June New Earth 2013 - Section B

Leaving the woodpile higher than we found it.

— Page 11B

New Earth CATHOLIC DIOCESE

OF

FARGO

June 2013 Vol. 34

No. 6

1B

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

www.FargoDiocese.org

Ordination Day 2013

Deacons Sean Mulligan and Troy Simonsen prostrate themselves before the altar of St. Mary’s Cathedral as prayers are read during the ordination rite for the men as priests for the Fargo Diocese.

Fathers Mulligan and Simonsen are Diocese of Fargo’s newest priests

By Tanya Watterud and Katie Wise

F

ather Troy Simonsen and Father Sean Mulligan were ordained priests for the Diocese of Fargo June 7 by Bishop David Kagan at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo. Both priests celebrated their first Mass the following day, with Father Mulligan’s at St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks and Father Simonsen’s at the Cathedral.

During the ordination Mass, those present responded “thanks be to God” and broke into applause as Bishop Kagan presented the men to be ordained.

As a sign to surrender to God, the men lay prostrate on the floor in front of the altar while the assembly prayed for the intercession of the saints and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Bishop Kagan then conferred ordination by laying his hands on their heads, a gesture repeated by the many priests present at the celebration as a sign of unity and shared spirit.

After a prayer of consecration, Fathers Mulligan and Simonsen were vested with a stole (a sign of the priestly office) and a chasuble (the Eucharistic vestment) with assistance from Msgr. Gregory Schlesselmann and Father Raymond Courtright. The newly ordained priests then knelt before the bishop, who anointed their hands with sacred chrism.

Please turn to TWO NEW PRIESTS on page 2B

Photos by Deacon Joe Krupinsky

Father Troy Simonsen (left) and Father Sean Mulligan flank Bishop David Kagan after the bishop ordained them to the priesthood.

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NDCC Director: Clinic’s actions thwart science, justice, and the people of North Dakota

Fortnight for Freedom has begun The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for a Fortnight for Freedom, which began June 21 and ends July 4. The Fortnight for Freedom is a two-week period of prayer and action to address challenges to religious liberty, such as the Supreme Court rulings regarding marriage, the Aug. 1 deadline for religious organizations to comply with the HHS mandate, and religious liberty concerns in areas such as immigration, adoption and humanitarian services. Additional information and resources are available at: www.Fortnight4Freedom.org.

Christopher Dodson, executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference, issued this statement June 25 in response to the decision by the Red River Women’s Clinic to file a lawsuit against the state’s ban on abortions for sex-selection or genetic defect and the prohibition on abortions after the presence of a fetal heartbeat:

Two new priests answered call to serve Continued from page 1B

Although it comes as no surprise, it is still disappointing that the Red River Women’s Clinic, through a New Yorkbased pro-abortion rights law firm, would use the federal courts to thwart science, justice, and the will of the people of North Dakota.

It is especially appalling that the state’s only abortion center is seeking legal license to abort children solely because of their gender or genetic traits. House Bill 1305 passed the North Dakota legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support because the womb is no place for fatal acts of discrimination. Advocates for the disabled and women should join in condemning the clinic’s actions.

With HB 1456, which prohibits most abortions after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, the people of North Dakota sent a message that the courts should no longer ignore science when it comes to abortion jurisprudence. North Dakota, like the many other states that have recently enacted restrictions on abortion, wants to move human progress forward. The courts should not force us to continue to adhere to an outdated and ultimately unjust view of human life.

We call on Catholics and all people of good will to pray for a just resolution of these cases.

Father Mulligan reflected on the Mass: “At the beginning of ordination I was nervous and felt the weight of the responsibility. But during the Litany of Saints I really felt the awe and wonder, that God is taking me into the one and the same priesthood of Jesus Christ that he has taken so many saints. I was also overwhelmed when all the priests came to lay their hands on me, a moment of ‘Wow, I will be one of these priests.

I am really entering into this brotherhood of priests. God you are so amazing!’ ” he said.

Father Simonsen said the laying on of hands was especially memorable for him, too.

“It was a powerful moment; it was a comforting moment,” he said. “Bishop Kagan laid his hands on my head followed by all the priests in attendance. I was infused with the knowledge that I am not alone. It was of tremendous consolation for me.”

Rural backgrounds Father Simonsen, 38, grew up on a wheat farm in northeastern Montana. His parents are Larry and Nancy Simonsen and he has one brother who is married, has three children, and remains on the family farm. His home parish is St. Matthew in Sidney, Mont., and he was a registered member of St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center in Grand Forks when he was accepted as a seminarian.

Father Mulligan is 29 and was raised on the family farm north of Grand Forks. His parents are James and Jeanne Mulligan and he has two sisters and one brother. There are three houses on the farm, so most of his family members still live there. His home parish is St. Michael’s in Grand Forks.

Both men received their formation for the priesthood at Cardinal Muench Seminary, Fargo, and St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, Denver.

The idea of a vocation to the priesthood was planted in Father Simonson when he was invited by a friend to attend a Live-In Weekend at Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo.

“I had no interest in becoming a priest at the time . . . My curiosity was aroused by the fact that I had never seen or been to a seminary before. The weekend went really well,” he said.

“Over the next three to four years, the seminary would come to mind on occasion but I never took it seriously. And there were times when it seemed to be behind me, especially when I was in a serious relationship. At some point in time, God granted me an insight into myself. From an early age I had desired to be a father like my dad, but the insight that came to me was that maybe God was calling me to be a spiritual father rather than a biological father.”

Simonson, who has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in meteorology, was accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Fargo in the spring of 2007.

Photos by Deacon Joe Krupinsky

Bishop David Kagan lays his hands on Deacon Troy Simonsen as a step in ordaining the Montana native a priest for the Diocese of Fargo.

July General intention: World Youth Day. That World Youth Day in Brazil may encourage all young Christians to become disciples and missionaries of the Gospel.

Reflection: What qualities make young people effective missionaries of the Gospel?

Mission intention: Asia. That throughout Asia doors may be open to messengers of the Gospel.

Reflection: How can my own growth in faith open doors on the other side of the world?

He felt called For Father Mulligan, the call to his vocation came at an earlier age.

“I never thought about being a priest until I started to serve at Mass in tenth grade,” he said.

“I started to think of the call to the priesthood, thanks to my family and parishioners in my home parish, simply because they would ask me after Mass if I ever thought about being a priest. I was hesitant to answer the call until my senior year in college; it was made clear after being involved with FOCUS, adoration, daily Mass and spiritual direction.”

Involvement in a Catholic home school group, which included talks about the faith and Eucharistic adoration, helped lead Father Mulligan to discern his vocation. Being a Bible study leader in college through Fellowship of Catholic University Students and serving with the Young Disciples for the diocese “definitely strengthened the call to the priesthood,” he said.

Since both of the new priests had college degrees before entering the seminary, their educational expenses were paid by the diocese, assistance made possible by the many people who donate toward seminarian education. For personal expenses, “The Knights of Columbus were very generous in their scholarships to me and my brother seminarians,” Father Simonsen said.

Papal intentions

Shortly after he was ordained, Father Sean Mulligan is helped into priestly garments.

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

Seminary scholarship funds consolidated with foundation endowments With the closing of Cardinal Muench Seminary and the expansion of endowment listings in the Catholic Development Foundation, all seminary scholarship funds have been consolidated with foundation endowments under the Catholic Development Foundation umbrella.

With this change there is no longer a printed list of contributors in New Earth. Instead, all donors receive a letter of acknowledgment, which can also be used for tax deduction purposes. A quarterly and/or annual listing of donors is provided on the Catholic Development Foundation website www.cdfnd.org or www.catholicdevelop

mentfoundation.org.

Earnings from seminarian scholarships are restricted for the use of funding candidates to the priesthood who are completing required seminary education, and to supplement education of clergy currently serving the diocese.

Without this aid, many of our young men would not be able to discern their vocation.

To donate, please mail your gift to: Catholic Development Foundation, 5201 Bishops Blvd. S., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605, call (701) 3567930 or donate online at www.cdfnd.org.

MAY 2013 ■ 3B

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Faith through the Ages presentation canceled

Corpus Christi Procession

Others to be offered in the fall in Fargo and Devils Lake The Faith through the Ages presentation originally scheduled for Sunday, July 21, in Jamestown has been canceled.

The next Faith through the Ages presentations, sponsored by graduates of the Fargo Diocese’s Education for Parish Service program, will be in October and November.

Faith from the Reformation to Contemporary Times is the topic of these presentations to be given by Msgr. James Shea, president of the University of Mary. His presentation covers the time period of Galileo, the scientific, industrial, and intellectual revolutions; Darwin and evolution; communism, and church councils to the contemporary issues of our times. It will be offered on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fargo and Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Devils Lake.

The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session, and conclude with refreshments and fellowship.

