New Earth CATHOLIC DIOCESE
OF
FARGO
Keepsake Issue May 2013 • Vol. 34 • No. 5
Welcome New Bishop for a
Bishop-elect John T. Folda Appointed 8th Bishop of Fargo by Pope Francis on April 8, 2013 Episcopal Ordination and Installation: June 19, 2013
All that I am, all that I have By S.L. Hansen
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n Monday, April 8, the Feast of the Annunciation, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis appointed a new bishop of the Diocese of Fargo. Msgr. John Folda, rector of St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb., will be ordained and installed as the eighth bishop of Fargo June 19. Please turn to FARGO on page 3A
Haney’s Photography, Moorhead, Minn.
Welcome for a New Bishop
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Schedule of Events Tuesday, June 18: 7 p.m. Solemn Vespers (open to the public) A time of prayer and thanksgiving Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church 5202 25th St. S., Fargo 8 p.m. Reception (open to the public) Holy Family Social Hall Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church 5202 25th St. S., Fargo Sts. Anne & Joachim Church Bishop-elect John Folda
Wednesday, June 19: 2 p.m. Mass of Ordination and Installation of Bishop John Folda Cathedral of St. Mary 604 Broadway, Fargo Tickets required for upstairs Cathedral seating Tickets are available for some basement seating* Open seating available at First Lutheran Church, Celebration Center 619 Broadway, Fargo High quality broadcast of the Mass will be shown “live” Communion will be available during the Mass 4 p.m. Public Receiving Line with Bishop Folda On the front lawn of the Bishop’s Residence, 608 Broadway, just north of the Cathedral All are welcome to greet Bishop Folda, even if you were not able to attend the Mass 4 p.m. time is approximate; it may be as late as 4:30 p.m., depending on the length of the liturgy
* Those wishing to request tickets for seating in the Cathedral basement may do so online at www.fargodiocese.org/cathedraltickets beginning May 22
Cathedral of St. Mary
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” Revelation 21:1
NewEarth (ISSN # 10676406)
SERVING CATHOLIC PARISHES AS THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FARGO, N.D. Member of the Catholic Press Association Bishop David Kagan Apostolic Administrator, Fargo Publisher Tanya Watterud Interim Editor news@fargodiocese.org Published monthly by The Catholic Spirit Publishing Company, a non-profit Minnesota corporation, 244 Dayton Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102. (651) 291-4444. Periodicals postage paid at St. Paul, MN and additional post offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Earth, 5201 Bishops Boulevard, Suite A, Fargo ND 58104-7605. (701) 356-7900. Personal subscription rate for 11 issues of New Earth per year: $9.
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Welcome for a New Bishop
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Photo by Haney’s Photography, Moorhead, Minn.
When Bishop-elect Folda was in Fargo May 9 and 10, he moved some of his books and other items into the Bishop's Residence, had formal photographs taken, and met with several of those from the Diocese of Fargo who are helping plan the liturgies and other aspects of his ordination and installation as Bishop of Fargo.
Fargo Diocese to welcome a new bishop Continued from page 1A He is one of the first bishops named by Pope Francis. “It is certainly an honor to be chosen by him for this role,” said Bishop-elect Folda. “I only hope I can follow the beautiful example of service, simplicity, and joyful faith that he has already shown the world.” Bishop James D. Conley, bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln where Msgr. Folda has served as a priest, said he is “thrilled to welcome one of our own to the college of bishops… I look forward to working with him as a brother bishop.” John Thomas Folda was born in Omaha in 1961, the youngest of Mabel and the late James Folda’s three children. “My parents and family really lived our Catholic faith, and it was from them that I first learned the faith and about my relationship with our Lord,” Bishopelect Folda said. He is grateful that his parents were able to provide him with 12 years of Catholic schooling during his youth. He attended St. Thomas More Grade School and Archbishop Ryan High School and served at the altar, where he got to know his parish priests very well. After high school, Bishop-elect Folda studied architecture and electrical engineering at the University of NebraskaLincoln. The Newman Center was instrumental in deepening his understanding of the Catholic faith and God’s calling to the priesthood. “The priests at the Newman Center
“My parents and family really lived our Catholic faith, and it was from them that I first learned the faith and about my relationship with our Lord.
