New Earth CATHOLIC DIOCESE About prenuptial agreements
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February 2013 Vol. 34
FARGO
No. 2
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth” — Rev. 21:1
— Page 5
www.FargoDiocese.org
GOD’S GIFT APPEAL 2013 “The Year of Faith” Pope Benedict XVI
Giving of our Three T’s By Tanya Watterud
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hen we were growing up in Columbus, N.D., the Darras girls were known as “the Three T’s” — Tammy, Tanya and Tina. The alliteration made people stumble sometimes when they were calling our names, especially if we were in trouble, but it gave us a sense of unity, a sense that we belonged together and could do pretty much anything if we stuck together. It’s the same with the Three T’s of stewardship — time, talent and treasure. Those words — those gifts — belong together. When each of the gifts is given in some portion by the people who make up the Church, we can accomplish pretty much any goal we set out to reach.
ife o llife ight tto he rright Defending tthe Defending
Promoting omoting v vocations ocations
Please turn to GIVING on page 7
and Land Holy L he Holy to tthe pilgrimage to Making a pilgrimage Making
From Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church West Fargo, ND
CRS Rice Bowl: A way to bring faith to life during Lent Catholic Relief Service’s Rice Bowl program offers meaningful ways for Catholics to embrace Lent this year. By highlighting the beauty of the Lenten trio — prayer, fasting and giving — CRS Rice Bowl connects people more closely with the global mission of the Catholic Church. “The program’s new message, ‘For Lent, For Life: What you give up for Lent changes lives,’ captures the essence of the sacred call to love thy neighbor. In this Year of Faith, as declared by Pope Benedict XVI, CRS Rice Bowl is readymade to help individuals and faith communities embark on a season of spiritual renewal,” said Joan Rosenhauer, CRS’ executive vice president of U.S. operations. During each of the weeks of Lent, CRS Rice Bowl features five different countries and one U.S. diocese along with stories and profiles that demonstrate the impact CRS Rice Bowl contributions make in the fight to stop hunger and improve health for people around the world.
“The faces of hunger may be different from one country to the next, but the needs are similar,” Rosenhauer said. “That’s why we address the root causes of poverty and hunger in all of our programs.” Twenty-five percent of the monies collected through CRS Rice Bowl remains in the dioceses where it is collected to address the needs of the local community. CRS Rice Bowl participants may use a weekly spiritual guide, videos, photo galleries, or the program’s interactive website to learn more about the people from the
featured countries and see how their lives are changed by the humanitarian aid provided by the Catholic Church overseas. A popular annual feature is the collection of recipes included in the CRS Rice Bowl materials so participants can plan a weekly, meatless meal from each of the featured countries as another way to experience Lent. “CRS Rice Bowl is a transformative experience for families because it unites parents and children around a single theme of preventing hunger and helping people who are in need,” Rosenhauer said. Program materials for schools, parishes and individuals along with featured stories, prayers, multimedia, and meatless recipes can be found on the program’s website, crsricebowl.org.
To learn how donations to Catholic Relief Services benefit people in Lesotho, Africa, please turn to “A grandmother’s story” on page 16.
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During Lent, develop habits of prayer, penance, almsgiving
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e are now beginning the third et’s review in brief what the Church month of our Church’s new teaches us about these three necessary year of grace and favor from the practices. Lord God, and this week we will begin Prayer is the elevation of the mind and the great and holy penitential season of heart to God in praise of his glory; a peLent. tition made to God for some desired All of us are familiar good, or in thanksgiving enough with this special for a good received, or in time of grace which asintercession for others sists us to examine our before God. Through consciences in all sincerprayer the Christian exity and, using the periences a communion Church’s tried and true with God through Christ means of fervent prayer, in the Church (CCC, active good works and 2559-2565). sincere and specific acts Penance is of two of penance, rid our lives types. Interior penance is of sin and its effects in a conversion of heart topreparation for our greatward God and away est feast of Easter. from sin, which implies Lent is “the liturgical the intention to change season of 40 days which one’s life because of hope begins with Ash Wednesin divine mercy (CCC, day and ends with the 1431). External acts of celebration of the Bishop David Kagan penance include fasting, Paschal mystery (Easter prayer and almsgiving Triduum). Lent is the primary penitential (CCC, 1434). season in the Church’s liturgical year, reAlmsgiving is money or goods given flecting the 40 days Jesus spent in the to the poor as an act of penance or fradesert in fasting and prayer” (CCC, Glosternal charity. Almsgiving, together with sary). prayer and fasting, are traditionally recLast month I spoke a bit about making ommended to foster the state of interior real resolutions for the calendar New Year penance (CCC, 1969, 2447). and suggested we adopt what we have What we learned as the Spiritual and been doing for the Year of Faith as our Corporal Works of Mercy are one of the resolutions for 2013. Allow me to say the best ways for us to engage ourselves in same about our coming Lenten season. Lenten almsgiving. However, whatever we have committed ourselves to for the Year of Faith, if any he reason the Church celebrates a speor all of the traditional Lenten practices cial season of penance is so that what of prayer, penance and almsgiving are we do during Lent will fortify us spiritunot part of it, we really need to add them ally every day and what we do during to what we are doing already. Lent the Church urges us to continue after Lent has ended. In other words, to develop that good habit of daily prayer, “Then I saw a new heaven doing good for others and practicing and a new earth.” some acts of self-denial so that we are Revelation 21:1 able to better discern good from evil and choose the good and shun what is evil. There is no better time for us to begin developing this good habit than Ash Wednesday. (ISSN # 10676406) Make an effort to get to Mass during the week as well as on Sunday; go to confession more frequently; and commit to SERVING CATHOLIC PARISHES praying daily and setting a good example AS THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE for others. DIOCESE OF FARGO, ND. Doing this, Lent then will be a time of abundant grace and willing conversion Member of the to Christ and his way of life. Catholic Press Association
Diocese of Fargo Lent and Easter Regulations
Apostolic Administrator
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NewEarth Bishop David Kagan Apostolic Administrator, Fargo Publisher news@fargodiocese.org Tanya Watterud Interim Editor news@fargodiocese.org
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Diocesan policy: Reporting child abuse The Diocese of Fargo is committed to the protection of youth. Please report any incidents or suspected incidents of child abuse, including sexual abuse, to civil authorities. If the situation involves a member of the clergy or a religious order, a seminarian, or an employee of a Catholic school, parish, the diocesan offices or other Catholic entity within the diocese, we ask that you also report the incident or suspected incident to Msgr. Joseph P. Goering at (701) 356-7945 or Larry Bernhardt, victim assistance coordinator, at (701) 356-7965 or www.VictimAssistance@fargodiocese.org. For additional information about victim assistance, visit www.fargodiocese.org.
CNS photo / Mike Crupi, Catholic Courier
The penitential days for the universal Church are each Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday (Feb. 13) marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is an opportunity to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Easter. The following regulations are observed in this sacred season: Abstinence
Catholics 14 years of age or older must abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent. It is only on the other Fridays of the year that abstinence may be substituted by another form of penance. Fasting
Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 (inclusive) are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. There is a limit of one full meal and no food between meals on those days. Two smaller meals are permitted as needed to maintain one’s strength. Sacrament of Penance
All the faithful who have reached the age of reason are bound faithfully to confess their grave sins at least once a year. Lent is a good time to fulfill this precept of the Church. Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion without previously having been to sacramental confession (Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1457). Holy Communion
Catholics who have received their First Holy Communion are obliged to make a worthy reception of Holy Communion at least once a year during the Lenten or Easter seasons. In the United States, this reception of Holy Communion may take place from the first Sunday in Lent (Feb. 17) through Trinity Sunday (May 26). Other Lenten Observances
Each weekday of Lent is also an obligatory day of penance. Some recommendations include the participation in daily Mass, increased prayer or spiritual study, self-imposed fasting or abstinence, works of charity, and participation in traditional Lenten Devotions (parish missions, Stations of the Cross, rosary). The proper context for all Lenten discipline is the conversion of our hearts. As the Catechism states, however, “interior conversion urges expression in visible signs, gestures and works of penance.” These penances help us to redirect our whole life to God and away from sin and the evil we have committed (CCC 1430-1439). As we celebrate our Lenten penitential practices, may we experience this conversion of heart and be strengthened in our faith in God’s mercy. May our discipline, through God’s grace, lead us to full participation in the eternal Easter.
Bishop Kagan’s Calendar Feb. 15 Feb. 22 March 8
Administrative meetings, Pastoral Center, Fargo Administrative meetings, Pastoral Center, Fargo Administrative meetings, Pastoral Center, Fargo
Learn more at www.fargodiocese.org
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Catholic Conference: Don’t weaken Sunday closing law The North Dakota Catholic Conference testified to the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee Jan. 30 against weakening the state’s Sunday Closing Law. HB 1437 would allow political subdivisions to exempt cities and counties from the law. Christopher Dodson, executive director of the NDCC, defended the existing law stating: “The purpose of North Dakota’s Sunday closing law is not to impose times of worship. Nor is it to demand adherence to religious doctrine. The purpose of the law is to preserve the common good by ensuring that society is not overtaken by work and profit.
them to tend to family, cultural, social and religious life. Only when communities set aside time devoted to these functions can human persons prosper and develop.” Dodson also said, “Rather than restricting individual freedom, closing laws liberate and free people from the antisocial degeneration of human work. Indeed, the need for closing laws is even greater in societies like ours that place a high value on economic liberty. Economic liberty can only thrive in healthy communities. A community that races to the bottom in its demands on workers, especially those of less means, is not a healthy community.”
“Humans and communities need periods of rest and free time that allow
For more information about this and other bills, visit ndcatholic.org.