Bring your family and friends and join us as we learn from the past, walk in the present, and move our faith into the future. A detailed schedule is available at www.fargodiocese.org/faith throughages.

This project is being underwritten by Blessed Sacrament Church in West Fargo and Knights of Columbus councils in Devils Lake, Jamestown, Grand Forks and Fargo.

Youth called to March for Life next January Youth in grades 9 through 12 from across the Diocese of Fargo are invited to participate in the 41st annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 22, 2014.

The pilgrimage will begin in Fargo on Jan. 18 and return Jan. 23.

Father Kurt Gunwall, vocation director for the Diocese of Fargo, will be the spiritual director.

In addition to participating in the March and the Vigil Mass for Life at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, youth will also travel to Emmitsburg, Md., to visit the Mother Seton Shrine and see the sights of Washington, D.C. The cost for the six-day pilgrimage is $830 and includes air and ground travel, lodging, meals and tour fees.

Registration forms can be found at www.fargodiocese.org/respectlife.

Deadline to register is Oct. 18.

For more information, contact Rachelle at (701) 356-7910, or email rachelle.sauvageau@fargodiocese.org.

Photo by Mary Clark

Msgr. Joseph Goering, rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fargo, led a Corpus Christi procession at the Cathedral on June 2.

St. Kateri Celebration in Bismarck July 13-14 will bring together ND tribes and Christians The Diocese of Bismarck is organizing a celebration of St. Kateri Tekakwitha that will include leaders of the state’s tribal nations and commemorate one of the Catholic Church’s newest North American saints.

Beginning Saturday, July 13, all are welcome at the James Henry Community Center at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck.

The evening’s activities will begin with a grand entry at 6 p.m. (which will include a parade of colors celebrating life) and Native American dancers at 7 p.m., performing in different categories such as traditional, fancy, grass and jingle.

The evening will conclude with eucharistic adoration and prayers for healing.

Activities will continue Sunday, July 14, beginning with a presentation on St. Kateri by Mark Thiel, an archivist of native Catholic collections at Marquette University and co-author of “Native Footsteps: Along the Path of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha.”

Mass will be held at 2 p.m. and will be followed by a round dance, or a dance that includes all native and nonnative people that celebrates life and harmony.

“This event is meant to bring all people in our state and region together as we celebrate our sister, St. Kateri, and respond to the universal call to holiness in our lives as she did,” said Michelle Duppong, coordinator of the Year of Faith for the Bismarck Diocese. “We want to come together as the body of Christ in unity.”

St. Kateri was born in 1656 in New

“We need heroes in the faith to look up to and follow as we all strive to be saints.

Her story should inspire each of us.”

Michelle Duppong

York and suffered from scarring on her face and poor eyesight as a result of a smallpox epidemic that killed her parents and brother when she was four years old.

Raised by her relatives who were members of the Mohawk tribe, St. Kateri was baptized at age 18, moved to a Jesuit mission near Montreal and joined other native Christian converts in a life of faith and prayer.

She died during Holy Week at the age of 24 and her smallpox scars disappeared from her body shortly after her death. Kateri, known as the Lily of the Mohawks because of her purity, was beatified in 1980 by Blessed John Paul II and canonized a saint by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Oct. 21, 2012.

“St. Kateri has been canonized a saint by the Church as a testament of her sanctity so that all may look to her as a model of holiness. We need heroes in the faith to look up to and follow as we all strive to be saints,” Duppong explained. “Her story should inspire each of us.”

The St. Kateri Tekakwitha Celebration is free of charge. Those interested are asked to register prior to the event at bismarckdiocese.com under the “Events” tab. For more information, call (877) 405-7435.

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The gift of ECHOES One hundred-sixty-four men and women across the diocese have taken the ECHOES course because it’s a gift.

Will you consider it, too? You’ll grow in faith and gain understanding about many core Catholic truths and why they are relevant today.

The ECHOES course has no required homework and is only 11 sessions long.

Contact your parish for details. Here is a testimony from Bev Nesler on why she considers ECHOES a gift:

By Bev Nesler

Submitted photo

Laurie Baker shows the Nano Nagle Award she was given by the Presentation Sisters.

Laurie Baker receives Nano Nagle Award Every year the Presentation Sisters of Fargo extend a Nano Nagle Award to someone who embodies some aspect of the charism of their foundress, Nano Nagle. This year the award went to Laurie Baker, executive director of the FargoMoorhead Homeless Coalition.

Laurie’s concern for the homeless in Fargo-Moorhead is very like Nano’s concern for the poor in 18th century Ireland. Both women contributed time, money and service to assist those in need. Nano opened schools, built a place for homeless women and gave assistance to the imprisoned.

Laurie has been working with the F-M Homeless Coalition providing ideas, insights and information. She has delivered a series of presentations to a variety of audiences in order to raise awareness about the homeless within the FargoMoorhead area. Laurie has also been especially helpful in initiating the Church Sheltering Program which, over the past two years, has kept the homeless protected from the freezing cold. What Laurie and her co-workers continue to do now is try to obtain safe and permanent housing for those who haven’t had such in a very long time.

1.8 Million Strong & Growing.

Often called the “strong right arm of the Catholic Church,” the Knights of Columbus has 1.8 million members worldwide and is growing. If you’ve never been asked to join, consider yourself asked. Learn more about membership by contacting your agent.

Bob Wolf

Ryan Brunner

Wayne Cherney

Jeff Risenauer

General Agent, Fargo (701) 356-6664 robert.wolf@kofc.org

Grand Forks (701) 757-0523 (218) 779-3625

Devils Lake 800-906-6780 wayne.cherney@kofc.org

Fargo (218) 512-0436 (701) 356-8889

Glenn Hangaard Hankinson

Pat Dolan Fargo

Ryan Geigle Jamestown

John Edwards Velva

(701) 242-7736 (701) 680-0870

(701) 298-9922 patrick.dolan@kofc.org

(701) 320-8802 (701) 251-9019

(701) 721-7689 (701) 338-2499

Have you ever felt you wanted to pass on your faith to others but were uncertain how to go about it?

As a parent, have you wished you were able to share the faith with your children more easily?

Would you like to know more about your faith so you can speak with others about it, at work, in the home or the parish?

These were a few of the questions I said “yes” to, so I signed up for the ECHOES class. I am a cradle Catholic and

wanted to know more and know why we believe what we believe. ECHOES helped answer a few of the basic questions for me. There is no homework, unless you want to do “further reading.” Now I find myself wanting to explore the Bible more. And I don’t find the Catechism of the Catholic Church quite as scary; I find it interesting as to when it was written Nesler and who helped write it. (If you don’t know, you may want to check it out).

I am growing in my faith and learning how to better hand on Christ, to listen and learn from him, love what he loves, and to pray to him.

The next time ECHOES is offered, if you said “yes” to any of those first questions, I encourage you to take the class.

Nesler is parish secretary and a member of Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo.

Reflecting on Catholic social teachings Option for the poor and vulnerable A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring in a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor. Catholic social teaching instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

Questions to consider: ■ Do I give special attention to the needs of the poor and vulnerable in my community and in the world?

■ Am I disproportionately concerned for my own good at the expense of others?

■ Do I engage in service and advocacy work that protects the dignity of poor and vulnerable persons?

Provided by the Social Justice Committee of Catholic Charities North Dakota.

Check out the “A” Section . . .

Honoring our new Bishop Folda

1417 South University Drive, Fargo, ND 58103

JUNE 2013 ■ 5B

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Bishop Folda to preside Aug. 11 during pilgrimage to shrine The annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Prairies will be at the Carmel of Mary Monastery, 17765 78th St. S.E., Wahpeton (six and one-half miles northwest of Wahpeton,) on Sunday, Aug. 11.

The afternoon of prayer and reflection begins with the Rosary at 3 p.m. Confession will be available until 4:45 p.m.

Mass with Bishop John Folda is at 5 p.m.

After Mass, the Knights of Columbus Council 2205 will serve a picnic style meal, with the free-will offering to be donated to the Carmelites.

Pilgrims are encouraged to bring written prayer petitions so that the Carmelite nuns can pray for their spe-

cific intentions.

Pilgrims may also bring a basket of goods from their harvest of garden produce or farm crops to be blessed at Mass and given to the nuns, if the pilgrims choose. In addition, participants may want to bring a lawn chair to sit in the shade of the trees or an umbrella or hat, plus some cool water to drink.

To read what a day in the life of the contemplative Carmel of Mary Nuns at Wahpeton is like, visit www.carmelof mary.org.

For more information about the pilgrimage, please call Hank or Karen Weber at (701) 642-8755.

Real Presence Radio offers pilgrimage to EWTN On April 20, Mother Angelica, the foundress of EWTN, celebrated her 90th birthday. This September, the listeners of Real Presence Radio, the Catholic radio apostolate serving the dioceses of Bismarck, Crookston and Fargo, are invited to join the Real Presence staff on a pilgrimage to the main studio of EWTN in Irondale, Ala. The eight-day motor coach pilgrimage, which will be Sept. 23 through 30, will bring participants to Boys Town near Omaha, Neb., the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Ill., the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Ala., Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Ala., and Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Irondale.