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Bishop-elect John T. Folda encouraged all of us to consider a priestly or religious vocation, and after a certain amount of resistance, I eventually realized that he might be calling me,” he recalled. At the age of 22, Bishop-elect Folda entered Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. He graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy in 1985. He earned his master of divinity degree in 1988 and a master of arts in theology the following year. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lincoln by Bishop Glennon P. Flavin on May 27, 1989. “Bishop Flavin was a man of great holiness and courage, and the Diocese of Lincoln was blessed by his steady leadership in turbulent times,” Bishop-elect Folda remembered. “He was extremely kind and was known by many to be a wonderful confessor.” After serving for two years as parochial vicar at Cathedral of the Risen Christ and religion teacher at Pius X High School, both in Lincoln, Bishopelect Folda was sent to Rome, where he earned a licentiate in sacred theology at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas. Two years later, he returned to Ne-
braska, where he was appointed by Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz to a series of varied roles, including pastor, guidance counselor, religion instructor, assistant to the vicar general, director of religious education, co-vicar for religious, master of ceremonies and censor librorum (the diocesan official who reviews texts and grants the nihil obstat, declaring the work free of doctrinal error). In Bishop Bruskewitz, Bishop-elect Folda found “a dynamic leader” who was “never afraid to take a risk or swim upstream if he felt it was necessary.” He added, “His sense of humor and positive spirit were always encouraging to me.” Following Bishop Bruskewitz’s example, Bishop-elect Folda has continued to study the riches of the Catholic faith so he can effectively share it with others. “Being a priest has been more satisfying than I could have imagined,” Bishop-elect Folda recounted. “It is an awesome experience to bring our Lord’s Eucharistic presence to his people and to offer them his forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” In October 2007, he was elevated to Chaplain of His Holiness by Pope Benedict XVI, with the title Monsignor. Last
year, Bishop-elect Folda welcomed his friend for more than 20 years, Bishop Conley, to the Diocese of Lincoln. “Although I’m biased, I believe he is a perfect fit for the Diocese of Lincoln,” Bishop-elect Folda said, noting that he will follow Bishop Conley’s lead in reaching out to young people. “He has also embraced the new evangelization and new media, and I would be wise to do the same!” As seminary rector for the last 13 academic years, Bishop-elect Folda said it has been particularly meaningful to work with young men who are discerning their vocational callings to the priesthood. “It has been a joy to watch them grow in their relationship with God and to help them along the way towards the priesthood,” Bishop-elect Folda said. He added that his work at the seminary has helped him grow in his own understanding of the priesthood and the Church, and how each man’s experience is unique. “I hope this experience will help me understand the needs of my priests and my new diocese better,” he said. “I know it has heightened my awareness of the importance of priestly vocations, and I intend to do all I can to encourage young men to consider our Lord’s call to them. I will also certainly encourage young women to consider the religious life as well.” Father Jeffrey Eickhoff, academic dean Please turn to BISHOP-ELECT on page 4A
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Welcome for a New Bishop
Diocese of Fargo bishops of the past
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Bishop-elect says he’s humbled by the prospects of leading a diocese Continued from page 3A and teacher at St. Gregory the Great, said, “We will sorely miss him here at the seminary where he has been a wonderful leader, but I rejoice for the Church that she has chosen a good and holy priest to be a successor to the Apostles.” While he’s honored to be chosen by the Holy Father for this role, Bishop-elect Folda is humbled by the prospects of overseeing a diocese. “Although I have many shortcomings, I will do my best to give the people of Fargo all that I am and all that I have,” he promised. “Most importantly, I will try to offer the simple truth and beauty of our faith in Jesus Christ with all its richness. I can assure them of my love and my prayers for them already, and I can hardly wait to meet them.” Bishop Conley is confident in Bishop-elect Folda’s ability to serve faithfully in Fargo. “He will be a leader who brings with him a vast experience of pastoral wisdom and clear decision-making,” he said. “All of this experience will be invaluable to him as he begins his episcopal ministry in the Diocese of Fargo. Above all, Bishop-elect Folda will be the kind of leader after the heart of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.” Bishop Conley complimented his predecessors for making theological formation of priests a high priority. “The fact that four Lincoln priests have been named bishops in recent years — by three different popes I might add — is a tribute to exceptional preparation and formation of priests in the Diocese of Lincoln…Obviously, this has not gone unnoticed by the Holy See,” Bishop Conley said. Bishop-elect Folda said he will miss the people of the Diocese of Lincoln. “I can only say a heartfelt thank you,” he said. “I have learned how to be a priest from all of you, and I have no doubt that my years here have in some way prepared me to be a bishop, too. I will always be grateful for the kindness, love, patience, and joy that I have experienced among you, and I hope you will continue to remember me in your prayers.” He sees significance in the announcement of his appointment on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, when Catholics around the world celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord and Mary’s acceptance of her role as the Mother of God. “This is a good reminder to me that God has a great plan for all of us, and it’s exciting to be part of it!” he said. Reprinted with permission from the Southern Nebraska Register and edited for New Earth.
“We will sorely miss him here at the seminary where he has been a wonderful leader, but I rejoice for the Church that she has chosen a good and holy priest to be a successor to the Apostles.
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Father Jeffrey Eickhoff Newly appointed rector of St. Gregory the Great Seminary
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s n o i t a l u t a r g n Co Bishop-elect John Folda Bishop David. D. Kagan and the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Bismarck offer sincere congratulations to Bishop-elect John Folda and a promise of prayers on his appointment as the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Fargo.
Bishop David D. Kagan
Diocese of Bismarck
Welcome for a New Bishop
Bishop-elect John Thomas Folda
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August 1983 Aug. 8, 1961
Bishop-elect Folda entered seminary formation for the Diocese of Lincoln.
Born in Omaha, Neb.
1985 Graduated from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy.
Later attended St. Thomas More Grade School.
1988-1989
1979 Graduated Archbishop Ryan High School.
1979-1983 Attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he studied architecture and electrical engineering.
Completed his theological studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, where he earned a master of divinity degree and a master of arts in theology.
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1991 Went to Rome, where he earned a licentiate in sacred theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas.
1993
May 27, 1989 Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lincoln.
Assigned as pastor of St. Paulinus Church in Syracuse and Holy Trinity Church in Avoca. He was guidance counselor and teacher of religion at Lourdes Central Catholic School in Nebraska City. During this time, he also served as assistant to the Vicar General of the Diocese of Lincoln.
“Just as the office
The University of Mary joyfully welcomes the new Catholic Bishop of Fargo,
Monsignor John Thomas Folda
Ad Multos Annos! The University of Mary and the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery will pray for Monsignor Folda, an effective and ardent supporter of Catholic education, as he leads the good people of the Diocese of Fargo.