Workshop offered on engaging a new generation of disciples An "Evangelizing Youth" workshop will be held March 2 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Fargo. The deadline to register is Feb. 15. The workshop is designed for all those whose ministries connect with youth and their families, including parish, school, and diocesan leaders for youth ministry, catechesis, family ministry and sacramental preparation. This workshop will: ■ Share the Church’s vision for the New Evangelization ■ Identify trends and the current opportunities for engaging a new genera-
tion of youth and their families. ■ Equip leaders with skills for witnessing to God's presence in their life ■ Energize current ministry efforts through dynamic resources, practical methods, and innovative strategies ■ Support leaders as they envision their parish or school as an evangelizing community Cost of the workshop is $54, which includes lunch and a handout packet rich in practical ideas and resources. For more information or to register, visit www.fargodiocese.org. Financial assistance is available through the diocese.
Quilts needed for Catholic Charities auction On Monday, April 8, Catholic Charities North Dakota will host the “Purse & Quilt and more . . . Auction” at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fargo. The auction features heirloom quality quilts and unique purses, as well as service, home, sporting and entertainment packages in both live and silent auctions. Catholic Charities is seeking cash and gift-in-kind donations for the
Seven admitted to candidacy for the permanent diaconate Leslie Noehre, a member of Holy Family Church in Grand Forks, John Bredemeier, St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks, Bruce Dahl, Nativity Church in Fargo, David Dahlin, Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo, Richard Lagasse, St. Therese of the Little Flower Church in Rugby, Paul Schneider, Holy Spirit Church in Fargo, and Kenneth Severinson, St. Joseph’s Church in Devils Lake, were admitted to candidacy for the permanent diaconate on Feb. 2 at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo. Bishop David D. Kagan officiated at the ceremony.
event, with a specific need for handmade quilts. All gifts will be recognized in the auction catalog and receipted as a tax deductible gift, as allowed by law. Tickets for this wine and appetizer event are $20 each or $30 for two. To reserve tickets, make a donation or ask a question regarding the auction, contact Sarah Ries at (701) 235-4457 or sries@catholiccharitiesnd.org, or visit www.catholiccharitiesnd.org.
Photo provided by the Diocese of Bismarck
People can interact with Bishop David Kagan on Twitter as @VescovoDDK.
Bishop Kagan joins Twitter Prelate will answer questions about faith and Catholicism as @VescovoDDK Following the lead of Pope Benedict XVI (who launched his official Twitter account, @Pontifex, in December 2012), Bishop David Kagan has joined Twitter as @VescovoDDK. “The Holy Father has shamed me into doing it since I’m not very good at computers or any of this new technology,” Bishop Kagan, Bishop of Bismarck and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Fargo, joked. He announced the news during the taping of the Jan. 16 edition of The Dash Report (short, online videos he began last August). “I’ve decided to join him in this effort as one more way of using as many of the new technologies in the media as we can to promote the new evangelization.” Noting that many have already asked about the origin of his Twitter account name, Bishop Kagan explained that vescovo is the Italian word for bishop and DDK are the initials of his name. His first tweet went out on Jan. 17. “I chose @VescovoDDK as one way of
DIOCESE OF FARGO
getting people’s attention, but also, it will be somewhat unique because I plan to answer as many questions tweeting in this way as I am able to do,” said Bishop Kagan. The @VescovoDDK Twitter account will remain separate from and complementary to the official Twitter account of the Bismarck Diocese (@BisDiocese) since Bishop Kagan intends to do all the tweeting on the @VescovoDDK account personally. “As you know, I’m never at a loss for words and so this will be a sacrifice since I know I’m limited to 140 characters,” Bishop Kagan said with a smile. “I’ll try to be accurate and concise in answering all of your questions.” Bishop Kagan has made a visible effort in embracing technology to spread the Gospel in recent months. Along with The Dash Report online videos he rolled out a newly designed diocesan website and launched Bismarck Diocese Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Vimeo accounts as well.
Prayer intentions of Pope Benedict XVI February General intention: Migrant Families. That migrant families, especially the mothers, may be supported and accompanied in their difficulties.
OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS Most Rev. David D. Kagan, Apostolic Administrator of Fargo and Bishop of Bismarck, has made the following appointments, announcements, and/or decrees:
Reverend James Gross has been granted a sabbatical, effective Jan. 30. Reverend Peter J. Sharpe has been assigned administrator of St. Cecilia parish, Velva, and Sts. Peter and Paul parish, Karlsruhe, effective Jan. 30, and continuing ad nutum episcopi.
Reflection: If you have ever been forced from your home or felt unwelcome among strangers, how has the experience given you a heart for migrants? Mission intention: Peace. That the peoples at war and in conflict may lead the way in building a peaceful future. Reflection: How does prayer help you to resolve personal conflicts and achieve peace? Provided by Apostleship of Prayer, www.apostleshipofprayer.org.
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Archbishop Aquila says abortion encounter changed him EWTN News
On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver said his exposure to abortion as a hospital orderly still haunts him — and prompts him to urge penitence and prolife action. “Today is a day to repent,” Archbishop Aquila said in his Jan. 22 letter “40 Years of the Culture of Death.” The former bishop of Fargo said that the 40 years since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion nationwide have “given the culture of death a firm footing and foundation in our nation.” “The 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade is a day to commit to a culture of life,” he urged. “Today the Lord is calling us to stand up.” Archbishop Aquila’s letter began with a grim story of his experiences with two abortions. “I witnessed the death of two small people who never had the chance to take a breath. I can never forget that,” he said. “I learned what human dignity was when I saw it callously disregarded. I know, without a doubt, that abortion is a violent act of murder and exploitation. And I know that our responsibility is to work and pray without ceasing for its end.” The archbishop said he had arrived at college in 1968 intending to become a doctor at a time when he was not practicing his faith often. He spent his first three summers of college as a hospital orderly in California, where laws had begun to protect abortion. His first encounter with the procedure was in an outer room of a hospital’s surgical unit where he was “stunned” when
Haney’s Photography, Moorhead, Minn.
“A true culture of life is infectious. The joy which comes from living in gratitude for the gift of life — and treating all life as gift — effects change. When Christians begin to live with real regard for human dignity, our nation will awaken to the tragedy of abortion, and she will begin to change.” Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila
he found in the sink the body of “a small unborn child who had been aborted.” His second exposure to abortion, however, was “more shocking.” He recalled how a young woman came into the emergency room screaming, saying she had had an abortion already and the doctor had told her she would pass the remains naturally. She was bleeding and the medical staff, including the future Archbishop Aquila, put her on the table. “I held a basin as the doctor retrieved a tiny arm, a tiny leg and then the rest of the broken body of a tiny unborn child,” Archbishop Aquila said. “I was shocked. I was saddened for the mother and child, for the doctor and the nurse.” “I witnessed a tiny human being destroyed by violence,” he said. The experience made him pro-life and he eventually returned to his Catholic faith. Archbishop Aquila reflected on sin and repentance. He asked for forgiveness for the doctors, nurses, politicians and others who “ardently” support
abortion, urging that Catholics pray for their conversion. “We must also recognize our sinfulness,” he said. “When we survey the damage abortion has caused in our culture, we must repent for our sins of omission.” He said some Christians have supported pro-choice politicians or have failed to “change minds or win hearts.” “In the prospect of unspeakable evil, we’ve done too little, for too long, with tragic results,” he said. “Today many Catholics seem to believe that while abortion is unfortunate, it is not always a moral evil. Secular arguments to justify abortion abound,” he lamented. “Catholic political leaders who claim that they can separate the truths of faith from their political lives are choosing to separate themselves from truth, from Christ, and from the communion of the Catholic Church,” he added. In contrast, he praised Catholic political leaders who try to develop “new and creative ways to end the legal protection for abortion.” “All of us must put our energy and effort into ending the legal protection for abortion. It is, and must be, the primary political objective of American Catholics — it is difficult to imagine any political issue with the same significance as the sanctioned killing of
children,” he said. The archbishop acknowledged the difficulties of pregnancy, saying the Church should respond to women who have had abortions with “compassion, solidarity, and mercy.” “The fathers and mothers of aborted children are beloved by God, and in need of the mercy and healing of Jesus Christ,” he said. He nonetheless emphasized that the right to life is “inviolable” and taught in Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the natural moral law. “The Church believes that life is a God-given right, and a gift. Our very being is an expression of the love God has for us — the Lord literally loves us into existence, and his love speaks to the worth of the human person. We take the gift of life seriously because each human being is a unique creation of God the Father.” This gift of life is enriched because Jesus Christ “chose to live among us as a human being.” Archbishop Aquila called for the creation of a “culture of life” that “celebrates the divine gift of life” to the disabled, the unborn and the aged. This culture must start with charity, beginning in the family but also advancing through works of mercy and social justice. “A true culture of life is infectious,” he said. “The joy which comes from living in gratitude for the gift of life — and treating all life as gift — effects change. When Christians begin to live with real regard for human dignity, our nation will awaken to the tragedy of abortion, and she will begin to change.” The archbishop also reminded Catholics of the power of prayer and sacrifice, saying this will “transform hearts and renew minds.” “In prayer we entrust our nation to Jesus Christ,” he said. “In doing so, we can be assured of his victory.” The full letter is printed at: www.arch den.org/index.cfm/ID/9723.
