New Earth May 2018

New May 2018 | Vol. 39 | No. 5

Earth

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo

“You are called by name for a profound relationship” Redeemed 2018 encourages faithful to draw closer to the person of Christ

PLUS

From Bishop Folda: Mary, Mother of the Church

Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen elect new council

A conversation with Cardinal Burke

NEW EARTH MAY 2018

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NEW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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May 2018 Vol. 39 | No. 5

ON THE COVER 18 Redeemed 2018 encourages faithful to

draw closer to the person of Christ

The Redeemed “Called by Name” conference brought faithful from across the diocese and beyond together to experience fellowship, inspiration, and fun on April 7 at Scheels Arena in Fargo. Speakers Dr. Edward Sri, Dr. Gregory and Lisa Popcak, Nic Davidson, and performers Cat.Chat, Jeffrey Salveson, and The Front Fenders came together to inspire and entertain for an event for the whole family.

FROM BISHOP FOLDA

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Mary, Mother of the Church

FOCUS ON FAITH

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Pope Francis’ May prayer intention

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Ask a priest:

I remember Rogation Days when I was young.

What ever happened to them?

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“God will continue to bless us for cooperating with his plan for our lives”

AROUND THE DIOCESE

10 St. Gianna and Pietro Molla International Center

for Family Life to be built in the United States 11 Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen elect new council 13 Edmore woman wins top prize in Catholic school raffle 13 Sister Ann Louise Kolhoff, 92… a life

dedicated to healing both body and soul 14 Priests celebrate milestone ordination anniversaries in 2018 17

Napoleon church carries on St. Joseph’s table tradition

FAITH AND CULTURE

22 Tattered Pages

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

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26 Sister’s Perspective

From teaching to healing…a history of the Sisters of the Presentation

28 Seminarian Life

Closing the St. Greg’s chapter

29 Catholic Action

When we put our will before God’s

30 Stewardship

Four reasons to advance a bequest

A review written by Tom O’Keefe for the book series “Angelic Letters”

31 Making Sense of Bioethics

NEXT GEN

23 Rugby teens continue Living Stations tradition 23 Rick Santorum visits with Shanley students 2

NEW EARTH MAY 2018

When is it a sin to make a referral?

32 Catholic Charities Corner 95 years serving our neighbors

ON THE COVER: Celebration of Mass during the Redeemed 2018 conference at Scheels Arena in Fargo. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

NEW

EARTH

(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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WHAT’S HAPPENING

33 Events across the diocese 34 A glimpse of the past 34 Life’s milestones

U.S. AND WORLD NEWS 35 Pope Francis issues exhortation praising

the “middle class” of holiness 36 A conversation with the Cardinal

SIDEWALK STORIES 37 Mothers impact other mothers on sidewalk

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 June issue is May 25, 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 MAY 2018

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FROM BISHOP FOLDA

Mary, Mother of the Church

T

he month of May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, with May crownings and other Marian devotions taking place in our parishes.

This year Pope Francis has given the Church another way to honor our Blessed Mother by adding a new celebration to the Church’s liturgical calendar. From now on, the memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church, will be celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost, and this year it falls on May 21.

This new memorial is especially fitting since Mary was the first disciple of Jesus, the first to believe the Good News that God was sending his own Son as our Savior, and that he would save us from our sins. Throughout her life, she lived this faith and is a model of perfect discipleship. Her words at the wedding feast of Cana say it best: “Do whatever he tells you.”

“The Church is very human in the frailty of its

members, so we need to pray for one another every

day, entrusting this vast spiritual family to the mercy

of God and the intercession of Mary, our Mother.”

– Bishop John Folda

One of the most touching images from the Gospel is of Mary standing at the foot of the cross of Jesus, with John, the beloved disciple of our Lord. As Jesus gives his life for his people, she hears him say, “Woman, behold your son.” And to John he says, “Behold your mother.” From its earliest days, the Church has recognized in this scene an image of Mary’s spiritual motherhood.

Jesus himself gives Mary to John and John to Mary. John represents all of us who are members of his family, the Church, and Mary becomes our spiritual mother.

In the decree establishing this new liturgical feast, Cardinal Robert Sarah wrote: “Indeed, the Mother standing beneath the cross accepted her Son’s testament of love and welcomed all people in the person of the beloved disciple as sons and daughters to be reborn unto life eternal. She thus became the tender Mother of the Church which Christ begot on the cross, handing on the Spirit. Christ, in turn, in the beloved disciple, chose all disciples as ministers of his love towards his Mother, entrusting her to them so that they might welcome her with filial affection.”

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Mary’s motherhood is also seen in her presence with the early Church in the Upper Room, where she prayed with the Apostles while they waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Mary, who had spent more time with Jesus than any other person, supported his disciples with prayer and with her peaceful faith and presence. And as the Church, the Body of Christ, was sent forth in the power of the Spirit, Mary was there with them.

Quoting St. Augustine, Cardinal Sarah also wrote: “Mary is the mother of the members of Christ, because with charity she cooperated in the rebirth of the faithful into the Church.” Mary becomes a mother to us when we are reborn in baptism and receive new life in Christ. She accompanies and guides us on our journey of faith and continues to lead us to her Son. She intercedes for us that the Christ-life within us might deepen and grow.

Without a doubt, the rosary is one of the best ways for us to grow closer to Mary, and through her, to Jesus. In the rosary we reflect on the mysteries of our faith, from his incarnation and birth all the way to his resurrection and ascension. The rosary encompasses the faith of the Church, and with Mary we enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s love for us. For many centuries the rosary has been a favorite prayer of the faithful because it allows us to walk with Mary, our Mother, through the mysteries of our salvation. The rosary is also a great prayer of intercession, for our families, for friends, for the Church, and for our community. The rosary is especially fitting for families, and allows parents and children to come together and pray as a family, each with their own part. The rosary can strengthen marriages, bring together parents and children, and provide a few moments of peace in our busy family lives. Because it draws us so personally into the mysteries of our Lord, the rosary is a powerful spiritual shield against temptation and evil. Even if we only have time to pray one decade of the rosary, we will be blessed with the grace of our Lord and the nearness of his beloved Mother.

Another way we can honor our Blessed Mother is to simply pray and participate actively in the life of the Church. Each one of us has a place in the Church as members of the Body of Christ. Jesus did not intend us to be isolated from one another, and he formed his Church very deliberately. As a communion of the faithful spread throughout the world, we are united in the person of Jesus, and he calls each of us to support the others with our prayer and works of charity. The Church is very human in the frailty of its members, so we need to pray for one another every day, entrusting this vast spiritual family to the mercy of God and the intercession of Mary, our Mother.

High above St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, there is a beautiful image of Mary, Mother of the Church – Mater Ecclesiae. Placed there by Pope St. John Paul II in 1981, it reminds us that our Blessed Mother always watches over the Church of her Son and offers us her maternal love. This month, as we celebrate Mary, Mother of the Church, let us turn to her with confidence and remember that she will never forget us, her spiritual children.

BISHOP FOLDA’S CALENDAR Mary invites you to her Carmel where she will help you grow in love for Jesus. Listen in your heart. Is He calling you to live with Him? 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

May 18 | 5 p.m.

Confirmation and First Communion, St. Catherine, Valley City

May 19 | 10 a.m.

Confirmation and First Communion, Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo

7 p.m.

Confirmation and First Communion, Sts. Anne and Joachim, Fargo

May 20 | 1 p.m.

Confirmation and First Communion, Holy Spirit, Fargo

May 21 | 6:30 p.m.

“Water to Wine” Evangelization Night, Enderlin

May 23 | 10 a.m.

Baccalaureate Mass, Sts. Anne and Joachim, Fargo

6 p.m.

Shanley Commencement, McCormick Gymnasium, Fargo

May 28

Memorial Day, Pastoral Center Closed

Prayer Intention of Pope Francis MAY

Evangelization – The Mission of Laity:

That the lay faithful may fulfill their specific mission, by responding with creativity to the challenges that face the world today.

June 3 | 4 p.m.

Evening Prayer for Fr. Ermer 40th Anniversary Celebration to Priesthood, St. Leo, Casselton

June 5 | 3 p.m.

Diocesan Finance Council, Pastoral Center

June 8 | 11 a.m.

Mass for Fr. Leiphon 50th Anniversary Celebration to Priesthood, Maryvale, Valley City

June 9 | 11:30 a.m.

Mass for Diocesan Men’s Leadership Summit, Ft. Ransom

June 10 | 4 p.m.

Evening Prayer for Fr. Ackerman 40th Anniversary Celebration to Priesthood, St. Alphonsus, Langdon NEW EARTH MAY 2018

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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 MAY 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

FOCUS ON FAITH

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I remember Rogation Days when I was young.

What ever happened to them?

have never personally experienced Rogation Days, so this question piques my curiosity. This article will examine three questions: what are Rogation Days? Why did they fall out of use? And may we start them again?

The English word “rogation” comes from the Latin word “rogare” which means to ask, petition, or beg. Up until 1969, when the General Roman Calendar was revised, the three days before the Solemnity of the Ascension (Ascension Thursday) as well as April 25 (the Feast of St. Mark) were called Rogation Days.

They were days of penance, prayers, processions, and Mass.

The origins of Rogation Days can be traced back to the fifth century when St. Mamertus, the bishop of Vienne, France, instituted penitential processions with public supplications on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Ascension. He did this as a response to earthquakes and other calamities that had afflicted his territory. This practice spread throughout France, and by the eighth century, reached Rome. From there, it was dispersed throughout the territories where the Roman Rite was celebrated.

Since then, there have been periods when Rogation Days were carried out with great dedication and fervor. One source reported that the procession lasted six hours each day and the people would process with bare feet. But, there were also times of great indifference; one such period prompted St. Charles Borromeo (1584) to undertake the renewal of Rogation Days in Milan, Italy.

What did Rogation Days look like in practice? The following is a reconstruction of how Rogation Days were celebrated according to the 1952 Roman Ritual and the 1962 Roman Missal. In search of greater historical accuracy, I reached out to someone with first-hand knowledge of how Rogation Days were celebrated at that time: my grandmother, a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Mount Carmel, N.D. On each of the three days leading up to Ascension Thursday, the priest and people would gather in the church. The priest would wear violet vestments, the color used for penitential liturgies. An antiphon would be sung: “Rise up, O Lord, and come to our assistance” (Psalm 43). Next, the Litany of Saints would begin and a procession would be formed: first the cross, then the faithful, and lastly, the priest. The procession would go around the perimeter of the church, and at a certain point, the priest would stop to bless the fields by sprinkling holy water in the four directions. Once the procession had returned to the church, the prayers and orations at the end of the Litany would be said and the Mass for Rogation Days would begin.

The prayers and readings of the Mass expressed repentance from sin, the power and necessity of prayer, and confidence in the power of the Lord’s resurrection.

Why did Rogation Days fall out of practice? It would be

interesting to know how faithfully Rogation Days were celebrated in parishes prior to Vatican II, Ask a Priest and whether they Father Matthew were celebrated with Kraemer greater regularity in rural parishes than in urban parishes (the practice was highly encouraged by the National Catholic Rural Life Conference in the United States). Perhaps they were already falling out of use. But, the removal of Rogation Days from the General Roman Calendar in 1969 and the absence of a Mass formulary and prayers for the procession in the revised liturgical books is an undeniable factor in their decline. There was no intention to do away with them, but rather, the task was given to each Bishop’s Conference to include Rogation Days in the national liturgical calendar.

Regrettably, this has not been done yet in the United States.

Nevertheless, it is good to remember that it generally takes many years to implement a Church Council and it shouldn’t be surprising that fifty years after Vatican II some things are still a work in progress.

The celebration of Rogation Days is still relevant today. With so many technological and scientific advances, we can easily forget our human frailty. But our lack of control over the elements and our inability to avoid all illness, injury, and heartache remind us that we are creatures dependent upon God. The prayers and practices of Rogation Days still help us to acknowledge our dependence on God. The lack of current liturgical formularies and directives for Rogation Days is a challenge, but not an insurmountable one.

There are Mass formularies such as “For the Sanctification of Human Labor” or “At Seedtime” or “After the Harvest.” A parish could easily organize a procession with the Litany of Saints and conclude with the celebration of Mass using one of these formularies. Likewise, the blessing of fields and seeds, and prayers for rain and a good harvest help to acknowledge our need for God’s provident care. Finally, although Rogation Days has been emphasized more in rural areas, the tradition has always been broad enough to encompass urban life as well.