We are Christian, we are Catholic, and we are Benedictine. The University of Mary offers bachelor’s degrees in nearly 60 majors, ten graduate programs, study abroad in Italy, and adult degree completion programs.
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which the Lord confided to Peter alone, as first of the apostles, destined to be transmitted to his successors, is a permanent one, so also endures the office, which the apostles received, of shepherding the Church, a charge destined to be exercised without interruption by the sacred order of bishops.” Hence the Church teaches that “the bishops have by divine institution taken the place of the apostles as pastors of the Church, in such wise that whoever listens to them is listening to Christ and whoever despises them despises Christ and him who sent Christ.
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Catechism of the Catholic Church 862
Welcome for a New Bishop
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1995 Appointed pastor of St. Leo Church in Palmyra and St. Martin Church in Douglas.
1997 Appointed diocesan Director of Religious Education, Co-Vicar for Religious, Master of Ceremonies, and Censor Librorum. He was also appointed Delegate of the Bishop to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital and continues as vice president of the Board of Directors.
1993 to present
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2008 to 2010
A member of the Board of the Nebraska Catholic Conference. He has also been a member of the Presbyteral Council, College of Consultors, Finance Council, Priests’ Continuing Education Committee, Catholic Social Services Board and the Ethics Committee of St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center.
1999
Served as president of the National Association of College Seminaries.
Oct. 10, 2007 Pope Benedict XVI named him “Chaplain of His Holiness” with the title of monsignor.
April 8, 2013 Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Fargo.
Appointed rector of St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb.
Mount unt St St. t. Mar M Mary’s ry’s Se Seminary minar ary Emmitsburg, Emmit tsburg, Maryland
“The college or body of bishops has no authority unless united with the Roman Pontiff, Peter’s successor, as its head.” As such, this college has “supreme and full authority over the universal Church; but this power cannot be exercised without the agreement of the Roman Pontiff.
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Catechism of the Catholic Church 883
Msgr sgrr. Steven P. Rohlfs, Reectorr, and the priests and seminarians of Mount nt St t. Mar ry’s Seminar ry offer prayerful congratulations to
Bishop-Elect John Thomas Fold da on your appointment as
Bishop of the Diocese of Fargo. With i gratitud gratitude for your life of service to the Churrcch in forming men for the priesthood. Ad Multos Annos!
16300 Old Emmitsburg Road Emmitsburg, Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727 www.msmary.edu/seminary www.msmaryy..edu/seminary .edu/
Welcome for a New Bishop
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Diocese of Fargo
How the dioceses compare
Diocese of Lincoln
Established: 1889 Total Population: 390,972 Catholic Population: 72,219 Square Miles: 35,786 over 30 counties 132 Parishes 141 Priests (76 active in the diocese; 8 outside the diocese; 48 retired; 9 religious) Permanent Deacons: 45 17 Seminarians 114 Religious Sisters 11 Catholic Elementary Schools 1 Catholic High School 1 Catholic Middle School
Bishop-elect John Folda is moving from the Diocese of Lincoln to the Diocese of Fargo. They are similar in the number of parishes, with 132 in the Fargo Diocese and 134 in the Lincoln Diocese. Following are other statistics reported in the 2012 edition of The Official Catholic Directory.
Established: 1887 Total Population: 588,641 Catholic Population: 96,625 Square Miles: 23,844 over 40 counties 134 Parishes 160 Priests (122 active in the diocese; 8 outside the diocese; 20 retired; 10 religious) Deacons: 3 Permanent; 2 Transitional 44 Seminarians 148 Religious Sisters 27 Catholic Elementary Schools 6 Catholic High Schools
LINCOLN FARGO
“Bishop-elect Folda is a man of deep faith, warm leadership, and unwavering fidelity to the teachings of the Church. My heart is filled with joy for the Church of Fargo, and I join the clergy and laity of the Diocese of Fargo in offering him my sincere congratulations, my prayers, and my friendship.
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Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, Archbishop of Denver and former Bishop of Fargo
Welcome for a New Bishop
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“In his mind a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9
The Lord directs our steps, leading us to him By Tanya Watterud
When news of the appointment of Msgr. John Folda as bishop for the Diocese of Fargo spread through the diocesan Pastoral Center in Fargo on April 8, “I knew immediately who he was,” Tamara Splonskowski, assistant to the chancellor, said. “I think that was probably the biggest shock of all, that I knew him — someone you actually know who is going to be your bishop!” About 15 years ago, Splonskowski was serving with a ministry group in Lincoln, Neb., and discerning joining a religious teaching order. She attended an event where Msgr. Folda, who was Father Folda at the time, was a speaker. “He expressed to us what spiritual direction was and the importance of it,” Splonskowski said.
“I think that was probably the biggest shock of all, that I knew him — someone you actually know who is going to be your bishop!
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Tamara Splonkowski
Afterwards, she told him she was discerning a vocation. She met with him a few times during the midst of that discernment. With his guidance and the guidance of the Mother Superior of the order, Splonskowski came to the deci-
sion that she was not called to that particular order at that time in her life. Father Folda advised her to move closer to home and continue discerning. “I’m still doing that. I’m open to discerning wherever God wants me to go,”
Splonskowski said. Now, she’s going to be working for the man who helped her make that pivotal decision. Splonskowski often thinks of the surprising blessings of God as the “candy” of life. “I guess I kind of take the whole thing as a little candy from God”, she said, feeling that God has expressed to her, “You had no clue when I first brought him into your life that I would do it again.”
