered to us was the chance to meet a group of seminarians from Louisiana. It was encouraging to meet guys like us from a completely different part of the country, sharing in the same struggles and nursing the same hopes. In the church, the more things change, the more they stay the same. They returned to the seminary soon after we arrived. The highlight of our trip was visiting the EWTN studios in Irondale on Ash Wednesday.
phies. There were six heads mounted in his living room, some of which were animals I have never even heard of. Showing us a picture of a large buck hanging from a tree, he told us, “This is the difference between Franciscan and Jesuit spirituality.” On reflection, I think that this is part of the strength of our Catholic faith, where meek Francis and bold Ignatius are both recognized as saints, without weakening one or compromising the other. Our time there was, sadly, too short, but I will remember the shrine when looking for a retreat house next time. It was a refreshing trip, and it showed forth the splendor of our faith.
A brush with celebrity
Editor’s Note: Seminarian Life is a monthly column written by current Diocese of Fargo seminarians. It gives New Earth readers an opportunity to get a glimpse of what these discerning young men are experiencing. Let us know if there is something you would like to know about the life of a seminarian. Perhaps, it will inspire an article from one of them.
We saw a filming of EWTN Live with Jesuit Father Mitch Pacwa. He was interviewing His Excellency, Bishop Camillo Ballin, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia. The subject was the challenges and triumphs that his flock experiences in the Middle East. I was surprised to learn that Catholicism could flourish in a place as hostile as the Arab peninsula, but the work he was doing there was bearing fruit. Catholicism flourishes under pressure. After the program, we had an opportunity to visit with both the bishop and the host. Father Mitch then invited us to his house to see his hunting tro-
Eric Seitz is a third-year seminarian at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. As a member of a military family, Seitz has lived in many places including Norway, South Carolina and Montana before coming to Fargo. Seitz was born at Ellsworth Air Force Base located in western South Dakota. Seitz is a parishioner at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo.
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Youth & Young Adults
NewEarth
April 2014 n 13
Fargo Diocese seeks ‘Young Disciples’ for summer camps The Diocese of Fargo is calling for summer missionaries to lead a 10-week evangelization and catechesis program for children and teens.
and to spend time with the team or host families.
In the Young Disciples apostolate, young adult Catholics, travel through the diocese to witness the joy and hope of the Catholic faith. They challenge others to love Jesus Christ and to embrace the life of the church.
Established in 2001, the Young Disciples apostolate included young adults from 31 different states and the countries of Portugal, Ireland and Slovakia. These disciples have conducted more than 270 day camps. Team members often continue their apostolic work by becoming catechists, teachers in Catholic schools campus ministers, youth ministers, directors of religious education and parents. Some pursue religious vocations or priesthood.
From May 15 through July 29, Young Disciples teams conduct week-long day camps for children grades kindergarten through sixth. Young Disciples camps include daily Mass, lessons, crafts, games, song and Catechism. Also, they host evening teen missions for rural parishes and reservations. It is the Young Disciples’ goal and mission to teach the younger generations the beauty and depth of the Catholic faith. Each camp is four or five days long for about six hours a day. Parishes decide the days and the time so, it will be different for each parish to which the group travels. Saturday is travel and setup day. Sunday, teams are expected to be at all weekend Masses to talk about Young Disciples, to meet parishioners
Youth ministry training in Devils Lake, Fargo By Kathy Loney Youth Ministry Director
The Youth and Young Adult Ministry Department of the Diocese of Fargo is hosting two, two-day training sessions in Devils Lake, May 17-18 at St. Joseph’s parish and May 19-20 at St. Anthony of Padua parish, Fargo, for anyone who works with grades six through 12 in a youth ministry capacity. The sessions will be highlighting the goals, themes and eight components of Youth Ministry given to us by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. If worked with correctly, this information will help volunteers and all others working with youth form a well rounded Catholic youth. Training will include pointers on working with parents to help their children grow closer to Christ and will be an opportunity to learn more about strengthening prayer life. The sessions will be lead by trainer, Scott Anthony, who has been involved in Catholic youth and family ministry professionally for more than 19 years. He currently is director of youth and young adult ministries at St. Joseph and St. Patrick parishes in York, Pa. Married with eight children, Anthony is the visionary and developer of Fan the Fire, a one-day youth event designed to reach out to teens to help them deepen their relationship with Christ or discover it for the first time. The fee is $25 per person and includes the training, resources, meals and housing. Contact Kathy Loney in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Department at (701) 356-7902 or kathy.loney@fargodiocese.org for more information. Registration deadline is May 1.
