Where is this mystery steeple? Page 4
BISHOP FOLDA’S MESSAGE:
The journey of Advent Page 2
New Earth CATHOLIC DIOCESE
OF
FARGO
September 2011 December 2013 Vol.34 No. 32 No.11 8 Vol.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth” — Rev. 21:1
www.FargoDiocese.org www.FargoDiocese.org
Let’s begin ‘new chapter’ of joyful evangelization, Pope Francis exhorts Catholic News Agency
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CNS photo
“ . . . our personal experience of being
accompanied and assisted . . . will teach us to be patient and compassionate with others, and to find the right way to gain their trust, their openness and their readiness to grow. Pope Francis
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Pope Francis makes a point as he leads his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Nov. 20. In his first extensive piece of writing as pope, Pope Francis lays out a vision of the Catholic Church dedicated to evangelization, with a focus on society’s poorest and most vulnerable, including the aged and unborn.
n his first apostolic exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel,” Pope Francis urged the Christian faithful to begin “a new chapter of evangelization,” marked by the joy that is “constantly born anew” with Christ. “The Joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus,” the pope wrote, inviting Christians to “a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ.” The apostolic exhortation, also known as “Evangelii Gaudium,” follows the 2012 bishops’ synod on the new evangelization, which was held as part of the Year of Faith. Released Nov. 26, the papal document stressed the need for Christian joy. “There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter,” the pope said. Despite different ways of expressing joy and the difficulties of experiencing joy in suffering, he said, we must all allow joy to be part of our lives. At the core of preaching is “the God who revealed his immense love in the crucified and risen Christ,” the Holy Father explained. Christians should appear not as someone seeming to solely impose new obligations, but as those “who wish to share their joy, who point to a horizon of beauty and who invite others to a delicious banquet.” Examining challenges to evangeli-
zation including relativism and secularization, Pope Francis observed a “profound cultural crisis” in marriage and the family, which is the “fundamental cell of society.”
Money an idol The pontiff rejected “an economy of exclusion and inequality,” which marginalizes people and treats them as disposable. Money has become an idol in the modern culture of indifference, he said, stressing the need for humancentered ethics in the financial system. Furthermore, the pope encouraged pastoral workers to see their faith as tied integrally to their identity, and to embrace a missionary spirituality without selfishness, sloth or pessimism. He discouraged worldliness as well as warring among different groups within the church. He recognized the important role of the laity in the church, particularly noting the unique gifts of women, while affirming the male priesthood. Turning to the call of every Christian to evangelize, Pope Francis acknowledged the necessity of explicitly proclaiming Christ as Lord. He assured that “cultural diversity is not a threat to church unity,” and explained that unity “is never uniformity, but a multifaceted and inviting harPlease turn to POPE on page 6
Francis is third pope to win Time’s Person of the Year honor By Catholic News Service
Pope Francis is not seeking fame or accolades, but being named Time magazine’s Person of the Year will make him happy if it helps attract people to the hope of the Gospel, said the Vatican spokesman. “It’s a positive sign that one of the most prestigious recognitions in the international press” goes to a person who “proclaims to the world spiritual, religious and moral values and speaks effectively in favor of peace and greater justice,” said the spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi. The choice of Pope Francis “is not surprising, given the wide appeal and huge attention” to his pontificate so far, Father Lombardi noted shortly after Time announced it had named the pope for the annual feature. “Rarely has a new player on the world stage captured so much attention so quickly — young and old, faithful and cynical — as has Pope Francis,” Time said
on its website. “With a focus on compassion, the leader of the Catholic Church has become a new voice of conscience.” Blessed John Paul II was named Person of the Year in 1994 and Blessed John XXIII in 1962. Other past honorees include several U.S. presidents, Mahatma Gandhi, Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin and Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook. The magazine says the title goes to the person or idea that “for better or worse . . . has done the most to influence events of the year.” The pope “does not seek fame and success, because he serves to proclaim the Gospel and God’s love for everyone,” Father Lombardi said. But if the recognition “attracts women and men and gives them hope, the pope is happy.” The spokesman added that Pope Francis would also be pleased if the magazine’s decision “means that many have understood, at least implicitly, this message” of hope.
“Rarely has a new
player on the world stage captured so much attention so quickly — young and old, faithful and cynical — as has Pope Francis. With a focus on compassion, the leader of the Catholic Church has become a new voice of conscience. Time magazine
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The journey of Advent
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f someone wished you “Happy New longing of Israel for its Messiah. That Year” on December 1, you might spirit of longing is ours too, as “we initially suppose that they had been await the blessed hope, the coming of looking at the wrong page of a calendar. our Savior, Jesus Christ.” But in fact, our liturgical “new year” did begin on Dec. 1, the First Sunday of AdReliving a great event vent. The word “advent” derives from the For me, there is always a quiet joy that Latin phrase Adventus Domini, the comes with the start of coming of the Lord. It Advent. It is, in many is a time of prayerful ways, a counterweight preparation prior to the to the feverish and celebration of Christfrenzied pre-Christmas mas. activity that so many But Jesus Christ, the associate with this time Son of God, comes to of year. us in several ways. Advent, rather than It might be said that being a time of noise Jesus comes to us in and bustle, is actually history, in grace and a time for quiet prayer in glory. He comes first and hopeful expectain history through his tion. While many in Incarnation. As the the world around us Prologue of St. John’s seem obsessed with Gospel tells us, “The looking for the best Word became flesh and bargains, and some Bishop John Folda dwelled among us.” At even want to banish a place and moment “Christ” from Christin history, the Son of God took on our mas, the church invites all of us to fohuman nature and was born into our cus on the real meaning of this blessed world. time of year — the advent, or coming, This is the heart of the Christmas celof our God. ebration, and Advent helps us to recall Don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas, and relive that great event. Through a and I thoroughly enjoy the festivity and good observance of Advent, our hearts joy of the Christmas celebrations. will be made ready to welcome the But, I also love Advent, and I firmly newborn Christ at Christmas. believe we could all benefit from greatJesus also comes to us in grace. er attentiveness to this meditative and At every moment of every day, he quietly beautiful season of grace. draws near and extends his saving grace The symbol of the Advent wreath, the to us, especially through the Sacred haunting chant of “O come, O come, Scriptures and through the sacraments. Emmanuel,” and the beautiful liturgies The Second Vatican Council teaches of this season all point to the coming of us that the church itself is “the univerJesus, our Savior, into the world. sal sacrament of salvation (LG 48),” and The Old Testament prophecies of through the church, Jesus comes to ofIsaiah, which we hear so often at Mass fer mercy and light to his people. during these weeks, remind us of the He also comes to us in our daily prayers and in the acts of charity and “Then I saw a new heaven virtue that we perform, often hidden from the notice of the world. This comand a new earth.” ing in grace is another dimension of Revelation 21:1 Advent that perhaps is overlooked but that deserves our daily notice and reflection.
Bishop’s Message
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.
Looking toward the end Finally, Jesus will come to us in glory. At the end of ages, the Son of God will come “to judge the living and the dead,” and he will bring to fulfillment the kingdom that he inaugurated at the beginning of his public ministry. Many of the readings and prayers of the Advent liturgies remind us of this glorious and awesome coming of Christ at the end of time, and they call us to prepare for that final moment when we will make a reckoning before our mighty Lord and king. If our lives are not in good order, and if we look to this judgment with fear and trepidation, then Advent is the perfect time to prepare and to make some necessary changes. Lent is usually associated with prayer and penance, but Advent too has a character of repentance that we should not neglect. One of the key characters of the season is John the Baptist, who cries out across the centuries, “Repent, prepare the way of the Lord and make straight his paths!” The practice of a good sacramental confession during Advent is one of the best ways to prepare for the coming of the Lord, not only at Christmas, but at the moment of our own particular judgment.
Frequent participation at Mass is another way for us to enter into this time of grace and hope. Jesus comes to us in the Eucharist at every Mass, and truly prepares us by this sacramental coming for his sublime coming at the end of our earthly lives. As we unite ourselves to him now through this greatest of sacraments, we will be prepared for the perfect and eternal communion with God that we all hope for. There are few better ways to celebrate Advent and experience the coming of the Lord than to attend Mass as often as possible.
Make a gift of yourself Gift-giving is a popular part of this holiday season. But just as “it is better to give than to receive,” so it is incumbent on all of us, especially during Advent, to give of ourselves and live a life of charity. Selfless love should be a defining characteristic of every follower of Jesus, and as we prepare to celebrate his birth
in the flesh, we must also be willing to serve him in the brothers and sisters who walk with us on our earthly journey. Christ comes to us in the guise of our neighbor, the needy, the sick and the lonely. Do we recognize him when he approaches? There are many laudable public efforts to assist the poor and disadvantaged during these weeks before Christmas, but hopefully the season of Advent will open our hearts to charity all year ‘round. And perhaps a simpler material celebration of the holidays will give us a richer experience of the coming of our God. “Maranatha — come, O Lord.” This great cry of the early church still resounds in the hearts of Christians throughout the world. May our own devout observance of Advent be a fitting prelude to the celebration of our Lord’s birth, to his daily coming in grace, and to his glorious coming at the end of days.
Diocese of Fargo
Official Appointments/Announcements Most Rev. John T. Folda, Bishop of Fargo has made the following appointments, announcements, and/or decrees: Reverend Andrew Jasinski has been appointed as an At-Large member of the Priests’ Council for the Diocese of Fargo. This appointment is effective Oct. 1, 2013. Reverend Christopher Markman has been appointed as an At-Large member of the Priests’ Council for the Diocese of Fargo. This appointment is effective Oct.1, 2013. Reverend Monsignor Dennis Skonseng has been appointed as an At-Large member of the Priests’ Council for the Diocese of Fargo. This appointment is effective Oct. 1, 2013. Reverend Monsignor Jeffrey Wald has been appointed as an At-Large member of the Priests’ Council for the Diocese of Fargo. This appointment is effective Oct. 1, 2013. Reverend Raymond Courtright has been appointed as a member of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Oct. 29, 2013, for a term of five years. Reverend James Ermer has been appointed as a member of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Oct. 29, 2013, for a term of five years. Reverend Monsignor Joseph Goering has been reappointed as a member of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Oct. 29, 2013, for a term of five years. Reverend Andrew Jasinski has been appointed as a member of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Oct. 29, 2013, for a term of five years. Reverend Dale Kinzler has been appointed as a member of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Oct. 29, 2013, for a term of five years. Reverend Monsignor Daniel Pilon has been appointed as a member of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Oct. 29, 2013, for a term of five years. Reverend Monsignor Dennis Skonseng has been appointed as a member of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Oct. 29, 2013, for a term of five years. Reverend Monsignor Jeffrey Wald has been appointed as a member of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Fargo, effective Oct. 29, 2013, for a term of five years.