For your convenience, various resources for Rogation Days can be found at www.fargodiocese.org/rural-life.

Editor’s Note: If you would like to submit a question for consideration in a future column, please send to news@fargodiocese.org or mail to New Earth, 5201 Bishops Blvd. S, Suite A, Fargo, ND 58104.

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FOCUS ON FAITH

Bill Donaghy (submitted photo)

[Humane Vitae]

50 YEARS LATER

“God will continue to bless us for cooperating with his plan for our lives”

H

By Joe Hendrickx

ere’s something I always ask when reading any type of advertisement: what’s the motivation of the author, selling or sharing? Have you ever read an ad that sings the praises of a particular product, and then it closes with, “And you can buy this product from us for just ___!”

Other ads sound similar, only the author is not making a profit, he simply wants to share some knowledge that has improved his life. I see these two stark differences in the messages promoted 50 years ago by the makers of the birth control pill and the pope.

Contraception has been around for centuries, but a new and improved version of artificial contraception via the birth control pill became available and was well marketed during the 1960s.

The makers of this pill gave many promises as selling points, such as saying that the pill will strengthen marriages by taking the anxiety out of pregnancies, as pregnancies will only occur when the couple chooses.

Conversely, Pope Paul VI came out with his own predictions, referring to what would happen if the pill was widely used. If you only have a minute, Google “Humanae Vitae” and just read article 17, “Consequences of Artificial Methods.” Then look around at the world today and see for yourself who’s predictions came true. Briefly, some of the things he predicted: there would be an overall lowering of morality, men would see women as objects of pleasure, and marital infidelity would increase.

As my wife and I continue to teach Natural Family Planning (NFP), we get to see more couples hearing the beautiful truth of NFP, and typically for the first time. We’ve seen many couples stop using birth control, and they’re the ones who have smiles on their faces and peace in their hearts. The couples who are hesitant, have told us that they stay on birth control out of fear.

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Birth control isn’t 100% effective, but they’re led to believe it is, and then these couples think, “if I give this up, then I give up control over one big part of my life, my fertility.” Of course, folks who have already come to the realization that we can’t have full control over our lives actually experience a type of liberation from embracing this knowledge. One of the fruits that comes with this is increased faith in God and trust in his providence.

Often times the simplest explanation is best. When we work with couples learning NFP, we explain a little bit about Theology of the Body, the harmful effects of artificial contraception, and Church teaching. However, I probably receive the most positive feedback after simply sharing, “We believe that God will continue to bless us for cooperating with his plan for our lives. So far, that certainly has been the case.”

We are backed by the most important reasons to live the Christian life, which is the best life. With this confidence in mind, we know that we could share the truth about the best way to live, but why should we? Why should we share the Gospel, or the truths found in Humanae Vitae?

I recently heard a chilling story by Steve Ray in which he illustrated one reason to be bold in sharing the faith. I will close with this story, written from my perspective.

Experiencing a “reversion” just seven years ago has left me with a number of old friends who are nowhere near Christian.

This fact remains: The truth has a name. It’s Jesus, and this truth will set you free. I’ve experienced this and continue to experience it every day of my life. What about those who haven’t? What about the friends I know outside of religious circles – the ones with whom I’ve never had a serious conversation about the faith? Why should I put our relationship on the line for what will most likely be an awkward conversation about why I’m Catholic and why they should be too?

Humor me for a moment as I picture myself at the end of my life, up in heaven, able to see a friend who is on his descent into

FOCUS ON FAITH hell. He says to me, “Joe! How is it that you’re in heaven?!” I reply, “I lived my life based on the Gospel. On Earth, I knew Jesus and I loved him. He’s given me new life. This is my eternal reward.”

My friend will say, “You knew it! You knew that Christianity was really real, and you never told me?!” I will simply say, “I didn’t want to offend you… I wanted to be politically correct. It was frowned upon to have religious conversations… I’m sorry.”

We celebrate

The last words I’ll hear from him will be, “You’re sorry?! I’m in hell! Damn you, Joe Hendrickx! Damn you…”

Joe and his wife Jolene have been married for five years and have three children: Heidi, Carmen, and Miles. Joe currently serves in full-time ministry at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fargo as the Director of Evangelization.

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Riverview’s th Anniversary

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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.

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Photo taken on Easter Vigil wows viewers Paulette Osborne, who is part of the RCIA team at Holy Spirit Church in Fargo, snapped this photo on March 31 during the Easter Vigil. This year, the church lit the fire in the entryway since it was too cold and windy outside. After lighting the fire, blessing the Easter candle, and lighting everybody’s candles, the faithful proceeded into the church. It wasn’t until Paulette looked through her photos several days later that she saw some particularly special about the flame in this photo. He is Risen indeed! (Paulette Osborne)

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

St. Gianna and Pietro Molla International Center for Family Life to be built in the United States

By Kristina Lahr

that the St. Gianna and Pietro Molla International Center will be a bright light for our nation, for our entire culture. I can hardly wait to see it come to fruition.”

Cardinal Burke expressed his great love for St. Gianna and recounted several stories of couples struggling with miscarriages or infertility having children after praying for St. Gianna’s intercession.

“There’s no question that St. Gianna is the great patron saint for marriage and family and for that crown of married love which is children,” said Cardinal Burke. “We can’t thank God enough for giving us this very holy woman.”

Gianna Emanuela spoke of the many letters that her parents wrote to each other, since Pietro traveled frequently for his occupation. These letters not only express the holiness of St. Gianna but Pietro as well. When St. Gianna was pregnant with St. Gianna’s daughter, Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla, speaks at the La Bella Serata Gala at Delta Hotels by Marriot in Fargo on April 17. her fourth child, and developed a fibroma in her uterus, Pietro (Kristina Lahr | New Earth) respected St. Gianna’s decision to risk her life for the sake of the unborn child. Instead of opting for an abortion or a hysterectomy, t. Gianna’s life and self-sacrifice to save her unborn child which would both take the life of the child, Gianna requested has influenced countless faithful. Those who attended the removal of only the fibroma. Being a doctor herself, Gianna the La Bella Serata Gala on April 17 gathered to support was fully aware of the potential complications of this decision. a project to further spread St. Gianna’s life and spiritually. The “My mother was quite clear about her wishes,” said Emanuela evening began with Mass celebrated by his Eminence Raymond Molla. “She expressed to her family, ‘If you must decide between Cardinal Burke at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church in Fargo and me and the child, do not hesitate: choose the child. I insist on it. continued with a social and dinner at Delta Hotels by Marriot, Save the baby.’” also in Fargo.

On April 21, 1962, Gianna Emanuela Molla was successfully The evening featured Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla, the daughter that delivered by caesarean section. Although doctors tried to St. Gianna Beretta Molla gave her life to save. Gianna Emanuela save both lives, St. Gianna passed away a week later from currently works for the Saint Gianna Foundation, which aims septic peritonitis. to honor and spread St. Gianna’s example, life, and spirituality. Gianna was beatified April 24, 1994 and officially canonized One project of the foundation is to restore the marital home of a saint on May 16, 2004. St. Gianna Beretta Molla is the patron St. Gianna and her husband Pietro Molla so that it can become saint of mothers, physicians, and unborn children. a place of prayer and veneration.

Aware of the growing devotion to her saint mother in the United States, Gianna Emanuela introduced the project to his Eminence Raymond Cardinal Burke who had been close to the Molla family for years. Cardinal Burke served for nine years as Bishop of La Crosse, Wis. where he built the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 2006, he was named Archbishop of Saint Louis and was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2010. His Eminence gave Gianna Emanuela his complete support and promised to work hard to restore her parents’ home.

Another part of the project is to build the St. Gianna and Pietro Molla International Center for Family Life. Monsignor James Shea, President of University of Mary and Master of Ceremonies for the evening, announced that not only was the project certain to affect countless faithful, the center itself would be built in the United States.

Bishop Folda commended the announcement, saying, “Just as His Eminence Raymond Cardinal Burke proclaims his homily at the St. Gianna Maternity Home [in Warsaw] has been a bright Sts. Anne and Joachim Church in Fargo. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth) light in our midst, really in this whole region, I have no doubt

S

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

Trusting in God’s help and the prayers of the sisters Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen elect new council

By Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen

Members of the Chapter – (l-r, f-b): Sisters Jean Louise Schafer, Roswitha Heinrich, Donna Welder, Ann Marie Friederichs, Paulit Kannampuzha, Sara Marie Belisle, Mary Louise Jundt, Hildegard Keller, Mary Ruth Huhn, Rebecca Metzger, Leonida Schmidt, JoAnn Marie Nogowski, Elaine Marie Roggenbuck, Susan Marie Loeffen, Christina Marie Neumann and Edwardine Gerou. (submitted photo)

O

n April 9, the Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen in Hankinson, elected Sister Donna M. Welder, OSF, to be their next Provincial Superior. With the words, “Trusting in God and the prayers of the Sisters,” she accepted the election. She will serve a six-year term that begins June 1, 2018.

Two councilors were also elected. Sister Sara Marie Belisle will also serve as Vicar Provincial. Sister M. Jean Louise Schafer will serve as councilor. Councilors serve the same six-year term as the provincial.

Here from Germany to preside at the election was Sister Roswitha Heinrich, General Superior. Assisting her was the General Councilor for the English Speaking provinces, Sister Paulit Kannampuzha. Sister Roswitha and Sister Paulit currently serve at the congregation’s headquarters in Dillingen, Germany.

The Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen at Hankinson are the North American arm of their international congregation, which has Sisters serving in five countries: Germany, the United States, Brazil, India, and Spain.

Sister Donna served two previous terms as Provincial, 2000–12.

Prior to 2000, she taught for 24 years at Little Flower School in Rugby. Her last 12 years there she was also principal, librarian, and parish choir director. She also taught at Holy Family School in Grand Forks 1973–76. Since June 2012, she has been on the provincial council and serving as Local Superior of St. Francis Convent in Hankinson. She also serves on two Catholic health care boards, St. Gerard’s Community of Care in Hankinson, and CHI Lisbon Health at Lisbon. She is the youngest of five children in her family and grew up in Napoleon.

Sister Sara Marie has been the business manager of the province since 1993. She has served as secretary of the board of St.

Gerard’s Community of Care in Hankinson since 2004. In 2006, she was elected to the council and appointed treasurer of the province. She is the youngest of five children in her family and grew up in Phoenix, Ariz.

Sister Jean Louise has taught and been librarian at three schools in the Diocese of Fargo. She has served at Little Flower, Rugby, since 2000. She was librarian at St. John’s School in Wahpeton from 1982–95, and at St. Joseph’s School in Devils Lake from 2003–10. Since 1988, she has also served as the Vocation Directress for the Franciscan Sisters which included being active in World Youth Days, SEARCH, and other youth retreats and conferences in the Diocese of Fargo and the Diocese of Bismarck. She is the second eldest of nine children in her family who grew up on a farm near Flasher, N.D. Ending her third six-year term of office as Provincial Superior in May is Sister Ann Marie Friederichs. She was elected provincial in 1988, 1994 and 2012. Twice she was elected to serve the entire congregation as General Superior, in 1999 and in 2005. With a Masters in Social Work and many years of experience, she was able to help the Sisters navigate many situations in all seven provinces. As superior, she has been involved on various religious and medical boards including the Franciscan Federation, Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, Leadership Conference of Women Religious, Catholic Health Initiatives and the Diocesen Pastoral Council of the Diocese of Fargo.

Sister Susan Marie Loeffen, the current Provincial Vicar, and Sister Rebecca Metzger, one of our Councilors, will also be leaving office at the end of May. Sister Susan Marie has been the administrator of St. Francis Convent since June 2000, a position in which she has been responsible for employees and the St. Francis Retreat Center. From 1993 to 1998, she was assistant administrator under Sister Mary Jane Reiber, then administrator at Oakes Community Hospital in Oakes. Heading the efforts in our mission shop since Sister Bernardine Bickler’s death in 2004, she has generated much needed funding for the congregation’s missions in Brazil and India where Dillingen Franciscans serve the Church among the poorest of the poor. She, too, has served on the boards of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) in North Dakota.

