July / August New Earth

New July/August 2019 | Vol. 40 | No. 7

Earth The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo

Christ physically among us Rural Life Celebration coincides with feast of Corpus Christi

PLUS

From Bishop Folda: Steps toward healing

Ground broken for new $21.5 million Newman Center

St. Mary’s in Dazey continues 115-year Corpus Christi tradition

NEW EARTH JULY/AUGUST 2019

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Monday, August 5, 2019 Rose Creek Golf Course Fargo, North Dakota To register your team, contact: Brenda Hagemeier 701-356-7928 brenda.hagemeier@fargodiocese.org

11:00 AM - Registration 12:30 PM - Shotgun Start Followed by Social and Banquet

ďż˝ Steve Schons 701-356-7926 steve.schons@fargodiocese.org Register online: http://www.fargodiocese.org/puttpurpose

Sponsored by: Catholic Development Foundation 5201 Bishops Blvd. S, Suite A, Fargo, ND

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Proceeds will benefit seminarian education and youth programs within the Diocese of Fargo.

ON THE COVER: The Blessed Sacrament on the altar during the Rural Life Celebration on June 23.

(Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(ISSN# 10676406) Our mission is to serve Catholic parishes in Eastern N.D. as the official monthly publication of the Diocese of Fargo.

Publisher

Most Rev. John T. Folda Bishop of Fargo

Editor Paul Braun

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Assistant editor Kristina Lahr Designer Stephanie Drietz - Drietz Designs Subscriptions

FROM BISHOP FOLDA 4 Steps toward healing

ASK A PRIEST 8 Is my judgment of less faithful people a sin?

AROUND THE DIOCESE

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12 The future is now for St. Paul’s Newman Center in Fargo

FAITH AND CULTURE 13 Tattered Pages

A review of The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander

COVER STORY 14 Christ physically among us

18 24 34

Rural Life Celebration coincides with feast of Corpus Christi

NEXT GEN 18 Youth discipleship growing at Holy Spirit Church, Fargo

US/WORLD NEWS 34 National Life Runners relay starts at Grand Forks parish

SIDEWALK STORIES 39 Sidewalk in summer brings stark scenarios

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FROM BISHOP FOLDA

Steps toward healing

F

or the past year, we implement our Holy Father’s instructions on reporting and have heard more investigating claims of abuse by bishops. The first sets protocols revelations of cler- and restrictions on former bishops who were removed or gy abuse of minors in the resigned their office for reasons of sexual abuse or intentional Church, including abuse mishandling of such cases. Another reaffirms the commitment committed by bishops. With of bishops to place themselves under the same high standards good reason many of the of the Gospel applied to priests, deacons, and lay personnel. faithful have expressed This commits bishops to the same requirements of the “Charter sadness, frustration, and for the Protection of Children and Young People” (commonly anger at these sins of the known as the “Dallas Charter”), which was adopted in 2002 in shepherds of our Lord’s response to the clergy abuse crisis. And the last document deals flock. But some concrete specifically with the reporting and investigation of complaints steps have now been taken against bishops. It puts into effect the mandate of Pope Francis to increase our vigilance that all such allegations must be reported and referred to the and strengthen our efforts local metropolitan archbishop, or a senior bishop in the region to prevent the evil of sexual if the claim is against the archbishop himself. The Holy See is abuse by bishops who have also notified of any such allegations, so no complaints can be betrayed the flock entrusted brushed off or covered up. to them.

The bishops also approved the establishment of a national The bishops of the United third-party phone and online system that receives reports of States met last November abuse violations by bishops. Currently, complaints against and again in June to consider bishops can go to law enforcement, the diocesan chancery, measures that must be taken to confront this crisis. As a body, or directly to the nuncio, the Pope’s representative. When it we recognize that bishops, like all our priests, must be accountable becomes active in the upcoming year, this third-party system, for instances of sexual abuse of minors, or the intentional or “hotline,” will supplement these existing avenues and will mishandling of such cases. In the aftermath of the Theodore facilitate the process for gathering and reporting complaints of McCarrick case, this became even more urgent. sexual abuse.

One key point in these decisions involves the role of the laity.

The Pope explicitly permits the use of lay experts who would be free from any conflict of interest. The bishops go further and state that they are “committed, when we receive or when we are authorized to investigate such cases to include the counsel of lay men and women whose professional backgrounds are indispensable.” Lay men and women have served on diocesan review boards since 2002, and now their expertise and experience will be especially valuable in potential cases involving bishops.

The participation of laity in these investigations will add credibility – Bishop John Folda and transparency to the process as well.

Pope Francis wrote to all the bishops of the United States Pope Francis also called the presidents of national bishops’ in January that the consequences of abuse and our failures to conferences around the world to a special meeting last February respond to it cannot be solved by being mere administrators of to consider this grave issue and the steps that must be taken to new programs and committees. They can only be resolved by address it. He made it very clear that this is an issue not only for humility, listening, self-examination, and conversion. I can state the United States but for the worldwide Church. Following this without hesitation that I and my brother bishops are determined gathering, Pope Francis issued a document in May called Vos to address any acts of abuse in light of Christ’s command that Estis Lux Mundi (“You are the Light of the World”). In this docuwe are to be true shepherds who protect the flock entrusted to ment, he made changes in Church law to establish a mandatory us. I am hopeful that these important measures will close the process for investigations of complaints against bishops (not just gap that allowed abuses to go unreported and uncorrected. priests and deacons) for sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult, and for mishandling of such abuse or harassment cases. I reported in my April column that I intend to release the It mandates reporting of all such allegations, offers protection names of those clergy in our diocese who have substantiated for those who make reports, and it reiterates that bishops are claims of abuse against minors in their background. I can tell subject to the universal law of the Church that forbids sexual abuse. you that we have been reviewing hundreds of files for many months, and we are now in the final stretch. Once the review is Following this action of Pope Francis, the bishops of the complete, I will offer the findings to all the faithful in the hope United States overwhelmingly approved three documents that

“With God’s grace, I pray that we will eradicate this stain on the Church and move forward with living the Gospel of Christ. Please pray with me for these intentions.”

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that the suffering of victims will be acknowledged and that we as a diocese will experience the purification of God’s healing grace.

As I have said before, even one act of abuse is too many, and the Church must be always vigilant to prevent any such act from happening again. Sin has been in the world since the Fall of Adam and Eve, and we will continue to struggle with sin despite the best training and programs. Our work is to live out

a spirit of holiness and to ensure the best preventive measures and remedies for sin, in whatever form it takes. The good news is that the number of reported abuses by clergy has plummeted in recent decades, and they have become extremely rare in recent years, especially after the measures adopted in the “Dallas Charter” of 2002. With God’s grace, I pray that we will be freed from this stain on the Church and move forward with living the Gospel of Christ. Please pray with me for these intentions.

BISHOP FOLDA’S CALENDAR July 25–26

Most Reverend Robert Gruss Installation as Bishop of Saginaw, Saginaw, Mich.

July 29

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11 a.m.

Priests Council, Pastoral Center, Fargo

Aug. 5

Putt for a Purpose, Rose Creek, Fargo

Aug. 6–8

Knights of Columbus Convention, Minneapolis, Minn.

Aug. 9

|

5:15 p.m.

Mass for Admission to Candidacy (seminarians), Sts. Anne & Joachim, Fargo

Aug. 10

|

10 a.m.

Mass for Institution of Lectors and Acolytes (seminarians), Sts. Anne & Joachim, Fargo

Aug. 11

|

5 p.m.

Field Mass, Carmel of Mary, Wahpeton

Aug. 15

Feast of Assumption, Pastoral Center closed

8 a.m.

Mass for St. JPII Schools Staff development day, Shanley Chapel, Fargo

4 p.m.

Mass to receive vows of Br. Francis, FMI, St. Stanislaus, Warsaw

Aug. 18

|

10:30 a.m.

Mass for Institution of Acolytes (permanent deacons), St. Anthony, Fargo

Aug. 22–24

Region VIII Bishops Gathering, New Ulm, Minn.

Aug. 28

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3 p.m.

St. JP II Schools Board of Directors Meeting, Pastoral Center, Fargo

5:30 p.m.

Deanery 2 Catechist Retreat, Nativity, Fargo

Sept. 8

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10:30 a.m.

Mass for Deacon Sam Pupino’s 40th Diaconate Anniversary, St. Mary, Grand Forks

Sept. 10

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noon

Catholic Charities Meeting, Pastoral Center, Fargo

Sept. 11

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10 a.m.

Sept. 12

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11 a.m.

Sept. 14

|

10 a.m.

St. JP II Schools Board and Council Retreat, Pastoral Center, Fargo Mass for Sister Therese’s 50th Jubilee of Carmelite Profession, St. Francis Convent, Hankinson Mass for 40th Anniversary of Diaconate in Fargo Diocese, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo NEW EARTH JULY/AUGUST 2019

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Prayer for priests Dear Lord, we pray that the Blessed Mother wrap

DECREE her mantle around your priests and through her

strengthen themDakota for their ministry. We Relegating St. Anselm’s Catholic intercession Church, Fulda, North pray that Mary will guide your priests to follow her to Profane But Not Use ownSordid words, “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5). May your priests have the heart of St. Joseph, Mary’s most In Nomine Domini. Amen. chaste spouse. May the Blessed Mother’s own pierced heart inspire them to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross. May your priests be holy, filled with the fire of your love seeking nothing but your greater glory and the salvation of souls. Amen.

St. John Vianney, pray for us.

Prayer Intention of Pope Francis “Nothing exalts his goodness, love and mercy more than the work of saving souls. Therefore, to love God and his glory means to love souls; it means to work and sacrifice oneself for their salvation.”

– St. Ignatius of Loyola

HOLY FAMILY BOOKSTORE For Baptisms, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, weddings, and special occasion gifts and books.

To Know God...

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To Serve God...

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Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

1336 25th Ave. S., Fargo 58103 (south of K-Mart) (701) 241-7842

NEW EARTH JULY/AUGUST 2019

July /August The Integrity of Justice

That those who administer justice may work with integrity, and that the injustice which prevails in the world may not have the last word.

Families, Schools of Human Growth

That families, through their life of prayer and love, become ever more clearly “schools of true human growth.”

FOCUS ON FAITH

Special bioethics seminar to examine the ethics of gene-edited babies

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r. H e Jiankui of China shocked the globe on November 28, 2018, when he announced the birth of the world’s first gene-edited twin girls. The biophysicist claims to have used a technology known as CRISPR (pronounced “crisper”), which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, to edit sections of the human genome, performing the procedure on embryonic humans. The technology selectively “snips” and trims areas of the genome and replaces it with strands of desired DNA. “My first thought was that the brand of secular ethics that currently reigns among scientists is inadequate to the task of properly informing their decisions about the kinds of science that should or should not be pursued,” stated Father Tad Pacholczyk, Ph.D., when he first heard the news. “Editing our embryonic children requires numerous embryos to be simultaneously created (or thawed out), treated as ‘products’ and subjected to genetic ‘treatments,’ with many of them perishing during the experiment, in order that a few of them might survive and develop. Editing our embryonic children may also involve risks to them that we will only understand later when they grow up. Is it ever proper to experiment on our own offspring? Moreover, gene editing in embryos introduces changes that will be passed into the human gene pool, establishing permanent and irrevocable changes to our own humanity. How does one adequately evaluate the risks of such changes?”

Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard and is now one of the leading experts in the bioethics field, serving as a member of the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) in the United States and professor of bioethics at the University of Mary in Bismarck.

Pacholczyk will be discussing the ethics surrounding human embryo experimentation and be one of the many world-renowned bioethics experts presenting at a two-day seminar at the University of Mary, in partnership with NCBC, on Aug. 9 and 10, in the Lumen Vitae University Center’s Lower Level Conference Center.