A meeting between rectors Msgr. Brian Donahue, a Fargo Diocese priest who is currently pastor of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., remembered meeting Bishopelect Folda during a trip to Lincoln. After serving at Cardinal Muench Please turn to the next page
“Let all follow the bishop, as Jesus Christ follows his Father, and the college of presbyters as the apostles; respect the deacons as you do God’s law. Let no one do anything concerning the Church in separation from the bishop.
St. Thomas More Catholic Church Omaha, Nebraska Rejoices in the Appointment Of Our Native Son
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Catechism of the Catholic Church 896
Bishop John T. Folda As the Eighth Bishop of Fargo We love you, Bishop Folda! Ad multos annos!
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Bishop-elect Folda’s life touched North Dakotans earlier Continued from page 9A Seminary in Fargo as spiritual director, formation director, vice rector and then rector, Msgr. Donahue wanted to see St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, just outside of Lincoln, and meet its new rector, Father Folda. “I talked with him about what it’s like being a rector” and operating a seminary, Msgr. Donahue said. His impression of Father Folda was that he was a humble man with “a great spirit of joy in him — joy that just radiated from him.” He saw him again during a vacation in Breckenridge, Colo., a few years ago. He was Msgr. Folda then, a title Pope Benedict XVI gave him in 2007. “I still remember where he was standing and I was standing,” Msgr. Donahue said. Again he was struck with the impression of Msgr. Folda as “a person of joy, humility and grace.” So, when he heard the announcement that Msgr. Folda had been appointed Bishop of Fargo, “The first thing I thought was ‘Our prayers were answered in him.’ I think we are so blessed to have him as our new bishop.”
A broken-down van meeting When a van full of Fargo Diocese seminarians broke down during a spring break vacation in 2007, the men had no idea they would be meeting their future bishop. Philip Zubrod, who was a seminarian at the time and now works for Catholic United Financial in Grand Forks, said he and five other seminarians decided to take a trip to Colorado to visit seminarians there and snow ski. They were driving Zubrod’s father’s Dodge van through Nebraska, on their way back to North Dakota, when “all of a sudden the speedometer just went
“The first thing I thought was ‘Our prayers were answered in him.’ I think we are so blessed to have him as our new bishop.
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Msgr. Brian Donahue (When he heard the announcement that Msgr. Folda had been appointed Bishop of Fargo)
“They hobbled the van into town, thinking they would look for a Catholic church and see if a priest might be able to help them find a place where they could get the van repaired. Before they knew it, they saw a sign for St. Gregory the Great Seminary. We were like ‘all right!’ They clunked up to the seminary doors and went in to explain their situation. ‘The first person I find is the rector.’ The rector was Father Folda.
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Philip Zubrod crazy” and the engine malfunctioned. They took the nearest exit. After a look under the hood, they determined they couldn’t figure out what was wrong on their own. The only businesses at the exit were a gas station and Ford dealership. “The
Ford guy told us of a town nearby and how we could get there,” Zubrod said. They hobbled the van into town, thinking they would look for a Catholic church and see if a priest might be able to help them find a place where they could get the van repaired. Before they
knew it, they saw a sign for St. Gregory the Great Seminary. “We were like ‘all right!’ ” Zubrod said. They clunked up to the seminary doors and went in to explain their situation. “The first person I find is the rector,” Zubrod said. The rector was Father Folda. Zubrod introduced himself and Father Folda said, “Oh, we have a Zubrod here.” The summer before, Zubrod had learned of a fourth cousin, Chris Zubrod, who was studying as a seminarian for the Diocese of Lincoln, but he didn’t know what seminary he was in. As the Fargo Diocese seminarians were traveling through Nebraska that day, just before the van broke down, Zubrod was thinking about how nice it would be to meet his cousin. Little did he know that God would bring them together that evening. It was a Friday night, so Father Folda invited them to stay at the seminary and said they could check with the Dodge dealership in the morning. That meant Zubrod and his cousin would have some time together to get to know each other. Chris Zubrod was going to a parish fundraiser and family gathering on Saturday and wished that Philip could come with. “I’m going to pray that they can’t fix it on Saturday,” he said of the van. On Saturday, they found out they would have to wait until Monday to get the part the dealership needed to fix the van, so they ended up staying the entire weekend at the seminary, and Philip got to meet Chris’ family. Monday came and the van was fixed. They traveled back to North Dakota after being warmly welcomed in Nebraska, not knowing that the man who found “room in the inn” for a van full of seminarians would someday be their bishop.
“Helped by the priests, their co-workers, and by the deacons, the bishops have the duty of authentically teaching the faith, celebrating divine worship, above all the Eucharist, and guiding their Churches as true pastors. Their responsibility also includes concern for all the Churches, with and under the Pope.