Pilgrims will participate in Mass, a healing service, a studio tour and a live show while at EWTN. The cost of the pilgrimage is $825 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes motor coach transportation, hotel accommodations, tour fees and lunches. There are three locations where participants will be picked up — in Fargo, Grand Forks and Bismarck.

Registration deadline is Aug. 15.

For more information or to sign up for the pilgrimage, please call Real Presence Radio at 877-795-0122 or email lisa@yourcatholicradiostation.com.

You won’t want to miss this fun, faith-filled pilgrimage to the studio where much of the programming on Real Presence Radio got its start.

Pilgrimage to Rome with Father Cavanaugh Father John Cavanaugh, pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Reynolds and St. Jude’s Church in Thompson, will lead a pilgrimage to Rome Oct. 17 through 25.

While the event is not officially announced, there is a high possibility that this journey will include an opportunity to attend the canonization of Blessed Pope John Paul II. An audience with Pope Francis is a part of this itinerary.

Some other highlights of the trip include tours of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls and St. Peter’s; a day trip to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis; and a visit to a winery.

Cost is $2,500 plus airfare from Fargo.

Price includes land transportation via private, deluxe air-conditioned motor coach, accommodations (double-occupancy), meals as indicated on the itinerary, services of a professional tour guide, local guides for city tours and major attractions, admission to all activities listed, luggage handling of one piece per person at hotels, all taxes and tips except for the end-of-tour gratuity for the coach driver and tour guide.

Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the return date. Optional insurance for health, baggage and cancellation can be purchased.

For a complete itinerary and if you have other questions, please contact Kathy at (701) 356-7902.

Photo by Scherling Photography

Bishop David Kagan, then apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Fargo, congratulated Shanley graduate Uvie Adah at the May 22 graduation ceremony. Also pictured in the background are, from left, Sean Safranski, principal, Michael Smith, superintendent, and Kathy Littlefield, Shanley High School teacher.

82 graduate from Shanley The Shanley High School Class of 2013 held its commencement ceremony May 22, at the Fargo school. The class had 82 graduates, of which 33 were honor students. Twenty-nine students were members of the National Honor Society and two were National Merit Finalists.

Catholic schools have a long-standing commitment to academic excellence that is rooted in the faith-based mission of Catholic education.

The Blessed John Paul II Catholic Schools, serving students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, are comprised of Holy Spirit Elementary, Nativity Elementary, Sullivan Middle School and Shanley High School. JPII Catholic Schools provide a rigorous academic curriculum that integrates faith and knowledge. The intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual fruits of the gift of

Catholic education nurture and guide students throughout their personal life journeys.

JPII Catholic Schools have a clear value statement: “A Community Inspiring Excellence Through Faith, Learning, and Service.” Through its mission, parents can expect an academic experience that will expand their child’s understanding of the world to encompass the Catholic faith with an integration of service. Shadowing opportunities are offered for any student interested in seeing what a “day in the life” of a JPII Catholic Schools student entails.

JPII Catholic Schools is currently accepting applications for all grade levels for the 2013-2014 school year. Please contact Lori Hager, admissions director, for further information at (701) 8933271 or lori.hager@fdjp2.k12.nd.us.

6B ■ JUNE 2013

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Bismarck bishop, former CNS Rome bureau chief, receive media awards

By Catholic News Service

John Thavis, former Rome bureau chief of Catholic News Service, has received this year’s Clarion Award from the Catholic Academy of Communications Professionals.

Bishop David D. Kagan of Bismarck, is this year’s winner of the Bishop John England Award from the Catholic Press Association.

Both awards were announced at a June 20 luncheon during the two organization’s joint Catholic Media Convention in Denver.

The Clarion Award recognizes “a timely contribution to Catholic communicators through organizational service; through creativity in a communications effort or product; through service to a diocese, institution or religious order; at a personal or career milestone; through excellence in communications leadership, ecumenical cooperation or industry collaboration.”

Thavis retired from CNS in January 2012. He joined CNS in 1983, and in 1996 was named the news agency’s Rome bureau chief, a post he held until his retirement.

Thavis now lives in his native Minnesota. He continues to work as a journalist, author and speaker specializing in Vatican and religious affairs. He is the author of “The Vatican Diaries,” and has a website and blog, www.john thavis.com. During the papal transition

Bishop Kagan

Thavis

this spring, he was a sought-after commentator by international media outlets.

He is a past president of the Association of Journalists Accredited to the Vatican. In 2007, he received the St. Francis de Sales Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Catholic Press Association of the U.S. and Canada.

Publisher honor The England award is named for the Irish-born bishop of Charleston, S.C., who founded The Catholic Miscellany, the oldest Catholic newspaper in the U.S. in terms of continuous publication.

Presented annually, the award recognizes publishers in the Catholic press for the defense of First Amendment

rights, such as freedom of the press and freedom of religion. It is the CPA's highest award for publishers.

Bishop Kagan, an Illinois native and a priest of the Diocese of Rockford, Ill., and former vicar general in Rockford, was ordained and installed as the seventh bishop of Bismarck in December 2011. As bishop, he is publisher of Dakota Catholic Action, the diocesan newspaper.

Since 1941, the paper has provided a Catholic voice throughout the prairies of western North Dakota.

In Rockford, he was associate publisher of The Observer diocesan newspaper for six years.

Bishop Kagan “is an experienced publisher and strong advocate for religious liberty and Catholic moral values,” the award citation said. As Bismarck’s bishop, he has used the pages of Dakota Catholic Action “to instruct the faithful on the Health and Human Services mandate and its repercussions for Catholics.”

He published his letters to North Dakota’s congressmen in the diocesan paper and urged them to “reject this violation of a fundamental constitutional right.”

His nomination for the award noted his “unwavering leadership and commitment to defending the First Amendment rights of the U.S. Constitution in new and engaging ways.”

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He can be reached at (701) 356-7926 or e-mail him at steve.schons@fargodiocese.org

Roxane Salonen, Fargo freelance writer and former New Earth editor, recently won a second place award in the best feature writing category from the Catholic Press Association for her New Earth story on St. Kateri Tekakwitha published in 2012.

In addition, the National Federation of Press Women awarded Salonen second place for her work on New Earth from June to November 2012. She also received first place honors in the North DakoSalonen ta Professional Communicators contest in the category of “newspaper publication edited regularly by entrant.”

New Earth is designed and produced

by The Catholic Spirit newspaper staff, led by Bob Zyskowski, in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

New Earth content is currently produced and edited by Tanya Watterud, interim communications director and editor, and Katie Wise, communications assistant for the Diocese of Fargo. Many others contribute to the newspaper with the submission of stories and photographs.

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NEWEARTH

MAY 2013 ■ 7B

Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen celebrate 100 years in U.S. Open house Aug. 11 at sisters’ convent in Hankinson This August the Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen in Hankinson will hold the official observation of their 100th anniversary in the United States. The three-week event will be attended by Sisters from the six other provinces of their international order in Germany, Brazil and India.

The Provincial House in Hankinson is the headquarters of the North American Province of the Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen, an order that dates back to 1241. Agreeing to accept the request for Sisters to help in the kitchens of St. John’s College in Collegeville, Minn., in 1913, was the first step into foreign missions of the then 672-year-old German congregation.

Groundbreakers Sending 24 Sisters to America in the summer of 1913 was an unusual event in the history of religious orders. Many European orders offering missionaries to the New World sent, perhaps, not more than a handful of members at a time.

Altogether, the leadership of the Dillingen Franciscans in Germany sent 131 Sisters to their U.S. missions between 1913 and 1954. At the same time, with over 2,400 members, they were supporting scores of Bavarian educational and health care apostolates.

In Prairie Praise, the history of the first 50 years of the order in the United States written by Sister Patricia Forrest, OSF, we read, “In spite of misgivings about letting so many Sisters go when there was so much work to be done in Germany, the deciding factor was the approval of the Bishop of Augsburg, Maximilian von Lingg. His approval put the seal of obedience upon the new venture.

“To the Abbey’s urgent requests for an answer, Mother Innocentia telegrammed her ‘Ja,’ ‘Yes, we’ll come.’ ”

Submitted photos

This picture shows the first 24 Dillingen Franciscans to come to America, with Mother Innocentia Musak (center, front) and their chaplain, the day before their departure, Aug. 9, 1913.

New roots The 2013 celebrations are focusing on the beginning of the congregation’s roots in America.

The visit of the Sisters from the other provinces will include a trip to Collegeville, and a tour of the North Dakota missions at Oakes, Rugby and Grand Forks, with a pass through the Badlands to give the visiting Sisters a sense of North Dakota’s geographical variety and history. St. Gerard’s Community of Care at Hankinson, as well as a visit to Fargo, are also planned for days closer to home.