Monday morning camp starts, usually in the parish hall and classrooms.
Young Disciples must be between the ages of 18-30, love Jesus and the church and yearn to grow in their faith. Team members must be available for 10 weeks from May 15 through July 29. A break will be given from June 28 – July 4. Additionally, all team members will receive a $1000 stipend for services as well as opportunity to raise sponsorship funds. For additional information contact Mary Hanbury at (701) 356-7909 or mary.hanbury@fargodiocese.org.
Submitted photo
The 2013 Young Disciples teams gathered together for a group photo after a training session. Back row: Henry Yeagle, Jayson Miller, Zach Howick, Jeremy Gusaas, Eric Seitz, Matthew Donahue, Nathan Meidinger. Middle Row: Meghan Scott, Keyna Hoselton, Stephanie Shoenfelt, Corey Baumgartner, Elissa Berg, Ashley Grunhovd, Kelsey Wieser. Front row: Samantha Helland, Christine Saah, Katelyn Rogers, Shaina Lawrence, Rose Tousignant, Anna Vanyo.
Changing peoples’ lives: one disciple’s reflection By Val Schultz 2005 Young Disciple
Our last night on one of our camps, we were invited to a family’s home after our potluck dinner. This young couple had three children, one of whom was at our camp. Before leaving, they asked us if we could pray with them, so our entire
team sat with them in a circle on the floor and prayed for their close family friend who was going through a hard time. It was amazing to hear these little children pray from their hearts. Afterward, we were getting ready to leave, and I noticed their second grader lying on the floor with her face down. I went to her and sat next to her, trying to get
her to smile. I noticed she had been crying. I picked her up and held her in my lap, giving her a great big hug. She kept saying over and over, “I don’t want you to leave.” After lots of tears and hugs, her mom turned to us and said, “Don’t think that you don’t change peoples’ lives, because you do.”
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14 n April 2014
NewEarth
Father Leute nominated for Lumen Christi Award By Kristina Lahr
The Diocese of Fargo is pleased to announce this year’s nomination for the Lumen Christi award, Father Charles Leute of the Seven Dolors Catholic Mission. The Lumen Christi is a national award sponsored by Catholic Extension, an organization that supports mission dioceses across the United States. The award started in 1978 as a way to not only recognize the good an individual has done in their diocese but to identify the work that needs to be done across the Father Leute nation. The award is presented to a priest, religious, lay person or group of people who has served others, inspired hope and initiated change in building up their faith community. Each year, Bishop John Folda nominates someone from the Diocese of Fargo who fits the criteria of the award. Mary Pat Jahner, director of St. Gianna’s Maternity Home, became a finalist for the award in 2012. This year’s nominee, Father Charles “Chuck” Leute, serves the Spirit Lake Reservation near Devils Lake which is subdivided into four precincts, each with a Catholic parish. Father Leute serves as the pastor and spiritual leader
for a total of 500 families at Seven Dolors Mission in Fort Totten, Christ the King in Tokio and St. Jerome’s in Crow Hill.