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Catechism of the Catholic Church 939
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The suitcase nearly gave it away By Tanya Watterud
When a seminarian at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb., mentioned that he saw the rector, Msgr. John Folda, leave with a suitcase on April 6, the young men started wondering what was up, but Father Jeff Eickhoff quickly put their thoughts to rest. “I knew but, of course, I couldn’t tell,” said Father Eickhoff, academic dean and assistant professor of philosophy. “He went to be with his family,” he told the seminarians — a truthful story, but that wasn’t all that Msgr. Folda was doing. He traveled to stay overnight with his mother in Omaha that Saturday night, then boarded an airplane for Fargo on Sunday. The following morning, Monday, April 8, at 5 a.m. Central time, the Vatican announced that Msgr. Folda had been named Bishop of Fargo. Seminarian Anthony Kohel recalled how he learned of the appointment. “I was walking down the hallway in the morning to get some coffee, and I saw somebody come out of his room, a huge grin on his face, and he was looking at his smart phone.” Bishop James Conley had tweeted the news on Twitter. Bishop Conley and Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz had made plans with Father Eickhoff to be at the seminary at 6:30 a.m. to make the announcement during morning prayer. “He wanted me to try to keep it quiet,” Father Eickhoff said of Bishop Conley. But news of the early morning tweet spread rapidly throughout the seminary,
Photo submitted by St. Gregory the Great Seminary
Msgr. John Folda presides at a liturgy at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb., where he has been rector since 1999.
before the bishops even arrived.
Time to get out of bed After seminarian Jordan Morehead awoke that morning, he heard someone say, “We have a new bishop!” “I knew exactly who he was talking
Wishing you, Peace & All Good Bishop John T. Folda ~ With our prayerful support ~ Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen Immaculate Heart of Mary Province Hankinson, North Dakota
about,” Morehead said. Msgr. Folda has been “an excellent rector,” he said. “We were expecting that he might become a bishop.” Morehead went to wake another seminarian to tell him the news. At first, the seminarian jolted awake, thinking he was late for morning prayer.
When Morehead told him their rector had been named Bishop of Fargo, the seminarian said, “No way!” then “he got out of bed faster than I’d ever seen him get out of bed,” Morehead said with a laugh. Please turn to the next page
Congratulations to Bishop-elect John Folda on his installation as Bishop of Fargo! May God continue to bless you as you lead the Diocese.
Welcome for a New Bishop
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Seminarians in Nebraska weren’t surprised Continued from page 11A
Prayers and cheers There was a “real celebratory tone” at morning prayer that day, Father Eickhoff said. At the end of morning prayer, they sang the “Te Deum” — “God we praise you” — then rang the seminary bells. “Then we had to get on the internet and find the interview,” Father Eickhoff said. Real Presence Radio aired a live interview with their rector – now Bishopelect Folda – at 9:45 a.m. “When he did the little shout-out [to the seminarians in Seward] during the interview, all of the guys cheered!” Father Eickhoff said. As Bishop-elect Folda spoke of the seminarians during the radio interview, he said, “If any of them are listening, I send my greetings, I send my love, and I ask for your prayers today. I really have come to understand the role that a priest has as father by living and working with these great young men. They’re so dedicated and generous. I admire them so much each year for the way that they put their trust in God, they put their lives in God’s hands, and they try to discern if he is calling them to the priesthood.” Bishop-elect Folda’s role as “father” has made lasting impressions upon his seminarians. Kohel said the seminarians have been blessed to have Bishop-elect Folda “as a role for what we one day hope to become as priests . . . To see his virtue, his Please turn to the next page
Photo courtesy St. Gregory the Great Seminary
Msgr. Folda preaches at Mass with seminarians in the chapel at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb.
The Most Reverend David J. Malloy and the Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Diocese of Rockford
offer congratulations and prayers to
The Most Reverend John T. Folda, Bishop of Fargo
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‘A father’ to seminarians, rector called ‘well prepared’ Continued from page 12A character. It’s been a great blessing to be a part of that.” He continued, “He is an administrator here, kind of like a principal. More importantly, as a priest, he is our father . . . He’s very approachable . . . He’s very interested in our lives, in our families, in what we’re doing.” Kohel is a senior at St. Gregory the Great Seminary, which is a college-level seminary, and will go on for further education at a major seminary next year, either St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia or Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. “He actually visited those two places with Bishop-elect Folda this spring,” Father Eickhoff said of Kohel. Morehead is a junior at St. Gregory the Great Seminary, so he’ll have the opportunity to get to know the person who will be named the new rector while he continues his studies there. “He’s going to have big shoes to fill,” Morehead said. “Bishop-elect Folda has been like a father to us.” In fact, the seminarians have sometimes fondly referred to him as “dad”. “I have no doubt Bishop Conley will assign someone who can take on the role of ‘dad’ for 40 seminary guys. I hope and pray he’ll be a father to us like Bishop-elect Folda has been,” Morehead said.
Well-prepared Father Eickhoff said he has realized over these past several weeks how the Lord has prepared Bishop-elect Folda for
“I have no doubt Bishop Conley will assign someone who can take on the role of ‘dad’ for 40 seminary guys. I hope and pray he’ll be a father to us like Bishopelect Folda has been.
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Jordan Morehead, seminarian at St. Gregory the Great Seminary the role of a bishop. Bishop-elect Folda has worked with seminarians, served as co-vicar for religious, has been a pastor for a number of years, taught high school, worked with the diocesan finance council and worked on building projects, he said. When Bishop-elect Folda served as emcee for Bishop Bruskewitz and the bishop would make a request of him, Bishop-elect Folda would say “yes” without question, he said. “At the time, Bishop-elect Folda was just answering the call of the bishop in his own obedience . . . but when we look backwards we see God’s plan unfolding.” Now, Father Eickhoff said, he is “all the more convinced of God’s plan for each of us, and his plan for Bishop-elect Folda.”
Photo courtesy of St. Gregory the Great Seminary
Father Jeff Eickhoff, shown here with Bishop-elect Folda and his mother, Mabel, said he has realized over the past few weeks how well-prepared the new bishop is for the post, with the great variety of experiences and positions he has had. After this story was written, it was announced that Father Eickhoff will be the new rector of St. George the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb.
