December New Earth 2012 by Fargo Diocese

New Earth CATHOLIC DIOCESE

Two ordained deacons Page 8

FARGO

December 2012 Vol. 33

No. 11

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth” — Rev. 21:1

www.FargoDiocese.org

hope

Season of

Margaret Bowden, 2, places baby Jesus in a creche on display at Hurley's Religious Goods, Fargo.

Photo by Ross Bowden

The real St. Nicholas Third-century saint was model of charity and justice, author says Special to New Earth

esus is the reason for the Christmas season, but the man who gets much of the attention this time of year isn’t our Savior who was born in a Bethlehem manger 2,000 years ago. It’s the “jolly old elf” in the red suit riding a sleigh and delivering presents to good girls and boys. We know him as Santa Claus or St. Nick — a commercialized version of a real saint: Nicholas of Myra who lived in the fourth century in what is now Turkey and who was known for his generosity and commitment to justice. Adam English, an associate professor of theology and philosophy at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C., has written a new book, “The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra,” telling the story of Nicholas’ faith and his role in shaping the early Christian church. English believes the life of St. Nicholas, whose feast day is Dec. 6, can be a model for refocusing on the real meaning of the season. As one reviewer noted, “Having devoted his life to serving Jesus Christ, the real St. Nicholas invites us to a truer and more joyful celebration of Christmas.” Turn to page 9 for an interview with the author.

istockphoto.com

A man portraying St. Nicholas arrives in Utrecht, the Netherlands, in this photo from 2008.

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Advent is the holy season of our true hope: Jesus “When we make a real effort to better ourselves spiritually, morally and sacramentally in the Advent season, what we find is that Advent effortlessly becomes Christmas for us personally and for us as members of the Church.” Bishop David Kagan

Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

find is that Advent effortlessly becomes Christmas for us personally and for us as members of the Church. Why is this

s we begin the holy season of Adso? Simply put, Advent is the holy season vent and, at the same time, a new of our true hope who is Jesus. year of grace and favor from God in the Church, I urge you to make the Advent time one that reflects both your s Jesus is our true hope, so is he the personal conversion to Christ and his truth. It is this: He has become a life and your commuman like us in all things nal commitment to but sin in order to save his Church’s life of us from what we did to prayer, good works ourselves. and sacrifice. Advent reminds us of In this way each of what He has already us will hear and put achieved for us, but it into practice the claralso tells us that there is ion call of Advent to something not yet acprepare the way for complished which is also the Lord. This has for us. That is the promboth a personal and a ised return of the Lord communal dimension. Jesus at the end of time The personal aspect to judge the living and of our preparation is the dead of all times and our own faith life. places. How have we kept The Christmas season ourselves in communreminds us of the depth ion with him? Ask of the love of God for us Bishop David Kagan yourselves: in that he sends us his Do I pray daily? beloved Son as the priceless gift of eternal life if we receive him with hearts Do I do any real charity (giving withand minds obedient and humble. out expecting a response or recognition)? Do I ever make sacrifices for the sake he beauty of Christmas is that it imof others (deny myself something I mediately points us to Easter and ofneed)? fers us the choice of our lives. Thus, The communal aspect of our prepaevery conscience must choose to follow ration is our faith confessed by the way him or the evil one, truth or falsehood. we live it in daily life. How have we exChoosing Jesus does not guarantee pressed to others our joy of knowing worldly success but it assures us the Christ as our true friend? peace and joy he alone gives us. When we make a real effort to better Have a most blessed Advent, Christourselves spiritually, morally and sacramas and New Year! mentally in the Advent season, what we

Apostolic Administrator

“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, ND. Member of the Catholic Press Association Bishop David Kagan Apostolic Administrator, Fargo Publisher news@fargodiocese.org Roxane B. Salonen Editor, Fargo 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; FAX (701) 356-7997. Personal subscription rate for 11 issues of New Earth per year: $9.

NOTICE Look for The New Earth advertising insert from the

Diocese of Fargo in all copies of this issue.

Bishop Kagan’s Calendar Dec. 24 to Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 5 to 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 24

Pastoral Center closed for Christmas Administrative meetings, Pastoral Center, Fargo Region VIII bishops’ retreat, Tucson, Ariz. Administrative meetings, Pastoral Center, Fargo Administrative meetings, Pastoral Center, Fargo

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One good turn . . . St. Michael’s in Grand Forks gives back to a New Jersey St. Michael parish damaged by Sandy By Father Gerard Braun

he Red River Valley flood of 1997 was an experience etched in the memory of many parishioners who lived in Grand Forks that fateful spring. Damages to our church and school properties exceeded $3 million, and most of our parishioners suffered deep losses in their homes. Our pastor at the time, Father Bill Sherman, remembers the phone call he received from a parish who shares our patron saint, St. Michael, in Long Branch, N.J. The New Jersey parish invited Father Sherman to come out East, paid his airfare and had

him speak to the congregation about the challenges we were facing due to the devastating flood. They took up a collection at all the Masses and sent Father Sherman home with a gift of $12,400 to help us with our recovery. This fall that same New Jersey parish experienced the destructive forces of Hurricane Sandy. The parish church is located one block from the coast and suffered damages, as did many of their parishioners. It was our turn to come to their aid, as they had done for us back in 1997. We are grateful to Father Bill Sherman who helped

us remember our connection to the New Jersey parish. His memory inspired us to come to the aid of the New Jersey parish just as they had come to ours. A second collection was taken up at all our Masses on the weekend of Nov. 11, and as of this writing, over $18,000 has been donated to assist St. Michael’s and their parishioners’ in their recovery. Father Charles Weiser, the pastor of St. Michael’s in Long Branch, expressed his gratitude and deep appreciation to St. Michael’s in Grand Forks. The funds will be used both by the parish and the St. Vincent de Paul Conference within their parish.

Ministry of Mothers Sharing aims to empower women Outreach ministry was founded by Sisters of St. Benedict “I found that, as a mother, I wasn’t taking time for myself. I was nurturing and taking care of everyone else.” — Lori Gross

By Matthew Kurtz

Lori Gross’s vocation as a mother has included raising five children; no small task, especially in today’s hyper-stimulated, overactive and frenzied culture. Enter Ministry of Mothers Sharing, an outreach ministry of the Sisters of St. Benedict of St. Paul’s Monastery, which helped move Gross to a calmer, less-distracted, God-centered life. “It has helped my spiritual life grow, my family life, my marriage,” Gross explained, noting that the ministry also — though more indirectly — helps men and children as much as it fortifies women. “I was able to bring home prayer rituals, to open up and talk more about our faith . . . and in nurturing that I was able to nurture my family and my husband much better,” Gross added. “Like the saying goes, ‘If momma ain’t happy, nobody’s happy.’ ”

10 year history Gross first brought Ministry of Mothers Sharing to North Dakota in 2002. Through her position as a regional coordinator, she’s helped expand the organization throughout the state to Beach, Minot, Carrington, Mayville, Bismarck and Fargo. In doing so, Gross has helped herself and countless others “claim their sacred vocation” of motherhood. According to Mary Boespflug, national director, “We can’t give what we don’t have, and if we’re not in touch with what we have, whether it be our giftedness (or) the presence of God in our daily lives . . . we can’t give it to others.” She added that women, by their nature, give to and nurture others around them, and by doing so are “more fully alive to bringing God to the world.” At the core of the ministry are eightweek sessions which prompt women to study topics including self-esteem, stress and anxiety, everyday spirituality, discernment of gifts and personal goal-setting. The ministry also organizes retreats in parishes to help women explore the calls to holiness, community, mission and ministry and Christian maturity.

Photo by Roxane B. Salonen

Ministry of Mothers Sharing recently marked its 20th anniversary with a dessert tasting event in Napoleon. Former California news anchor Christine Jurisich, left, presented at the event, which was organized in part by National Director Mary Boespflug, center, and Regional Director Lori Gross.

“We’re all called to be mothers of God . . . to birth God in the world,” said Boespflug, echoing a quote from Meister Eckhart, a 12th-century theologian. “Are we human beings having a spiritual experience or are we spiritual beings having a human experience? We are spiritual beings, living the Gospel message.”

In growth phase The organization, which Boespflug described as an ecumenical ministry “grounded in the Catholic tradition,” has been growing in North Dakota under Gross’s leadership. Because of the rural nature of the state, Gross has recently been focusing on offering workshops which cover facilitator training to help women start the ministry in their own parish. “It’s peer-driven; it’s the women who make it happen,” Gross said, adding that after the eight-week session,

women often have been so profoundly moved that they want more. “In my mind, they got in touch with something that is going to be their guiding light from now on.” To start a Ministry of Mothers Sharing

in your parish, call Lori Gross, regional coordinator, at (701) 332-6786. Matthew Kurtz works as manager of multimedia services for the Bismarck Diocese.

