New June 2018 | Vol. 39 | No. 6
Earth
The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo
Pembina’s pious pioneers
Assumption Church marks 200 years spreading Catholicism on the northern plains
PLUS
From Bishop Folda: The beauty of rural life
Harvey Knights build tiny caskets for couples who suffer the death of a miscarried or stillborn child
St. Joseph’s School, Devils Lake, to extend to seventh, eighth grade NEW EARTH JUNE 2018
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NEW
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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June 2018 Vol. 39 | No. 6
ON THE COVER 14 Assumption Church marks 200 years spreading Catholicism on the northern plains
From French fur trappers to present-day farmers, the area where the city of Pembina now stands has been a crossroads of commerce on the North American plains since the early 1700s. With growing commerce came a need for spiritual direction. This year marks 200 years the Assumption parish has served Catholics in the area. The parish is known as “the oldest Catholic mission in the American Northwest.”
FROM BISHOP FOLDA
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The beauty of rural life
FOCUS ON FAITH
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Pope Francis’ June prayer intention
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Ask a priest:
If my hand is an occasion of sin, is it the body or the soul that is guilty?
AROUND THE DIOCESE
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Harvey Knights build tiny caskets for couples who suffer the death of a miscarried or stillborn child
10 St. Vincent de Paul societies continue to serve those most in need 11 Pilgrimage to Holy Land brings Bible to life 13 Caring nurse and friend, Sister Carmelita Sauer, passes away May 20
FAITH AND CULTURE
18 Tattered Pages
A review written by Father Michael Hickin for the book “Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation”
19 Catholic Culture in the Home
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Car rides an opportunity for prayer
20 Cookbook a tribute to friendship
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NEXT GEN
23 St. Joseph’s School, Devils Lake, to extend to seventh, eighth grade 26 Rugby’s Early Out program provides unique opportunity for Catholic students and families
OUR CATHOLIC LIFE
27 Sister’s Perspective
The mercies of the Lord I will sing forever
28 Seminarian Life
Evangelization 101
29 Catholic Action
Use caution before accepting the “new”
30 Stewardship
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Putt 4 a Purpose encourages fun for a good cause
ON THE COVER: The many faces of Assumption Church in Pembina over the last 200 years. (Paul Braun | New Earth)
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(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
Assistant editor Kristina Lahr
Designer
Stephanie Drietz - Drietz Designs
Subscriptions
Parish contributions make it possible for each registered Catholic household in the diocese to receive 11 issues per year. For those living outside the Diocese wanting a subscription, an annual $9/year rate is requested.
Postmaster
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31 Word on Fire
23
Michelle Wolf and the throwaway culture
32 Catholic Charities Corner
Keeping life worth living
WHAT’S HAPPENING
33 Life’s milestones 33 A glimpse of the past 34 Events across the diocese
U.S. AND WORLD NEWS
36 What Alfie Evans’ life reveals about human dignity SIDEWALK STORIES 39 How should we respond to “I was raped?”
Send address changes or subscription requests to: New Earth 5201 Bishops Blvd S., Suite A Fargo, ND 58104
Contact Information
Use the following contact information to contact the New Earth staff: news@fargodiocese.org (701) 356-7900 Deadline to submit articles, story ideas, advertisements and announcements for the July/August issue is July 3, 2018. All submissions are subject to editing and placement. New Earth is published by the Catholic Diocese of Fargo, a nonprofit North Dakota corporation, 5201 Bishops Blvd. S, Suite A Fargo, ND 58104. (701) 356-7900. Periodical Postage Paid at Fargo, ND and at additional mailing offices. Member of the Catholic Press Association NEW EARTH JUNE 2018
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FROM BISHOP FOLDA
The beauty of rural life
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n June 24, the Diocese of Fargo will hold its first annual Rural Life Celebration on the Schmitz farm near Harvey. With our many rural communities and parishes, it seems only fitting that we should celebrate the natural bond between our Catholic faith and rural life, and I hope many will come and join the celebration. I also intend to move this celebration around the diocese, in a different deanery each year, so that the faithful from every corner of our diocesan family will have the opportunity to attend. Rural life has always been and always will be an essential part of the character of this diocese. From its earliest days, the faithful have formed rural communities and worked the land, and the Church has always recognized in rural life a special calling from God. Rural life presents a unique spirituality to those who live and work on farms and in small communities. As they engage in the work of sowing and harvesting, raising livestock, or any of the other areas of work that support our rural communities, they find themselves very near to God, our Creator. One cannot ignore the beauty of creation, which is a small glimpse of the one who fashioned our earth. Simply by observing the crops, the animals, the land, the sky, the weather, the seasons, and the beautiful balance that ties it all together, we see traces of God’s creative work. Pope Francis extolls the beauty of creation in his encyclical Laudato Si, and he urges us to be mindful of God’s unfolding plan in the world around us. In fact, farmers are true collaborators in God’s work of creation, and through their hard work and ingenuity, they cooperate with that plan and bring it to fruition. Those who live and work on the land have a unique call to be stewards of God’s creation. Perhaps more than others, our farmers recognize the fragility of nature and the need to care for the earth, to carefully reap its abundant fruits, and to preserve it for succeeding generations. From their unique vantage point, farmers can recognize the many threats to our environment, and they also know from experience how to work the earth respectfully. We may own land and property, but ultimately we are only stewards in the plan of God. He has entrusted the land and its resources to us for our use and for the common good. A time will come, however, when this rich land will pass to others and we will have to give an accounting of our stewardship. With a clear understanding of God’s place in our work, our stewardship becomes a privilege, a way of life, and a way of sanctification. 4
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One of the key virtues of rural life is learning to depend on the Divine Providence of God. So many external factors affect the work of agriculture, some from the natural world and others from the forces of commerce. The farmer and rancher can teach all of us what it means to trust in God, who blesses the work of their hands even when things seem to go against them. Some years are abundant and others are less so, but in all cases, God’s providence is present to those who look to him with faith. Of course, people work hard in every walk of life, but the work ethic of the farmer is demanding and impressive, especially when it is joined to faith in God’s grace.
“Those who live and work on the land have a unique call to be stewards of God’s creation. Perhaps more than others, our farmers recognize the fragility of nature and the need to care for the earth, to carefully reap its abundant fruits, and to preserve it for succeeding generations.” – Bishop John Folda In my experience of rural life, first from my family background but also as a rural pastor, I have seen the strong ties that bind families and neighbors together. In our small towns and rural communities, neighbors know each other well and reach out to help when there is a need. Families are close-knit and always there for each other. There is a necessary spirit of cooperation that can bring the members together in a common effort and deepen relationships of love and respect. This is also true in our rural parishes. The members of our small town and country parishes have a strong sense of connection to their church family, and their family history is often tightly woven into the history of the parish. The rural faithful work together to sustain and build up their parish community, and they have a keen sense of devotion to the parish that often was built up by their own ancestors. Some of my happiest days as a priest were spent in the small communities of Nebraska, in places like Syracuse, Avoca, Palmyra, Douglas, and Seward. But I also know that rural and small town life has its challenges. There is growing rural poverty, which often remains hidden from view. There is the possibility of isolation, both physical and spiritual. The rural population in many places is aging and shrinking, and fewer people are expected to do more to keep things going. The pressures and
BISHOP FOLDA’S CALENDAR challenges of the rural economy are heavy and complex. It would be a fantasy to pretend that all is ideal and cheerful in our small communities, but even with its challenges, rural life has a unique grace and blessedness for those who live it. Jesus himself often uses rural imagery to illustrate the truths of his Gospel, and some beloved figures from his parables are distinctly rural in character: the shepherd, the sower, the farmer. Rural life, whether in town or in the country, can put us in touch with our Lord and offers a quiet space for prayer that we all could use. I hope our rural communities and parishes will continue to flourish, and that our rural faithful will continue to share the wisdom and richness of their way of life with our entire diocesan family.
June 9
| 11:30 a.m.
Mass for Diocesan Men’s Leadership Summit, Ft. Ransom
June 10
| 4 p.m.
Evening Prayer for Father Ackerman 40th Anniversary of Ordination, St. Alphonsus, Langdon
June 12-15
USCCB Spring Meeting, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
June 17
| 10 a.m.
June 20
| 3 p.m.
Mass at Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo St. JPII Schools Network Board of Directors Meeting, Pastoral Center, Fargo
June 24
| 12:30 p.m.
Rural Life Mass, Ron & Janine Schmitz farm, Harvey
Prayer Intention of Pope Francis Universal – Social Networks:
That social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.
June 26
| 10 a.m.
June 28
| 10 a.m.
North Dakota Catholic Conference, Jamestown Mass for Sister Joseph Marie’s 60th Jubilee of Profession, Carmel of Mary, Wahpeton
July 1
| 4 p.m.
July 8
| 12 p.m.
Mass for Monsignor Gregory Schlesselmann’s 25th Anniversary of Ordination, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo Mass at International Peace Gardens, Bottineau
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Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (701) 241-7842 toll free (888) 682-8033 1336 25th Ave. S., Fargo 58103 (south of K-Mart)
July 12
| 10:30 a.m.
July 15
| 10:30 a.m.
Mass for celebration of 300th Birthday of Founders, Sisters of the Presentation, Fargo Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pastoral Visit, Rock Lake
July 16
| 5 p.m.
Catholic United Financial Priest Golf Outing Dinner, Edgewood, Fargo NEW EARTH JUNE 2018
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Diocese of Fargo Official Appointments/Announcements April 2018 Most Rev. John T. Folda, Bishop of Fargo, has made the following appointments, announcements and/or decrees. Rev. Terry E. Dodge is appointed as Pastor of Sacred Rev. Kyle P. Metzger is appointed as Vocations Director Heart Church, Carrington and St. Elizabeth’s Church, for the Diocese of Fargo, effective June 27, 2018, and Sykeston for a second term of six-years,beginning June 27,2018. continuing ad nutum episcopi. He will reside in the Sts. Anne Rev. Dale H. Kinzler is appointed as Pastor of St. George’s & Joachim parish rectory.
Church, Cooperstown; Sacred Heart Church, Aneta; St. Rev. Timothy Johnson is appointed as Parochial Vicar Olaf’s Church, Finley; and St. Lawrence Church, Jessie of St. Alphonsus Church, Langdon; St. Edward’s Church, for a second term of six-years, 27, 2018. Nekoma; and St. Michael’s Church,Wales.This appointment Diocese ofbeginning Fargo June Official Appointments/Announcements Rev. K.S. Kopacz is appointed as Pastor of St. Rose is effective June 27, 2018, and continues ad nutum episcopi. Church, Hillsboro and St. William’s Church, Argusville for a second term of six-years, beginning June 27, 2018.
Rev. Robert Keller is appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks. This appointment is effective June 27, 2018, and continues ad nutum episcopi.
Rev. Steven J. Meyer is appointed as Pastor of St. Mary’s Church, Lakota; St. Lawrence’s Church, Michigan; and St. Rev. Petro Ndunguru is appointed as Parochial Vicar of Joseph’s Church, Tolna for a second term of six-years, Holy Spirit Church in Fargo.This appointment is effective beginning June 27, 2018. June 27, 2018, and continues ad nutum episcopi. Very Rev. Chad F. Wilhelm is appointed as Pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, Devils Lake for a second term of six-years, beginning June 27, 2018. Rev. Peter J. Anderl is appointed as Pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church, Mayville and St. Agnes Church, Hunter for a term of six-years, beginning June 27, 2018. Rev. John C. Ejike is appointed as Pastor of St.Timothy’s Church, Manvel for a term of six-years, beginning June 27, 2018.
Rev. Patrick Parks is appointed as Parochial Vicar of St. James Basilica, Jamestown; St. Margaret Mary’s Church, Buchanan; St. Michael’s Church, Pingree; and St. Mathias Church, Windsor. This appointment is effective June 27, 2018, and continues ad nutum episcopi. Rev. Robert Smith is appointed as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo. This appointment is effective June 27, 2018, and continues ad nutum episcopi.
Rev. Anthony Welle is appointed as Parochial Vicar of St. Rev. Kurtis L. Gunwall is appointed as Pastor of St. John’s Church in Wahpeton.This appointment is effective Anthony’s Church, Mooreton and Sts. Peter and Paul’s June 27, 2018, and continues ad nutum episcopi. Church, Mantador for a term of six-years, beginning June Rev. Steven Wirth is appointed as Parochial Vicar of 27, 2018. St. Joseph’s Church in Devils Lake. This appointment is Rev. Sean P. Mulligan is appointed as Pastor of St. effective June 27, 2018, and continues ad nutum episcopi. Boniface Church,Wimbledon; St. Mary’s Church, Dazey; and St. John’s Church, Kensal for a term of six-years, beginning June 27, 2018.