NewEarth
December 2013 n 3 1
U.S. Supreme Court to hear two cases on HHS mandate By Catholic News Service
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Nov. 26 to take up two cases that challenge provisions of the Affordable Care Act requiring employers to provide contraceptive coverage on behalf of for-profit companies whose owners object to the mandate for religious reasons. Probably in March, the court will take up the cases of Hobby Lobby, an Oklahoma-based, family-run arts-andcrafts chain, and Conestoga Wood Specialties, a Pennsylvania family-run company that makes cabinets. The cases will be combined for the arguments. A decision is likely by late June. At issue in both cases will be First Amendment arguments that a federal requirement that the owners of the companies provide insurance coverage they morally oppose violates the owners’ Free Exercise rights as well as their rights under a 1993 law, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, was pleased with the court’s decision to take up the cases. In a Nov. 26 statement he said the review “highlights the importance of this conflict between the federal government and people seeking to practice their faith in daily life.” “We pray that the Supreme Court will find that the Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act protect everyone’s right to religious freedom. We are encouraged by the advances in the lower federal courts so far in cases involving family-owned companies as well as nonprofit religious organizations.”
Hobby Lobby case In Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, the Green family won a ruling by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that said their Hobby Lobby chain of more than 500 stores and Mardel, a chain of 35 Christian bookstores, could proceed with seeking an injunction protecting the companies from meeting parts of the contraceptive mandate issued by the Department of Health and Human Services as part of the health care law. Both the Justice Department and the Greens asked the Supreme Court to review the case. The government requires most employers’ health plans to include free coverage of contraceptives, sterilizations and some abortion-inducing drugs. The Greens say they object to that part of the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate requiring they provide emergency contraceptive coverage — such as the morning-after pill or Plan B — saying that violates their religious freedom. The family has no moral objection to covering “preventive contraceptives” and will continue to cover those for employees, they have said. The court agreeing to hear their case
CNS photo / Jonathan Ernst, Reuters
The Supreme Court building in Washington is reflected in a pro-life protester’s sunglasses as he prays during the third and final day of legal arguments over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act at the high court in this March 28, 2012, file photo. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Nov. 26 to take up two cases challenging the health care law’s employer mandate for contraceptive coverage on behalf of for-profit companies whose owners object to the mandate for religious reasons.
“We pray that the Supreme Court
will find that the Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act protect everyone’s right to religious freedom. We are encouraged by the advances in the lower federal courts so far in cases involving family-owned companies as well as nonprofit religious organizations.
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Archbishop William Lori is “a major step for the Greens and their family businesses in an important fight for Americans’ religious liberty,” said Kyle Duncan, general counsel of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and lead lawyer for Hobby Lobby. “We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will clarify once and for all that religious freedom in our country should be protected for family business owners like the Greens,” he said in a statement. In a statement on the Hobby Lobby case issued by the press secretary’s office, the White House said it doesn’t comment on specifics of any case pend-
Bishop Folda’s Calendar Dec. 12
1:30 p.m.
Dec. 24 – Jan. 2
Nativity School Mass, Fargo Pastoral Center closed for Christmas
Dec. 24 1 p.m. Office of Readings, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo Dec. 25 12 a.m. The Nativity of the Lord Mass, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo
ing before the high court, but “as a general matter” it said the HHS mandate is designed to “ensure that health care decisions are made between a woman and her doctor.” President Barack Obama “believes that no one, including the government or for-profit corporations, should be able to dictate those decisions to women, it said. The administration said it has already taken steps to “to ensure no church or similar religious institution” is forced to provide contraception coverage and allow women, not “corporate CEOS,” to make their own health decisions.
Mennonite family case The second case, Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Sebelius, is an appeal by the Hahn family, the Mennonite owners, of a 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that they had to comply with the contraceptive coverage requirement. The circuit court ruled that as a for-profit, secular corporation,
Conestoga Wood and its owners are not protected by the Free Exercise clause of the First Amendment. In its petition for the Supreme Court to review its case, Conestoga Wood argued that the 3rd Circuit’s decision conflicts with rulings by other circuit courts that recognized religious rights of for-profit corporations. The 1993 law, known as RFRA, says that the government “shall not substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion” unless that burden is the least restrictive means to further a compelling governmental interest.” The legal question raised in the case is whether RFRA protects a for-profit company from having to provide a benefit to which employees are entitled under federal law but to which the owners have religious objections. The companies also raised the Free Exercise clause as a defense in arguing the mandate infringes on the employers’ right to be free from government interference with their religious beliefs. The argument cites the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United that found a corporate free speech right to participate in the political process through campaign contributions. The HHS mandate includes an exemption for some religious employers that fit its criteria and has an accommodation for others allowing some employers to use a third-party to provide the contraceptive coverage they find objectionable, but Catholic entities that have brought the lawsuits say the accommodation still does not solve their problem over being involved in providing coverage they reject for moral reasons. The mandate does not include a conscience clause for employers who object to such coverage on moral grounds.
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Six installed as lectors for the permanent diaconate On Nov. 23, 2013, Bishop John Folda installed six Permanent Diaconate candidates in the Ministry of Lectors. The liturgical rite was celebrated during Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo. The reception of this ministry marks one of the gifts the candidates receive as they progress in their formation as future deacons. The candidates have been preparing for this gift of the Church by deepening their immersion in sacred Scripture through the practice of Lectio Divina, the study of the Gospels, and the growth in their skills of proclaiming the Word of God. As formally instituted lectors or readers in the church, the candidates are now entrusted with the mission of proclaiming the Word of God during the Mass and in various settings of evangelization and catechesis. The men are urged to be “bearers of the Word” by meditating on it constantly and fostering a deep love of sacred Scripture in their lives so that they may hand on that same Word of God faithfully to others. The men installed include: L es Noehre, Holy Family Church Submitted photo in Grand Forks J ohn Bredemeier, St. Michael’s The newly installed lectors stand for a photo with Bishop Folda after their installation Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo. Church in Grand Forks B ruce Dahl, Nativity Church in Fargo Approximately 70 men and women Several presentations and small ish members become stronger in their R ichard Legasse, St. Therese of the attended a weekend retreat at St. Cathgroup discussions were given. Also, faith. In addition, the weekend providLittle Flower Church in Rugby, erine Catholic Church in Valley City, Mass, Reconciliation and music were an ed a chance to renew friendships and N.D. N.D. The two-day seminar called Life in integral part of the event. For some, it make new ones. P aul Schneider, Holy Spirit Church the Spirit was an opportunity for parwas a weekend that greatly aided in the The event was coordinated by Doran in Fargo ticipants to get a closer view of living participants’ spiritual growth which and Liz Chandler and Deacon Joe and K enneth Severinson, St. Joseph’s life through the Holy Spirit. they could then use to help other parDeb Leitner. Church in Devils Lake, N.D.
Life in the Spirit Seminar held at St. Catherine in Valley City
2014 New Earth deadlines and arrival dates New Earth is a publication made available to all Catholics in our diocese. It’s an opportunity to read and share stories of the faithful in our communities. Our editorial and writing staff can’t be everywhere, so we welcome story ideas and article submissions for each New Earth issue. If you would like to send us your stories or advertisements, please contact us at news@fargodiocese.org or (701) 356-7900. The following are article deadline dates and expected arrival dates for each month in 2014. ISSUE MONTH
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Things to consider when sending stories or photos: When taking photos, please consider capturing the action rather than a posed, group shot. Also, please provide a caption with your photos to properly credit the people in them and taking them. Finally, any additional contact information you can provide regarding the story or photo will help tremendously during the editing process. Thank you.
NewEarth
December 2013 n 5 1
Pope to set up advisory commission on sexual abuse New, internatial body to take more pastoral approach, says Boston’s Cardinal O’Malley
Pope Francis looks up at a statue of Mary high atop a pedestal as he leads a Marian prayer service near the Spanish Steps in Rome Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. The pope has accepted a proposal to set up a special commission on the sexual abuse of children, which will advise him on ways to prevent abuse and provide pastoral care for victims and their families.
By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service
Pope Francis accepted a proposal to set up a special commission on the sexual abuse of children, which will advise him on ways to prevent abuse and provide pastoral care for victims and their families. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, a member of the pope’s advisory Council of Cardinals, announced the decision at a Vatican briefing for reporters Dec. 5, during a break in the council’s meetings with the pope. The cardinal said the new commission would continue the work of Pope Benedict XVI against clerical sex abuse, and that among its tasks would be to “study the present programs in place for the protection of children, and to come up with suggestions for new initiatives” by the Vatican, in collaboration with national bishops’ conferences and religious orders around the world. According to the Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Pope Francis heard the proposal on the afternoon of Dec. 4, during the second of three days of meetings with his eight-member Council of Cardinals, and announced his decision to the council the following morning. The council, which the pope formally established in September to advise him on church governance and reform of the Vatican bureaucracy, was holding its second round of meetings, following an initial three-day session in October.
Aim is to be helpful Cardinal O’Malley said the new sex abuse commission would be of international composition, consisting perhaps of 12 members, including lay people, members of religious orders and priests. The members will be persons with “competence in the safety of children, relations with victims, mental health, law enforcement” and other relevant subjects, he said. The new body will not take over the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s authority for disciplining abusive priests, and local bishops will remain responsible for the safety of children in their dioceses, the cardinal said; but the “Holy See will try to be helpful and help to identify best practices.” The cardinal said he did not know whether the commission would play any role in disciplining bishops who fail to prevent or punish sex abuse by those under their authority. In 2011, the Vatican instructed the world’s bishops’ conferences to establish formal guidelines on dealing with clerical sex abuse, but reported in February 2013 that about a quarter had failed to comply. Asked whether the new commission was intended to fill a particular gap in the church’s response to the problem, Cardinal O’Malley said the Vatican’s focus so far had been on legal procedures, and that the new body would represent a more pastoral approach. The cardinal said the commission would study a number of areas, including programs to educate pastoral workers in signs of abuse, psychologi-
CNS photo / Tony Gentile, Reuters
cal testing and other ways of screening candidates for the priesthood, and the church’s “cooperation with the civil authorities, the reporting of crimes.”