Prayer intentions of Pope Benedict for December General intention: Peace among All Peoples. That all peoples may grow in harmony and peace through mutual understanding and respect. Reflection: How can you promote mutual understanding and respect among the people in your community who are in conflict? Mission intention: Children and Youth. That children and young people may be messengers of the Gospel and that they may be respected and preserved from all violence and exploitation. Reflection: How can the children and young people of my community become more involved in parish life and evangelization?

Provided by Apostleship of Prayer, www.apostleshipofprayer.org.

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DIOCESE OF FARGO

Obituaries Father Peter Grady dies at 90

OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS Most Rev. David D. Kagan, Apostolic Administrator of Fargo and Bishop of Bismarck has made the following appointments, announcements, and/or decrees: Deacon Neal F. Schlosser has been assigned as a permanent deacon at Transfiguration parish in Edgeley and Holy Spirit parish in Nortonville, effective Nov. 17, and continuing ad nutum episcopi. Deacon Thomas M. Vanorny has been assigned as a permanent deacon at St. Charles Borromeo parish in Oakes and St. Mary’s parish in Forman, effective Nov. 17, and continuing ad nutum episcopi.

Memoriam The names of these deceased parishioners were missed in the Memoriam section in the November New Earth. Please include all of the faithful departed and their family members in your prayers during this Advent and Christmas season. CANDO - Sacred Heart: Kenneth Reed - Feb. 16, 2012; Bernard Bonn - Feb. 21, 2012; Gertrude Porter - March 31, 2012; Carl Hartl - April 26, 2012; John “Jack” R. Freund Sept. 12, 2012. LEEDS - St. Vincent de Paul: Bernard J. Meyer - April 30, 2012.

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 within 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, victim assistance coordinator, at (701) 356-7965 or VictimAssistance@fargodiocese .org. For additional information about victim assistance, visit www.fargodiocese .org.

Father Peter Grady, 90, Riverview Place, Fargo, died at his home on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Peter Grady was born on Nov. 7, 1922 in Grand Forks, and later attended school at St. Mary’s and St. James, Grand Forks. Following his high-school graduation from St. James, he attended St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn. He served in the Army 7th Infantry from 1943 to 1946. Upon leaving the Father Grady armed forces, he entered the seminary at St. John’s University and was ordained on June 6, 1953.

Father Grady served several North Dakota parishes: Langdon from 1953 to 1957, Grafton from 1957 to 1959, Fried from 1959 to 1961, Minnewaken from 1961 to 1962, Sheldon from 1962 to 1963, Mantador from 1963 to 1975, Forman from 1975 to 1982, Hillsboro from 1982 to 1990, and Casselton from 1990 to 1992, when he moved to Riverview Place. Father Grady is survived by his sister, Sister Anne Grady, C.S.J., who resides at Bethany Convent, St. Paul, Minn. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Edmund, Jack, Margaret and infant brother, Paul. The funeral Mass took place Nov. 30 at Riverview Place Chapel, with the interment following at Holy Cross North Cemetery, Fargo.

Sister M. Lydia Hofbauer dies at age 95 Sister M. Lydia Hofbauer, O.S.F., 96, died peacefully on Nov. 8 at St. Francis Convent, Hankinson. Born in Eggenfelden, Germany, on May 29, 1916, she was the only child of her parents. In 1935 Sister Lydia graduated from her congregation’s School for Teachers of Handiwork, having taken classes in sewing, needlework and cooking, among others, which provided her with a well-rounded education. Her diploma entitled her to teach these subjects at the grade- and high-school levels. Sister Lydia left Germany to serve in the United States just two days after she made her first profession of religious vows. Traveling with seven other religious sister volunteers for the North American missions, she arrived in Hankinson on Aug. 20, 1937. Upon arriving in Hankinson, Sister Lydia was asked to begin work in the vestment department. As a young religious sister she was asked to also assume portress duties at the main entrance of the convent. This task at times seemed

overwhelming to her as she was still struggling to learn English and American customs. After 11years in the vestment department, she served at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. Four years later her superior called her to return to the vestment department. Sister Lydia remained at that post for nearly 50 more years. For many years Sister Lydia also served as sacristan of the convent chapel. This past Oct. 20 she celebrated 75 years of consecrated life at a Jubilee Mass in Hankinson with all the Sisters of the Province. Sister Lydia is survived by the Sisters of St. Francis and all the caregivers of St. Mary’s Unit. Visitation and a prayer service took place on Nov. 13, at St. Francis Convent, Hankinson. The funeral Mass of Christian burial took place on Nov. 14 at St. Francis Convent, Hankinson, with interment at St. Francis Convent Cemetery.

Clip and save 2013 New Earth deadlines and arrival dates Would you like to advertise or submit an event or story to New Earth? Here are the deadlines and delivery dates for 2013:

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1417 South University Drive, Fargo, ND 58103

For more information: email news@fargodiocese.org or call (701) 356.7900

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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.

December 50 years ago — 1962 Bishop Leo F. Dworschak arrived in Rome for the opening of the Second Vatican Council. There are two priests from the Diocese of Fargo studying in Rome: Father Gerald Potter and Father Raymond Lessard. Father Lessard will act as the bishop’s theologian. The greatest meeting of Church dignitaries in all the Christian era is in session in St. Peter’s Basilica. Gathered about His Holiness Pope John XXIII are cardinals, patriarchs, archbishops and bishops from the farthest corners of the earth to the Submitted photo number of some 2,600. Together they To raise awareness of children in need of adoptive homes, the North Dakota Heart Gallery hosted its 5th Annual Gala Nov. 8 at the Fargo Air Museum. Professional constitute the Fathers of the Second Vatphotographers donate their time and talent for a photo shoot with the result being a portrait of the child that showcases his or her personality and dignity. After ican Ecumenical Council. Theologians and other expert consultants swell the the gala, this photo gallery becomes a traveling display throughout North Dakota. number of those present to about 3,000. This ecumenical council is only the 21st ever to be convened.

North Dakota Heart Gallery: Children waiting for a family “I’ve never had a family that loved me.” — Teenager currently living in a North Dakota foster home.

By Amy Overby

It’s hard to imagine what a life is like without a family to love. It’s hard to imagine not having a family to love you. And yet there are many children who live this reality. In North Dakota, there are about 1,000 children who live in foster care. Each year, about 100 of these children will be in need of a permanent adoptive family. Ninety percent of these children will be adopted by a relative or their foster family, leaving around 10 percent of the children to continue the wait. The wait to be chosen. The wait to be loved by a family. The wait for a family to love. This is the life of this teenager, but he is not without hope. This year, he has chosen to be a part of the North Dakota Heart Gallery. To raise awareness of children in need of adoptive homes, the North Dakota Heart Gallery hosted its 5th Annual Gala Nov. 8 at the Fargo Air Museum. This event included a program to recognize sponsors, a children’s reception with games and prizes sponsored by Wendy’s

Wonderful Kids of the Dave Thomas Foundation, and the unveiling of this year’s Heart Gallery. Professional photographers donate their time and talent for a photo shoot with the result being a portrait of the child that showcases his or her personality and dignity. After the gala, this photo gallery becomes a traveling display throughout North Dakota. Each board member of the North Dakota Heart Gallery holds the belief that every child is adoptable. Leanne Johnson, former director of Adults Adopting Special Kids (AASK), a collaborative between Catholic Charities North Dakota and PATH North Dakota, said not every family is the right family. “We are looking for the families that can meet the needs of these children,” she added, “And we have seen great success stories happen these past four years.” Beth and Wes Rogstad are an example of the right family. At the gala, they shared their experience as adoptive par-

20 years ago — 1992

ents. Two years ago, they were matched with and adopted a young girl featured in the gallery. The journey with their daughter has not been an easy one, but as Wes said at the event, “As a four-yearold girl, she went through things that no one should ever have to go through, which is no fault of her own. She deserves a chance.” For families who are considering adoption, he encourages them to learn about the child and his/her needs, become well educated on any diagnosis the child has and have a strong faith family for support. The blessings Beth and Wes have received through their experience, he said, are numerous and include a thriving daughter, a stronger marriage and seeing God working in their midst. To meet the children of the North Dakota Heart Gallery, please visit www.ndheartgallery.org. If you would like to inquire about a child, the adoption process, hosting the photo gallery or donating to the ND Heart Gallery, email info@ndheartgallery.org or call (701) 356-7980. Amy Overby, North Dakota Heart Gallery director, is a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua parish in Fargo. She and her husband, Dave, have three daughters.