General Agent, Fargo (701) 356-6664 robert.wolf@kofc.org
John Edwards Velva (701) 721-7689 (701) 338-2499
1417 South University Drive, Fargo, ND 58103
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Prenuptial agreements: Putting conditions on consent can invalidate a marriage
CNS file photo / Jon L. Hendricks
A groom and bride hold hands on their wedding day. The Chuch is concerned about the proliferation of prenuptual agreements, Father Paul Duchschere writes, because they invalidate the marriage. By Father Paul Duchschere
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e’re all affected by the world. (By the “world” I am referring to those people, institutions and philosophies that are attempting to live this life unaffected by the living God. Remember the three classic foes against God? “The world, the flesh, and the devil.” That world.) Even if we are doing our best, we are often sucked into a worldly idea/concept that is at odds with the will of God. And the “world” continues to get it wrong about marriage. I guess I won’t try to argue the motivation that is behind some ideas concerning marriage, but I will say that they are against the will of God. Marriage is God’s thing — not ours. Marriage is predicated upon God doing something — namely, making the two one. In our Catholic life, we call that very act a “sacrament.” It is a holy thing. Of all the seven sacraments, it is the one that is most “familiar” to all, even unbelievers — as every nation and people in the world has the institution of marriage — and for that very fact it can take on permutations according to the whims and desires of all, even unbelievers. But as Catholics, our faith tells us that marriage is of God and is a gift from God. We don’t mess with it. And so I get to the topic of prenuptial agreements (“prenups”). They aren’t new — they’ve been around for years
— but they’ve become more and more common in our day and age, and have started to rear their ugly heads among Catholics. It is time to say a few things about them.
Vows say ‘no matter what’ God will make the two one in marriage only if they both consent to it fully and freely. That means, among other things, that they do it without conditions. That’s why the marriage vows have always included phrases like, “For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. . . .” With that phraseology we are saying, “I will take you forever, no matter what happens.” And once we have stated that before God, he does his thing: he makes the two one — the sacrament of marriage. Every couple still says those same vows — and they want to. They desire a love commitment without conditions. But now . . . more and more of those same couples are signing prenups . . . and so introducing conditions into their marriage consent. The Church is extremely concerned about this, because when one introduces conditions into one’s consent, it invalidates the marriage. Yes, you read that correctly. God will not make two one if they do not want it fully and freely. And when conditions are present they do not want it fully. For example,
if the vows themselves were re-written to say, “I take you for better, for richer, and in health,” what would you think of that? You would see immediately that they are no longer getting into this relationship with the mindset with which God created it. But to have a prenup does the same thing. Even if the couple uses the full language of the vows at the ceremony, they are still introducing conditions concerning the relationship that take it outside the pale of what we call sacramental marriage. For the Catholic follower of Jesus Christ, it is not right or permissible to change the very idea of what is to be happening. God will not make the two one if their consent is not full and not free, and that means the “attempt” at marriage would be invalid. No sacrament would be celebrated.
Sacrament cannot be faked We are going to be adding a question to our marriage papers that asks the couple if they have a prenuptial agreement. If there is one, it needs to be sent to our Marriage Tribunal to receive the approval of the bishop. This approval doesn’t happen very often, due to the very nature of prenups. Such an agreement between two elderly people to deal with inheritance issues might be acceptable (although that too can easily be dealt with in their wills, rather than in a prenup).
If the prenup is found to be invalidating, then they will not be able to be married in the Catholic Church. We cannot fake a sacrament. If they do wish to be married in the Church the prenup must be repudiated. A prenup pollutes a person’s consent, and that makes the attempted marriage invalid.
An ‘escape’ clause As a pastor, I strongly encourage all Catholics to not get involved with prenups. If there are issues in the relationship that need to be resolved, a prenup is not the way to go: It simply leaves open — and often invites — an easier “escape” from the marriage . . . and what can that mean but that the consent was not full from the very beginning. This is a matter of validity, not just a nicety. We cannot give dispensations for something that inherently invalidates a marriage from the beginning. Catholic attorneys should also be very much aware of the canonical effects of prenups if they are involved in them. If this all sounds foreign and harsh, that is exactly a sign of how the world has infected our ideas concerning marriage. The sacrament of marriage is not ours, it is God’s. Amen. Adapted from the Jan. 13, 2013, edition of the bulletin of Sts. Anne and Joachim Church, Fargo, where Father Duchschere serves as pastor.
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Sts. Anne & Joachim to host nationally acclaimed speaker at parish mission As part of its 2013 parish mission, Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church in Fargo will feature nationally syndicated radio host and clinical psychologist Dr. Ray Guarendi, who will give a series of talks focused around parenting, family life and the Catholic faith. The one-hour talks will take place March 3 through 6 and begin at 7 p.m. each night. Talks will last one hour and will include Dr. Guarendi’s conversion story of coming back to the Church, inGuarendi spiration for families, and tips for raising children in the Catholic faith. Children and adults are welcome to all presentations and free childcare will be available on site. The topics for each night are: ■ March 3 – Back to the Family ■ March 4 – Standing Strong as a Parent ■ March 5 – Why Be Catholic? ■ March 6 – Laughter: The Sanity of Family In addition to the presentations, the mission will feature other events and opportunities to receive the sacraments, beginning at 8 p.m. each night. Sunday there will be a Holy Hour and adoration; Monday will include an opportunity to go to confession; “Why Be Catholic?” on Tuesday night will include Mass; and a social hour with refreshments will wrap up the mission on Wednesday. The parish mission is a perfect learning opportunity for families of all ages: You don’t want to miss these inspiring presentations on Catholic family life and living your faith. Dr. Guarendi’s radio show, “The Doctor is In,” can be heard weekdays from noon to 1 p.m. on Real Presence Radio, 1280 AM or 1370 AM, or www.yourcatholic radiostation.com. Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church is located at 5202 25th St. S. in Fargo. For more information, please call Nicole in the parish office at (701) 235-5757 or visit www.stsaaj.org.
“Putting Life First”
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
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You’re physically there. You see what needs to be done and you can drive over to the church, or to wherever a church activity might be taking place, and help out.
Scholarship grants are available for Stewardship Day
It might seem a little harder to give of your time and talent to the diocese because the diocesan offices are in Fargo. Yet the work of the diocese is also in every parish.
Region VIII Stewardship Day will be held April 20 at the Church of St. Peter, Mendota, Minn.
Your local director of religious education and volunteer teachers use resources from the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis to teach children about their Catholic faith.
This collaborative effort, hosted and sponsored by the 10 dioceses and archdioceses in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, is for pastors, parochial vicars, deacons, parish and finance council members, stewardship committee members, school principals, directors of religious education, youth and campus ministers, diocesan and parish staff and others who are interested in embracing stewardship as a way of life.
Giving to God’s Gift funds many ministries — and supports many efforts at our parishes Continued from page 1 The Diocese of Fargo is made up of 73,657 registered Catholics, living in 28,205 households and attending Mass at 132 parishes and missions. That’s a lot of people who love the Lord! And a lot of people who need and expect things from their parishes and diocese; things like: ■ preparation for couples who are getting married, ■ programs to help college students hold on to and grow in their Catholic faith, ■ encouragement and education for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, ■ events and inspiration for teenagers so they can turn away from the negative influences the world can sometimes present to them and turn to their Heavenly Father instead, ■ care for the sick and elderly priests who have served the faithful so faithfully, ■ the many programs of Catholic Charities North Dakota — pregnancy, adoption and parenting assistance, guardianship services for the vulnerable, adoption of children with special needs, and counseling, ■ resources, programs and Christ-centered leadership that help parishioners and parents share the truths of the Catholic faith with their children, with adults desiring to become Catholic and with the many people they encounter each day, ■ ministries for hurting marriages, ■ help for healing after an abortion. Each of our lives has been touched in some way by at least one of these efforts that are supported in part by the annual God’s Gift Appeal. And there are many more that we simply don’t have room to list. But, if each of us gives of our Three T’s — our time, talent and treasure — every one of these efforts can be accomplished, and accomplished well. It’s easier to give of your time and talent in your parishes.
Your sons, daughters and grandchildren participate in youth events at their own or neighboring parishes that are coordinated by the Youth and Young Adult Office, but staffed in great part by people of the parishes. Most importantly, each of us receives the sacraments from priests whose vocations were nurtured and whose educations were paid for, in part, through donations people have given to the God’s Gift Appeal. Please read the God’s Gift Appeal information you receive in the mail this month and pray about how you can give of your treasure to the Appeal and your time and talent to the many programs it supports. If you’ve been missed on the mailing list or if you have questions, please call (701) 3567900 and ask to talk to someone about the God’s Gift Appeal. When your gift is given in unity with the gifts of the 73,656 other registered Catholics in the diocese, the Appeal goal and the goals of each individual program are attainable. In fact, they can easily be surpassed, which means we would be helping even more people heal, learn about their faith and grow closer to God during this Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI. To learn more or donate online, visit www.fargodiocese.org/ godsgiftappeal.
Father Darrin J.G. Gurr, a priest of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Charles Zech, a professor of economics and director of the Center for the Study of Church Management at Villanova University, and Nathan Dungan, founder and president of Share Save Spend, are the featured speakers. Catholic Extension Society is offering $200 travel scholarship grants for participants, with a limit of one per parish. Applications must be made by March 29. Please contact Steve Schons, director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Fargo, at (701) 356-7900 for more information and to register. Additional information regarding Stewardship Day may be found at www.archspm.org.
Adoration chapel open house Feb. 10 An open house will be held at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Adoration Chapel in Fargo on Sunday, Feb. 10, from noon to 5 p.m. The chapel is located at 617 7th Street North, west of St. Mary’s Cathedral and between the Wanzek Center and the Cathedral rectory. Refreshments will be served in the Cathedral Social Hall. The Our Lady of Guadalupe Adoration Chapel has been designed specifically as a diocesan chapel for perpetual adoration. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for those who wish to come and pray before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. For additional information, or to inquire about committing to an hour of adoration at the chapel, please contact Cindy Petrich at (701) 232-5985 or Marilyn Loegering at (701) 347-4031.