Welcome step Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., called the pope’s decision to establish the commission “a most welcome initiative.” “Abuse of minors is a sin and a crime, and every step must be taken to eradi-
cate this blight. Such abuse is especially grave when committed by anyone in ministry in our church,” the archbishop said in a statement released in Washington. He is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “The problem of sexual abuse of minors exists throughout society and every effort must be made to protect children, particularly within the church,” he added. The commission represents a needed international, broad-based approach to
address “this horrific problem,” said Archbishop Kurtz, pledging the “full cooperation” of the U.S. bishops’ with its work. “In the United States, we have learned of the importance of background checks, education of children and adults on child safety, the swift removal of offenders, and the need for the church and civil authorities to work together,” he added. “While these efforts have resulted in a dramatic reduction, much work remains to be done.”
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Pope promotes virtues, acts of charity, better homilies Continued from page 1 mony.” He rejected the imposition of a “specific cultural form” accompanying evangelization, preferring rather that each culture retain their expressions, while being renewed by the “transcultural” content of the Gospel. The Roman Pontiff discussed the importance of the homily as the “supreme moment” of dialogue between God and his people. Homilies “should be brief and avoid taking on the semblance of a speech or a lecture,” but should instead be a heart-to-heart conversation between the father and his children, addressing the needs that are truly part of their lives. Homilies should be prepared with “a prolonged time of study, prayer, reflection and pastoral creativity,” he said, and preachers should themselves be transformed by the text. He also advised the use of images, a simple vocabulary, clarity of message, and a focus on being positive.
CNS photo / Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters
A copy of the apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”) by Pope Francis is seen during a news conference at the Vatican Nov. 26.
Virtues attract “All Christian formation must begin with an emphasis on God’s saving love before proclaiming moral obligations and doctrines,” the pope stated. Evangelization must be alluring, using the “way of beauty” and showing the attractiveness of the moral life. In addition, there is a need for patience, as well as “respectful and compassionate listening” as a key component of evangelization, he explained. “The Gospel tells us to correct others and to help them to grow on the basis
of a recognition of the objective evil of their actions, but without making judgments about their responsibility and culpability . . . our personal experience of being accompanied and assisted, and of openness to those who accompany us, will teach us to be patient and compassionate with others, and to find the right way to gain their trust, their openness and their readiness to grow.” In addition, Pope Francis pointed to a “profound connection between evangelization and human advancement,” saying that the “Gospel is not merely about our personal relationship with God” but rather that it includes clear social content. He emphasized that religion cannot be “restricted to the private sphere,” but is concerned with society, since “all Christians . . . are called to show concern for the building of a better world.” The pontiff highlighted the preferential option for the poor, which “is primarily a theological category rather
than a cultural, sociological, political or philosophical one,” and is a reflection of mercy. Rather than any ideology, the “authentic option for the poor” is based on love of the poor person precisely as a person, he said, adding that “this is why I want a Church which is poor and for the poor. They have much to teach us. Not only do they share in the sensus fidei, but in their difficulties they know the suffering Christ. We need to let ourselves be evangelized by them.”
A call to action The Bishop of Rome called everyone to have this closeness to the poor, shown through concrete action. No one is exempt because they have to give their attention elsewhere, he said. “I fear that these words too may give rise to commentary or discussion with no real practical effect,” he lamented. The pope examined economic policies, saying welfare projects are “merely temporary responses,” and that we should “reject the absolute autonomy of markets.” “The dignity of each human person and the pursuit of the common good are concerns which ought to shape all economic policies,” he stressed. The pope advocated a “better distribution of income,” while being “far from proposing an irresponsible populism.” He recalled both the universal destination of goods and that “the private ownership of goods is justified by the need to protect and increase them, so that they can better serve the com-
mon good.” “For this reason, solidarity must be lived as the decision to restore to the poor what belongs to them.”
Abortion not ‘progressive’ Pope Francis also mentioned a need to care especially for the human dignity of migrants, trafficked persons and the unborn. He emphasized that the church’s teaching on abortion “is not something subject to alleged reforms . . . it is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life,” while at the same time acknowledging that more needs to be done to accompany women in crisis pregnancies. “As it pursues human development and the common good, the church must dialogue with states and cultures, proposing the fundamental values of human life, and the harmony between faith and reason,” he said. Religious liberty is important, he added, and society should not reduce religions “to the quiet obscurity of the individual’s conscience or to relegate them to the enclosed precincts of churches, synagogues or mosques. This would represent, in effect, a new form of discrimination and authoritarianism.” Pope Francis concluded his exhortation with a call to be missionaries, motivated by love. He turned to the Blessed Mother, noting that her “interplay of justice and tenderness, of contemplation and concern for others, is what makes the ecclesial community look to Mary as a model of evangelization.”
New document hailed as reshaping modern evangelization By Elise Harris and Andrea Gagliarducci
CNA / EWTN News
In his first apostolic exhortation, the uncommonly simple terminology of Pope Francis brings a fresh approach to the new evangelization, also giving a decisive direction to the church’s mission, say Vatican officials. “Pope Francis speaks in a direct way, easy, communicative, in a way that quickly reaches the hearts and the minds of people,” said Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization. The apostolic exhortation, known as “Evangelii Gaudium” (The Joy of the Gospel) follows the 2012 bishops’ synod on the new evangelization, held as part of the Year of Faith. Released Nov. 26, the papal document stressed the need for Christian joy in the church’s work of sharing the Gospel with all people. “The Gospel, radiant with the glory of Christ’s cross, constantly invites us to rejoice,” the Pope said in the exhortation, citing the angel’s greeting “Rejoice!” to Mary at the Annunciation as an example of what our attitude ought to be when we encounter the Gospel. “I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them,” the pontiff encouraged. “I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since ‘no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord.’”
Modern language for modern society Archbishop Fisichella noted that the language which the Pope uses to illustrate the call and challenges of evangelization “is a language that we all use in everyday life.” In modern day society, he said, the church does not have a “parallel or distinct way” of approaching modern man, but “it has the same path, and the same Gospel should enter in the hearts of people and should make understood the great mystery of revelation.”
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, looks on during a presentation of “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”) by Pope Francis during a news conference at the Vatican Nov. 26. CNS photo / Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters
Drawing attention to the pope’s frequent use of images when speaking, Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, stated during the press conference that the Pontiff illustrates the importance of “simplicity.” This “involves the vocabulary used,” observed Archbishop Celli, explaining that “it must be a language people understand to avoid the risk of speaking into a vacuum.” Pope Francis’ approach, he affirmed, is marked by “simplicity, clarity and positivity.” Archbishop Fisichella observed that the document “is an exhortation primarily directed at Christians to recover, above all, the missionary spirit.” In the document, Pope Francis highlighted that “an evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives,” through “bridging distances,” “embracing human life,” and “touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others.” “Evangelizers thus take on the ‘smell of the sheep’ and the sheep are willing to hear their voice,” he continued, reflecting on the need for evangelizing communities to be patient and supportive, “standing by people at every step of the way, no matter how difficult or lengthy this may prove to be.”
Decentralization and simplicity promoted Noting the importance of the bishops’ role in the evangelization of their dioceses, the pontiff stated that
“it is not advisable for the pope to take the place of local bishops in the discernment of every issue which arises in their territory.” “In this sense,” he stressed, “I am conscious of the need to promote a sound ‘decentralization’ ” in order to simplify the church’s focus on mission and outreach. This decentralization could involve reforming the structure and role of episcopal conferences. According to the exhortation, “a juridical status of episcopal conferences which would see them as subjects of specific attributions, including genuine doctrinal authority, has not yet been sufficiently elaborated.” Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, general secretary of the synod of bishops, pointed to the rarity of a papal document citing documents from bishops’ conferences, saying “I don’t believe this has been done abundantly in the past. The ordinary magisterium is not just that of the pope, it is that of the college of all the bishops.” He suggested that Pope Francis is leading to a sort of “primacy of collegiality.” In addition, the archbishop observed that although “Evangelii Gaudium” comes from suggestions of the 2012 synod of bishops on the new evangelization, it is not a “post-synodal exhortation,” because the Holy Father wanted to make of it a wider “programmatic” document. “Pope Francis himself wanted the document to be an apostolic exhortation,” thus detaching it from the synod of bishops, Archbishop Baldisseri told the press. Through the way in which he communicates in this exhortation, “Pope Francis is inviting the church to assume an attitude of encounter, of going towards the men and women of today and showing these men and women the love of the Father,” Archbishop Celli said. “I believe that this is a fundamental point. The church exists to proclaim the Gospel, to announce Jesus.” “The pope,” he emphasized, “wants the church to know how to dialogue, how to walk, how to express its sympathy to the human being and establish with him a respectful dialogue to announce Jesus Christ.”
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Third in a series
Gift of grace found in the face of a friend
By Father Bert Miller
Some of the greatest joys for a parish priest happen during Advent and Lent at the seasonal Reconciliation services. The greatest revelation of Jesus in my life happened during last year’s Advent penance service at my parish. I plan these services far in advance. I have everything ready. And, I usually spend the afternoon getting the homily ready. But last year, I had company. We had a great lunch and goofed around all afternoon. No homily prep time. And, at 6:30 p.m., I ran into the sacristy from my afternoon of play. Soon, priest helpers arrived to prepare for the service. We all chatted, and before I knew it, 7 p.m. had arrived. It was time to walk out and do my best. I remember a few stumbles, and the homily was short and probably uninspiring. But, we made it. The service was complete, and it was time to begin hearing the sins of the penitents. After priests received their assignments and convened to their places, I was sitting with a female penitent. As she was talking, I heard the squeaking of an opening door. Instinctively, I glanced toward the finicky door. And to my delight, I saw an intense light shining from one of the confessionals. The door was partly open; maybe an inch. The great intense light was shining forth — out to the wall and up to the ceiling. Since I ordinarily sit in this confessional, I knew the great light was something more than the 100 watt bulb of the lamp inside it. But, I assumed the light continued to shine in the entryway of the door because the emerging penitent had turned to say a final word to the priest.