The new universal catechism is the mature fruit of the Second Vatican Council, Pope John Paul II said. “The community of believers is thankful for the post-conciliar catechism, which constitutes a compendium of the truth announced by the Church throughout the world, the pope said. The catechism is “the most mature and complete fruit of conciliar teaching” and is presented within “the rich framework of the Church’s entire tradition.” The Pope made the comments during a Dec. 8 Mass in Rome, celebrating the completion of the catechism. The Mass was in St. Mary Major Basilica dedicated to the Mother of Jesus Christ. Dec. 8 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

10 years ago — 2002 Sts. Anne and Joachim, Fargo, has printed its first parish cookbook, “Sts. Anne and Joachim Cherished Family Favorites.” The cookbook was introduced at the parish’s fall festival. Bishop Samuel Aquila was the honored guest at the festival. The 245-page cookbook has recipes for breads, desserts, main dishes, salads, side dishes, sweets and other items, as well as a secret recipe or two from Msgr. Val Gross, pastor of the parish.

Three boys hoping to find a ‘forever family’ Meet Austin, Michael and RJ. They are currently waiting for their forever family through the Adults Adopting Special Kids (AASK) program at Catholic Charities North Dakota. Austin, 12, enjoys video games, swimming and riding bike, and claims to be a “meat and potatoes” kind of guy. Michael is a 15-year-old who enjoys Batman and spaghetti. His dreams involve becoming a chef and cooking for his “forever family” one day. RJ is a big dreamer who loves basketball and envisions being an NBA player some day. To learn more about these three young men, go to the AASK website at www.aasknd.org and click on the Kids and Family tab, or call (701) 235-4457 for more information.

Austin

Michael

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HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Sacred Heart Catholic School in East Grand Forks, MN, is seeking a High School Principal starting August 15, 2013. Send current resume with references to: Fr. Larry Delaney Sacred Heart School 200 3rd St. NW East Grand Forks, MN 56721 PSC@SACREDHEARTEGF.NET (218) 773-0877

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/ EDITOR Diocese of Fargo is currently accepting applications for a FT Director of Communications/Editor. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 3 years communications experience, excellent written and verbal communication skills, computer skills, integrity, ability to multi-task under pressure, and knowledge of Catholic Church structure and teachings. Communications degree preferred. This position is the press secretary for the bishop and the diocesan spokesperson to the media. Additional responsibilities include, developing and publishing the monthly diocesan newspaper, New Earth. Position open until filled. Submit cover letter, resume, writing samples and 3 references to: Barbara Augdahl, Human Resources Coordinator 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A Fargo, ND 58104-7605 or Barbara.Augdahl@fargodiocese.org.

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Physicist-theologian’s presentation on proofs of existence of God draws large audience at NDSU By Rylee Nelson

In recent years, North Dakota State University has surged in visible signs of being a hotbed for religious discussion and differences. Several interdenominational religious associations on the campus focus on God, prayer or some aspect of the spiritual life. The Catholic association at NDSU, the St. Paul Newman Center, in addition to daily ministry, each year tries to invite speakers from across the country to the Fargo campus to offer a Christian message for students. The Newman Center hosted Awardwinning physicist and theologian Father Robert Spitzer Nov. 14 to talk about scientific proofs for the existence for God. During his talk entitled, “Atheists are Wrong; Creation’s Case for the Existence of God,” Father Spitzer discussed, in layman’s terms, an elaborate set of scientific facts that explain how science reinforces that the universe must have a beginning, and ultimately, a creator. Nearly 200 people — students, faculty and members of the community — attended the talk, far exceeding the 50 chairs set for the anticipated crowd. The enthusiastic crowd voiced several questions at the end of the presentation, including the role of religion in the belief in God. Afterward, members of the audience gathered around Father Spitzer, taking pictures and asking questions for nearly an hour. Father Spitzer, a Jesuit, heads The Spitzer Center and The Magis Center of Reason and Faith. Both organizations have a mission in unifying faith and science as compatible.

Father Spitzer was president of Gonzaga University from 1998 to 2009. He authored the award-winning book, “New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy.” He has a doctorate in physics, with an emphasis in the reality of physical time, and has three master’s degrees in philosophy, theology and sacred scripture. Father Spitzer’s talk was summed up in a quote that he used from theoretical physicist Alexander Vilenkin: “It is said that an argument is what convinces reasonable men and a proof is what it takes to convince even an unreasonable man. With the proof now in place. . . . There is no escape, they have to face the problem of a cosmic beginning.” He said that because of the complexities and coincidences of the current state of the universe, there had to be a beginning. He mentioned that contemporary atheist scientists continue to ignore the complexity of life, the geometrical proofs put forth by other scientists and the current amount of order that is experienced in the universe. Before his main presentation, Father Spitzer also gave a private talk on the mystery of suffering to Newman student leaders. During this short presentation, Father Spitzer discussed suffering as something that is a result of our free will and an imperfect world. He described how suffering can be used to become closer to God. For more information on events at the Newman Center, visit www.bisoncatholic.org. Click “Endowment Fund” to get your felted wool “MaCheney” mittens for winter. Read more: www.reasonablefaith.org/ contemporarycosmology-and-the-beginningof-the-universe#ixzz2DXXObX4I Rylee Nelson is a student at NDSU, Fargo.

For Year of Faith:

Msgr. Watson to give talk on Vatican II The Year of Faith marks the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and offers a special opportunity for the faithful to deepen their knowledge of the council. The Fargo Diocese will sponsor a conference on the teachings of Vatican II as part of its Year of Faith offerings. Guest speaker Msgr. Paul Watson, retired director of Maryvale Higher Institute of Religious Sciences, BirmingMsgr. Watson ham, England, will present a brief summary of the four main documents of the Second Vatican Council and show how they are still applicable to the Church today. The talk will be given in two locations: Tues., Jan. 29, at St. Joseph’s, Devils Lake; and Wed., Jan. 30, at St. Anthony’s, Fargo. The schedule for each evening will include dinner at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. A free-will offering will be taken.

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In retreat for diocesan priests, employees, parish staff members:

Prodigal Son parable really about the Father, Father Spitzer says By Roxane B. Salonen

During a recent retreat for priests, diocesan staff and parish staff, renowned scholar and speaker Father Robert Spitzer offered ways to strengthen the spiritual life, zeroing in on the parable of the Prodigal Son to help illuminate his teaching. Father Spitzer said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to consider Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; revelation of who God is, as well as the false notions of God â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a topic he addresses in his book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Five Pillars of the Spiritual Life: A Practical Guide to Prayer for Active People.â&#x20AC;? The essence of God, he said, is revealed best in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; consummate revelation of who God the Father is.â&#x20AC;? In the parable, he noted, we see a buildup of the youngest sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sins â&#x20AC;&#x201D; how he violated all areas of the Jewish covenant with God, telling his father he cares about nothing other than his money and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as good as dead to him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In first-century Jewish culture, all would know that, in this, he is shaming his father,â&#x20AC;? Father Spitzer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The father gives the boy his inheritance anyway and (the boy) goes to a foreign land, the land of the Gentiles, the non-elect.â&#x20AC;? In this, according to Father Spitzer, the boy becomes a â&#x20AC;&#x153;quadruple ratâ&#x20AC;? by spending all the money on dissolute living, violating all the prescriptions of the Torah, and shaming God, his country and family in front of the Gentiles. But when the land experiences a

famine, he is forced to live with the pigs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s utterly polluted; it couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get any worse,â&#x20AC;? Father Spitzer said. With few options, he heads home and plans to â&#x20AC;&#x153;weasel in through the back door,â&#x20AC;? figuring heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tainted for life anyway.

ather Spitzer recounted how the father sees the boy coming from afar and rushes out to meet him with hugs and kisses and, without giving a single lecture, offers to take care of his temporal needs and throws a huge homecoming party in his honor. When the older son who has remained faithful catches wind of the celebration, Father Spitzer noted, he questions his father, who pleads with him in a complete act of humiliation: â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have been with me always and everything I have is yours.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pick up on unconditional love in that, then where can you?â&#x20AC;? Father Spitzer asked, noting the significance of the account coming from Luke, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Gentile writing to Gentiles.â&#x20AC;? Father Spitzer added that we must use this visual as a base for how we regard God, who is presented as Abba or Daddy, an all-loving father. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a kind of love that looks for the good news in the other,â&#x20AC;? Father Spitzer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must also begin to look at the good things in the other.â&#x20AC;? In doing so, we see the real person â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the person God sees â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and an act of empathy occurs, â&#x20AC;&#x153;an act of unity with another human being.â&#x20AC;?