The event, which is open to the public, brings together authorities in the field of bioethics and answers questions regarding other current topics including end of life decision-making, new developments in the biosciences and bioethics, infertility and in vitro fertilization, ethical approaches to pre- and post-natal complications, to name just a few.

Pacholczyk believes scientists can’t continue to hide behind the veil of “good intentions,” but must instead begin to examine

By University of Mary

the broader ethical ramifications of their research and clinical activities.

“Dr. He drew a parallel between in vitro fertilization (IVF) and human embryo gene editing—he calls it ‘gene surgery.’ In his YouTube video, Dr. He says, ‘Look back to the 1970s with Louise Brown. The same fears and criticisms then are repeated now. Yet, IVF unquestionably has benefited families. There will be no question about the morality of gene surgery in 20 to 30 years.’ If we conclude that IVF is something good and ethically acceptable, we end up granting the principle that it is okay to engage in very harmful and damaging actions as long as we have a good end or purpose in mind,” Pacholczyk explained.

“Although IVF involves a litany of grave harms, like the engendering of human beings in laboratories and the freezing or destruction of embryos, if our intention is to help others fulfill their desire to have a baby, it must be okay. By this same logic, gene editing of our children will also come to be acceptable as long as our intentions are good and we’re trying to help others, even if we are actually causing serious harms along the way.”

Dr. He said his goal was to edit embryos to give them the ability to resist HIV infection by disabling the CCR5 gene, which allows HIV to enter a cell. However, according to Nature, an international journal of science, Dr. He “might have inadvertently caused mutations in other parts of the genome, which could have unpredictable health consequences. Also, CCR5 is thought to help people fight off the effects of various other infections, such as West Nile virus. If the gene is disabled, the girls could be vulnerable. If they do suffer in a way that is linked to He’s procedure, and He is found to have been practicing medicine illegally, he could be sentenced to between three and 10 years in prison. But identifying those health effects could take years.”

Since He’s announcement, his revelation has set off a massive firestorm around the world and even in China. Condemnation from Chinese bioethicists and American scientists quickly followed.

Recently, a letter was drafted by prominent scientists and ethicists and sent to Health and Human Services (HHS) noting that Dr. He had ignored important ethical guidelines and urging a moratorium on federal funding in the United States of experiments that genetically alter humans.

Pacholczyk believes the letter, while raising legitimate concerns, doesn’t go far enough in identifying the root ethical issues of the problem.

“Most of the people who signed the recent letter to HHS calling for a moratorium do not see the grave problems with IVF,” said Pacholczyk. “So in time, they will accede to the gene editing juggernaut. Their letter lacks the kind of principled ethical foundation needed to properly confront the issue.”

People interested in the two-day bioethics seminar or would like to register for the event online can do so at www.umary.edu/bioethics. People wanting to learn more about the University of Mary bioethics program should contact the Director of Bioethics, Dr. Karen Rohr, at kmrohr@ umary.edu or (701) 355-8113.

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FOCUS ON FAITH

Is my judgment of less faithful people a sin?

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n e re a d e r presented this situation and question (condensed for brevity): Ask A Priest “Some of my friends Father Dale Kinzler who are not religious are better off financially than I am. One good friend just received an inheritance windfall for the second time. I don’t feel envious of them in the things they have or do, because I know my struggles have brought me closer to Christ. Yet I find myself feeling self-righteous because my husband and I enjoy deeper faith than they have. I don’t know how to confess this or identify what sin I am committing. Is judging myself “holier” than they are my way of making myself feel better? How do I feel joy for them and yet truly feel the joy of offering our struggles and accepting God’s will?”

In response, let’s first affirm the virtues you are practicing in this situation. It sounds as though the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity are alive and well in your life. You are exercising faith through regular worship and hope through trusting in God to bring you through challenging times. You are practicing charity through tithing and reaching out to others despite your own financial struggles.

You also mention joy, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Rejoicing in the good fortune of your friend’s windfall need not diminish the joy you find in acceptance of your own situation. Joy, like love, is a “many-splendored thing.” If I may use the analogy of clothing, our virtues and spiritual gifts are “tailor made” by God to suit each person in our particular life situation. God tailors the clothing, but it is up to us to put on the garment, to wear it, and to keep it clean. Even some of the materially poorest people in the world find great joy in the loving bonds of family life. I have witnessed this first hand among people I visited in Peru and India.

Jesus then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else: “Two men went up to the temple to pray... The Pharisee spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector... But the tax collector stood off at a distance... and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.’ I tell you the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:9-14).

Elsewhere in Luke, Jesus advises us: “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and gifts will be given to you.... For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you” (Luke 6:37-38).

Another question to ponder in this situation: what effort might you make to encourage your friend to begin or resume some practice of the faith you enjoy? Not knowing what you may have done along this line, I can only encourage you to watch and pray and discern whether there is something more you can do. Our diocese recently offered a Convocation of Parish Leaders to examine the question of evangelization and to encourage our parishes to work especially on re-integrating members who have distanced themselves from God and Church.

Passing up a particular chance to evangelize is probably not so much a matter of sin as it is a missed opportunity to perform an act of grace.

Reaching out to family or friends on the subject of faith can be quite a tightrope walk, where we want to strike a balance between nagging and neglect. The most natural, least offensive, and perhaps most effective way of doing so is simply to give testimony to the joy you have found in your relationship with Christ and the peace you have found in acceptance of God’s will. Witnessing from your experience is more effective than “preaching from your pulpit.”

In any case, we want to avoid the Pharisaic attitude of standing in judgment of the “tax collectors” among us and “exalting ourselves” over them. We must continually humble ourselves in the presence of God, recognizing our own need of mercy and forgiveness. And then we can bring to the confessional those – Father Dale Kinzler things that come to mind when we recite the Confiteor—our So, as you recognize, some of your friends have chosen not sins of thought and word, in what we have done and what we to “wear the garment” of faith, having perhaps cast aside the have failed to do. gift they once had accepted. You might well feel saddened at Father Kinzler serves as the pastor of St. George’s Church in Cooperthe relative spiritual impoverishment of people more materially stown; Sacred Heart Church, Aneta; St. Olaf’s Church, Finley; and wealthy than yourself. And there is no sin in this awareness.

St. Lawrence’s Church, Jessie.

But you do mention self-righteousness, and I think you have probably hit the nail on the head. If there is any sin to Editor’s Note: If you would like to submit a question for consideration be confessed, it might well be that very attitude in which we in a future column, please send to news@fargodiocese.org or mail judge ourselves “holier than thou.” The Gospel parable of the to New Earth, 5201 Bishops Blvd. S, Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104. pharisee and the tax collector comes immediately to mind:

“Witnessing from your experience is more effective than ‘preaching from your pulpit.’”

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

St. Mary’s in Dazey continues 115-year Corpus Christi tradition

By Paul Braun

Father Sean Mulligan, Pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Dazey, leads the parish’s annual Corpus Christi procession on June 22.

(Paul Braun | New Earth)

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estled in the woods about five miles east of the tiny town of Dazey, about a half-hour’s drive northwest of Valley City, is the little, off-the-road Catholic church of St. Mary’s. Weekly Mass attendance is small but steady yearround, although attendance picks up a little during the summer months thanks to campers and vacationers from nearby Lake Ashtabula Recreation Area.

However, on one Saturday each year, worshippers fill the church to capacity; a male-choir sings and chants Latin and traditional hymns, and the congregation forms a procession honoring the Holy Eucharist. For 115 years, parishioners at St. Mary’s have held their procession through the woods surrounding the church on the feast of Corpus Christi. For many in attendance, the procession is a chance to not only honor our Lord but an opportunity to reunite with relatives and carry on a family tradition.

“I came all the way from Houston, Texas,” said Bill Berger, part of one of the parish’s prominent families.

The Corpus Christi procession is a time-honored tradition that brings families together each year for the Mass, the procession, and a meal afterwards. The procession is such an important tradition that when heavy rain threatened to cancel it about five years ago, worshipers would have no part of canceling, and were prepared to carry on in the downpour. Miraculously, the rain stopped just in time for the procession to take place.

Strolling through the tiny, well-kept cemetery behind the church, names of prominent, pioneer families of St. Mary’s stand out: Amann, Eberle, Weiland, Kunze, Berger, Reidman, among others. Many of these families were founding members of this church established in 1899. Most of those attending the Corpus Christi celebration are descendants of those founding families and are determined to keep the tradition of celebrating Corpus Christi at St. Mary’s alive for generations to come.

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

Volume two of Father Damien’s cookbook series now available

By Kristina Lahr

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n 2018, Father Damien Schill published the first of a three-part cookbook series. The second volume in the series is now available. While the first volume focused on side dishes, this volume contains hundreds of entrees organized by the prominent meat used in the dish. Father Schill cooked many of these recipes when he was the Executive Chef for the Jesuits at the La Sorta House in Minneapolis beginning in 2001.

“While I was working for them I had to come up with a four-course meal from scratch every day, five days a week,” Father Schill writes. “The entire time that I worked for them, I never served the same menu twice.

Consequently I have lots of recipes!”

Father Damien Schill served as a priest in the Fargo Diocese from 1987–98. He is now the Chief of the Chaplain Service at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Health Care system. Cooking & Eating with Father Damien & Friends Volume 2 is available at Hurley’s Religious Goods Store in Fargo.

Carmel’s Candidate! Please keep Meg in your prayers.

We hope to see you at the pilgrimage on Sunday, August 11!

CARMEL OF MARY 17765 78TH ST. S.E., WAHPETON, ND • 701-642-2360 • CARMELOFMARY@GMAIL.COM

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

Cathedral of St. Mary observes 120 years of service to the faithful

By Paul Braun

in Jamestown… a woefully inadequate church to serve as the cathedral. In his memoirs, Bishop Shanley described St. Mary’s Church as “the worst apology for a church I had ever seen, and its filth was equaled only by the filth of the priest’s house.”

Bishop Shanley began the process of building a new cathedral in Fargo. He had raised enough money to build the cathedral basement and to have the cornerstone laid, but a horrific fire that destroyed downtown Fargo combined with a financial depression in the state, delayed the completion of the cathedral for another eight years. On May 30, 1899, the Cathedral of St. Mary was completed and dedicated.

On May 30, 2019, the eighth Bishop of Fargo, the Most Reverend John Folda, celebrated Mass in honor of the 120 years the Cathedral has served the faithful of the diocese. The cathedral has undergone a series of renovations dating back to 1939, with the most recent completed in 2008. The Cathedral stands 172 feet tall at the tip of the largest bell tower. The interior is 173 feet long, 68 feet wide, and 65 feet to the ceiling. It is built out of red Menominee brick taken from the sandstone of Lake Superior. The stained glass windows are made of “Sicilian opalescent glass manufactured hen the Most Reverend John Shanley, the first Bishop of in Chicago,” according to a visitor’s guide published by the Fargo, was named bishop, his first church was located cathedral staff. in the small town of Jamestown at St. James Church. The Cathedral boasts several beautiful works of art and Although more centrally located to serve the needs of Catholics mosaics, most notably mosaics of Mary the Mother of God on across the new state of North Dakota, Jamestown was not an the left as one faces the altar and the Divine Mercy Jesus on the ideal place for the seat of the diocese, and St. James Church was, right. Two of the original confessionals are still in use today. A at the time, inadequate to serve as a cathedral.

TV special called The Chair, produced by the Diocese of Brooklyn, In 1891, Bishop Shanley moved the seat of the diocese to N.Y., is currently in production and will highlight the Cathedral Fargo due to the availability of transportation as well as a larger and its role as the seat of the Diocese of Fargo. The Chair will be donor base. Upon his arrival, he found the same problem he had available for viewing later this fall.

An aerial view of the Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo. (Diocese of Fargo)

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The new St. Paul’s Newman Center near NDSU will feature a 425-seat chapel, offices, and faith-based student housing. (submitted photo)

The future is now for St. Paul’s Newman Center in Fargo Ground broken for new $21.5 million Newman Center

By Paul Braun

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t. Paul’s Newman Center, which serves North Dakota State University (NDSU), has broken ground on a new Newman Center, chapel, and faith-based student housing facility. The $21.5 million project will replace the existing Newman Center, which has been serving Catholic students at NDSU since 1958.