An open house and program are planned for Sunday, Aug. 11, in Providence Auditorium at the convent in Hankinson. Doors will open by 1:30 p.m. The program will begin at 2 p.m.

To learn more about this historic period for Dillingen Franciscans, you may read the latest issue of their Franciscan Review, and highlights from their congregational history on their website at www.DillingenFranciscansUSA.org.

Mother Innocentia telegrammed her “Ja,” “Yes, we’ll come.”

Reviewing the draft of the centennial book of the Franciscan Sis Friederichs. ters are Mary Schmitz , Sister Susan Marie Loeffen and Sister An n Marie

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Diocese promotes Natural Family Planning Awareness Week The Catholic Church’s teaching on human sexuality highlighted July 21-27; time for learning For married or engaged couples first learning about Natural Family Planning (NFP) it can be a topic that is both daunting and yet intriguing. Instruction in a method of NFP can focus on the biology of our fertility, but the practice of NFP can mean far more.

The practice of a method of NFP is a way of life. It is a faithful living of one’s marriage vows day after day as a couple grows together in trust. When you say “I do” at the altar, you are entrusting yourselves to each other, making a complete gift of yourself.

With each sexual embrace, our bodies speak, “I entrust myself to you so much that I am open to the possibility of becoming a parent with you.” In the profound expression of love of the sexual act, the couple practicing NFP never acts in a way that compromises this expression of total love and trust of the other.

For further reading, go to www.fargodiocese.org/ respectlife. “Natural Family Planning is a way of life . . .” is No. 6 in a series of Year of Faith Life Issues articles.

The Fargo Diocese annually instructs couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage in a method of NFP. In 2012, 220 engaged couples learned a method of NFP. Upon completion of their three-series course, 67 percent of couples found the instruction helpful and 95 percent said they left the classes with a better understanding of the Church’s teaching about NFP. But NFP is not just something a couple can learn before they are married. Many married couples, distraught with side effects of birth control drugs and devices, are turning to NFP. In 2012, 77 married couples learned a method of NFP in the Fargo Diocese. The diocese has 24 NFP instructors located in communities across eastern North Dakota, and four varying methods of NFP are offered that give couples options to practice a method of NFP that fits their lifestyle. There is even online charting of cycles.

To learn more about NFP, location of instructors, or the Church’s teaching on human sexuality, go to: www.fargodiocese.org/NFP. A complete listing of NFP instructors can be found by going to the NFP Instructors link, or call the diocesan NFP coordinator, Rachelle Sauvageau, at (701) 356-7910.

A look at NFP by a registered pharmacist

By Janel Agnes

Why does a pharmacist become a Billings Ovulation Method (BOM) natural family planning (NFP) instructor?

An NFP pharmacist might be considered to be an example of an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp. God has a tendency to speak volumes with a gentle voice and to make all things work toward a greater good and that’s what he did in my life.

I am a cradle Catholic who didn’t take much responsibility for learning my faith until I was challenged by friends as to what I truly believed. Growing in faith, I prayed for help regarding menstrual irregularities I had dealt with for years. The answer came in a New Earth article about NaPro Technology as a moral means of assisting women with reproductive issues.

I found a NaPro trained physician.

His wife was a nurse who taught me the Creighton Method of charting in order to track my cycles. It was through her gentle, patient teaching that I came to understand the physical and spiritual harm that occurs with contraception.

I debated with her by asking, “If God gave us an intellect, why shouldn’t we use it to develop contraceptives?”

Her response was, “Just because we know how to do an abortion doesn’t make it right.”

My eyes were opened more to the reality that hormonal contraceptives cause chemical abortions. A friend also recommended the book “Physicians Healed” which further affirmed this fact.

At an appointment with the physician, he commented, “You’re a pharmacist, huh? Maybe you want to teach NFP?” With that seed planted, my husband and I had many discussions about how NFP helps you know when a woman is fertile and when she is not. His knowledge as a biology teacher brought him to a deeper understanding of NFP and he was on board.

NFP has blessed our marriage through increased communication and tenderness. We hope to teach our two children about the blessings of NFP in order to give them the best possible start in marriage if that is the direction God leads them.

I felt stirrings in my heart regarding that seed that was planted.

After an Ignatian Retreat in June of

2010, I knew our Lord wanted me to become an NFP instructor. I asked another NaPro trained physician if they saw a need in North Dakota for any particular method.

She said, “Billings has a lot to offer,” so I contacted BOMA-USA and was put in contact with someone who had previously taught Creighton but had switched to Billings.

She trained me online from Massachusetts, and I learned that the science of Billings is where the other NFP methods began. BOM was easy to learn and seemed as natural as breathing. BOM uses sensation at the vulva as the primary indicator. Examples would be that a woman feels “wet” when a bleed begins or a man can understand how it feels when his nose drips. I attended a BOM training that same year in Massachusetts and have been deeply blessed to teach it to couples.

It is great to see couples get excited about managing their fertility in a way that is free from adverse effects of drugs such as stroke and cancers.

BOM offers a medical model to track reproductive issues, and protects the unborn from chemical abortion. Couples catch on easily and confidence builds quickly when they understand the science and efficacy behind the Billings Method.

The marriage embrace is intended to be a couple’s renewal of their wedding vows, and NFP allows married couples to be true to their vows to love like God does . . . freely, totally, faithfully, and fruitfully . . . thus opening them up to God’s grace. It is fun to see the light bulbs come on with regard to love and respect for one another’s souls and bodies.

The NFP RPH (registered pharmacist) paradox deepened when I decided to stop dispensing contraceptives after consulting the National Catholic Bioethics Center. I found pharmacy work that fit my conscience and opened a wellness business.

Like Jonah, God nudged me to remember that what matters most is loving and obeying him and he blesses us beyond our imagination when we say, “Yes.” Janel Agnes is the owner of Clear Path Wellness, LLC, in Bottineau and can be reached at (701) 201-0294.

Submitted photo

Janel Agnes, outside Clear Path Wellness in Bottineau, which she describes as “pharmacy work that fit my conscience.”

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Local speakers

Events focus on love, life and the rosary Chris and Anna (Schafer) Owens will be traveling home to Strathcona, Minn., with their two sons, Benedict and Leo, for the summer and have agreed to take some time out to speak at the Love and Life Celebration in July and the Rosary Convocation in August.

Chris is presently attending the International Theological Institute near Vienna, Austria, pursuing a Sacrae Theologiae Magister (STM) degree, which is a Pontifical master’s degree in Sacred Theology. Anna received her bachelor’s degree in Theology and Humanities and Catholic Culture from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, and her master’s in Catholic Theology from the Maryvale Institute in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Chris will be speaking at the Second Annual Love and Life Celebration on Sunday, July 28, hosted by the Couple to Couple League Chapters of Crookston and Grand Forks in collaboration with the dioceses of Fargo and Crook-

40 Days for Life campaign slated to begin Sept. 25 The 40 Days for Life national campaign is a three-fold effort of prayer, fasting and peaceful vigil outside abortion facilities that is being conducted in hundreds of cities across the nation.

The campaign will be held Sept. 25 through Nov. 3.

In North Dakota, the campaign is led by the 40 Days for Life North Dakota Committee.

For more information or to sign up for your hour of prayer at the state’s only abortion facility in Fargo, visit www.40daysforlifend.com. In Fargo call (701) 356-7979 or contact the Pregnancy Help Center in Park River at (701) 284-6601 or phc@polar comm.com.

ston. This celebration coincides with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National NFP Awareness Week that is scheduled for July 21 through 28.

The Couple to Couple League Chapters will be providing each diocese with petitions and a bulletin insert for parishes. They are also encouraging everyone to pray and fast that week for the protection and preservation of marriage and family life.

The closing Mass on July 28 at St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a meal.

Chris’ presentation will begin at 7 p.m.

All are welcome.

For more information, contact Laurie Kraemer at (701) 775-5832 or go to www.fargodiocese.org/respectlife.

Anna Owens will be one of three speakers at the Third Annual Rosary Convocation on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston. This year, the convocation will be focusing on the Luminous Mysteries.

The day will begin with morning Mass followed by a Eucharistic procession. Along with talks, prayer and adoration, there will be three meals served throughout the day.

Registration forms for this event can be downloaded at www.crookston.org or registration can be done over the phone by calling the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at (218) 2811735.

Submitted photo

Chris and Anna (Schafer) Owens are pictured with their sons, Benedict and Leo. Chris and Anna will be speaking at two area events this summer. Anna is originally from Strathcona, Minn., and is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville and Maryvale Institute of Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Year of Faith Couples Night Out set for Oct. 4 The Fargo Diocese Family Life Office is hosting a dinner event on Friday, Oct. 6, featuring Father Leo Patatlinghung, founder and host of Grace Before Meals.