“It is better to be the child of God than king of the whole world.” – St. Aloysius Gonzaga 6
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FOCUS ON FAITH
If my hand is an occasion of sin, is it the body or the soul that is guilty?
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question came across our “Ask a Priest” desk recently: “If the body, or parts of the body would commit a sin, so after the death of the body and the burial, as I understand it, there is no suffering to the body or it will remain there and eventually turn to ashes. But on the other hand, the soul does not commit the sin, but suffers for whatever the sin of the body will be judged according to Christ himself. I would like you to explain my concern in regards to this question.” In Mt. 5:30 Jesus tells us, “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into Gehenna (hell).” Of course, Jesus would not mean for us to literally cut off our hands or pluck out our eyes when they become occasions of sin. Otherwise, we would have nothing left to live on. Jesus is telling us that we need not fear physical loss so much as the loss of our immortal soul. Again Jesus says: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mt. 10:28). The old Baltimore Catechism posed and answered the question: “Who is man?” “Man is a creature composed of body and soul, made in the image and likeness of God.” Our likeness to God is found in our immortal soul, with its capacities of intellect and free will. Through these faculties, we choose bodily actions that unite us with God in grace or separate ourselves from him in sin (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] 1701-7). Earthly suffering is finished when we die and go to the grave, and our body-separated soul will begin its destiny of eternal happiness or suffering at the moment of death.
“The New Testament... repeatedly affirms that each will be rewarded immediately after death in accordance with his works and faith... Each man receives his eternal retribution in his immortal soul at the very moment of his death, in a particular judgment that refers to his life in Christ: either entrance into the blessedness of heaven – through a purification (purgatory) or immediately, – or immediate and everlasting damnation” (CCC 1021-22).
Our Catechism’s presentation on the creed, article 12, “I Believe in Life Everlasting,” states, “The Ask a Priest chief punishment of Father Dale Kinzler hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs” (CCC 1035). The condemned person will suffer in body and soul in a way far beyond any earthly suffering we may have yet encountered. Jesus says, “It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mk. 9:47-48). “Unquenchable fire” of the spiritual kind may be harder to comprehend than the fiery heat of a blast furnace at 2,000 degrees. The condemned soul’s longing for God, from whom we have separated ourselves, goes on forever. That is a pain more intense than any physical heat could cause. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote: “After the day of judgment... the worm ascribed to the damned must be understood to be not of a corporeal but of a spiritual nature: and this is the remorse of conscience, which is called a worm because it torments the soul, as a corporeal worm born of corruption torments by gnawing” (Summa Theologica, Q. 97). Let us make every effort to use our faculties of body and mind such that God will judge us deserving of everlasting happiness with the saints in heaven. Let us use every means of grace and avoid the sins that lead to everlasting, unquenchable suffering in hell-fire. God sent his son into the world, “not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him” (Jn 3:16-17). With hearts set on our eternal destiny, let us “set our minds on the things that are above... and do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:1-17).
The human person is a “body-soul unity” whose physical actions are an expression of the immortal soul. Our gracefilled loving actions affirm the divine image within, and our Father Kinzler serves as the pastor of St. George’s Church in sinful actions contradict that divine image. In other words, our Cooperstown as well as pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Aneta; St. sins are sins not only of the body, but also of the soul of the Olaf’s Church, Finley; and St. Lawrence’s Church, Jessie. human person. Editor’s Note: If you would like to submit a question for consideration Our creed professes “resurrection of the body to life everlasting.” in a future column, please send to news@fargodiocese.org or mail The everlasting happiness or suffering of each person will be that to New Earth, 5201 Bishops Blvd. S, Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104. of a “glorified body” which no longer undergoes the changes we experience here on earth.
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
A tradition of mercy becomes an award-winning service project
Harvey Knights build tiny caskets for couples who suffer the death of a miscarried or stillborn child By Paul Braun “I approached Leo Grossman when the funeral home ran out of the pine boxes,” said Sister Mary Agnes. “He said he would make them. I told him I only needed two just to have on hand, and he made ten. He made the first box with the padding, and I put the padding in the other nine.” Leo’s tiny caskets are made of oak, outlined with decorative wood trim, sanded and varnished, and inlaid with a padded lining and a screen. “They cost about twenty-seven dollars to make,” said Leo. “I use oak and cut the pieces to fit, then I hand-finish them with four coats of finish and put on the strips. It takes about nine hours for each one.” Leo, who serves as Faithful Navigator of the Monsignor O’Neill Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, is also a member of Knights Council 5217 in Harvey. His efforts, and those of his fellow Knights, caught the attention of state leadership, and in April at the North Dakota State Knights of
50 YEARS LATER
Leo Grossman, Faithful Navigator of the Monsignor O’Neill Knights of Columbus Assembly in Harvey, and Sister Mary Agnes Huber of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with one of the tiny caskets built by the Knights of Columbus. (Paul Braun | New Earth)
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t’s a tragic and heartbreaking experience no couple wants to go through…the loss of a child in the womb. Along with the shock and pain that comes with such a loss comes confusion, especially when it comes to how to lovingly handle the baby’s remains. The local funeral home provides caskets for babies and small children who pass away, but there’s nothing available to handle the tiny remains of the pre-born. For 15 years, the late Francis Muscha of Harvey built tiny pine caskets and provided them to the funeral home to use for burials. At the time of his death, the funeral home had only three of these special caskets remaining, and soon there would be none. That’s when Sister Mary Agnes Huber, who works in Pastoral Care at St. Aloisius Hospital in Harvey, contacted the Knights of Columbus.
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The Diocese of Fargo website has helpful information for parents, families and friends who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or loss of child after birth. These resources may be found at www.fargodiocese.org/infantloss. If you have immediate questions about the loss of a child, how to handle the remains of a loss, or what services can be offered for family members facing the loss of a child before birth, please contact your parish priest or the Respect Life Office at (701) 356-7910. NEW EARTH JUNE 2018
A row of tiny graves dedicated for burying stillborn or miscarried babies lies on the south side of the cemetery in Harvey. (Paul Braun | New Earth)
FOCUS ON FAITH
Columbus Convention in Bismarck, Council 5217 was awarded the North Dakota Service Program Culture of Life service award for their work in helping to relieve the pain and suffering of parents. “This is an important service,” said Father Franklin Miller, Pastor of St. Cecilia’s Church in Harvey. “It’s especially important when persons are hurting. It goes along with our Catholic belief in the dignity of every human being from conception to natural death. I’m very proud of our Knights.” Father Miller says babies who pass away in the womb should be afforded the dignity of all persons, and having the caskets available allows these deceased children to have their holy burial place where their grieving parents and family members
can go to remember them. “I tell couples that suffer a miscarriage to make sure they give that child a name,” said Sister Mary Agnes. “We have a whole row of little graves at the cemetery, and even if their child wasn’t able to be baptized, it’s important they give that child a name before burial out of respect and love for their little one.” Leo Grossman hopes their idea will catch on with other councils across the state, and their efforts are being forwarded by state officials to the national Supreme level for review. Nevertheless, Leo says they don’t do this for the recognition. They just responded to a plea for help, hoping to keep a tradition of mercy alive in Harvey for years to come.
International speaker and author Immaculee Ilibagiza shared her testimony of forgiveness and mercy at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fargo on May 4-5. After her family and nearly one million of her tribe were murdered during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, she was able, through God’s grace, to forgive he man who killed her mother and one of her brothers. After hearing her testimony, faithful were invited to give a flower to our Blessed Mother as a way to let go of any anger or resentment in their own lives and to ask for Mary’s intercession. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)
Dorothy Duchschere retired on June 1 after serving 14 years as the receptionist for the Diocese of Fargo Pastoral Center and 15 years as assistant for the Diocese of Fargo vocations office. Fellow employees and friends celebrated her retirement at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church, Fargo on May 21. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
St. Vincent de Paul societies continue to serve those most in need By Michelle DeFoe, SSVdP Fargo District Secretary
The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is just one of many ways the St. Vincent de Paul Society assists those in need. Read on to see what the conferences in Fargo, Devils Lake, and Rugby, have been doing in their communities. (submitted photo)
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he Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s (SSVdP) calls its members, Vincentians, to “seek and find the forgotten, the suffering, or the deprived so that we may bring them Your Love.” Although the society is known for providing financial assistance through home visits, each of the four conferences in the diocese have found multiple ways to meet societal needs. Fargo’s St. Anthony of Padua SSVdP Conference recently completed two special works projects. The first was inspired by the story of Jesus feeding the multitude with a mere two loaves and a few fish. St. Anthony of Padua’s parishioners, including the religious education students, were challenged to fill 12 wicker baskets of food to serve as Thanksgiving meals for those in need. In two weeks, they filled over 30 baskets of donated food. Members of the SSVdP conference assembled food for Thanksgiving meals for 18 families, feeding over 124 people. The second project, “Remembrance Gifts,” is an annual project in response to “heed the call to seek out the suffering.” This year, 51 parishioners who had lost an immediate family member received a handmade pillow with the loved one’s name. In addition to numerous home visits, the Holy Spirit Conference in Fargo participated in a variety of “special works” projects. One project was promoting the World Day of the Poor last November. The conference hosted an information table where Vincentians explained ways that parishioners could support the SSVdP through prayer, financial donations, donations to the non-food pantry, or joining the conference. The Holy Spirit Conference also attended leadership training and a Vincentian retreat, volunteered at the SSVdP Fargo District’s thrift store, collaborated with other service agencies in the Fargo area, and promoted the Giving Tree during Advent. 10
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For years, the SSVdP St. Joseph’s Hand of Mercy Conference in Devils Lake has distributed Holy Communion to Catholic residents of the Eventide Care Center every Sunday. Vincentians involved in this activity describe the joy and peace that residents display upon receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. The conference also sponsored two concerts in 2017. The first concert featured the musical talent of the Ternes family; the second featured a variety of musicians from the community and from St. Joseph’s Church in Devils Lake. Last December, Vincentians of St. Therese the Little Flower SSVdP Conference in Rugby helped the Pierce County Food Pantry assemble Christmas food baskets for those in need. The baskets included a turkey with all the trimmings and extras such as peanuts, fruit, and baked goodies from the Pierce County 4H club. Rugby Vincentians also worked with the annual Christmas Card Distribution to inmates at the Pierce County Correctional Center, where they assembled 115 Christmas cards. The cards included a prayer card, booklet, candy cane and miniature chocolate candies. The SSVdP Fargo District itself undertook a large project last summer when it opened the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Fargo. Thrift store board member Joan Schaefer described the thrift store and its mission: “The Holy Spirit was working overtime last spring when we were given the opportunity to open a thrift store. One goal is to provide gently used items at low prices to those who may not be able to afford retail prices. By allowing them to select and pay for items they want, we are honoring their dignity. Another goal of the store is to be a funding mechanism for SVdP in their home-visit ministry and for the Council’s formation program. The most important goal is to be the face of Christ to all who enter the door.” Schaefer said in the six months of operations, nearly 60 volunteers have donated over 2,900 hours to run the store. The store has two paid employees and six to seven faithful volunteers who use their gifts to bring glory to God in this mission. Schaefer says the store is always looking for volunteers whether it be for one hour or more. Every day the SSVdP assists individuals in need. Through home visits, Vincentians assess needs, establish relationships, remind those who receive visits how much God loves them, and provide financial or other types of assistance. Vincentians in the Fargo Diocese SSVdP conferences are volunteers. Each has chosen to answer Jesus’ call through special works, home visits, or other types of assistance. Jesus calls all people, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt. 25:35). Individuals interested in beginning an SSVdP conference in their home parish or becoming involved in an existing conference, should contact SSVdP District Council of Fargo President Jim Alfonso at (701) 230-2058.