Early calling Father Leute always had it in his heart to serve Native Americans ever since he began discerning his vocation in fourth grade. “It comes from my family,” he said, “My father is part Native. When we were growing up we were always encouraged to pray for the people on the reservations. That was something that stuck with me, and I always hoped I would be able to serve them in the missions.” Father Leute has spent his entire priesthood serving Native Americans in Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. Since he first arrived to Spirit Lake in 1987, the community has come to rely on him for spiritual direction and guidance in the midst of financial and personal crisis. “Father Leute provides a stable and comforting hand, like a father figure, to the members of the community in which he serves,” said Bishop Folda in his nomination letter. “Without his devotion to deliver the Gospel to the people of Spirit Lake Reservation, they would be without the celebration of the Mass, the sacraments and the pastoral care and support that so many need and desire.” Father Leute not only serves the community sacramentally, but he helps individuals participating in Alcohol-
ics Anonymous and is involved with church repairs. He reestablished the two mission parishes, so there could be a parish in each of the four precincts. Father Leute also knows the Lakota Sioux language, which has helped him to build trust with the community and be available to every part of their lives. He hopes that more lay contribution will help build a full education system for the youth. “I keep praying for more lay involvement,” he said, “When you have your own people leading and serving, that’s very encouraging. We all need to recognize what we can do and to do our part. There are lots of beautiful people here. Some families are very concerned about supporting their children. You can speak about what you don’t have, but we do have that.” If Father Leute receives this award, he and the Diocese of Fargo each will receive a $25,000 grant for a total of $50,000 to fund their ministries. The funds received would provide for the needs of the parishes as well as for Father Leute, so he can continue to serve the members of those parishes. He hopes one day to build a parish center for the Seven Dolors parish and include a few classrooms and a library for people to learn more about the wider Native world. To support Father Charles Leute and the Spirit Lake community, vote for him on the Catholic Extension website: www.catholicextension.org. The winner will be announced this summer.
Prayer intentions of Pope Francis April General intention: Respect for Women. That governments may foster the protection of creation and the just distribution of natural resources.
Phone: 701-282-4400 • www.robertgibb.com CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF “GOLFING FORE LIFE” TUESDAY, JUNE 3RD, 2014
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“Blessed are the Peacemakers” The readers of the New Earth are cordially invited to a beautiful, inexpensive, lakeside retreat of wonderful relaxation and spiritual rejuvenation. For more information contact: Christ the King Retreat Center • Buffalo, MN (763) 682-1394 • email christtheking@kingshouse.com or visit our website at www.kingshouse.com
eflection: In what practical ways can R I foster the protection of creation and the just distribution of natural resources? S cripture: Romans 8:19-23. All creation is groaning in labor pains until now. Mission intention: Hope for the Sick. That the risen Lord may fill with hope the hearts of those who are being tested by pain and sickness. eflection: In what ways have I or am I R offering my suffering for others? S cripture: Colossians 1:24-29. It is Christ in you, the hope for glory. Provided by Apostleship of Prayer, www.apostleshipofprayer.org.
A glimpse of the past These news items, compiled by Dorothy Duchschere, were found in issues of the Diocese of Fargo newspaper, New Earth, and its predecessor, Catholic Action News.
April 50 years ago —1964 Decisions reached by members of the U.S. hierarchy at a recent meeting in Washington, D.C., on the use of English in the Mass, sacraments and breviary are now in Rome for final approval. Almost 200 American bishops met at Catholic University in Washington to discuss questions relating to the use of English in the liturgy of the church in this country. Until word is received from the Vatican there will be no official statements on behalf of the U.S. bishops. Informed Catholic sources said that the most likely date the first Masses will be said in English is the first Sunday of Advent, Nov. 29. Also, the Religious News Service quoting a “Catholic source” said, “it is doubtful the vernacular would be used for the Canon, the most sacred portion of the Mass.”
20 years ago —1994 The Fargo Diocese’s Office of the Word and the Charis Ecumenical Center will co-sponsor a one-day conference on the new “Catechism of the Catholic Church” at two sites in April. The identical conference will be on April 23 at the Comstock Theater at Concordia College, Moorhead and the other, April 24 in the auditorium of the University of North Dakota - Lake Region in Devils Lake. The new “Catechism of the Catholic Church” will be the focus of Presbyteral Continuing Education Days for the priests of the diocese on April 18-20 at Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo.
10 years ago — 2004 After months of preparation, moving and transition, those who work within the offices of the Diocese of Fargo and Catholic Charities North Dakota are now settled into the new Diocesan Pastoral Center at 5201 Bishops Blvd., Fargo. At the dedication on Monday, April 5, Bishop Samuel Aquila prayed, “Continue to send workers into your vineyard to sustain and direct your people. Bless the men and women who work in this building.” The celebration began with a ribbon cutting at the main entrance and then moved inside. The atrium was filled to capacity with guests lining the second story railing so all could participate in the blessing liturgy.