Father Patatlinghung is an internationally renowned conference speaker, author, and television host who established Grace Before Meals as a movement to strengthen families and communities around the dinner table. He will offer a food demonstration and presentation on Eucharist and Family

Father Wilhelm to lead November pilgrimage to Rome, Lourdes, Paris and Nevers

Monday, August 5, 2013 Rose Creek • Fargo, ND

Father Chad Wilhelm, along with the Knights of Columbus, is leading a pilgrimage Nov. 3-12 to Rome, Lourdes, Paris and Nevers.

The pilgrimage includes four nights in Rome with a papal audience, three days in Lourdes, four days in Paris, and a side trip to Nevers to see the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette. The pilgrimage is open to all for the price of $3,599 per person.

For more information, please contact George Lacher at (701) 793-5566 or georgelacher@msn.com, or Father Wilhelm at chad.wilhelm@fargodiocese.org.

Or call Catholic Tour at 1-888-465-9868 Space is limited to 20 couples, so calling early is encouraged.

Faith at the Table.

In addition, Theresa Notare, assistant director for the Natural Family Planning Program of the USCCB, will speak on Married Love and the Gift of Life.

The evening’s event will be held at Sts. Anne & Joachim Church in Fargo.

Registration information will be posted on the diocesan website www.fargo diocese.org/couplesnightout. For more information contact Jennie at (701) 3567901.

Registration starts at 11 a.m.

Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.

Putt 4 a Purpose 5201 Bishops Boulevard, Suite A • Fargo. ND 58104 Steve Schons • 701.356.7926 steve.schons@fargodiocese.org www.fargodiocese.org

Bishop Folda is looking forward to meeting and greeting all golf participants!

Quotable “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

From a headstone in Ireland

Editorial

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Newtown, Conn. parish and community say thank you

By Msgr. Robert Weiss

Editor’s note: Msgr. Weiss sent this letter to the diocesan offices in Fargo and asked that we share it with parishioners.

Comforting those who mourn

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n behalf of our community and parish, we extend our gratitude to each of you who remembered us in prayer following the events of Dec. 14, 2012, at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

We quickly realized the universality of the Church by the outpouring of support and concern that was shown to us by so many in our faith communities.

The cards and letters from staff and students in Catholic elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities reminded us of the faith to which we are called to witness through the tradition of Catholic education.

No less important were the number of cards from parish religious education programs, especially the sacramental programs. We were also contacted by many Catholic organizations and groups on both the local and national levels. The list of parishes, Catholic based groups and dioceses who contacted us is an overwhelming one.

We are also very appreciative of the number of donations sent to us to assist

CNS photo / Michelle McLoughlin, Reuters

Msgr. Robert Weiss greets mourners as they arrive for James Mattoli's funeral Mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, Conn., Dec. 18. The 6-year-old first grader was among the 20 schoolchildren killed Dec. 14 in one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history. At least eight of the children killed in the shooting rampage at nearby Sandy Hook Elementary were to be buried from St. Rose, a parish of 3,200 families and the only Catholic church in Newtown.

our parish in our continuing ministry to the community, to help pay the expenses of the victims’ funerals, to support counseling programs, to provide direct aid to the families and so on. Your generosity reminded us that we are not

alone during this very sad and challenging time.

We also want to thank our brother priests, deacons and religious sisters and brothers for their letters of support and encouragement. Spiritual bouquets,

Mass cards, hours of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and remembrances by many prayer groups have lifted our spirits knowing that our intentions are ever before the Lord.

We also received a number of rosaries, prayer shawls, religious works of art, memorial vestments, reliquaries, books focusing on grief and healing, original and recorded religious CDs and a variety of poems, spiritual reflections and meditations to help guide us in providing comfort and support.

While we tried to acknowledge every letter and gift sent to us, it became an overwhelming task, so please accept this letter as a thank you to every person who remembered us in prayer during the days immediately following the tragedy to these days of recovery and healing. We know that the road ahead of us will be a long one, but we are given great hope by the outpouring of generosity and love shown to us.

We are truly blessed by your many acts of faith and kindness. Please know that you continue to be in our prayers of gratitude for the goodness you have demonstrated in so many ways.

Msgr. Robert Weiss is pastor of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470.

Sympathy for the devil: What happens when love turns into tolerance

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ome years ago, The New Yorker an astonishing direction, finding an ran a cartoon that perfectly lamexample of the lamentable exclusivity pooned the loopy ideology of “inshe is talking about in the behavior of clusion” that has come to characterize the Apostle Paul himself. so much of the Christian world.

In the 16th chapter of the Acts of It showed a neat and tidy church, the Apostles, we find the story of Paul’s filled with an attentive congregation. first visit to the Greek town of Philippi.

The pastor was at the podium, introWe are told that one day, while on his ducing a guest speaker. “In accordance way to prayer, Paul was accosted by a with our policy of equal time,” he said, slave girl “who had a spirit of divina“I would like now to tion and brought her give our friend the opowners a great deal of portunity to present an money by fortunealternative point of telling” (Acts 16:16).

Father Robert Barron view.”

This demon-possessed Sitting next to him, child followed Paul and about to rise to speak, was the devil, his companions up and down for sevdressed perfectly and tapping the pages eral days, shouting, “These men are of his prepared text on his knee. slaves of the Most High God, who proI was put in mind of that cartoon claim to you a way of salvation.” when I read a sermon delivered reHaving finally had enough of her, cently by Katharine Jefferts Schori, the Paul turned to the young woman and presiding bishop of the Episcopal addressed the wicked spirit within her, Church in America.

“I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her” (Acts 16:18). ddressing a congregation in CuAnd the demon, we are told, came out raçao, Venezuela, Bishop Jefferts of her instantly.

Schori praised the beauty of (what p until last month in Venezuela, else?) diversity, but lamented the fact the entire Christian interpretive that so many people are still frightened tradition read that passage as an acby what is other or different: “Human count of deliverance, as the story of beings have a long history of discountthe liberation of a young woman who ing and devaluing difference, finding had been enslaved both to dark spiriit offensive or even evil.” tual powers and to the nefarious huNow I suppose that if one were to man beings who had exploited her. make the right distinctions — differBut Bishop Jefferts Schori reads it as entiating between that which is simply a tale of patriarchal oppression and inunusual and that which is intrinsically tolerance. She preaches, “But Paul is bad — one might be able coherently annoyed, perhaps, for being put in his to make this point. place, and he responds by depriving But the bishop moved, instead, in

Guest Editorial

A

U

her of her gift of spiritual awareness.

Paul can’t abide something he won’t see as beautiful or holy, so he tries to destroy it.”

The bishop correctly points out that the girl was saying true things about Paul and his friends, but demons say true things all the time in the New Testament. Think of the dark spirits who consistently confess that Jesus is the Holy One of God. That a Christian bishop would characterize the demonic possession of a young girl as something “beautiful and holy” simply beggars belief. But things get even more bizarre.

We are told in Acts that the girl’s owners are furious that Paul has effectively robbed them of their principal source of income and that they therefore stir up controversy and get him thrown in prison.

But on the bishop’s reading, Paul is just getting what he deserved: “That’s pretty much where he put himself by his own refusal to recognize that she too shares in God’s nature, just as much as he does — maybe more so!”

She seems to rejoice that a mid-firstcentury Philippian version of the liberal thought police had the good sense to imprison the patriarchal Paul for his deep intolerance of fallen spirits! You see why this sermon reminded me of that New Yorker cartoon.

That night in prison, we are told, Paul and Silas sang hymns of praise to God and preached the Gospel to their jailors.

Jefferts Schori reads this, strangely, as Paul coming to his senses at last, re-

membering God, dropping the annoyance he felt toward the girl, and embracing the spirit of compassion.

Wouldn’t it be a lot simpler and clearer to say that Paul, who had never “forgotten God,” quite consistently showed compassion both toward the possessed girl and the unevangelized jailor, delivering the former and preaching the Gospel to the latter?

W

hat is at the root of this deeply wrong-headed homily is a conflation of early 21st century values of inclusion and toleration with the great Biblical value of love. To love is to will the good of the other as other.

As such, love can involve — indeed, must involve — a deep intolerance toward wickedness and a clear willingness to exclude certain forms of life, behavior and thought.

When inclusivity and toleration emerge as the supreme goods — as they have in much of our society today — then love devolves into something vague, sentimental and finally dangerous.

How dangerous?

Well, we might begin to see the devil himself as beautiful and holy.

Father Robert Barron is the founder of the global ministry, Word on Fire, and the Rector/President of Mundelein Seminary. He is the creator of the award winning documentary series, "Catholicism." Word on Fire will be releasing "The New Evangelization" documentary this fall. Learn more at www.

WordonFire.org.

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Words of Catholic leaders reflect realities of U.S. politics

W

e can learn a great deal from what is happening in other states. Here is a selection of quotes by state Catholic conference representatives from the last few months.