AROUND THE DIOCESE
Pilgrimage to Holy Land brings Bible to life
By Jessica Wald | Reprinted with permission from the Napoleon Homestead
David Becker holding a cross, which was used for the walking of the stations of the cross (Via Dolrosa), while Father Neil Pfeifer recites the stations. (submitted photo)
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t was the experience, to understand the layout and see the places and things Jesus did. Instead of a story, it made the Bible come alive,” said Andy Gross of Napoleon, who was one of 40 who took a recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Father Neil Pfeifer, pastor of St. Philip Neri Church in Napoleon, and Father Brian Moen, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Minto, helped lead the pilgrimage to Israel April 9-20, with parishioners from both communities, along with a few others from around the state and Minnesota. Father Pfeifer said this pilgrimage was his fifth time to the Holy Land. “It’s always good. Every trip I learn more. The first trip is, ‘Wow!’ The second you pay more attention to details. The third [and so on], you notice more details and something else jumps out at you.” He said he enjoys visiting the Holy Land because it’s special to be in the footsteps of the Lord. “You can pick any spot and the Bible comes to life. It’s amazing to see what hits you and how.” Father Pfeifer said along the journey, people begin to pay
attention to their senses and associate different smells, noises, etc. to certain passages in the Bible that they will carry with them forever. Napoleon native Rachel Weigel said she felt a calling to go on another pilgrimage, as she was also able to go to Rome in high school. “They were both really important to me in my faith and I was so inspired to go after hearing Father Pfeifer talk about the Holy Land,” she said. Being the youngest, at 21, to be a part of the pilgrimage, Rachel said age isn’t a factor and there were people who attended in their 80s. “It doesn’t matter where you are in your faith. It’s an eye opening experience that confirms what you believe in. You get to see the roots of your faith.” Besides being an excellent trip with good guides, Weigel said, the pilgrimage was extra special, as she was able to attend with her mom, Cindy, and her aunt, Connie Weigel. She said one of her highlights was the geography of Israel. “A lot of the holy sites are on top of mountains and seeing the land from that point of view,” was surreal. She also added being part of the sunrises at the Sea of Galilee was a “peaceful and calming experience.” Another site she will cherish is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Jesus was crucified and the tomb where he rose. “I felt the presence of Jesus and it was easy to reflect; just feeling the reality of it,” she said. Gross said he had so many highlights during the 10-day pilgrimage, but one, which stood out to him was Calvary, where Jesus was crucified. “It was different in my mind than it actually was; the proximity of the tomb and the crucifix were closer than I thought,” he said. While in the deserts of Israel, the pilgrims dealt with 98 degree weather and Gross said he was surprised at the great amount of lush vegetation. He said it was neat to try the vast variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Gross added he would suggest the pilgrimage to anyone. “It is something everyone should put on their bucket list. It makes the Bible come alive; you see, smell and experience the story of Jesus. The whole experience draws you closer to God.” Father Pfeifer said he would like to continue the pilgrimage to the Holy Land as long as there continues to be interest. Another trip is in the making for the fall of 2019 or the beginning of 2020. If anyone is interested in making the journey, call St. Philip Neri Church at (701) 754-2860. “The trip gave me a vision to Bible stories,” said Weigel. “We all have a picture in our heads, but when you actually go in the footsteps of Jesus, you get a new perspective. Whenever I hear a reading, I now have an accurate vision/scenery of what’s going on; it brought the Bible to life.”
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PLEASE JOIN BISHOP JOHN FOLDA AS WE CELEBRATE OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES AND INVOKE GOD’S BLESSING UPON OUR LAND
1st annual
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018 12:30 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
Mass celebrated by Bishop Folda, followed by the blessing of land, animals and farm equipment
Meal, entertainment and speaker
HOSTED BY
St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Harvey ND at the Ron and Janine Schmitz farm 2678 20th St. NE, Harvey, ND 58341
DIRECTIONS
From the intersection of US 52 and ND 3 go 3 miles south. Turn right onto 20th St. NE (gravel) and proceed 4 miles (west). The farm is on your left.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
fargodiocese.org/rural-life
RSVP
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*This event is FREE, but please RSVP to (701) 356-7950 or tamara.splonskowski@ fargodiocese.org NEW EARTH JUNE 2018
ALSO...
*Please bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on *Bring a small container of soil from your fields or garden to be blessed
SPONSORED BY THE DIOCESE OF FARGO
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Caring nurse and friend, Sister Carmelita Sauer, passes away May 20
ister Carmelita (Norma) Sauer, 94, peacefully passed away May 20, at St. Francis Convent, Hankinson. She was lovingly accompanied through her last hours by the presence and prayers of the Sisters, Father Armand Brooks and family members. Sister Carmelita, was born March 27, 1924, on the family farm at Mt. Carmel, N.D. She was the oldest of seven children born to Peter and Clara (Kartes) Sauer. She loved growing up on the farm and the family and faith life of the Mt. Carmel community of her youth. After her junior year at Langdon, she completed high school as a candidate for religious life at St. Francis Academy in Hankinson, indicating her desire to enter the convent following her graduation in 1944. Upon the completion of her Novitiate year, she made her first profession of vows on July 26, 1945. On August 12, 1947, she made her perpetual vows, consecrating herself to Jesus Christ as a Franciscan Sister for the rest of her life. After making her first profession, she attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Fargo. In the spring of 1948, she graduated as a registered nurse. In that capacity she served at her community’s hospital missions at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Drayton; Gettysburg Memorial Hospital, Gettysburg, S.D.; St. Gerard’s Hospital in Hankinson; and at Towner County Memorial Hospital in Cando.
We celebrate
During her nursing years, she served as Administrator, Local Superior and Assistant Director of Nursing. She belonged to the Council of Women Religious and was elected to the position of Treasurer for the Catholic Hospital Association of South Dakota. She loved nursing, especially the deliveries of new babies, and spoke fondly of her years on the missions with other Sisters. In August 1992, after 44 years at the hospitals, Sister Carmelita was called home to the Provincial House in Hankinson where she became the nursing director for the convent infirmary. Being able to assist her Sisters through their illnesses and injuries gave her great joy. She was a cheerful spirit in her community and accepted all the challenges with faith in the Lord that all would work out for the best. Sister Carmelita’s hobbies included crocheting, embroidery, music, and working in the convent greenhouse and gardens. Throughout her life, she loved visits from her family members, and the opportunities to visit them again in Mt. Carmel. Sister Carmelita is survived by her Franciscan Sisters; her sister, Patricia Bodensteiner, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and five siblings Bernice Bodensteiner, Anna Fischer, and Clarence, John and Lloyd Sauer. Her funeral was held May 25 at St. Francis Convent.
communityhere!
Riverview’s th Anniversary
30
Independent Living
...it’s the friendships and sense of community here that make Riverview home.
We all appreciate the comforting things in life…a warm bed, great food, beautiful gardens. Our residents enjoy all of those wonderful things, but it’s the friendships and sense of community here that make Riverview home. We share stories, laughter, and smiles, and are committed to honoring the Catholic traditions on which our community was founded.
At Riverview you have everything you need… and everything you love.
Riverview
Assisted Living
5300 12th Street South Fargo, North Dakota 58104 701.237.4700 homeishere.org
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Pembina’s pious pioneers
Assumption Church marks 200 years spreading Catholicism on the northern plains By Paul Braun
By Paul Braun
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rom French fur trappers to present-day farmers, the area where the City of Pembina now stands has been a crossroads of commerce on the North American plains since the early 1700s. With growing commerce came a need for spiritual direction. From the roots of establishing trade centers came the Assumption parish in Pembina. This year marks 200 years the Assumption parish has served Catholics in the area. The parish is known as “the oldest Catholic mission in the American Northwest.” White settlement of the Red River Valley in what would become North Dakota and Manitoba began with French fur traders coming to the area near Lake of the Woods around 1725. Some of these intrepid adventurers brought Catholic missionaries along the trail with them. These missionaries spread the Catholic faith to the Native tribes as well as ministered to the needs of the French trappers. As time went on, many of these trappers had children with native women, and their children would become what we now call the Metis, which means French or English mix. Many Metis families settled in the area now known as Pembina, as well as on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in Belcourt. These pioneer families had Catholicism as a bedrock of their Christian faith, but no priests to minister to them. The area of the Red River Valley was a possession of France back in the 1700s, but after the French-Indian War in 1763, the French were forced to give up the territory to England. The Hudson Bay Company realized the great importance of the region for trading furs and established trading posts across the region. The Hudson Bay Company dominated life and commerce in the area for decades, until a new French trading 14
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company called the Northwestern Company began to cut into the fur trade, so the Hudson Bay Company needed to increase its presence in the region. A Scottish Nobleman by the name of Thomas Douglas Lord Selkirk received permission in 1811 to establish a trading post and community on the Red River. Called Fort Douglas, this settlement was located near what is now Winnipeg, Manitoba. Although Lord Selkirk was not Catholic, he realized that most of the people in the region had Catholic roots, and in 1816 he asked Bishop Octave Plessis, Bishop of Quebec, to send a priest and catechist to Fort Douglas to minister to the needs of the community. Bishop Plessis agreed that the need was great and saw an opportunity to spread the faith in the region, so in 1816 he sent Fathers Joseph Provencher and Severe Dumoulin to Fort Douglas. Not long after their arrival, a plague of grasshoppers
SAVE THE DATE Assumption Parish in Pembina will mark 200 years of serving Catholics in North Dakota on Sunday, September 9. There will be a Mass celebrated by Bishop Folda at 3:00 p.m., followed by live music entertainment and a meal. All are invited to attend.
COVER STORY The first church building was erected in 1821 at the site of what is now a North Dakota State Historic site along northbound I-29 just a mile south of the Canadian border (the old cemetery from the pioneer mission still exists). The church was called St. Francis Xavier. The parish of St. Francis Xavier was a vibrant one in the early 1820s, but fate would play a cruel part in its eventual demise over the next two decades. To begin with, Lord Selkirk’s death in 1820 started the community on a path of destruction perpetuated by the Hudson Bay Company’s consolidating with the Northwestern Company. With their benefactor and protector gone, residents were forced to live under the yoke of the Hudson Bay Company as the company took over economic and cultural life in the area. The company decided Pembina was too big a rival for its fur trading activities in the north, and ordered the site to be shut down. Many of the Metis were force to move elsewhere. Some remained, but the priests did not. Eventually, Father Provencher Father Dumoulin’s mission church – 1818. (Paul Braun | New Earth) would become the first Bishop of St. Boniface (Winnipeg). devastated the farmland around Fort Douglas, and many Me- In the mid 1830s, the United States and England made a treaty tis farm families decided to migrate south. Father Dumoulin establishing the 49th parallel as the boundary between the went with them, and on September 18, 1818, they arrived in United States and English territories. That left Pembina, and St. what is now Pembina. Father Dumoulin is considered the first Francis Xavier parish, within the confines of the United States. Catholic priest to set foot in what would later become North Although the Dioceses of Quebec and eventually St. Boniface in Dakota. Father Dumoulin reported to Father Provencher he Canada sent missionaries to Pembina every so often to witness had 300 Catholics and 60 students attending school in Pembina. marriages, administer baptisms, and celebrate Mass and the Grasshoppers came back to Fort Douglas the next two years, sacraments, the establishment of the international border meant and most of the remaining Fort Douglas residents migrated that the parish was under no official diocesan control. Over the next two decades, it floundered and the church building fell into south to Pembina as well. decay, but it was still considered a mission church in the area.