Papal Prayer Intentions December General intention: Victimized Children. That children who are victims of abandonment or violence may find the love and protection they need. Reflection: Why is it easier to see Christ in some children and not others? What helps me to see Christ in every child? Scripture: Mark 10: 13-16. Let the children come to me. Mission intention: Prepare the Savior’s Coming. That Christians, enlightened by the word incarnate, may prepare humanity for the Savior’s coming. Reflection: How do I prepare myself to receive Holy Communion? How does that preparation help my daily life to become “a prolonged Mass”? Scripture: John 1: 12-16. To those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God. Provided by Apostleship of Prayer, www. apostleshipofprayer.org.
“I heard the squeaking of an opening door. Instinctively, I glanced toward the finicky door. And to my delight, I saw an intense light shining from one of the confessionals. The door was partly open; maybe an inch. The great intense light was shining forth — out to the wall and up to the ceiling.” Father Bert Miller
File photo
Intrigued, I continued to peek at the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of who might materialize from inside the confessional. The door opened wider, and I saw a man of the parish who I know well. Our eyes met each other at the same moment. It was then the light grew and filled the entire church. As I looked at the familiar man, his clothes appeared to hang in the robes of Jesus. His eyes were on the face of Jesus. At that moment, I could see the man and Jesus were intertwined. As Jesus poured his love and grace into that man, those gifts were shared with me through his eyes. In an
instant, I was filled up. Stunned, I had to blink. In that blink, everything changed. The woman sitting with me had finished her confession and was waiting for my response. When the woman walked away, I looked for the man in the church and could not find him. As winter came and I experienced a particularly intense time of reflection on professional and personal issues in my life, I drew daily from the memory of that man transfigured with Jesus and the gift of grace he and Jesus had given me. I realized that by working with Jesus,
the man had given me a cup full of grace. The greatest experience of Jesus I have ever had in my life. Every day, I close my eyes and let this grace fill my cup. And, each time I see the parishioner who helped me experience that grace, I say a little prayer of thanks. (Editor’s Note: This article is the third 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 at Blessed Sacrament Church in West Fargo.
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Through budding youth organization, girls strive to ‘l By Aliceyn Magelky
If you were part of the Veteran’s Day ceremony at the Fargo American Legion this year, you may have noticed the warm energy and light of some youthful volunteers. For one patron, the love and caring displayed by those girls moved her to write the following letter:
a respect and honor for American veterans, our country and the American flag. When I saw these girls today, I initially thought that the American Legion Juniors had been revived. When I returned home after the program my dad asked me to tell my mom about the great job they had done. She was a long time leader of the American Legion Juniors I cannot begin to express what a wonderful display of patriotism I witnessed today from this group. My only regret is that I do not have any grandchildren to join this fantastic organization. Keep up the good work! Your organization is to be commended for instilling in the American youth a sense of respect, compassion, faith and service.
I am writing you to let you know what an amazing job the American Heritage Girls from Holy Spirit Church in Fargo, ND did today. They were at the Fargo American Legion for our town’s Veteran’s Day celebration. They helped serve the stew lunch, did a few “waitressing duties” at the tables, distributed flags and song sheets, sold American Legion Auxiliary cookbooks, and participated Respectfully, in the program with the Red River ValJulie Fladgard ley Veteran’s Band by leading a sing-along of patriotic tunes. This kind of response is exactly what They were all dressed in either their group organizer and mom, Lynn Kotrvests or sashes. I watched them inba, had hoped the girls would convey. teract with the large crowd. All were “The girls get to experience first-hand very poised and friendly, especially how to be servants of Christ and bring considering their ages. They answered light into the world for others,” comquestions about their group, let some mented Kotrba. We love getting letters of the older in attendance give them and acknowledgment for our work, but a “thank you” hug, all had smiles on it’s more that the girls their faces and were love doing it. quick to respond with “thank you” and “you The girls get to American Heritage are welcome”. Girls (AHG) is a nonexperience fi rstThe elderly lady sitprofit organization ting across the table dedicated to the mishand how to be from me with her hussion of building womband is suffering from servants of Christ en of integrity through Alzheimer’s disease. service to God, family, and bring light She is a retired elemencommunity and countary music teacher. Her try. AHG was founded into the world behavior was a little in 1995 in West Chesstrange, but when the ter, Ohio, by a group for others. girls came around she of parents wanting a Lynn Kotrba perked up and the girls wholesome alternative made her very happy to current scouting and were not afraid of her at all. Othprograms for their daughters. ers around us were somewhat annoyed Typically, the AHG program is charby her behavior, but not the American tered and run by a local Charter OrgaHeritage Girls. They reacted to her as nization, such as a church, Christian if she were their grandmother; loving school, Knights of Columbus group, and receptive. YMCA or other faith-based nonprofit. My father was a local and state comTogether, these Charter Organizations mander in the American Legion. As a and AHG work to help girls grow in child I belonged to a group known as their faith and love for God while learnthe American Legion Juniors. This was ing to live their faith everyday in relein the 1960s and 1970s. This group vant and meaningful ways. is no longer active. I was raised with
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The Statement of Faith of American Heritage Girls, Inc. American Heritage Girls is a Christ-centered leadership and character development ministry. The following Statement of Faith applies to all American Heritage Girls’ Charter Organizations, Adult Members and Adult Leaders. “We believe that there is one Triune God — Father, Jesus Christ His one and only Son, and the Holy Spirit — Creator of the universe and eternally existent. We believe the Holy Scriptures (Old/New Testament) to be the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We believe each person is created in His image for the purpose of communing with and worshipping God. We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit who enables us to live a Godly life. We believe that each individual is called to love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength; and to love their neighbors as themselves. We believe that each individual is called to live a life of purity, service, stewardship and integrity. Creed: As an American Heritage Girl, I promise to be: compassionate, helpful, honest, loyal, perseverant, pure, resourceful, respectful, responsible and reverent. Oath: I promise to love God, cherish my family, honor my country and serve my community. Information found on AHG website www.ahgonline.com
Fit Catholic core values Like the AHG’s original founders, local parents wanted something more for their daughters. Disappointed by the direction of scouting organizations in the area, Kotrba and other moms started searching and found American Heritage Girls. In 2012, AHG was chartered through Holy Spirit Church, Fargo. “Lynn and I really wanted an organization that was empowering for our girls but also faith-based. AHG really fit our core values,” said Jenessa Fillipi, group leader and mom. Every meeting begins and ends with prayer and is centered on the role God plays in the girls’ lives. Currently, 36 girls from across the diocese ranging in ages from 5-15 participate. Group activity is lead by a troop board of four volunteers and a charter representative. Plus, eight additional volunteers are group leaders. AHG members participate in many of the things that traditional scouting groups would do without the focus being on badge achievement. Last summer the girls camped at Maple River State Park. This year, the group plans to conduct another overnight camping trip and day camp. Although the organization’s activities are not centered around earning badges, AHG is highly focused on service to others. “We try to do at least three to four service projects a year,” said Kotrba. “And, we are looking to do more. We want to be known as a group that is willing and ready to serve wherever we’re needed.”
Above, American Heritage Girls sang patriotic songs along with the band to the crowd of veterans and their families during a Veterans Day event at the American Legion in Fargo.
Helping out HUGS Girls can earn service stars based on the number of hours they volunteer. The group’s most involved service project is the Heritage United Giving Services or HUGS program For the HUGS project, the girls collected more than $10,000 worth of items to fill 150 duffle bags used to assist and comfort families and children in need. Organizations apply to receive the duffle bags, and the girls vote on which ones they would like to support. This year, the girls chose St. Gianna’s Maternity Home and Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. “The HUGS project is very eye-opening to me and Marie,” commented Mary Sayler, group leader and mom. “It feels good to help, but we also see how very fortunate we are.” “The girls have such a spirit to give and spirit to serve,” added Kotrba. “I’m just overwhelmed by the amount of work they do to go out and get donations for the HUGS program.” For the families seeking something better for their daughters, AHG fits the bill. “I love the group,” remarked Sayler. “It truly is faith-centered with a respect for individuals.” Adding to Sayler’s comments, Fillipi remarked, “My daughter has learned a lot. And, she has seen firsthand how her service impacts people. After serving at the Veteran’s program, Ellise came home elated. She hardly recognizes it as service. It’s fun for her.” AHG is open to any girl in kindergarten through 12th grade living within the diocese. The group meets Thursday evenings at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fargo. For more information, contact Lynn Kotrba at (218) 790-2679 or teamkotrba@gmail. com.
Above and at right, AHG members fill duffle bags with books and other goodies to be delivered to St. Gianna’s Maternity Home or Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.
“My daughter has learned
a lot. And, she has seen firsthand how her service impacts people. After serving at the Veteran’s program, Ellise came home elated. She hardly recognizes it as service. It’s fun for her. Jenessa Fillipi
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Photos submitted by Lynn Kotrba
At right, on their way to deliver 150 duffle bags filled with supplies as part of their HUGS program, AHG m embers pause to take a photo. The girls collected more than $10,000 worth of items to assist families in need.
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light the world’ Collar Classic tips off Dec. 30 What: Annual priests vs. seminarians basketball game Date: Monday, Dec. 30 Time: 7 to 9 p.m. Location: Shanley High School, Fargo Come and cheer for your favorite team. Real Presence Radio will be broadcasting the action live on AM 1370 (Grand Forks) and AM 1280 (Moorhead).
Michael James Mette rocks the prairie at concert at St. William in Argusville By Mary Howatt
Come to St. William Church in Argusville, N.D., on any Sunday and you’ll hear music. But, on a Wednesday night? Absolutely. On Oct. 30, Michael James Mette brought his “Airstream Tour” to the North Dakota prairie and the St. William’s community. Mette is no stranger to North Dakota. He rocked the Junior High Youth Rally in Hankinson in 2012. So when parishioners learned he was returning to the area, they leapt at the chance to have him visit and share his music and message with the northern Cass County comSubmitted photo munity. Michael James Mette shared personal stories throughout an Mette shared personal evening concert at St. William Parish in Argusville and sang stories throughout the eve- selections from his albums. ning, singing selections from his albums “Always What I This event was the first of nine conNeed” and “Bring Forth the Light.” certs in 10 days for Mette throughout He had everyone on their feet dancthe upper Midwest. Mette told the ing to “Marvelous Light” and then crowd he hoped to return to North Dapraying reverently after “Consume My kota this spring. Heart.” Maybe he will come rock the prairie “I enjoyed that it was an interactive concert,” remarked one attendee. “Sevagain. Maybe on another Wednesday at eral of us kids got to go on stage as back St. William’s he’ll bring a joyful noise, up dancers. a message of love and another opportunity to sing, dance and pray with our “Praying for others through song was pretty cool, too.” friends.