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April 2014 n 15
Events across the diocese
Obituary
April 13 (Sunday): St. Mary’s Palm Sunday Dinner at St. Mary’s in Grand Forks, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Children 4 and under free, 5-12 years $5, adults 13 years and older $10. For more information, call Mary Thompson at (701) 772-694.
Sister Mary Frances Lux, SMP
April 14 (Monday): Source of Love and Mercy, St. James Basilica, Jamestown at 7 p.m. Deacon Dr. Tom Geffre will help participants understand God’s Mercy through St. Faustina the Divine Mercy Chaplet. April 18 (Friday): Good Friday Stations of the Cross will be prayed at the Fargo abortuary, 512 1st Ave. N, beginning at 10 a.m. Bishop Folda will lead the faithful in observing our Lord’s Passion and praying for those who promote and have been wounded by abortion. For more information, contact Rachelle at (701) 356-7910. April 22, 23 (Tuesday, Wednesday): Top Model to Role Model. Leah Darrow will be presenting her talk at St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks at 2 p.m. and Sacred Heart Church in East Grand Forks at 7 p.m., Tuesday, and at St. John the Evangelist Church in Grafton, Wednesday. The event is free, but registration is requested. Contact Brian Herding at (701) 352-1648. April 24 (Thursday): Trinity Elementary School and Holy Cross parish groundbreaking, 2820 Bluestem Dr., West Fargo, noon. April 25-27 (Friday-Sunday): SEARCH Retreat, Maryvale Convent, Valley City. For more information visit www.fargo diocese-search.org.
(Dec. 22, 1929 – March 26, 2014)
For more news and events, visit the “News and Events” section of the diocesan website:
www.fargodiocese.org April 28 (Monday): St. Gianna’s Maternity Home Spring Banquet, Ramada Plaza and Suites, Fargo. Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m. Keynote speaker will be Monsignor Thomas J. Richter, rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck. Contact Joan Schanilec at (701) 360-2499 or visit www.saintgiannahome.org. May 3 (Saturday): Sidewalk Advocates Training. The Sidewalk Advocates for Life Program wishes to utilize a peaceful, prayerful method to reach out to abortion-minded women and men entering the abortion center in our community. The 40 Days for Life ND committee offers training 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pastoral Center, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Fargo. Registration required. Cost $10/person. Contact Colleen or Mary at phc@polarcomm.com or call (701) 284-6601.
April 26 (Saturday): Annual NDSU vs. UND Bike Race. Grand Forks and Hillsboro. For more information or to get involved as a rider, sponsor or volunteer, see: bisoncatholic.org for NDSU or und catholic.org for UND.
May 6 (Tuesday): Serra Dinner, 6 p.m., St. Anthony of Padua in Fargo. Serra club dinners are an opportunity to meet, visit and pray with others who want to work to support vocations in the area.
April 27 (Sunday): Divine Mercy Sunday, Holy Cross Church, West Fargo, 3-4 p.m. Come and learn about the life of St. Faustina and participate in the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. Contact Geri Harbeke at (701) 277-9681.
To submit events for New Earth and the diocesan website, send information to New Earth, 5201 Bishops Blvd. S., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605 or email news@ fargodiocese.org. The deadline for the May New Earth is April 23.