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Photo by Roxane B. Salonen

Father Paul Duchschere, pastor of Sts. Anne and Joachim Church, Fargo, raises the Eucharistic host during the Consecration at a recent daily Mass in the parish chapel. The Mass was concelebrated with, left, Father Kurt Gunwall, vocation director for the diocese; along with Father Daniel Mrnarevic of St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Grand Forks and Jesuit Father Robert Spitzer, who was visiting the parish as a retreat presenter.

ather Spitzer suggested we ask this question about the people with whom we come into contact on a daily basis: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Will this human being be a problem or a mystery for me today?â&#x20AC;? When we approach those around us in this way, seeing them as mystery, worthy of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love, â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier to do the good for others, rather than only thinking of yourself.â&#x20AC;? Many have wrong notions of who God is, he said, including â&#x20AC;&#x153;God the payback Godâ&#x20AC;? who is intent on inflicting suffering on us. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Toss that out,â&#x20AC;? Father

Spitzer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is not the Prodigal Son God.â&#x20AC;? Father Spitzer addressed four levels of happiness, and offered prayer suggestions to enhance our spiritual journey, beginning with daily gratitude. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be explicitly grateful for every single solitary day,â&#x20AC;? he said, no matter what life brings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The moment you do this you will know that you are blessed.â&#x20AC;? To learn more about Father Spitzer and his work, visit www.spitzercenter.org.

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8 ■ DECEMBER 2012

NEWEARTH

Schlosser, Vanorny assume new role as deacons Husbands and fathers, two men from Edgeley, and Oakes, ordained by Bishop Kagan By Roxane B. Salonen

While rising from prostrate position at his ordination Mass Nov. 17, Neal Schlosser paused at kneeling to wipe condensation from his glasses — a sign that a sacrament is one step in many in the journey of a Christian, yet filled with significance and plenty of emotion. After Schlosser and his diaconate comrade, Thomas Vanorny, were presented to the congregation as deacons by Bishop David Kagan at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo, both men proceeded to confer blessings on those desiring them; first and foremost, members of their own families. Deacon Vanorny, Oakes, is married to Sharon and has six adult children. He works as a business manager for Oakes Public Schools. Deacon Schlosser, husband of Patsy and father of three, is a farmer and rancher in Edgeley. During the homily, Bishop Kagan offered words of encouragement to the men and spoke of the journey on which they were about to embark, noting the singular characteristic of sacred ordination; service which is “freely given, unconditionally assumed and then lived, not for your sake or mine, but for the love of almighty God.” If lived out in this way, he said, “the two of you and the rest of us will come to understand better what it is when the Lord Christ tells us to take his yoke upon our shoulders and learn from him, because he is meek and humble of heart.” Drawing from the Gospel reading, John 21:15-17, Bishop Kagan reminded the men that Jesus asks Simon Peter not once but three times whether he loves him, just as he asks all of us every day. “It is our fervent hope, it is our constant prayer, that the two of you who receive holy orders in the order of deacon in the Church . . . will give the same answer with the same humility St. Peter gave: ‘Yes Lord, you know that I love you,’” he said. “When you answer Christ in that way, be assured he will accept it, and then he will give you the great grace of doing something for him.” Looking at the men, Bishop Kagan added that this is to be the course for the rest of their lives. “You are to be Christ, a servant for others, wherever you may be, wherever you are called upon, with faith and with abiding hope and trust in God’s great goodness and mercy, and as an imitator of his charity.” All of this exemplifies the cross, Bishop Kagan reminded, the cross that gives us our identity and conforms us not to the world but to Christ. “And so as you present yourselves and are presented to the Church for sacred ordination, we rejoice with you — your parishes, our diocese, the universal Church,” Bishop Kagan said. “We are all better for you submitting yourself to the will of the Christ, taking upon your shoulders his yoke of service — his cross — and bearing it joyfully and faithfully for his sake and the sake of us all for the rest of your lives.”

On their way to becoming permanent deacons, Neal Schlosser and Thomas Vanorny lie prostrate before the altar of the Lord at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo in an act of submission, humility and service to God.

Following his ordination, Deacon Neal Schlosser greets the first of the faithful to line up for a blessing — his daughter Rosalin — while his wife, Patsy, wipes away tears and daughter Alyssa awaits her turn.

Deacon Thomas Vanorny initiates the symbolic raising of prayers of the faithful to heaven by dispersing incense from a thurible during his ordination Mass.

Bishop David Kagan is flanked by new deacons, Thomas Vanorny, left, and Neal Schlosser, right, in front of the altar at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo.

Photos by Roxane B. Salonen

DECEMBER 2012 ■ 9

NEWEARTH

A closer look at the model for Santa, the real St. Nicholas The following is an edited interview with Adam English, author of “The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra.” It was conducted by Joe Towalski of The Catholic Spirit. Reprinted with permission. Q: I assume that, growing up, your ideas about St. Nicholas were like a lot of other kids’ ideas about St. Nicholas, that he was Santa Claus?

I grew up in a Christian home and my parents had some misgivings, as many Christian parents do, about Santa Claus. They wanted to reinforce that Jesus is the reason for the season. But, at the same time, they also wanted us to experience the joys of Christmas morning, discovering presents under the tree. On Christmas Eve, we would read “The Night Before Christmas” and the biblical story from Luke. The historical person of St. Nicholas gives us a way, as Christians, to reconcile these two seemingly incompatible things — Santa Claus and the birth of our Savior. Here you have St. Nicholas, a Christian pastor, a bishop [of Myra], who models for us Christian charity and Christian virtue. As Christians, I don’t think we have to simply say no to Santa Claus; we can say yes to St. Nicholas. Q: If we thought of Santa Claus more in light of St. Nicholas, and if he were modeled a little more after the real St. Nicholas, how might that change our approach to the Christmas season?

I think it would broaden it in so many ways because, part of what St. Nicholas challenges us to do, is expand our scope for Christmas. If all you do is Santa Claus, it’s a purely domestic sort of celebration centered

He lived at a very transitional moment in church history. When he was born [sometime after A.D. 260], Christianity was an illegal minority religion. When he died [in 343], Christianity was a legalized and a highly favored religion on the ascendancy. It really is after his death that people begin to notice him for the small things. There’s a story I spend a good bit of time recounting in the book about how he gives dowry money. There are “The Saint Who Would be three young girls who Q: Do you have a Santa Claus: The True Life were on the verge of favorite story that you and Trials of Nicholas of destitution, one foot in really appreciate about Myra” by Adam C. English. St. Nicholas? the poorhouse, and he Baylor University Press (Waco, anonymously in the One of the earliest Tex., 2012). 246 pp. $24.95. middle of the night goes stories that circulated For more information, visit about Nicholas is the www.saintwhowouldbesanta by their windows and tosses in a bag of gold story in which he saves .com. three separate times so three innocent men that each of them can use it as a dowry from beheading. What I love about to marry. That act, although really of that story is that it makes us appreciate no historical importance — it’s not an that Nicholas was not only interested empire-shaping kind of event — really in charity. We associate him with giftgrabs the imagination of the people at giving and that’s right and true, but the time, as it does even for us today. It then he was also associated with really demonstrates: What is Christian justice — defending the innocent and virtue? What does Christian charity demanding that justice be served and look like? that people be treated fairly. He doesn’t leave us sermons or We still have some residue of that theological tracks or legislation. He when you think about Santa Claus leaves us a witness, a model. And, with his list of naughty and nice. really, I think that’s what people need. Many people are not going to take Q: Did St. Nicholas play a significant time to read a lengthy expositional role in early Christian history? Is he sermon, but if you can capture, in just more than just the gift-giver we hear a picture: Here’s what Jesus would do, stories about? on the hearth and home and warm family memories. But to bring St. Nicholas into the tradition, he’s going to challenge you to move outside of your own home, to involve your community, to give beyond your own immediate family. That’s really the challenge that Nicholas gives us: to say your giving has to be more than to the people you love, it has to be those on the outside.

Bridge Builders Club at St. Michael’s, Grand Forks, lights Christmas tree in blue to honor Mary

Q: You have a 10-year-old daughter. When you talk to her about St. Nicholas, having done all this research and writing the book, is it a little bit different than it might have been before you did the research?