P’s and Q’s Wanted Catholic Charities North Dakota will host its 5th annual P’s & Q’s and more auction on April 7, 2014 at the Fargo Hilton Garden Inn. In 2013, the sold-out event hosted 135 people and raised more than $22,000 to provide counseling for individuals facing unexpected pregnancies. The group hopes to expand the 2014 event to raise funds for all programs at Catholic Charities North Dakota. To help make the event a success, the group is asking for donations of handmade, heirloom-quality quilts. If you’re not a quilter but would like to help, the group seeks “purse sponsors” to help obtain other auction items. For more information, contact Sarah Ries at (701) 356-7969 or sries@Catholic CharitiesND.org.
Quotable
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; in all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
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My journey of faith and how I got here
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oday, my first born turned four idea.” When I really think about it, God years old. The morning started offered a hint of “my idea” when I was with a family chorus of “Happy dating my husband. Birthday to You” as my sleepy little Josh is completely not my “type.” My princess tried to hide her smile. And dream man was going to be a slick guy before our send off for the day, we with fancy style and a high affinity for browsed through a timeline of pictures the finer things in life. No, I wasn’t infrom the day she was born to current terested in a man with a taste and love family snapshots. for the simpler things, As you can imagsomeone who finds joy ine, she has grown and in the smallest of details changed from a teeny, and would give anytiny infant peeking out thing for his family. from her mama’s arms But, every time I to the little lady I see thought I would end the dancing in front of the relationship, I could feel bathroom mirror every a tug at my heart. Somemorning. one, something was tellIn those photos, I’m ing me that I shouldn’t reminded of the many let this guy go. things that have hapJosh’s love for his fampened to our family over ily is at the core of who the past four years: the he is. Little did I know, purchase of a new home, it’s that shared love, in the birth of my second particular the love of Aliceyn Magelky child, the loss of loved Josh’s grandfather, that ones and most recently a would be a catalyst in new start serving the Diocese of Fargo. God’s plan for my conversion. For me, however, the most significant After we became engaged, Josh and I event was my conversion to the Cathknew it was important to his grandpa olic church. that our marriage be recognized in the Catholic church. “Ugh” was the only God left a hint thing going through this stubborn gal’s mind when I discovered the extra My journey to conversion appeared “work” we would need to invest in our as though it would never happen. In marriage preparation. fact, I was what you might consider Oh, but what a blessing! anti-Catholic. But, God knows me. He knows I can’t be shoved into a seat on Never have I experienced or heard someone else’s accord and be content. of any other church offering such care, As my husband often says, to get me love and commitment in seeing to the to do something it often has to be “my success of our marriage. It’s not to say
Editorial
that I didn’t still roll my eyes and balk at some things, but I am thankful for that opportunity to learn.
Grandpa knew After we got married, it was my husband’s grandfather that helped further God’s work in my heart. Josh and I believe faith needs to be a focal point of our family life. We both grew up in families that placed an emphasis on attending Mass, volunteering at church events and being a part of a church community. We agreed we wanted that same experience for our children. But, we weren’t sure how to approach the differences in our religious background. We saw the struggle and disconnect of our friends in interfaith families; one Sunday here, the next Sunday there. So, we thought we could forge our own path and pick a church that fit us. It felt like we went to every Mass, church service and prayer event in town, including Saturday Mass with Josh’s grandpa. While many things occurred during our discernment that pointed us towards the Catholic church, there is one memory that repeats in my head as a pivotal point in my conversion journey. As I said, we attended Mass with Josh’s grandpa. I recall he always welcomed me with a warm hug and a place next to him. As we prayed the “Our Father” he offered his hand. And, just as the prayer concluded, he would squeeze my hand for a brief moment. It was in that moment I knew I was home. I knew I belonged to his family, his church.
Even after his passing, I cherish that gift he shared with me. I’m forever grateful to have known and loved such a wonderful man. The day I entered into full communion with the church, I saw a little twinkle in his eye. It was like God peering at me with that “I-told-you-so” smirk that comes from someone who has been patiently waiting for his loved one to finally agree to the right path she had been fighting all along.
God found me God knew what I needed at the exact time I needed it. Even as I was trying to reject Him and take my own direction, He still found me. He brought me to his church in the manner that He knew would suit me best. Today, my journey continues. It doesn’t mean I don’t occasionally try to do things my way first, but I’m working to listen to God’s plans for me and to open my heart to them. I believe God has brought me to serve the Diocese of Fargo. And, I hope to bring you inspiring, thought-provoking and encouraging messages that will engage you in your faith journey just as they help guide me. May God bless you and your loved ones during the Advent and Christmas seasons. I welcome your feedback and encourage you to contact me with your comments. Aliceyn Magelky is the director of communications for the Diocese of Fargo. She can be reached at aliceyn.magelky@fargo diocese.org or (701) 356-7958.
5 simple ways to prepare your heart for Jesus this Advent
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id you ever notice that the Ador even made the slightest effort to get vent season seems to come and ready for any company, you will see go in the blink of an eye? All of how those experiences lend themselves a sudden you find yourself at Christwell to your own groundwork this Admas Mass wondering how your time to vent to invite Christ to dwell within prepare for Christ so easyour heart — and thus ily slipped through your truly be ready for his secfingers. ond coming. Darn! You had promised yourself that this 1. Prepare room Advent would be difat the Inn. Your heart ferent. You wouldn’t be is where Christ wishes caught by surprise, yet to dwell, and Advent again! You bought Adis the perfect time to vent prayer books and make room in it for his an Advent wreath kit. presence. If your heart is You had great intentions filled with the inability to make this Advent seato forgive, it has no room son very different from for Christ. Begin Advent last. by an Examination of But already you can Conscience wherein you feel it happening again. ask your heavenly father Cheryl Dickow The books didn’t make to reveal to you any unit past page two and the forgiveness that exists in wreath is only half comyour heart. Remember that as God has plete. forgiven you, you are also asked to forgive others. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. You can make the conscious choice — right here, right now — to 2. Clean out the cobwebs. After stop in your busy tracks and embrace an Examination of Conscience where the season of Advent; and its purpose. you ask God to reveal any unforgiveAdvent is a season of preparing. ness that you are holding, it is importIf you have ever entertained guests, ant to clean out the vestiges of cobwebs
Guest Columnist
that may still be lurking in the dark corners of your heart. This means that you should make a point of getting to confession during Advent. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an important part of preparing your heart for Jesus; this is because the priest acts in the person of Christ in helping you identify the cobwebs that you may not be seeing on your own — typically those ones that have been hanging on for so long they no longer get your attention.
3. Hang new curtains. The room of your heart is now ready; unforgiveness and cobwebs have been cleared out. Now, it is time to hang new curtains. Many of us fall into a rut in our daily lives and forget how to live in joy. You are preparing for Christ’s indwelling, and he abides best in those who have joy in their hearts. So, throw out the old curtains of fear and despair and exhaustion and hang new curtains of hope and joy and anticipation. 4. Get out the fine china and set the table. Company is on its way! We aren’t doubtfully thinking that maybe he’s going to drop by and thus making only superficial efforts to get ready. We are certain in our belief of his arrival and every cell in our body joy-
fully shouts, “He’s on his way!” This is the time we get the fine china out of the cupboard — our attitude is one of enthusiastic expectation. Our hearts pound in anticipation of his presence. Our fine china goes so well with our new curtains!
5. Open the front door. Whenever we have company in our home, after all the preparation is complete, we open our front door and wait expectantly on our couch. We can see through the glass screen door as our company approaches. It is a time of quiet for us — all the work is finished and we are ready. So in preparing our hearts for Christ this Advent, the last step after all the prep work is to simply “be.” In this state of “being” we don’t question how time slipped through our fingers. We don’t worry if there was more we should have done. We’ve been good and faithful servants and are ready for Christ. May your heart be made ready for Christ and may your Advent season be a blessed one! Cheryl Dickow is the author of “Elizabeth: A Holy Pilgrimage.” She frequently writes a column, “Not by Sight,” for Catholic News Agency. To contact her and find more about her writing and books, visit www. bezalelbooks.com.
Commentary
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Trials of Holy Family remind us to embrace all human life Reflecting on their struggles can help guide how we treat others
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however, probably saw only a girl who conceived out-of-wedlock and a man who was willing to bring shame on himself by marrying this “fallen” girl. Although they committed no sin, we can be assured that they hear the prayers and feel the pain of those ostracized and feeling alone. The innate dignity of all human persons is, of course, brought forth in the lives of Mary and Joseph, but it can also be seen in others in the infancy narratives.
his Advent and Christmas seasons are great times to reflect on the lives of the Holy Family and how they relate to God’s concern for the poor, justice, and human life. Central to the church is her concern for the poor and the marginalized. Reverence both The Holy Family was elderly and unborn most certainly poor, even by the standards of We live in a society their time. The sacrifice that often marginalizes offered at the presentathe old. At Jesus’ presention in the temple was tation in the temple we one prescribed for poor see the prophetess Anna. people. Nazareth and Working from Luke’s Christopher Dodson Bethlehem were not centext, some scholars conters of wealth. clude that she might Our God’s closeness to the poor is have been 105 years old. also expressed by the fact that our Lord Elizabeth and Zachariah were old, at was born in a stable. least beyond child-bearing years. Yet The infancy narratives contain other God answers their prayers and they examples of the Holy Family’s lowliness conceived John the Baptist. and marginalization, as well as special John the Baptist’s story demonstrates concern for justice. the dignity of the human person at the other end of the spectrum. When People of eager means Mary, bearing Jesus, visits Elizabeth the babe “leaped in her womb” and she was Mary’s Magnificat praises God befilled with the Holy Spirit. Note to aborcause he exalts those of low degree, fills tion advocates: clumps of tissue do not the hungry with good things and sends leap or receive the Holy Spirit. the rich away empty. They lived in a conquered nation After Jesus’ birth, the Holy Family subject to the whims of the often bruagain experiences some of the same tal Roman empire. They were Jews in a pains and trials experienced by people pagan world. They were homeless, with today. Like refugees fleeing places like no room at the inn. Jesus’ first visitors Syria and Somalia, the Holy Family were shepherds, who at that time were was forced to leave their homeland for considered dirty outcasts. Egypt. Mary and Joseph most likely expeThey became immigrants, aliens in rienced first-hand what it is like to be a strange land. The massacre of the subjected to ridicule and rejection. children by Herod’s men that followed We know in hindsight the circumshould remind us of the children today stances of Jesus’ conception, as did who are killed by war, terrorism, and Mary and Joseph. Those around them, abortion.