Presentation Sister Mary Frances Lux, 84, Valley City, died March 26 at the Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City. A funeral mass was celebrated April 1 at the Maryvale Convent Chapel near Valley City. Interment will be at Maryvale Convent Cemetery in the spring. Sister Mary Frances was born Dec. 22, 1929, in Lisbon to Melvin and Frances (Barta) Lux. She professed he vows as a Sister of Mary of the Presentation on Sept. 15, 1947, in Spring Valley, Ill. She graduated from St. Aloyius School in Oakwood and then attended St. Andrew’s Nursing School in Bottineau. After graduating with her nursing degree, she moved to St. Margaret Health in Spring Valley where she was the head nurse in the obstetrics department. Later she returned to Bottineau as food service supervisor at St. Andrew’s Hospital. She then moved to Rolla where she served for more than 10 years as the administrator at Presentation Medical Center. She moved back to Spring Valley, Ill., and worked as food service manager for 11 years. Again, she returned to North Dakota in 1986 to work in food service for the poor at the Grand Forks Mission House. Later she was asked to go to Les Cotils, Guernsey, where she served for eight years on the hospitality staff. When she returned to the United States, she took clinical pastoral education courses in LaCrosse, Wis., and became part of the pastoral care department at St. Margaret Health in Spring Valley, Ill. She remained there until she retired to Maryvale in 2001. At Maryvale she was part of the hospitality staff for a time. Sister Mary Frances is survived by
Share life’s milestones As a way to celebrate life and love, we encourage parishioners throughout the Diocese of Fargo to send photos of anniversaries of 60 or more years, or birthdays of 80 or more years to: New Earth, Diocese of Fargo, 5201 Bishops Blvd. S., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605 or news@fargodiocese.org.
Sister Mary Frances Lux
her religious community, the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation; sisters, Leona Marshall, Valley City; Mary Ann (Bill) Goddard, Plymouth, Minn.; Theresa (Jim) Fields, Valley City; and Margaret (Neal) Bohnsack, Williams, Ariz; brothers, Melvin (Alice) Lux, Salem, Ore.; Francis (Louise) Lux, Craig, Colo.; Deacon Charles (Philann) Lux and Lawrence (Barb) Lux, all Rock Springs, Wyo. Sister Mary Frances was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Richard. Funeral arrangements were made by the Lerud Schuldt Funeral Home of Valley City. Online guestbook available at www.lerudschuldt.com.
JOB POSITION OPENING Church of the Ascension has a position open for a Parish Secretary. The Parish Secretary, with a warm and friendly personality and people skills, serves and helps those who contact the parish to be received as Christ so that they may experience hospitality and love. Qualifications: A Catholic; proficient in computer usage, good knowledge of word processing and desktop publishing software. This person is to possess good oral, written and telephone communication skills and a working knowledge of office procedures and equipment. Successfully complete the Diocese of Bismarck background check. This is a part time position, about 30 hours per week. To apply send a cover letter and resume to Jan Sitter, Church of Ascension, 1905 South Third Street, Bismarck, ND 58504 or email jcsitter@ascensionbismarck.org; or call 701-223-3606. Position is open until filled.
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16 n April 2014
NewEarth
Catechumens, candidates answer call to ‘come and receive’ One man shares his journey to full communion with the Catholic Church By Aliceyn Magelky
From across the Diocese of Fargo, more than 200 catechumens, candidates, sponsors and guests attended the Rite of Election and Call for Continuing Conversion at the Cathedral of St. Mary March 9. This pivotal liturgy of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA marks catechetical completion for the catechumens and candidates. And, it signifies the beginning of a period of Purification and Enlightenment for those individuals before receiving the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass. For months, catechumens, individuals who have never been baptized, and candidates, individuals baptized in another Christian church, have been participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA classes, prayer and personal reflection in preparation for entering into full communion with the Catholic Church. The RCIA process is meant to help form them into the fullness of the Christian life and to become disciples of Jesus. At the Rite of Election, each catechumen and candidate stood with his or her sponsor to be recognized by Bishop John Folda. During the liturgy, the sponsor testified before the bishop that the individual he or she represents is ready to be initiated into the Church. On behalf of the diocese and
New Earth photo
Deacon Samuel Pupino, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, witnessed the catechumens signing of the Book of Elect during the Rite of Election held March 9 at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo.