Father Belcourt’s mission church – 1848 (Paul Braun | New Earth)
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Father Simonet’s mission church – 1870 (Paul Braun | New Earth)
It wasn’t until 1848 that new life came to the Catholic Church Father Belcourt built the second church on the same site as in Pembina, when Bishop Provencher gave his approval for a the first in 1848. In 1849, the parish was finally recorded in the priest to once again mission full-time to Pembina, despite its Catholic Directory, an official yearbook that lists all parishes in location in the United States. That priest was Father George the United States. Now named The Church of the Assumption Anthony Belcourt. of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the parish came under the control of In his book “Blackrobes at the Red River,” published in 1908 the Diocese of Dubuque, Iowa back in 1837. In 1854, the Church and republished in 1958, the Most Reverend John Shanley, first of the Assumption was listed in the Catholic Directory along with Bishop of Fargo, described Father Belcourt as “North Dakota’s Father Belcourt’s mission of St. Joseph as one entity. greatest pioneer priest.” His energy and tenacity helped spread Father Belcourt’s church buildings in Pembina were destroyed the faith beyond Pembina westward, particularly St. Joseph’s by cannon fire from Hatch’s Battalion in 1863, and in 1870, the mission, located near present-day Walhalla. Father Belcourt resident priest, Father Simonet, built the third church building worked tirelessly from 1848 to 1859, gaining the respect and at a new location along the Red River on the northeastern side admiration of Catholics and non-Catholics in the region. There of Pembina on donated land. were many dangers as well. At one point, a native chief threatened From 1837 to 1889, the church changed hands from diocese to kill Father Belcourt because the chief’s wife left him to become to diocese. From Dubuque, it was transferred to the Diocese of a Catholic. Bishop Shanley went on to say in his book that, St. Paul in 1850, the Vicariate Apostolic of Northern Minnesota “Wherever hard work and total sacrifice were demanded, there in 1875, the Vicariate Apostolic of Dakota in 1879, and the DioFather Belcourt was sent, and there he gladly went.” cese of Jamestown (Fargo) in 1889. In 1881, Father Larche built
Father Larche’s church built in 1881 and destroyed by a flood in 1950. (Paul Braun | New Earth)
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This sign stands outside of present day Assumption Church designating the parish to be the oldest Catholic mission in the American northwest. (Paul Braun | New Earth)
Marker identifying the grave of one of the area’s earliest pioneers. (Paul Braun | New Earth)
The old mission cemetery, established in 1809, is located just north of the City of Pembina on I-29 and is preserved by the State of North Dakota as a historic site. (Paul Braun | New Earth)
a beautiful frame church that served the community until the in the future, as the faithful of the area continue to serve God great flood of 1950. Ten years later, Father Victor Drapela built and each other. the present-day church. Historical information for this article was collected from the book For 200 years, Assumption parish has been the cornerstone “Beyond the Red River – The Diocese of Fargo One Hundred years” of the Catholic faith in North Dakota. Its earliest pioneers are by Father Terrence Kardong, OSB, and “Blackrobes at the Red River” buried in the soil they worked so fervently, never giving up by the Most Reverend John Shanley, as well as from the archives of on the land or their faith. May God bless Assumption parish the Diocese of Fargo.
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Caring for You! NEW EARTH JUNE 2018
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FAITH AND CULTURE
The ground of the heart By Father Michael Hickin
the wind. Gardeners don’t produce plants and sailors don’t produce wind. Even so, contemplatives don’t make union with God happen, but there are skills that can favor the encounter. I must admit, I’m currently on my seventh read of this book since I purchased it in 2011. Every page has markings. If my contemplative experience remains shoddy, Laird writes with enough lyrical force that I’ve yet to tire of turning the pages. I keep going back hopeful that the toolbox he has assembled will one day yield to skills in my spiritual hands. Along the way, A review of Catholic books, movies, music maybe, just maybe, there’s been an upgrade in the quality of ver seen the bumper sticker, “Honk if you love silence?” my Christian walk. On the prairie, silence is one of our strengths. And yet… Besides personal benefits, reading Into the Silent Land has Noise, from the Latin for sea-sickness (nausea), is toxic for bolstered my conviction to invite others into this world. When humans. Noise can increase blood pressure, corrode the heart a mother-daughter team was unable to attend our parish’s and damage cell tissue. Time spent in the quiet, especially out in confirmation retreat, the mom asked if they could stop by to nature, strengthens memory, reduces depression and improves catch up on what they’d missed. We had a wonderful conversation, cognitive skills. Yipee! Right? But is our North Dakota heartland watched some videos on the sacraments, then as a parting prayer, lifestyle really any less yoked to TV, internet, phones, etc. than I invited them to be quiet. We had just considered the Holy Spirit as wind and breath. This prepped an invitation to spend three folks in NYC or Tokyo? minutes in quiet, focusing only on their breath and how God Is escape as easy as hitting a power button? Try it. wants to breathe into them his very own Spirit. If you do try to unplug, one of the first things most people realize is that the noise “out there” is but a mask for the noise When the mantle clock chimed, the mother with her daughter, “in here.” A still mind is hard to come by. Silence is a cultivated who went and sat under her mom’s arm during the prayer, both habit. Maybe that’s why turning off noise-makers is difficult made a little gasp for joy and smiled at one another. Each had in the first place. Have we grown to accept a barrage of mental encountered something simple and enthralling: time together, quiet time, a shared God-moment. distractions as our norm? Like honking for love of silence, humans live in the grip of a For love of God and for love of mental health, and its primary paradox. We are geared for social interaction, but we do it best by-product — energy, people in every age have tried practicing when the deepest ground of our identity is periodically soaked some form of contemplation. in silence. Father Martin Laird, Augustinian monk and professor at Villanova, offers a compendium of the Christian approach to In mid-May, my parishes of Westhope and Bottineau received silent contemplative prayer. He roots the practical skills of this St. Isidore crosses for our fields and gardens. On the cross, Jesus’ art in early Church history, fortifying his observations with Heart was tapped. It’s the key to opening the terrain of our soul Scripture, the sacraments, and the writings of the saints, as well too, offering access to the life-giving aquifer of God’s special as drawing on contemporary literature, poetry, and the lives of language, silence. ordinary people who have struggled their way into the silent land. Fr. Michael Hickin is the pastor of St. Mark’s Church in Bottineau “Union with God is not something we are trying to acquire; and St. Andrew’s Church in Westhope. God is already the ground of our being… The special focus of this book will be on the practical struggles many of us face when we try to be silent — the inner chaos going on in our heads, ABOUT THE BOOK: like some wild cocktail party of which we find ourselves the “Into the Silent Land: embarrassed host.” A Guide to the Christian This really is a how-to book, but not in the sense of step-byPractice of Contemplation” step. He lays out the skills, illustrates the pitfalls, and provides by Martin Laird. encouragement to persevere. To give our imagination some handholds as our spiritual feet inch their way into an inner, Published by endless, sunlit prairie, Laird uses many comparisons. Darton, Longman and Todd, For example, practicing silent prayer is like gardening. The 2006. gardener doesn’t grow plants, but only practices some basic skills 154 pages. that facilitate the growth. Again, a sailor doesn’t move a boat from here to there, but merely practices some skills to harness
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Catholic Culture e m o H e h in t
Car rides an opportunity for prayer
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By Michael Wilde
he drive from my home to school every morning is .99 miles. I know this because the bus service will not pick up students who are less than a mile from school. However, perhaps in the inconvenience of this policy, God’s providence has given way to grace. One of the difficulties – and in fact, often awkward challenges of parenting – is finding ways to extend prayer beyond meal time, bedtime, and Mass. These morning commutes with the kids has given me the opportunity for many prayers and moments to draw closer to God. No matter how routine our morning, families always seem to be in a rush when it’s time to get out the door for school and work. All too often, we forget to slow down to thank God for the many blessings we have and to ask for his Spirit to guide us in our day. Once the car is in drive, a deep breath and a sign of the cross can change the tone for everyone and set the day off right. While I certainly have maintained a pattern of prayer with my kids any time I drive them to school, there is no perfect prayer or method. The only essential component is to intentionally acknowledge God. Everyone has a favorite prayer, and each day might be different. These tips might help you incorporate prayer in your morning commute. The acronym PRAY can guide your way. First, Praise. Offer gratitude and thanksgiving for your blessings (a good night’s sleep, a reliable vehicle, the sunshine, or much needed rain, or beautiful snow). If we only get as far as this expression of gratitude, we certainly have begun our day well. Reconciling is the second step. Unfortunately, begging for forgiveness has often been my time to apologize to my kids for being short with them. However, it is also – and primarily – an opportunity to reconcile with God for failing to use the gifts he entrusts to us. We pray for Another person, most often this is an ill family member, but occasionally is a classmate in need or someone from the news. The final step is to pray for Yourself. We seek the Lord’s intervention in our lives to empower us to be wise and successful in our responsibilities of the day. This formula can lead us to greater unity as a family and greater trust in God. Some people, however, find less structured prayers cumbersome. For those individuals and families, we can turn to prayers
inspired biblically or written by saints. The sign of the cross in itself is a prayer. In that moment, we declare all that we do is done “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” If we are going through difficulties, we might recite St. Bernard’s “Memorare” to recall that our Blessed Mother, as Mediatrix, will perfect our prayers and intercede for us in heaven as she did for the wedding couple at Cana. Another prayer relying on intercession is the prayer to our guardian angels, requesting their heavenly guidance throughout our day. Additionally, the “Glory Be” is most often used as a concluding prayer, but on “good days,” when all seems well and there’s not a care in sight, we do well to return that glory to the Father (creator of the universe), to the Son (redeemer of all), and to the Holy Spirit (the advocate and paraclete). One of my particularly favorite devotions utilizes a rosary with the mysteries of each day on the Our Father beads. Even though the drive is less than a mile, we review each of the mysteries and, although we didn’t have time to pray each decade, a reflection on the title of the mystery (read aloud by one of the kids), helps us to know the truth of our Lord and his eternal plan. Longer car rides allow us to dig more deeply. During Lent, my son and I were able to pray an entire divine mercy chaplet each day. Road trips to Grandma and Grandpa’s house gave us plenty of time to say an entire rosary and do so with a different intention during each mystery. Of course, prayer in the car isn’t just limited to times with family. It is helpful when we have commutes of our own as well. Any of the above methods can be effective forms of prayer. A website named pray-as-you-go.org offers tremendous reflections on one of the readings of the day. There are countless devotions, and the reality is that most of us could spend the time in our car to improve our relationship with God. Whether your commute is just under a mile, or 99 miles, it can be made more fruitful by intentionally including prayer on your journey. Michael V. Wilde is a Listener Relationships Coordinator for Real Presence Radio. He previously served as the Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry at St. Anthony in Fargo.
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FAITH AND CULTURE
Cookbook a tribute to friendship By Paul Braun
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ather Damien Schill loves to cook. In his years as a priest of the Fargo Diocese, and in his current position as Chief of the Chaplain Service at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Health Care System, Father Schill has tried, traded, and compiled hundreds upon hundreds of recipes. Now, Father Schill is making those recipes available through a new cookbook called Cooking and Eating with Father Damien and Friends, and it is the “friends” part of his collection that makes this book so special to him. Several of the recipes in the book are from the late RaeAnn Lehse, a friend of Father Schill who worked as a housekeeper and cook at Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo and at the Bishop’s Residence. Father Schill first met RaeAnn in 1987 when she was the cook at Holy Spirit Church in Fargo, when he was first ordained and assigned there as Parochial Vicar. She was the cook for Father Jack Conway and Father Damien, and Father Damien and RaeAnn immediately hit it off with their love for cooking and creating new things. This relationship continued over the years no matter where their paths led. When Father Damien was the pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Sanborn and St. Mary’s Church in Dazey, he used to have a dinner once a week called “Dinner with the Pastor.” He would cook a meal and six random people who were on the parish roster were invited to the rectory for a dinner. Some of the people on the rolls had not been to church in years for one reason or another. After the dinner, which he made and served, everyone was given the opportunity to say and talk about whatever they wanted in regards to the parish or their questions about the faith. This was a very successful program, with a number of people returning to the faith who had been away for some time. In the front of the book, which was released in May, Father Damien describes the reason for writing and releasing it: “Several years ago I decided to write a cookbook. I talked to my friend RaeAnn and she wanted to do one with me. We decided to call it Cooking with RaeAnn and Father Damien. As things go, we put it off. When I was really sick a number of years ago, I decided the time to do it was now, or it was never going to get done. RaeAnn thought we should get moving too, so we began. Unfortunately, RaeAnn got sick and died before we really got moving on it.” Father Damien also states that RaeAnn added some recipes
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before she got sick, and he included those recipes in the format that she wrote them in, in tribute to her. When the time came to publish the first volume, Father Damien says he toyed briefly with the idea of not including her recipes due to her death. He called Jim Lehse, RaeAnn’s husband, and he told Father Damien that this was something RaeAnn always wanted, and he would be happy if Father Damien included her recipes in the book. The cookbook is the first in a planned three-volume series, and it is filled with recipes for appetizers and beverages, soups and salads, vegetables and side dishes, breads and rolls, and countless other delights. Father Damien says volume two will have recipes for entrées and volume three will cover sweets and desserts. Cooking and Eating with Father Damien and Friends is available at Hurley’s Bookstore in Fargo and through the St. Patrick’s Guild in St. Paul, Minn.
Father Damien Schill (submitted photo)
RaeAnn Lehse (submitted photo)
We protect you, while you protect us.