Catholic Action
CNS / Crosiers
The Holy Family experienced some of the same pains and trials experienced by people today, Christopher Dodson writes. Like refugees fleeing places like Syria and Somalia, the Holy Family was forced to leave their homeland for Egypt.
“...because Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were poor, we need to help the poor. Because they were immigrants, we need to welcome the immigrant. Because they were human persons, we should protect and embrace all human life.
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Christopher Dodson
Sanitized depictions We usually gloss over these facts when remembering Christmas. Our Christmas cards and nativity scenes present an ideal pastoral image rather than the aesthetic ugliness of poverty. We sanitize the portrayal so we are left only with the Holy Family’s humility. They truly were humble, but their humility and faithfulness should not cause us to lose sight of their plight. Nor should we twist the scriptures to conclude that because Mary and Joseph did not complain the poor should “buck up” and accept what is dealt them.
On the contrary, because Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were poor, we need to help the poor. Because they were immigrants, we need to welcome the immigrant. Because they were human persons, we should protect and embrace all human life. 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.
Year-end giving and reducing your taxes Think of Catholic Development Foundation when considering your contributions for the year
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any of us would like to do more to help the causes near to our hearts. Thankfully, some North Dakota state tax laws offer incentives to make it easier for us to support the good work of the organizations we love. As you prepare to make your year-end gifts, consider the following things:
greater (lump sum or aggregated over the tax year) n The gift can be outright or planned gifts to qualify. n Along with a 40 percent tax credit, you could receive payments for life with a Catholic Development Foundation Gift Annuity. See the example adjacent for a 76-year-old n You could get a 40 (one-life) at a 6 percent percent tax credit by rate*. making a gift to a Catho* Rate is determined by lic Development Foundaage and is locked for life. tion endowment. Make Note: These educaa gift to an endowment tional examples are not within the Catholic Deprofessional tax or legal velopment Foundation advice; consult a tax adand realize a 40 percent visor about your specific North Dakota income situation. Steve Schons tax credit to offset your n IRA rollover ex2013 taxes. For your gift tension might end this to qualify for this credit: year. Make sure to take advantage of it n It must be available to both indiwhile you can. If you are age 70 or oldviduals and businesses er this year and have an IRA, consider n The gift should equal $5,000 or making a gift to the Catholic Develop-
Stewardship
$5,000 Gift
$5,000 Gift
$5,000 Gift
Advantage 1:
Advantage 2:
Advantage 3:
The income tax deduction is $2,176. PLUS North Dakota tax credit is $870.
At 6 percent, annuity payments you receive are $300 with tax-free amount of $239.40. (Effective rate: 9 percent)
After your lifetime of annuity payments, the remainder passes to the entity you desire with NO probate fees or estate taxes.
ment Foundation, your parish or other cause from your IRA. This gift distribution will count toward or satisfy your required minimum distribution, but it is not counted as income on your tax return. As of now, this special provision is only authorized until the end of the year. n Using appreciated stock as a gift is a smart strategy. Appreciated stock makes a good gift because the law allows the donor to bypass the capital gains tax. Until recently, most investors paid only 15 percent in capital gains tax when they sold appreciated securities.
But after the 2013 tax changes, some tax payers will owe as much as 20 percent when they sell, plus a 3.8 percent “net investment tax” which means one could pay almost 24 percent in taxes. Thank you for continued support to the Catholic Development Foundation throughout the year. If you have any questions about year-end giving or the foundation, visit www.cdfnd.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 nnDD ecember ecember2013 2013
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Bishop attends first USCCB general assembly, appointed to administrative committee Bishop John Folda’s duties will expand as a result of being elected to represent dioceses of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Administrative Committee. Bishop Folda was elected by the bishops of Region VIII to replace Bishop Paul Sirba of Duluth, who completed his three-year term. The Administrative Committee consists of officers, chairmen and regional representatives of the USCCB, totaling 36 bishops. The committee, which meets in March and September, is the highest authority within the USCCB outside of the full body of bishops. “In one sense it does mean additional responsibility, but on the other hand it gives me an opportunity to learn more and to understand more about the USCCB,” says Bishop Folda of his appointment. The election occurred during a twoday annual fall general assembly of U.S. bishops Nov. 11-14 in Baltimore, Md. This gathering was a first for Bishop Folda in his service to the Diocese of Fargo. Each year the USCCB coordinates semi-annual meetings of all United States bishops; one is held late fall and the other in summer. During this gathering, bishops discuss issues that concern the church as part of the larger society and ways to respond to those issues.
Bishop values connection “Being around other bishops gives me a broader experience to pull from. I’m able to draw from the wisdom and experience of veteran bishops,” Bishop Folda commented. “There are elders among us, and speaking with them is incredibly valuable for me as a new bishop.” From this conference, each bishop will use the information gathered to help decide the priorities for his own diocese. It’s too soon to say exactly the priorities Bishop Folda will lay out for the Fargo diocese, but he is in agreement with raising the consciousness of the issues addressed during the meeting. Said Bishop Folda, “It’s a privilege to serve and represent the Diocese of Fargo. It helps me see our diocese has much to contribute to the church.” While much of the conference focuses on governance of the church, a large part of the event focuses on the spiritu-
ality and purpose. “The greatest thing is to gather for prayer and Mass every day. At this event, there is a very clear sense of Christ at the center of what we do,” Bishop Folda remarked. “We’re all in it together. There’s a real spirit of solidarity and unity among us.” Additionally, bishops elected new leadership for the conference and committees. Highlights of this general assembly include: n Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Louisville, Ky. and Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in Houston, Texas were elected president and vice president, respectively. The president and vice president are elected from a slate of 10 candidates nominated by the bishops. The president and vice president will serve threeyear terms, which began at the conclusion of the meeting. n The bishops voted for the chairman of the USCCB Committee on Catholic Education, the chairmen-elect of five other USCCB committees and new board members of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. (CLINIC) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). n The collective body approved a new translation of the Rite of Marriage and Rite of Confirmation. The changes were not drastic, but the text needed some refinement. Those changes will not be released right away, but parishes will soon see those new translations. Additionally, refined Spanish translations had been approved. n The bishops discussed the upcoming 2014 Extraordinary Synod of Bishops. During that synod, the pontiff will seek council on the state of marriage and family in the church. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is an assembly of bishops from the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its purposes under civil law are: “To unify, coordinate, encourage, promote and carry on Catholic activities in the United States; to organize and conduct religious, charitable and social welfare work at home and abroad; to aid in education; to care for immigrants; and generally to enter into and promote by education, publication and direction the objects of its being.”
CNS photo / Nancy Phelan Wiechec
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston addresses a news conference during the annual fall meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Nov. 12 in Baltimore. At left is the newly elected president of the USCCB, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky. Cardinal DiNardo was elected vice president. During the meeting, Diocese of Fargo Bishop John Folda was elected to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Administrative Committee. The committee, which meets in March and September, is the highest authority within the USCCB outside of the full body of bishops. Bishop Folda was elected by the bishops of the USCCB’s Region VIII and will represent dioceses of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
Cathedral choir performs in rarely prayed Tridentine Latin Requiem Mass “It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins.” 2 Maccabees 12:46
By Mary Evinger
Catholic faithful from Fargo parishes and beyond came to experience a Tridentine Latin Requiem Mass at the Cathedral of St Mary Nov. 22 for all the faithful departed of the Diocese of Fargo. The now rare, but extraordinary liturgy, “is an ancient ceremony of the church that places her deceased into her loving care, commending them to God’s infinite mercy through the saving power of Our Lord Jesus Christ,” said Father Timothy Johnson, the celebrant of the Mass and a parochial vicar at the Cathedral. The sung Mass included melodic Gregorian chants customary to the requiem liturgy and beloved hymns from the church’s treasury of sacred music. One such famous piece sung at the Mass, the “Dies Irae,” “Day of Wrath,”
is known for its poetry and haunting impetus of melody. Many who came commented on the moving liturgy. Christal Hutchison, a parishioner at the Cathedral, said, “It was the most beautiful Mass I have ever been to. By Communion time I was weeping because it was so beautiful!” Many college students from the North Dakota State University Newman Center attended the Mass. One of them, Samantha Skinner, a candidate in the Cathedral RCIA program, remarked, “Even from the viewpoint of a non-Catholic, one still senses the wonder and reverence that takes place in a Latin Mass. It excited in me joy, a joy that I know our loved ones who have passed away feel when we pray for them.” The Tridentine Latin Mass choir, which hopes to make this an annual Cathedral event, hosted a free-will offering dinner immediately following Mass in the Social Hall. Mass is celebrated in the extraordinary form at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo every Sunday at 2 p.m.
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.
December
following completion of his studies at the North American College there. In 1973, he was appointed, consecrated and installed Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah, Ga. He retired in 1995.
50 years ago — 1963
20 years ago — 1993
In Rome on Dec. 16, Carlo Cardinal Confalsloniere, Cardinal Secretary of the Congregation, announced that the Rev. Raymond W. Lessard, now studying in Rome, had been named a secretary in the Congregation. The appointment was effective Jan. 1, 1964. Father Lessard is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Victor A. Lessard, Grafton. He was ordained in Rome in 1956,
The message of Our Lady of Guadalupe provided the central theme for a play the Junior-Senior Club of the tri-parishes presented. The play, performed for the first time last year, also served as a tool for evangelization in the tri-parishes of St. Bernard, Oriska; Holy Trinity, Fingal; and St. Thomas, Buffalo. The parishes will stage it again this year,
Dec. 12 at St. Bernard’s. Father Damien Schill, pastor of the tri-parishes, produces the play.
10 years ago — 2003 Joe Sauvageau, who is stationed near Ballard, Iraq, with the 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion, surprised his parents Christmas Eve, showing up at their door. He had told his mother, Rachelle Sauvageau, who serves as director of the Diocesan Respect Life Office, that he wouldn’t have military leave until January. In reality, his name had been chosen through a lottery as one who would be able to travel home for a two-week break over Christmas. Were his parents surprised? He said his mom “kind of screamed a lot and smothered me a bit”.