the church, Bishop Folda accepted the sponsors’ witness. He then asked each catechumen and candidate if he or she was ready to accept God’s election and call to continuing conversion. In his homily, Bishop Folda eloquently pointed out God’s invitation. “Jesus has touched the hearts of each of us, and he now speaks to you as well with words of love. Come. Come quickly. Come, so that you might see where I dwell, so that you might receive the love that the Father offers, so that you might receive the outpouring of grace from the Holy Spirit. Come and receive new life in baptism. Come and receive the power of the Spirit in Confirmation. Come and receive the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus in the Eucharist. And, as Pope John Paul II said so often during his lifetime, ‘Do
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not be afraid, do not be afraid to open wide the doors to Christ.’ ” Each catechumen and candidate accepted this invitation, and the catechumens entered their names in the Book of Elect. From that point forward, catechumens are part of the elect. These individuals will receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Mass. Candidates will receive the Eucharist for the first time at the Easter Vigil Mass as well.
Same process, different journey While the Rite of Election and Call for Continuing Conversion is a crucial celebration in the journey towards entering fully into the Catholic Church, much discerning and learning occurs prior to that event. Several steps happen along the way to help indicate the level of desire of these individuals to join and the willingness of parish communities to support those individuals. And, while the process for achieving full communion into the Catholic Church is relatively the same, each person’s journey is different. Each has his or her own back story leading them to God and his church. But, it seems, each realizes a yearning for something more. And, one or two key moments in life point them towards the Catholic Church. For Morgan Naslund from St. Anthony of Padua’s parish in Fargo, it was seeing his son, Wesley, through the eye of the first ultrasound. Only appearing as small as a peanut, that image had a dynamic impact for Naslund. “It was a flash of lightning through to my heart. I finally realized I can’t put my faith in other men. It all comes down to God,” explained Naslund. “Once I realized that, I felt absolutely
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liberated.” From that moment, Naslund had no doubt he wanted to become Catholic. “At the first RCIA meeting in September, we were asked what brought us to the class,” Naslund recalled. “I said, ‘I’m here to seal the deal. I truly want to be in full communion with the church.’” While Naslund’s decision and fervor seemed instantaneous, he came to realize many things had paved the way towards his conversion. “It seems to have happened quickly, but when I look back, a lot of groundwork was being laid,” he said. “It stems back to my brother’s passing.” In 2004, Naslund’s brother passed away due to complication of a septic pancreas. Naslund was in Germany serving in the U.S. Army. His parents, who mockingly referred to themselves as pagans, began searching for something and joined the Lutheran church because of the exposure they received by sending their children to Oak Grove School. His parents whole-heartedly plunged into the life of the Lutheran church. To give his parents peace of mind, Naslund got baptized, half-heartedly accepting the sacrament, before going to Iraq. As his parents became more involved with their church, they began searching for more answers. Naslund said, “My dad doesn’t really take anything for granted or at face value. Like me, he researches everything.” It was through this research that Naslund’s dad concluded to be fully Christian, you have to be Catholic. Naslund’s parents joined the church at the Easter Vigil Mass in 2009. Naslund was thrilled for his parents, but their action did not entirely sway his heart toward the church. “I thought it was great to see their enthusiasm for this new found faith. I wasn’t against it, but I didn’t have it my heart,” said Naslund. Another essential stepping stone for Naslund came through the 2012 presidential election results. “After returning to the states and getting married, I started re-evaluating the priorities in my life. I had put so much faith in an election for fulfillment in my life and family,” said Naslund. “I thought no way could Obama get another four years. I was so bummed and started to really think there has to be something more.” For several months following the election, Naslund felt restless. “I was feeling empty even though I have friends and family surrounding me,” said Naslund. He began listening to Real Presence Radio and Lighthouse Media speakers. In March 2013, Naslund began regularly attending Mass at St. Anthony’s, Fargo. Naslund will be one of the more than 100 candidates in the diocese to celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass and receive the Blessed Sacrament for the first time. Simply put, Naslund said, “I’m most looking forward to the Eucharist, straight up. I’ve been hungry for Jesus and the Eucharist for a very long time. Every single sacrament I’ve been able to receive has been one profound experience after another.” The Easter Vigil begins at sundown on Holy Saturday. During Mass, the elect are baptized, confirmed and receive the Eucharist in Holy Communion. The candidates are received into the Catholic Church and confirmed before they, too, receive their first Holy Communion.