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Prayerfully Make Your Pledge Today. “The Year of Faith” - Pope Benedict XVI Watch for your Appeal letter in the mail.
March
8 ■ JANUARY 2013
CNS photo
on the
MARCH FOR LIFE
Father Kurt Gunwall (in the yellow hat) leads the students who traveled with the Diocese of Fargo group for the
Diocesan pilgrims put their faith into action on the streets of the nation’s capital By Tanya Watterud
The truth motivated Bailey Bitz to participate in the Jan. 25 March for Life in Washington, D.C. “I know that it’s not just a blob of cells,” the sophomore from Napoleon said. “I know it’s a baby and they feel pain. They have a right to life.” More than 500,000 people joined Bitz in proclaiming this truth when they marched with signs and banners, in prayer and song, for the 40th Annual March for Life. The Diocese of Fargo has sponsored diocesan pilgrimages to the March for Life since 1998 when Father Chad Wilhelm led the first group of students and chaperones. Rachelle Sauvageau, director of the Respect Life Office for the diocese, has coordinated and participated in the pilgrimage since 1999. This year, 25 students from several communities in the diocese participated. “It gives me such hope for the future of our nation and for the pro-life cause,” Sauvageau said. “Especially this year, I remember looking around at all the youth who filled the Basilica for the Vigil Mass on Thursday evening and thinking to myself, ‘The Church in America is alive and well because of our youth who are embracing their faith with conviction, knowledge of the truths we hold dear, and an enthusiasm to witness to Jesus Christ with courage.’ ” For four consecutive years, Father Kurt Gunwall has served as spiritual director for the diocesan pilgrimage. “These experiences help the students expand their awareness of government, history, morality and religion, as well as the intersection of these facets of our lives,” he said. “The youth learn more by being present at the Holocaust Museum, Gettysburg battlefield, the Mall and the National Basilica. Adults need to see that the youth are inspired and involved.”
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or Kayla O’Toole, 14, of Crystal, this was her first March for Life experience. “My older sister went to the march four years ago and my mom always goes to pray in front of the abortion clinic [in Fargo],” she said. “It was empower-
“It was empowering to see how many people were there for the same cause and how many people think abortion is wrong. . . . Everyone deserves a chance at life.” Kayla O’Toole ing to see how many people were there for the same cause and how many people think abortion is wrong.” The experience has made O’Toole more confident in communicating the truth to others. “I can talk to someone and tell them that abortion is not the right thing to do,” she said. “Everyone deserves a chance at life.” Gaelen Mibeck, 17, Grand Forks, has marched for life during three diocesan pilgrimages. “This time I was able to observe more, to think about things other than the logistics,” he said. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic church in the Americas, especially impacted him this year. “There are a lot of mosaics and, looking at the tiles, it brought to mind how, as a mosaic is made of individual tiles, the Church is made up of individual persons . . . We’re all part of the plan, part of the picture, if you will . . . Each person is called to be in a different spot, to serve a different purpose.” During the march, Mibeck saw some people holding signs protesting the prolife message of the March for Life. “It’s easy to forget that our opponents are people, too, especially if you don’t actually get to see their faces. You can find yourself holding them in contempt,” he said. “I think it’s important to be confronted by opposition because it forces you to put your ideas into words and more fully realize what you stand for.” Mibeck said being at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, D.C., “reminded me the faith is
being preserved against all opposition, and we’re in good hands.” Colleen Samson and Mary Thoelke, both of whom work with the 40 Days for Life North Dakota campaign and the Pregnancy Help Center in Park River, joined the diocesan pilgrims during the march. “The March for Life began for us with the 6:30 p.m. Mass at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with Cardinal Sean O’Malley presiding and over 18,000 young people and participants of every age and walk of life,” Thoelke said. “We staked out our seating at noon and were two sections back from the podium where the readings and homily took place. The procession of hundreds of seminarians, deacons, priests, bishops, archbishops, cardinals and the Papal Nuncio passed right by our pew and we waved (quietly — with loud smiles) to Archbishop Samuel Aquila as he came by. He stopped to visit our group after Mass and gave us great joy.” She continued, “On the morning of the march, we attended 10 a.m. Mass at the Shrine with Archbishop Charles Chaput presiding — who mentioned the Diocese of Fargo from the pulpit in his opening remarks!”
Since 1998, the Diocese of Fargo has organized pilgrimages grimage to Washington from the diocese.
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hoelke said they walked in ice and snow several miles each day. The day of the March for Life, “as we began to merge with the exuberant crowd of at least 500,000 young people, dedicated veterans of pro-life ministries and people of every age, we joined the line with the banner of Diocese of Bismarck, and right behind us were Father Gary Luiten and five members of his parish at St. Mary’s in Park River! What are the odds?” Everything involved with their experience related to Thoelke’s and Samson’s work with 40 Days for Life and the Pregnancy Help Center, Thoelke said. “Promoting life at every turn, pressing back against the culture of death with the truth and making sure everyone in our sphere of influence has as much information as we do. That’s enough to keep us busy until the Lord comes!”
Students from Shanley High School participate in the March the Students for Life of America for excellence in pro-life lea
for Life
NEWEARTH ■ 9
Shanley community braves snowy walk By Roxane B. Salonen
Photo by Shelby Cyr of Hoople, N.D.
e March for Life in Washington, D.C.
Some of the 145 Shanley High School students and their chaperones who gathered for the 40th Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., Jan. 25 undoubtedly prayed beforehand that the bitter North Dakota weather wouldn’t follow them there. But God had neither warm temperatures nor clear skies in mind on the day of the event, and it’s just as well, according to Star Parker, one of today’s most vocal pro-life advocates. “The Lord gave us the snow because it represents purity,” Parker said at a student conference the following day. “It’s humbling for us to stand out in the cold, in the snow, after marching for almost an hour,” she began, “and particularly this year because we’re looking at 40 years of wandering in this horrible wilderness.” The snow, she continued, is a reminder of the 55 million innocent souls denied a chance to be among us and discover what God may have had in mind for their lives. “How did we get so cold in our hearts that we’ve allowed this to go on so long?” she asked. “Someday you’re going to want to look the Lord in the eye when he asks why and say, ‘I did everything I could to stop it.’ “(Abortion) may be legal,” she added, “but it’s not lawful in the eyes of almighty God.”
Part of a cause
Photo by Colleen Samson of Park River, N.D.
s to the March for Life. Father Chad Wilhelm led the first pil-
Indeed, the snow came down in thick flakes, clinging to hats and caps, collecting on hair and collars, challenging walkers to make it to the finish line of the Supreme Court steps, where the decision was made 40 years ago to legalize the killing of children in the womb. The Shanley group, undaunted by the weather, stayed hopeful by initiating songs with words that began, “Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary,” and chanting, “We love babies, yes we do, we love babies, how about you?” Reflecting later on both the March and other activities, including a youth rally with music from prominent Catholic musician Matt Maher and a presentation by national Catholic speaker Chris Stefanick, Shanley freshman Emily Alderman said the journey exceeded her expectations. “It was a great experience, and it’s life-changing to think that we could potentially save thousands of lives,” she said, noting that she particularly enjoyed seeing Catelynn and Tyler, first featured on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom at the Students for Life of America conference. “I really enjoyed being able to participate in everything and be a part of the cause.” Her classmate Andrea Vetter agreed, saying it was amazing
Photo by Roxane B. Salonen
Julia Jordan, left, and Stephanie DuBord march together with the other students from Shanley High School Jan. 25.
to be part of an event where so many pro-life people were gathered in one spot. She was especially moved by meeting a woman whose daughter was conceived in rape. “Talking to someone who has experienced it is different than someone just talking to you about it,” she said. “Also, I went to a talk where they explained different kinds of abortions,” Vetter said. “And I couldn’t help but think that if we could spend that much time figuring out ways to kill babies, imagine if all that effort was put into curing cancer.” Pauline Savageau, a chaperone, said the students weren’t the only ones who came away with changed hearts. “These kids have really helped arouse in me a conviction to be couraPlease turn to SHANLEY on page 15
Shanley Teens for Life wins national group of the year award By Roxane B. Salonen
As Angela Cowles heard a list of accomplishments of the school about to be named the big winner at the Students for Life of America (SFLA) conference in Washington, D.C., Jan. 26, she was thrilled to know another group besides Shanley had pulled together over 100 students to attend the event and March for Life. Then Kristan Hawkins of SFLA announced the winner, and her jaw dropped. “When they said ‘Fargo, North Dakota,’ I was very surprised, and I think everyone else was, too,” said Cowles, president of the Shanley Teens for Life, the SFLA 2013 High School Group of the Year for excellence in pro-life leadership and activism. “And then to see Father Charles go up and receive it in front of thousands of people, it’s just so much gratification for all the work we’ve put into this.” Some of the biggest names in the pro-life movement today sat in the crowd just feet below Father Charles LaCroix, Shanley chaplain and group advisor, as he walked across the stage to accept the award, including Father Frank Pavone, Priests for Life national director, and David Bereit, 40 Days for Life founder. Father LaCroix later called the honor “an enormous thrill and blessing,” and the award “prestigious.” “When our school’s name was called out, our stunned students erupted with enthusiasm — at one point drowning out the presenters,” he said. “We could not contain our excitement as I ran up to receive the award on behalf of our school.” Along with the “many state banners hanging in our rafters to recognize our excellence in many activities,” he commented, “now we’ll add this national (pro-life) award to that menagerie.”