Pat Dolan, FICF General Agent
Fargo 701-298-9922
Wayne Cherney, FIC, LUTCF
Devils Lake 701-662-4420/ 1-800-906-6780
Joel Herman, FIC Adam Jordan, FIC Wahpeton 701-219-5847
Grand Forks 701-367-4222
Scott Lynch Jamestown 701-269-4394
Rylee Nelson, FIC Fargo 701-660-0587
Sean Osowski Grafton 701-360-0770
L IF E I NS U R A N CE • D I SA B IL IT Y I NC OM E I NS U R A N C E • L O N G - T E R M C A R E IN S U R A N C E • R E T I R E M EN T A N NU ITIES Gen_Military_Airforce, Exp. 12/31/18
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NEXT GEN
Catholic Daughters of the Americas recently held their annual Education Contest. This year the themes were: “The Lord has Done Great Things for us, We are Filled with Joy” or “Finding Joy in my Life.” The categories the students could choose from were art, essay, poetry, computer art, music, and photography. Students from grades 4, 5, and 6 at St. John’s School and religious education students in Wahpeton participated. All first place entries are sent to State for further competition. (submitted photo)
Students from St. Aloysius CCD in Lisbon raised nearly $2,200 for St. Ann’s Mission school in Belcourt. Each CCD class was challenged to raise funds and school supplies for St. Ann’s as part of a Lenten almsgiving project. To wrap up the fundraising, students hosted a lasagna dinner and silent auction at St. Aloysius on April 8. (submitted photo)
Congratulations to the
Shanley High School Class of 2018! 22
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NEXT GEN
St. Joseph’s School, Devils Lake, to extend to seventh, eighth grade By Kristina Lahr
The sign outside St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Devils Lake. (submitted photo)
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t. Joseph Catholic School in Devils Lake is preparing for some big changes in the next few years. On March 28, the St. Joseph’s Board of Education voted to begin educating students through seventh grade for the 201819 academic year and through eighth grade the following year. After many years of dreaming this possibility, the Strategic Planning Committee was formed in 2016 to take a deeper look into making this dream real. The team of planners includes Father Wilhelm, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church; Michelle Clouse, St. Joseph’s School principal; Cynthia Eward, teacher at St. Joseph’s; and several parents. They diligently worked together with the Fargo Diocesan leadership to plan what could be offered, and over the years, they met on various occasions with additional parents and teachers. “We want to provide a faith-based education longer,” said Michelle Clouse, principal. “We want to help students get through the tough middle school years.” “We’re always plopping our children in the middle of middle school,” said Father Wilhelm, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Devils Lake. “I want the transition to be easier. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade are the most difficult years bridging education and physical changes. I want to have more opportunity to provide spiritual direction during that time.” Father Wilhelm and Father Steven Wirth, who will move to St. Josephs’ Church at the end of June, will teach the seventh and eighth grade religion classes at the school, five days a week. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the same middle school sports and activities as they would if they attended public school. Since each student now has a Chromebook, and the computer room is no longer in use, the lab will be converted into extra classroom space. A school board member’s brother also just
happened to buy an old school with extra lockers, and those lockers will be installed this summer. “We have the room,” said Father Wilhelm. “We have the desire. We can handle it financially. This is the right time to do it.” Two years ago, St. Joseph’s incorporated another change: the five-day After School Activities Program (ASAP), where any student can stay after school until as long as 5:30 p.m. This gives working parents a “one-stop shop” according to Father Wilhelm, so that they don’t need to drive their children to daycare. At ASAP, students do homework, play in the gym or outside, and do other activities throughout the year. “They know they’re children are safe,” said Father Wilhelm. “They don’t need to bring this child here and that child there. It’s a convenience for parents, and it allows us more time with the children to teach and practice virtue with them.” For the 2017-18 academic year, the school also added a fiveday afternoon pre-Kindergarten class. Next year, the school will offer a full-day preschool option five days a week for three, four, and five-year-olds. Parents, alumni, church members, and community members were surveyed about the needs and growth for the school, including preschool options and the desire for continuing faith-based education. St. Joseph’s school served approximately 200 students for the 2017-18 academic year from pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade. St. Joseph’s, as do all Catholic schools in the diocese, welcome Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Students and teachers gather every morning in prayer. Their mission is educational success through the teachings of Jesus Christ and his Church. “I’m very proud of our parish and parents who really want to see education in our Catholic school extended,” said Father Wilhelm. “It shows they have great confidence in our Catholic school system.”
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St. Ann’s Catholic School places 1st in Hydrodynamics Robotics Challenge By Naomi Beauclair
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t. Ann’s robotics team placed first in the Turtle Mountain to beat Rolette and Belcourt and finally triumph twice over St. Community College Hydrodynamics Robotics Challenge John’s to claim the championship. on April 26. Roughing against a pool of high school teams, Team members include fifth grader Joseph Smith, and sixth St. Ann’s elementary students proved their rigor, teamwork, graders Ashton Breland, Tristan Brien, Abigail Desjarlais, Spirit and knowledge throughout the competition. St. Ann’s lost to Smith, and Sofia Vega. St. Ann’s team was coached by Jody St. John’s in the first round but came back in succeeding rounds DeLong and assisted by Jacob Smith. (submitted photo)
Hurley’s Religious Goods Inc
Serving our faith community Since 1951
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Young Disciples camps now underway
his is the 18th summer the Young Disciples missionaries will lead vacation Bible schools and teen retreats across our region. This year’s missionaries are from North Dakota, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, & Illinois. There will be Young Disciples camps in the following parishes: Kindred, Holy Spirit (Fargo), Oakes, St. Michael, Larimore, Minto, Cando, Reynolds, Valley City, Rugby, New Rockford, Langdon, Dunseith, Enderlin, Grafton, Bagley (Minn.), Lidgerwood, Ellendale, Linton, LaMoure, Napoleon, Velva, Menoken, Hebron. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)
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1417 S University Dr - Fargo ND 58103 1-800-437-4338 - info@hurleysrg.com
Monday, August 6, 2018 Rose Creek Golf Course Fargo, North Dakota 11:00 AM - Registration 12:30 PM - Shotgun Start Followed by Social and Banquet Catholic Development Foundation 5201 Bishops Blvd. S, Suite A Fargo, ND 58104
To register your team, please contact: Brenda Hagemeier 701.356.7928 brenda.hagemeier@fargodiocese.org Register online: http://www.fargodiocese.org/puttpurpose Proceeds will benefit Seminarian Education and Youth Programs within the Diocese of Fargo. NEW EARTH JUNE 2018
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Rugby’s Early Out program provides a unique opportunity for Catholic students and families By Paul Braun
Deacon Ken Votava, St. James Basilica, talks to kids in the Little Flower Catholic Youth Organization during the April Early Out day in Rugby. (Paul Braun | New Earth)
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our Wednesdays a year, the public school system in Rugby releases students at 1 p.m. so teachers can take part in professional development. Kids hang around for a while waiting for afternoon sports practices or other activities, or they head downtown or go home, but then attend Wednesday evening religious activities at their local churches. Two years ago, those in charge of religious education at Rugby’s Little Flower Church saw an opportunity. Religious Ed and meetings of the Catholic Youth Organizations are held on Wednesdays, so why not invite 7th through 12th graders to come to the church social hall in the early afternoon for a program designed to build their faith, and allow them to be home on those Wednesday nights.
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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“We are a very rural community and many kids live out of town, so they would just be waiting around,” says Rebecca Leier, Director of Religious Education and the Coordinator for the Catholic Youth Organization at Little Flower Parish. “So from 1 p.m. until practices start at 3:30 p.m. we have them, then they go to practice after and then head home. Leier says they use the opportunity to bring in different guest speakers to talk to the kids about many aspects of their faith, then they take a bus back to school for practices and other activities. After those school activities, they get to go home and have more family time, which Leier says the parents appreciate. The theme for this year’s Early-Out Wednesday programs are based on concentrating on authentic friendships. Presentations are based on ways kids can be more interactive with each other and build strong, truer friendships. “There’s been a number of school shootings lately, and that’s one way we’ve addressed that is by engaging kids in this campaign,” said Leier. “We talked about their choices to support each other in a loving way after a tragedy like that.” For the students, it makes sense to use the early-out time instead of staying in town through the evening. “The Early-Out program is a great way for students to gather for CCD classes on Wednesdays,” says Alissa Volk, a Rugby High School senior and president of the Catholic Youth Organization at Little Flower. “It is beneficial because it gives students an earlier time to meet for class without going to class late on Wednesday night. For students in sports and extracurricular activities, the Early-Out Wednesday classes are a great way to go to class without conflicting with practice times. Class is over by the time practice starts and a bus is available to take students back to the school after class is finished.”
Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come! SAY “YES” LIKE MARY TO A BEAUTIFUL LIFE IN CARMEL. CARMEL OF MARY MONASTERY 17765 78TH ST. S.E. WAHPETON, ND 58075 701-642-2360 CARMELOFMARY@GMAIL.COM
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The mercies of the Lord I will sing forever
very vocation is a unique call of the Lord and each one is called differently. Unlike my Sisters in Carmel, who loved Jesus and felt the desire to belong to him from childhood, I had other plans for my life. Yet, Jesus was pouring out his mercies even from my mother’s womb. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the poem “The Hounds of Heaven” by Francis Thompson, it starts out like this:
I fled Him, down the nights and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years; I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways Of my own mind; and in the midst of tears I hid from Him, and under running laughter.... Rise, clasp My hand, and come! Shade of His hand, outstretched caressingly? “Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest, I am He Whom thou seekest! Thou dravest love from thee, who dravest Me.” Have you ever seen a hound dog pursuing and finding his prey? He gets so excited and aggressive that nothing can deter or distract him. This is where our dear Savior’s Passion enters, in my vocation – and perhaps yours. That intense, infinite love is seeking, pursuing, never giving up until he has caught his “prey” and held us next to his Sacred Heart! Oh, the precious fruits of his suffering! Perhaps this might describe in some way my own journey in its labyrinthine ways, to Carmel. For all who knew me, I was the most unlikely candidate for the religious life. Whenever there was a pile of fun, I was usually on the top of it. Yet, as I lay in bed at night, after having a good time with nothing lacking, I felt a restlessness, an uneasiness, as if our Lord was saying to me, “well, you can have all this, but...” and he left it unfinished. This happened many times. At this point, I happily bring in Our Lady, the “houndress” of heaven, if you will. As I look back in retrospect, I see how she was with me from the womb, protecting me from evil and guiding me without my knowing it. My family and I were in a very serious car accident in which we should all have been killed. The police said it was a miracle we were alive. We had just finished saying the rosary, a prayer to our guardian angel and an act of contrition. Fast forward to my senior year of high school. We were given a holy card with a prayer to Our Lady and it was recommended that we say it each day to know our vocation in life. Since I “knew” mine was marriage, I never prayed it. But then, remorse set in. It won’t hurt to pray for the right husband. So I prayed! My friends and I started looking into colleges but the one we visited left me flat. Then in the second half of the year, we had our senior retreat. I steered away from any of the literature on display on the religious life. But then, at the closing of the retreat, the priest blessed us with the Blessed Sacrament. I cannot even begin to describe that unspeakable grace my Heavenly Father gave me. In an instant, I knew with certainty and clarity, that
Jesus wanted me for his spouse. The tears just poured down. I Sister’s kind of felt like St. Perspective Matthew. One gaze from Jesus and he Sister Josephleft all immediateMarie of the Child ly and followed the Jesus, Incarnate Lord. With my heart Wisdom, O.Carm. and soul bursting with joy, I call myself a vocation of the Blessed Sacrament! Now, 62 years later, I am celebrating my diamond jubilee. Be sure that when you pray to Mary, you are very explicit in your desire. I know she, too, is swelling with joy and she has given me the most perfect Divine Lover, her Beloved Son! You just cannot put anything over her! I hope that like St. Paul, I may be an encouraging example for anyone struggling with doubts about a vocation to the priesthood, brotherhood, or religious life and fleeing from it. Pray to Mary and she will take care of it all, in unexpected ways. “Be not afraid” to give yourselves to the Blessed Trinity for the many, many needs of the Church. The Holy Spirit expresses his vocation “hunt” perfectly in Psalm 139: “Where can I go to hide from your spirit? If I rise on the wings of the dawn... even there your hand will guide me, and your right hand will hold me fast.”