To find out more about the activities of other state Catholic conferences, go to: www.nasccd.org.

“We cannot wait to put an end to the separation of families, the exploitation of workers, and the death of hundreds of human beings in the desert every year. This suffering must end.”

— Arizona Bishops on the Need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

“[W]ith scant days left in the session, shouldn’t lawmakers be focused on the future and making it secure for its residents by passing a budget that protects the poor and vulnerable, and by paying down a backlog of unpaid bills that imperils services for those in need?”

— Robert Gilligan, Catholic Conference of Illinois, reacting to calls for quick passage of a bill to redefine marriage.

“Frankly, it has proven difficult to pass abortionrelated legislation when 1) A great majority of Democrats oppose further regulation; and 2) a few Republicans will not vote for restrictions on abortions or regulation of clinics because they believe it is legitimizing legal abortion.”

— Tom Chapman, Iowa Catholic Conference.

“I am hopeful that in Colorado we will someday soon put an end to Christopher Dodson these senseless attacks on religious liberty.”

— Jennifer Kraska, Colorado Catholic Conference.

“We measure governmental policies “Abortion-on-demand is legal in Calby asking this primary question: How ifornia, but no law or change in the law will this policy affect poor persons? Tocan make it moral or good.” day, the Governor answered correctly.”

— Carol Hogan, California Catholic — Patrick Delahanty, Kentucky Conference, on a bill to allow abortions by Catholic Conference, on the governor’s non-physicians. decision to expand Medicaid.

Catholic Action

“Treating people fairly, which we support, is one thing; treating different types of relationships as if they were equivalent is another.”

— Michael Sheedy, Florida Catholic Conference, on “domestic partnership” legislation.

“Unfortunately this referendum will only divide the pro-life community and drain scarce time and resources from other more important pro-life goals.”

— Mary Ellen Russell, Maryland Catholic Conference, on efforts to refer the recent abolition of the death penalty.

“We believe reforming Medicaid — in a manner that is acceptable — follows a moral track that will lead to sound public policy and an increased standard of living in our state.”

— Michigan Catholic Conference and the state’s Catholic Health Care systems.

state we passed a bill encouraging troubled individuals to take the path of suicide?”

— Patrick R. Brannigan, New Jersey Catholic Conference, testifying against a measure to legalize assisted suicide.

“The outcome, though expected, is no less disappointing.”

— Minnesota Catholic Conference on the state senate’s vote to redefine marriage.

“Given the nearly $1 million cost that a Special Session for legislative redistricting already represents, the Texas bishops think it not only reasonable, but financially prudent, to ask legislators to use their time efficiently to fulfill their responsibilities to protect life and defend the unborn.”

— Jeffrey Patterson, Executive Director of the Texas Catholic Conference, in a letter to Governor Rick Perry asking the governor to include pro-life legislation in the special session.

“Opposition to Medicaid expansion will not prevent the Affordable Care Act from being implemented.”

— Moe Wosepka, Montana Catholic Conference.

“Until it is clear beyond reasonable dispute that unmarried adult relationships, including same-sex relationships, do not pose risks for children, it would be irresponsible to authorize adoption pursuant to such relationships.”

— James Cunningham, Nebraska Catholic Conference, testifying in opposition to a bill to allow joint adoption by unmarried adults.

“It is unnecessary, extreme and dangerous. . . . Not only does the bill defy public opinion, but it also defies common sense.”

— New York Catholic Conference on Governor Andrew Cuomo’s attempt to expand abortion access in a state that already has the nation’s highest abortion rate.

“The U.S. Department of Defense . . . has put in place [programs] to prevent suicide. What message would New Jersey be sending to our military if as a

“The Catholic Church in Washington State and its affiliated organizations do not now, nor will we in the future, offer coverage for abortion in our health care plans.”

— Seattle Archbishop Peter Sartain testifying against a bill mandating all health plans to cover abortion.

“Public policy should not compound that tragedy [of poverty and indebtedness] by encouraging businesses that prey on ignorance and indebtedness.”

— John Huebscher, Wisconsin Catholic Conference, in response to legislation that would exempt rent-to-own contracts from the state’s consumer protection laws.

Dodson is executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference. Its website is ndcatholic.org.

Leaving the woodpile a little higher than we found it

I

’ve found that some of the simplest sayings can be so meaningful for living life and making good decisions.

I think we all have heard the old standbys like “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Or how about “Early to bed, and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise?”

I

n the area of Stewardship for the Diocese of Fargo, a simple quote comes to mind often for me. I’m not exactly sure where it originated from, but there have been some references to Paul Harvey. It simply goes like this: “Leave the woodpile a little higher than we found it.”

I think this saying is clear. To me it means be grateful that someone left a plentiful supply of wood to keep you warm and safe. But, don’t forget to ‘pay it forward’ so the next person can enjoy the same benefits you had received.

During the summers of my high school years, I was a ‘gopher’ on a construction crew. Many times my job would be to work the saw. Some of the more seasoned workers would call out measurements to me and then There is a strong paralI would cut the piece lel that can be drawn they needed and they from this story to our life would set it in place. I, of as a member of our course, made some misSteve Schons parish. takes and “Bud,” an old timer, would look at me Many of us have been members of and say, “Measure twice and cut once.” our parishes for our entire adult lives, I got the point. or in some cases, our entire life. Thank-

Stewardship

■ I believe it was Yogi Berra who said, “When you come to the fork in the road, take it”.

fully, someone was thoughtful enough to establish a place of worship where so many of us have come for fellowship, spiritual growth and receiving the sacraments. We are benefitting from the woodpile being left in good supply for us. Are we doing the same for those who are coming after us?

■ And, one quote by Price Pritchett that reminds me to enjoy the day I’m in: “Today is the past that we in the future long to go back to.”

One of the many ways we can help leave the woodpile a little higher than we found it is by contributing to our parish endowment.

Some other sayings I enjoy: ■ “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”

File photo

E

ach parish within the Diocese of Fargo has an established endowment to support the ongoing financial needs — if it’s covering the cost of hymnals or painting the entryway or having the grass cut and trees trimmed. Endowments help ease the burden for those coming after us, because endowments are referred to as “forever funds.” They live in perpetuity and pay a percentage (generally 5 percent) annually to the

parish.

If you would like to learn more about endowments, you can contact me at (701) 356-7926 or by email at steve.schons@fargodiocese.org. Or check out the Catholic Development Foundation website at www.cdfnd.org.

Steve Schons is director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Fargo and can be reached at steve.schons@fargo diocese.org or (701) 356-7926.

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JMI Summer camp for boys and girls to be held in July and August Father Joseph Christensen, FMI, and the Franciscans of Mary Immaculate will host JMI Summer Camp for youth ages 10 through 17.

The boys camp will be July 20 to 27, and the girls camp will be July 27 to Aug. 3, running from a Saturday to a Saturday, with a noon Mass starting and ending the camp sessions.

JMI Summer Camps will be held at St. Francis Friary in Warsaw and St. Stanislaus Church, and overnight accommodations will be provided.

The camps offer youth opportunities to be inspired, to learn the faith, love it and live it.

Campers will also receive the gift of total consecration to Jesus through Mary as a means of evangelization, following the example of St. Maximilian Kolbe.

The daily schedule includes Mass, a holy hour with exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the rosary, benediction and a nightly Marian procession, including one Eucharistic procession.

In addition, participants will learn about morals, catechesis, Mass, the sacraments, Scripture and prayer and will enjoy great summer fun, such as swimming, games, sports, outings and campfires.

For registration forms and more information, visit the website fmifriars.com, call (701) 248-3020 or email Father Christensen at fmi@fmifriars.com. The cost of the camps is a free-will offering.

Submitted photos

Father Christensen and campers discuss the faith at JMI Youth Camp (above).

Girls have some summer fun (below, left).

A campfire is a great way to top off a day of summer camp (below, right).

Give A Gift to Help Keep the TV Mass on the Air! The best gift for those you love who are nursing home residents, shut-ins, or non-practicing Catholics WDAY, Channel 6, Fargo — WDAZ, Channel 8, Grand Forks 10:30 a.m. Sunday Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip _____________________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________________________________________ A GIFT FOR: Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip _____________________________________________________________________

“I support the TV Mass because it was an important part of my mother’s life. My husband and I would sometimes watch it with her. I’m thankful that the TV Mass was there for her.”

— Helen Bye, Fargo

Or, IN MEMORY OF: Name ____________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ I would like this listed at the end of the TV Mass on this date(s): ____________________________ MAIL TO: TV Mass, Diocese of Fargo, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605

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ND Catholic Daughters elect new state officers at convention

Celebrating learning about the faith

The North Dakota Catholic Daughters held their bi-annual convention in Medora on May 3, 4 and 5. Guest speakers were Sister Thomas Welder from Bismarck and Former First Lady Nancy Schafer of Fargo.