Missing component
Photo by Roxane B. Salonen
h for Life Jan. 25. The next day, the Fargo school’s Teens for Life organization was named group of the year by adership and activism.
When the announcement first came, Hawkins invited to the stage Jeanine Bitzan, Moorhead, mother of several Shanley graduates and writer of the nomination who also devoted countless hours to helping organize the pilgrimage, even though she doesn’t currently have a student attending the school. Unfortunately, Bitzan wasn’t there to accept the award, having fallen ill just hours Please turn to GROUP OF THE YEAR on page 15
Quotable “The thing that lies at the foundation of positive change, the way I see it, is service to a fellow human being.” Lech Walesa
Editorial
10 ■ FEBRUARY 2013
NEWEARTH
Change and uncertainty help us see what is most important
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umping back into working with New Since we’ve moved to Minot, we have Earth as interim editor is like stepmet so many people who are triumphping into a well-worn pair of slippers ing over adversity, who are making the on a 20-degrees-below-zero day in Janmost of what life has brought their way. uary. It’s a good and comTake Don the Painter, fortable fit that warms as we came to call him. me inside and out. e needed to get the I loved my nine years Tanya Watterud painting done in working for the Diocese the home we bought beof Fargo and Bishop (now fore the replacement carpet would be Archbishop) Aquila, and I’ve really installed and had only a few days to missed my great co-workers since our complete it. We prayed for help and family moved to Minot seven months God answered. ago. But the change was good for me, As my husband was leaving the paint too. It opened my eyes and heart to store with paint and brushes in hand, a many things and taught me how to “let man tapped on his window. When he go and let God” show us where he opened it, the man asked if he needed wants us to be and what he wants us to help painting. That afternoon, Don the do. Painter was in our home, painting the It’s easy to grow stagnant in our faith straightest edges I had ever seen without and in our friendships when our lives using one piece of painter’s tape to guide become routine. When we are chalhim. lenged and pulled out of our comfort We got to know Don better as he zones is when we grow and improve painted and as we shared meals toand, hopefully, become more like the gether. He came to Minot from the people God wishes us to be.
Editorial
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south looking for work. He had a regular painting job Monday through Friday, but picked up extra work, like ours, on the weekends. The money he made wasn’t enough to pay rent at the few places available in Minot, so he slept in his pickup at night, showered at a local truck stop each day, and shared his gift of painting expertise with people all over the city. With Don’s help, we met our deadline. Don told us he would head to Florida for the winter to see what work was available there, then come back north again when the temperatures were better. We still pray for Don, and thank God for the gift he was to us. Hopefully we’ll reconnect with him some day and enjoy another meal together.
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e have met countless families whose homes were flooded. They lived in crowded FEMA trailers, in
Opening ‘fan mail’
campers or with relatives for months while they rebuilt their homes. They learned how unimportant things are, as they piled water-soaked furniture and other belongings on the boulevards to be hauled away, and how very important people are. The dignity of every human person becomes vividly clear when the “things” we fill our lives with are no longer there. As I continue to unpack and get our family settled in, I’m focusing on lightening our load. I have donated so many bags and boxes of things to the thrift store that I’ve lost count. It feels good giving things away, clearing out stuff and bringing people into our lives instead. I hope that, as I write for and edit New Earth, I’ll get to interact with many more people — dear friends from the past and new friends from the present — and that I’ll cherish each one as God cherishes them, as unique, important and irreplaceable gifts.
PhotoEditorial
The most powerful thank-you note ever EDITOR’S NOTE: Matthew Kurtz is editor of Dakota Catholic Action, the newspaper for the Diocese of Bismarck.
we express our heartfelt thanks.” The holy sisters also attached a separate card that read:
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fter my first six months on the job, I must admit “Our special gift to you is a Novena of Masses offered for I’ve grown to enjoy opening what I like to call you in our Chapel during the Christmas season, and one “fan mail.” Mass each month the rest of the year.” I’m intrigued by how people choose to communicate with me. ow. The holiness, the love and the Emails, typewritten notes, handwritten true reflection of Christ that shone letters, Facebook messages, telephone through the sisters’ note were overcalls and personal stops at my office can whelming, to be honest. After reflecting randomly pop into my daily schedule. on it more, it has left me with four Whether it’s positive or negative, I love thoughts: hearing what people have to say. Actu1) Those dear sisters really value Bishop ally, I need it. It helps me do my job betKagan’s pastoral letter. What have I perter and also keep a finger on the pulse of sonally done with Bishop’s pastoral letter? what’s going on in our faithful diocese. I received a copy this fall as an insert into Recently I received one nugget of feedthe September DCA; where is it today? back that particularly made me smile. First, some background: In early Decem2) Vocations in the Catholic Church ber, I received a note from the Carmelite are a tremendous gift. By merely reading Sisters in Wahpeton requesting addithe thank-you note, I felt the desire to be tional copies of Bishop Kagan’s recently Matthew Kurtz a holier person. (I experienced the same published pastoral letter, “I Call You desire when meeting with our seminariFriends.” Happy to meet their wishes, we sent them the ans in December.) These religious men and women have amount they asked for so they could use them to “enembraced their vocation, which is their path to holiness. liven people’s faith during this Year of Faith” as they Their simple example makes me want to talk to Christ, had promised. to be his friend and reflect on his goodness in my life. It was the words in their thank-you note that sent a Does the example I live in my vocation of marriage reloving chill through my body as I read: flect and encourage that same holiness in others? “Your goodness to us fills us with joy and gratitude. If we 3) They’re right; Jesus does love me! This isn’t someare so pleased, the Heart of Jesus surely burns with immense thing most grown men and women regularly rejoice love for you beyond your comprehension. With His very love in, but we all ought to think about this simple fact a bit more. Sometimes (as is the case here), we need a blatant reminder of Christ’s immense love for us, regardless of Whether it’s positive or what we do and how we act. What have I done recently that would make Jesus smile? What have I done that negative, I love hearing what would hurt his heart?
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Guest Editorial
“
people have to say. . . . It helps me do my job better and also keep a finger on the pulse of what’s going on in our faithful diocese.
”
Matthew Kurtz
4) The power of prayer is amazing. Have I prayed for others lately? My family? My friends? Our priests and religious? Much like the pay-it-forward we hear about in Starbucks’ drive-thrus, how have I paid-forward all the prayers that others offer up for me? All those thoughts from one simple note? Thank you for the thank-you!
CNS photo / Paul Haring
Gregaire Audinet and her daughter, Ines, 1, attend a rally in support of traditional marriage in front of France’s embassy in Rome Jan. 13. Several hundred people gathered in solidarity with hundreds of thousands in Paris protesting President Francois Hollande’s plan to legalize same-sex marriage.
Commentary
NEWEARTH
FEBRUARY 2013 ■ 11
A review of legislative bills of concern to Catholics Here are some bills whose progress you may want to follow
gion. These and related issues are addressed in the Human Services appropriation bill, HB 1012. House Bill 1385 could potentially remove assistance “HB 1305 prohibits abortions s I write this column North to poor children and famiDakota senators have four more lies by mandating drug testfor sex-selection and genetic days during which to file bills and ing for recipthe deadline for House abnormalities. . . . Sex-selection bans have ients of temmembers has passed. We porary assispassed in other states. The genetic now have a pretty good tance for picture of what the Legneedy families abnormality and fetal heartbeat bans ever, apislative Assembly will and supplemenpears to enconsider. tal nutrition assiswould be new for the country.” compass Pro-life legislators have tance. If the not only hoChristopher Dodson introduced two abortiontest is positive, mosexual inclirelated bills. the person would benations, but also come ineligible. HB 1305 prohibits other sexual activiabortions for sex-selecAlthough no one ties outside of martion and genetic abnorthinks that using illegal riage. Legislators malities. drugs is a good idea, stigTwo bills seek to have introduced HB 1456 would ban matizing the poor by weaken the state’s several bills that would alabortion if a fetal heartforcing them to undergo Sunday morning low concealed weapons in beat is discernible. testing not required for closing law. The churches and schools. Preseveryone else while riskSex-selection bans purpose of the existent law prohibits guns in these buildChristopher Dodson ing the health of their have passed in other ing law is to preserve the common good ings. The North Dakota Catholic Conchildren is not the best states. The genetic abnorby ensuring that society is not overtaken ference will follow the bills to ensure solution. mality and fetal heartbeat bans would by work and profit. It serves the comthat the decision to allow firearms rests be new for the country. mon good by ensuring that some part with the churches and schools. Parents of children in nonpublic of our life is reserved for essential time schools would get financial relief under Health care coverage for the poor Senate Bill 2252 purports to fill a need for family, worship and rest. House Bill 1466. The North Dakota could be improved if the legislature apin the state by prohibiting discriminaTo stay informed about these and Catholic Conference is still reviewing proves the governor’s request to expand tion on the basis of sexual orientation. many other bills of concern to the the bill. Medicaid coverage with federal dollars. In fact, it provides special legal protecCatholic Church, go to ndcatholic.org A separate bill, however, designed to tion to sexual acts outside of marriage. Meanwhile, Senate Concurrent Resoand sign up for the conference’s eforce a vote on that issue alone, has also lution 4003 recognizes School Choice The Catholic Church affirms the Godnewsletter. been introduced. Week. Several bills would indirectly imgiven dignity of every human life and Meanwhile, providers of other social pact Catholic schools by changing the rejects unjust discrimination. The Christopher Dodson is executive director for services are struggling to keep pace with required. number of school hours, unique legal status granted by the bill’s the North Dakota Catholic Conference. Visit the costs of providing care in the oil reneeded courses, and the school year. ndcatholic.org. definition of sexual orientation, how-
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Catholic Action
Plan your life, your future and your legacy
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hile we would never attend a When finished, you may share your inBroadway musical without a formation with an online attorney to ticket or take a trip without complete your will or trust plan. luggage, most Americans If you have questions, have not taken the time information can be to plan for their future. shared through the sysWe simply never get tem so we may better asaround to doing it. sist you. The result is disapTo get started please pointing. visit our website (www. When we fail to plan, fargodiocese.giftlegacy. our dreams, wishes and com) and click on “Plan hopes may never be fully Your Will.” realized. Unfortunately, this Create a username and also means our family password; then login. and beneficiaries experiEnter information on ence the expense and your family, contacts and frustration of estate adhealthcare, finances and ministration. A few your estate. Once you Steve Schons months of probate can have completed all secdestroy what it took a tions of the Wills Planlifetime to create. Don’t let this happen ner, click on “Create a PDF” to compile to you or your family. the information your attorney will need The good news is that planning is easy to finalize your plan. Be sure to have and rewarding. In less time than it takes your attorney review your will. It is not to choose and arrange a summer vacalegal until they do so. tion, you can complete a plan that outlines your goals and lets your family and Where can I obtain more friends know the values you hold dearly. information on estate planning? Take the time to plan your life, your As you are completing the Wills Planfuture, and your legacy. You will be glad ner, you may find that you have quesyou did, and every day thereafter, you tions. We would like to give you a free can expect the peace and comfort of book — “Provide & Protect” — to anknowing the life you live today will matswer important questions about the ester tomorrow. tate planning process. The book adHow can I begin planning online? dresses ways to pass benefits to your children and other family members, Creating your plan is easier than ever how to prepare your advisors to make before when you use the online Wills crucial decisions on your behalf, how Planner available on our website. Orto gather your property information and ganize your family, estate information make key estate planning decisions. and goals using the secure system.