Sister Rebecca has also been in administrative positions for many years. After achieving a degree in occupational therapy, her skills for administration revealed themselves very early in her religious life. Since 1974, she has served as administrator at St. Anne’s Guest Home in Grand Forks (1974–87; 1992-present) and Towner County Memorial Hospital, (1987–92). She has served as a provincial councilor since 2000. Currently, she serves on the boards of CHI Lakewood Health Center in Baudette and Service Providers for Seniors in Grand Forks.

She also served previous terms on the boards of Towner County Memorial Hospital, Lakewood Medical Center, and Oakes Community Hospital.

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Livin' the ^Life WHO: We are a newly formed, cutting edge Franciscan Community looking for faithful men devoted to the service of God. WHAT: Experience life as a Franciscan of Mary Immaculate through:    

Prayer and Chanting Holy Mass Gospel living Marian devotion

   

Kolbean missionary spirit Pro-life Apostolate Community joy Balanced fun

WHEN: June 1--3 Begins Friday, June 1st--4pm Mass with dinner following Ends Sunday, June 3rd--4pm Ages 18-35, All are welcome no matter your stage of discernment WHERE: St. Francis Friary in Warsaw, North Dakota WHY: "I want to build a strong Religious Community of holy men to send out in Our Lady's name, Mary Immaculate, to win souls for Christ!" --FMI Superior As St. Maximillian Kolbe said, "As quickly as possible, as many as possible!"

HOW: By intense prayer, great sacrifice, holy example, radical poverty, and, most especially, by joy!

ARE YOU IN? Contact Fr. Joseph Christensen, FMI, Superior 701-248-3020 or fmi@fmifriars.com

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

Edmore woman wins top prize in Catholic school raffle

Father Phillip Ackerman, Pastor of St. Alphonsus Church in Langdon (left) and Father Steven Wirth, Parochial Vicar (right), present a check for $20,000 to grand prize raffle winner Joan Viger of nearby Edmore. (submitted photo)

Harald Borrmann, CEO of Catholic United Financial, presents a check for $8,995 to Principal Derek Simonsen of St. Alphonsus Catholic School in Langdon. (submitted photo)

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By Paul Braun

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dmore, North Dakota resident Joan Viger wanted to help the students of St. Alphonsus Catholic School in nearby Langdon by purchasing a $5 ticket for their Catholic Schools Raffle fundraiser. Little did Ms. Viger know that her ticket would be selected out of more than 200,000 on March 7 as the grand prizewinner of a new car or $20,000 cash.

Representatives of St. Alphonsus School and Raffle sponsor Catholic United Financial awarded Ms. Viger her prize on the morning of March 29 during a school assembly. The student body of St. Alphonsus also raised $8,995 through the program, almost $3,000 more than their goal of $6,000.

The Catholic Schools Raffle is a regional fundraising program involving thousands of students from more than 80 schools in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. The effort of these students, school staff, parents, and supporters like Ms. Viger led to a record-breaking total of $1.1 million raised in 2018, with 100 percent of the funds going back to local Catholic schools.

Funds raised by participating schools are used to enhance school programs and facilities, including funding field trips, building playgrounds, supplementing tuition costs and providing new education technology.

Sister Ann Louise Kolhoff, 92… a life dedicated to healing both body and soul

ister Ann Louise Kolhoff, 92, died peacefully in her home March 21 at Maryvale Convent, Valley City.

Her funeral Mass was held March 26 at Maryvale.

Sister Ann Louise was born October 8, 1925 in rural Lisbon to Charles and Rose Mary (Schriml) Kolhoff. She attended elementary school at St. Aloysius School, Lisbon and St. Mary’s School of Dayton, Ohio and high school in Dayton, graduating in 1944. She worked in sales and human resources at Elder Johnson Department store in Dayton until entering the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation in 1947. She professed her vows to God on August 25, 1948. She graduated with a diploma in 1951 from St. Andrew’s School of Nursing in Bottineau, and with a Bachelor’s of Science and a Masters in Health Administration from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo. in 1956 and 1964, respectively.

Sister Ann Louise began her health care ministry at St. Andrew’s Hospital in Bottineau from 1951-53 as a nurse. She taught in their school of nursing from 1956-69. She was the administrator at St. Andrew’s Hospital from 1964-69. At St. Margaret’s Health, Spring Valley, Ill., she was associate director of nursing from 1970-71, business office manager from 1973-75, and pastoral

care minister and secretary of maintenance from 1993-2008.

She worked in nursing administration at Presentation Medical Center, Rolla from 1975-76. She was a field representative for the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Health Care Organizations from 1976-79 and 1985-93. She was Provincial Treasurer from 1978-80.

She served at Les Cotils Hospital and Convent on the Channel Island, Guernsey from 1980-84. She was the co-director of the Associates of the Sisters of Mary of the Presentations from 1985-2007. She served at St. Aloisius Medical Center 2008-09 and retired to Maryvale Convent, Valley City in 2009.

Sister Ann Louise was preceded in death by her father and mother; brothers Charles (Dorothy) and Paul (Florence); sister, Helen (Alfred) Thomason; nephew, Paul Kolhoff; and niece, Cecilia (John) Smith. She is survived by her religious congregation, the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation; nieces, Virginia Kemper, Norma (Carl) Rodlund, Leellen (Jack Gabriel) Thomason; nephews, Mark (Barbara) Thomason, Charles (Mary) Thomason, Richard (Malla) Kolhoff, and James (Marcella) Kolhoff, as well as numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

Priests celebrate milestone ordination anniversaries in 2018

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his month we recognize our priests celebrating milestone tor for those same parishes from 1975–78. He then became the ordination anniversaries. Congratulations to Father Don- administrator for Sacred Heart in Sanborn from 1978–79, when ald Leiphon, Father Ben Bachmeier, Father Robert Irwin, he was named pastor of Holy Family in Grand Forks from Father James Ermer, Father Phillip Ackerman, Father John Ejike, 1979–91. He was assigned pastor of St. Henry’s in Alice, Our Monsignor Gregory Schlesselmann, Father Michael Schommer, Lady of the Scapular in Sheldon, and St. Patrick’s in Enderlin and Father Paul Schuster! Thank you for being our spiritual from 1991–92. Father Bachmeier received a leave of absence from fathers and for all that you do to lead us closer to Jesus Christ. the Diocese of Fargo to serve as chaplain of Mercy Hospital in Father Donald Leiphon San Diego, Calif. He retired in 2003, but still serves part-time celebrates his 50th anniver- as a priest in San Diego. sary of ordination on June 8. A celebration of Father Bachmeier’s 50th anniversary of his He began his priestly min- ordination will be held on June 17, at Holy Family, Grand Forks istry as parochial vicar of with a 4 p.m. Mass followed by a reception.

St. Alphonsus in Langdon Father Robert Irwin from 1968–73. He served as celebrates his 40th ordinapastor of Sacred Heart in tion anniversary on June Orrin and St. Anselm’s in 3. He began his priestly Fulda from 1973–81. Father ministry On June 3, 1978 Leiphon was also named in the Diocese of Omaha. It Father Donald Leiphon pastor of Our Lady of Mt. was during Father Irwin’s Carmel in Balta in 1975, first parish assignment as and served in that position until 1981 as well. From there he a parochial vicar that he served at Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo from 1981–88. met the Folda family and From 1988–89, Father Leiphon was assigned to St. Timothy’s in was high school chaplain Manvel and the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center at UND Father Robert Irwin where the eventual Bishop in Grand Forks for the 1988–89 school year. He served St. Anthony’s John Folda attended high in Fairmont from 1989–2003 and was also the chaplain for the school. Father served at several pastoral assignments as parochial Carmel of Mary Monastery in Wahpeton until 2003. Father vicar and as pastor in the Omaha Archdiocese. He served in Leiphon became pastor of St. Philip Neri in Napoleon in 2003 the diocesan liturgy office, the diocesan liturgical commission, and served until 2009. At that time he was also named pastor and the diocesan Family Life Office while also serving on the of St. Boniface in Kintyre and St. Clare’s in Burnstad. He is United States Conference of Catholic Bishops committees for currently retired and serves as chaplain for the Sisters of Mary newly ordained priest programs, and for ministry to those in of the Presentation Convent in Valley City. Father Leiphon has cults during those years. Father Irwin began ministering in the also served as Dean of Deaneries eight and nine, and on the Fargo Diocese in 1997 and became incardinated into the Fargo Diocesan Pastoral Review Board.

Diocese on April 8, 1998. During this time, he interned in the Father Leiphon will be guest of honor at a celebration of his St. Paul/Minneapolis Tribunal and received an Indult from the 50th anniversary of his ordination on June 8. You are invited to Roman Rota to serve as an Indulted Presiding Judge for service join him in a Mass of the Sacred Heart at 11 a.m. in the Maryvale in both the Fargo Tribunal and in the Inter-Diocesan Second convent chapel in Valley City. A noon meal following the Mass Instance Tribunal for this ecclesiastical province. He currently will be provided by the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation with serves in the diocesan tribunal office in Fargo. a reception and program in the afternoon.

Father James Ermer will Father Ben Bachmeier mark 40 years of his ordicelebrates his 50th ordination nation to the priesthood anniversary on June 9. His first on June 4. He began his assignment was as parochial priestly ministry as parochivicar at the Cathedral of St. al vicar of St. Michael’s in Mary from 1968–73. He then Grand Forks from 1978–80. became parochial vicar of St. From there he served as Alphonsus in Langdon from chaplain at Shanley High 1973–74. Father Bachmeier School from 1980–82, and was named administrator of also helped out on weekAssumption in Dickey and St. Father James Ermer ends at St. Paul’s Newman Francis Church in Marion from Father Ben Bachmeier Center on the NDSU cam1974–75, and was named pas- pus, and was chaplain at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo. In 1982

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he went back to Grand Forks to serve as a chaplain at the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center on the UND campus, and was named pastor there in 1984, where he served until 1991.

During that time he was also named pastor of St. Timothy’s in Manvel. In 1991, Father Ermer was named rector of Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo and served there until 1997, when he became pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in Fargo. He remained there until 2009 when he was named pastor of St. Thomas in Buffalo and St. Leo’s in Casselton, where he serves today. Father Ermer has also served on the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, Priest Personnel Board, College of Consulters, and as diocesan representative for Catholic Charites North Dakota.

A celebration of Father Ermer’s anniversary of his ordination will be held on June 3 at St. Leo’s in Casselton. A prayer service will begin at 4 p.m. followed by a reception and meal.

was ordained a priest on July 9, 1978. He came to the Fargo Diocese in 2008 where he was a priest in residence at Cardinal Muench Seminary.

In 2009, Father Ejike served briefly as administrator of St. Mary’s in Forman and St. Charles’ in Oakes, and was then named parochial Father John Ejike vicar of St. Mary’s in Knox and St. Therese in Rugby.

In 2012, Father Ejike was named pastor of St. John’s in Kensal, St. Mary’s in Dazey and St. Boniface in Wimbeldon.

A celebration for Father Ejike will take place on June 2, in Father Phillip Ackerman conjunction with the feast of Corpus Christi. Mass will be held celebrates his 40th ordinaat St. Mary’s in Dazey, followed by a procession and a program. tion anniversary on June 11.