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WANT TO ADVERTISE IN NEW EARTH? Contact Kristina Lahr | (701) 356-7900 newearthads@fargodiocese.org NEW EARTH JUNE 2018
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Evangelization 101 Seminarian Life Joseph Littlefield
Apostolic Experience Program.
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ne of the biggest things I learned this year at seminary was through the many encounters I had with the poor and the homeless while volunteering at Crossroads for my
“…in order for our preaching of the Gospel to everyone we meet to carry any weight, we have to be able to meet people where they are at in their lives at the most basic and personal human levels.” – Joseph Littlefield
personal human levels. We all have life stories, ups and downs, joys and struggles, likes and dislikes, hobbies, etc. Therefore, no matter who we are or what our own life experiences may be, we are all able to connect to each other in the simplest of ways and meet everyone wherever they are at in their own life. Second, once we’ve had that most basic and personal human encounter with someone, whether they are family, friend, or stranger, we need to be bold and ask them if they would like to pray with us. I can’t even count all the times while at Crossroads I had to build up my courage to pray with my clients and the overwhelming positive response they always gave when I did. The number-one most common response I received after praying with my clients is “I really needed that!” This is because the entire world needs Jesus and needs to have a personal encounter with him. We Christians are the bridge. We need to bring Jesus everywhere we go and to everyone we meet. Let us truly strive to put all this into practice in our daily lives and when we do, we will not regret it. Littlefield will be a Theology I seminarian this coming fall at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.
Crossroads is a social service organization in Detroit, which helps Editor’s Note: Seminarian Life is a monthly column written by current the poor and the homeless get duplicate IDs, drivers licenses, birth Diocese of Fargo seminarians. It gives New Earth readers a glimpse of certificates, food, clothing, and personal hygiene items. At Crossroads, what these discerning young men are experiencing. Please continue I was a case counselor in which I met with clients on a one-on-one to pray for them. basis to assess their personal situations and try to help them attain one or all of these things. Although I knew that this was very good and important work, I was struggling to recognize why the seminary was requiring my class and me to do this ministry, since I knew a priest is not merely a social worker. I was struggling to see the direct connection between my working at Crossroads as a social worker and the ministry of my future priesthood. I brought this to the attention of one of the priests at seminary and he gave me some great advice. He told me that I was unintentionally approaching this whole thing all wrong. He said that I was treating each one of my clients as just another case rather than encountering them on a human level as individual persons. Thus he revealed to me that all I needed to do was change my approach. I put this into practice immediately by starting off each meeting by asking each one of my clients to tell me their life story or a little bit about themselves. BE A PART OF THE DEACON TRADITION You wouldn’t believe all the amazing stories I heard or the great conversations I had with my clients about God! Wow, Enroll now for 2018-19 school year what a world of difference this change in approach made! My Providing exceptional faith-based education meetings began to go much better and a lot more smoothly. while inspiring excellence. And to top it all off, my clients were way more open to praying with me after our meetings were over because I was first able 3 yr old Little Deacons - 12th Grade to encounter them on a basic human level. It was through all this and my entire experience of Crossroads in which the Lord Call 701-893-3271 taught me about how I should approach evangelization in jp2schools.org my priesthood. It is also through my entire experience of Crossroads in which HOLY SPIRIT NATIVITY TRINITY the Lord wants me to share with you two important things about ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY evangelization. First, in order for our preaching of the Gospel SULLIVAN SHANLEY to everyone we meet to carry any weight, we have to be able to MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL jp2schools.org meet people where they are at in their lives at the most basic and 28
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Use caution before accepting the “new”
opular political portrayals, particularly in this era of social media, often fail to convey complicated and nuanced realities. These portrayals, themselves, are often shaped by our own biases and errors. Common perception of republicans, for example, is that they are “conservatives,” meaning they want to conserve the way things are or were and seek little or no change. The common perception of democrats is that they are “progressives” or “liberals” that either want to push change for the sake of change or believe that change is inevitable and that it is best to jump aboard the change train rather than wait. Neither portrayal is completely accurate. For one thing, there are various opinions within each party and movement. In addition, both groups will swing and sway toward “progressing” or “conserving” depending on the political mood of their members or the country as a whole.
Our political leaders should start by asking why something is done a particular way before Catholic embracing a new Action way to do it. New is not always better, Christoper Dodson which is why we should be cautious about “new” as a campaign slogan or as a way of government. C.S. Lewis called our contemporary society’s obsession with the new “chronological snobbery.” He defined it as “the uncritical acceptance of the intellectual climate common to our own age “Our political leaders should start by asking and the assumption that whatever has gone out of date is on account discredited.” Lewis’ definition was too charitable why something is done a particular way that in that it assumed that people reject something simply because before embracing a new way to do it. New it was “out of date” or not fashionable. Today, people actively is not always better, which is why we should make something out of date by forcing the rest of us to accept be cautious about ‘new’ as a campaign slogan the new. G.K. Chesterton, who often found fault in both the liberals or as a way of government.” – Chris Dodson and conservatives of his day, suggested respect for tradition as Right now, the country is in a mood for change, with both a cure for what Lewis would later call chronological snobbery. parties wrestling with their own push for radical change and Tradition, he wrote, “means giving a vote to most obscure of something new. The democrats are dealing with a movement all classes, our ancestors... It is the democracy of the dead.” from the left, partially led by former supporters of Bernie Note that Chesterton did not advocate giving the dead a veto Sanders, that seeks to push change and new programs that the or even a weighted vote over the opinions of the living. That establishment democrats, usually seen as Clintonians, were is an error made by some reactionary “blood and soil” type of ideologues. It is also the erroneous stereotype with which accepting slowly or not at all. Despite the reputation for being conservative, many Republicans advocates for change for change’s sake paint all conservatives. have embraced Donald Trump, who has vowed to “drain the Their cries echo the naïve enthusiasm of many teenagers. swamp” while sometimes proudly ignoring or eliminating Catholics can learn about a healthy approach to change and programs, protocols, policies, and traditions that have existed tradition by looking to our own social teaching as embodied in the Tradition. Pope Benedict XVI described the Church’s for decades. Even North Dakota, often touted as a conservative state, social doctrine “consistent and at the same time ever new.” It has a “dynamic faithfulness to a light received” but at the same elected the “change” candidate for governor, Doug Burgum, time “illuminates with an unchanging light the new problems over the establishment candidate Wayne Stenehjem in 2016. that are constantly emerging.” This, he wrote, “safeguards the Governor Burgum has shown his penchant for the new over permanent and historical character of the doctrinal ‘patrimony’ tradition from his TED style talks to his wearing of jeans on which... is part and parcel of the Church’s ever-living Tradition.” official business and from his relationship with the republican legislature to his reputation for demanding “new” ideas from Unlike public policies, the Church’s social doctrine, in some respects, can never change. It can only “illumine” new issues. the state agencies. Nevertheless, that “rootedness” in sound principles can serve “New” is the “new thing,” for both democrats and republicans. as a model to prevent us from blindly accepting the new just Forward thinking is good. It is essential to having a dynamic because it is new. and strong community, something necessary to protect and respect the life of every human person while fostering the Christopher Dodson is executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference. The NDCC acts on behalf of the Catholic bishops of North common good. This is the primary task of government. Dakota to respond to public policy issues of concern to the Catholic At the same time, we should not embrace something new Church and to educate Catholics and the general public about Catholic just because it is new. As my now retired counterpart at the social doctrine. The conference website is ndcatholic.org. Wisconsin Catholic Conference used to say: “The status quo was put there by somebody for a reason.” NEW EARTH JUNE 2018
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Putt 4 a Purpose encourages fun for a good cause
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t’s hard to believe, Bishop’s Annual Charity Golf Classic, Putt Stewardship 4 a Purpose, will be celebrating 12 Steve Schons years on the August 6 event. The golf tournament follows a classic golf scramble format with prizes that go to the lowest grossing team score and lowest net (handicap) team. The most coveted prize is a 3-foot traveling trophy earned by a team representing their parish who has the lowest score. The reigning champions are from St. Philip Neri Church, Napoleon. Father Pfifer, pastor at St. Philip’s, says they will be back to defend the title. Bishop’s Charity Golf Classic has become much more than winning prizes and trophies. Many golfers really enjoy pulling together a team of fellow Catholics to enjoy a day of fun, sun, and good fellowship. Many of the 4-person teams come back every year.
Besides the prizes and fellowship, the golf tournament’s proceeds go to support three very important ministries:
Seminarian education
There are two levels of seminary: College (minor) and Theology (major). In minor seminary, seminarians receive a college degree with pre-requisite studies in classes preparing them for Theology studies. In addition, they are provided with spiritual formation as they discern priesthood. Minor seminarians receive a scholarship from the Diocese of Fargo to assist with the additional costs of attending a college that is also a minor seminary. Major seminarians have 100% of their costs paid, which exceeds $35,000 per year.
March for Life
Teenagers and young adults from the Diocese of Fargo participate in the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. each January as a way to promote the dignity of all human life. The proceeds from the golf tournament help off-set some of these costs and provides scholarships in some cases.
Youth programs
Part of the proceeds from the golf tournament go to support scholarships to our youth to attend events who otherwise financially wouldn’t be able to. SEARCH for Christian Maturity and other retreats are some of these events. Bishop Folda’s Charity Golf Classic will be holding this year’s tournament at Rose Creek Golf Course in Fargo. Tee time/shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. with a social and banquet to follow. If you are interesting in golfing, or have a team you’d like to enter, you can register by going to: www.fargodiocese. org/puttpurpose, or calling Brenda Hagemeier at (701) 356-7928.
Steve Schons is Director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Fargo.
Give a Gift to Help Keep the TV Mass on the Air
The best gift for those you love who are nursing home residents, shut-ins, or non-practicing CatholicsWDAY, Channel 6, Fargo – WDAZ, Channel 8, Grand Forks 10:30 a.m. Sunday Name_________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________ City/State/Zip_________________________________________ Phone_________________________________________________ A GIFT FOR: Name_________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________ City/State/Zip_________________________________________
“I support the TV Mass because it was an important part of my mother’s life. My husband and I would sometimes watch it with her. I’m thankful that the TV Mass was there for her.” – Helen Bye, Fargo
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Or, IN MEMORY OF: Name________________________________________________ I would like this listed at the end of the TV Mass on this date(s): ______________________________________________________ MAIL TO: TV Mass, Diocese of Fargo, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605
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Michelle Wolf and the throwaway culture
n April 28 at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Michelle Wolf, who I’m told is a comedian, regaled the black-tie and sequin-gowned crowd with her “jokes.” Almost all were in extremely bad taste and/or wildly offensive, but one has become accustomed to that sort of coarseness in the comedy clubs and even on mainstream television. However, she crossed over into the territory of the morally appalling when she indulged in this bit of witticism regarding Vice President Mike Pence: “He thinks abortion is murder, which, first of all, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. And when you do try it, really knock it, you know. You gotta get that baby out of there.” One is just at a loss for words. I mean, even some in the severely left-leaning crowd in Washington groaned a bit at that remark.
“When we live in the space beyond good and evil, when morality is construed as entirely the invention of personal freedom, when nothing counts as intrinsically wicked, when any claim to moral authority is automatically shouted-down… then the will of the most powerful necessarily holds sway.” -Bishop Robert Barron
Originally published at WordOnFire.org
the universities and institutions of the high culture into the general consciousWord on Fire ness of many if not most people today. Bishop Nietzsche held that Robert Barron the traditional moral values have been exposed as ungrounded and that humanity is summoned to move, accordingly, into a previously unexplored space “beyond good and evil.” In such a morally unmoored universe, the Ubermensch (superman or over-man) emerges to assert his power and impose his rule on those around him. Nietzsche had a special contempt for the Christian values of sympathy, compassion, and love of enemies, characterizing them as the ideals of a “slave morality,” repugnant to the noble aspirations of the Ubermensch. Through his many avatars in the twentieth-century—Sartre, Heidegger, Foucault, Ayn Rand, etc.—Nietzsche, as I said, has exerted an extraordinary influence on contemporary thought. Whenever a young person today speaks of traditional ethics as a disguised play of power or of her right to determine the meaning of her own life through an exercise of sovereign freedom, we can hear the overtones of Friedrich Nietzsche. All of which brings me back to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. When we live in the space beyond good and evil, when morality is construed as entirely the invention of personal freedom, when nothing counts as intrinsically wicked, when any claim to moral authority is automatically shouted-down—in other words, when we live in the world that Nietzsche made possible—then the will of the most powerful necessarily holds sway. And when something or someone gets in the way of what the powerful want, well then, they just “gotta knock it out of there.” Michelle Wolf’s comment was not just a bad joke; it was a brazen display of power, designed to appeal precisely to those who have reached the top of the greasy pole. One of the extraordinary but often overlooked qualities of a system of objective morality is that it is a check on the powerful and a protection of the most vulnerable. If good and evil are objective states of affairs, then they hem in and control the tendency of cultural elites to dominate others. When objective moral values evanesce, armies of the expendable emerge, and what Pope Francis aptly calls a cultura del descarte (a throwaway culture) obtains. One of the indicators that this has happened is lots of people in tuxedos and formal gowns, sipping from wine glasses, and laughing while someone jokes about the murder of children.