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Welcome for a New Bishop
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A son, a brother, a bishop By Tanya Watterud
The Folda family gathered around the table for dinner on Saturday night, April 6, in the small town of Adams, Neb., south of Lincoln. Just as Mabel Folda’s grandchildren were rising to say goodbye, her son, Msgr. John Folda, said, “Just a minute, guys. I want to tell you something.” “He said, very quietly, I have been appointed Bishop of Fargo,” Mabel said. “There was silence for a minute and then we just erupted. There was lots of laughter, and some tears, and many, many questions.” Msgr. Folda’s sister, Mary Gramann, and her husband, Karl, hosted the dinner at their house. His brother, Jim, and his wife, Paula, were there from Brookfield, Wis., and Mary and Karl’s four children and granddaughter were all present to hear the news. The timing was perfect. They had been together at a family wedding in Howells, Neb., the night before, at which Msgr. Folda was the celebrant, and Jim and Paula hadn’t yet left to return to Wisconsin, so Msgr. Folda was able to tell all of them at the same time. Then, just as he had been required to keep it a secret since March 26, when he was asked to accept the appointment as Bishop of Fargo, his family members now had to keep the news to themselves until Monday, April 8, when the Vatican would officially announce his appointment. “I didn’t sleep real well that night,” Please turn to FAMILY on page 15A
Photo courtesy Folda family
Bishop-elect John Folda is pictured with several of his family members, including his sister, Mary, to his right, and his mother, Mabel. His brother, Jim, and wife, Paula, are not pictured, but are included in the family photo on page 16A.
Congratulations Bishop John T. Folda
Congratulations
on your ordination as bishop for the Diocese of Fargo
Most Reverend John Folda We congratulate you on your appointment to Bishop of the Diocese of Fargo. From the faculty and seminarians at Immacululate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona, MN.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary 700 Terrace Heights #43 Winona, MN 55987
Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Diocese of Grand Island Bishop William J. Dendinger
Welcome for a New Bishop
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Family ‘almost speechless’ at first, but sees new bishop’s many gifts “Jake was with us and
Congratulations Bishop Folda, from all of us at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House
Continued from page 14A
Mabel said, “I’m sure he had a couple of those nights himself, so it was my turn.”
‘A natural pick’ Msgr. Folda’s brother, Jim, recalled their initial reaction. “I think all of us were almost speechless” but “after reflecting on it, from my perspective, I could see how he would be a good choice for a position like that, based on his background, his accomplishments, and all he has done over the years . . . His experiences up until now, the different assignments he has had . . . have prepared him quite well for this new challenge.” Although Mary had been told many times “Your brother one day will become a bishop” by those who knew and worked with him, including Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz of the Diocese of Lincoln, “it was shocking when he actually sat there that day and said it,” she said. She understands why Pope Francis would appoint him a bishop, though. “His demeanor . . . He’s extremely intelligent and very well spoken. You can just see it. It’s a natural pick.” Mary and Karl’s youngest son, Jacob, is a seventh grader. The night Msgr. Folda told them of his appointment, “Jake was with us and he immediately got on the computer and Googled ‘Fargo’,” Mary said. “Before the night was over, we knew quite a bit about it.”
he immediately got on the computer and Googled ‘Fargo’. Before the night was over, we knew quite a bit about it.
”
Mary Gramann Now the family is getting ready for another memorable day, when Msgr. Folda will be ordained and installed June 19 as Bishop of Fargo. “It will truly be a celebration for our family,” Mary said. “All of us feel so blessed to be a part of it.”
MAY 2013 ■ 15A
May God Bless You and the Holy Family Protect You Bishop-elect John Thomas Folda
Details to address Although most of the arrangements for the ordination and installation are handled through the priests and staff of the Diocese of Fargo, there are many details to address in the Diocese of Lincoln, too — from larger things like the reception at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb., where Msgr. Folda is rector, which Mary is helping plan, to smaller things like finding the right clothes to wear to a once-in-a-lifetime event. Please turn to CLOSE on page 17A
Welcome Bishop John Thomas Folda
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Welcome for a New Bishop
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Family portrait Both of Bishopelect Folda's parents, his mother, Mabel, and his father, James, are in this family portrait. James Folda passed away in 2010. Bishopelect Folda's brother, Jim, and his wife, Paula, are on his right. His sister, Mary Gramann, her husband, Karl, who is standing behind her, and their four children are on Bishopelect Folda's left. Photo by Billings Photography, Omaha, Neb.
Congratulations and Welcome Bishop-elect John Folda
“Bishops are like umpires. You have to have them to call the close decisions.
�
Father Chuck O’Malley (spoken by actor Bing Crosby in the film “Going My Way�; attributed to screenwriter Frank Butler)
AS YOU BEGIN YOUR MINISTRY IN THE DIOCESE OF FARGO
$IOCESE OF +ANSAS #ITY 3T *OSEPH s 7EST .INTH 3TREET s +ANSAS #ITY -/ s WWW DIOCESE KCSJ ORG
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Welcome for a New Bishop
MAY 2013 ■ 17A
Close family will ‘miss him a lot,’ but Fargo trips ahead “He would come home,
Continued from page 15A Mabel said her daughter and nieces took her shopping one day. “The departments in the stores that are for the mother and relatives of a bishop are not very big!” Mabel said with a smile in her voice. Still they were able to find clothes they wanted to wear for the installation. There are also the challenges of the physical move of a son and brother who has been so close to his family all these years. “He called this morning and asked if I would come up next week to help him pack,” Mary said of her brother. “I’m honored to do that.” Thinking about the many miles that will be between them after his installation as bishop is hard for Msgr. Folda’s family. “We’ll miss him a lot,” his mother said. “He would come home, particularly on Saturdays. We would talk about everything from soup to nuts. He would always go downstairs and play piano for an hour or two and I would have a concert all to myself.” Then they would have supper together before he went back to the seminary. Mary agreed that it will be hard having him so far away. “No matter how busy he is, he’s always so good about coming to family gatherings. He never misses a birthday.” She knows he will have to miss some family gatherings now, but he assured her the bishop’s residence in Fargo has room for them to come and visit.