Father Ackerman began his Monsignor Gregory priestly duties in the Fargo Schlesselmann celebrates Diocese as parochial vicar at his 25th ordination anniverthe Cathedral of St. Mary in sary on June 5. He began his 1978 and served there until service as a priest in 1993 1980. He was then sent to St. as parochial vicar of Blessed Michael’s in Grand Forks Sacrament in West Fargo, to serve as parochial vicar where he also served as Father Phillip Ackerman until 1984, when he was secretary to the bishop. In named parochial vicar at 1994 he was assigned to St. Sts. Peter and Paul in Sweetwater, St. Joseph’s in Devils Lake and St. Anthony of Padua in Fargo Msgr. Gregory Schlesselmann Benedict’s in Crary. A year later, Father Ackerman was appointed as parochial vicar, where he as Vocations Director and lived at Cardinal Muench Seminary served until 1996. In 1996, in Fargo. In 1991, Father Ackerman was named pastor of Holy Monsignor Schlesselmann was named administrator of Holy Spirit in Fargo. In 2002, he served briefly as administrator of Trinity in Fingal, St. Bernard’s in Oriska, and as the Director St. Therese in Rugby, and that same year was named pastor of of the Diocesan Office of Liturgy and as diocesan Vocations Holy Family in Grand Forks, where he served until 2014. At Director. From 1997–2001, Monsignor Schlesselmann was the that time he also served as pastor of St. Jude’s in Thompson, director of Catholic Education and Formation. From 2001–06 he and administrator for St. Agnes in Hunter, Our Lady of Peace served as the Vicar General of the diocese, and briefly served in Mayville and St. Stephen’s in Larimore. He was appointed as Moderator of the Curia. While serving as Vicar General, Monsignor pastor of St. Alphonsus in Langdon, St. Edward’s in Nekoma Schlesselmann was named rector at Cardinal Muench Seminary and St. Michael’s in Wales in 2014 where he continues to serve in 2002, and served in that post until 2011. During that time, as pastor. Father Ackerman has also served the diocese as chair he was also the Director of Communications for the diocese of the Commission for Holy Orders and Marriage Preparation, and was chair of the Fargo Catholic Schools Network. He curas a member of the Cardinal Muench Seminary board, Dean rently is the director of Permanent Diaconate program for the of deaneries three and four, and on the Pastoral Review Board. diocese and the Priests Continuing Education Committee, and A celebration for Father Ackerman will be held on June 10 at serves as spiritual director at St. Paul’s Newman Center on the St. Alphonsus Church in Langdon. It will begin with Evening NDSU campus.

Prayer at 4 p.m. followed by a short program and dinner.

A celebration for Monsignor Schlesselmann is planned for July 1 at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo with a Mass at 4 p.m. and a reception to follow.

Father John Ejike

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

Father Michael Schommer

celebrates his 25th ordination anniversary on June 5.

He began his service as a priest in 1993 as parochial vicar of St. Benedict’s in Crary, Assumption in Starkweather and St. Joseph’s in Devils Lake. In 1995, he became the administrator for St. Edward’s in Nekoma Father Michael Schommer and St. Alphonsus in Langdon. He was named pastor of St. Edward’s in Nekoma and St. Alphonsus in Langdon in 1997. He served as pastor of St. Michael’s in Grand Forks from 2003–04, and was pastor of St. Catherine’s in Valley City from 2004–10. He currently serves as pastor of St. Cecilia’s in Towner.

He was Dean of deanery three and served as chairman of North Dakota State Catholic Daughters from 2005–13.

A small reception will be held in honor of Father Schommer’s 25 years as a priest on June 3 at St. Cecelia’s in Towner with a 10 a.m. Mass followed by a reception and lunch.

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Father Paul Schuster

was ordained a priest on June 5, 1993. He began his service as a priest in 1993 as parochial vicar of Nativity parish in Fargo. In 1995, he became the parochial vicar for the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center on the UND campus until 1997.

At that time he also Father Paul Schuster served as administrator of St. Timothy’s in Manvel. In 1997, he was named pastor of St. Timothy’s and served there until 2002. During that time he was also the parochial vicar at Holy Family in Grand Forks. From 2002–14 Father Schuster was pastor at St. Andrew’s in Westhope and St. Mark’s in Bottineau. He currently serves as pastor of St. Michael’s Mission in St. Michael.

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NEW EARTH MAY 2018

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Napoleon church carries on St. Joseph’s table tradition

By Sue Wald

Father Neil Pfeifer and Victor Wald gather for a St. Joseph’s Table celebration on March 19 at St. Philip Neri Church in Napoleon. (submitted photo)

St. Joseph statue stood in the center of a cross-shaped altar which included candles, lilies, and a buffet. (submitted photo)

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or the first time in the history of St. Philip Neri Church, the In the past, the parish celebrated St. Joseph’s feast day with humble, protector of Mary and Jesus, St. Joseph, became the an ice cream social and a family game night. Father Pfeifer, center of attention on March 19. He was honored for being however, wanted a more traditional, Sicilian style celebration, the hardworking carpenter and answerer of many petitions and so he conveyed his vision to a committee who took it from there. prayers. Knowing these things about St. Joseph, prompted St. Father Pfeifer’s vision was a meal celebration with meats, Philip Neri’s pastor, Father Neil Pfeifer, to organize a celebration cheeses, and fruit—all of which are typical of this Sicilian festival. to honor him on his feast day, March 19.

He also wanted St. Joseph to preside over the event, which he According to legend, there was a famine in Sicily many centuries did in the form of a five-foot statue. St. Joseph was placed in the ago. The villages prayed to St. Joseph, foster-father of the Infant center of a cross-shaped table, surrounded by candles and lilies, Savior, and asked his intercession before the throne of God. Their symbols of the un-assuming, kind man. The longer part of the prayers were answered. With the ending of the dreadful famine, cross was laden with food, enjoyed by approximately 125 people. a special feast of thanksgiving was held in commemoration of Father Pfeifer’s idea for honoring St. Joseph turned out the saint. Wealthy families prepared huge buffets. They then beautifully, under his guidance. The parishioners are now invited the less fortunate people of the village, especially the excited to see how the celebration on March 19 will grow in homeless and the sick. The celebration became the tradition the future. now known as St. Josephs’ Table.

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By Paul Braun

Faithful gather at Scheels Arena in Fargo to celebrate Mass. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

“You are called by name for a profound relationship”

Redeemed 2018 encourages faithful to draw closer to the person of Christ

By Kristina Lahr

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he Redeemed “Called by Name” conference brought faithful from across the diocese and beyond together to experience fellowship, inspiration, and fun on April 7 at Scheels Arena in Fargo. Speakers Dr. Edward Sri, Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak, Nic Davidson, and performers Cat.Chat, Jeffrey Salveson, and The Front Fenders came together to inspire and entertain at an event for the whole family.

“The theme for Redeemed ‘Called by Name,’ evokes not only the personal call God makes to us, but also our call to mission,” said Bishop Folda. “Each of us comes into existence only because God first thought of us. He willed us into being.”

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Each of the speakers dove deeper into the theme of the conference.

Dr. Edward Sri, theologian, author, and well-known Catholic speaker began his first presentation by asking, “what is a disciple?”

“A rabbi-discipleship relationship in Jesus’s time wasn’t like a student-professor relationship today. A disciple didn’t just take notes in a lecture hall, they shared life with each other. A disciple memorized the rabbi’s teachings but also strove to mimic his way of life, the way he cares for the poor, the way he studies, the way he prays… so when Jesus says ‘come follow me,’ he’s asking us to share our life with him.”

This is what Jesus’s disciples did. They left their old lives

Steve Splonskowski moderates the speaker’s panel at the conference for a question and answer session. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

COVER STORY behind and physically followed Jesus, not just to learn his teachings, but to know him intimately as a friend.

“They basically go on a three-year camping trip with Jesus,” said Sri. “Have you ever gone camping? You really get to know people. Talk about taking on the smell of the sheep.”

While with Jesus, the disciples would notice the intimate details of how Jesus lived his life. They would see him go off every morning to pray, which would leave an impression on them. Everything Jesus did would begin to pique their interest and seep into their own lifestyles.

“A disciple is fully trained when he becomes like the teacher,” said Sri. This is the kind of relationship Jesus is longing to have with us. Our faith shouldn’t just be about following the teachings of the Church but about pursuing Christ-like love and virtue as well.

“You are called by name for a profound relationship with him,” said Sri. “Come to Jesus as you are, honest, as you are, begging for his help. Whatever issue you are facing, God wants to heal you of those wounds. He wants to change you, he wants to transform you into his likeness, from one degree of glory to another. Following Jesus as a disciple doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. We may not be perfect, but we are still chosen. We aren’t models of perfection, but models of a process, a process of transformation.”

“Man is not meant to be alone”

4 HABITS OF A DISCIPLE •

Prayer – Talk to God for 20 minutes a day, create time in your schedule for silence and share from your heart. Pray that everyone who you come into contact with encounters Jesus Christ in you.

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Frequent the Sacraments – Recommit yourself to receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation. Strive to go more than once a year, monthly if possible.

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Fellowship and works of mercy – Seek and pursue meaningful friendships with other faithful. Practice the spiritual and corporal works of mercy in your daily life.

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Transform your mind – Take time to learn the faith. Read scripture and religious books, attend retreats and conferences. Fill your mind with the truth of God’s love and mercy.

Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak continued the discussion with their talk titled, “See How They Love One Another,” which focused on how families model the Trinity.

“Our family life isn’t just some people who live in the same house and bump into each other when we get ready in the morning,” said Lisa. “The church tells us that human beings are not individuals; we do not belong to ourselves. We are a communion of persons that can only find fulfillment in relationship, not in accomplishment.”

It’s easy to view family meals, prayer, game nights, one-onone time with each other as luxuries in between all the other Theologian, author, and Catholic speaker, Dr. Edward Sri, presents his first keynote address: “Called by Name.” (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

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A man venerates the missionary image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is an exact photographic replica of the Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe that was commission by the Bishops of Mexico. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

activities in our schedule, but Greg encouraged the faithful to Sunday. Every year on this weekend, the Church reads the gospel view their family life as a ministry. account of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples on Easter Sunday.

“Human beings can only fill our potential by learning to love Instead of berating the disciples for abandoning him and losing deeply and learning to be loved deeply,” he said. “We learn these their faith during his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus says, “Peace lessons in our family life. Committing to time with family on a be with you.” It is Christ’s mercy that encourages the disciples regular basis allows us to cultivate the relationship necessary to leave the upper room and go out and make disciples of for God to love us and feel that love in a physical way. Nothing all nations. is more important than this.”

“Just as Jesus passed through the locked doors of that upper Greg and Lisa offered practical ways for parents to build room, he also passes through the locked doors of our hearts,” up their family without it just becoming “one more thing,” for said Bishop Folda during the homily at the closing Mass. “His parents to consider. mercy penetrates through the locked doors that our sins have Lisa said, “In the morning, ask your spouse, ‘what is one created, and he banishes those sins from us.” thing I can do for you today?’ Help your kids think of ways “My brothers and sisters,” he continued, “this same mercy they can help the family too. Ask them, ‘what is one thing you of Jesus is unlocking doors for us as well. He is opening up can do for the family today?’ When you catch your child doing the gates so we can go forth as his witnesses, as his missionary something good, tell them. Tell them what virtue they used. Say, disciples. The divine mercy of God is giving us peace, so we too ‘That was really generous that you let your sister play with that can fearlessly live our faith among our neighbors, not imposing toy,’ or ‘I know how hard it was for you to do that one thing. it on them but showing them the joy and beauty of being a That was brave of you.’ Don’t be afraid to show them love and follower of Jesus Christ.” affection in this way.”

This call to be missionary disciples is for each of us. Not only does God call us by name, he urges us to call others by name Mercy a doorway to relationship The conference was celebrated on the eve of Divine Mercy in friendship so that the truth of his love and mercy may be known to the whole world.

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4 HABITS OF HEALTHY CATHOLIC FAMILIES •

Worship together – Go to Mass as a family.

If you have young children, communicate to them that they have a home in the church. Read the Gospel the night before and ask them to listen for a word that they might not normally hear. At the moment of the consecration, whisper that in their ear that this is Jesus.

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Pray together – Lay your hands on your kids for a blessing before bed. Maybe when you pray before meals, add a few things to the end. Ask your children to pray for you.

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Call to intimacy – Catch your children at being good and point out their virtue rather than only pointing out when they do some thing wrong.

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Family first – Work, play, talk, and pray together. Keep family activities and time together a priority. Be creative in how each of your children can be involved.

The Front Fenders delivered a high-energy night of fun and dancing with a mix of music from the 50s to the present. (Kristina Lahr | New Earth)

Children watch Cat.Chat perform at Shanley High School.

(Paul Braun | New Earth)

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FAITH AND CULTURE

Angelic Letters tells story of authentic love

By Tom O’Keefe

see the joy and peace that comes from following the teachings of the Gospel and incorporating it into daily life.