I could bore her to death with details now that I couldn’t do before [he laughs]. We have always tried to tell her the truth; I guess that’s been our policy. Which is to say we’ve always told her that Nicholas was a good, loving Christian pastor from very old times who is now dead, and that parents relive St. Nicholas and relive some of the wonderful things he did by playing the role of Santa Claus for their children and giving gifts in the same way that St. Nicholas gave gifts during the middle of the night. I guess [this approach] does lose some of the childish mystery of Christmas eve, but we just really felt that we didn’t want to be telling her that Santa Claus was real and at the same time saying also, by the way, Jesus is real and we’re celebrating his birth on this day. And then at some point saying, “Oh, and by the way, Santa Claus is not real, but everything we told you about Jesus is real.”

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR ALL AGES

An evergreen tree which grows in front of St. Michael’s Catholic School, Grand Forks, was lit after the Children’s Mass Dec. 6 with the school children in attendance. It will remain lit throughout the Christmas season with blue lights in honor of Mary, our Blessed Mother. Each light represents an individual who has been memorialized through a donation or contribution to the Bridge Builders Club, which supports St. Michael’s School. The Tree of Lights Roster is also remembered at Christmas Eve Mass.

here’s what Christian charity demands — that’s what captures people’s hearts and imagination. That you find somebody who is on that brink of hopelessness and you help them out in the name of Jesus, not because they deserve it, not because they’re high and important, but because it’s the right thing to do. He gives, for the ordinary Christian, this amazing example of Christian charity and Christian justice.

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Quotable “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Thomas Meehan

Editorial

10 ■ DECEMBER 2012

NEWEARTH

A gratitude-filled goodbye:

Heading back into the heart of my home

wise friend has reminded me with life. And in June I happily began more than once this past year doing similar work for the Diocese of that God writes straight with Fargo. crooked lines. My career had gone from great to The writer in me can’t help but be even better, but what those on the outdrawn to this visual that pairs God with side couldn’t see was the inner tumult a pen — or maybe it’s a that had begun roiling. computer mouse now — “Mom, you’re not but in my humanity, I still being a mom,” my tend to resist the truth of daughter finally said it. one day, her face filled How much easier would with longing for the life be if we were set each mother she used to day on a diversion-free know; the one who path guaranteed to lead diwasn’t quite so splinrectly to places of peace? tered in thought. And yet, our God is a When had I last preGod of adventure, and pared a homemade those of us who believe in meal? And what about life as a story must yield inthat laundry pile? With evitably to the crooked-line seven in our family, it analogy. had always seemed My crooked-line of late slightly unruly, but Roxane B. Salonen looks like this: lately, it had grown a A year ago I made a decitwin summit. sion to accept a job outside the home; a Newspaper deadlines were being met, fitting position that promised fulfillbut due to mental overload, emotional ment and, potentially, a more stable cries of the heart were not. So I gave it home life. to my daughter straight. “You’re right, and it won’t always be this way, I promhe fulfillment part came true. I was ise.” given a chance to dive into the work It would take a few more months beI love, writing stories for our daily newsfore the solution would become clear. paper in a busy newsroom that buzzed Eventually I began to see that no

Editorial

“Thank you for your encouragement and for sharing your stories with me. Though I leave with some sadness, I turn also with true gladness over where I’m going.” Roxane B. Salonen amount of schedule-tweaking or dutyreshuffling could make a proper dent in the imbalance within. Something even harder would be required: resigning from what had appeared from nearly every angle to be a job perfectly suited to my character and capabilities.

nd so this is the final issue of New Earth I will have helped compile. Though it’s been difficult coming to this decision, once made I could see almost immediately the crooked, beautiful line

ahead leading me straight; straight back into the heart of my home. I read recently about a Swedish study that found adolescent girls whose parents both work outside the home in equal parts to be at higher risk for mental-health issues. The girls did best when their mothers were home, and decently, too, when their fathers worked from home. However, the mental health of adolescent boys declined in all cases except when their mothers stayed near the hearth. The researchers had expected just the opposite, believing gender-equality homes lead to happier families. Though I don’t think this means women should never work outside the home, perhaps we have been overlooking the value of the at-home mother. And so I reach this next crook in the curve with gratitude — for second chances as well as the privilege to have met so many beautiful, faithful souls in these past six months. Thank you for your encouragement and for sharing your stories with me. Though I leave with some sadness, I turn also with true gladness over where I’m going. Please keep me in your prayers. You’ll certainly be in mine. And may you have a blessed and joy-filled Christmas!

Reflecting on the greatest meeting of all time: Vatican II

ust a few weeks ago, we celebrated inaries, in regard to schools and hospithe 50th anniversary of the opening tals, etc., Catholics met. As many have of the Second Vatican Council. Acobserved, bureaucracies burgeoned cordingly, there has been a good deal of everywhere in the Church after Vatican commentary from historians, theoloII, and what are bureaucracies but strucgians and even from the handful of bishtures established to facilitate meetings? ops and experts who actually particiWhen I was a seminarian, I was inpated in the council five decades ago. vited by the leaders of my home parish to get a taste of parish life. I was particularly Did they send me to a struck by an observation soup kitchen, or into the made by Father John school, or to the sacristy, O’Malley, the Jesuit hisor on a communion call? torian who penned, some years ago, an influNo, they asked me to ential book called “What take the minutes at a Happened at Vatican II?” meeting of the parish The Second Vatican staff. Council, he said, was the O’Malley helped me to largest meeting in the see that, for the generahistory of the world. tion of church people that formed me, the Indeed, some 2,600 defining event of their people — bishops, thelives was indeed a giant ologians, observers and meeting, and hence the advisors — gathered for meeting became for them months-long sessions beFather Robert Barron something of almost satween 1962 and 1965; cred importance. they were setting agendas, debating, arguing, voting and resolving. In a word, they did all the things ow don’t get me wrong, I comthat people typically do at business pletely understand the importance, meetings. even necessity, of meetings. From time to time, every group or organization has to pause, gather, assess ow, one of the marks of that period and discuss its work. Otherwise, it will of ecclesiastical history (and this is not adequately fulfill its mission or purwhy O’Malley’s remark was so illumipose. nating to me) was a preoccupation, even an obsession, with meetings. At the A meeting is the matrix for this diocesan level, at the parish level, at semprocess, and hence the virtues of a meet-

Word on Fire

ing include open-mindedness, mutual respect, and honest dialogue. But a meeting is never an end in itself. Its purpose is to clarify mission and strategy so as to enable the members of an organization to return to their work with renewed vigor and focus. The open-mindedness and dialogue, which are indeed prime virtues of a meeting, are not necessarily the virtues attendant upon action. Would you expect the passionate sales representative for the Ford Motor Company to be open to discussing the value of Toyota’s latest model with his customer? Would you expect a Catholic evangelist to be in an attitude of wondering whether Christianity is really the best religion?

n an article explaining why he had quit the editorial board of the journal “Concilium,” whose stated purpose was the perpetuation of the spirit of Vatican II, Joseph Ratzinger said that it is not in the best interest of the Church to perpetuate the spirit of any council. Only 20 times in its 2,000-year history, Ratzinger wrote, has the Catholic Church held a council — and thereupon hangs a tale. Indeed, there have been key moments when the Church had to pause and interrogate itself in regard to some basic matters of belief and practice. At the Council of Jerusalem in the first century, for example, the nascent Chris-

tian community had to decide whether and how non-Jews could become followers of Jesus; at the Council of Nicea in the fourth century, the Church had to determine, with some precision, just who Jesus is; at the Council of Trent in the 16th century, the Church had to formulate a response to the powerful challenge offered by the Protestant reformers, etc. Those “meetings,” those gatherings during which the Church paused, threw itself into question and came to crucial determinations were necessary. But it was, with a certain sigh of relief, that the Catholic community turned from those moments, for it was eager to get back to its basic work and form of life. Listening, dialoguing, wondering, doubting and discussing were all appropriate during a conciliar meeting, but those activities were not necessarily helpful in the actual accomplishment of the Church’s mission of declaring the Lordship of Jesus. I think it is plausible to argue that the Vatican II generation was beguiled by the ethos and style of the greatest meeting in human history. And this goes a long way toward explaining why that generation was compromised in its capacity to evangelize with confidence. Father Robert Barron is the founder of the global ministry, Word on Fire, and the rector/president of Mundelein Seminary. His documentary series, “Catholicism,” has aired on PBS, CatholicTV and EWTN, and been awarded an esteemed Christopher for excellence. Learn more at www.WordonFire.org.

Commentary

NEWEARTH

1 It’s universal in its scope.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the first book of its kind in 450 years, an effort by the world’s bishops to convey the content of the Catholic faith to the whole Church and the whole world. Following the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), it was important for the Church to present its teachings for Catholics living in the modern world.

2 It’s universal in its content.

The Catechism compiles the living tradition of the Catholic Church and divides it into four sections: what Catholics believe (the Creed), how the faith is transmitted (worship and sacraments), how Catholics are called to live (moral life) and prayer. The contents of these four parts are interwoven, providing an organic presentation of the faith.