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Living out Advent as a Christian in today’s world
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ecently, I was asked a question by preparations for the first Christmas may a few students from the Univer have been like. The Catechism points sity of Minnesota’s Newman out that God was preparing us for the Center regarding Christmas music. birth of Jesus Christ for centuries. They asked, “When do you first begin The entire Old Testament points to to listen to Christmas music?” this great moment when the Son of God would become man to save us This question sparked a conversa from sin. tion about the Advent season and how to prepare for Christmas. Since then, I As Christmas Day drew near, John have been reflecting on the Baptist appeared on the meaning of Advent the scene. He prepared and how to live it as a the way for Christ’s com Christian. ing by preaching repen tance and the coming Advent is a time of of the Kingdom of God preparation for Christ (CCC 522-23). mas. We are all like ly very familiar with Advent should stir in the ways people in the our hearts a desire for United States typically the Lord’s coming. prepare for Christmas to I remember when I day. Christmas advertise was growing up my fam ments begin to appear ily had the tradition of shortly after Halloween, using an Advent wreath. if not before, and Black As each of the four Sun Friday opens the holiday day’s in Advent would shopping season. pass, my excitement Seminarian Jayson Miller would grow as we lit an After Thanksgiving, the Christmas music other candle and drew my peers referenced makes its seasonal closer to Christmas Day. debut on the radio and the spirit of the Now, my excitement may have Christmas season is in the air. centered on the presents that would mi Now all these things are good in raculously appear under the tree Christ themselves, but one of the bright stu mas Eve, but I still held excitement in dents made the insightful statement anticipation for the special celebration that once Christmas Day comes, it all of the coming of our Savior. seems to be over. This tradition can help renew our de sire for Christ to come into our hearts and homes. Preparing the way
“What are some little
things we can do this Advent in the areas of prayer, fasting and charity towards neighbor to open our hearts to the presence of Christ? Jayson Miller
”
Preparing our souls
inundated with an expectation for in stant gratification. We must remember that part of the message of John the Baptist was repen tance. In order to receive Christ most fully, we must turn aside from sin. Our hearts will not have room for Christ, much less desire his coming and the gifts he brings on Christmas, if they are in love with other things. What are some little things we can do this Ad vent in the areas of prayer, fasting and charity towards neighbor to open our hearts to the presence of Christ? Finally, the Advent season prepares our hearts for the second coming of Christ. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, our desire for his return grows. The wisdom of the Church mercifully gives us this time to remember and prepare for the celebration of the First Coming so that we are better prepared for the day when our merciful Lord and judge comes in glory (CCC 524).
Advent is also a time of penance. This fact is perhaps the most forgotten component of this season by a world
Miller is a Theology I student at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. He is originally from Lawton.
Guest Columnist
Perhaps, we can ask ourselves if there might be something more to this time of preparation. Let’s use what we’ve learned in Chris tian teachings to reflect on what the
Events across the diocese For more events throughout the diocese, visit www.fargodiocese.org/events. Dec. 14 (Saturday): Christmas Cookie Walk, 8 to 11 a.m., Holy Spirit, Fargo. Dec. 14 (Saturday): Christmas Cookie Walk, 12 to 2 p.m., Our Lady of Peace, Mayville. File photo Dec. 14-15 (Saturday-Sunday): The First Noel: Born is the King, a Christmas cantata featuring choir, orchestra and handbells, 7:30 p.m. Sat. and 3 p.m. Sun., Holy Cross, West Fargo.
Dec. 15 (Sunday): Christmas Cookie Walk, 10 a.m. to noon, St. Timothy’s, Manvel. Dec. 30 (Monday): Collar Classic: an nual priests vs. seminarians basketball game, 7 p.m., Shanley High School, Fargo. Jan. 7 (Tuesday): Serra Club dinner, an opportunity to visit and pray with oth ers who support vocations in the area, 6 p.m., St. Anthony of Padua, Fargo. 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 January New Earth is Dec. 27.
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14 n December 2013
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Area faithful support Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts Bishop John Folda, Diocese of Fargo, asked priests and church leaders to encourage parishioners to contribute to the Typhoon Haiyan Disaster Relief fund sponsored by Catholic Relief Services (CRS). And, the faithful positively responded. CRS, an international humanitarian agency founded by U.S. Catholic Bishops in 1943, has been helping to provide displaced individuals and families with housing, essential supplies, clean water and sanitation. The contributions parishioners have made to CRS directly impact the work done in the Philippines. “The people of the Philippines need our help,” Bishop Folda announced. “We should do all we can to bring immediate relief and recovery to individuals and communities broken by this devastating storm. During a recent assembly of the Unit-
ed States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Folda received a request from Cardinal Timothy Dolan asking he, along with all U.S. Bishops, to approve a second collection. In a letter to U.S. bishops, Cardinal Dolan pointed out the misery felt by the people in that area. And, he asked for bishops across the country to encourage financial support for victims. “Our Church mourns the terrible suffering of our brothers and sisters affected by this powerful storm,” Dolan stated. “The local government and church institutions cannot manage the magnitude of this disaster on their own. Those affected need our help.” A second collection was taken on Nov. 23 and 24 in area Catholic parishes. To date, the people of the Fargo diocese have contributed approximately $41,000 to Typhoon Haiyan relief.
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A man repairs his house, which was damaged by Typhoon Haiyan, at a coastal area south of Tacloban in the Philippines. Bishop John Folda asked that parishes in the Fargo Diocese take up a collection to assist those impacted; $41,000 has been donated to date.
Vatican launches global campaign to fight the ‘scandal’ of hunger By Elise Harris
CNA / EWTN News Caritas International has initiated its first global campaign to eradicate hunger, promoting the basic human right to food and encouraging fraternal solidarity in ensuring that everyone has enough. In a video message announcing the launching of the campaign, Pope Francis stated that “I am happy to announce to you the launch of a campaign against global hunger by our very own ‘Caritas Internationalis’ and to tell you that I intend to give my full support.” The Pope highlighted that the work of Caritas, a relief agency of the Church, “is at the heart of the mission of the Church and of her attention towards all those who suffer because of the scandal of hunger.” Caritas specifically chose to launch the campaign, entitled “One human family, food for all,” on Dec. 10 to correspond with Human Rights Day, because the initiative is based on our right to have adequate and nutritious food in order to live a dignified life. One of the primary goals of the global effort, a confederation of 164 various organizations, is to completely eradicate hunger by 2025. Operating on three different levels in order to achieve their goal of ending hunger, Caritas plans to first begin a global advocacy for the right to food, and to help foster national objectives for this which each individual country can decide based on their resources. The charity organization is also encouraging each individual person to reflect on personal habits and attitudes regarding the use and waste of food, and to base future actions on the principles of justice and charity. Cardinal Peter Kwodo Appiah Turk-
son, who was due to be present at the conference but is has travelled to South Africa for the funeral of former president Nelson Mandela, emphasized in a message read by a representative that the global problem of hunger is a “human issue.” Pointing to the title of the campaign, the cardinal, who is the president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, observed that “when we live as one human family, there is food for all,” adding that “hunger comes as a lack of human solidarity,” and from a lack of acting “as brothers and sisters.” It is also a “moral issue,” he continued, because it involves human freedom, and we are free to either “act” or to “ignore” the situation.
One billion hungry people Pope Francis reflected in his video message on the feeding of the five thousand in the Gospel, stating that “when the Apostles said to Jesus that the people who had come to listen to his words were hungry, He invited them to go and look for food.” However, “being poor themselves, all they found were five loaves and two fish,” he noted, pointing out that “with the grace of God, they managed to feed a multitude of people, even managing to collect what was left over and avoiding that it went to waste.” “We are in front of a global scandal of around one billion — one billion people who still suffer from hunger today,” the pope explained, stating that “we cannot look the other way and pretend this does not exist.” “The food available in the world is enough to feed everyone. The parable of the multiplication of the loaves and fish teaches us exactly this: that if there is the will, what we have never ends. Pope Francis then asked that all “make a space” in their hearts for the “emergency” of upholding the “God-given” right to food, appealing that each person “give a voice to all of those who suffer silently from hunger, so that this voice becomes a roar which can shake the world.” “Let us pray that the Lord gives us the grace to envisage a world in which no one must ever again die of hunger.” All have been invited to participate in the wave of prayer, or follow it on Facebook at “IAmCaritas,” or on Twitter with the hashtag “#Food4All.”
NewEarth
Retrouvaille session to be held in January for troubled marriages For many couples and families, the holiday season brings much joy and togetherness. But for some, it may be time of great heartache and sadness. These families are struggling to hold marriage sacred, especially during the Christmas season. To help bring support, peace and guidance to those people experiencing family breakdown, the Bismarck Diocese is offering a Retrouvaille retreat Jan. 17-19, 2014 in Bismarck. Preregistration is required. Location will be given upon registration. Retrouvaille is a French term mean-
ing “to rediscover.” The program is designed to assist couples in troubled marriages. Beginning with a weekend experience, husbands and wives receive help to re-establish communication and to gain new insights. Attendees will discover how listening, forgiveness, communication and the dialogue process are powerful aids for building relationships. Also, they can find courage and strength in the realization that they are not alone in their struggle. For more information, contact the Bismarck Diocese at 701-204-7209 or visit www.retrouvaille.org.