Ripplinger emphasizes the role of communion with each other and the church. Young Henry meets an aging store keeper, Mr. Engelmann, who becomes his lifelong spiritual advisor and mentor. Engelmann teaches Henry how to truly love his neighbor and forgive people that, through human weakness, commit offenses that many would not forgive. The impact that each character’s choice to forgive or not has huge ripple effects A review of Catholic books, movies, music in the lives of the other characters. he Angelic Letters is a seven-book series written by Henry For a young adult, Angelic Letters provides a framework for Ripplinger. Six of the books are currently in print, and the moral decision-making based upon the teachings of the Church. seventh is scheduled to be released this summer. Those For a parent, the series gives opportunities to have discussions of you who are not avid readers, don’t be discouraged by the with children about sensitive subjects like sex, lust, and abortion. size of this work. I, and many others to whom I have spoken, For a grandparent, like myself, the series leads to reflection and have found the series to be a page-turner. I read the first book an examination of conscience. Do I have people to forgive? Do on my kindle and found myself downloading the next book at I need to ask for forgiveness? Have I truly loved my neighbor 11:30 p.m. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened in the next. like myself?

Angelic Letters tell a riveting story, chronicling the lives of Intellectually, we want to believe in angels and miracles. What two main characters over five decades. Henry Pederson meets Angelic Letters does is brings those beliefs to the heart. We have a the new girl in town, Jenny Sarsky, the summer before they guardian angel that intercedes on our behalf. We have a loving start high school in Regina, Saskatchewan in the 1950s. Their Father that rejoices when we forgive and love our neighbor. love, strengthened by divine intervention from their guardian When we take time daily to pray, read scripture, and meditate, angels, survives countless obstacles, challenges, and difficult we can change our own lives and the lives of those around us. life situations.

Through some of the most difficult situations in life, there is a Ripplinger does a masterful job of character development path to joy and peace. in the series, not only for the two main characters, but also Tom O’Keefe directs the dining services, janitorial services, facilities and for the many family members, friends, and villains that cross maintenance at New Life Center, a Christian multi-faceted emergency and paths with Jenny and Henry over this 50-year time span. The crisis service center. Prior to joining the mission, Tom worked in health care reader is taken emotionally deep into the story as we anticipate administration for 25 years. He is a registered nurse and holds a master’s a happy ending, then are disappointed by another life turn, rally degree in Nursing Administration. to experience joy, and pause to reflect upon similar experiences in our own life.

Angelic Letters is not just another romance novel popular in the secular world. It is a story of a chaste love, founded in virtue, ABOUT THE BOOK: and firmly rooted in Catholic teaching and principles.

The challenges faced by Henry, Jenny, and the supporting “Angelic Letters” cast are not unlike those we have experienced or will experience

by Henry K. Ripplinger. in our own lives. Abortion, pre-marital sex, marriage, divorce, betrayal, materialism, anger and inability to forgive, are central A seven-book series themes of the story. With each of these themes, Ripplinger allows published by us to struggle with the situation. He realistically portrays the Pio-Seelos Books. inner turmoil we all go through as we are challenged by sin, anger, and un-forgiveness. We see the devastating effects that can happen in our life and in the lives of those we care about if we don’t turn to God for healing and forgiveness. But we also

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NEXT GEN

Rugby teens continue Rick Santorum visits Living Stations tradition with Shanley students

Teens at St. Therese the Little Flower Church in Rugby performed their musical production of The Living Stations on March 28. Teens have been portraying the “Living Stations of the Cross” for about 15 years.

The production is a stop-action presentation of the final hours of Christ’s passion, acted out with live music and mediations. Former Parish Catholic Youth Organization Director Neil Pfeifer, who is now Father Neil Pfeifer at St. Philip Neri Church in Napoleon, began the tradition several years ago. (submitted photo)

Former U.S. Senator, candidate for president, and current CNN Senior Political Commentator Rick Santorum was in Fargo last month. He made a special stop at Shanley High School to speak with students there. Santorum, known for his staunch Catholic faith and pro-life views, took questions from students ranging from the current political atmosphere to morality issues facing the country, especially as they pertain to young people. (Paul Braun | New Earth)

Reminder: The Sunday Mass will not be broadcast on Sunday, May 27 on WDAY/WDAZ TV. The stations have a contractual obligation with their parent network to air the Indianapolis 500 auto race on that day. The Sunday Mass will resume a normal Sunday schedule on Sunday, June 3.

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

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

NEW EARTH MAY 2018

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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 MAY 2018

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

From teaching to healing… a history of the Sisters of the Presentation

T

he Sisters of the Presentation of Sister’s the Blessed Virgin Mary were found Perspective ed 300 years ago Sr. Stella Olson, by Nano Nagle in Ireland. She start PBVM ed caring for the poor and teaching behind the hedges at a time when girls and Catholics were not allowed education. What she began in a very simple way has grown unbelievably, and this year we are celebrating the 300th year of Nano’s life and remembering the thousands of sisters that have served the church on all continents.

My Irish Presentation sisters have been a part of the Fargo Diocese since 1882. They came to Dakota Territory at the invitation of Bishop Marty and began the parochial schools. They started in Fargo and grew and expanded in the diocese. As time went by, more lay people were teaching in the parochial system because there were not enough sisters.

At the same time, a different bishop wanted Catholic hospitals with sisters to staff them. The sisters received the necessary training, and Catholic Hospitals began. The medical profession became more and more sophisticated and technical, and the need for growth and maintenance became an issue. The sisters were women of vision and they collaborated with other religious sisters to benefit the future of their hospitals. Catholic Health Corporation became the management for the small Catholic hospitals. Another merge happened with other facilities and ultimately Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) became the managing organization.

As the sisters moved from teaching to parish work and other educational avenues, the need for caring for the poor and the homeless continued to be an issue. Sister Jane Walker had been involved in teaching in the parochial system and then became involved in pastoral ministry at Nativity Church in Fargo. When people came to Sister Jane needing assistance, the sisters helped in any way that was necessary. It became clear that another ministry was needed to help those struggling with everyday life issues. During this time, Presentation Partners in Housing was formed and today continues to grow and be more inclusive in all facets of caring for the homeless and poor. In 1985, the former residence of the sisters, Riverview, became a new ministry and residence for lay people over 55 years of age.

I have been involved all my life in the church. I was married, had four children, and became very involved in religious education. I

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got a full time job after the kids were in school and never anticipated that someday I would be divorced. God was with me through all the struggles and transitions and I sought out a spiritual director to understand my God experiences through all the pain.

Six months after I started direction, my 52-year-old brother died and my director suggested a stronger support system. He told me about the Fargo Presentation Associates. I started classes as soon as I could and it changed my life. When I heard the story of Nano Nagle from County Cork in Ireland, I read as much as I could about her. The more I read, the more I wanted to participate in what she started. I became an associate at the end of the year of study and it led me to entering the community three years later.

There are many conversations today about the future of religious life, and based on the activities that happen at the Fargo Presentation Convent and the number of people that come and go, I see a great future. We have over 120 associate members that serve as Presentation Associates. They have all attended a nine-month formation process of study and prayer to determine if they are interested in the mission and ministry of the Presentation Sisters.

It all begins with a study of the foundress, Nano Nagle. They have learned about her mission and the ministries that the sisters founded and facilitated over the last 135 years. They are male and female, husbands and wives and represent many denominations. They minister wherever they live and whatever they are doing. When they participate in activities at the convent with the sisters, they bring their experiences, which keeps us abreast of the world outside. Their number continues to grow each year and their participation in the world activities becomes enfleshed with Presentation spirituality. Together the Presentation mission and ministries live into the future.

“I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything, even the smallest things, for the greater glory of God.” – St. Dominic Savio

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Closing the St. Greg’s chapter

I

t was chilly and muddy on the morning of October 15, 2017 in Seminarian Conception, Mo. Life Having woken up before 5 a.m.

Matthew Kensok to make the three hour drive from St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb., I walked with my fellow seminarians over a small hill to reach the soccer field at Conception Seminary.

Once in view, Father Eickhoff, our rector, led a chant of “Go Saint Greg’s,” and our seminarian brothers on the field turned in amazement to see that their brothers had made the trek from Nebraska. We had come to cheer them on in the championship soccer game of the Thunder Cup, an annual tournament between seminary teams.

Even though we lost the game, everyone remembers that day when we came together to support our brothers in their championship effort. Afterwards, we all celebrated second place at the local Pizza Ranch as the worn team expressed again their gratitude and surprise at our having come to watch the game.

It was a memory that none of us would soon forget.

There have been a lot of memories over these past three years of seminary that I won’t be forgetting any time soon. A lot of these memories bring joy: a free weekend trip to Denver with my fellow Fargo seminarians to visit the seminary and friends, a hilarious skit about a quest similar to Monty Python and the Holy Grail, playing ultimate frisbee on warm, calm evenings (sometimes in shorts in January or February…Nebraska weather is a little different from home), or even just a friendly game of indoor basketball on a cold winter evening. All of these and more bring fond memories of my first three years as a seminarian.

My summer experiences have also been amazing: serving on Young Disciples two years ago and working in Fargo last summer while staying at Bishop Folda’s house. I wouldn’t trade these past three years for anything.

But life comes with its hardships as well. A year before that second place soccer finish, I was again in Conception, Mo., when I received the news that my grandpa had passed. This was the first death of someone really close to me in the family. Before entering my first year of seminary, I was shocked to hear of the death of Samuel Traut, who joined me on a mission trip to Peru just weeks before his death, and early on in that first year, one of the seminarians also passed away after his battle with brain cancer. But this Easter season, I cannot help but be filled with hope for them as I remember Christ conquering death. I now remember to pray for the deceased in a completely new way.

I have also seen a lot of growth in myself over these few years. Before entering seminary, I would pray the rosary and make a holy hour once a week. Now I do the same every day

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as I continue to grow closer to Christ as his disciple. I have grown in leadership by teaching the local kids about the faith on Wednesdays. I became a leader this year as the head sacristan, preparing for our seminary liturgies. I also helped lead the guys this fall through a total consecration to Jesus through Mary, and I sometimes help with music, playing my trumpet or leading the singing for Mass. I hope to continue to foster these leadership qualities if God continues to call me onward to the priesthood.

Most importantly, I have grown in love of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist when he humbly comes to us in the Mass. Consequently, I have grown in love of the priesthood, having met so many great priests along the way. As I consider all that is left to do this semester, with comprehensive exams, finals, and graduation, I can’t help but surrender myself to the Lord and his will for my life. I know that he will continue to provide for me. Looking at these past three years, I can only thank him for the memories and for the growth he has fostered in my formation. I graduated from St. Greg’s on May 5, so the St. Greg’s chapter of my life has closed. But, a new chapter begins. I am looking forward to my summer in Omaha, Neb. at the Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) before heading to Mount St. Mary’s in Maryland next fall.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support of vocations.

May God bless you all!

Kensok will enter Theology I this coming fall at Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md. Editor’s Note: Seminarian Life is a monthly column written by current Diocese of Fargo seminarians. It gives New Earth readers a glimpse of what these discerning young men are experiencing. Please continue to pray for them.

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

“T

When we put our will before God’s

hy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”

If an unborn child is wanted, it becomes a We might pray it every day, but how often do we reflect “baby.”

If the child is on what it means for us and the larger community? unwanted, inconve Most of us know that it is a petition to the Father to send his nient, or not perfect Catholic Spirit so that we do his will rather than ours. It is, however, that or perfectly timed, and much more.

Action he or she magical If Christ’s death and resurrection mean anything, they mean ly becomes some Christoper Dodson that everything changed at that point in time. Nothing is and thing not human, no nothing need be what it was. We are no longer slaves to the matter what science ways of old. and objective reason One of the “old ways” was an erroneous belief in human tells us. will. Throughout history, humans have governed themselves The same problem arises at the end of life. Both the insistence and their groups by power, domination, and revenge, whether on keeping someone artificially alive and assisted suicide are, in politics, business, family affairs, and even marriage. Christ at their core, the same problem. Both result from a refusal to showed us another way, a way where the first shall be last. The accept God’s will manifested in the natural body. They are last devil, however, still attempts to keep us from Christ’s victory attempts to have “my way” rather than God’s way. by tricking us into asserting our will and praising the will

Pope Francis often reminds us that the same type of thinking of others. can lead to destruction of the environment. The earth is the Lord’s Throughout history, humans have governed and we are charged to be good stewards. When, however, we manipulate creation without respect for its integrity or the impact themselves and their groups by power, on others we become destroyers, not stewards. This can occur domination, and revenge, whether in politics, not just in the acquisition and use of raw materials, but also in business, family affairs, and even marriage. the development and application of all forms of technology.