Still ‘John’ to mom Mabel said she wishes her husband,
particularly on Saturdays. We would talk about everything from soup to nuts. He would always go downstairs and play piano for an hour or two and I would have a concert all to myself.
”
Mabel Folda
Photo courtesy Folda family
Newly ordained, Father John Folda posed with his father, James, and mother, Mabel, on his ordination day, May 27, 1989.
James, who passed away three years ago this August, could be at the Mass of ordination and installation of their son. “My pastor said he was pretty sure [my husband] knew about [John’s appointment as bishop] before I did, so that’s a good way to look at it,” she said. Several of Mabel’s friends have been talking to her about Msgr. Folda’s appointment. “One of them asked me what I was going to call him and I said, ‘Well, I think — John’. I don’t know what else I would call him and I know that’s what he would want to be called.” The idea that her son will soon be a bishop is “still hard for me to believe,” she said. “I say it and I think, ‘Is that John I’m talking about?’” “I’m very proud of him, without a doubt,” she said. “We all are.”
Congratulations Bishop Folda! We will miss you
St. Vincent de Paul Parish & School Seward, Nebraska
Welcome for a New Bishop
18A ■ MAY 2013
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The history of St. Gregory the Great Seminary In April, when it was announced that Msgr. John Folda would be the next Bishop of Fargo, Msgr. Folda was serving as rector of St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb. St. Gregory the Great Seminary is a college-level seminary, which means that seminarians receive their early studies for the priesthood there before enrolling at a major seminary (or theologate). The history, which has been edited for New Earth, is shared by the seminary’s website, www.stgregoryseminary.edu. The dream of having a diocesan seminary began to be realized when Bishop Glennon P. Flavin authorized a two-year college program that began operation in September of 1984. The men enrolled in that program lived at Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly, Neb. They registered at the University of Nebraska for the secular subjects in their curriculum, while the ecclesiastical subjects and spiritual formation were provided at the seminary. The dream of a diocesan seminary persisted. Please turn to OPENING on page 19A
Photo courtesy St. Gregory the Great Seminary
Bishop-elect John Folda stands in front of the chapel at St. Gregory the Great Seminary with Lincoln Bishop James D. Conley, left, and Bishop Emeritus Fabian W. Bruskewitz, whom Bishop Conley succeeded.
Congratulations and Prayerful Best Wishes BISHOP-ELECT JOHN T. FOLDA May you enjoy many years in the service of God’s people in the Diocese of Fargo.
from Bishop John M. LeVoir and the faithful of the Diocese of New Ulm
Bless you and your ministry
Bishop-elect John Folda
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Welcome for a New Bishop
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Opening of seminary in 1998 made it unique Continued from page 18A In 1996, Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz appointed a task force to study the possibilities of such a project and then to find a suitable site. The site that seemed to fulfill most of the requisites for a seminary was located south of Seward, Neb. Its proximity to Lincoln offered the advantages of a municipality, while the 48-acre campus provided a quiet and serene atmosphere conducive to intellectual and spiritual growth. The sturdy building with its kitchen, dining area, private rooms, gymnasium, and courtyard added to its advantages. Through many fervent prayers, especially those of the people of the Diocese of Lincoln, the prayers of Bishop Flavin, and the intercession of Mary Immaculate, Patroness of the Diocese, the seemingly impossible dream became a reality. On June 16, 1997, Father John C.
Photo courtesy St. Gregory the Great Seminary
On a recent graduation day, Bishop-elect John Folda, seminary rector, posed with the graduating class of St. Gregory the Great Seminary.
Rooney was appointed pro-rector of St. Gregory the Great Seminary to be opened in August 1998. On June 18, 1997, he offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the first time in the temporary chapel of the recently ac-
quired building. St. Gregory the Great Seminary opened on Aug. 20, 1998, with an enrollment of 24, making it the first freestanding diocesan seminary to be opened in the United States for many
decades.” In June 1999, Father John Folda was appointed rector of the seminary. In April 2013, he was named Bishop of Fargo. Father Jeff Eickhoff will now serve as rector.
Congratulations Most Rev. John Folda Bishop of Fargo May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you as you shepherd your new flock.
Bishop Robert D. Gruss and the Diocese of Rapid City from
www.rapidcitydiocese.org
Come see the All-New... “Shipwreck Bay Water Playland.” Opening Mid-May, 2013!
We want to welcome Bishop John Folda to Fargo! We look forward to his participation in our community and are excited he is here!