Anniversary Beckers to mark 60 wedded years John and Delores Becker will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Jan. 4. They were married at St. Boniface’s Catholic Church in Esmond, N.D., by Father John Bacevicius. They are members St. Philip Neri’s Church in Napoleon, N.D. They have eight children, 29 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
We Remember The following names of deceased parishioners were missed in the We Remember section in the November New Earth. Please include all of the faithful departed and their family members in your prayers during the Advent and Christmas seasons. BELCOURT-St. Ann: Joe R. Wanapi, Jr.Oct. 1, 2012; Cassandra M. Munoz-Oct. 2, 2012; James “Chiboy” Thomas-Oct. 4, 2012; John “Jack” Bercier-Oct. 7, 2012; Jennifer L. Crissler-Oct. 27, 2012; Lacey Leigh Delorme-Oct. 27, 2012; Jamie LaVallie-Dec. 5, 2012; Mark A. Dubois-Dec. 19, 2012; Zelda M. Lilley-Jan. 16, 2013; Isays J. Lambert Lilley-Jan. 30, 2013-April Demontigny-Feb. 13,2013; Peter “Butch” AzureFeb. 15, 2013; Patrick Wilkie-Feb. 27, 2013; Rhyleigh Poitra-Feb. 27, 2013; Carol Lenoir-March 17, 2013; Lillian Rachel Parisien-May 8, 2013; Randy Olson-May 15, 2013; Allison Murphy-May 17, 2013; Richard J. Belgarde-May 23, 2013; Alice Azure-May 24, 2013; Ernest Desjarlais-June 12, 2013; Donald E. Patnaude-June 20, 2013; Ella “Susie” Morin-June 24, 2013; Arlis Crissler-June 26, 2013; Alice Gourneau-July 8, 2013; Penny Lee Falcon- July 9, 2013; Sean Schroeder-July 19, 2013; Jacob Longie, Jr.-July 30, 2013; Fred Gillis, Sr.-Aug. 17, 2013; Florence D. Sangrait-Sept. 11, 2013. DRAKE-St. Margaret Mary: Kenny Miller -Nov. 26 2012; George Brunner-Jan. 18 2013; Clara Mack-May 24, 2013; Esther Gange-June 21, 2013.
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, N.D. 581047605 or news@fargodiocese.org.
December 2013 n 15
John and Dalores Becker
FARGO-Sts. Anne and Joachim: Henry “Hank” J. Landeis-Oct. 27, 2012; Arthur J. Kinsella-Dec. 15, 2012; Katharine Ereth-Dec. 16, 2012; Ruby E. McAllister-Jan. 2, 2013; Francis “Frank” J. Magill-June 2, 2013; Theodore “Ted”
FESSENDEN-St. Augustine: Roger Peter son-March 5, 2013; Kathryn SolbergApril 14, 2013. HOPE-St. Agatha: Gerald G. Jacobsen-July 31, 2013. McCLUSKY-Holy Family: Frank Laturnus-Dec. 24, 2012. ORISKA-St. Bernard of Clairvaux: Lillian Pommerer-March 14, 2013; Josephine Winkler-May 3, 2013; Lillian KuhryJune 8, 2013. SAINT MICHAEL-St. Michael’s Indian Mission: Cynthia M. Hunt-Dec. 17, 2012; Emil A. Kraft, Sr.-April 20, 2013; Benjamin P. Barragan, Jr.-April 22, 2013; Dustin L. Jackson-May 1, 2013; John H. Anderson, Jr.-May 17, 2013; Bernadine D. Littlewind-May 26,2013; Herbert W. Cavanaugh-May 28, 2013; Lauryn C. Whiteshield-June 13, 2013; Chancey R. Gardell-June 22, 2013; Angel Q. LeNori-Thompson-July 18, 2013; DelWayne GoodIron-July 22, 2013; Dion J. Iceman-Oct. 8, 2013; Beatrice Abrahmson-Oct. 30, 2013. SANBORN-Sacred Heart: Ruth KunzeNov. 12, 2012; Mary Ann Wendel-Feb. 3, 2013; Patricia Drong-March 15, 2013; Patricia Messner-May 15, 2013; David Klein-May 31, 2013; Lindsey Saver-June 30, 2013; Elvin Mikkelson-June 15, 2013.
OBITUARY CORRECTION: FARGO-St. Anthony of Padua: Jeffrey Snyder-Oct. 2, 2013.
NOTICE
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 at (701) 356-7965 or VictimAssistance@fargodiocese.org. For additional information about victim assistance, visit www.fargodiocese.org/victimassistance.
J. Lepine-June 7, 2013; Gloria OligJune 20, 2013; Timothy P. Seitz-July 12, 2013; Florence M. Bauer-Aug. 11, 2013.
Look for The New Earth advertising insert from the
Great Plains Food Bank in all copies of this issue
Give A Gift to Help Keep the TV Mass on the Air! The best gift for those you love who are nursing home residents, shut-ins, or non-practicing Catholics WDAY, Channel 6, Fargo — WDAZ, Channel 8, Grand Forks 10:30 a.m. Sunday Name _____________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip______________________________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________________________________________________ A GIFT FOR: Name _____________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip______________________________________________________________________
“I support the TV Mass because it was an important part of my mother’s life. My husband and I would sometimes watch it with her. I’m thankful that the TV Mass was there for her.” — Helen Bye, Fargo
Or, IN MEMORY OF: Name _____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ I would like this listed at the end of the TV Mass on this date(s):____________________________ MAIL TO: TV Mass, Diocese of Fargo, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605
16 n December 2013
NewEarth
Deliver us from evil Anti-Catholic views countered by student organization’s event By Thomas Houle
presentation of Catholic teachings.
North Dakota State University’s bisonCatholic members hosted an open campus event, “The Exorcist: Deliver Us From Evil.” Father Vincent Lampert, an exorcist from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, came to campus and spoke on his experiences in deliverance ministries. More than 450 students packed the Great Plains Ballroom in the Memorial Union on campus. The event, meant to give spectators a glimpse of students practicing their faith, provided a counter measure to attacks bisonCatholics recently received from a fellow student. Through several articles written by self-proclaimed atheist Rhianna LaValla and printed in NDSU’s student newspaper, The Spectrum, bisonCatholics have been accosted for wearing their organization’s shirts to class, participating in 40 Days for Life and generally being open about their faith. In LaValla’s columns, she expresses her opinion of Catholics as “violent people who would rather punch her in the face than have dialogue, who don’t believe in free speech and who look upon homosexuals as non-human.” While bisonCatholic members promptly responded to LaValla’s claims, the group feels it’s events like “The Exorcist,” that give students the opportunity to uncover for themselves a true
Evils to be avoided Father Lampert spoke about how one of the biggest in-roads demons have into our lives is apathy towards the Christian life and people who do not truly live as Christians. He spoke on six ways evil can be let into our lives. They include: ties to an occult, a curse, being dedicated to a demon, living a life of habitual sin, inviting in a demon and broken relationships. Also, Father Lampert expressed an absolute confidence in the victory over evil our Saviour Jesus Christ has gained for us. Following the talk, Father Lampert initiated a Q and A session regarding exorcisms and his personal experiences. NDSU student Norma Brenna commented, “What struck me is that he didn’t really have to think about the questions. You could see that he was prepared and knew exactly what he was talking about. He knows his job and his faith well.” The event concluded with outreach by bisonCatholic student missionaries, peer ministers, and student advisory board members. For more information about bisonCatholics, visit www.bisoncatholic.org.
Submitted photo
Father Vincent Lampert, an exorcist in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, stands next to a poster promoting his talk on exorcism and sin at North Dakota State University’s Memorial Union.
Mandela recalled as a man who inspired others to uphold human dignity By Catholic News Service
try on the path of reconciliation and peace, calling on South Africans to throw all arms of destruction into the sea. For this we shall always be indebted to him,” they said.
Pope Francis joined church and government leaders from around the world in crediting Nelson Mandela for a steadfast commitment to promoting human rights and upholding the dignity of all people in response to the death Dec. 5 of the former president of South Africa. In a message to South Africa President Jacob Zuma, Pope Francis said he offered a prayer to assure that Mandela’s efforts to forge a new nation based on nonviolence, reconciliation and truth after the apartheid era “will inspire generations of South Africans to put justice and the common good at the forefront of their political aspirations.” The pontiff also asked God to “console and strengthen all who mourn (Mandela’s) loss.” Mandela, who had been battling complications from a lung infection, died at his home in Johannesburg. He was 95.
A global inspiration
One who made a difference Others commended Mandela for leading a peaceful transition to democratic rule after he was released from prison in 1990 after 27 years and his election in 1994 as South Africa’s first black president. President Barack Obama praised Mandela for striving to achieve a “democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.” “We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela again,” Obama said. “So it falls to us as best we can to forward the example that he set, to make decisions guided not by hate, but by love, the never discount the difference that one person can make, to strive for a future that is worthy of his sacrifice.” The Catholic Church in Southern Africa said the death of Mandela brought great sadness and expressed its gratitude “for the sacrifice he made for all peoples of South Africa and for the leadership and inspiration he gave in leading us on the path of reconciliation.” “The greatest way we can acknowledge the life of Nelson Mandela is to strive for the ideals he cherished: freedom, equality and democracy, and to defend these ideals from those who would corrupt them,” the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference said in
CNS photo / Kai Pfaffenbach, Reuters
A young man kneels on the street shortly after the hearse carrying the coffin of former South African President Nelson Mandela passed by in Pretoria. Mandela, 95, died Dec. 5 at his Johannesburg home.
a statement signed by Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town. Mandela “never compromised on his principles and vision for a democratic and just South Africa where all have equal opportunities, even at great cost to his own freedom,” the statement said. When Mandela was released from prison, “the country was in turmoil and blood was being spilt almost daily,” the bishops said. “Through his leadership at that time, reinforced when he became president in 1994, he led the coun-
In a personal statement, Archbishop Brislin said Mandela inspired the world. To honor Mandela’s memory and continue the struggle for justice in South Africa and elsewhere, people must continue to seek a just order that includes all people, end discrimination, eradicate poverty, ensure that people live in dignity, have honest government untainted by corruption and care for the poorest and most vulnerable people in society, he said. Bishop Kevin Dowling of Rustenburg, South Africa, said Mandela “lived the values that make life truly meaningful” and explained that the former president’s “memory invites us to reflect on our call to be human beings with each other and for each other.” Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, a South African priest who served in Mandela’s cabinet, said the former president “was such a servant of the people that I sometimes thought, ‘This man should have been a priest, not me.’” The priest, who now heads South Africa’s Moral Regeneration Movement, said that as deputy minister of education he once opened a new school in a poor rural area of South Africa in Mandela’s presence. “I felt so small and wondered why he didn’t take over and officiate. But he put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘Smangaliso, this is your day. I am here to stand next to you and give you support.’ That was the kind of man he was,” Father Mkhatshwa said. The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also mourned Mandela’s passing, calling him an icon. “In his struggle against apartheid rule, Nelson Mandela was a light for peace and equality in his country and for the whole world,” said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky. “His years of imprisonment exemplified the suffering experienced by so many who seek justice. As president of South Africa, Mandela sought to undo the structures that marginalized and impoverished people — work Pope Francis is now challenging the entire world to imitate.”