Christ showed us another way, a way where Eventually, people justify their assertion of self-will with consequentialism. This occurs when someone feels that the outthe first shall be last.” – Christopher Dodson come will be better than whatever harm is done in the process.

Common examples include abortion, torture, the targeting of Pope Francis writes about this dangerous use of will in his civilians in combat, unjust deportation, the disregard of legal new exhortation about holiness, Gaudete et Exsultate. The processes. It is also used to justify poor working conditions, unjust pope warns that new forms of two old heresies, Gnosticism wages, and environmental destruction in developing countries. and Pelagianism, are appearing in new forms, both of which Throughout history, but particularly in the first half of the put our will before God’s. twentieth century, the will of the individual transformed into One example of this error is asserting a will or desire separate the will of the nation, creating a nationalism that still threatens from biological reality and creation itself. We can see this error in us today. This also is a perversion of will. States and nations are “gender ideologies” that deny the body and place self-identity not exempt from the commands of the gospel. The pursuit of solely in how a person views or imagines their own identity. national greatness can never take precedence over compassion, We could easily dismiss this error as a private eccentricity if it the common good, or even the Beatitudes. stopped there. However, in public settings, the workplace, and Finally, we must guard against unduly praising the triumph even the law, the rest of us are pressured or mandated to accept of will in others. Well-meaning Christians can act according to the individual’s concept of self-identity as true.

God’s will in their personal affairs but support, promote, and The same assertion of self-will lurks behind the ever-in- admire others who assert their will rather than God’s. We too creasing acceptance of unethical and dangerous manipulations often vote for, defend on Facebook, and give financial support of human reproduction. We should discover and respect the to politicians, pop stars, tech leaders, and entrepreneurs solely beauty of human reproduction with an eye toward healing because they “break new ground,” act as the “strongman,” or and assisting. Instead, people want children created on their embody rugged individualism. terms, on their timetable, and with the traits that they desire. In Our heroes should be those who strive to be saints. Saints vitro fertilization, cloning, genetic manipulation, three-parent pray and act that “thy will be done.” reproduction, and surrogacy have at their roots an assertion of individual will over what is right, just, and the common good. Christopher Dodson is executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Like gender ideology, there exists societal and legal pressure Conference. The NDCC acts on behalf of the Catholic bishops of North for the rest of us to accept and support these errors.

Dakota to respond to public policy issues of concern to the Catholic The most absurd and horrifying example of the acceptance of Church and to educate Catholics and the general public about Catholic will over objective reality is our nation’s approach to abortion. social doctrine. The conference website is ndcatholic.org.

NEW EARTH MAY 2018

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

Four reasons to advance a bequest

P

astors and parish leaders are always encouraged Stewardship when they find out that their parish Steve Schons has been named in a will or other estate transfer documents. Even to know that a person intends to include their parish can be very uplifting.

Whether your will includes your parish or not, there are some advantages of moving your bequest forward and giving all or part of it now. In particular, it may be worthwhile to consider some of the current benefits of a Charitable Gift Annuity, which remains a popular method of giving.

4. Enjoy your giving now.

When a person establishes a gift annuity, they experience the satisfaction of completing a gift now by actually transferring assets to benefit your parish or other ministry.

Why miss out on the “joy of giving?” Give while you live.

Of course, everyone’s situation is unique. I would encourage anyone considering a Charitable Gift Annuity to consult with their own financial and/or tax professional.

If you would like a free Charitable Gift Annuity illustration or more information, please email me at steve.schons@fargodiocese. org, or mail a request to Steve Schons, Diocese of Fargo, 5201 Bishops Blvd, Fargo, ND 58104.

Steve Schons is Director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Fargo.

1. Increase your income now

One of the more important benefits of a gift annuity is the attractive rates we are able to offer, especially for our older donors. For example, an 80-year-old person qualifies for an annuity rate of 6.8% percent. Thus, establishing a $25,000 would provide $1,700 every year for the duration of life. A 90-year-old annuitant would fare even better with a rate of 9% percent.

While a person may be able to obtain a higher rate with a commercial annuity, it’s important to remember that we’re talking here about money that has already been “earmarked” for a Catholic parish or other ministry as a bequest.

2. Reduce your taxes now

The IRS provides a charitable income tax deduction for gifts made to parishes during life. For itemizers, this deduction may be used to reduce income taxes. Moreover, fewer taxes means more money for you to spend... or give.

Since a portion of a Charitable Gift Annuity qualifies for a charitable income tax deduction, making that gift now with assets you already plan to give later, may be a tax-wise idea worth considering.

3. Stabilize your retirement now.

Gift annuity payments are fixed. Once the payment dates are established (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually) you will receive the identical amount with every check. No need to guess or worry about the ups and downs of the financial markets.

Your annuity will be backed not only by our scrupulously maintained annuity reserve fund but by the entire capital assets of the Catholic Development Foundation.

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VI A COUNSELING Counseling from a Catholic perspective

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

D

When is it a sin to make a referral?

uring World War II, if a contractor had been asked to construct a building knowing that it would serve as a gas chamber in Auschwitz, it goes without saying that he ought not agree to do it. By laying the foundation and supervising the plumbing, electrical and duct work, he would be contributing to, or enabling, the subsequent commission of atrocities against prisoners in the concentration camp.

But significant concerns would also arise if he were to reply: “I’m sorry, I have a moral objection to building this structure, but let me put in a call to a colleague who is a contractor, and he will do it for you.” By placing the call, he would still be a part of the causal chain leading to the building of the facility, and to the subsequent evils that would be carried out in it. By making a referral to engage someone else’s services for something immoral, we can still be involved in, and responsible for, the commission of grave evils.

Among medical professionals, situations can likewise arise in which they may be tempted to make a referral for an immoral procedure, supposing that because they are not doing the procedure themselves, they are now morally “in the clear.”

For example, a pharmacist who lives and works in a state or jurisdiction where physician-assisted suicide has been legalized may be asked to fill a prescription for suicide pills. By declining to fill that prescription, he or she avoids immediately cooperating with a customer’s immoral decision to commit suicide. But it would still raise moral concerns if the pharmacist said to the customer: “Let me pass this prescription to my co-worker, because, although I cannot fill it, he can help you out.” The first pharmacist remains a contributor in the chain of events leading up to the carrying out of the evil act, and he would be cooperating in evil by making the referral to his co-worker.

A “referral” in moral terms is when the person who refuses to do the immoral procedure himself or herself directs the requesting person to another individual or institution because the other individual or institution is known or believed to be willing to provide the immoral procedure in question. The decision to offer the referral indicates that the one doing it is choosing, at least implicitly, to help the requester carry out the evil act, and such implicit willing of evil acts can never be morally acceptable.

Making a referral can also convey a sense of tacit acceptance and approval of that evil, and therefore the referring provider can also become guilty of wrongdoing by giving scandal. Someone who gives scandal helps to form the immoral will of another. In fact, the term “scandal” in theology refers to any action, word or deed that leads another to sin.

Of course, a pharmacist could simply decline to fill a suicide pill prescription. He may have to pay the consequences for his refusal, but it certainly would be a valid and courageous option for him to give witness to the injustice of assisted suicide laws.

But that may not be the only way to approach the situation. A conscientious pharmacist could also say to the customer, “There may be other pharmacies around here that can assist you,” or even, “there may be others working at this pharmacy who can assist you,” and leave it at that.

This would not be a referral, but a simple statement regarding comMaking Sense monly available public knowledge. of Bioethics The pharmacist Father Tad could then return the prescription to Pacholczyk the customer, rather than passing it to a co-worker, and the customer would then have to initiate a new “causal chain” or series of choices as he or she seeks to obtain the immoral medications, looking around and inquiring about who might fill the prescription. This removes the original pharmacist from the causal chain, avoids making a referral to a colleague, and diminishes or eliminates responsibility for any subsequent evils that the customer may end up committing.

Regrettably, pharmacists and other health care professionals today are coming under increasing fire from the culture around them as they are being told, as part of their job description, that they have to ignore their well-formed consciences and fill prescriptions for suicide pills, the abortion pill, or contraception.

Yet a double-standard is clearly at work, for if the prescription were for something a pharmacist knew would be used as a date rape drug to take advantage of a woman at a party, everyone would declare the pharmacist to be a moral hero for refusing.

To sum up, then, a great deal of care, vigilance and determination is needed not only for us to avoid committing certain evils, but also to avoid making a referral for those evils to be carried out by others.

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

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NEW EARTH MAY 2018

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OUR CATHOLIC LIFE

95 years serving our neighbors

R

ecently we honored the Presentation Sisters with our 2018 Caritas Award in the Catholic Fargo Diocese, and in Charities May we will honor the Carmelite Sisters Corner in the Bismarck Di Chad Prososki ocese for their outstanding service and love for humanity. The purpose of the Caritas Award is to recognize individuals or organizations who have, by example and deed, served persons in need and advocated for justice and convened other persons of good will to do the same in a manner consistent with Catholic Social Teaching. The Presentation Sisters have done this by helping the aging at Riverview Retirement Community in Fargo, and the Carmelite Sisters do this by helping the hungry and poor through their service at Spirit of Life Church in Mandan.

The Presentation Sisters have served in North Dakota for over 135 years, while the Carmelite Sisters have only been in Mandan for three years—although they have also worked at the parishes and school in Fort Yates, N.D. for five years. Through prayer, service, and teaching, all of these sisters have truly loved their neighbors. In a way, they also signify the past, the present, and the future, as we trust and hope that they and the other religious orders, such as our local Benedictine and Franciscan sisters and brothers, will be around to help the people of North Dakota for many years to come!

At these luncheons for the sisters, I witness the great love our communities have for them, which helps me reflect on the past and future of Catholic Charities North Dakota. This year marks our 95th anniversary. It began as the Catholic Family Bureau, a group formed in 1923 by Monsignor Vincent Ryan to help the poor, dependent children, and unwed mothers. Years later the organization’s name became Catholic Family Service, which many people still know it as, before changing to Catholic Charities North Dakota.

Since that humble start with a few concerned Catholics and their local parish priest at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fargo, we have grown to serve the entire state of North Dakota. The first employee was hired in 1926. Now we have over 50 full and part-time employees. That first director was paid $50 a month.

How far would that same $50 go today? Just as in 95 years the needs of the poor and vulnerable we serve have grown, so too has the financial cost to help them. Thus we invite each of you to donate throughout the year as partners in our work to serve those in need and advocate for the common good of all.

This fall we plan to commemorate our 95 years of serving and loving our neighbors here in North Dakota. We hope you will celebrate with us, and let us know how Catholic Charities has made a difference in your life or the life of someone close to you. We would love to gather stories of Catholic Charities North

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Dakota “Helping People, Changing lives.” To do that, we need you, our friends and readers, to share your own stories with us of how we as Catholic Charities, as Catholic Family Service, or even as the Catholic Welfare Bureau, helped our brothers and sisters in need.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Catholic Charities North Dakota, we commissioned a study from our 75th anniversary in 1998 titled, A History of Catholic Family Service: Social Ministry in North Dakota. Copies of this book can be viewed at each of our local offices, along with additional resources. If you have had a connection with Catholic Charities North Dakota, please let us know as we would like to invite current and former supporters, clients, staff, and board members to join us! More information will follow this summer about plans for celebrating our 95th anniversary.

Chad Prososki is the Director of Development and Community Relations for Catholic Charities North Dakota. For more than 90 years, Catholic Charities North Dakota and its supporters. He can be reached at (701) 235-4457 or info@catholiccharitiesnd.org.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Events across the diocese Geneseo parish to serve dinner on Mother’s Day

St. Martin of Tours Church in Geneseo will host a ham and turkey dinner on Mother’s Day, May 13, serving from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call (701) 538-4486 for more information.

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.

Let the Saints Come In: Summer retreats for ages 13-17

The Youth and Young Adult Ministry Department is offering two new retreats for students A Beginning Experience Weekend will be held June 22-24, at ages 13-17. The retreat for young Hankinson Retreat Center. Beginning Experience is a support women will be held July 18-21, program offered by the Catholic Church and open to divorced, and the young men’s retreat widowed, and separated persons of all faiths or no faith. For will be held July 22-25. The more information or to register, contact Matt Tedrick at (701) uniqueness of these retreats 541-6095 or Marlene Wilde at (218) 998-4300 or beginningexpeis that young adults will be rience-easternnd.org. 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. The retreats will be held at the Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen Convent in Hankinson. Deadline to register is June 18.