To date, the Newman Center has raised just over $18 million of the goal.

“It is with great thanksgiving to God that we look forward to the next chapter of service to the students of NDSU through the award winning campus ministry program of St. Paul’s Newman Center,” said Father James Cheney, Pastor of St. Paul’s Newman Center. “Faith-based practices during the critical formation period of the college experience will produce healthier relationships, better marriages, better coping skills, work habits centered on character formation, and a life perspective informed by hope.”

Joining Father Cheney in the groundbreaking ceremony were the Most Reverend John Folda, Bishop of Fargo, and NDSU President Dean Bresciani, and Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney.

“Sharing the Catholic faith with young people is one of the most important missions of the Church in our time,” said Bishop John Folda. “The new St. Paul Newman Center will help us continue this mission at NDSU for decades to come. We thank God for bringing us to this day, and we’re especially grateful to all the donors who are helping to build this spiritual home for the NDSU community.”

“NDSU welcomes this enhancement of the University community and the community surrounding our University,” said President Bresciani.

The new Newman Center will consist of a two-story main chapel that will seat 425 people. The gathering and hospitality areas will feature a student commons area, a great hall/multipurpose room, a kitchen, coffee house, Catholic bookstore, and a 325-seat ballroom. The space will also include classrooms and a library, as well as staff office space.

One of the highlights of the new Newman Center will be expanded student faith-based housing with 88 beds, a Cardinal 12

NEW EARTH JULY/AUGUST 2019

Dignitaries turn shovels of dirt signaling the start of the new St. Paul’s Newman Center building project. Pictured left to right are: Msgr.

Gregory Schlesselmann, St. Paul’s Newman Center; Larry Nygard, Roers Construction; Father James Cheney, St. Paul’s Newman Center; Bishop John Folda, Diocese of Fargo; Dean Bresciani, President of NDSU; Jim Roers, Roers Construction; and Mayor Tim Mahoney, City of Fargo. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

Muench discernment hall for men to further discern the priesthood, and a rectory for priests.

The groundbreaking took place on June 24, the feast of St. John the Baptist. Father Cheney told those gathered that the date was fitting since St. John has played such a big role in his spiritual life. He hopes the new Newman Center will continue to inspire Catholic students at NDSU for the next 60 years and beyond.

“The Newman project will help build a broad based value in NDSU,” said Father Cheney. “It will allow for a deeper engagement in university life, contribute to greater retention rates, and promote NDSU’s long standing tradition of excellence. This project, combined with nationally recognized programming, presents a tremendous benefit to our community: changing hearts, changing lives, and forming future leaders – bisonCatholic.”

The expected projected completion date is July 2021.

FAITH AND CULTURE

Mary’s song plays on

By Father Michael Hickin

TATTERED PAGES

A review of Catholic books, movies, music

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aryll Houselander (1901-54) is one of those 20th century figures who breathed the spirit of Vatican II long before the Council was conceived, and since Vatican II, survives as an author praised across the spectrum of Catholic experience.

She calls herself a “rocking horse Catholic,” meaning not a “cradle Catholic” but one who joined the faith as a child. She was six. At the urging of the family doctor and his lawyer friend, nicknamed Smokey, Gertrude Houselander had Caryll and her older sister received into the Catholic Church. Strangely enough, Smokey was no believer. Friendly with the Oxford movement, Caryll notes in her autobiography that he was of the opinion, “If Jesus Christ was really God, and if he founded a Church, it was absolutely certain that this Church was none other than the Roman Catholic Church.” This explains a lot.

In her book, The Reed of God, Houselander offers a vivid portrait of Jesus Christ viewed from the lens of his mother. Mary is “the reed” and Caryll is the muse who hears and interprets the music. It seems that what we have here are the notes from a few months of Caryll’s lectio divina, that sacred reading of the Scriptures in which you patiently immerse your heart in the pulse of the Word and allow it to sprout what the Spirit deems necessary for your diet at that time. This book is a record of what she reaped from those Gospel passages that refer to the mother of Jesus as Caryll lived through the dire years of a besieged London during WWII. The Reed of God reads like a song. It is light, musical, economic in words yet expansive in meaning. The paragraphs are staccato for the most part; many, like a newspaper article, consist of one sentence. Through Mary, Caryll teaches us how the Gospel-Jesus is alive and active in the World today. I capitalize “World” because of Caryll’s repeated reverence for what is happening in it, even in the darkest of times. For this she thanks God’s grace at work through Smokey:

“I think the fact that I owe my own faith to an agnostic, and learned to love it very largely from him in early childhood, has given me a respect, even reverence for the spiritual experience of people outside of the Church, and I am always ready to be grateful for the grace of their good example.”

Caryll was not only an ardent believer, an author, and a wartime nurse. She was also an illustrator, a sculptor, a student of modern psychology, and a cancer victim. She was a recluse who had her heart broken by a spy from Scotland Yard, who dumped

her for another woman. It says a little about somebody to know who they fall for. This guy, Sidney Reilly, really made his fame in later generations by inspiring Ian Fleming’s fictional and wildly popular “007.” One blogger has mused whether we’d even have “Bond, James Bond” were it not for Caryll. That is just like her, to lay like a pearl hidden in another. That’s precisely how she sees Jesus at work in the World.

“Our Lady lived the life of all humanity” (68). All that Mary did, she did in the name of her future children.

“She was not asked to lead a special kind of life….

“The one thing that God did ask of her was the gift of her humanity…. He asked for her ordinary life.”

It is God’s will “that Christ shall be born in every human being’s life and not, as a rule, through extraordinary things, but through the ordinary daily life and the human love that people give to one another.”

“Our Lady said yes for us all” (11-12).

This goes, of course, for Jesus as well. They are of the same school of life. This is our school as well:

“Christ lives in all Christians. The practical result of this is that now on earth the whole of Christ’s life is always being lived; the things that happened to Him on earth are happening to him now in His members. The things He did on earth He is doing now through us” (104).

Caryll offers page after page of examples about how this works itself out. Basically, Church life is the life of Jesus and Mary writ large and spread out over the centuries. Caryll breathes into her readers the living Gospel. In her strong sacramental awareness, she embodies the great law: Christ is in my neighbor, and Mary is bringing that presence to birth.

If, in Smokey, Caryll understood that the World glimpses a logic rooting Catholicism in Mother Earth, she glimpsed through Mary our humanity cradled in a loving, patient womb, transforming chaos into hope.

With a piece of music, if you like it, you want to play it over and over again. The Reed of God is a book many will love to replay.

Fr. Michael Hickin is the pastor of St. Mark’s Church in Bottineau and St. Andrew’s Church in Westhope.

“The Reed of God” by Caryll Houselander, 2006

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Christ physically among us

Rural Life Celebration coincides with feast of Corpus Christi Article and photos by Kristina Lahr

H

opefully by the time this prints, we’ll have had a few more sunny days. As of June 23, the day of the Rural Life Celebration and the feast of Corpus Christi, the weather had been so cloudy and rainy, I’d yet to consider digging sunscreen out from the back of my closet. A little burn was well worth the unexpected sun.

The weather was perfect for the day, and it was difficult not to see God’s hand in it. As Bishop John Folda processed with the Blessed Sacrament among those faithful gathered following Mass, I was struck by how intimately Christ was with us, not just spiritually or as a nice idea but as physically present as any of us.

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“When we look upon the Eucharist, we look upon Jesus, and when we receive the Eucharist, we receive Jesus, his Body and Blood, soul and divinity,” Bishop Folda said during his homily.

“With our human eyes it seems so simple and ordinary, but by the grace of the Holy Spirit and with the eyes of faith, it is the most extraordinary gift we can receive.”

Adoring the Eucharist in a church or chapel is what I expect when I go to those places. A farm is different. Here people labored and children played. Here the land was sometimes burdened with floods and droughts and other times blessed with a vibrant green as far as the eye can see. And yet, here was Christ in the midst of all that had once happened here and what is to come.

Bishop Folda enjoys a ride on the wagon

Faithful r ide a wag from the on ir parkin g space to the ce lebration .

perfect Faithful enjoy the day. e th of r weathe

An aerial view of the Osowski farm and the Rural Life Celebration on June 23.

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COVER STORY Pauline and Hilladore Osowski started the farmstead in 1954, planting potatoes, wheat, barley, and even pinto beans.

They built the house, planted trees, and raised five children.

Throughout the years, they planted sugar beets and sunflowers as well.

“God’s been here all the time,” said Pauline, “helping us out and pulling us through difficult times. He’s never left us to be honest. Even today, I prayed for a good day and I said to my husband, ‘I can’t believe God heard me.’ It’s been such crazy weather for so long. I didn’t expect a day like this.”

Bishop Folda blessed the soil that faithful brought from their farms, the nearby land and animals, celebrated Mass, and processed with the Blessed Sacrament in celebration of the feast of Corpus Christi. Following Mass, Brent Hermans provided entertainment on the piano, playing classic upbeat songs while those gathered enjoyed rest and fellowship.

“There is a spirituality of living and working in the country, and a closeness to God that is unique and beautiful,” said Bishop Folda. “In the silence of the country, which surrounds us today, we can hear the voice of God in our hearts. In our work on the land, we discover that we are partners with God in the work of creation. And with our own hands and the resources of the earth, we can feed the multitudes of the world. These are the little miracles of rural life.”

This was the second annual Rural Life Celebration. Last year, it was held at a farm near Harvey, and in the coming years will continue to move to different areas of the diocese.

This summer, while you enjoy the warmer temperatures, remember to spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Know that Jesus longs for you and is with you in all times and in all things. He desires intimacy with you no matter your education level, employment, status, or popularity. Be assured that the creator of all the prairies, lakes, trees, sunsets, and stars also created you with a purpose and desires great things for you wherever you are today.

Hosts Pauline and Hilladore Osowski welcome guests outside their home.

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Bishop Folda processes with the Blessed Sacrament after Mass in celebration of the feast of Corpus Christi.

Bishop Folda blesses the land and farm equipment.

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The Faithful Five, a 7th grade youth discipleship group from Holy Spirit, Fargo, posed for a picture with their mentor, Jennie Rivard, following a weekly small group meeting. (submitted photo)

Youth discipleship growing at Holy Spirit Church, Fargo

By Aliceyn Magelky

D

iscipleship is an apprenticeship in living a Christian life. Jesus knew he needed to personally care for and form a small group of men who would in turn do the same thing for others. In the end, this approach would multiply disciples and reach the masses, which is why he asked us to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19).

This past fall, Holy Spirit Church in Fargo applied this approach to its youth ministry by launching Youth Discipleship Groups. The purpose is to create a parent-driven, small group environment of discipleship that meets the needs of teens to be understood, to belong, to be transparent, to engage in critical thinking about their faith, and to receive guidance.

Currently, about 60 middle and high school students at Holy Spirit are part of the Youth Discipleship Groups. Each group meets weekly and has five or six members of the same gender close in age who are ideally already friends. A lead parent collaborates with one to two adult mentors to establish meeting time, location, and the general direction the group will follow.

“The group meetings follow the format of connecting, discussing, and committing,” said Stella Jeffrey, Youth Discipleship Coordinator. “Students use resources from YDisciples found on Formed.org combined with diocesan mandates and other tools.”

The idea is that each group spends time gathering in fellowship, praying together, going through a lesson with discussion, and committing to applying what was learned to real life. Additionally, members meet for fellowship and provide services for others.

“The beauty of discipleship and this approach is there is time,” said Jeffrey. “There is more time to dissect and move through topics. It’s not just starting a fire, it is building and growing it.

I’ll admit, a large group has a lot of flash but on a week-to-week basis, we live our faith in a smaller group.”