DECEMBER 2012 ■ 11

5 things Catholics should know about the Catechism

Pope Benedict XVI has encouraged Catholics to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church as part of the Year of Faith. Alissa Thorell, catechist specialist for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops offers these ideas:

3 It’s a resource for education.

The main goal of the Catechism is to help bishops, pastors, catechists, parents and all who teach the faith. It provides a foundation that encourages dioceses to draw their own teaching materials from it.

4 It’s an invitation to prayer.

The Catechism draws from the richness of Catholic tradition, including the lives of the saints, the teaching documents of the Church and Scripture. This makes it not only useful for learning about the Catholic faith, but for growing in one’s faith through meditation and prayer.

5 It’s for Catholics of all ages.

Learning and living the faith is an ongoing process throughout a person’s entire life, and the Catechism can help Catholics come to know and love Christ. At almost 700 pages, the Catechism can be intimidating, but it also has helpful summaries of its contents throughout, and another, the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, gives a section-by-section breakdown of the Catechism, making it even more accessible to readers.

Read local faith-witness accounts at www.fargodiocese.org/storiesoffaith.

CNS photo

To learn more about how Catholics can live the Year of Faith, visit: www.usccb.org/ beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/ new-evangelization/year-of-faith/

On 50th anniversary of Vatican II, local priest offers ruminations I By Father Al Bitz

ot only was the calling of Vatican II a great event, but the publishing of the first document of that council — “On the Liturgy” — was a fantastic occasion that had been in the making for almost 75 years. This marked an important milestone in our diocese because of people from here who had played important roles leading up to this document. In the mid 1920s, Leo Dworschak — who later became the bishop of Fargo — was a student at St. John’s, Collegeville, Minn. He was a secretary to Father Bitz Father Virgil Michel, O.S.B., who has been called the founder of the Liturgical Movement in the United States. From that time on, Dworschak was very interested and inCNS photo volved in the renewal of the liturgy. Several with connections to the Diocese of Fargo played important roles during Vatican Council II.

n 1935, Aloysius Muench was named Bishop of Fargo. He had a great interest in social justice and his doctoral dissertation was “Fundamental Norms for Health Insurance Legislation in the United States.” Father Virgil was tying together the liturgical and social justice movements, so Muench became very interested in the Liturgical Movement. In 1938, Bishop Muench replaced the “high altar” at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo. He replaced it with a simplified wooden altar. At the dedication of that altar in 1938, he said: “We are preparing for the new liturgy.” In 1946, Pope Pius XII appointed Bishop Muench to be his representative to Germany after World War II. Bishop Muench became a great friend of Konrad Adenauer, the leader of Germany after the war. Adenauer had hidden out at the Monastery of Maria Lach in Ger-

many, and Bishop Muench had spent a lot of time at the same Benedictine Monastery which was playing an increasing role in the renewal of the liturgy in Europe (the jeweled Gospel Book and Processional Cross at St. Mary’s Cathedral are from that monastery). Thus Bishop Muench was very supportive of that renewal. At the same time, many of the Fargo Diocese seminarians were attending St. John’s Seminary in Collegeville. There they were greatly influenced by Father Virgil Michel and the U. S. Liturgical renewal.

the liturgical conference. He had a business card that at the bottom always said: “Priest of Fargo.”

Thus, when the Vatican II council fathers met in Rome in the fall of 1962, the Document on the Liturgy was the most prepared document and it became the first document promulgated by Pope Paul VI.

ne of these seminarians and priest of the Fargo Diocese was Father Robert Hovda who became known as the most influential pastoral liturgist of the liturgical renewal, and for many years worked in the national office of

During these same years, our Father Leo Dworschak became the auxiliary bishop of Fargo and continued his participation in the Liturgical Renewal Movement. At this same time, Bishop Dworschak’s nephew was elected Abbot of St. John’s in Collegeville. So the Liturgical Renewal influenced the Diocese of Fargo ever more. In 1956, Bishop Dworschak delivered one of the most important papers at the Liturgical Conference in Assisi, Italy.

n Bishop Dworschak’s diary on Nov. 22, 1963, the day of the final vote on the “Constitution on the Liturgy,” he wrote: “This was one of the really historical sessions of the entire council so far. It was the first time that a final vote on a complete schema was taken! This occasion will long be remembered, not only those who were trying to promote the apostolate of the liturgy since its beginnings, but also many of the council fathers. . . . “Even the most optimistic of the promoters of the liturgy who came a year ago never dreamed that we would get half of what was contained in the original schema, to say nothing about an end result which went far beyond the original schema proposed! . . . “I could hardly believe my eyes when I read the L’Osservatore Romano for Nov. 23. The headline was as follows: ‘Approvazione quast unanime, Dello schema soll Liturgia, Votanti 2178 —Placet 2159. . . .’ A year ago, such a headline would have been unthinkable . . . . “I thought of Father Virgil and the days back in 1925 and 1926 when Virgil started the Liturgical Movement in the U.S. . . . I am sure that in his wildest dreams Father Virgil did not expect to see the changes in public worship of the Church which were made official in the action of the Council today. “At the same time, I never expected to see even the small improvement which I visualized to become a reality during my own life time. The thrill with which I witnessed the proceedings today is something I will never forget.” Later that same day at 10 p.m., the world learned of the assassination of President Kennedy. Imagine the high of Bishop Dworschak’s life, and probably the lowest of his life, all in the same day, Nov. 22, 1963.

Father Bitz serves as the rector of St. James Basilica in Jamestown.

Commentary

12 ■ DECEMBER 2012

NEWEARTH

Analyzing election results require more thoughtful look

ith elections over, legislators about issues as episcopal endorsement will soon start preparing for the of particular candidates. next session of the North Based on the emails we get, letters to Dakota Legislative Assembly. the editors, and blog posts, partisans Elections are important, but some from both ends commit this error. The people over-interpret the results. To same statement by a bishop can be read these prognosticators the fact that Presas supporting Democrats by one person ident Obama beat Mitt and supporting RepubliRomney by a mere 2.8 cans by another. percent of the vote is These partisans fail to proof that the Republirealize that if a political can Party is doomed. party or candidate’s poWithin North Dakota, sitions come down on some look at the large Reone side or another of publican majority in the the Church’s teachings it legislature and control of is solely because of the all the statewide offices choices made by the as evidence that the state candidate or the party, Democrats have reached not the choices of the their twilight years. At bishops. the same time, some The bishops express politicians look at Heidi unchanging teachings. Heitkamp’s victory as a Certainly the issues sign that the Democrats change with time. The are on the rise in the claim to same-sex “marChristopher Dodson state. riage,” the recent threats In fact, little has to religious freedom and changed. the need for immigration reform did The party split in the state legislature not exist a few years ago. The bishops, is about the same as it was before the however, rarely drive the political election. agenda. They respond to it. The state’s congressional delegation The bishops do take positions on isconsisted of two Republicans and one sues such as defending marriage. Here Democrat before the election and it will again, people can misinterpret election have the same breakdown in the new results. Some have declared defeat. congressional session. However, as USCCB’s Sister Mary Ann The only statewide office that Walsh pointed out, “There was a “changed parties” is the officially nonstronger vote for defense of marriage in partisan position of Superintendent of Maine, Minnesota, Maryland and WashPublic Instruction. ington State than for the GOP slate. Looks like defense of marriage is a biome people see victory or loss where partisan issue.” there was not even a race. Such is imilarly, those seeking to discredit the case for those who declared that the the Catholic Church have said that Catholic bishops “took a beating” in the the bishops’ opposition to the HHS conelections. This was news to us who work traception and sterilization mandate for the bishops since we did not have a was a failure because President Obama horse in any race. The bishops do not was re-elected. The effort, however, was support or oppose candidates or parties, never directed at the president. Morebut some people misconstrue teaching

Catholic Action

“The bishops do not support or oppose candidates or parties, but some people misconstrue teaching about issues as episcopal endorsement of particular candidates.” over, there is some evidence that the administration’s attack on religious liberty actually made the race closer than it would have been by boosting Mitt Romney’s numbers. Proponents of abortion claimed that the elections and exit polls showed that the pro-life movement is dead. Those exit polls, however, actually found that a majority of the voters oppose abortion in most cases. Polls of the larger population reveal no recent change in public opinion, which is slightly more pro-life than pro-abortion rights. Political trends do exist. They can be

measured and form the bases of respectable forecasts. Separating fact from opinion, however, is getting more difficult. Political spin doctors, whose credibility has always been suspect, have been joined by biased bloggers and “comboxers.” As people of faith, we can take some comfort in knowing that much of this prognostication is folly. Ultimately, what matters is the truth made known to us by the Incarnation. Christopher Dodson is executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference. Visit ndcatholic.org.