St. Ann’s in Belcourt is holding a day and half retreat for For more information and to receive a registration form, contact high school students (8th grade to those who just graduated Kathy Loney at (701) 356-7902. high school). The retreat is called Summer Kickoff, and will be held June 15-16, starting at 10 a.m. at St. Ann’s. There will be faith formation, prayer, Adoration, fun and games, food, crafts, along with the building of relationships with one another and with the Lord Jesus.

Youth in grades 9-12 from the Diocese of Fargo are invited to There will be a second retreat July 26-29. This retreat is called Teen pilgrimage to the annual March A.C.T.S. Retreat. A.C.T.S. is an abbreviation for Adoration, Community, for Life in Washington D.C. on Theology, and Service. Thirty high school students from St. Joseph’s January 18, 2019. The pilgrimage in Del Rio, Texas are coming with Father Clay Hunt, III, their pastor, will begin in Fargo on January to lead the retreat. Applications for both retreats are available on 14 and return January 20. Fathe St. Ann’s website at stannsmission.org. ther Greg Haman will be our 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 Pope Francis has been speaking about how important it is for the Mother Seton Shrine and Gettysburg, Pa, and tour the the church, the people of God, to accompany people through sights of Washington, D.C. The cost for the 7-day pilgrimage their struggles and challenges. This means more than just is $850 and includes air and ground travel, lodging, meals, and “being” with people. It involves a profoundly deep listening tour fees. Registration closes Oct. 15, space is limited – register and support which we find through Jesus’ own example of early! To obtain a registration form, contact Rachelle at (701) accompaniment in the scriptures. Thus our retreat concentrates 356-7910 or rachelle.sauvageau@fargodiocese.org or go to www. on “Walking With Jesus” as he shows us how he responded to fargodiocese.org/respectlife. the alienated and the respectable. The retreat begins at 7 p.m.

Beginning Experience for those divorced, widowed and separated

St. Ann’s in Belcourt sponsoring two summer teen retreats

Youth called to March for Life – registration now open

Maryvale Convent, Valley City, hosting a Summer Women’s Retreat

Diocesan policy: Reporting child abuse

The Diocese of Fargo is committed to the protection of youth. Please report any incidents or suspected incidents of child abuse, including sexual abuse, to civil authorities. If the situation involves a member of the clergy or a religious order, a seminarian or anemployee of a Catholic school, parish, the diocesan offices or other Catholic entity within the diocese, we ask that you also report the incident or suspected incident to Monsignor Joseph P. Goering at (701) 356-7945 or Larry Bernhardt at (701) 356-7965 or VictimAssistance@fargodiocese.org.

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

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Life’s milestones Allen and Elaine Hobbs, parishioners of St. Timothy’s Church in Manvel, celebrated their 50th anniversary on April 20. They were married at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in East Farmington, Wis. Butch and Gerry Howe will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 31. They were married at Sacred Heart Church in Dent, Minn. Gerry is a parishioner of St. Agnes Church in Hunter. They have two daughters, one son, and two grandchildren.

Richard and Anne Willetts, parishioners of St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 18. They were married by Father Bernard Pfau at St Michael’s.

They have two daughters and one granddaughter.

Phil and Marilyn Yale, parishioners of St. Timothy’s Church in Manvel, celebrated their 60th anniversary on April 18. They were married at St. Mary’s Church in Grand Forks.

Martha Berube celebrated her 90th birthday on May 3. She is a parishioner of St. Aloysius Church in Lisbon.

She was married to Gerald Berube, who passed away in 2015. She has five children, Darold, Darlene Jostad, Dennis, Delores Bohnenkamp and Donell Berube.

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Anna Striefel Klein celebrated her 90th birthday on April 20. She is a parishioner of St. Cecilia’s Church in Harvey. She married Wendelin Striefel and they farmed for many years south of Anamoose. They had five children, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Wendelin passed away in 1987. Anna then married Christ Klein and lived in Carrington for several years.

When he passed away, she moved back to Harvey.

Rachel Stene, parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Grand Forks, will celebrate her 103rd birthday on May 25.

She is the mother of seven children. Her husband passed away in 1985.

A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST 50 Years Ago....1968

Special dedicatory programs and an open house for the new additions to the Towner County Memorial Hospital, Cando, will be held in May. Bishop Leo F. Dworschak will speak and participate in the blessing of the new facility on May 8. A program of dedication and an open house will be held May 16. Main speaker will be Fr. John McHugh.

The Sisters of St. Francis operate the hospital.

20 Years Ago....1998

Members of Holy Spirit, Nortonville, thought it was a pretty big deal when they hit the 1,000 mark in their rosary-making project in May 1993. Their feat was even featured in New Earth. But they did not rest on their laurels. In fact, they sent their 10,000th rosary this month in a shipment of several hundred rosaries to Lima, Peru.

10 Years ago....2008

St. Paul’s Catholic Church of Tappen, under the current pastorate of Fr. Jerome Hunkler, is nearing completion of its “30 year” renovation project. The historic church building, purchased in 1924, has been updated beginning in 2002 and ending in 2008. Fr. Hunkler said he is “happy with the many hours of service and the generosity of parish members who have made all this possible. For 84 years the church has been the home parish to many area people and will continue to serve as a beautiful place of worship.”

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

US & WORLD NEWS

Pope Francis issues exhortation praising the “middle class” of holiness

By Hannah Brockhaus | Catholic News Agency

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(Bohumil Petrik | CNA)

ope Francis released an apostolic exhortation in which he aims to “repropose” the universal call to holiness – which he says is the mission of life for every person.

Published April 9, Gaudete et exsultate, or “Rejoice and be glad,” is Francis’ third apostolic exhortation. It is subtitled “On the call to holiness in the contemporary world.”

The 44-page exhortation explains that holiness is the mission of every Christian, and gives practical advice for living out the call to holiness in ordinary, daily life, encouraging the practice of the Beatitudes and performing works of mercy.

Francis mentioned the holiness “in those parents who raise their children with immense love, in those men and women who work hard to support their families, in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile. In their daily perseverance, I see the holiness of the Church militant. Very often it is a holiness found in our next-door neighbors, those who, living in our midst, reflect God’s presence. We might call them ‘the middle class of holiness.’”

Francis said that all Catholics that, like the saints, “need to see the entirety of your life as a mission,” and explained that this is accomplished by listening to God in prayer and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance in each moment and decision.

“A Christian cannot think of his or her mission on earth without seeing it as a path of holiness,” he stated, explaining that this path has its “fullest meaning in Christ and can only be understood through him.”

Using the words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Francis wrote, “holiness is nothing other than charity lived to the full.”

As a result, the measure of our holiness stems not from our own

achievement, but “from the stature that Christ achieves in us.”

Therefore, Pope Francis said, to walk the path of holiness requires prayer and contemplation alongside action; the two cannot be separated.

Some may be asked, through God’s grace, for grand gestures of holiness – as can be seen in the lives of many of the saints, Francis said – but many people are called to live the mission of holiness in a more ordinary way, and in the context of their vocation.

However large or small one’s call seems, Francis said that acts of charity are always undertaken “by God’s grace,” not as people “sufficient unto ourselves, but rather ‘as good stewards of the manifold grace of God’” (1 Peter 4:10), he said.

The pope offered several practical recommendations for living out these “small gestures.” In addition to the frequent reception of the sacraments and attendance at Mass, he said that in the Beatitudes Jesus explains “with great simplicity what it means to be holy.”

The saints show us that “mental prayer, the love of God and the reading of the Gospel” in no way detract from “passionate and effective commitment to their neighbors.”

The pope highlighted several qualities he finds especially important for living holiness in today’s culture, including: perseverance, patience, humility, joy, a sense of humor, boldness, and passion.

Boldness and passion, he said, are important in order to avoid despondency or mediocrity, which he said can weaken us in the ongoing spiritual battle against evil.

In the journey toward holiness, “the cultivation of all that is good, progress in the spiritual life and growth in love are the best counterbalance to evil,” he said, emphasizing that the existence of the devil is not a myth or an abstract idea, but a “personal being that assails us.”

“Those who choose to remain neutral, who are satisfied with little, who renounce the ideal of giving themselves generously to the Lord, will never hold out” against temptation, he stated.

“For this spiritual combat, we can count on the powerful weapons that the Lord has given us: faith-filled prayer, meditation on the word of God, the celebration of Mass, Eucharistic adoration, sacramental Reconciliation, works of charity, community life, missionary outreach,” he listed.

About the importance of prayer on the path to holiness, the pope said that though “the Lord speaks to us in a variety of ways, at work, through others and at every moment… we simply cannot do without the silence of prolonged prayer.”

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US & WORLD NEWS their understanding and participation in the sacred liturgy. It is also connected with the development of Catholic Charities and foundations of social works in the church and their development in this country because the rural community was seen to be at the very heart and life of the people. So, the farmers certainly bring a tremendous contribution to the life of the Church in the sense of helping everyone to be more connected with nature as God created it. Of course, the farmers also look to the Church for the intercession they need in order to carry out their work.

Today there is a challenge in farming which didn’t exist in the past; so-called vertical integration. There are a number of practices that are used with these very large farming operations and larger animal concentrations that raise moral questions about the soundness of the method of producing the food. Farmers have an added challenge today.

The Church needs to be very close to farmers. I was bishop in LaCrosse, and it used to be heavily populated with small farmers.

Now the small farmers are disappearing, and the ones who can survive now are the ones who do organic farming, because they’re able to receive a price for their produce which earns them a living, whereas the other small farmers can’t because of this vertical integration, these huge operations, because they control the production, the processing, the selling, and therefore the food is cheap, but so is the return small farmers are receiving.

I tried my best to be close to the farmers, especially the small farmers, because many of them became discouraged, especially when the farm had been in the family for generations and now His Eminence Raymond Cardinal Burke stands in the chapel at Bishop suddenly the farmer finds that in his or her time everything Folda’s residence in Fargo. (Paul Braun | New Earth) is going financially to ruin, and they have to give up the farm.

That’s a very heavy burden, and actually something that’s not aymond Cardinal Burke, archbishop and the patron of the Sov- known very widely is the incidence of suicide among farmers, ereign Military Order of Malta, and past Prefect and current which should be a very profound concern for the Church. So, member of the Apostolic Signatura, was in Fargo on April 17- the Church needs to be very close to farmers and to encourage 18 to attend the La Bella Serata Gala at the Delta Hotels by Marriott. them, especially to know the moral challenges and economic Cardinal Burke is a former Bishop of Lacrosse, Wis, and Archbishop challenges that they face. of St. Louis, Mo. New Earth had an opportunity to talk to Cardinal NE – In a larger community like Fargo or Grand Forks, if some Burke about the challenges facing rural parishes, the state of the families stop going to Church, there are still many others that Church in the United States, and other items of interest to the faithful. do take part and help sustain those parishes. That’s not the case NE – The Fargo Diocese is a mission diocese, with most of in our rural communities. When the younger families leave, it our parishes in small, rural communities. You were raised in is devastating. How do we reach out to those younger families rural Wisconsin, and know what it’s like to live and work in and bring them back to our parishes? these communities. How crucial are the rural parishes to these Cardinal Burke – It is devastating. I saw this repeatedly in my home diocese. There were all of these wonderful little parishes communities and the Church as a whole? where there were a good number of family farms surrounding Cardinal Burke – The rural communities are critical. The them, and these farmers would have a number of children. Now farmers are working with creation, with plants and animals the farms are being sold to these big companies who often times to produce food, fiber clothing for everyone. They’re working bring in workers from outside the community who are kind of directly with God. Farmers help us to keep a sense of who we anonymous.

I remember one time I visited one of these huge are and where we come from. They help us to have a strong dairy operations in Wisconsin, and I met these workers from faith in God’s presence. They realize they depend totally upon all over the globe, and afterwards I asked some of the people God, so a good farmer is also a person of deep prayer, asking in the small town nearby if they were coming to church and for God’s help and for the intercession of Our Lady, the angels they said “We didn’t even know they were there.” It’s a different and saints, especially St. Isidore and his wife St. Maria, who are kind of situation spiritually.