Pope Francis clearly states the importance of small groups in Evangelii Gaudium saying young people are searching for deep spirituality and belonging but often fail to find responses to their concerns, needs, problems, and hurts in the usual structures. In a small group, a teen can feel known, loved, and cared for.

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“It is not just a group of kids listening to a lecture. They are able to address issues meaningful to them. I think its impact can far outreach any classroom setting,” said Lisa Swan, lead parent of the 7th grade Faithful Five group.

Michelle Dunn, lead parent for the 9th grade group concurs, saying, “It [small group] makes it more personal. In a small group, you can’t hide. You’re not invisible. Your faith life becomes more exposed and personal.”

While the general approach to meetings and activities are the same, each group takes on its own form based on the personalities of its members.

For example, the Faithful Five gathers weekly at the home of the group’s mentor, Jennie Rivard. Upon entering the cozy, warmly lit sunroom of Rivard’s house, the girls bless themselves with holy water and prepare for prayer and discussion. This group starts with a decade of the rosary and a lesson.

Though the group is new, already parents see a transformation in their teens. “My daughter is more open to tell me what they did and what they talked about,” said Swan.

“The group as a whole didn’t really know a lot about their faith, but I feel like they really learned a lot this year,” continues Rivard.

The girls noticed a change in themselves, too. During a recent meeting the girls reflected on ways they have grown in their faith. Several commented on their strengthened prayer lives and feeling closer to God. Aside from meeting weekly, the Faithful Five volunteered at the parish’s annual Wine and Dine fundraiser, helped serve coffee and rolls on Sunday, and attended Mass together. They also focus on extra acts of kindness towards one another.

One way is through a birthday candle activity, which is an overwhelming favorite of the girls. The practice was started at Christmas where each girl had a chance to hold a candle. While each girl was holding the candle, the other girls would take turns giving that person a compliment. It was received very positively and now continues when someone in the group has a birthday.

NEXT GEN

Another group favorite is the 1-1-1 Lenten Challenge created in partnership with Life Teen. In this challenge, teens are encouraged to give up one thing, pick up one thing, and focus on one sin.

The girls wrote down the things they wanted to give up, pick up, and focus on for the challenge and shared with the group in order to stay accountable.

While the benefits of youth discipleship are vast, this approach to youth ministry is not without its initial challenges.

“Getting over the change in format, a shift in mindset, and not having mentors in place at the beginning was very difficult,” said Dunn. “Our hope is to set the foundation of something concrete and consistent. It felt like a huge, risky step, but my child will be more invested in the end and the end results will be greater.”

Swan agreed, “Getting off the ground and finding a mentor were challenges but worth it. We are very grateful we found what we were looking for in Jennie.”

With the Youth Discipleship approach to youth ministry, lead parents connect with other parents to form a group. The parents

then identify individuals to act as mentors for their group.

By giving the lead parents and students the power to choose mentors, the relationship is stronger between the youth and the mentors. Plus, parents have more control of who is influencing their children.

Said one member of the Faithful Five, “it’s really nice to have someone committed to us. It’s great to be with someone that wants to be with us. She seems to enjoy us as much as we enjoy her.”

The reward for the mentor can be great, too. “You don’t realize what a blessing it is until you do it. It may catch people off guard when asked, but pray about it, and see if it’s right for you,” said Rivard. “I was leading a prayer group at Shanley that had fizzled, so I asked God to fill my void. I wasn’t seeking out anything, so it was a blessing when Lisa contacted me.”

This approach to youth ministry will continue to grow, especially if we have your help. For information, contact Stella at stellaholyspirit@gmail.com or (701) 232-5900.

Aliceyn Magelky is a parishioner at Holy Spirit Church, Fargo.

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Teens of St. Benedict’s Church in serve food to those in need as part of their mission trip to Knoxville, Tenn. from June 24 to July 1. (submitted photo)

Wild Rice teens serve as hands and feet of Christ

By Parishioners of St. Benedict’s Church in Wild Rice

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t. Benedict’s Church in Wild Rice had eight youth and two adults attend the Catholic Conference Alive in You in Knoxville, Tenn. Our students opened their hearts and willingly gave themselves to serve food, hand out clothing, and clean under a bridge. We all worked long hours but were thankful at the end of the day to have a roof over our heads and three meals a day! Throughout our experience, we recalled Matthew 20:28, “The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many.” The following are reflections from youth from St. Benedict’s. –Catie Vetter, youth director Being in Knoxville, I learned how privileged I am to have a family who cares about me and provides for me. The homeless in Knoxville don’t have a place to stay, food to eat, or enough clothes to wear. One of our worksites was at the Knoxville Dream Center where every Wednesday they would feed around 200 homeless people. I wasn’t expecting so many people to be there, homeless and volunteers. Some people didn’t talk much, but others told long stories. One guy said he played with Michael Jordan. Some of the people weren’t homeless but had to decide to buy food that week or pay bills. This was a very cool and educational experience. I realized how difficult it was for others, and what I can do to help. –John Sikorski On our first day, we drove to an area in Knoxville where we did a grocery type service for homeless and low-income people to get items they needed. I helped in a kitchen where I cut up tomatoes and lettuce and made rice and beans. That evening we served food to the homeless instead of returning to the Alive in You conference for dinner. I felt good helping but also sad that this is where people live and get their food. It made me feel more grateful for what I have. On the third day, we went to a thrift store and painted bathrooms. This was hard work but our group made it fun and the work went quickly. A man at the thrift store told us that because we helped paint the bathroom, it gave him more time to spend with his dying mother. –Sophie Richard 20

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In Knoxville I saw some things that I needed to see. I got the opportunity to distribute clothing to the homeless at a weekly free dinner under the interstate bridge. I was in charge of the pants and shorts and would try to give them the size they wanted.

However, we ran out of smaller waist sizes. By the end of the dinner men would and ask for a size 34 waist and would leave with anywhere from a size 44 to 48. They were so happy to get clean pants that they didn’t mind. They didn’t care about the look, or fit, just that they had something to wear. That’s something that I will think about for a long time. –Ben Sikorski On our first day at the worksites, we learned about the Lost Sheep foundation at the Knoxville Dream Center. It was started by a women raised homeless but became a nurse and got off the streets. She started serving a meal every Wednesday under the bridge. They have served a meal every Wednesday for 44 years. We met someone who said she would sometimes make enough meals for 250 people all by herself. During the witness talks, I started to understand what God was doing for me and that he has a plan. I realized that if I want to be a good Christin and overall person, I should start to live the way Jesus did.

–Thomas Sikorski One of the staff at the Knoxville Dream Center told us that he once heard a little girl say to her mom that she was happy that they did not have to find food in the garbage bins that night.

Also, a lady came up to me and asked me if there was a place for clothing because she had worn the same clothes for years.

This really got me thinking. We take so much of what we have for granted. Instead of whining about what we don’t have, it’s important to thank God and count our blessings for the things we do. It’s important to give back and help those in need by doing things as simple as helping out in a shelter, praying for them, or donating clothing and food. I encourage you to count your blessings every day and thank God for all he has done for you. –Katie Sikorski

NEXT GEN

Sydney Mahrer from Wahpeton hands keys to a house for a family in Jamaica. Sydney and 18 others built the home as part of their mission to Jamaica from June 3–7. (submitted photo)

Mission trip changes lives locally and abroad

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By Sydney Mahrer

here are no words to describe the kind of life some of the had hope for their future. One of the best parts of that day was people in Jamaica live. Even though they have little, they when I had the opportunity to hand the keys to them. The dad still find joy and are some of the kindest people I have could not stop crying out of joy. ever met.

During our last full day in Jamaica, we went to another school.

June 4 was our first day in Jamaica. First, we went to a homeless This was one of my most favorite parts of the trip. We played shelter. We were supposed to serve breakfast for them, but games, had a celebration, and played outside with the kids. They there was a miscommunication, and they had already eaten. loved us and especially loved my hair. They thought it was so Instead, we visited with people and heard their stories. It was soft! It was nice to visit with them and hear about their lives. incredible because some of them had been there practically their After that, we visited a family who will be receiving a house in whole lives. That experience really showed me that I should be the near future. This woman was 41 years old and had a 3-yearthankful for everything I have and to not take it for granted. old daughter and four other kids. She was very much in need Next, we visited a school funded by our parish, St. John’s in of a new home and told us she had been living in her current Wahpeton. The kids were in elementary school. It was so great “house” her whole life. She said that she worried a lot because to see their faces light up when we walked into their school. We there were rats that would come in, and whenever it rained, it played games and played on their playground with them. The would get the beds soaking wet. I am hoping and praying that kids were so sweet, and you could tell how truly grateful they she will get her house soon. were for the school.

The last place we went to was a children’s home. It was very Last, we went to a home for children with disabilities. It was sad hearing about all the horrible things these children went so eye-opening to see that although they had daily physical through. We brought them new soccer balls and other gifts challenges, they still were smiling and giggling. which they were very thankful for. They loved talking to us The next day we built a house for a family. Their kids are ages and showing us all their talents.

5, 3, and 1. I painted the outside of their house along with five Overall, this was the best experience I have ever had. I now other people. The family was there the whole day watching us see the world differently. work. It was remarkable to watch them because I could tell they Sydney Mahrer is a parishioner of St. John’s Church in Wahpeton.

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STORIES OF FAITH

(Pau Casals | Unsplash)

Faulty brakes reminds passengers of the power of prayer

By Father Bert Miller

T

hese events happened to my sabbatical friends when we were in Jerusalem in September 2016. I chose to stay home from this excursion as I was having trouble acclimating to the food and later learned this story.

That Sunday afternoon excursion was a trip to a Christian city outside Jerusalem. The Christians were celebrating Octoberfest!

The three Irishmen were going, and an Indonesian, an Indian, a sister from Australia, and the guide, Haley.

When they got to the destination, the city was crowded. They finally found a parking place on a steep incline with a cliff at the bottom of the hill. The driver parked the bus towards the top of the hill. They were set for an afternoon of fun.

The bus door opened and passengers started getting off. One, two, three.

Then the unthinkable happened. The bus started to roll backwards with the driver and some passengers still on board!

I can’t imagine the horror of the Irishmen, who had come 22

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along for free beer, as they looked out the window as the bus picked up speed and headed for the cliff. Oh, the Hail Marys prayed at that moment!

The brakes didn’t grip! The driver couldn’t stop the bus!

They could have been on their last ride…

But, at the bottom of the steep incline was an armored car of a diplomat, which stopped the bus with a jolt. They were saved from plunging over the edge of the cliff.

The Hail Marys worked. The faithful Irishmen staggered off the bus. Beer never tastes as good as when one is threatened with not having it! They partied all afternoon, boarded a new bus, and got home for supper where none of them said a word about their near demise.

I don’t know how these people kept their mouths shut for over two months until departure day. It must have been the “miracle” they wanted to keep quiet!

T

Diocesan parishes moving forward on evangelization

By Paul Braun

he Fargo Diocese’s Convocation of Parish Leaders, held Nov. 30–Dec. 1, 2018 in cooperation with the Diocese of Crookston, Minn., brought together hundreds of leaders from parishes across the dioceses to discuss ways to evangelize and reach out to fallen-away Catholics and those who may not have been introduced to the Christian faith.

Some parishes have taken up the mantle of evangelization and are moving forward with their own particular programs intended to open the Word of Christ to others. In last month’s New Earth, we told you about St. Patrick’s in Enderlin and their “Water to Wine” initiative, which was based on the successful “Theology on Tap” program. Here’s a rundown of what other parishes are doing to move forward from the Convocation of Parish Leaders.

St. Therese the Little Flower – Rugby

The parish hosted a webcast in May for the 2019 New Evangelization Summit. About 35 people attended, mostly from area parishes (Rugby, Rolette, Harvey, Anamoose, Knox, Towner), although there were participants from Minot and Grand Forks as well.