It might be helpful to remind ourselves what Ms. Wolf is referencing when she speaks of “knocking that baby out of there.” She means the evisceration, dismemberment, and vivisection of a child. And lest one think that we are just talking about “bundles of cells,” it is strict liberal orthodoxy that a baby can be aborted at any stage of its prenatal development, even while it rests in the birth canal moments before birth. Indeed, a child, who somehow miraculously survives the butchery of an abortion, should, according to that same orthodoxy, be left to die or actively killed. Sure sounds like fun to me; hey, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I realize that these attitudes have been enshrined in American law for some time, but what particularly struck me about the Correspondents’ Dinner was how they were being bandied about so shamelessly for the entertainment of the cultural elite. Let’s face it, the people in that room—politicians, judges, writers, broadcasters, government officials—are the top of the food chain, among the most influential and powerful people in our society. And while the killing of children was being joked about—especially, mind you, the children of the poor, who are disproportionately represented among the victims of abortion—most in this wealthy, overwhelmingly white, elite audience guffawed and applauded. And this put me in mind of Friedrich Nietzsche. I’ve spoken and written often of the influence of this nineteenth-century Bishop Barron is a theologian and evangelist, known for his Word on thinker, whose musings have trickled their way down through Fire ministry. He serves as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
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Keeping life worth living Catholic Charities Corner Chad Prososki
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rchbishop Fulton Sheen, was known for his popular national television show Life is Worth Living. It was a beloved show not just by Catholics but by people of many faiths, and very different from most
of our popular shows today. Sunshine, lakes, and vacations, what a wonderful time of year it is! Doesn’t summer help make North Dakota a place worth living? It always amazes me when the sun finally comes out again and so do all the people. Suddenly, we realize that others actually live here in North Dakota as we see people walking, jogging and biking around town. Do you ever wonder, “Where did all these people come from, and where have they been the last six months? Were they actually hibernating from the cold all winter?” Early in life, we learn that summer is a time of rest and relaxation. As children we enjoyed a three month break from school after our studies and all the activities and sports during the school year. But do we still take advantage of summer to recuperate, or do we become even more overwhelmed? Do we look at our calendars and see every weekend booked until October? Do we go on vacation and need another one when we return just to recover from traveling? Why is this? What can we do about it? It is a challenge to be intentional about your summer plans, to enjoy the good things in life, to make time for faith, family, and friends. Try clearing your schedule for what is most important to you. What are the things in life that make life worth living, as the Venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen reminded us? Taking a moment to remember this timeless advice can be a great investment in our own happiness. I also invite you to remember those in need. Unfortunately, the problems of hunger and homelessness don’t go away in the summertime. While the need for shelter might not be as pronounced, it’s still there even if it is more hidden. Hunger, especially for children, can be even worse as some kids miss out on the steady, stable meals provided in school. Although depression can increase during the long winters and holiday season, we are seeing demand for counseling services remain as high as ever. The summer can also be a tough time for the nonprofits and ministries that depend on your support. Many see their donations dip. At Catholic Charities North Dakota and many other local organizations, the summer is the slowest time for fundraising, which can make it tough to meet their budgets. While donations
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go down, the needs of the poor and vulnerable don’t stop. It can be equally tough on parishes when people often travel or go to the lakes on the weekend from May into September. Despite this, there are some great ways to continue participating in the good works of your church and favorite charities during the summer. Electronic newsletters and bulletins are available. Many places now offer monthly or online giving programs for your convenience. This way you can set it and forget it knowing that you will be supporting your favorite groups all year long, and they know they can count on you too. However you choose to remember those in need, please keep in mind the ministries that rely on your support to help and serve others throughout these summer months! Chad Prososki is the Director of Development and Community Relations for Catholic Charities North Dakota.
Life’s milestones Ben and Betty Axtman will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with their family on June 30. They were married at St. Anselm’s Church, Fulda and have been parishioners of Little Flower Church, Rugby, throughout their marriage. They have six children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Harold and Marian Kasouski, parishioners of St. Thomas in Buffalo will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary July 9. They have six children, 19 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. Henry and Kathryn Pietrzak, parishioners at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fargo, celebrated their 50th anniversary June 15. They were married at St. Stanislaus Church in Warsaw by Msgr. Peter Lekavy. They have two children and four grandchildren. Ed and Pat Shorma celebrated their 65th anniversary June 3. They were married at St John’s Church in Wahpeton by Father George Mehok. They have six sons, two daughters, 30 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. Alice Kotaska of Bismarck will celebrate her 100th birthday on July 26. She is a former parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Devils Lake. Her husband, Elmer, passed away in 1972. She has two daughters, Dee Kotaska and Darlene (Duane) Ziegler, and one granddaughter, Ashley Ziegler.
Alice Puhr, parishioner of Holy Trinity Church in Fingal, celebrated her 99th birthday on May 21. She was married to John C. Puhr for 58 years until his passing in 1999. Alice resides at Mary Hill Manor in Enderlin. Her family feels blessed to have their mom living close as she enjoys visits from all relatives and friends.
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 50 Years Ago... 1968
Dedication of the new Church of St. Charles Borromeo in Oakes was held June 30 with Bishop Leo F. Dworschak officiating. Ground was broken for the church and rectory in April 1967. The cornerstone was laid in July, the bells blessed in October and the work completed in February of 1968. Cost is about $400,000.
20 Years Ago... 1998
Parishioners, former clergy, town-people, church leaders and former parishioners gathered to celebrate St. Raphael’s of Verona 100th anniversary as an active parish in the Diocese of Fargo. In the summer of 1882, the church community began with a small gathering of settlers under a tent west of Verona. The building of the church began in the fall of 1897 and was completed in May 1898.
10 Years ago... 2008
Back when Sts. Anne & Joachim Church was “a Church without a name,” as its first bulletins proclaimed, the day of breaking ground for the church must have seemed to its few parishioners very distant. Yet, only 13 years later, founding pastor Msgr. Val Gross, together with current pastor Fr. Brian Bachmeier, Bishop Samuel Aquila and others took shovels in hand to mark the beginning of the construction of Phase II – the church itself. Phase I, the church’s offices, gathering space and social hall, which currently serves as the worship space, was completed in 2001. These news items, compiled by Dorothy Duchschere, were found in New Earth and its predecessor, Catholic Action News.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Events across the diocese Brent Hermans is back with summer Piano Talk concerts
Brent Hermans will perform a series of Piano Talk concerts on four Tuesdays this summer at St. John the Evangelist Church in Grafton and Holy Family Church in Grand Forks. Each concert begins at 7 p.m. A free will offering will support the faith formation books Alive in Christ and St. John’s Young Disciples camp. All are welcome. St. John’s Church, Grafton • June 19 – Fifty Nifty States of Music • July 17 – Let’s Face the Music (A Body of Songs) • Aug. 21 – Isidore’s Nightclub Holy Family Church, Grand Forks • Aug. 7 – Return of the Jedi Piano (Movie Songs)
Maryvale Convent, Valley City, hosting summer women’s retreat
Pope Francis has been speaking about how important it is for the church, the people of God, to accompany people through their struggles and challenges. This means more than just “being” with people. It involves a profoundly deep listening and support which we find through Jesus’ own example in the scriptures. The retreat begins at 7 p.m. July 13 and concludes by 12:30 p.m. July 15. Suggested donation is $85. Contact Sister Dorothy Bunce at (701) 845-2864 or dorothy.bunce@fargodiocese.org.
St. Benedict’s Family Day: Mary, the Church at the Source
Bethlehem Community of Benedictine Oblates is hosting a St. Benedict’s Family Day on Monday, July 16, in Bathgate. All are invited for a time of A Beginning Experience Weekend will be held June 22reflection, fun and fel24, at Hankinson Retreat Center. Beginning Experience is a lowship in the context of support program offered by the Catholic Church and open Benedictine spirituality. to divorced, widowed, and separated persons of all faiths or no The day will begin at 9 faith. For more information or to register, contact Matt Tedrick at a.m. with Mass and end (701) 541-6095 or Marlene Wilde at (218) 998-4300 or with supper and a dance. For more information, contact Melissa beginningexperience-easternnd.org. Sobotta at melissaann@bethlehembooks.com or (701) 265-3717. Free-will offering. RSVP by June 22.
Beginning Experience for those divorced, widowed and separated
Join the Franciscan Sisters in Hankinson for Mother-Daughter Days
The Franciscan Sisters invite you to their annual Mother-Daughter Days at Franciscan Retreat Center in Hankinson. Join them for prayerful and peaceful days filled with praise, pondering, play, and plenty of fun. There are two weekends this year, June 28-30 (register by June 20) and July 26-28 (register by July 18). Each weekend begins 7 p.m. on Thursday and concludes after the noon meal on Saturday. Freewill offering. To register or for more information, contact Sr. Jean Louise at (701) 208-1245 or ndfranciscan@yahoo.com.
Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB, to speak at Carmel of Mary Monastery
All are invited to hear a Benedictine abbot speak about the Holy Eucharist! Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB, is an expert on Liturgy. His talk will be at the chapel of the Carmel of Mary in Wahpeton on July 6, 5-6 p.m. in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Conference is free and no registration is necessary.
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Let the Saints Come In: Summer retreats for ages 13-17
The Diocese of Fargo Youth and Young Adult Ministry Department is offering two new retreats for students ages 13-17 at the Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen Convent in Hankinson. The retreat for young women will be held July 18-21, and the young men’s retreat will be held July 22-25. The uniqueness of these retreats is that young adults will be creating and leading them. A priest will be attending each retreat to give a talk, celebrate Mass each day, and be available for reconciliation. The cost is $150/student. Scholarships are available. Deadline to register is June 18. For more information or to register, contact Kathy Loney at (701) 356-7902.
St. Ann’s in Belcourt hosting teen ACTS retreat
St. Ann’s in Belcourt is holding a three-and-a-half day teen ACTS retreat for high school students (8th grade to those who just graduated high school) July 26-29. ACTS is an abbreviation for Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service. Thirty high school students from St. Joseph’s in Del Rio, Texas are coming with Father Clay Hunt, III, their pastor, to lead the retreat. Applications for both retreats are available on the St. Ann’s website at stannsmission.org.
Youth called to March for Life – registration open
Youth in grades 9-12 from the Diocese of Fargo are invited to pilgrimage to the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. on January 18, 2019. The pilgrimage will begin in Fargo on January 14 and return January 20. Father Greg Haman will be the spiritual director. In addition to participating in the March for Life and Vigil Mass for Life at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, youth will also travel to Emittsburg, Md. to visit the Mother Seton Shrine, Gettysburg, Pa, and tour the sights of Washington, D.C. The cost for the 7-day pilgrimage is $850 and includes air and ground travel, lodging, meals and tour fees. Registration closes Oct. 15, space is limited – register early! To obtain a registration form, contact Rachelle at (701) 356-7910 or rachelle.sauvageau@fargodiocese.org or go to www. fargodiocese.org/respectlife.