So now the parish numbers go the patron saints of farmers, especially family farmers. down to a certain point, and what’s the local Bishop to do?

The rural life movement, which was very strong in our The parish can’t sustain itself anymore, and the parishes have country, especially in the earlier part of the 20th century, was to be grouped together sometimes, or some have to be closed, very much connected with the liturgical movement, with the and that’s always sad because people have long family ties to intention to enhance peoples’ life, prayer, and devotion, and

A conversation with the Cardinal

R

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think we use bells at Mass? It’s a way to grab your attention and realize that this is the most sacred moment of the Mass.

NE – Your work for the Vatican brings you to the Church all over the world. What are you seeing? What are the faithful saying to you?

Cardinal Burke – I meet so many people who are profoundly discouraged about the state of society and the world right now, and even of the Church. Things have become so secularized, His Eminence Raymond Cardinal Burke and and when we think of the absurd gender-theory and how this Bishop John Folda converse in Bishop Folda’s is practically becoming as law in society, it’s very discouraging residence. (Paul Braun | New Earth) to people. I wrote a book recently called Hope for the World to these parishes. Their parents, grandparents and themselves give hope to people and say we can turn things around. However, have received the sacraments there, some are buried there, and there is a lot to be frightened about. We maybe don’t sense it so for them now to think there won’t be a parish there anymore is much right here in Fargo, but for instance the advance of radical a terrible thing. As a bishop, it was one of the worst situations Islam in Europe is a very threatening and concerning situation, I had to deal with, these small, formally vibrant community and we should be attentive because it could also happen in our country. I know that makes some people uncomfortable, but parishes not being able to continue.

NE – So how do we reach out to these peripheries? How do we sometimes we need to feel uncomfortable. If there’s an elephant in the living room, we should feel uncomfortable sitting around bring those former Catholics back in? and pretending it’s not there. It’s not for our good, but this is Cardinal Burke – Every soul counts and we can’t overlook any sometimes our attitude. People don’t want to look into the eye group, but perhaps today the group suffering more than any of a situation and deal with it. We deal with it with serenity others are the rural people whose communities are disintegrating because we know that our Lord is with us and he’s going to and going through a lot of economic troubles. Of course, when sustain us through it all, but we also deal with it with honesty. that happens, there’s a tendency not to pass on the faith or its What is the situation and what is the right response to it? practices. Growing up, we had very strong Catholics in our community that went to Mass and confession regularly, observed NE – Speaking of that honesty, what do you feel is the state of the holy days, and there was no question about these because the Church in the United States? it was part of the substance of our lives. The peripheries can be Cardinal Burke – I can say with all honesty that the state of in your own home as far as I’m concerned, and it starts there. I the Catholic Church in the United States is probably as strong am pleased to hear your Bishop Folda is making this a priority as in any country in the world. There are many signs of hope.

I visited the beautiful adoration chapel you have here in Fargo here in North Dakota.

NE – Your book, Divine Love Made Flesh, really explains the and saw that people were worshipping and praying, and I’m Eucharist. Was it your intention to write this particular book told there are people there 24 hours a day. I also meet so many because we Catholics don’t seem to take the Eucharist and what wonderful young seminarians, young priests and young couples.

I talked at the Gala event about this International Center for it represents as seriously as we should?

Marriage, Family and Life, dedicated and under the patronage Cardinal Burke – I will say I derived a great deal of satisfaction of St. Gianna that will be established here in the United States. writing about the Eucharist. I saw that the Eucharistic faith here This is what excites people. This is what they want… a place in the United States had so badly suffered and that people needed where they can honor and celebrate marriage for what it truly is, simply to have a basic presentation again on the Holy Eucharist along with family and the great gift of human life. There were and all of its richness. I tried to make the language as accessible a great number of young couples either married or engaged at as possible for the reader so the everyday Catholic could read the event, so I think there is a lot of hope. However, I think what it and benefit from it. The chapters aren’t very long, and some we need to do is to keep deepening our understanding of the people have used it for Eucharistic Adoration. It was meant to faith, and I encourage any kind of catechesis of young people, be instructive, but also inspirational. When I was growing up but also of adults who, through no fault of their own, have not in Wisconsin, about 90% of Catholics attended Mass, and there been catechized and don’t understand their faith, and they’re was a very strong belief in the presence of our Lord in the Euvery hungry to understand it. You have many reasons to be full charist. When I was a server at Mass, we had great respect for of hope, and we should take from that hope an energy to try to the Eucharist because this was the body and blood of Christ. As live more intensely our Catholic life. I knew this about North I moved towards ordination, I found there was a great loss of Dakota, but I could especially see at the Gala the strong pro-life faith in the Eucharist; that many people weren’t going to Mass movement here, and that’s a great gift. I’ve been very pleased to regularly. If you really believe in the Mass and what it is and its visit Fargo. I want to encourage your good bishop, the priests reality, how would you not be at Mass on Sunday? Some people and all of the lay-faithful to realize there’s a lot of hope here, will substitute Mass for a walk in the woods. Well, or course and that you’re spreading hope. One year University of Mary you’ll find God in nature, but in the Eucharist you find our Lord students from Bismarck led the March for Life in Washington, in his true body and blood, soul and divinity, and that’s someand one year it was your students from Shanley High School thing altogether different. There are also regular churchgoers here in Fargo, so obviously North Dakota is being recognized. who no longer reflect on what they are doing there, and maybe Keep it up! don’t take what’s happening on the altar seriously. Why do you NEW EARTH MAY 2018

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US & WORLD NEWS

The sign of the cross is our badge, Pope Francis says

By Hannah Brockhaus | Catholic News Agency

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n April 18, Pope Francis said that to make the sign of the cross is to mark ourselves as Christians, and that it is something we should do often to remind ourselves that we belong to God. “The cross is the badge that shows who we are: our speaking, thinking, looking, working [are] under the sign of the cross, that is, the love of Jesus, to the end,” he said.

“Making the sign of the cross when we wake up, before meals, before a danger, to defend against evil, [at] night before sleep

means to tell ourselves and others who we belong to, who we want to be.”

Pope Francis spoke about the sign of the cross during the weekly Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

Reflecting on the sacrament of Baptism, he offered the suggestion of keeping a small dish of holy water at home, so that, “every time we come back or go out, making the sign of the cross with that water, we remember that we are baptized.”

“In fact, what happens in the celebration of Baptism arouses a spiritual dynamic that passes through the whole life of the baptized; it is the beginning of a process that allows one to live united to Christ in the Church,” Francis stated.

Catholic agencies concerned by drastic drop in Syrian refugees admitted to US

By Mary Rezac | Catholic News Agency

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atholic leaders have said that the dramatic decrease in the number of Syrian refugees accepted by the United States is of great humanitarian concern.

While the United States government is in the midst of condemning and investigating recent suspected chemical warfare attacks reportedly carried out by the Syrian government, the number of Syrian refugees accepted by the United States has declined dramatically this year.

According to the State Department, the United States has accepted only 11 Syrian refugees so far this year, compared with 790 over the same period in 2016.

More than 10 million Syrians have been displaced from their homes over the course of a civil war that has been ongoing for the past seven years. Many of these refugees have overwhelmingly flooded neighboring countries such as Jordan and Lebanon.

“The precipitous decline in the number of Syrians the United States is resettling is extremely concerning,” Bill O’Keefe, vice president for government relations and advocacy for Catholic Relief Services, told CNA. “...millions of Syrians remain displaced, caught in a web of violence and proxy wars,” he added. “The United States has traditionally taken the most vulnerable refugees, including Syrians, who have suffered terrible trauma or would be unable to go home. These refugees are the neighbors Jesus told us to love in the Gospel. We can safely welcome thousands of these women, men, and children to our country.”

This Catholic Arts Competition aims to foster beautiful Christian art

By Perry West | Catholic News Agency

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Catholic liberal arts college in Pennsylvania is hosting its seventh biennial Catholic Arts Competition and Exhibition to move artists and buyers towards diverse, original, and beautiful Christian art.

Jordan Hainsey, the exhibition manager and a seminarian for the Diocese of Covington, told CNA that a major focus of the exhibition is to give priests and the laity an option to commission religious art.

“There are these talented artists that pastors of parishes [and] people who just want to commission a painting for devotion don’t have to go to a catalogue,” he said. “There is all of these 38

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artists who are looking to create new and original expressions of art of the faith, and they are just waiting to be commissioned.”

Through Aug. 3, Saint Vincent College is accepting Christian works of art from any person 21 years and up. The entries must be original and created within the past five years. After the competition closes, an exhibition of the competitors’ art will be displayed Oct. 30 – Dec. 2.

Subject choices must promote devotion with Christian themes such as biblical scenes, stories of saints, the history of the Church, and the sacraments.

Sidewalk Stories

By Roxane B. Salonen

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Mothers impact other mothers on sidewalk

hen I began praying on the sidewalk at our state’s only abortion facility more regularly, I joined with others who have something in common with me – the blessing of being a mother.

As some of us began keeping in touch with each other every week, it seemed fitting to name our prayer group, and “Mothers Loving Mothers” seemed to suit us well.

Not all who pray there are physical mothers. Some are fathers, and others still, though not earthly mothers, have been spiritual mothers to many.

No matter what our own mothering experience looks like, we seem to agree on one sight that hurts our collective hearts: a fellow mother accompanying her daughter to have an abortion.

In other words, a grandmother helping her daughter abort her own grandchild.

Recently, one of our advocates, Bonnie Spies, shared with me in writing about how much this grieves her.

As a mother, Bonnie said, she understands how “watching your child suffering hurts more than suffering ourselves,” and she realizes “many hope this solution will ease suffering.”

But, she says, “I can’t imagine how hard it must be to learn, firsthand, that this wasn’t the best solution after all; to watch your child suffer more and longer has to be such a burden for those moms (and grandmothers).”

Now that she’s a grandmother herself, Bonnie wrote, she’s “become aware on a totally different level the magnitude of loss for that family.” “(We grandmothers) joke about being able to give grandbabies back to the mom when they cry…and about snuggles in the daytime and a full night’s sleep…Yes, those things are great,” she says. “But the best part of being a grandmother is watching the person you love most fall head over heels in love with the person they now love most.”

“There are no words that even come close to that level of joy,” Bonnie continued, adding that when mothers bring their daughters to have an abortion “they are replacing the greatest joy they will ever know with heartache.”

The thought crushes her. “So I pray. And I try to offer hope,” she said, “and then I go home and cry.”

Thankfully, the hopeful moments come, too.

Another prayer advocate, Brad Youngquist, a father, reached

out to share about a successful outcome brought on by the tireless efforts of Lila Harmsen, a regular at the sidewalk. He recounted meeting up with her to deliver a small table and chair to one of her “saves,” a single mother from Liberia.

“My wife Jolene had donated the table and two chairs. About all this young gal had in her apartment was a very basic bed, a TV, a microwave, this table, and a crib donated by David Foerster,” he shared, noting that the mother was moving to another slightly larger apartment.

“And who was there to help her move?” he asked. “Lila, age 79, and her two sisters – one is 90!”

Brad noted how much he enjoyed meeting the “incredibly good-natured and soon-expecting mom, plus seeing Lila, who has a strong friendship to her.”

The mother, he added, works in a retirement home and loves that the elderly people there value her and call her “Honey.”

“Her mother died when she was a child, so she was living with her aunt who raised her,” he says. “The aunt had been pushing for an abortion, so she moved out, but the aunt is now accepting her decision to keep her baby.”

Apparently, earlier in the day, the mother had driven past the sidewalk “to see those who supported her in becoming a mom.” “It was quite rewarding to see a positive outcome of our sidewalk efforts, though Lila obviously had by far the biggest impact,” Brad wrote.

“I helped carry most of the heavy items,” he continued, “and after everything was moved, Lila walked me out to the apartment entrance, and we both talked of the priceless value of this baby.”

Truly, it doesn’t get any better than helping support a child who had been just minutes away from abortion. To know you had a hand in assisting God in bringing that beautiful person into being seems nothing short of the most amazing reward possible on this earth.

In this month of Mary and mothers, let us make an appeal to Our Blessed Mother that, through our love and her mother’s heart, more lives might be spared in days to come, for “blessed is the fruit of thy womb,” and every womb that bears life.

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

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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 June New Earth.

Where in the diocese are we?

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Last month’s photo is of Sacred Heart Church in Minto.