Stewardship
www.fargodiocese.giftlegacy.com
To begin planning a will, go to www.fargodiocese.giftlegacy.com and click on “Plan Your Will.”
You may also take the quiz at the end of each chapter, then view the answers online. To request your free copy of “Provide & Protect”, please call me at (701) 356-
7926 or go to www.fargodiocese.gift legacy.com and click on Wills Guide. Steve Schons is director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Fargo.
12 ■ FEBRUARY 2013
NEWEARTH
Knights of Columbus of West Fargo announce winners of free throw championship Boys and girls ages 10 to 14 had a chance to show off their basketball prowess at the annual Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship held Jan. 3 at South Elementary in West Fargo. The event, hosted by Holy Cross Council #9642 from Holy Cross Catholic Church in West Fargo, saw 38 participants representing the following schools: Aurora, Bennett, Cheney, Clara Barton, Freedom, L.E. Berger, South, Sullivan, Westside and Sheyenne 9th Grade Center. Winners were Frank Jirik, 10, Bennett; Anna Howard, 10, South; Kevin, 11, South; Courtney Boll, 11, Cheney; Adam Dufner, 12, Cheney; Isabel Klava, 12, Sullivan; Taylor Vaagen, 13, Cheney; Joshua Keller, 14, Sheyenne; and Jenna Beck, 14, Cheney. The high score of the evening came from Adam Dufner who sank 13 free throws in 15 attempts. These gifted athletes now advance to the district championship to be held Saturday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. at Shanley High School in Fargo. Winners of the district competition will advance to the regional with a chance to move on to the state and international levels.
Birthday
Scholarship fund donations assist seminarians and priests Several donors faithfully support the education of our seminarians and priests through their gifts to the Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund consists of restricted contributions, of which only the income may be used, and only for the purpose stated. All income from scholarships is restricted for the use of funding candidates to the priesthood who are completing required seminary education, and to supplement education of priests currently serving the diocese. Contributions to the scholarships are vital to the support of the diocese and your future priests. Without this aid, many of our young men would not be able to discern their vocation. In addition to providing for the education of priests, contributions are a wonderful memorial to the men and women (priests, religious and laity) who have served the Catholic Church. To donate, mail your gift to: Scholarship Fund, Diocese of Fargo, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605 or call (701) 356-7930. SCHOLARSHIPS
Florence Retterath celebrates 88 years Florence Retterath will celebrate her 88th birthday on Feb. 21. She is a member of St. Catherine’s parish in Valley City. Florence and her husband, Wesley, had eight children, 20 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. They lost one grandchild and one great-grandchild. Wesley died on April 13, 2007. Birthday cards may be mailed to Florence at 250 4th St. NE, Valley City, ND 58072.
Share life’s milestones As a way to celebrate life and love, we encourage parishioners throughout the Diocese of Fargo to send photos of anniversaries of 60 or more years, or birthdays of 80 or more years, to New Earth, Diocese of Fargo, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Ste. A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605 or news@fargodiocese.org.
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DONATION
TOTAL
Catholic Order of Foresters Scholarship By: ND Catholic Order of Foresters $200 $12,000 Father Joseph, Joe W. and Elizabeth Senger Scholarship Fund By: Msgr. Joseph Senger 100 Bette Jane Boeshans 25 21,199 John and Francis Heintz Memorial Scholarship By: Elizabeth Regstad 500 55,598 In Memory of John and Francis Heintz Catholic Development Foundation — General Endowment for Seminarian/Priest Education By: Peter and Rose Horner 25 David and Sharon Gunwall 500 Jane Grage 100 Eileen Gerszewski 1 Alfred J. Ritzke, Jr. 50 Dennis Schroeder 20 Paul and Anne O’Donnell 50 Elizabeth Nilles 250 In Memory of William O. Nilles Robert and Cindy Gathje 50 James Leddige 40 In Memory of Francis, Richard and Theresa Leddige Gregory and Mary Lou Herding 500 Frank and Pat Sieg 100 Leo and Kay Welk 50 Keary and Sandra Brager 100 Veronica Lyter 50 Anthony and Angela Deplazes 50 In Memory of Torgeir Vik Violet Nilson 100 In Honor of her family James and Mary Kieley 50 Troy Wangler 100 Donald and Jeaninne McAllister 250 Mark Weber 25 Kevin and Denise Stoppleworth 200 Ronald and Patricia Landman 375 In Memory of Leonard and Betty Landman and deceased Landman children and grandchildren Roger and Mary Haberman 100 In Memory of Carl and Evelyn Haberman M.J. Sweeney 100 Anthony Trappen 35 Gib and Doris Bromenschenkel 25 Frances Paul Arth 2 In Memory of Caroline and Paul Arth and Mary Christopherson James and Susan Fristad 250 Diana Deats O’Reilly 4 Jeffery and Caroline Koppenhaver 20 Alice Lessard 50 In Memory of Daniel J. Lessard Lloyd and Patricia Steinmetz 25 Sacred Heart Altar Society, Minto 200 James and Marianne Molinaro 450 Assumption Altar Society, Starkweather 100 Jerry and Pat Enstad 25 Daniel Seefeldt 250 Anonymous 40 Mark and Mary Koponen 25 In Honor of Father Bernard Pfau Ken and Bonnie Kroetsch 100 Daniel and Patrice Dietz 250 95,294 Rev. Darin Didier Memorial Scholarship By: Leonard and Bonnie Didier 1,000 Leonard and Bonnie Didier 130 24,573 In Memory of Father Darin’s grandfather, Gereld (Bus) Didier George and Marcella Allmaras Memorial Scholarship By: Clemence and Jean Allmaras 5,000 171,000 In Memory of St. Aelred the Abbot and In Honor of Father Damien Schill By: Dr. Frank and Beth Grund 100 John and Georgeane Glasgow 100 Dennis and Janis Thompson 20
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Obituaries
Events around the diocese
Sister Fidelis dies at 106; taught for 65 years
For more events throughout the diocese, visit www.fargodiocese.org/events.
diocese.org/wordofgod.
Feb. 14-17 (Thursday-Sunday): Women’s Ignatian Retreat, St. Francis Retreat Center, Hankinson.
March 7-10 (Thursday-Sunday): Men’s Ignatian Retreat, St. Francis Retreat Center, Hankinson. Registration forms can be found at: www.fargodiocese.org/ retreatregistration. Deadline is March 4.
Sister Fidelis Nieberler, OSF, 106, Hankinson, died Thursday, Jan. 10. The funeral service was held on Jan. 19 at St. Francis Convent, Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Hankinson. Sister M. Fidelis Nieberler was born on Easter morning, April 15, 1906. She was one of 15 children born to Johann and Katharina (Weindel) Nieberler in Kaldorff, Germany. In 2009, Sister celebrated her 80th Jubilee as a Dillingen Franciscan Sister. Sister Fidelis arrived in Hankinson in 1934, leaving behind the beautiful vineyards and forests of her homeland, as well as the concern of her congregation that she might be incarcerated for speaking out against Hitler. When she arrived in Hankinson, Sister Fidelis spent the first several months learning a new language, and then was asked to go to Dickinson State College to obtain her teaching degree. She had an extensive education and taught for a total of 65 years, seven of those in Germany, eight years at St. John’s in Collegeville, Minn., and 50 years in the Diocese of Fargo. During the summer months she taught vacation school in many of the smaller communities, as well as helping children prepare for their first Confession and First Communion. Sister Fidelis said, to form Christ in others, we have to think of religion as someone, not something, and give a living, personal,
concrete knowledge. She always enjoyed the time she spent with her sibling, Sister Gloria, OSF, as they toiled together in the gardens on the convent grounds before she returned to her school duties. Sister Fidelis’ life and attitude were an inspiration to all who knew her. This was made apparent by the many former students who came to visit during her retirement years at St. Francis Convent. She always had a big smile, and her eyes gleamed with the love she had for her Lord and his people. Sister Fidelis expressed her philosophy of teaching with these words: “Since each child has a unique pattern of learning, I strongly believe that a teacher has to be alert to the needs of each child; be available, enthusiastic, open to new ways of teaching and use different learning styles; build up the child’s self-confidence through motivation, with love, care and genuine concern.” Sister Fidelis is survived by her Dillingen Franciscan Sisters, and numerous family members in Germany who have been in frequent contact with her throughout these many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Johann and Katharina Nieberler; and all of her siblings, eight of whom were priests, brothers and sisters.