In addition, a Fifth-Saturday event has begun, which usually involves a potluck dinner and a brief presentation on a faith related topic following the evening Mass. This has also become a time to discuss future evangelization initiatives.

On a smaller scale, Little Flower began a greeting ministry prior to the weekend Masses to greet those who have come for the Sunday liturgies, a practice the parish hadn’t been doing until now.

St. Mark’s – Bottineau

The parish has begun a small Wednesday morning prayer session, during which participants pray to the Good Shepherd and ask by name for specific individuals to return to the practice of their Catholic faith.

In July, Madeleine Carson, a FOCUS missionary from the University of North Dakota (UND), came to speak to the parishes.

Later this fall, the parish will work with the Diocesan Office of Evangelization to co-sponsor an Evangelization Workshop open to all area parishes.

Holy Cross – West Fargo

The Convocation of Parish leaders inspired the parish to begin their HOGWASH program. HOGWASH stands for Helping Out God With All Serving Hands. The parish says the group, about 20 members strong, is dedicated to praying, brainstorming, and developing new ideas for Holy Cross parish to grow in faith and holiness. The group meets once a month.

grow in their prayer lives. The year kicked off on Pentecost Sunday and so far has featured Deacon Bruce Dahl of Nativity Church in Fargo to speak about prayer, had a parishioner coordinate a book study through Facebook, included special quotes in the bulletin, offered holy prints and images for parishioners to take home, and hosted a special prayer service for priests. In addition, Father Raymond Courtright, pastor of St. Anthony’s is currently hosting a summer series of talks on prayer, including one with special guest Bishop John Folda.

St. Anthony’s is also forming a team to meet with parishioners in need of prayer after weekend Masses in order to pray and intercede for them. The encounter will be a time for the parishioner to briefly express to the team members the struggles he or she is currently undergoing, and the team members will listen with compassionate hearts and offer up a prayer for and with the suffering parishioner.

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Who are the givers and takers in our world?

W

e see b o t h givers and takers among our donors, cli Catholic ents, and staff at Charities Catholic Charities Dakota, but I North Dakota North submit that they’re Chad Prososki not always whom you might think.

For instance, I have heard stories from nurses and aides about a person in a hospital or nursing home who stands out from everyone because of their joy or kindness. This person is more than just a patient or resident, but becomes a true blessing to others. The staff say that this man or woman was a pleasure to help, and no trouble at all because of the wonderful attitude he or she had!

“Truthfully, sometimes all we can do is

graciously accept the help of others when we can do nothing on our own. Yet, in

those very times, it is an act of love to

gratefully allow others to serve us with thoughtful deeds such as providing a meal during an illness. I believe that even in

the most vulnerable circumstances, we

still have a choice whether to be a giver or a taker.” –Chad Prososki

All of us know people like this who can light up a room, who encourage us and challenge us to grow and be our best selves.

In fact, some of you probably are that kind of person. Beyond giving financially, these individuals give others encouragement and joy. However, there are others who drain the life out of the room. They may think “poor me,” and always have a sob story to share demanding more and more sympathy from family, friends, or even strangers. Or they may think only of themselves financially.

Don’t worry if you fear you might be a taker. There are many easy ways to become a giver. The most obvious way of course is by giving to charity, but being generous is about more than dollars and cents. It’s about spending time wisely and using common sense. It’s about our priorities. Being generous impacts two of the most important parts of life: how we live our lives and how we treat others. Are we fully present in our lives and

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alert to the needs and emotions of others?

I also invite you to take another look at those around you.

Consider those in need. Do we realize how many hard-working people around us require the assistance of others just to get by? Whether aid is received through government programs or private charity, the fact of the matter is that our human dignity comes from who we are as children of God, not from what we can provide others.

It has been said that the true measure of a society is how they treat their poorest and most vulnerable. Some consider that those who take more time and resources than they can return (or that we want to give) a burden to society. But, many parents of those facing disabilities from Down syndrome or a thousand other causes insist that they have learned and received more blessings from their child than they could have ever imagined.

Not that caring for their child is always easy, but the life-giving love they’ve received is worth the difficulties.

Last month I wrote about whether we give to charity from our heart or from our surplus. Today, I ask you to think again about your personal blessings and to consider whether we are givers or takers in this life. Truthfully, sometimes all we can do is graciously accept the help of others when we can do nothing on our own. Yet, in those very times, it is an act of love to gratefully allow others to serve us with thoughtful deeds such as providing a meal during an illness. I believe that even in the most vulnerable circumstances, we still have a choice whether to be a giver or a taker. If we are more givers than takers, the world becomes a much better place to live!

Chad Prososki is the Director of Development and Community Relations for Catholic Charities North Dakota. For more than 90 years, Catholic Charities North Dakota and its supporters have been putting their faith in action helping people, changing lives. You can reach Chad at info@catholiccharitiesnd.org or (701) 235-4457

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Truths about the new ethics laws

isinformation and false claims seem to abound lately like the summer grass. From abortion lawsuits, to Planned Parenthood education programs, to immigration border crisis, the news has been filled with partial, misleading, or just plain false information.

Although all deserve attention, this month’s column focuses on the new ethics law passed in November and legislation just passed to help put it into effect. Knowing the truth about the new law will contribute to your ability to participate in the political process with confidence.

Claim: The legislature had no authority to define “ultimate and true source” when it comes to what lobbying and election contributions have to be disclosed. Some people claim that the parameters of the disclosure law should be left to the new ethics commission.

Truth: The express language of Measure 1, now Article XIV of the state constitution, gives the Legislative Assembly— and only the Legislative Assembly—the power and duty to define the terms so that they can be implemented in a clear and legally enforceable manner. In fact, the proponents of Measure 1 admitted as such more than ten times as in public interviews before the election.

Claim: By defining “ultimate and true source” as money knowingly given solely for lobbying or campaigns, the legislature created a loophole whereby someone could hide a contribution by bundling it with money used for another purpose. This is absolutely false. If someone intentionally gives $200 or more for lobbying or a campaign, the contribution must be reported.

Mixing it with money for other purposes does not create an exception.

Truth: The “solely” language is vitally important. Without it, contributions made to the general operation of an organization, such as a church, would all have to be disclosed if the organization used some of the money to express a position on a public issue.

The privacy of parishioners and charitable givers would be unnecessarily violated and religious and charitable organizations would be discouraged from participating in society.

Some of the proponents of Measure 1 said that they were not interested in those names, but no better legislative solution presented itself. Keep in mind, however, that one spokesperson for Measure 1 stated that the Catholic Church “liked dark money” and should be forced to reveal who was paying for its “political actions.” In other words, the individual wanted your name. Apparently, speaking out for human life, religious freedom, and the poor is using your “dark money” and you should be harassed for it.

In short, “solely” was needed to protect the privacy of general donors and make Article XIV workable.

Claim: By limiting the definition of “lobbyist” to individuals required to register as lobbyists under the Century Code other “lobbyists” can skirt the ban on lobbyists giving gifts to legislators.

Truth: The claim is partly true, but is mostly a nonsensical statement made to sound bad.

Article XIV bans gifts from lobbyists to public officials, but it does not define “lobbyist.” The only definition of “lobbyist” in the

law is the one that exists in the Century Code that requires individuals who Catholic represent someone else on a legislative Action matter to register as a “lobbyist.” In Christoper Dodson a sense, there is no such thing legally as a non-registered lobbyist.

This makes sense and protects your ability to participate in the democratic process. Without a limiting definition, anyone could be considered a “lobbyist” and unknowingly be subjected to all kinds of laws and penalties.

Claim: The definition of lobbyist allows organizations who hire lobbyists to give gifts to public officials.

Truth: This is true, but Article XIV did not ban organizations who hire lobbyists from giving gifts. It expressly banned gift -giving only by lobbyists. If the legislature banned organizations from giving gifts it would have gone beyond the mandate of Article XIV. Keep in mind, however, that those “gifts” would still have to be disclosed under Article XIV if they were over $200 and were for the purpose of lobbying or influencing government action.

Claim: Article XIV and the implementing legislation created a loophole that allows former lobbyists to serve on the ethics commission.

Truth: True, but it is not a loophole. This issue goes back to the lack of definition of “lobbyist” in Article XIV. Without a definition, anyone could be called a “lobbyist” and be barred from serving on the ethics commission. By defining “lobbyist” as those individuals required to register as lobbyists under the Century Code, the implementing legislation allows more individuals to serve on the ethics commission.

Someone who is a lobbyist under the law, however, may not always be a lobbyist, just like I would no longer be an attorney if I did not pay my bar dues each year. Someone who has stopped representing others in the legislative process, and therefore not required to register as a lobbyist, can serve on the ethics commission.

This does not mean that the ethics commission will be stacked with former lobbyists. Article XIV requires that the governor, the senate majority leader, and the senate minority leader choose by consensus who serves on the ethics commission.

Sometimes it seems like that campaign over Measure 1 is still being fought. Unfortunately, that means during a political campaign, do not always believe what you read or hear.

Christopher Dodson is executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference. The NDCC acts on behalf of the Catholic bishops of North Dakota to respond to public policy issues of concern to the Catholic Church. The conference website is ndcatholic.org.

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Peace abounds in approach to diaconate ordination

“T

he Lord be with you.”

“And with your Seminarian spirit.” These Life beautifully relawords are ex Deacon Jered tional pressed every day, Grossman through proclamation of the Gospel of the Lord. This grace-filled duty of my new office as a deacon allows me to experience the love of God through this blessed exchange. This exchange resonates throughout each day of my ministry and is a great source of peace for me through the many situations that ministry leads me to.

The days leading up to and following my ordination to the diaconate were filled with many blessings. It was a four-day, living meditation on many years in the world, seven years of seminary, and the beautiful life I was about to enter in to. It began with Riley Durkin and me serving Mass for the bishop in the presence of the incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney (a pretty great way to start!). Friday was practice for the Mass, and a holy hour with our families. Saturday was the ordination Mass.

“I try to keep the peace of Christ in the forefront of my approach to this call of my Lord, whose peace it was that brought me to diaconate ordination, and whose peace carries me through the life of that office.” – Deacon Jered Grossman

The ordination Mass itself was a beautiful meditation on the love of the Father, lived out through the heart of his son, carried into the world by the Holy Spirit. That may sound a bit catechetical, but I truly felt the relational presence of the Most Holy Trinity throughout the Mass, from processing in and sitting with my family, through processing out as a newly ordained deacon.

There are many moments I will never forget from the Mass, but one that really stands out for me is the moment Bishop Folda placed his hands on my head and prayed in silence. That was a moment of tremendous grace, and what I felt in that moment was an overwhelming sense of peace.

After the ordination I returned to Harvey to serve as a deacon for the Sunday Mass in my home parish of St. Cecilia’s. This was also a beautiful moment of grace for me. Preaching for the first time to people I have known my whole life was something I had meditated on for many years, and it was a tremendous joy to be able to love them through the word of God. Assisting

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the altar where I had watched my childhood priest, Monsignor Roman G. Neva, celebrate the Mass so many times brought with it the sense of both fulfillment and beginning. I felt like both the 46-year-old man who had entered into the office that would very soon lead to the priesthood and, at the same time, like the 10-year-old boy who had first heard the call to it. I was edified, and I was at peace.

I try to keep the peace of Christ in the forefront of my approach to this call of my Lord, whose peace it was that brought me to diaconate ordination and whose peace carries me through the life of that office. I hold on to the beautiful image of our Lord appearing to the apostles in the upper room, saying: “Peace be with you.” Of all the things he could have said in that moment, these were the words he chose. He knew the mission they were about to begin, the cost of that mission, and the importance of the peace needed to carry it out. It was his peace they needed, which would begin in their hearts and carry them even to death.

I look forward to June 6 of next year, ordination to the priesthood, and serving God’s people through that sacred office, bringing with it another beautiful exchange: “The peace of the Lord be with you always.” “And with your spirit.” The people of God will ask our Lord for peace in my heart, so that I may serve them as he would. Most Holy and Gracious God, let it be so!