New state officers were elected.

They are: State Regent — Kathy Kennedy of Harvey.

First Vice State Regent — Laurel Ann Dukart of Grand Forks.

Second Vice State Regent — Mary Baer of Belfield.

State Secretary — Bonita Erickson of Langdon State Treasurer — Deb Johnson of Fargo.

On May 15, children of Sts. Peter and Paul in Bechyne, St. John Nepomucene in Pisek, and St. Joseph in Lankin celebrated the last religious education class for the school year. The children sang songs to the Good Samaritan Nursing home residents in Park River, then went to Home Dam to play in the park and have pizza.

Submittted photo

Events to mark maternity home’s 10th anniversary St. Gianna’s Maternity Home in Warsaw will host several events as part of its 10-Year Anniversary Celebration.

The opening event is an anniversary Mass to be celebrated Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church, Warsaw. Mass will be followed by lunch, a performance by the Polish National Alliance Dancers, tours of St. Gianna’s Maternity Home, and a one-hour program beginning at 2 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 9, the maternity home will host an anniversary banquet at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. Gloria Purvis will be the main speaker.

Purvis graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies and is currently a board member for the Northwest Pregnancy Center and Maternity Home in Washington, D.C., as well as an advisory board member on the Maryland Catholic Conference’s Respect for Life Department.

She serves on the National Black Catholic Congress’ Leadership Commission on Social Justice and is the chairperson for Black Catholics United for Life, which seeks to increase the size and strength of active black Catholics participating in the pro-life movement.

St. Gianna’s has purchased a license for the viewing of “Crescendo,” a short film by the producers of “Bella” that has

Walk with Christ for Life is Oct. 6 The annual diocesan Eucharistic procession, Walk with Christ for Life, will be held on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 6, at the Cathedral of St. Mary, 604 Broadway, Fargo.

The day’s events will begin with Holy Mass at noon, followed by a prayerful, peaceful procession to the state’s only abortion facility. A short prayer service will be held outside the abortion facility, then those gathered will return to the Cathedral for benediction.

been globally heralded and has won more than 11 international awards. One showing is scheduled for Oct. 27 in Crookston. Parishes and groups are encouraged to schedule showings in their communities by calling St. Gianna’s at (701) 248-3077.

Also in this 10th anniversary year, St. Gianna’s will host a spring banquet on St. Gianna’s feast day, April 28. The banquet will be at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo, and Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver will be the speaker.

For more information regarding any of these events, call (701) 248-3077, or email saintgiannahome@hotmail.com.

The home’s website is saintgiannahome.org.

Polish dancers to perform Aug. 17 for maternity home’s anniversary

By Sandy Schuster

Polish National Alliance dancers are pleased to perform for the 10th anniversary of St. Gianna’s Maternity Home. They were also featured at the opening ceremonies of St. Gianna’s ten years ago.

Dancers, who hail from the Warsaw and Minto area of northeastern North Dakota, are all members of the Polish National Alliance, one of the largest ethnic fraternal groups in the United States.

These Polish ambassadors from northeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota have delighted audiences of all ages for years. Dancers range in age from 3 to 17 in three performing groups.

Being primarily a seasonal dance group, they are featured annually in a variety of festivals, art shows, parades and community and church events. The PNA dancers perform a repertoire of Polish and character dances, including a suite of dances from the Kaszuby region of northeastern Poland. This is the area from which many Polish settlers of northeastern North Dakota originated. Beautiful, authentic costumes of regions of Poland compliment the dances.

Many Polish Catholic traditions are still practiced by Polish families within the Warsaw parish of St. Stanislaus, built in the year 1900 by early Polish settlers.

Schuster is the director of the Polish National Alliance dancers.

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ND Knights of Columbus Foundation elects board members and officers

32 participate in Hankinson Women’s Cursillo

Fredric G. Eldridge, Casselton; Larry Katcher, Washburn; and Deacon Gary Mizeur, Mandan, were all re-elected to the North Dakota Knights of Columbus Foundation Board of Directors.

Sumbitted photo

The Hankinson Cursillo — held April 18-21 — was a time of prayer and growth in the faith for 32 women from across North Dakota. Cursillos, which are a short course in Christianity or a short course in living what is fundamental to being a Christian, begin on Thursday evenings and end on Sunday afternoons. Spiritual director for the weekend was Father Neil Pfeifer and the assistant spiritual director was Deacon Ken Votava.

Also involved were Coordinator Joy Olson, Assistant Coordinator Sandi Horsagu, Wendy Westrich and other team members. The Cursillo Movement originated in Spain in the early 1940s, coming to the United States in 1957 in Waco, Texas. The first men’s Cursillo in the Fargo Diocese was held in June 1962 in Fargo. The first women’s Cursillo was held in January 1966, also in Fargo. The Diocese of Fargo continues to hold Cursillo in Belcourt, Harvey, Valley City and Hankinson. For more information about Cursillo, visit www.cursillond.org.

Bismarck Diocese to host Thirst 2013 The Catholic Diocese of Bismarck is planning to finish the last month of the Year of Faith in a huge way with its firstever THIRST 2013 Conference at the Bismarck Civic Center Oct. 25-27.

“When brainstorming events for the Year of Faith, the planning committee began discussing the idea of having a conference as a climactic event to bring the diocese together,” said Michelle Duppong, the Bismarck Diocese coordinator for the Year of Faith. “At a minimum, we’re expecting 5,000 people, but we want to pack the place and experience the power of the presence of Christ’s body!”

The event will begin Friday evening with Mass and a keynote by Scott Hahn, an internationally renowned Catholic author, speaker and former Protestant minister, followed by a concert by “The Thirsting,” a four-piece Catholic alternative rock band from Vancouver, Wash.

Saturday will feature a highly anticipated presentation by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Other speakers include popular youth presen-

ter Chris Stefanick and husband-wife tandem Peter and Debbie Herbeck, among others.

“The caliber of speakers is the best of the best,” said Msgr. Chad Gion, chair of the Speakers Committee for THIRST 2013. “These are nationally known speakers on the faith, and we’re phenomenally blessed to be able to host an event of this quality.”

The event also includes time for prayer, confession and eucharistic adoration and ends with Mass on Sunday which Duppong hopes will include many priests, deacons and lay people from North Dakota and the surrounding region.

Duppong said individuals of all faith denominations are invited to attend.

“People should come to THIRST to find Jesus and say ‘yes’ to his offer of friendship with them because they will never have a better and more faithful friend,” said Bishop David Kagan of Bismarck. Bishop Kagan added that those

who attend will “be sent home much different from when they arrived” with “peace of mind and heart.”

THIRST 2013 is a free event, but participants are encouraged to reserve their spot at the conference by registering online and getting more information at www.bismarckdiocese.com/events.

“We hope that people will come, but that they won’t come alone,” Duppong said. “We want everyone to bring someone else with them — to think of their family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers.”

The Bismarck Diocese plans to have a THIRST conference every two years, although Duppong admitted extra effort has been put into THIRST 2013 since it will occur near the end of the international celebration of the Year of Faith.

“It’s time for us to share our excitement and joy about our encounter with and experience of Jesus,” Bishop Kagan said.

ment, West Fargo. Father Scott Sautner will explore the book of Revelation. Visit www.fargodiocese.org/wordofgod.

others who support vocations in the area, 6 p.m., St. Anthony of Padua, Fargo.

Events across the Diocese For more events throughout the diocese, visit www.fargodiocese.org/events.

July 7-12 (Sunday-Friday): Militia of the Immaculate Youth Camps (MI) for students ages 13-17, Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen Convent, Hankinson. Visit www.fargodiocese.org/micamp.

Aug. 11 (Sunday): Annual pilgrimage to Shrine of Our Lady of the Prairies at Carmel of Mary Monastery, Wahpeton.

See page 5B.

July 13-14 (Saturday-Sunday): St. Kateri Tekakwitha Celebration, United Tribes Technical College, Bismarck. Visit www.bismarckdiocese.com or call 1-877405-7435. See page 3B.

Aug. 17 (Saturday): Mass marking the 10th anniversary of St. Gianna’s Maternity Home, 10:30 a.m., St. Stanislaus, Warsaw. Visit www.saintgiannahome .org. See page 13B.

July 24 (Wednesday): Dining with the Word of God, 6:15 p.m., Blessed Sacra-

Sept 3. (Tuesday): Serra Club dinner, an opportunity to visit and pray with

Sept. 9 (Monday): Banquet for 10th Anniversary of St. Gianna’s Maternity Home, Alerus Convention Center, Grand Forks. Visit www.saintgiannahome.org. See page 13B. To submit events for New Earth and the diocesan website, mail them to New Earth, 5201 Bishops Blvd. S., Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104-7605 or email news@fargo diocese.org. The deadline for the July/August New Earth is July 10.