5 tips to help sort through year-end giving considerations

ost people like to do their macially find this “grouping of gifts” usejor giving towards the end of ful in order to take advantage of an the year. This probably occurs itemized tax return every other year. for several reasons. In any case, by the The closing of the tax time you fill out your season encourages income tax return it will itemizers to obtain inbe too late to make come tax deductions, a charitable gifts for the barrage of earnest apprevious year. Take the peals by nonprofits intime to do some plancreases awareness of fining while you still nancial need, and have the opportunity to many are simply premake a year-end gift. disposed to end the year by making a char2. Review your itable gift. stocks. Look at the Here are five tips to stocks you have held for help you make the more than a year. most of your year-end Which ones have appregiving: ciated the most? It may Steve Schons be prudent for you to make your year-end gift using one or 1. Calculate your income. Try to more of these stocks. Here’s why: If get a handle on your tax liability for you sold the stock, you would incur the year. Did your unearned income capital gains tax on the appreciation. increase? Did you sell any appreciated However, if you give the stock to your assets? Will you owe more taxes? This church or diocese, no one pays tax. alone may motivate you to increase And you get a charitable deduction for your giving before Dec. 31. In fact, you the full amount of the stock, just as may even want to move some of your you would if your gift was made with giving forward from next year to create cash. And what’s more, if you can’t a larger income tax deduction for youruse all of the income tax charitable deself this year. Non-itemizers may espe-

for the rest of your life. Sound too good to be true? A few minutes of your time may convince you otherwise. We can provide personalized illustrations and printed material to assist you and your advisor(s). 4. Do your giving before the end of the year. This is especially true if you want to make a gift of non-cash assets, such as stock, real estate, etc. It also applies to life-income gifts like gift annuities and trust arrangements. The sooner you can get your gift activity going, the better it will be for everyone concerned.

Stewardship

duction resulting from the gift, you can carry it forward for up to an additional five years. 3. Consider a life-income gift. Through the Catholic Development Foundation, you can make a gift now, obtain tax benefits and receive income

5. Talk to your advisor. Before making any significant gift to your church or to any other nonprofit for that matter, you should have your accountant, attorney or other advisor help you understand the impact of your gift on your income tax return and estate. For more information about the year-end giving opportunities, please call me at (701) 356-7926 or email steve.schons@fargodiocese.org. Steve Schons is director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Fargo.

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Events across the diocese

Sacred Heart Altar Society announces winners

For more events throughout the diocese, visit www.fargodiocese.org/events. Dec. 27 (Thursday): The Collar Classic priests versus seminarians basketball game, 7 p.m., Shanley High School, 5600 25th St. S., Fargo. Jan. 11-13 (Friday-Sunday): Life in the Spirit seminar, 6 p.m., St. Cecilia’s, Harvey. See page 16. Jan. 17 (Thursday): Dining with the Word of God, 6:15 p.m., St. Paul Newman Center, Fargo. Father Boucher will explore the book of Exodus. Visit www.fargodiocese.org/ wordofgod. Jan. 22-27 (Tuesday-Sunday): Students grades 9 to12 from across the diocese will participate in the 40th annual March for Life in Washington D.C.

Submitted photos

Erin Schwalk, Turtle Lake, won the Sacred Heart Altar Society annual raffle grand prize, a quilt, during the fall bazaar in Carrington Nov. 3. Above with the quilt is Karen Schwalk, grandmother of Erin Schwalk, and left is Sharon Van Ness, Sykeston, winner of a cedar chest. The altar society would like to thank all who purchased tickets for the raffle.

Jan. 24-27 (Thursday-Sunday): Men’s Cursillo in Harvey; rector, Nick Schmaltz. Visit www.cursillond.org. To submit events for New Earth and the diocesan website, mail them to New Earth, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605 or email news@fargodiocese.org. The deadline for January’s New Earth is Dec. 28, 2012.

Birthdays and Anniversaries Hoffners celebrate two occasions

Bottineau couple marks 70 years of marriage

Simon and Patricia Schwan mark 65 years

Albert and Mary (Busch) Pugh will celebrate 70 years of marriage with an open house at the parish hall in Bottineau Sunday, Dec. 30.

Simon and Patricia Schwan recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. They were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro, Mich., on Nov. 25, 1947, and currently are members of St. Lawrence O’Toole in Michigan. The couple started out as pen pals through the St. Anthony’s Messenger magazine when they both needed something to do during the winter months. The Schwans have seven children, 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

The two were united in marriage at St. Mary’s parish in Lignite on Dec. 31, 1942. They have resided in Bottineau ever since. Albert and Mary have eight children, 23 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

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., Ste. A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605 or news@fargodiocese.org.

Albion and Theresia Hoffner recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. The couple married on Nov. 6, 1952, at St. Anthony’s in Selz. The Hoffners attended St. Boniface in Esmond until retirement, when they moved to Devils Lake and became members of St. Joseph’s. Born Nov. 9, 1932, in Esmond, Albion also celebrated his 80th birthday during the anniversary event. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #6666, and is a Grand Knight. Theresia is involved in St. Boniface Ladies Aid and Christian Mothers. The Hoffners have four children: Emmett and his wife, Debbie, Long Prairie, Minn.; Emily Hoffner, Fargo; Everett and

Weikers of Cando married for 67 years Sterling and Elsie Weiker, Cando, celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on Nov. 14. Sterling also celebrated his 93rd birthday on Nov. 19.

his wife, Mary, Esmond; and Eldon and his wife, Maria, El Centro, Calif. Albion and Theresia also have 10 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren.

Youth & Young Adults

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This Advent, I’m learning to truly trust in Jesus

he last few months, Kristen Vetter, prayer at the Catholic Campus Ministry a fellow missionary from the Diohouse at James Madison University. We cese of Fargo, and I have been sharhad more than 40 people attend, and ing bits and pieces about our lives as as we all knelt down before the Benefull-time Catholic missionaries with diction blessing, it occurred to me: we FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic Uniare kneeling together in worship of the versity Students. King of Kings. We have acknowlBefore adoration beedged that the most imgan, I had attended the portant thing we can do weekly Rite of Christian as missionaries is to conInitiation (RCIA) class tinually fall deeper in with a student who asked love with Jesus Christ me to be her confirmathrough a commitment tion sponsor. We spent to daily prayer, so that by time talking about the knowing him we can inRites of Welcome and Actroduce him to others. ceptance in which those We have shared a little who are seeking baptism about the three-step and/or full communion process we use in workin the Catholic Church ing with students — make a public declaraWin, Build, Send. We tion of their intention have even told stories and are welcomed by the about our experiences as Christian faithful. Jackie Mitzel missionaries. Father walked us through the rites which we would be n honor of Advent, the season where celebrating. He told us that during the we prepare our hearts and minds for rite, the priest says: the celebration of Christ’s coming at

FOCUS

Christmas, I want to share with you something that happened recently during Eucharistic adoration. Every Thursday night from 9 to 10 p.m., students gather for an hour of

God gives light to everyone who comes into this world; though unseen, he reveals himself through the works of his hand, so that all people may learn to give thanks to their Creator. You have followed God’s light,

and the way of the Gospel now lies open before you. Set your feet firmly on the path, and acknowledge the living God, who truly speaks to everyone. Walk in the light of Christ, and learn to trust in his wisdom. Commit your lives daily to his care, so that you may come to believe in him with all your heart. This is the way of faith along which Christ will lead you in love toward eternal life. Are you prepared to begin this journey today, under the guidance of Christ?

s I thought about the public commitment to follow Christ that these students are about to make, I couldn’t help but re-think my own commitment to Jesus. I thought: Do I really know Jesus personally? Is he so real to me that he has become my best friend? Do I live for him and walk in his light? Do I really trust his wisdom? The words “Commit your lives daily to his care, so that you may come to believe in him with all your heart” really struck me. When adoration began just a few minutes after RCIA, I found myself in the presence of Christ. He was looking right at me. But it was truly Jesus looking at me. I met him. Deep within me,

I realized that he is real, he is present and he wants a relationship with me. There was a stirring deep inside me, a stirring of the Holy Spirit that told me of his love for me; a stirring that I could not cause myself. And the only possible response to that stirring was one of committing myself to his care. I realized not only in my mind but also deep within me that I have nothing to fear, that I can truly let go and let Christ take the lead in my life.

omething changed in my life when I met him. A real and deep change occurred. Though I’ve known and have been following Christ as a Catholic Christian for over 23 years, I began a deep and real friendship with the only man who can satisfy the longings of my heart. As I continue to walk with him this Advent, I know that I will struggle and fail. But I know his love. I know that I am not alone. And I know that he can be trusted. Jackie Mitzel is a Fargo native and a 2007 graduate of Fargo South High School. She graduated from Ave Maria University in Florida in 2011 and spent the last year working as a youth minister at St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks.