3803 13th Avenue South ~ Fargo Phone: 701.282.2700 | Web: www.fargohi.com
Welcome for a New Bishop
20A â– MAY 2013
Ordination/Installation Mass to be broadcast on TV, radio
NEWEARTH
Our bishop-elect as a senior
The Mass of Ordination and Installation of Bishop John Folda will be broadcast in multiple ways: KXJB-TV: Will broadcast the Mass “live�, including commentary with Msgr. James Shea, president of University of Mary. Due to the commentary, the broadcast will begin at 1:30 p.m. (30 minutes prior to the Mass) on KXJB-TV (Channel 4 in the Fargo area). It will also be streamed live at www.valleynewslive.com. EWTN-TV: Will broadcast the Mass “live� and web stream it at www.ewtn.com. CatholicTV: Will broadcast the Mass “live� and web stream it at
www.catholictv.com. Real Presence Radio: Will broadcast the audio of the Mass “live� on AM1370-Grand Forks, AM1280-Fargo/Moorhead, FM91.3-Bismarck/Mandan, FM91.1-Minot, FM89.1-Williston and FM101.9-Dickinson, and on www.yourcatholicradiostation.com.
Additional details are still being determined. Please visit the diocesan website at www.fargodiocese.org and watch your parish bulletins for updates.
Bishop Folda to visit parishes Visits to three communities are planned to help introduce Bishop John Folda to the churches and people of the Diocese of Fargo. Each visit will include a 7 p.m. Mass, followed by light refreshments and the opportunity to meet and talk with Bishop Folda. The dates and locations are: Tues., June 25: St. James Basilica, Jamestown Weds., June 26: St. Joseph’s Church, Devils Lake Thurs., June 27: Holy Family Church, Grand Forks
Mike Howard Photography
John Folda graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in Omaha in 1979.
He will also celebrate the June 23, 10 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo.
Weelccom oom me Biisshop Foollddaa! Coming in the July/August issue of
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NewEarth Stories and photos from the Episcopal Ordination and Installation
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Welcome for a New Bishop
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MAY 2013 â– 21A
A new priest’s first Mass
Photo courtesy Folda family
As a newly ordained priest in 1989, Father John Folda presides at his first Mass.
Welcome and Congratulations
Bishop-elect John Folda Bishop of the Fargo Diocese
May God Bless Your Work!
Bob Wolf
Ryan Brunner
Wayne Cherney
Jeff Risenauer
General Agent, Fargo (701) 356-6664 robert.wolf@kofc.org
Grand Forks (701) 757-0523 (218) 779-3625
Devils Lake 800-906-6780 wayne.cherney@kofc.org
Fargo (218) 512-0436 (701) 356-8889
Glenn Hangaard Hankinson
Pat Dolan Fargo
Ryan Geigle Jamestown
John Edwards Velva
(701) 242-7736 (701) 680-0870
(701) 298-9922 patrick.dolan@kofc.org
(701) 320-8802 (701) 251-9019
(701) 721-7689 (701) 338-2499
22A ■ MAY 2013
Welcome for a New Bishop
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Serving others prepared new bishop for service Earlier in his priesthood, then-Father John Folda served as master of ceremonies for Lincoln Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz. The bishop-elect is seen here at far left in this photo from 1999. Photo courtesy Southern Nebraska Register
-
“My time as the Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Fargo has been a blessing to me and I must sincerely thank all the Catholic faithful of the Diocese for their prayers and cooperation. In a special way, the priests and deacons of the diocese and the entire diocesan staff have been so good during this interim time. I know that Bishop-elect Folda will find the same cheerful and willing cooperation that I have.
”
Bishop David D. Kagan, Bishop of Bismarck, Apostolic Administrator of Fargo
Welcome for a New Bishop
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MAY 2013 ■ 23A
From seminary rector to Bishop-elect
Bishop-elect Folda, seen in the chapel at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb.
“His vast experience, as well as his keen intelligence, his personal humility, and his dedication to Jesus Christ and His Church will prepare Bishop-elect Folda well to teach, govern and sanctify the faithful of the Diocese of Fargo.
Photos courtesy St. Gregory the Great Seminary
Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz, left, and his successor as Bishop of Lincoln, Bishop James Conley, with Bishopelect John Folda at the seminary this spring.
SMP Health System along with its sponsor, the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation, Valley City, welcome Bishop John Folda to the Diocese of Fargo. God Bless you in your work.
Villa Maria, Fargo Ave Maria Village, Jamestown St. Andrew’s Health Center, Bottineau Presentation Medical Center, Rolla St. Aloisius Medical Center, Harvey
Rosewood on Broadway, Fargo Prairieland Home Care, Fargo Maryhill Manor, Enderlin Sheyenne Care Center, Valley City
”
Bishop James D. Conley Bishop of Lincoln
Bishop Michael Hoeppner and the faithful of the Diocese of Crookston Welcome Bishop John Folda as the eighth Bishop of Fargo
Welcomes Bishop-Elect John Thomas Folda to North Dakota!
Welcome for a New Bishop
24A ■ MAY 2013
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Looking forward to service in the Fargo Diocese
“Although I have many shortcomings, I will do my best to give the people of Fargo all that I am and all that I have. Most importantly, I will try to offer the simple truth and beauty of our faith in Jesus Christ with all its richness. I can assure them of my love and my prayers for them already, and I can hardly wait to meet them.
”
Bishop-elect John T. Folda
Haney’s Photography, Moorhead, Minn.
Congratulations & Best Wishes BISHOP-ELECT JOHN T. FOLDA on your appointment as Bishop of Fargo MOST REVEREND JOHN C. NIENSTEDT Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Archbishop John C. Nienstedt
BISHOP LEE PICHÉ ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS HARRY J. FLYNN