Other members of the nine-man board are State Deputy Glenn Wagner, South Heart; Ronald H. Tessier, Dickinson; Mike Steiner, Fargo; Dr. Cory Badinger, Fargo; Neil Zimmerman, Minot; and Duane Zwinger, Carrington.

Steiner was elected president, effective July 1. He replaces Ronald H. Tessier, who chose to step down as president after serving the last five years in that position.

Deacon Mizeur was elected vice president, replacing Steiner. Re-elected as treasurer and secretary were Dr. Badinger and Katcher, respectively.

The foundation was started to provide financial assistance for religious, educational and charitable programs of the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in North Dakota. The majority of the foundation’s earnings have gone for scholarships for seminarians and men and women in religious formation. To date $122,800 have been disbursed to help those studying in both the Fargo and Bismarck dioceses.

To learn more about the North Dakota Knights of Columbus Foundation, visit the North Dakota Knights of Columbus website at www.nd-kofc.org.

Visitation Chapel is dedicated to prayer to end abortion The Visitation Chapel, located in the Gibb Office Building, 502 1st Ave. N., Fargo, is a sacred space dedicated to prayer for an end to abortion.

Every Wednesday, an 8 a.m.

Mass is celebrated at the chapel, followed by Eucharistic Adoration at 8:30 a.m., which continues until 3:45 p.m. when Benediction takes place.

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is recited at the Hour of Mercy, 3 p.m.

Other prayer in the Chapel is intended for private devotion.

Persons are needed to pray before the Blessed Sacrament on an hourly basis from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To sign up for your hour of prayer or for more information, please contact Rachelle at (701) 356-7910.

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Anniversaries and Birthdays Emma M. Dvorak celebrated her 100th birthday

Morths celebrate 65 years of marriage Herman (Skip) and Mary Morth will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on July 19.

They are lifelong members of Holy Trinity Parish in Fingal. Herman and Mary have nine children, 21 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Milestone anniversary for the Dalzells Vernon and Marie (Bailly) Dalzell of Walhalla recently celebrated 75 years of marriage.

The celebration was held at the Pembilier Nursing Center in Walhalla, which has been their home for several years.

They made their home in Cavalier and Walhalla and raised a family of six with an extended family of 15 grandchildren and more than 18 great-grandchildren.

Among the guests at the celebration were their daughter, Marilyn, and son-in-law, Gary Smith, and Marie's sister, Lucille Cranston, who also is a resident of the center.

Anniversary cake, ice cream and coffee were served by the staff.

Cards of congratulations may be sent to them at 500 Delano Ave., Walhalla, ND 58282.

Burgards celebrate 60 years together

Nevas to celebrate 65th anniversary Vernette and Duane Neva of Kensal recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married June 9, 1948, in Tolna.

They have nine daughters, Annette (Charles) Lochow, Russell, Ky.; Jeanette (Allen) Hill, Red Lodge, Mont.; Julie (Ray) Ressin, Denver, Colo.; Francine (Brad) Turner, Leonard; Rosalie (Jaime) Schlecht, Wimbledon; Colette (Paul) Wold, Kensal; Sheila (Neil) Johnston, Courtenay; Rhoda Reimers, Jamestown; and Jill (Todd) Borth, Finley. They also have 21 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.

Thomas and Betty (Senger) Burgard recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

They were married June 23, 1953, at Sacred Heart Church in Orrin. They farmed in the Orrin area until retiring in 1991 and moved to Rugby.

They have five children: Joe (Nancy) Burgard, Jamestown; Ken (Peggy) Burgard, Rugby; Doug (Sue) Burgard, Dickinson; Deb (Randy) Schneibel, Oxbow; and Pete (Kim) Burgard, Orrin. They have 10 grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren.

Cards of congratulations may be sent to Tom and Betty Burgard, 511 6th Ave. SE, Rugby, ND 58368.

Share life’s milestones As a way to celebrate life and love, we encourage parishioners throughout the Diocese of Fargo to send photos of anniversaries of 60 or more years, or birthdays of 80 or more years, to: New Earth, Diocese of Fargo 5201 Bishops Blvd., Ste. A Fargo, ND 58104-7605 or news@fargodiocese.org.

Praskas mark 60th wedding anniversary Al and Helen Praska of Oakes celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on May 20 in Chicago with all family members present.

They have five children — Donald, Robert, Charles, Joseph and Stephen — and 13 grandchildren.

They thank God every day for all the blessings he has given them for 60 years.

Whites celebrate 65 years of marriage Glyndon and Dorothy White of Jamestown are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 2.

They have four children, 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

They will celebrate with a family dinner on Aug. 3.

Emma M. Dvorak was born in Veseleyville and grew up in St. Andrew township along the Red River south of Drayton. She was the fifth of six children born to Andrew and Anna (Kuchar) Narloch.

Emma married John Dvorak on July 5, 1932 and they were blessed with three daughters: Rosemarie (deceased), Caroline (Daryl) Hovland of Grand Forks and Marilyn (Mervin) Simon of Conway. She is a very proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

John and Emma celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary before John passed away on Feb. 20, 1994.

Emma is a life-long resident of Walsh County and had lived in her home near Conway until 2011 when she moved to 4000 Valley Square in Grand Forks. She is involved in many activities such as bingo, cooking, baking and art classes. A very important part of Emma’s week is attending Mass and going to Rosary group.

Eileen C. Eggl of Cando celebrating a century Eileen C. Eggl, Cando, celebrates her 100th birthday July 1 having been born July 1, 1913, to parents Albert and Mary Clark of rural Cando.

She married John Eggl in 1935 at which time she converted to the Catholic faith.

They celebrated 51 years of married life prior to John’s death in 1987.

Eileen and John raised eight children in the Catholic faith on their family farm. Their children are; Margaret Raddohl, Cathy Haus, Diane Raghib (deceased), John C. Eggl, Mary Klinge, Virginia Crotty, Billie Kay Goergen, and James Eggl, deacon at Holy Cross Church in West Fargo.

Eileen has been a faithful member of Sacred Heart parish of Cando all her married life where she was very involved in Altar Society, Christian Mothers, and teaching Sunday school. She still attends Mass and does the readings for their weekly Mass at the Living Center in Cando where she has been a resident since 2008.

She will be celebrating her 100th birthday with more than 152 family members at a family reunion.

Eileen loves reading cards, letters and pictures. Her address is: 701 11th St., Cando, ND 58324.

Alice Kotaska will be 95 Alice Kotaska of Bismarck will celebrate her 95th birthday July 26.

Before moving to Bismarck, she resided in Devils Lake for many years and was a member of St. Joseph’s parish.

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Year of Faith: Faith as the children see it

A few months ago, the diocesan youth office offered a writing and drawing program to help young Catholics express their faith as part of the Year of Faith. Students were asked to “hop on the faith train” and submit hand drawn artwork and written explanations of what their faith meant to them. Some of them were shared in the May issue of New Earth. Here are more. To view all the entries, visit www.fargodiocese.org/yoffprojects.

Drawing by Kristina Brossart, Rugby, grade 5

Words coming from God Readings are like words coming from God. They’re like little bits and pieces of God’s heart. They fill our minds full of faith. Personally, I think readings are great. They’re a symbol of our love for God. Readings are my favorite part of the Mass. They show true meaning of God! They’re the light that shows the way! They’re gifts that came down from God. As I listen to the readings your faith and love for Jesus Christ grows so much! It’s like you’ve stepped into a magical world of the Lord! Let your faith shine!

Drawing by Rachael Hartl, Rugby, grade 5

— Lilli French, Rugby, grade 6

Strength to forgive

My heart felt clean

The Lord gave me the strength to stand up and see this real person, who I once trusted, as someone who did some things that were not right. Some things that I found unforgivable. Now, he is giving me the strength to forgive.

— Drawing and text by Breanna Thompson, Rugby, grade 8

Drawing by Maria Blessum, Rugby, grade 6

My first confession was scary at first. I was nervous. I thought my sins were going to be bad. But when I got the hang of it, it was a little scary but good. When I said my confession out loud to the priest, I felt happy and my heart felt clean. I felt closer to God. I know that Jesus always loves me even though I sin. And an important thing I learned is the difference between venial and mortal sin. But what I don’t know is what he does with the sins after he forgives them. I promise to never make a mortal sin because I love God. Overall I was happy that I was clean.

— Annika McCarthy, Devils Lake, grade 2

Closer to getting to heaven My first Eucharist was a life changing experience. I was nine years old when I first received the Holy Eucharist. I was nervous and excited at first, but after I received Jesus and was walking back to my pew, I was filled with happiness. I felt great and important. I was happy to be able to receive Jesus. Now I am closer to Jesus and closer to my goal in life which is getting to heaven!

Drawing by Annamaria Salazar, Carrington, grade 2

— Sarah Blessum, Rugby, grade 4