Sister Mary Joyce Gagne was nurse and anesthetist Funeral services for Sister Mary Joyce Gagne were held on Jan. 4 at St. Francis Convent Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Hankinson. Sister Joyce was born on July 27, 1940, in Drake, and died peacefully on Dec. 31, 2012, in her home at the Provincial House at Hankinson. Sister Joyce was received into the novitiate of the Dillingen Franciscan Sisters on July 7, 1960, and her perpetual vows were professed Aug. 15, 1966. Sister Joyce was among the members of the last class of graduates of St. Francis School of Nursing, Breckenridge, Minn., and later completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing as well as her degree in anesthesiology at Mt. Marty, Yankton, S.D. Her work took her to Oakes Community Hospital, Oakes; Towner County Hospital, Cando; St. Gerard Community Hospital, Hankinson, and St. Anne’s Guest Home in Grand Forks. Sister Joyce retired from the medical field in 2000 to accept the receptionist position at St. Anne’s. In 2009, she returned to the Provincial House to assist with caring for her Sisters and to become the driver for many trips for Sisters who were unable to drive. She had celebrated her golden jubilee on June 27, 2011. Sister Joyce experienced numerous health problems throughout the years, yet her deep faith in God enabled her to continue to serve others. She often said the most gratifying part of her work had been to serve people and help them to regain their health. In her semi-retirement she found much time for her spiritual life, with her daily intention being for the conversion of the whole world . . . that people would come back to God. Sister Mary Joyce is survived by her Franciscan Community of Sisters, Hankinson; her stepmother Johanna Gagne,
Minot; three sisters: Viola Keck (Lenzy David), Texarkana, Ark.; Stella Havens, Virginia Beach, Va.; Leona Hoagland, Minot; three brothers: Jerome Gagne, Dillon, Mont.; Thomas (Nancy) Gagne, Minot; Timothy (Donna) Gagne, Minot, and numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Regina Gagne, her brothers, Michael and Kenneth Gagne, and her sister, Rita Gagne.
Feb. 19 (Tuesday): Serra Club dinner, an opportunity to visit and pray with others who support vocations in the area, 6 p.m., Sts. Anne and Joachim, Fargo. Feb. 21 (Thursday): Dining with the Word of God, 6:15 p.m., St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fargo. Father Jared Kadlec will explore the book of Psalms. Visit www.fargodiocese.org/wordofgod. Feb. 21-24 (Thursday-Sunday): Women’s Cursillo in Harvey; rectora, Laurie Wiederrich. Visit www.cursillond.org. Feb. 24 (Sunday): Operation Andrew Dinner for men discerning a call to the priesthood. Visit www.fargodiocese.org/ vocations. Feb. 28-March 3 (Thursday-Sunday): Men’s Cursillo in Belcourt; rector, David Azure. Visit www.cursillond.org. March 3-6 (Sunday-Wednesday): Dr. Ray
Guarendi to speak at Sts. Anne and Joachim’s parish mission in Fargo. Each presentation begins at 7 p.m. See page 6. March 7 (Thursday): Dining with the Word of God, 6:15 p.m., St. Anthony of Padua, Fargo. Father Bert Miller will explore the book of Isaiah. Visit www.fargo
March 12 (Tuesday): Serra Club dinner, an opportunity to visit and pray with others who support vocations in the area, 6 p.m., Holy Cross, West Fargo. March 14-17 (Thursday-Sunday): Men’s Cursillo in Hankinson; rector, Myron Jabs. Visit www.cursillond.org. March 21-24 (Thursday-Sunday): Women’s Cursillo in Belcourt; rectora, Marietta Good. Visit www.cursillond.org. March 22-24 (Friday-Sunday): Rachel's Vineyard retreat for anyone who struggles with the feelings of loss that can accompany an abortion experience. Call Ruth Ruch at (701) 219-3941 or email ruch@i29.net. March 29 (Friday): Good Friday Stations of the Cross, 10 a.m., Fargo abortuary, 512 1st Ave. North.
To submit events for New Earth and the diocesan website, mail them to New Earth, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605 or email news@fargodio cese.org. The deadline for March 2013’s New Earth is Feb. 20.
Mark your Calendars
Keynote: Star Parker is the founder and president of CURE, the Center for Urban Renewal and Education
FEBRUARY 14, 2013 Donations can be made at www.impactgiveback.org Click Donate: John Paul ll Catholic Schools Help us reach our goal of $40K to support the JPll Schools Nurse Program & other Wellness Activities in our Schools.
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Students lead remembrance ceremony On Jan. 23, REC students from Edgeley and Nortonville participated in a remembrance ceremony led by the high school REC students to mark the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. The ceremony was titled “What Might Have Been” and was obtained from the Respect Life office of the diocese. Submitted photo
Focusing on a few helps bring Jesus Christ to many
“I
t’s 1 a.m. already? If I could only the masses about his kingdom, he also have four more hours, then I taught his disciples how to teach others. could finish this paper! There are s FOCUS missionaries, we know that just not enough hours in a day!” there are not enough hours in a day If you’re a college student — or if you for us to invest deeply in every one of know a college student — you’ve probathe 20,000 students on our campus. Yet, bly heard someone speak these words. there is a way that, in time, we could Let’s face it — for most of us, there reach all of campus. It is by investing just never seems to be enough hours in deeply in men and women and teaching a day. And when one’s work involves them how to reach their the salvation of souls, finpeers. We call this princiishing that “to do list” in ple “spiritual multiplicaa timely manner seems to tion.” take on added weight. When I was at summer Much like the work of training, one of our the priest, the religious teachers used the examsister and the youth minple of the “Super Evanister, the work of a misgelist.” In this example, sionary is never done. we imagine that God There are always more gives one person the souls that could be grace to reach one milreached, more preparalion people each year in tion for Bible study that such a way as they becould be done, and more come followers of Christ. funds that must be raised. We call this person the With only four misSuper Evangelist. sionaries to serve and And let’s also say that 20,000 students to be Jackie Mitzel God gives you (yes, you, reached, how are we Felthe reader!) the grace to lowship of Catholic University Students make two disciples for him. He also gives missionaries to spend our time? you the grace to teach these two disciples To answer this question, we must look how to reach two more people, and so to Jesus. More specifically, we should on down the line. Let’s see what haplook to see how he spent his time during pens: the years of his public ministry. ■ Year One: Super Evangelist has made Jesus spent time preaching to the 1 million disciples, and you have made crowds and healing the sick. He fed the two. thousands. But, if we look more closely, ■ Year Two: Super Evangelist has 2 we see that Jesus chose 12 men to be his million total disciples, and your chain disciples, and he spent a great deal of has made six (two original that you time investing in and forming these made and the two that each of those men. two people made). He did not neglect the crowds — he ■ Year 10: Super Evangelist has 10 milloved them deeply and spent time minlion disciples and your chain has 2,046. istering to them. But his plan to reach ■ Year 20: Super Evangelist has 20 milthe entire world was going to be fulfilled lion disciples, and your chain has 2 milby investing deeply in his disciples and lion. This year, however, is the turning preparing them to go “and make discipoint for your chain because while the ples of all nations, baptizing them in the Super Evangelist continues to add 1 milname of the Father and of the Son and lion each year, 1,048,576 new disciples of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). will be added to your chain this year, In other words, Jesus not only taught
A
FOCUS
“As a team, we have done events and outreach on campus to reach the masses. This work has been good, but the ministry that seems to bear the most fruit is the ministry where we invest deeply in students who then, with time, are able to invest deeply in others.” Jackie Mitzel and this number grows exponentially. ■ Year 24: the Super Evangelist has 24 million disciples for Christ, and you have 33 million. ■ Year 33: Super Evangelist has 33 million disciples and your chain will have reached every man, woman, and child on the earth.
T
his process of spiritual multiplication works, but it can seem counterproductive at first. Why should I as a female missionary spend so much time investing in just a couple of women on campus when there are thousands who could be reached for Jesus? As a first-year missionary, I have seen this process of spiritual multiplication happen. As a team, we have done events and outreach on campus to reach the masses. This work has been good, but the ministry that seems to bear the most fruit is the ministry where we invest deeply in students who then, with time, are able to invest deeply in others. For instance, at the beginning of the academic year, I was discipling (mentoring) five young women who desired to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus and the Catholic Church and who also desired to learn how to reach out to their peers. One of these women has since graduated, but she already made a difference at this university by reaching out to a group of sophomores by leading a Bible study. The other four are now all leading their own Bible studies and three of
them are in the process of beginning to disciple other students. The process seems slow, but when you look at it, by investing deeply in these five women (plus the women who are in the Bible studies that I lead) who then go on to invest deeply in three to 10 girls in the Bible study they lead and then even more deeply in one to two women that they will disciple, the efforts of one follower of Christ really do make a huge difference.