Embark on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land
You are invited to participate in a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from Jan. 28 – Feb. 6, 2019. You will walk in the footsteps of Jesus and see where Jesus was born and raised, did his public ministry, died, and was raised. The itinerary includes the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Jericho, Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Ein Karem, and more. The cost is about $3,795 per person, which includes flights from Fargo to Tel Aviv, hotel, breakfasts and dinners, and tours. Monsignor Skonseng, pastor of St. Catherine’s Church in Valley City will serve as a spiritual guide. Imad Qumsieh, a native of Bethlehem and salesman of olive wood religious articles, will be the tour guide and manager, arranging details for the pilgrimage. Mass will be celebrated each day. Twenty people are needed for this pilgrimage and as many as 40 can go. Contact St. Catherine’s Church for more information at (701) 845-0354 or to reserve a spot on the pilgrimage, provide your name, phone number, and email address to Monsignor Skonseng at dennis.skonseng@fargodiocese.org. Deadline to register is June 28.
Carmel of Mary Monastery to host annual pilgrimage Aug. 12
All are welcome to the Carmel of Mary Monastery near Wahpeton on Sunday, Aug. 12 for the 62nd annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Prairies. The day begins at 2 p.m. with guest speaker Father Ross Laframboise. The day includes praying the rosary, confessions, Mass, and a picnic. For more information, call (701) 640-6162 or the monastery at (701) 642-2360.
Missionary Discipleship retreat available at Valley City and Park River
Come away for a day of retreat Aug. 24, at Maryvale Convent in Valley City or Aug. 25, at Park River Bible camp, where Father Andrew Jasinski will direct a day of reflection on the theme “Missionary Discipleship.” There will be time for silent reflection, Mass, lunch, sharing, and a chance to enjoy the beautiful grounds. The day will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. This retreat is open to everyone who is involved in catechesis, such as those who direct or coordinate religious education or RCIA programs, or youth ministers, — and anyone else who shares the faith with children and adults. Registration fee is $20. Deadline to register is Aug. 15. For more information, contact Mary at mary.hanbury@fargodiocese.org.
Men: Are you ready to accept the challenge?
Our communities need strong Catholic men to answer the call to lead with faith, protect our families, serve others and defend our values. For over one hundred years, Knights of Columbus have done exactly that, standing up for the Church, serving the least among us, and strengthening our parishes and families. Eligible Catholic men can now join the Knights of Columbus online in a simple, streamlined process. As a member, you join a worldwide community of nearly two million men, including about 12,000 members in North Dakota. Men have a duty to lead, protect, serve and defend. The world needs more committed, unified Catholic men to answer the call. Will you answer? Visit kofc.org/joinus to learn more about the many benefits of membership in the Knights of Columbus.
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US & WORLD NEWS
“Conspiracy against Life”
What Alfie Evans’ life reveals about human dignity By Chelsy Gomez | United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
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he eyes of the world were drawn to Liverpool, England as the life of 23-month-old Alfie Evans hung in the balance. Despite drawing support from across the world, including from Pope Francis and the Italian and Polish governments, Alfie’s ventilator was removed against his parents’ wishes on April 23. Alfie suffered from an undiagnosed neurological condition and was not expected to survive long after the removal of the ventilator. However, Alfie surprised doctors as he breathed on his own for minutes, then hours, and then days, until he ultimately passed away on April 28. Pope St. John Paul II warned that, “A person who, because of illness, handicap or, more simply, just by existing, compromises the well-being or life-style of those who are more favored tends to be looked upon as an enemy to be resisted or eliminated. In this way a kind of ‘conspiracy against life’ is unleashed” (Evangelium vitae, 12). This “conspiracy against life” has a long history that runs deep and, over the centuries, has risen to the surface in many different forms. It is unleashed when a society equates human dignity with human ability, when we no longer focus on the burdens experienced by a person, but rather view the person as a burden. The forced removal of Alfie’s ventilator happened to take place on the same day that the royal family and the British people rightly welcomed and celebrated the birth of a new little prince. The juxtaposition of these two events is striking. Mere hours separated the happy announcement of a safe delivery of the healthy royal baby from the tragic news of the government-forced removal of life-sustaining care from little Alfie Evans. The painful irony is that in the days that followed, as the world eagerly awaited the naming of this new royal child, it lost sight of the fact that every child deserves to be celebrated, cherished, and welcomed – regardless of their class, status, or medical condition. The story of Alfie Evans is the most recent example of a growing hostility toward those whose lives are, for one reason or another, deemed to be “lesser,” “futile,” or “not worth living.” Consider the staggering abortion rates of preborn children diagnosed with Down syndrome (nearly 100 percent in Iceland) or patients who, diagnosed with serious illnesses, are offered insurance coverage for assisted suicide, but not for treatment. All too often, efforts to end a life are cloaked in arguments of false compassion. These lives are construed as burdensome to those around them and not recognized as the unrepeatable gift
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that they are to the world. The feigned desire to end a person’s suffering ends a person’s life instead. Human life – created in the image and likeness of God – is always a good, sacred in all stages and circumstances, and deserving of respect and protection from all that would threaten it. It has often been said that we can measure a society by how it treats its weakest and most vulnerable members. We must never cease to witness to the dignity of human life, especially the most vulnerable among us. May Alfie’s memory support us in our efforts to end this “conspiracy against life.” Chelsy Gomez is Program Associate for the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
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Love & Life Celebration A Challenge to Love Humanae Vitae 50 Years Later Presented by
Clarence & Betty Vetter July 29th, 2018 Mass at 5:00 PM followed by a meal & speaker Engaged & married couples, along with children, from all parishes are invited to attend. Childcare will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.
St. Michael's Church
524 5th Ave. N., Grand Forks, ND Contact Laurie 701-775-5832 or Cheryl 701-330-3252 with questions.
Sponsored by Diocesan Natural Family Planning providers and the Diocese of Fargo
NEW EARTH JUNE 2018
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US & WORLD NEWS
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to publish 50th anniversary edition of Humanae Vitae By U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
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n honor of the 50th Anniversary of Blessed Paul VI’s encyclical letter, Humanae Vitae (On the Regulation of Birth), the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is making available a special 50th anniversary edition that includes reflections from succeeding popes on the prophetic teaching that honors the spiritual and sensory elements found in conjugal love. Recognizing the fullness of the marital union as total, faithful, and exclusive, the encyclical proclaims the path of grace and true happiness for married couples under the abiding yoke of Christ. Originally published in 1968, Blessed Paul VI’s letter promotes the whole human person in the context of marital love that respects both the spiritual and physical dimensions of man and woman. Considering the human person as a whole, it also presents the practical social implications if the document’s
conclusions—based on the full respect of the totality of persons —are ignored. This 50th anniversary edition includes the full encyclical, with excerpts from Blessed Paul VI’s successors affirming the teachings of Humanae Vitae. Also included are selections from the 1968 US Catholic bishops’ statement, “Human Life in Our Day.” The 50th anniversary edition of Humanae Vitae can be ordered online at www.store.usccb.org/humanae-vitae-50th-anniversary-edition-p/7-596.htm. Additional books and resources pertaining to marriage and family life, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Vatican, ministry and more can be found by visiting the USCCB’s online bookstore at www.store.usccb.org/
Catholic dioceses contribute more than $58.7 million to recovery efforts in the wake of 2017 hurricanes and Mexico earthquakes
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n response to the destruction caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and earthquakes in Mexico, Catholics across the United States have contributed nearly $59 million to relief and recovery efforts. Initiated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), special collections and funds were launched last year to support humanitarian relief efforts as well as to provide pastoral services and financial support to rebuild facilities in dioceses impacted by these disasters. “The devastation wrought by last year’s unprecedented disasters continues to impact the lives of our brothers and sisters in the United States, across the Caribbean, and in Mexico. We are profoundly grateful to the dioceses that took up special col-
lections or made donations,” said Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, chairman of the USCCB Committee on National Collections. “The support of parishioners is an act of charity and a reflection of love for neighbor. We ask for continued prayers of support for the people affected by these historic natural disasters.” As of mid-May 2018, US dioceses have remitted the following amounts for relief efforts: Hurricane Harvey – $37.2 Million Hurricane Irma – $12.8 Million Hurricane Maria – $6.1 Million Mexico Earthquakes – $3.5 Million
Be missionary disciples, Archbishop Naumann encourages Catholics at prayer breakfast By Catholic News Agency
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he United States is in need of another great awakening all, or who instead consider themselves to be “spiritual, but and religious revival, Archbishop Joseph Naumann of not religious.” The archbishop said this new mentality of a Kansas City told the crowd at the 14th annual National non-religious spiritualism is akin to “a new paganism,” where Catholic Prayer Breakfast on May 24th. In his keynote address, the God of revelation has been transformed into a god or gods Archbishop Naumann bemoaned the state of culture in the who are created to re-inforce individual desires. United States, and said it is necessary to re-embrace truth, as Archbishop Naumann ended his keynote with a call for the well as the living Christ. crowd of well over 1,000 people present to be “missionary disciples” The Archbishop also expressed concern over the “large who spread the word of the Risen Christ to everyone, particularly number of millennials” who either do not believe in God at people on the peripheries of society.
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Sidewalk Stories By Roxane B. Salonen
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How should we respond to “I was raped?”
t’s perhaps the quickest way to silence a sidewalk advocate: “I was raped.” What can one say to such a statement uttered near the door of an abortion facility? Those of us who pray for the women who approach our state’s only abortion facility face an extreme time limitation. We discern as well as we can, with sparse information and moments to spare, what words might help. We can easily, humanly miss the mark. When a woman says she’s been raped – and on occasion, they do – a fitting response can be especially challenging. We might even question it. After all, some women have said, “I’m not going in there,” but duck inside at the last minute. Others say they’re there for another reason, but it’s hard to imagine choosing to walk past escorts and prayer advocates for a service that can be done elsewhere. Some likely have been raped by a stranger or someone they know. In either case, the potential client already has been victimized. And it’s hard to know how to reach her heart with mercy while also helping her see that, in the violent act of abortion, she’ll be victimized again. One young woman who didn’t push us aside on her way into the facility listened to our offers of hope. After saying she agreed with our position, she paused slightly before adding, “But the thing is, I was raped, so I have to do this.” In the moment of heavy silence that followed, I wanted so much to be able to bring her the story of Rebecca Kiessling. As stated on her website, rebeccakiessling.com, Kiessling was conceived in rape when her biological mother was held by knifepoint by a serial killer. She was born a few years before the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case which made abortion lawful across our land, so legal abortion wasn’t an option. Though Kiessling later learned that her biological mother did try to abort her in a back-alley operation, the filth she witnessed there made her flee. Recently, I had a chance to talk with Kiessling. What struck me most were her beautiful, sparkly blue eyes and wide, easy smile. Her T-shirt, which read, “I took a DNA test…God is my Father,” made me grin. As part of a “100 percent” pro-life ministry, Save The 1, Kiessling helps protect, support and empower women who become pregnant by rape and their children conceived in rape, as well as those given a poor prenatal diagnosis.
The day of our meeting, she shared how she’d become a mentor to Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood manager, just after she’d left the abortion industry, to help educate Johnson on issues like the “rape exception” that many, even some pro-lifers, embrace. Kiessling stands as a living witness making a case against this exception, imploring those who buy into what she calls illogical to rethink their position. “Abby once told me that while working for Planned Parenthood, there was this weird dichotomy,” Kiessling noted, “because in the rest of society, a child conceived in rape was devalued, but in an abortion clinic (their remains) had the highest value…you had to take special care of the remains of children conceived in rape.” “The other thing she told me,” Kiessling said, “is that she always knew that rape victims would be worse off… she knew (abortion) wouldn’t bring about healing but would bring more violence to their bodies.” Now, Johnson is living her conviction, Kiessling said. “She has a child conceived in rape that she adopted.” Talking to Kiessling was an extraordinary gift, considering what she represents – the living, loving, logical response to the words, “I was raped.” Though reaching potential abortion clients with her story remains a conundrum, at the very least, in those moments in which it’s relevant, I can hold the visual of her beautiful face in my mind and heart. It’s easy to buy into something in theory, and much harder to do so when you are facing the very person who would have been erased by it. Or, as Kiessling says on her website: “It’s like saying, ‘If I had my way, you’d be dead right now.’…and I can tell you that it hurts.’” Though most don’t put a face to the issue, she said, it’s something she, through her life and God’s grace, has been gifted to do. Maybe through the mere reminder of people like Kiessling, the right words will eventually come in that most crucial moment. And maybe I – or you, or someone you know – remembering Kiessling, can help another little Rebecca experience the wondrous life God made them to have. 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. NEW EARTH JUNE 2018
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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 July/August New Earth.
Where in the diocese are we? 40
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Last month’s photo is of St. Aloysius Church in Lisbon.