Deacon Grossman is a Theology III seminarian studying at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md. Editor’s Note: Seminarian Life is a column written by current Diocese of Fargo seminarians. Please continue to pray for them.

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

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A spark, a flame from the burning heart of Jesus

or a couple of months, I have been wondering what to write about since my story is quite ordinary. So, for readers of the New Earth who like ordinary stories, here goes.

I was the youngest of 11 children in a “well-balanced” family, meaning I had five brothers and five sisters. By the time I came along however, my oldest siblings were either married, in the military or away from home with a job. So in my childhood memory lane, there were only five of us at home.

We lived in New England, a small town in southwestern North Dakota and belonged to the faith-filled parish and school of St. Mary’s. For 12 years I was taught by the School Sisters of Notre Dame from Mankato, Minn. and the priests taught religion class every day, for which I am immensely grateful. Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was very strong. It instilled in me a lifelong spirituality.

In the 8th grade during a class on the married state, Our Lord “proposed” to me and invited me to become a contemplative.

However, I thought, “This idea won’t last two weeks.” But it did, and I knew from then on I would enter a contemplative community. Still, I decided I was not going to live like a nun before I became one, so parties, dances, sports, and good wholesome fun with my friends were the spice of life the next four years.

I need to insert a little story here because of an important connecting link. My sister Pauline was a Maryknoll missionary in China and was imprisoned by the Communists. She and another Maryknoll sister were put in an attic with only a heap of straw and only three walls. On Christmas Eve, they were lying on their bed of straw and singing Christmas carols, when heavy footsteps came tromping up the steps and a soldier pointed his gun at them and asked “What are you doing?” “We are singing. Isn’t it nice?” Silence, then, “Yes, nice.” And he tromped back downstairs.

The two Sisters were then marched a long distance under a broiling sun and enclosed in a small room with four other women and two children and were given only wormy rice to eat. After a couple months, they were expelled from China, came back to the U.S., and made a home visit. My sister asked me what I planned to do after school. I said I wanted to become a Poor Clare. She responded, “I think you would like the Carmelites better.” Since I knew nothing about either the Poor Clares or Carmelites I said, “All right, I will become a Carmelite.”

In November 1954, our pastor announced at Holy Mass that the Carmelites of Allentown, Pa., just opened a new foundation in Wahpeton. While that announcement passed over the heads of most others, it fanned the flame burning in my heart since the 8th grade.

So, my vocation story is quite ordinary, but by today’s standards of prolonged discernment, it may actually seem extraordinary. I wrote to the Carmelite Community the end of May 1955, visited

in June, and entered on July 16, feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Entrance Sister’s procedures were Perspective simple back then.

The evening before I

Sister Margaret entered, I was given Mary a list of six religious names to choose from. There was no hesitation when I said, “Sister Margaret Mary of the Sacred Heart.”

I was the first candidate and the only one in formation for a year. Then Mother Mary Rose, prioress, said to me, “Maybe you will have a little sister sometime.” I said, “Maybe tomorrow?”

The next morning the novitiate doubled its quota overnight when Sister Joseph Marie walked in the cloister door. Her entrance brought great joy to our growing Community.

What is a day in Carmel like? In our life of prayer, the Liturgy is of prime importance and dear to our hearts. We spend about four hours in joyful celebration of Holy Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours, beginning with the Office of Readings at midnight, after which we retire again till 5:10 a.m. In addition, we spend two hours in personal prayer and with a Holy Hour.

However, prayer doesn’t end when we leave the chapel. The essence of life in Carmel is living in the presence of God. We can relate to Carmelite Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection who said: “I find Our Lord in my kitchen amid the pots and pans.”

We find him at our desks, sewing machine, in the laundry, and wherever he calls us to work in his presence.

Life in Carmel is beautiful, simple and joyful. Is Our Lord extending a loving invitation to you?

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

It keeps giving and giving and giving

W

e all remember that bunny in the commercial promoting Stewardship long-lasting battery Steve Schons power. It reminds me of the enduring character of an endowment fund.

Once established, it just keeps paying out money year after year after year. But, unlike the battery that eventually runs down, the endowment fund lasts in perpetuity. And, perpetuity, as we all know, is a long time.

The permanence of an endowment is exactly what attracts some of our donors to this means of supporting their favorite Catholic program or ministry. They like the idea that the principal of their gift will stay intact while the income, or at least a good part of it, will be used for a worthy cause. They realize that someday they will be gone and their outright annual gifts will no longer be available to help meet current needs. Through an endowment, they can keep making their annual gifts.

Some endowment donors are attracted to the opportunity an endowment gives to memorialize a loved one or other respected person. They use this perpetual giving arrangement to bring honor and recognition.

An endowment can be created during life or at death through a bequest or even a trust. It can be restricted to specific needs or unrestricted for general use. You can create your own endowment or contribute to one that already exists.

Endowments can be made at once with a single gift or established over time with repeated gifts. Endowments can originate from a single source or through the efforts and support of many persons.

The form here will let us know how to assist you. If interested, Please take a moment to fill it out and mail it in. We will respond immediately. If you would rather talk to me personally, you can reach me at (701) 356-7926 or email at steve.schons@ fargodiocese.org. _____

_____

Please send me more information about my parish endowment fund.

I am interested in establishing an endowment.

Please contact me.

Name: _____________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________ State :______ Zip:____________ Phone:__________________ 28

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Endowments are especially useful in drawing other family members into the giving arena. For example, grandparents who establish an endowment in the family’s name are providing their children and grandchildren with a continuing tie with the Catholic program, church, or ministry as well as a means for them to enjoy the satisfaction of seeing “their” annual endowment grant benefit a worthy cause and making a difference.

The Catholic Development Foundation has developed sound policies for creating and managing our endowment funds. For more information about the Catholic Development Foundation, go to www.cdfnd.org.

Memorial Card Program

A little known “service” we provide at the Catholic Development Foundation is our Memorial Card Program. It is simply a memorial card with an envelope that anybody can fill out. A donation is made in memory of someone and the card is given to the family of the loved one that is memorialized. The donation supports your local parish and is made using a separate envelope and mailed to the Catholic Development Foundation.

In turn, we send the person making the donation a receipt and another card to be used at another time. If you would like a set of three memorial cards sent to you, please email me at steve. schons@fargodiocese.org or write to me at Steve Schons, Catholic Development Foundation, 5201 Bishops Blvd, Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104.

Schons is director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Fargo.

OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

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few years back, I gave a talk entitled “Thinking Through the Transgender Question” at a local parish. In the audience were several individuals supporting the transgender movement. During the question-and-answer session, one of them, a young woman, raised this difficulty: “If someone wants to transition, how does that hurt anybody else? If my friend wants to be transgender, how would that harm any of us?”

Behind this line of argument, first, is the widely held notion that each of us is an isolated unit and our private choices don’t affect others. Yet the old adage that “no man is an island” rings perennially true. Grave harms to others, in fact, follow in the wake of the radical personal decision to “switch genders.”

I recently spent some time with a husband and wife who had a son struggling with depression and schizophrenia and who was convinced he was a woman. They shared with me how their son no longer spoke to any of his siblings or relatives, shutting everyone out of his life. He moved away to link up with the transgender community at his college for support, and his parents summed up his new way of thinking as the detonation of a bomb that had ravaged the whole family.

That kind of devastation has been thoroughly catalogued by those who have gone all the way through the process of transitioning, and years or decades later come to regret it.

Walt Heyer is one such individual who turned to hormones and surgeries to try to take on the appearance of a woman. Many years later, he “detransitioned,” and started writing and speaking about his experiences. He has summarized the painful effects of his choices on those around him in several of his essays.

“Being transgender required destroying the identity of Walt so my female persona, Laura, would feel unshackled from Walt’s past, with all of its hurt, shame, and abuse,” he wrote. “It’s a marvelous distraction for a while, but it isn’t a permanent solution when the underlying issues remain unaddressed. Gender change is at its heart a self-destructive act. Transgenders not only annihilate their birth identity, they destroy everyone and everything in their wake: family, wife, children, brothers or sisters, and career.”

Walt had been married for many years, but after transitioning, he and his wife divorced. Communication with his children ceased. He was fired from his well-paying job as an engineer, and became practically destitute. Virtually all the significant relationships in his life were damaged, some irretrievably.

In his essay, Walt follows the trail of breadcrumbs in his own life to its logical conclusion.

“It occurred to me after much self-reflection that asking a surgeon to modify my appearance through a series of cosmetic procedures was simply a socially acceptable means of selfmutilation and self-destruction,” he stated. “Taken to the extreme, self-destruction leads to suicide.”

Nobody gets hurt?

Follow-up studies of those who undergo sex-change operations have shown Making Sense that they experienced highly elevatof Bioethics ed suicide rates, even many years post-surFather Tad gery, revealing yet Pacholczyk another of the grave harms associated with transitioning that brings untold heartache to family and friends, relatives and acquaintances.

Beyond wreaking havoc in the life of patients and those around them, other damaging societal consequences arise in the wake of transitioning.

In a recent article in Public Discourse, Dr. Monique Robles, a pediatric critical care specialist, stresses how schools and institutions of higher learning are now “enforcing the use of preferred gender pronouns and opening bathrooms and sports teams to students of the opposite biological sex. Educators who refuse to comply are losing their jobs. Parents who do not agree with the trans-affirmative approach for their gender dysphoric children are faced with legal consequences. In the sports arena, biological males identifying as transgender are competing in women’s events with an unfair biological advantage. Biological females who claim to be male are allowed the unfair advantage of competing while taking testosterone, which is considered ‘doping’ in any other circumstance.”

Coming to the conclusion that “no one gets hurt” whenever someone transitions is simply naïve, contradicted by the facts on the ground and by the tortuous lives of those pursuing this misguided “solution” to their gender confusion. They, along with their families and broader society, clearly deserve better.

Instead of propping up a fictitious and harmful understanding of human masculinity and femininity, we owe it to those struggling with gender dysphoria to address compassionately their underlying mental health concerns. Through evidence-based therapies, including appropriate psychiatric and interpersonal outreach and counseling, we hope to bring healing, preserve family unity, and help sustain important, lifelong friendships.

That’s what those struggling with their gender dysphoria deserve and all those who love them desire.

Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as the Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www. ncbcenter.org.

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Events across the diocese Come and See retreat with the Franciscan Sisters

Single women, ages 16–26 are invited to come to meet the Sisters at St. Francis Convent in Hankinson to pray, hear inspiring talks, search their heart, and listen to God. This retreat, from Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. until Aug. 3 at 4 p.m., is a time to relax and enjoy some time discovering your vocation. For more information or to register, contact Sister Jean Louise at ndfranciscan@yahoo. com or text (701) 208-1245 by July 24..

Carmel of Mary Monastery to host 63rd annual pilgrimage Aug. 11

All are welcome to the Carmel of Mary Monastery near Wahpeton on Aug. 11 for the 63rd annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Prairies. The day begins at 2 p.m. with guest speaker Father Patrick Parks. The day also includes the rosary, confessions, Mass, and a picnic. For more information, call (701) 640-6162 or the monastery at (701) 642-2360.

Catechists invited to retreat at Maryvale, Valley City

Father Andrew Jasinski will direct catechists on retreat with a series of talks reflecting on Christ Lives, the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on Young People on Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Maryvale in Valley City. This retreat is primarily for those involved in catechesis such as youth ministers, those who direct or coordinate religious education programs, or those who teach children and adults; however, all are welcome. The day will include Mass, lunch, sharing, and reflection with the chance to enjoy the beautiful grounds. Deadline to register is Aug. 13. Registration is $20. To register, go to www.fargodiocese. org/catechistretreat.

Fargo Diocese to celebrate 40 years of the Permanent Diaconate

Bishop John Folda will celebrate a mass for the 40th anniversary of the Permanent Diaconate at the Cathedral in Fargo on Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. A reception downstairs will follow. All are welcome.