S
o, at the end of the day, I realize there are enough hours in the day. Enough hours to accomplish what is most important. Enough hours to invest deeply in a few and to teach them how to invest in a few more. My challenge to you is to invest deeply in a couple of others. Walk with them in their faith journey. Help them to learn how to pray and teach them how to do what you are doing with them with others. This is what Christ did. May he be our teacher. And may his mother be our mother, praying for us along the way. Jackie Mitzel is a Fargo native and a 2007 graduate of Fargo South High School. She graduated from Ave Maria University in Florida in 2011 and spent the last year working as a youth minister at St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks. She is now a FOCUS missionary at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va.
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Group of the year honors to Shanley Teens for Life March for Life pilgrims, like these from the dioceses of Crookston and Fargo, marched in Washington, D.C., Jan. 25 to declare that life must be protected from conception to natural death. Photo by Kayla O’Toole of Crystal, ND
Shanley students pray at March for Life Continued from page 9 geous and not be silent . . . to be bold and stand up for the unborn, and for the mother and the father,” she said. “We can’t forget the father in this whole picture. They are just as affected.” Her daughter, Angelique Savageau Gross, a 2007 Shanley graduate, said experiencing the pilgrimage as a pregnant woman 24 weeks along was “an eyeopener,” especially as she realized that, in some states, aborting a 24-week-old baby is not illegal. “It makes me upset or angry at first, and then I realize the biggest emotion I have with that is sadness,” she said. “To think we’re losing a generation; that my child is losing friends and classmates and potential spouses and peers, people that could have made a difference.” Whenever a rosary was offered up on the bus, she said, she intentionally prayed for all those who have been lost
over the past 40 years, and those who will die in the coming days. Though the march was the main attraction, Father Charles LaCroix, advisor for the Shanley Teens for Life group, said an effort was made beforehand to ensure the whole journey was rooted in prayer, including the 50 hours spent traveling by bus. “It all begins with prayer and I think the Lord inspired us that the only way to restore the sanctity of human life is to use spiritual weapons; first of all the weapon of love, and then a sacrificial love, because that’s what Jesus used to attain our salvation,” he said. Daily Mass also was part of the itinerary, since “Mass really is the glue and gives all of our other efforts their efficacy,” he said. “I think it was the grace of the Holy Spirit that touched our hearts and allowed us to see the importance of prayer throughout this pilgrimage.”
“We are right in the Heartland, and for rights and protection and love to be restored to those in the womb, it’s going to come from the heart because it’s a movement of the heart.” Father LaCroix “everything we do is as pioneers,” receiving the award was inspiring and motivating for the students to continue doing all they can to make a difference, “in the lives of our classmates and hopefully in the lives of women and children we’re saving through prayer and our witness.”
Moving forward Father LaCroix said the fact that those honored are from this part of the country isn’t without significance. “We are right in the Heartland, and for rights and protection and love to be restored to those in the womb, it’s going to come from the heart because it’s a movement of the heart,” he said. “As long as we remain faithful, humble and hungry to do God’s will, he can do great things through us,” he concluded, adding, “ Through this award, we think that God is saying to us, ‘This is only the beginning, so buckle your seatbelts and hang on because we’re in for quite a ride.’ ”
Call Ray Simon at (701) 235-0272
Diocese of Fargo
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Continued from page 9 before the trip. She’d been relegated to watching what she could on television back home and offering up her suffering for the benefit of the students and all those affected by abortion. Bitzan said she was heartened by how the chaperones and students kept her near from afar by sending frequent text updates. “Whenever I would pray for the pilgrims I always got a text from someone,” she said. “It was divine.” At one point, when she was “quarantined” in her room with her laptop, she said, she went on a virtual tour of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, knowing the group was participating in Mass there. Just as a tear started to well up at the thought of what she was missing, she said, she received a text from Father LaCroix noting that he’d just mentioned her in his homily. “We had texted earlier about the Holy Spirit and Pope Paul VI’s writings and how these students are going to convert the hearts of many and liberate them from the slavery of sin,” she said. “There were constant ‘God moments’ like this, and I was so filled with joy even though I was hurting physically because I could feel the power of God’s presence through the students. I could feel their prayer.” The highlight, however, came as she watched Shanley win the national award. “To earn that award in the same ceremony as Father Frank Pavone — wow — it was yet another amazing blessing from God.” Cowles said that though the Shanley Teens for Life is a fairly new group and
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y name is Rosa Maria Rametsi and I live with my husband and six grandchildren in a small village in the mountains of Lesotho, Africa. My grandchildren came to live with us two years ago when their father passed away and their mother left the village to find work. My husband and I are now in our seventies, and it is hard for us to care for the children. The Good Shepherd Sisters run an Early Childhood Care and Development center here in the village. Catholic Relief Services provides the teachers with special training on working with young children. We decided to send our two youngest grandchildren to the center. Malifomo is 3 years Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS old and Molefe is 4. They have already The grandchildren of Rosa Maria and Julius Rametsi, 3-year-old Malifomo and 4-year-old Molefe, learned a lot. attend the CRS-supported Early Childhood Care and Development program in Montsanyane, Every day when they come home Lesotho. from school they sing us the new songs they learned at the center. They have very difficult. ■ The CRS-supported Early Childalso learned prayers to say before eating ■ Roughly 68 percent of people live hood Care and Development program meals. below the poverty line, and Lesotho in Lesotho focuses on holistic develhas the third highest HIV prevalence opment of young children in order to We see them counting to 10 and usrate in the world. As a result of these prepare them for elementary and secing stones to show other children how factors, the number of orphaned chilondary school. to do it. They can recite their vowels dren in Lesotho continues to rise, and and are starting to use bigger words in ■ Once they enter elementary communities often lack the resources sentences. We hope that this early edschool, many children in Lesotho are needed to care for them. ucation will help give them a bright provided with uniforms, shoes and hy■ CRS and the Catholic Church in future. giene kits. In addition, CRS is helping Lesotho are taking a rights-based, hocommunity members to learn new garlistic approach to addressing the needs dening techniques so that children Facts from Catholic Relief Services: of these communities, including eduhave better access to nutritious meals. cation and protection for children as ■ 75 percent of Lesotho’s population well as training on improved farming lives in remote mountainous areas, To learn more about how your Rice Bowl techniques and proper nutrition for where limited infrastructure makes gifts help others, visit crsricebowl.org. families. communication and transportation
A grandmother’s story
Jamestown, Wahpeton schools participating in Catholic United Financial raffle St. John’s Academy in Jamestown and St. John’s School in Wahpeton are among the 83 schools participating in the Catholic United Financial 2013 Catholic Schools Raffle. The raffle has raised more than $1 million for Catholic schools since 2009. Ticket sales for the raffle, which provides Catholic schools the chance to raise money and keep 100 percent of the revenue, began Jan. 18 and continue through March 1. Students and families from participating schools in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota
sell raffle tickets for $5 each. The schools will use the proceeds for everything from school supplies to computers to field trips and more. Tickets give buyers a chance at more than $55,000 in raffle prizes, all provided at no cost to the schools by Catholic United Financial. Included are a 2013 Ford Escape SUV or $25,000, 2014 Super Bowl tickets, a Caribbean cruise vacation, Minnesota Twins suite tickets (donated by Hubbard Radio), iPads, digital cameras, Kindle Fire
Giving Hearts Day Feb. 14 a fundraising opportunity On Feb. 14, Catholic Charities North Dakota will be taking part in Giving Hearts Day sponsored by the Dakota Medical Foundation. The day is an opportunity to double your donation, since gifts made to the agency will be matched up to $4,000. To make a donation on Feb. 14, go to www.impactgiveback.org and click on Giving Hearts — Learn more. Select Catholic Charities North Dakota and make a donation. Catholic Charities North Dakota’s mission statement is “Guided by our values, Catholic Charities North Dakota serves people in need and advocates for the common good of all.” The agency serves the entire state of North Dakota with several programs including Pregnancy, Parenting and Adoption, Adults Adopting Special Kids, Guardianship Services, Counseling Services, and Disaster Response. For more information, please contact Colleen Hardy at chardy@catholiccharitiesnd.org or call 1-800-450-4457. Also participating in Giving Hearts Day are Blessed John Paul II Catholic Schools Network and FirstChoice Clinic. Please see the ads on pages 6 and 13.
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.
tablets, gift cards and more. (See official rules at www.catholicunited.org/ links/raffle.)
February
The prize drawing on March 14 will be broadcast live on Catholic United’s website beginning at 11 a.m.
Father Raymond W. Lessard is among 51 American priests who have been named council specialists – officially appointed specialists who advise the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council. Father Lessard, a priest of the Diocese of Fargo, is studying at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University for his doctorate degree in theology. Note: In 1973, Father Lessard was appointed the 12th bishop of Savannah, Ga., by Pope Paul VI. He resigned as bishop in 1995, for health reasons. He later became a professor at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fla. where he teaches Ecclesiology and Mariology.
Updates on the raffle can be found at www.catholicunited.org and at www .facebook.com/catholicschoolsraffle. For more information about Catholic United Financial or its foundation or credit union, call 1-800-568-6670 or visit the website.
50 years ago — 1963
20 years ago — 1993 St. John parish at New Rockford held a mortgage-burning celebration to mark paying off a $200,000 building debt. The parish built an entire new plant in 1977. The project included a church with seating for 400, a parish hall with a full kitchen and a rectory with attached garage. Father Peter Hughes, pastor, said three appeals were conducted during a five-year period.
10 years ago — 2003 Feb. 16 was a day of variety at Shanley-Sullivan School. The school was filled, but not with regular classes of Deacons. This day saw representatives from almost every school in the Diocese of Fargo. There was music by “Clean Slate”; drumming and a presentation on why it is “cool to be Catholic” by Ed Vizenor; 20 different workshop topics and Eucharist with Bishop Samuel Aquila at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church to close the day’s events.