High-school singers sought for national youth choir

Submitted photos

A National Evangelization Team (NET) member (back, center) interacts with students recently to help them learn more about and grow in their relationship with Christ.

NET retreat team brings youth-oriented ministry to Fargo Catholic Schools The National Evangelization Team (NET Ministries) spent time in Fargo recently to help enliven the faith in the hearts of local teenagers. For 31 years, NET Ministries has reached more than 1.6 million Catholic youth across the country through personal witness of faith through retreats. Each retreat features small group discussions, large group presentations, prayer ministry, lively games, dynamic music, dramatic and funny skits, and inspiring talks. A team visited Catholic schools here from Nov. 26 to Dec. 7, reaching middle-school and high-school students.

NET retreats differ from other youth retreats in their peer-to-peer ministry led by a team of trained young adults who can more easily relate to the youth due to their own youthfulness. A representative from the team that visited Fargo said, “A lot of young people said the part of the retreat they enjoyed the most was dividing up to experience separate men’s and women’s sessions. . . . They also noted that the sharing of personal stories and testimonies by the team members had a big impact on them, helping put the idea of faith into a bigger perspective.” Another teen said of her experience,

“I saw men and women around my age loving God and it encouraged me to stay strong. What NET Ministries is doing is brilliant. They are encouraging, understanding, energetic, charismatic, and above all, incorporate God into everything they do.” The team conducted nine retreats while in the diocese. Retreat fees cover a portion of the cost, but NET Ministries relies heavily on donations. To show your appreciation, visit www.netusa.org/donate. Learn more about the National Evangelization Teams at www.netusa.org, or follow the blog at www.netusa.org/blog.

The National Catholic Youth Choir is seeking high-school singers to audition for the 2013 camp and multi-state concert tour to take place at Saint John’s Abbey and University, Collegeville, Minn., June 17 to July 2. The choir will be led by Dr. Axel Theimer and founding director Father Anthony Ruff, OSB. Apply online at www.Catholic YouthChoir.org, and watch a video of the choir. Applications and auditions are due March 18. For more information, call (320) 363-3154 or email dkantor@ csbsju.edu.

Go to

www. fargodiocese .org to learn more

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Briefs During this Year of Faith: Feast days provide opportunities to offer prayers for unborn In “The Gospel of Life” encyclical, Blessed John Paul II states that “a great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. . . . ” Now is the time for individuals, families and parishes to embark on what Pope Benedict XVI calls a journey of faith that will “lead people out of the desert, towards the place of life, towards friendship with the son of God, towards the one who gives us life and life in abundance.” The liturgical life of the Catholic Church provides opportunities for us to pray for life during the month of December. Two feasts days in particular mark significant times to offer prayers to our heavenly father for the unborn, the weak and vulnerable. For these feast days and prayer suggestions to observe them by, go to www.fargodiocese.org/respectlife.

Luncheon with EWTN host Patrick Madrid Feb. 7 Patrick Madrid, best-selling author of 16 books and EWTN television and radio host, will be speaking on the “Ticking Time Bomb: How Global Aging will Affect You.” The luncheon presentation will take place from 11:45 to 1 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 7, at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church, 5202 25th St. S., Fargo. Cost is $15/person, registration deadline is Feb. 4. Printable registration forms or online registration is available at www.fargodiocese.org/respectlife, or by calling the diocese at (701) 356-7900. The event is sponsored by the diocesan Communications and Respect Life offices with Real Presence Radio, and is made possible in part by a grant from the National Catholic Society of Foresters.

Ignatian retreat dates set for men and women The Respect Life Office will host two Ignatian retreats at the St. Francis Convent and Retreat Center in Hankinson this Lent, and be led by Father Andrew Jasinski, retreat master. Father Jasinski currently serves as interim director for the diocesan department for Catholic Education and Formation, and parochial vicar for Holy Cross church in West Fargo. Retreats begin on Thursday evening and conclude Sunday afternoon. Cost of the retreat is $250 per person and includes all meals, a private room and a shared bathroom. Online registration and printable registration forms can be found at www.fargodiocese.org/retreatregistration. The women’s retreat is Feb. 14 to 17, with a registration deadline of Feb. 11. The men’s retreat will take place March 7 to 10, with a registration deadline of March 4. For more information, contact Rachelle at (701) 356-7910, or email rachelle.sauvageau@fargodiocese.org.

Student ‘saints’ from West Fargo parish work at soup kitchen, take part in liturgy On All Saints Day, one First Eucharist/Confirmation student and six Wednesday of Wonder (WOW) high-school students dressed up as saints to work at the weekly soup kitchen and minister at liturgy. The saints served tables and cleaned up at Soup and More, a weekly dinner for people in need. About 80 people eat at Soup and More each week. Volunteers cook, serve and clean up, and the meals are funded through direct donations made by parishioners and civic groups. After the dinner, students greeted church goers as they arrived for the evening All Saints Day service. At the time of the presentation of the gifts, all of these saints made their way to the altar.

Call Ray Simon at (701) 235-0272

Diocese of Fargo

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The “saints” from Blessed Sacrament, West Fargo, include Brian Tassava as St. George, Melissa Paintner as St. Frances Cabrini, Trent Regner as St. Joseph, Abbi Hesse as St. Mary, Courtney Hunsicker as St. Lucy, Brady Herzog as St. Nicholas and Monica Paintner as St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

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40 Days for Life concludes

A group of young people keep night vigil with prayer and signs encouraging an end to abortion during this year's 40 Days for Life campaign.

Sweet fundraiser The Shanley High School Teens for Life members recently hosted their third-annual Cupcakes for Life fundraiser to help pay for transportation to attend the 40th Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., in January. The evening included a presentation by Janne Myrdal of Concerned Women for America and brought in over $6,800 for the cause. Above, Molly Schmidt, Shanley freshman, pours coffee for guest Lori Kadrmas, Horace. At right, Angie Cowles, president of the Shanley Teens for Life group, addresses the audience. Below is the featured treat of the evening, cupcakes created and donated by Barb Torgerson, Shanley alum and owner of Classic Cakes and Catering, Moorhead, Minn. More than 100 Shanley students are signed up to attend this year’s March for Life event. For more information on how you can help send these students to Washington to march for life, call Jeanine Bitzan at (218) 287-1964, or mail your donation to Shanley Teens for Life, 5600 25th St. S., Fargo, ND 58104. Photos by Roxane B. Salonen

Photos courtesy Colleen Samson, Chairman of the 40 Days for Life Committee

Father Charles LaCroix stands in a pickup bed with a microphone to give a final talk and blessing at the 2012 40 Days for Life finale in front of the state's only abortion facility Downtown Fargo.

St. Cecilia’s in Harvey to host January retreat St. Cecilia in Harvey will host a “Life in the Spirit” seminar Jan. 11 to 13 in the parish social center. The retreat will offer participants a chance to experience an inner renewal through Scripture, sacraments, inspiring speakers, discussions, prayer and song. Retreat organizers say participants will deepen their relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by coming to a fuller realization of the gifts given at Baptism and reaffirmed at Confirmation. “The relationship between Jesus and the Father is so intimate it is like breath-

ing,” organizers said. “God offers this same intimacy to you and me, breathing love into us and with this breath inspiring us to breathe love into others. Come experience this intimacy with God.” The retreat will begin at 7 p.m. Friday and end Sunday afternoon. Meals will be provided. A free-will offering will be taken to help cover meals. For more information about the weekend, including lodging needs, contact Randy and Rosalie Axtman at (701) 3242706 or raxtman@gondtc.com or Steve Eckart at (701) 324-2978.

Help is available for hurting marriages Retrouvaille is an intense weekend experience for couples in a hurting marriage. There will be a Retrouvaille weekend Jan. 18 through 20 in Bismarck, with aftercare sessions provided. Registration is limited. All participants must pre-register with a $100 nonrefundable deposit, and the location of the weekend is given at that time. For information, go to www.retrouvaille.org or www.bismarckdiocese.com. To register for the weekend, call Joyce at Office of Family Ministry at (701) 222-3035 or toll free at 1-877-405-7435. Retrouvaille is sponsored by the Diocese of Bismarck and is open to any married couple struggling in their relationship.