Last year marked 50 years of the renewal of the Order of Diaconate as a permanent ministry of the Catholic Church.

Since 1979, about 70 deacons have been ordained in the Fargo Diocese. Roughly 36 remain active. The Fargo Diocese currently has eight men in formation to be deacons. If God wills it, they could be ordained in the Fall of 2020. God be with them and their wives and families.

Pro-Life advocate Trent Horn to keynote event

Dakota Hope Clinic will welcome noted debater, pro-life advocate, and Catholic apologist Trent Horn as keynote speaker for its annual fundraising banquet on Sept. 16 at the State Fair Event Center in Minot. As a regular guest on the radio program Catholic Answers Live, Horn respectfully engages with pro-choice advocates, atheists, and other challengers of the faith.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Call (701) 852-4675 or click on the Partner With Us tab at www.dakotahopeclinic.org.

Discover peace after abortion

Dakota Hope Clinic of Minot offers individual and group sessions for women who seek peace and healing after a past abortion experience. The eight-week group session begins Sept.

23 from 6 to 8 p.m. The sessions will use a national curriculum called H.E.A.R.T. that includes prayer, self-examination, and the use of Scripture in a compassionate and supportive environment.

For more information or to register, call Dakota Hope at (701) 852-4675, click on the Partner With Us tab at www.dakotahope. org, or send a confidential text to (978) 705-3421. Location will The 19th annotation of the Spiritual Exercises involves a com- be disclosed to those who register. All services at Dakota Hope mitment to pray an hour daily with the exercises and meet with Clinic are 100% free and confidential. a spiritual director weekly for 30–45 minutes. We become more aware of how we notice Jesus and the Spirit in our lives through our thoughts, insights, and feelings. The genius and beauty of the Exercises is that we learn to weave our own narrative into the life story of Jesus Christ in such a way that both become The National 40 Days for Life more vivid and interconnected. campaign will take place Sept.

To learn about this Ignatian retreat, come to the orientation 25 to Nov. 3. You are called on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Presentation Prayer Center in Fargo. to be part of this important To register for the orientation, contact Scott at presentationprayprayer effort to bring an end ercenter@gmail.com. to abortion across our nation

Invitation to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

40 Days for Life North

Dakota starts Sept. 25

and world. The North Dakota 40 Days for Life effort will be

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

begin at 8 a.m. on Wed., Sept. 25, in front of the abortion facility, 512 1st Ave. No., Fargo. Our campaign will provide a peaceful, prayerful presence in front of the abortion facility 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Persons can sign up for an hour of prayer by contacting the Pregnancy Help Center at (701) 284-6601, in Fargo at (701) 356-7979, or phc@polarcomm.com, or by visiting www.40daysforlifend.com.

Catholic women in Grand Forks gather to share faith and fellowship

Beginning in February, women in the Grand Forks area have been invited to take part in a gathering meant to support them in their journey as women of faith. “Magnificat Morning,” held the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon, includes Mass, a short talk, song, discussion, and prayer. The need was felt to have an opportunity for women of all ages to learn and support one another. The first Saturday of the month is a special day to honor Our Lady, whose example we look to as women of faith. The “Magnificat Morning” was, in fact, named in honor of her canticle of praise, which she voiced upon visiting Elizabeth.

The women plan to have a retreat “On the Dignity and Vocation of Women” at St. Francis Retreat Center in Hankinson Sept.

27–29. All women are welcome. For more information, contact Sister Christina at (701) 746-9401 or sr.christinaosf@gmail.com.

March for Life and Mass for Life at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, youth will also see the sights in D.C., Emmitsburg, Md., and Gettysburg, Pa. Cost for the is $860 and includes air and ground transportation, lodging, meals, and tour fees. To obtain a registration form call (701) 356-7910, or visit www.fargodiocese. org/respectlife.

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Immaculee Ilibagiza coming to Valley City

Immaculée Ilibagiza is a Rwandan American author and motivational speaker. Her first book, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, is an autobiographical work detailing how she survived during the Rwandan genocide. Immaculee will be leading a retreat with a message of forgiveness, healing, and hope at St. Catherine’s Church in Valley City on Oct. 4–5. This retreat includes Immaculée’s witness of the power of prayer, miracles of the rosary, and inspirational music. No one will leave this retreat the same as when they came. To register, visit www. immaculee.com.

Youth invited to March for Life

Youth in grades 9–12 from the Diocese of Fargo are invited to a pilgrimage to the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. that will take place on Jan. 24, 2020. The trip will begin in Fargo on Jan. 20 and return Jan. 26. Father Greg Haman will be the spiritual director. In addition to participating in the

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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 anemployee 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 Monsignor Joseph P. Goering at (701) 356-7945 or Larry Bernhardt at (701) 356-7965 or VictimAssistance@fargodiocese.org.

For additional information about victim assistance, visit www.fargodiocese.org/victimassistance.

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Life’s milestones Wayne and Evangeline Gerig celebrated their 68th anniversary on June 25. They are parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Balta.

They have 8 children, 4 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Marvin and Janice Leidal will celebrate their 60th anniversary on Aug. 27. They were married in Hunter at St. Agnes Church. They have been parishioners of Blessed Sacrament Church in West Fargo since 1960. They have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson.

Ernest and Rose Misialek, parishioners of Holy Family Church Grand Forks, celebrated their 68th anniversary on June 25. They were married at Sacred Heart Church in Minto, by the late Father John Stemple. They have 8 children, 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Ernest also celebrated his 89th birthday on June 15.

Clifford and Valeria Orr will celebrate their 61st anniversary on Sept. 5. They reside on the family farm south of Jamestown in Ypsilanti and are parishioners of St. James Basilica in Jamestown. They have 5 children, 17 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Ron and Catherine (Matejcek) Pich of St. John’s Church in Grafton celebrated their 60th anniversary on June 6. They were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Lankin. They have 4 children and 12 grandchildren.

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Kelly and Maxine Shockman celebrated their 70th anniversary July 24. They reside on a farm near Grand Rapids and are parishioners of Holy Rosary Church in LaMoure. They have been blessed with 13 children, 39 grandchildren, and 66 great-grandchildren.

Jim and Katherine Trouba of Grafton celebrated their 60th anniversary on July 21.

They were married at St. John’s Church in Grafton by Father Garland. They have 2 children and 1 grandchild.

Catherine (Kate) Adam (left) celebrated her 99th birthday on June 23 surrounded by family. She was joined by her sister Mary Adams (right) who celebrated her 90th birthday on July 17.

Kate is a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Reynolds, and Mary is a parishioner of St. Jude’s Church in Thompson. Kate passed away on July 4.

Virginia Becker celebrated her 90th birthday July 23. She and her late husband were married for 49 years.

They have 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Virginia has been a lifelong parishioner of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in McHenry.

Christ Jaeger of Fargo will celebrate his 90th birthday on Sept. 1. He was formerly a parishioner of St. Theresa’s Church in Rugby, St. Boniface in Esmond, and St. Anne’s in Fillmore. He has 6 children, 16 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Share life’s milestones

As a way to celebrate life and love, we encourage parishioners throughout the Diocese of Fargo to send a photo and news brief about golden anniversaries and anniversaries of 60 or more years or birthdays of 80 or more years to: New Earth, Diocese of Fargo, 5201 Bishops Blvd. S., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104 or news@fargodiocese.org.

A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST

These news items, compiled by Danielle Thomas, were found in New Earth and its predecessor, Catholic Action News.

75 years ago — 1944

St. Ann’s at Fillmore, a mission to the parish church of St. Mary’s at Knox, held its very first confirmation class. The mission was established two years prior and comprises twenty -five families. Since its beginning, Mass has been held in the Town Hall. The twenty confirmands were from the Bertsch, Hoffert, Peters, Piatz, Ripplinger, Vetsch, Voeller, Wentz, and Wolfe families. (Knox is currently being served from Rugby.)

50 years ago — 1969

Five years of planning came to a close on August 17 when Monsignor Allan F. Nilles officiated the dedication of the monastery chapel at the Carmel of Mary in Wahpeton. The Sisters took it upon themselves to refinish second hand pews from a church in Minneapolis, Minn. for their new chapel.

They also designed some of the stained glass windows and statuary. Materials and talent were sourced from far and wide.

The statuary was handmade by an Italian wood carver and stood in the New Orleans port for four months awaiting the

close of the shipping strike. The bethel white granite altar came from a quarry in Pennsylvania and the bronze tabernacle from a manufacturer in Illinois. After the consecration of the altar, the 500 in attendance participated in the annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of the Prairies.

20 years ago — 1999

On a sunny Friday in August, a dedication ceremony was held for the Park River community’s newest monument.

Project “Little Lamb” honors all unborn babies who have died through abortion, still-birth, or miscarriage. The black granite, five piece, memorial featuring an etching of Jesus surrounded by children, was installed between Calvary (Catholic) and Memorial Park (public) cemeteries. Families now have a place to go to remember their children, to help them grieve and bring some closure. Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus presented a wreath decorated with baby shoes and toys. The children who participated in Camp Ave Maria at St. Mary’s placed roses and sang “Jesus Loves Me.”

Franciscan Sisters celebrate milestone jubilees

By Franciscan Sisters

(l-r) Father Dale Lagodinski, Sister Donna Welder, Father Kurt Gunwall, Sister Elaine Marie Roggenbuck, Deacon Douglas Campbell, Bishop John T. Folda, Deacon Joseph Leitner, Sister M. Leonida Schmidt, Father Matthew Kraemer, and Father Jimmy Tiu. (submitted photo)

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n June 8 in Hankinson, Bishop Folda celebrated a Mass for the jubilees of two Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen.

Sister M. Leonida Schmidt marked 70 years of religious consecration to Christ, and Sister Elaine Marie Roggenbuck, 60.

Both Sisters renewed their vows to “live for the duration of their

lives” following Jesus according to their Franciscan rule and constitutions, and heard the call to persevere from Bishop Folda: “Sisters, on the part of Almighty God, if you live up to these things until the end of your life, I promise you everlasting life.”

Since her first profession in 1949, Sister Leonida has been a devoted teacher. Her first assignment (1949–53) was to St. John the Baptist School, a grade school for the children of faculty members and employees of St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn. The last 27 years of service as a full-time educator were at St. John’s Catholic School, Wahpeton, where she was principal for the last 25 years. She was also principal at St. Boniface in Lidgerwood and Holy Family in Grand Forks. Sister Leonida also taught at St. Francis Academy, Hankinson, and Towner Public School, Towner. She resides now at St. Francis Convent in Hankinson, where she helps out with various duties in the convent.

Sister Elaine Marie also started out her years of service as an educator. She taught from 1959–72 at Aberdeen, S.D., Napoleon, Hankinson, Lidgerwood, Rugby, and Grand Forks. Following the 1972 school year, Sister was asked to move into the field of long-term care. It was then that she began working at St. Anne’s Guest Home in Grand Forks, a residence providing basic care for elderly or vulnerable adults. Sister Elaine Marie is well known in Grand Forks for her musical talent. She is a member of a local accordion club that performed publicly for many years.

Sister Leonida professed her vows on Aug. 11, 1949, and Sister Elaine Marie professed her vows on July 18, 1959.

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US & WORLD NEWS

National Life Runners relay starts at Grand Forks parish

By Paul Braun

Relay runners at St. Michaels Church in Grand Forks start off their 5K leg of the national Life Runners relay for life on July 4. (submitted photo)

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early 60 North Dakota runners and walkers gathered at the starting line in front of St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks on July 4 to begin the North Arm of the national Life Runners 5K walk/ run to raise awareness and support for prolife efforts across the country.

Three other Life Runners relays kicked off the same day. The East Arm began at the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, the West Arm from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, and the South Arm from San Antonio, Texas. The route goes by abortion facilities across the nation, where walkers/ runners will stop for prayer. All four arms will unite for a finish line celebration on Aug. 11 in Overland Park, Kan. Walkers/runners are expected to log a total of 5,359 miles before reaching the finish line. Event sponsorships are always welcome. For more information, go to www. liferunners.org.

From slave to priest: Augustus Tolton one step closer to sainthood

By Vatican News

when he was ordained in 1886, he was the first Catholic priest in the United States publicly known to be black.

Venerable Augustus Tolton (Vatican News) Augustus Tolton was born into a family of slaves in Missouri, in 1854. He studied for the priesthood in Rome and was ordained at the Basilica of St John Lateran in 1886 when he was 31 years of age. He returned to the United States soon afterwards where he served the black community, mostly in Chicago.

Known for his musical talents, which included a gift for playing the accordion and a beautiful singing voice, “Good Father Gus,” as he was nicknamed, quickly became famous for the eloquence of his sermons. Contemporary local news articles refer to him specifically as being “a fluent and graceful talker.”

The year 1897 saw the city of Chicago experiencing an ugustus Tolton is among the eight individuals whose exceptional heatwave. Father Tolton was frequently given to heroic virtues were confirmed by Pope Francis in a series bouts of illness and fatigue. On July 8, he collapsed and died of of decrees promulgated by the Vatican Congregation for heatstroke. He was 43 years of age. His cause for canonization the Causes of Saints. The name of Augustus Tolton stands out was opened by the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2010. On June partly because he is the only American, but mostly because, 12, 2019, Pope Francis officially confirmed his “heroic virtue,” putting him on the path to eventual sainthood.

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Seal of confession is an “intrinsic requirement,” Vatican says

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he head of the Vatican’s Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Penitentiary released a note July 1, reaffirming the inviolability of the seal of confession and the importance of other forms of secrecy in the life of the Church. The text follows action by governments in Australia, California, Confessional in St. Peter’s and other parts of the Basilica in the Vatican world, to undermine the (VaCatholic News Agency) sacramental seal.

“The defense of the sacramental seal and the sanctity of confession can never constitute some form of connivance with evil, on the contrary, they represent the only true antidote to

By Courtney Grogan | Catholic News Agency

evil that threatens man and the whole world,” states the note signed by the head of the penitentiary, Cardinal Mauro Piacenza.

The Catholic Church declares that every priest who hears confessions is obliged, under the severest legal penalties, to keep absolute secrecy concerning everything learned in the context of sacramental confession. Violation of the seal by a priest is punishable by an automatic excommunication, and can be augmented with other penalties, including dismissal from the clerical state.

In May, California’s state senate introduced a bill that would require priests to violate the seal if they had knowledge or suspicion of child abuse gained from hearing the sacramental confessions of other priests or co-workers. A report by a Royal Commission set up to examine child sexual abuse in Australia recommended similar laws in that country last year. Priests and bishops, both in the United States and Australia, have repeatedly stated they will not violate the sacramental seal, even if it results in them being sent to prison.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen to be beatified

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ope Francis approved the miracle attributed to Archbishop Fulton Sheen on July 5, making possible the American television catechist’s beatification.

The Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints promulgated the decree approving Sheen’s miracle on July 6.

The miracle involves the unexplained recovery of James Fulton Engstrom, a boy born apparently stillborn in September 2010 to Bonnie and Travis Engstrom of the Peoria-area town of Goodfield. He showed no signs of life as medical professionals tried to revive him. The child’s mother and father prayed to Archbishop Sheen to heal their son.

A seven-member panel of medical experts advising the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints gave unanimous approval of the miracle attributed to the famous television personality and evangelist in March 2014.

Archbishop Sheen was a beloved television catechist during the 1950s and 60s in the United States. His Emmy-award winning television show “Life is Worth Living” reached an audience of millions.

Sheen was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois at the age of 24, and was appointed auxiliary bishop of New

By Courtney Grogan | Catholic News Agency

York in 1951, where he remained until his appointment as Bishop of Rochester, New York in 1966. He retired in 1969 and moved back to New York City until his death in 1979.

On June 27, Sheen’s remains were transferred from the Archdiocese of New York to Peoria, Illinois following a long legal battle over the late archbishop’s burial place that had put Sheen’s sainthood cause on hold.

The Peoria diocese opened the cause for Sheen’s canonization in 2002, after Archdiocese of New York said it would not explore the case. In 2012, Benedict XVI recognized the heroic virtues of the archbishop.

In September 2014, Bishop Daniel Jenky of Peoria suspended Sheen’s cause on the grounds that the Holy See expected Sheen’s remains to be in the Peoria diocese.

Fulton Sheen’s niece Joan Cunningham filed a legal complaint in 2016 seeking to have her uncle’s remains moved to the Cathedral of St. Mary in Peoria. The Archdiocese of New York repeatedly appealed the attempt to transfer Sheen’s remains to Peoria.

On June 7, the New York Court of Appeals denied further appeal of the New York Supreme Court decision upholding Cunningham’s petition and later that month Sheen’s remains were moved to Peoria.

No date has been given for Sheen’s beatification. Another recognized miracle attributed to Sheen would lead to his canonization as a saint.

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US & WORLD NEWS

Cardinal expresses concern as conditions worsen in Venezuela

By Catholic News Agency

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ardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo said July 8 that conditions in Venezuela continue to deteriorate under the country’s socialist government.

“We are living in an exceptional and unheard-of situation, which is not the result of war, nor of any armed conflict, or any natural catastrophe, and yet which is having similar consequences. The political regime that is running Venezuela has broken the country and has generated an atmosphere of social conflict that is steadily growing worse,” Cardinal Porras, Archbishop of Mérida and Apostolic Administrator of Caracas, told the pastoral charity Aid to the Church in Need July 8.

Under the socialist administration of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela has been marred by violence and social upheaval, with severe shortages of food and medicine, high unemployment, and hyperinflation. More than 4 million Venezuelans have emigrated since 2015.

“People are leaving on account of their economic situation and because of their political ideas, while others are doing so on account of the harassment and repression in the country, whose economic system is now practically ruined,” the cardinal reflected.

“There is absolutely no security under the law. At the same time there is no work and no proper healthcare, there is no possibility for people of bringing home even the minimum to support their family.”

Earlier this year, opposition leader Juan Guaidó, head of the opposition-controlled legislature the National Assembly, declared himself interim president of Venezuela, saying Maduro’s

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victory in a contested 2018 election was invalid. Guaidó has been recognized by a number of Western governments, but has been largely unable to secure the support of Venezuela’s military.

The National Assembly has been superseded by the progovernment Constituent Assembly, formed in 2017 after contested elections.

Porras said that negotiations held in Oslo between the government and the opposition are “an opportunity to discover if there is any will to restore democracy, which has for now been totally sidelined in this country.”

He reflected that “over the past 20 years, when the government found itself in difficulties, it frequently called for dialogue.

But these appeals were only made in order to ‘paper over the cracks’, because the government had no real desire to negotiate sincerely, or to concede anything at all. Given this situation, a large proportion of the population have lost all trust and belief in the idea of dialogue.”

Last week, a UN report said the government has committed a variety of human rights abuses, including a high number of extrajudicial killings.

The cardinal said: “We are deeply concerned at the fact that in the last year the number of people who have been arrested, tortured, murdered or ‘disappeared’ has been growing and that those involved in these actions include not only high-ranking members of the military, but also some members of the progovernment popular classes.”

He charged that Maduro’s government can only control the Venezuelan people “through fear, and by deliberately provoking fuel, food and energy shortages.”

Both “public and private institutions have been destroyed,” Porras said, “and the only institution remaining is the Church.”

“This is thanks to our closeness to the people and to our presence at every level of society,” he stated, adding that the Church “has had the courage to point out the defects of this regime.”

As a result of this, Catholic schools are restricted, and its institutions face “verbal threats and harassment.”

“The parishes are attacked by the government, by the communal councils and the so-called ‘colectivos’, pro-government popular groups. For example, in Caracas, the members of these groups stand at the church doors and listen to what the priest says in his homilies, and if they don’t like it, then the threats begin,” the cardinal stated.

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Sidewalk Stories

By Roxane B. Salonen

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Sidewalk in summer brings stark scenarios

n the summertime, the sidewalk in front of our state’s only abortion facility brings a proliferation of just about everything.

The numbers of people gathered there recently startled me as I approached one late morning. Along with the abortion escorts in their blue vests at every corner, a pooling of prayer advocates had spread out, dotting the length.

Among the latter was a group who’d traveled from northern Minnesota; a family from rural North Dakota with their large brood; two young women who’d painted the sidewalk with colorful chalk messages like, “Be brave for your baby;” the mother with her three kiddos spread out on a blanket with toys and prayer beads; the usual rosary-wielding warriors and their pals with the pro-life leaflets; men with signs sidewalk-shielding; a couple with a baby in a stroller sucking on tubed applesauce; and a young man in sneakers and jeans, gripping his Bible and a microphone, speaking truth into the tense air.

Beyond this, patrons of nearby eateries sat casually in iron patio furniture just inches away, consuming their beers and burgers, outwardly unmoved by the revolting reality next door.

I remember thinking, at one point, while eyeing the many different personalities there that day, “Every single person here was once as vulnerable and small as the children who will die here today. And here we all are, having been given life. How vain of any of us to think that we deserved life and these others do not. No matter the circumstances of their conception, why is their right to breathe this air denied?”

Adding to the color that morning was a couple of escorts who, it seemed clear, were Native American. The beautiful beadwork on their keychains and clothes and the woman’s moccasins brought me back to my growing-up years on the Fort Peck Reservation in northeast Montana.

Seeing them standing there with nervous smiles, my heart sank. I cannot escape how I grew up, nor would I want to, for it was on the reservation, a white girl among the Lakota and Assiniboine peoples, that I learned some of the most meaningful truths about life.

Ours was one of the most poverty-stricken areas of the country. For many, it was a desolate, despairing existence. And yet, through the haze of hemp, something else emerged loud and clear—a love for family and deep honoring of life.

I credit my time there, along with my father’s large Catholic family of origin, for my own openness to life. As the second daughter of two children, I yearned to have the kind of bounteous relationships I saw all around me. Though lacking in material wealth, many there were rich in spiritual abundance, cultivated mostly in their relationships.

My heart will always feel especially tender toward the Native people. I owe them a great debt for the truths I witnessed, even if not always lived out easily. I pray for them often and am grateful for the friends who remain friends to this day.

I’ve spoken to many of them, walking past, who’ve shared their pro-life convictions, which makes what I saw that day even more troubling. It seems some in the Native community have bought into the culture of death deception that has taken so much from them already.

I’d guess this acquiescence comes mainly from fear; logical fear perhaps, based on the unfortunate poverty this community has experienced, but it does not match the truth of the best things I learned from the reservation: our wealth is in our people, and God will provide if we place our trust in him.

We have so much work to do to turn this culture around and help people feel hopeful enough about their circumstances that they would know they are being cared for and are not alone in difficult situations, that a community surrounds them, and that they do not have to choose death of their youngest in order to survive.

I urge the Native community, especially Catholics, not to go silent right now, even if it seems you are going against your loved ones. Remind them of their value and strength. Each of you are survivors of life, and we need your voices and the goodness you bring to our world.

Summertime on the sidewalk brings out a little bit more of everything than what we see in other seasons. I hope everyone, of all color, who sees the truth will join us in prayer. The sidewalk becomes busier in the summer, but there is always room for more.

Roxane B. Salonen, a wife and mother of five, is a local writer, and a speaker and radio host for Real Presence Radio. Roxane writes for The Forum newspaper and for CatholicMom.com. Reach her at roxanebsalonen@gmail.com.

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NEW

EARTH

Catholic Diocese of Fargo 5201 Bishops Blvd, Ste. A Fargo, ND 58104

Do you know where we are?

The answer will be revealed in the September New Earth.

Where in the diocese are we?

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Last month’s photo is from outside the Queen of Peace Retreat Center in Belcourt.